"What's that… sound?" The swordsman drew his blade with a sharp clang, his expression tense.
Du Chunfeng calmly remarked, "Fourth Realm, True Qi projection."
"Is… is it a demon?" The two monks paled. The skinny one shut his eyes tightly and began chanting the Diamond Sutra, while the plump monk's face quivered as he muttered a Buddhist mantra to calm himself.
Zhao Letian noticed at once: these two were ordinary monks.
The little girl clung tightly to her mother, whispering, "It's hungry… It said it's hungry."
The stunning middle-aged woman pressed a finger to her lips, and the girl obediently fell silent.
"No need to panic, travelers. It's just the wind passing over the well outside," the innkeeper explained.
"But didn't you mention something about demons earlier?" The swordsman remained skeptical. Warriors were naturally attuned to danger.
"With the Dragon God's protection, there's nothing to fear," the innkeeper replied indifferently.
"Foolish superstition. I'm done with this nonsense; I'm heading to bed!" The swordsman sheathed his weapon and stormed downstairs.
"My apologies for the disturbance. Once you're finished eating, please return to your rooms for an early rest. Drink more holy water to ward off evil," the innkeeper said with a bow. "If you need anything, just call out; I'll be in the outermost room with the porter."
The monks exchanged glances and followed the innkeeper, eager to learn more about the blessings of the holy water.
The elegant woman quietly led her daughter back to their room, leaving only Zhao Letian and Du Chunfeng in the hall.
"This inn feels off," Zhao Letian said, shaking his head. "A typical inn has its dining area on the ground floor and guest rooms upstairs…"
It was strange—a remote inn attracting such diverse travelers. Aside from the monks, there were himself, Du Chunfeng, and the swordsman, all warriors. The mother and daughter, who might not be human, seemed suspicious. Yet the innkeeper, an ordinary mortal, acted utterly unbothered, claiming security under the protection of "holy water."
Du Chunfeng, an expert in poisons, had already tested the "holy water" and found it harmless.
Giving Zhao Letian a knowing look, Du Chunfeng signaled him to discuss matters later.
Late that night, Zhao Letian slipped from Room 7 to Room 6.
"I plan to investigate the mother and daughter at the third watch. Care to join me?" Du Chunfeng asked.
"Don't tell me you've taken a fancy to that woman. She's alluring, but her complexion looks off."
"She's injured."
"Checking won't hurt, but I doubt they're connected to the sudden deaths. This inn, however, is definitely strange."
Before Du Chunfeng could respond, a panicked shout came from outside: "Help! Someone's dead! Come quickly!"
The two men rushed to the source.
The monks shared Room 1. The plump monk, after lighting a lantern, passed by the swordsman's Room 2 and found the door ajar, blood smeared across it. Inside lay a pool of blood and a severed arm holding a sword. Terrified, the plump monk screamed, waking his companion, who also cried for help upon seeing the grisly scene.
The inn erupted in commotion. The innkeeper and porter arrived first, followed by Zhao Letian and Du Chunfeng. The mother and daughter, however, were absent.
"What happened?" Du Chunfeng asked sternly, his aura imposing as his inner strength surged.
"I… I don't know! I just saw this when I passed by. That hand… it must be the swordsman's!" The plump monk stammered, while the skinny monk managed to explain through his fear.
Zhao Letian turned to the innkeeper and porter. The innkeeper looked troubled and claimed ignorance, while the porter muttered, "This is what happens when you don't drink the holy water."
Disregarding the superstition, Du Chunfeng stepped into the room. He inspected the scene under the lantern's glow before returning to the door and picking up the severed hand. "It's the swordsman's," he confirmed, studying the blood splatter thoughtfully.
"No signs of a struggle, and it seems recent…" Zhao Letian observed. The lack of a disturbance suggested that whoever—or whatever—attacked wasn't human.
"Where's the mother and daughter?" he asked aloud.
"They're likely asleep. Their room is Room 5, at the other end of the corridor," the innkeeper replied. "Surely you're not suspecting them?"
Despite the late hour, everyone proceeded to Room 5.
Inside, the little girl whispered to her mother, "It's talking again, Mother. It says it's hungry…"
Bai Xinru sighed. "Susu, don't tell others what you hear. Humans are dangerous; avoid unnecessary trouble. I'm injured and can't afford complications."
"I understand, Mother," the girl replied. "Are these people like the ones who hurt you?"
"Foolish child, to them, we're the villains. You're too young to grasp good and evil. Just remember, be kind to those who are kind to you. But if someone wishes you harm, strike first."
"Yes, Mother!" The girl nodded, her face lighting up with a naive smile.
Bai Xinru gently patted her daughter's head. "Rest early. We'll leave at dawn."
Footsteps echoed outside the door. Bai Xinru's expression turned grave as she gripped Susu's hand tightly.
Knock, knock.
The innkeeper's tentative voice called, "Madam, my apologies for disturbing you so late. Are you well?"
After a pause, Bai Xinru deliberately made rustling sounds before replying in a sleepy yet wary tone, "What is it? We're resting. Why are you knocking at this hour?"
"Nothing major… just…" The innkeeper hesitated, reluctant to press further.
Du Chunfeng, however, spoke up, "A man has been killed. Madam, please open the door so we can ensure your safety."
Feigning alarm, Bai Xinru exclaimed, "What?! Someone's dead?" She remained unmoving.
Du Chunfeng pushed the door open, stepping inside. Bai Xinru sat on the bed, clutching Susu protectively, her expression one of fear.
"Don't be afraid, madam. Someone was murdered, and we're concerned for your safety," the innkeeper explained, trying to calm her.
"What are you all doing barging in here at night? Don't scare my child!" Bai Xinru cried, trembling.
The girl began to sob, "Mother, I'm scared…"
"Little one, don't cry! It's true, someone's dead. That swordsman didn't drink the holy water and was killed by a demon. We were just checking on you two," the porter explained soothingly.
Du Chunfeng examined the room. "Did you leave the room tonight?" he asked.
"Why would we leave in the middle of the night?" Bai Xinru replied, her voice trembling. "We've been here the entire time. What's going on outside?"
"It's a misunderstanding, madam. No harm intended," the innkeeper interjected. "We'll prepare more holy water for your protection."
The group retreated, leaving Bai Xinru and her daughter alone.
Back in Room 6, Zhao Letian and Du Chunfeng discussed the events.
"There's no sign the woman left her room," Du Chunfeng said.
"Then who's the killer?"
Before they could find an answer, a strange wailing sound echoed once more.
"This noise… there's something wrong with that well," Du Chunfeng said, his eyes narrowing.
Zhao Letian nodded, just as frantic knocking came at their door. The skinny monk stumbled in, crying, "Help! My senior brother is missing!"