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A group of people carried Lu Sheng to the bedroom and invited a special doctor from the Lu Mansion to examine him. The doctor entered the room but came out shortly afterward.
"It's nothing serious," he announced. "Just physical exhaustion and a strong blow to the lower abdomen. The eldest son is strong—if his internal organs aren't injured, it’s nothing to worry about."
Lu Quanan let out a relieved sigh. This time, Lu Sheng had gotten himself into trouble through sheer recklessness. As the eldest son of the Lu family, what would become of him if something worse happened?
" Quan’an, this is a matter of no other choice." the uncle sighed deeply.
"I intend to report this matter directly to the imperial court, bypassing the prefect. Song Duanchi, as the city’s magistrate, previously claimed he would petition the court—yet to this day, nothing... As deputy commander, I’ve repeatedly urged Commander Yang Duanrui to submit a memorial, but he’s evaded it every time."
Lu Quanan’s voice grew serious. "Is there some inside story?"
"I don’t know… and there’s still no news about Qingqing, the missing person," the uncle replied, shaking his head.
The two men stood silently outside the door, both feeling the weight of the situation but unsure of what to do next. This was far beyond anything they had imagined. They had heard rumors of such incidents elsewhere, but when it happened to their own family, they found themselves at a loss.
After a moment’s thought, Lu Quanan suggested, "Why not... post a reward and recruit people who specialize in solving supernatural problems?"
"With enough money, there must be brave souls willing to take the risk," the uncle agreed. "Besides, these things have become a hot topic now—they can’t be hidden any longer."
The two discussed the plan carefully and decided to proceed. Soon after, the servants of the Lu Mansion took stacks of red paper and posted them outside the family gate and on nearby public notice boards. Before long, the bright red posters appeared in several key locations with heavy foot traffic, attracting the attention of many passers-by.
...........
A few days later, at the city gate.
The main road bustled with people and traffic. Amid the steady flow, a caravan transporting gray-packaged goods came to a slow halt at the gate. The caravan leader began shouting orders to unload a portion of the cargo and prepare for the next leg of the journey.
This particular caravan was merely passing through Jiulian City, and only part of its load was being dropped off.
As the workers moved into action, two figures—one tall, one short—leapt down from one of the carts. Both were dressed in Taoist robes.
The taller of the two was a middle-aged man with a square face and a healthy ruddy complexion. A sword hung across his back, and he wore white cloth shoes with black soles. The shorter figure was a woman, also in Taoist attire. She had delicate features and a refined air. Though travel-worn, she carried herself with the grace of someone clearly well-raised—something only the daughters of wealthy families could afford in this era.
"Brother Yan, this is Jiulian City," she said. Her voice was crisp and bright, sounding like that of a girl no older than eleven or twelve.
"Yes, this should be the Jiulian City that person mentioned. Rongrong, you've endured a long journey," the man replied, nodding as he scanned their surroundings.
His attention was quickly caught by a bright red notice posted near the gate. A small crowd had gathered around it, including even the city guards, who were chatting animatedly with the onlookers. Their faces were filled with surprise—and more than a little envy.
"It didn’t feel hard at all, traveling with Brother Yan Kai," Rongrong said with a smile. "That red notice looks like a reward post. Let’s go take a look. Maybe someone’s already offering help for a troubling matter."
Rongrong had traveled far and wide alongside Yan Kai and was no stranger to strange happenings. She had a knack for recognizing signs of trouble—and opportunity.
In the previous incidents they had encountered, the two had always managed to find those in trouble quickly—thanks to the public notices.
Yan Kai gave a nod.7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15JLxjLpMi
"Let's go and take a look."
They stepped through the gates and pushed their way toward the notice board, where a small crowd had already gathered.
"...It's from the Lu Mansion... Things have really been uneasy in the city lately. Even the Lu family is having problems."
"Someone from the Lu household escaped the other day—I saw it myself. Looked like the former captain of the Lu guards. The whole place was in chaos."
"I haven’t seen Sister Yu out buying supplies in days. Do you think something actually happened?"
Snippets of conversation drifted around them, voices low but tense with unease. Yan Kai listened carefully as he stepped closer to the notice and looked up to read it.
A reward of 500 taels of gold is offered to recruit those with special abilities.7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gYiex4DfV
Strange events have been plaguing the city—people vanishing without a trace.7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXy8ob5G8XH
There was the Xu family tragedy, and the incident at Wang Family Estate with the well. Now, we hear a woman weeping through the night within the Lu Mansion itself.7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw1k9zIPhW
For the sake of peace in our household, a reward of 500 taels of gold—equivalent to 5,000 taels of silver—will be given for a thorough investigation and recovery of the missing.
The message was direct and easy to understand. Below it, another notice provided a detailed account of the mysterious nightly cries and the timeline of disappearances within the Lu estate.
Yan Kai read through it carefully, a small frown settling on his face.7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBheB3pCBrg
"That's enough. Let's head to the Lu Mansion."
Rongrong, who had been reading alongside him, nodded.7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96hOWwwu88
"Perfect. We were planning to track down this ghost anyway—might as well earn some coin while we're at it."
"We’re here to help, not to profit." Yan Kai said firmly.
"Yes, yes, I know." Rongrong stuck out her tongue and fell silent. She knew all too well that Brother Yan Kai detested the idea of mixing favors with greed.
Without another word, Yan Kai reached up and tore the notice from the board.
Immediately, a pair of servants standing nearby—clearly watching for interested parties—brightened and approached them with renewed energy.
"You two, please come this way!"
Yan Kai gave them a quiet nod.
Yan Kai took Rongrong with him and followed the servant toward the Lu Mansion.
The crowd that had gathered earlier to watch the commotion suddenly grew restless. A few curious onlookers even began trailing behind them, eager to see if the two would truly enter the Lu estate. The sight of a man and woman clad in Taoist robes gave an impression of competence and mystery, fueling their interest.
Yan Kai, however, remained unfazed. His expression didn’t change, his stride steady and calm. He was clearly no stranger to being watched.
As they walked, Rongrong took the initiative to strike up a conversation with the servant, asking about the recent events at the Lu residence.
Before long, they climbed into a waiting carriage. The vehicle twisted through the narrow city streets, turning left and right until it finally came to a stop.
They stepped down in front of a grand estate.
A designated attendant led them through the outer grounds, which were stunningly designed—rock gardens, flowing water, arching stone bridges, and blooming flowers surrounded them. Birds chirped sweetly among the trees, adding life to the already luxurious atmosphere.
Without slowing, Yan Kai kept his gaze ahead and led Rongrong until they arrived at a reception room.
"Welcome, welcome," came a voice from inside.
A middle-aged man with a tired expression and pale complexion sat waiting for them. He was slightly plump and wore a moon-white robe patterned with silver-edged copper coins. His beard was long, neatly combed, and well-maintained—despite the stress on his face, his appearance was clearly that of someone of status.
This was Lu Quanan, the head of the Lu family, recently arrived from Lu Sheng.
He studied the pair closely.
"Are you the ones who took down the notice at the city gate?" he asked.
Both Taoists stood calmly before him. The man—Yan Kai—had a clear, ruddy complexion, a broad forehead, and eyes that held steady solemnity. His posture was upright and composed. In different clothing, he might have passed for a Confucian scholar.
The woman, in contrast, had a lively air. With a delicate, youthful face and a sparkle of mischief in her eyes, she looked like a noble daughter in disguise, slipping away for adventure.
"That’s right," Yan Kai said with a respectful nod. "My name is Yan Kai—‘Yan’ as in color, ‘Kai’ as in beginning. My Taoist name is Huan Yangzi."
He gestured to his companion.7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6UR3wvrhJ
"This is my junior sister, Duan Rong. We've come in response to the notice regarding the missing persons at Lu Mansion."
"Please, have a seat, both of you," Lu Quanan said, motioning toward the cushions in front of him.
Yan Kai and Duan Rongrong took their seats, and a maid promptly brought over tea and refreshments.
"I’ve already outlined the situation clearly in the notice," Lu Quanan said gently. "If Taoist Master Huan Yangzi wishes to take on this commission, he must first meet my son, Lu Sheng. This time, the reward will be issued at his discretion."
He paused, then added with a hint of sincerity,7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMdWYqwkW7
"Of course, if you truly have the skill, even if you’re not immediately successful, I will still offer you 100 taels of silver as thanks."
After hearing this, both Yan Kai and Duan Rongrong nodded in agreement.
Lu Quanan proceeded to ask them a few casual but probing questions—where they were from, their age, and where they currently resided. Yan Kai answered each question calmly and clearly.
While they rested, several more individuals arrived to respond to the notice.
Among them were two monks in crimson robes from the Red Lotus Temple, another Taoist similar in appearance and bearing to Yan Kai, and finally, a knight-errant wearing twin short swords at her waist. With sharp features and confident posture, she seemed at first glance to be a young man—until a closer look suggested she might be a woman in disguise.
Once most of the expected guests had arrived, Lu Quanan stood.
"Everyone, please rise. Let us proceed to the courtyard where my son Lu Sheng resides."
The Lu family estate was vast, a sprawling compound of villas that stretched nearly to the city walls. It occupied nearly one-third of Jiulian City’s most prosperous district—a sign of incredible wealth and influence.
Among the five major families in the city, the Lu family was undoubtedly the richest.
The group followed Lu Quanan toward a place called Yellow Crane Courtyard.
Along the way, guards and armed servants were stationed at nearly every turn. Each one was tall, muscular, and disciplined in posture—clearly trained with military precision.
Yan Kai took everything in with quiet attention, his expression darkening slightly.
"The Lu family is more powerful than they appear..." he murmured.
Duan Rongrong looked around and frowned in confusion.
"It just looks like another rich and flashy household to me. We've seen plenty like this before—what’s so special about them?"
Yan Kai shook his head slowly.
"It's not just about wealth or status. The Lu family likely has a military background. Otherwise, the discipline among their guards and servants wouldn’t be this sharp. Only those who undergo regular military training can maintain that kind of bearing."
He paused, his tone more serious.
"This isn't something you’d see from retired veterans just putting on airs."
Duan Rongrong’s eyes widened in surprise.
"A military background? And yet they’re still posting public notices asking for help? Then whatever they’re dealing with must be serious."
As the two spoke in hushed tones, the group continued walking. After just a hundred paces, they arrived at the Yellow Crane Courtyard.
The courtyard stood near the Lu family's private parade grounds, and the rhythmic sounds of training—shouted commands, footsteps, and clashing practice weapons—could be faintly heard in the distance.
Inside the courtyard, Lu Sheng, the Lu family’s eldest son, reclined on a couch beneath a thick blanket. His face was pale, and the air was heavy with the scent of medicinal herbs. He looked weak and withdrawn, his vitality clearly drained.
Yan Kai’s sharp eyes took in every detail. He immediately noticed the lifeless quality in Lu Sheng’s gaze—a sign of someone not yet recovered from a serious injury.
Lu Sheng gave a polite cough and nodded toward the assembled group.
"Greetings, brave ones," he said, his voice faint but steady. "As you can see, I’m not in the best condition. My injuries have yet to fully heal, so please forgive me for not rising to welcome you properly."
One of the monks stepped forward—Master Zhentan of the Red Lotus Temple.
"Mr. Sheng, there’s no need to be so courteous," he replied kindly. "The Lu family has long been a devout supporter of the Red Lotus Temple. This time, the abbot personally sent us to assist however we can."
"Please thank Red Lotus Abbot for me," Lu Sheng responded with a weak smile. "His kindness means a great deal."
The other Taoist among the group stepped forward and began asking for details about the case. Lu Sheng, though clearly fatigued, answered each question patiently and clearly.
Meanwhile, Yan Kai remained silent, studying Lu Sheng closely.
"He’s been wounded by Yin Qi," Yan Kai murmured to Duan Rongrong, his tone low. "The injury must have occurred not long ago—it still lingers in his body."
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