Excited.
How is it? How is it? Will Xiao Liu change his mind?
Qu Fengyin nervously watched Yan You’s expression.
Unfortunately, the child was clearly skilled at keeping a poker face; Qu Fengyin couldn’t read a thing.
Rationally, Qu Fengyin trusted the State Preceptor—his plans were said to be flawless.
The State Preceptor had instructed him: if he encountered someone in the county who couldn’t be dealt with but might be able to help, he was to hand over the pouch.
Qu Fengyin followed orders, but emotionally, he couldn’t help but feel anxious.
Yan You chuckled softly, the muscles on his face moving to form a vivid smile—more genuine than when he had tried to fool Qu Fengyin before.
He folded the note carefully and slipped it back into the pouch. Then, noticing Qu Fengyin’s hesitant expression, Yan You quietly tucked the pouch away.
Yan You suddenly asked coldly, “What is your true mission? Explain everything clearly.”
But secretly, his eyes wandered over Qu Fengyin with admiration and satisfaction.
This Jin Yi Wei agent was no waste—not only was he interesting himself, but his superior was intriguing as well. Qu Fengyin truly was a lucky fellow.
Qu Fengyin tried again, but to no avail.
“I don’t know.” He gave up and let his mouth blurt out a secret.
“The mission was assigned by the State Preceptor. I only know it’s urgent—very urgent.”
“This little county town lies between the two large prefectures of the Southern Province, deep in the mountains, unknown to most. When I investigated, I found no abnormal disappearance cases in the nearby villages or towns.”
“Normally, the State Preceptor wouldn’t notice anything here. Right now, the Hu Gui trouble in Dongxin Prefecture is causing a huge stir, and most attention in the court is focused on preventing the Hu Gui from transforming into a Demonic Spirit, which could bring disaster to the Six Prefectures.”
“But somehow, the State Preceptor found these disappearances around Dongshan County in the case files. The County Magistrate here has been in office for over thirty years.”
“He was an accomplished scholar nine years ago but has done little since, with no achievements.”
“According to Ministry of Personnel policy, such a magistrate should have been transferred long ago, but for some reason, every time officials were reshuffled, he was always overlooked.”
Qu Fengyin’s voice grew confused as he spoke.
“The State Preceptor said the root of these disappearances lies in Dongshan County and ordered us to investigate quickly.”
“But the missions have been failing since the B-class Jin Yi Wei were sent, and one by one the cases were handed over to higher ranks until finally reaching the A-level agents.”
“Before my departure, the State Preceptor personally summoned me and gave me this pouch.”
“Now I understand why the State Preceptor was so cautious. There is a Demonic Spirit in this county! A Demonic Spirit is an evolved ghost—when a ghost reaches a certain level, its power transforms drastically.”
” Clearly, assimilation is this spirit’s ability. I don’t know exactly when it transformed, but it absolutely cannot be left unchecked. It must be eliminated.”
Determination showed on Qu Fengyin’s face, but he soon relented and gloomily examined the child. “But why aren’t you affected by this Demonic Spirit? How can you stay so clear-headed?”
Yan You pondered for a moment, then joked, “I grew up here. Maybe it treats me like its own son?”
“No, Demonic Spirits have no mercy.” Qu Fengyin worried. “No one knows how long this can last. You must leave. You only need to provide some intelligence. I will send you out of town tonight.”
“If I don’t return later, take my medallion to the innkeeper at Yuelai Inn in the next town and send out the information about this place.”
Qu Fengyin acted decisively, pulling a wooden nameplate from somewhere and pressing it into the child’s hand.
Yan You was baffled by the gesture.
“You can order the constables—we can just leave directly.” Qu Fengyin thought it through.
Yan You grabbed Ling Lingqi in one hand and the medallion in the other, watching Qu Fengyin pace nearby with a furrowed brow as the candle flickered, his tall shadow cast on the ground.
The child couldn’t help but curl the corner of his mouth and pointed out a bright spot, “I’d like to run, but I just can’t escape.”
Qu Fengyin’s expression blanked for a moment. “What do you mean ‘can’t escape’?”
“They say ‘He’ treats me like his own son. How could I possibly get away?” Yan You said casually.
“He controls you? Won’t let you leave?” Qu Fengyin swore, “This Demonic Spirit is vicious.”
“Look on the bright side. That means I’m on your side.” Yan You shrugged noncommittally.
“Then come with me.” The Jin Yi Wei agent solemnly promised, “I will protect you.”
The room fell silent.
Qu Fengyin’s face flushed rapidly, clearly embarrassed.
“…A little awkward. Don’t laugh at me.” Qu Fengyin stammered. “This truth serum is too effective, isn’t it?”
Yan You laughed heartily, then, just as Qu Fengyin wished, changed the subject. “So, Lord Qu, what should we do next?”
Having grown up in the county and having learned to exploit bugs, Yan You had tried to leave town many times but had failed.
***
The county held many secrets, but he had yet to uncover them—perhaps stuck in the dark beneath the lamp. Maybe this Jin Yi Wei agent could give him some clues.
But Qu Fengyin, heavily relied upon, was equally at a loss about the next step.
Qu Fengyin hesitated.
“I feel like everything here needs investigating. Everyone in this county has the same face—where in the world does that happen? People can’t be grown like that. We have to figure out why, but the question is where to start.”
Yan You blinked in surprise. “Everyone’s face is exactly the same?”
Qu Fengyin was also surprised. “Isn’t it?”
Yan You felt a wave of absurdity. Having grown up here, after realizing he couldn’t leave, he had tried escaping multiple times.
He understood there was a big secret in this county, but he never imagined it was so obvious, so glaring. Yet he had been blinded by face blindness and darkness for so long!
“Well, that’s pretty creative.” Yan You couldn’t help but laugh.
But unlike before, he didn’t change the subject or add some details. Instead, he stated firmly, “I’m face blind, Ling Ling Ba!”
Fortunately, Qu Fengyin didn’t always grasp the point. “Ling Ling Ba, why do you call me that?”
“I told you at the start—Six Seven Eight, it’s a fate from heaven. Ling Ling Ba, that code name is really cool!”
Yan You jumped down from his chair, a mischievous grin on his youthful face as he grabbed Ling Lingqi. “Look, Ling Ling Qi agrees! From now on, you’re Ling Ling Qi’s subordinate!”
The Paper Bird was pressed on the head solemnly, as if to agree.
For once, there was a hint of childishness—both enjoying playing house.
Qu Fengyin felt comforted but also a bit displeased. Being the subordinate of a Paper Bird in a game of house didn’t seem quite right for him.
Qu Fengyin looked on sadly and locked eyes with the Ink Black eyes of Ling Lingqi. The little bird nodded at him, and the child solemnly tucked the Paper Bird back into his怀.
“Now, there’s one piece of good news and one piece of bad news.”
Qu Fengyin tensed. “Please, tell me!”
“The bad news is I already know where to look for the county’s secret.” Xiao Liu folded his arms.
“Then what’s the good news?”
Qu Fengyin asked anxiously.
“The good news is—” Xiao Liu dragged the last word out, “I’m sleepy now. Growing bodies need sleep.”
Qu Fengyin:
How could Qu Fengyin, a mere subordinate of a subordinate, argue with Yan You, his big boss?
Losing the argument, he was sent home by the child. Before sleeping, he decided to trace his own face one more time—he couldn’t afford to forget his own handsome and refined features.
Meanwhile, at the county office, some time had been lost in scheming. In two more hours, dawn would nearly break.
Yan You decided to go back for a second nap. After all, aren’t ghost stories usually told this way? The best time to act isn’t during the heavy midnight yin energy but at noon, under the warm sunlight.
Heading back now, the locals’ habits would surely wake the neighbors, but Yan You didn’t care.
He easily pried open the nursery door.
There were no thieves, pickpockets, or bandits in this county.
The locks were simple—no need to think, just a casual pry to unlock.
The bedroom inside was even less secured.
Yan You was so familiar with it, he could find his bed with his eyes closed.
The room was silent. Yan You brought Ling Lingqi back inside and, as he headed to his own bed, suddenly recalled Qu Fengyin’s words exactly.
Curious by nature, the child crouched by the five other kids’ beds in the same room, scanning and touching their faces one by one.
Then he felt a bit disappointed—he was still the same as before, severely face blind. But having lived with the five others, he could recognize them by their scent.
The child leaned by the bed, his dark eyes rolling as his soft cheek puffed adorably.
Xiao Si lay peacefully on his bed, hands crossed on his stomach, breathing long and steady.
Kids seemed to grow up in a single breath. Xiao Si hadn’t used to sleep so neatly.
Yan You smiled helplessly and tucked the blanket around Xiao Si unnecessarily.
He placed Ling Lingqi by the bed and couldn’t help but poke the little figure with his chubby finger.
Ling Lingqi wobbled a bit, then stood steadily. His ink-black eyes quietly and gently fixed on the child.
Yan You was momentarily lost in thought.
Suddenly, he felt something and looked up sharply.
Standing silently at the door, apparently for some time now, was a White-robed Instructor.
Tall and slender, the instructor silently observed Yan You’s every move without speaking. Moonlight cast a long shadow, enveloping Yan You’s youthful face.
Yan You peered forward.
The instructor’s face was indistinct.
Who was it? Who had he woken?