After all, Lin Yuner had found two women to keep Hu Mazi company.
Now that they were going back, he could continue having fun.
It was just that those two maids would suffer, as Hu Mazi had worn them out so much that they could barely walk.
Chen Ping nodded and said, “Very well, then let us head to Dongxiang County.”
The reason Chen Ping agreed to return to Dongxiang County was that he wanted to try whether this jade pendant from Xue Wuying could help Lin Yuner’s father recover his soul.
Although he knew that Lin Yuner’s father’s soul had already been absorbed by him, the Evil Dao Hall had always specialised in the way of souls, so there might be other methods to restore Lin Yuner’s father.
The two of them wasted no more time and set off towards Dongxiang County.
The wind and sand still raged wildly, like packs of ferocious beasts roaring and charging through heaven and earth.
However, Chen Ping and Hu Mazi’s moods were utterly different from when they had come.
On the way there, their hearts had been filled with uncertainty and an urgent desire to uncover the truth; now, there was a touch more steadiness and certainty.
The two of them traversed the inky blackness of the night and once again arrived before the gates of Dongxiang County.
The city gates, under the dim yellow lamplight, appeared ancient and solemn, like a silent sentinel bearing witness to the rise and fall of this city.
The guards at the gate saw that it was them, and a flicker of awe instantly appeared in their eyes. They hurriedly and respectfully stepped aside, not daring to obstruct them in the slightest.
After all, the powerful aura Chen Ping had released last time was like a towering mountain, pressing down on them until they could scarcely breathe, a memory that lingered vividly even now.
The majesty and power contained in that aura filled them with fear and reverence from the depths of their hearts.
Hu Mazi looked at the guards’ deferential manner and the corners of his mouth curved up slightly. He chuckled and said, “I did not expect the soldiers of Dongxiang County to be so perceptive. Look at them, trembling like we are some kind of flood or wild beast.”
Chen Ping gave a faint smile, one that carried a detachment from worldly affairs, and said, “Strength determines everything; that is the law of the cultivation world. In this world where the weak are prey to the strong, only by possessing great power can others regard you with fear and respect.”
The two of them entered the city, where the streets were still ablaze with lights, as bright as day.
Vendors hawked their wares along both sides of the streets: fragrant and overflowing foods, exquisitely crafted magical treasures, and all sorts of odd and curious trinkets, presenting a scene of bustling prosperity.
That lively atmosphere seemed to narrate the vitality and vigour of this city.
“Let us go to the Lin residence first.”
Chen Ping turned his head slightly towards Hu Mazi and said.
His gaze was firm and steady, as if he had already prepared himself for anything.
Hu Mazi nodded, a glint of anticipation in his eyes.
After all, the charms of those two maids lingered in his mind.
Those two maids were gentle and graceful, like flowers in the spring breeze, making his heart itch whenever he thought of them.
The two of them soon arrived at the Lin family manor. The manor was grand and imposing, with vermilion gates that were solemn and majestic. The stone lions before the entrance stood fierce and vigilant, as if guarding the peace of the household.
When Lin Yuner heard the servants report that Chen Ping and Hu Mazi had returned, a surge of joy filled her heart. She hurriedly lifted her skirt hems and rushed out in a flurry.
Her hair floated gently as she ran, like black silk, her face full of delighted surprise, her bright eyes sparkling with joy.
“Daoist Chen, Master Hu, you are back!”
Lin Yuner’s clear voice echoed in the air, like the most beautiful notes in the world.
Her gaze swept over the two of them, as if searching for something, her eyes carrying a hint of anxiety and expectation.
“Miss Lin, we are back.”
Chen Ping nodded slightly, his tone calm and steady.
“And… and my father’s soul…” Lin Yuner asked somewhat nervously, her hands unconsciously clutching the hem of her clothes, fine beads of sweat forming on her forehead.
