Chapter 21: Leaping Through the Window at Midnight, Followed by the Prince

Chu Li was well-versed in these procedures. After casting the talisman, she turned and walked away from the pile of coffins. Despite her frail and thin appearance, her movements were imbued with an indescribable sense of ease and grace, leaving everyone watching in stunned silence.

By the time she returned to the group, the talisman’s fire had burned out. The pervasive death and resentment that had filled the air were completely purified, leaving the atmosphere fresh and crisp. Although the onlookers could not see what Chu Li saw, they felt the miraculous change in that very moment.

"The stench of decay is gone! It doesn't smell anymore!"

"It’s really gone! And the air feels much fresher than before; it’s not murky or foul at all!"

"Look, everyone, these corpses seem to have changed too. Their expressions aren't as hideous anymore."

At this, someone cried out in surprise. Emboldened, the crowd approached the pile of coffins and, upon closer inspection, truly discovered the transformation. The corpses, which had previously been bloated to the point of grotesque distortion, had returned to their normal state. The terrifying, twisted faces had softened, and each of the departed now appeared as if they had simply passed away in peace.

"Master Chu, what about us? You mentioned earlier that I and my men were also tainted by the death aura." Cao Ronghai, not forgetting Chu Li’s previous words, approached her with a tense expression.

"I will provide you with some talisman water shortly. Once you drink it, you will be fine. Magistrate Cao, let’s leave that aside for now. Please organize your men to have these bodies identified by their families and buried as soon as possible to avoid any further mishaps."

"Yes, yes, Master Chu is absolutely right. I shall give the orders immediately."

The village head of Luohe and the others arranged for Chu Li to stay at the best inn in town. Before dusk fell, the group settled in for the night. The Longyan Security Bureau also benefited from this, holding Chu Li in even greater respect.

Cao Ronghai and his men received the talisman water from Chu Li and drank it, competing to be the first. They had expected a strange taste, but were surprised to find it quite sweet and refreshing. After drinking it, Cao Ronghai immediately felt a sense of lightness in his body. He had previously attributed his heavy head and aching shoulders to the fatigue of travel, but after the water, these symptoms vanished entirely, leaving him amazed.

Qiu Yi finished tidying Chu Li’s bed, only to turn and find her mistress drawing talismans again.

"My Lady, please get some rest. You’ve been exhausted these past few days." She felt a pang of heartache, wondering when her Princess had ever been forced to work so hard.

Chu Li shook her head. "The situation in Luohe Town is not simple. I intend to go and investigate the ditch the village head mentioned tonight. You don't need to wait up for me; go to sleep."

Qiu Yi became anxious upon hearing this. "My Lady, shouldn't you leave these matters to Magistrate Cao and the Prince? It’s cold and unsafe at night; I am truly worried."

Chu Li packed up her talismans, ready to head out. "Qiu Yi, keep the doors and windows tightly shut tonight. Do not open them for anyone until I return."

After giving her instructions, Chu Li jumped out the window. Before Qiu Yi could even react, she watched helplessly as her mistress vanished into the night. Qiu Yi was terrified. They were on the second floor; even with the haystacks below, she had never known her mistress to have such agility. That leap had been as light as a feather, as if she possessed the skill of a master.

Chu Li had applied a "Nimbleness Talisman" on herself. This talisman not only made her body light as a swallow, but also slightly increased her speed—a support talisman she had favored during her past missions. However, as she lacked internal energy and true martial arts skills, she was still inferior to genuine experts.

Standing by the window in his room, Fu Heng was listening to a report from Heiyu when he caught a glimpse of a dark shadow flashing by. It was fast, but he recognized her. *It’s her. Where is she going so late at night?*

Heiyu was still reporting on the recent affairs of the imperial court when he suddenly felt a gust of cold wind enter the room. When he looked again, the Prince was nowhere to be seen by the window.

The October night wind bit through one's clothes. Winter seemed to have arrived earlier than usual this year, and as they traveled further north, the air grew increasingly frigid.

Chu Li wrapped her cloak tighter, thinking she should draw some "Anti-Cold Talismans" to keep warm, when the scene before her flickered and a figure appeared not far away. Startled, Chu Li slammed on the brakes, barely avoiding a collision.

Before she could see who it was, Fu Heng’s icy voice drifted down from above. "Where is Miss Chu in such a hurry to go?"

Chu Li was shocked. *Why is it Fu Heng again? Is he a ghost that refuses to leave?* He had appeared so quickly that she hadn't had a chance to react; had she known it was him, she would have turned and run.

"Why is the Prince here?" Chu Li caught her breath and offered a graceful bow, maintaining perfect etiquette.

Fu Heng looked down, trying to see her face, but she kept her head lowered, revealing only her crown and a slender neck.

"Naturally, I saw Miss Chu leave the inn and followed."

Chu Li: "..."

She took a half-step back. "Prince, it is the middle of the night. Is it appropriate for you to follow a weak woman?"

"You know it is the middle of the night? And a 'weak woman'? You were running faster than me." He had yet to determine if this woman was connected to Li'er, and he could not let anything happen to her until he knew.

Chu Li’s head ached. Realizing it was impossible to shake this man off, she decided to stop hiding. "Prince, I suspect the incidents in Luohe Town are man-made. I am on my way to investigate the ditch mentioned by the village head. However, those behind this are surely dangerous. If the Prince does not wish to be tainted by any misfortune, it would be best not to follow."

Fu Heng frowned. "Are you certain it is man-made? Then I must be involved even more. Proceed with your investigation, Miss Chu; my presence will not hinder you."

Chu Li looked up at him. She knew that while this man appeared cold and aloof, often seeming indifferent to human sentiment, he was at heart a man loyal to the sovereign and the people—a good Prince and a good general. He would never ignore such a disaster.

"Very well. Since the Prince insists, I shall not try to dissuade you further."

*It is your own choice to stay. Just don't regret it when I have to put you to work later.*