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墨書 Inktalez
Could it be that those two children are alive?
Xuan Yin put away his smile, his handsome face turning serious. "Brother, you’ve heard about this matter and still let me go on for so long. That’s quite unfair."
Misha only smiled and said, "When telling a story, it’s best to keep some suspense. Most likely, the latter part has a twist. I actually thought of several answers, but only the first one I mentioned happened to be correct. Now, why don’t you continue and tell me what happened next?"
Xuan Yin hurriedly continued, "The two children are indeed alive. My wife said that her husband drank too much and got confused. The blood on the husband was explained as being caused by him going wild while drunk and killing chickens and dogs. The dog was buried, and the chicken had already gone into the pot."
Thus, the case was left unresolved. However, Old Constable felt that there was something off about this case based on his years of experience. So he made another visit and found an excuse to stay overnight at the Xu Family's home.
Although the village had a considerable population, it was unusually harmonious. Old Constable felt that something was amiss; in everyday life, there should be some quarrels or disagreements. After staying for two days and one night, he didn’t hear any sounds of arguments, which was abnormal.
The village had more than just this oddity. Xu Yi seemed to hardly remember Old Constable at all and had almost forgotten about reporting the case; it took several reminders from his wife before he responded a few times.
As Old Constable left the village, he felt as if someone was watching him the entire time. The village had many children, and it seemed every family had multiple births, all during springtime.
Old Constable couldn’t make sense of it; in those days, Big Willow Tree Village became a topic of laughter among other Yard Officers due to its high birth rate. This secluded and remote village suddenly became lively, with more people arriving each day. Five days later, a fog rose around the outskirts of the village, enveloping Big Willow Tree Village within it.
As they spoke, they noticed the fog; outside of it, many people were gathered to burn incense and kneel in prayer for children.
"Is it impossible to enter?" Misha asked after observing.
Once inside, one would get lost; after a day, people would come out on their own but no one ever entered Big Willow Tree Village again.
"What about us?"
Xuan Yin squinted and opened his bag for Misha to see. "Brother, don’t worry; Master gave me some protective items. I’ll share some with you. Once we enter the fog, stay close to me. If by any chance we get separated, don’t be afraid; you’ll be able to come out tomorrow."
After giving some cautious advice and accompanied by a clap of thunder in springtime, the two stepped into the fog.
Visibility was low inside the fog, which seemed almost sentient; whenever there was a little gap between them, it tried to slip through and separate them.
Xuan Yin held a talisman in front to lead the way but became too focused and let the fog take advantage of him; he didn’t realize how long it had been until he discovered that Misha was missing.
Misha wasn’t too flustered; he clasped his hands together and began chanting a Sutra while walking. As his heart calmed down, he felt as if his senses sharpened.
The fog surrounded a bamboo forest where there was no wind; yet the bamboo swayed erratically. He could hear women screaming amidst the thunder; as the screams grew louder, the bamboo began attacking indiscriminately. In an instant, Misha felt over ten strikes against him.
However, just when he faced a few potentially fatal blows, they were blocked by the fog which then pulled him away from the bamboo forest.
"Stay away from the Protecting Offspring," a voice of an old man echoed in her ears.
He continued urgently, "In early spring, when thunder strikes, the Thunder Bamboo Demon emerges. They are nurturing their young now. Your junior brother is from the Demon Subduing Institute, isn't he? Ignoring my advice and attacking demons on sight—what's the point? Or perhaps you monks from Pujiyuan find them appealing; you must discern right from wrong."
Misha looked around, searching for the source of the voice. "Who are you?"
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