Chapter 202: Found Her

The madam’s face was lined with wrinkles and the marks of time, yet her features still retained a delicate beauty, suggesting she must have been a great beauty in her youth.

She had the old man bring paper and ink, then drew Li Lin a portrait of Zhou Qingqing on the spot.

Unexpectedly, the madam was skilled in detailed brushwork.

A seductive woman appeared on the paper.

“Your technique is excellent.” Li Lin handed the madam a silver note.

The madam gazed at the portrait, a faint sadness crossing her face—but when she saw the silver note, her expression instantly brightened.

“Thank you, Young Master, for your generosity.”

Li Lin took the portrait upstairs and rented a room.

Several women tried to offer themselves for the night, but Li Lin did not open the door.

Once inside the room, Li Lin released a large number of small paper figures.

These little things climbed onto the roof through the window at the back of the room, then slipped silently into the darkness, spreading out.

Li Lin yawned, lay down on the fragrant bed, and fell asleep quickly.

When he woke the next morning and opened the door, he saw several courtesans pacing back and forth outside his room; upon seeing him awake, they eagerly approached.

This was the second floor; Li Lin flipped over without hesitation and landed on the empty ground below, then walked out.

The courtesans screamed in shock, then sighed long and low.

After one night, the paper figures had scoured nearly the entire city of Yuecheng.

Infused with spiritual energy, the paper figures were more intelligent and far better at finding people.

Li Lin bought a paper fan and disguised himself as a scholar, to avoid conflict with the martial artists on the streets.

There were now many martial artists wandering through Yuecheng, each eyeing others as if they were enemies.

Were they still searching for the Linglong Jade Box?

Li Lin sighed helplessly and walked steadily toward the northern part of the city, where a poor district lay; after passing through a narrow alley, he found low brick-and-thatch houses—and a small dirt path.

Along both sides of the path sat many ragged children, their noses running greenish-yellow mucus, thin and dark, their eyes darting furtive glances at Li Lin.

After all, Li Lin wore fine clothes—something these destitute children dared not approach.

Li Lin followed the muddy path to a low, humble dwelling.

It was a mud-brick house with a thatched roof.

Two small paper figures hid beneath the thatch; when they saw Li Lin, they stealthily waved at him.

Li Lin arrived at the dilapidated door and knocked gently.

Soon, a small child opened the door—about five years old, face black with grime, only faint streaks of pale skin visible.

“W-who are you looking for?”

Li Lin smiled: “I’m looking for Zhou Qingqing.”

The child’s eyes widened in shock, then darted back inside and tried to slam the door shut.

Li Lin gently pushed against it, holding it open.

Seeing the door wouldn’t close, the child ran back inside.

Then a hunched woman emerged, her face dark, her clothes tattered.

“Sir… you must have the wrong house!”

If uncertain of someone’s status, calling them “Squire” was always safe.

Li Lin smiled: “Zhou Qingqing! Don’t pretend—I know it’s you.”

The woman’s eyes filled with fear, then she closed them firmly, and slowly straightened her back.

Her once loose clothing now clung to her form, revealing graceful curves.

“Xiao Hua, close the door.”

The door shut; the room had no windows, and was pitch black.

The woman lit a candle.

Light filled the room, though dim and yellowish.

The woman’s eyes were filled with despair: “Even like this, you still found me. No wonder you’re the famed assassin guild of the martial world.”

Li Lin raised an eyebrow slightly: “I don’t know what you mean. I was sent by Qin Donglai.”

The woman paused: “Did my husband send you?”

Her voice trembled with emotion; she studied Li Lin carefully, then nodded softly: “Of course—you don’t look like a martial artist at all.”

Li Lin found this odd: “How did you get involved with martial artists?”

“Please sit.” The woman gestured for the child to bring a chair: “I’ll tell you everything, Squire.”

More than a month ago, Qin Donglai was dispatched to attack Jincheng. Worried no one would care for his household, he left behind enough silver to support his wife and son for months.

But soon after, news arrived that Qin Donglai had been defeated and captured.

Zhou Qingqing’s first reaction was to sell the house to protect herself.

She had heard how the Qin King treated surrendered generals.

In fact, she had done the right thing.

Just two days after selling the house, men came to her former residence and set it ablaze. Though the damage was minor, the master bedroom was completely burned—if she had still been there, she would have died.

Afterward, she disguised herself.

Though she knew no disguise techniques, courtesans were skilled in elaborate makeup—and in essence, this was not unlike disguise.

With this makeup, she hid in the poor district, reeking of filth, and remained undetected until now.

Yet she never imagined she’d still be found.

Li Lin was puzzled: “You just said I’m not one of those martial artists—so how did you draw their attention?”

“How could I possibly have provoked martial artists?” Zhou Qingqing’s eyes brimmed with grievance: “There’s a rumor going around that General Qin Donglai of the Yue King accidentally obtained a treasure—the Linglong Jade Box, palm-sized, which, when placed nearby during cultivation, accelerates internal energy flow and effectively boosts cultivation speed. And this treasure was supposedly given to his concubine, a little Zhou Qingqing. Squire, tell me—how could I possibly have such a thing? What else could I do but run?”

Hearing this, Li Lin couldn’t help laughing: “You don’t have the Linglong Jade Box—but Qin Donglai did give you something.”

“Besides silver, he gave me nothing.”

“A five-colored bone.” Li Lin spoke slowly.

Zhou Qingqing fell silent for a long while, then looked at Li Lin and asked: “Are you truly sent by him?”

“He did indeed send me to help care for his young son.”

Zhou Qingqing watched Li Lin with hopeful eyes: “Did he… mention me?”

“He did.”

“What did he say?” Her eyes grew even more eager.

Li Lin paused, then said: “He said… you were a good woman.”

Zhou Qingqing froze, then covered her face with her hands: “He still doesn’t believe me? Because I came from a brothel… I’ve been so devoted, so thoughtful for this family—and still he won’t trust me.”

Li Lin knew his lie had been exposed.

But that was understandable—Zhou Qingqing and Qin Donglai were true husband and wife; they knew each other intimately.

After a long while, Zhou Qingqing lifted her head; tears carved clean streaks through the grime on her face: “He sent you to take my child? You won’t do it—I won’t let you.”

(End of Chapter)