Chapter 74: Rising Smoke of War

The Tree Immortal Lady had always been cold and distant, and Li Lin had grown used to it.

Then his eyes brightened, for he noticed her lips were glossy, pale pink on the sides, with a vivid red center.

It looked extremely beautiful.

So this was “Snow Marrow Vermilion.”

“Lady, you’ve applied rouge—it looks wonderful.”

The chill radiating from the Tree Immortal Lady lessened slightly.

Then she twisted her serpent tail and turned away.

Li Lin had wanted to say, “I’d like to taste it,” because it truly looked delicious.

But he dared not—he believed that if he spoke those words, he’d likely be whipped into paste by her long serpent tail.

After the Tree Immortal Lady left, Li Lin resumed studying the book “The Daoist’s Detailed Account.”

He had already finished learning the paper-folding techniques, as the book only recorded two paper-folding spells.

That was perfectly normal—the Daoist was merely a folk shaman; he didn’t need great power. Mastering the basics of paper-folding was more than enough.

Then came talisman-making, and the “Daoist’s Detailed Account” also contained introductory cultivation methods.

Li Lin had already purchased the materials and now began drawing according to the book’s instructions.

【Talisman Art +1】

【Talisman Art +1】

With a series of text prompts, Li Lin, after wasting several sheets of yellow paper, finally completed his first talisman.

Calming Talisman.

This was a talisman every Daoist must learn.

During funerals, many filial sons and daughters, or lovelorn men and women, would weep until they nearly died.

If they became too overwhelmed, they might develop lasting illnesses; placing a Calming Talisman on their backs could soothe their grief.

Looking at the Calming Talisman, Li Lin nodded in satisfaction, then stood and stretched.

As he turned, he saw the Soul-Guiding Paper Figure running down the hill.

This time it didn’t swing from the trees—it likely knew the bamboo basket on its back held medicinal herbs, and excessive jumping might spill them.

Soon, the paper figure reached Li Lin and set down the bamboo basket.

Li Lin crouched and inspected it—the herbs were all correctly gathered, and of excellent quality.

He was pleased, and as he gazed at the still-standing paper figure, a plan formed in his mind.

If it could gather herbs, could it also light fires and cook meals? Could it tidy the household?

He reached out and infused the Soul-Guiding Paper Figure with yin energy, issuing a command.

Indeed, his idea was correct.

This soul-bound paper figure could indeed perform such tasks.

It just couldn’t rinse rice—it would dump the rice into the pot, then hand it to Li Lin to finish.

It seemed to possess a certain level of intelligence—not at all foolish.

Then why were the little paper figures so dumb? Was it because they used the Tree Immortal Lady’s form?

Li Lin didn’t know, and he didn’t care—as long as it worked.

Over the next two days, he lived comfortably.

With a paper figure helping with chores, he was truly much lighter in burden.

Even alchemy became easier—he immediately boiled two batches of Beauty-Preserving Pills in the alchemy furnace.

Next came the planned, gradual cultivation.

Martial skills must be trained, elixirs must be refined, heart methods must be cultivated, and talisman art must be honed even more.

He gave himself no spare time at all.

He had thought this fulfilling routine could last longer, but on the third day at noon, as he ate blood rice, he saw a column of blue smoke rising into the sky far away.

Beacon fire!

Judging by its location, it must have come from the Bobai Garrison.

An enemy had invaded.

Li Lin swallowed the blood rice in a few bites, then pulled out his satchel and stuffed in the Life-Sustaining Pills, two bottles of Beauty-Preserving Pills, and his mask. He slung it over his shoulder.

He picked up his long spear and ran out the door.

At the village entrance, a large crowd of villagers had gathered, pointing at the beacon fire, each face heavy with dread.

The villagers weren’t foolish—they knew what the beacon fire meant.

Li Lin sprinted using his Light Body Technique, covering half an hour’s distance in just over an incense burn’s time, reaching the county seat.

Because of the beacon fire, Yulin County had already imposed martial law, banning ordinary people from entering or leaving.

Li Lin ran up, and the city guards, recognizing him, immediately opened a gap in the gate to let him in.

After all, nearly every city guard knew Li Lin.

Inside the county seat, Li Lin again felt the heavy atmosphere—the streets were nearly empty.

He didn’t head straight to the county office; instead, he went to the Huang residence and knocked.

The red gate opened; the gatekeeper stared at Li Lin, startled, then bowed respectfully: “Lord Li, you’ve come to visit Master Huang? He’s already gone to the county office.”

“No—is Hong Luan here?”

“She is!”

“Please ask her to come out—quickly.”

“Hong Luan!” the gatekeeper called inside.

Soon a young girl hurried out, her face puzzled—but when she saw Li Lin, her expression instantly brightened.

“Young Master Li, what brings you here?” Hong Luan asked curiously, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Li Lin took the Beauty-Preserving Pills from his satchel and said: “Please deliver these to Big Sister. They’re Beauty-Preserving Pills—very effective.”

“Oh!” Hong Luan took them, patting her full chest. “Don’t worry—I’ll deliver them to the Young Lady myself.”

“Thank you.”

Li Lin turned and left, heading to the nearby county office.

Hong Luan stood quietly, watching Li Lin’s back, her eyes filled with special emotion.

The gatekeeper chuckled beside her: “Stop staring—he’s gone. You’re lucky to serve the Young Lady.”

Hong Luan shot the old gatekeeper a playful glare, then clutched the two porcelain bottles and returned to the courtyard.

Meanwhile, Li Lin arrived at the county office’s main hall.

Huang Yan was already seated above, and upon seeing Li Lin, he gave him a slight nod.

No one else had arrived yet—the Soul Hunters were all present, even Zhao Xiaohu had come, but several constables and commandants were still missing.

After a while, more people arrived, two of them still smelling of alcohol, though their minds seemed clear.

“Everyone’s here.” Huang Yan’s expression was calm as ever, but worry lingered in his eyes: “All of you saw the beacon fire from Bobai Garrison. We don’t yet know if Bobai can hold out, but regardless, we must send troops. Shi Commandant, how many local soldiers under your command are ready for battle?”

Shi Commandant stepped forward, bowing: “Four hundred men—one hundred archers, one hundred sword-and-shield troops, two hundred spearmen.”

“Immediately muster them and march to reinforce Bobai Garrison. If the situation is hopeless, retreat immediately and defend the county seat.”

“Yes!” Shi Commandant returned to his place.

Huang Yan turned to his left: “Qiu Constable, take twenty men and light the beacon towers immediately.”

“By your command.”

Huang Yan continued: “Mo Deputy Constable, take thirty men to patrol the streets, maintain order. Arrest any lawbreakers on sight—any who resist shall be executed without mercy!”

“Yes!”

Huang Yan then turned to the Soul Hunters: “All Soul Hunters accompany Shi Commandant to Bobai Garrison. Assist him as much as possible, but in critical moments, act independently—under the command of Su Huafang!”

“Yes!”

The Soul Hunters bowed in unison, accepting the order.

Huang Yan raised his gavel and slammed it hard on the table: “Depart at once!”

The people in the hall quickly dispersed.

Large numbers of government office runners also left the office, and it fell instantly silent.

Huang Yan sat motionless for a while, then sighed softly.

His eldest son, Huang Qi, had led local troops to reinforce Tang Qibian’s garrison. They had maintained contact via carrier pigeons—but now… it had been several days since he received any word. He didn’t know his son’s condition.

May he remain safe.

Huang Yan sat still for a while longer, then rose, preparing to return home and rest.

(End of Chapter)