Chapter Five: Master Xue Gets Beaten—What Is the Truth?

Li Yan smiled upon seeing Old Master Xue’s reaction, but then recalled just how outrageous their previous actions had been and clenched his fists tightly.

He addressed them sternly, “I might agree to your request, but I must settle the score with you first for falsely accusing me of being a murderer and a fiend.”

With that, Li Yan stepped in front of Old Master Xue and raised his hand, delivering several harsh slaps.

Old Master Xue nearly lost his balance from the blows but remained silent, enduring them stoically.

Others tried to step forward to intervene but were frozen in place by Li Yan’s intimidating gaze.

Only after Old Master Xue’s face was swollen and bruised did Li Yan finally stop.

He then summoned the others who had slandered him and struck them with several slaps as well.

After dealing with them all, Li Yan felt satisfied and began pondering how to handle the matter further.

He contemplated for a moment and then set up a simple magical array in the courtyard, locking the well securely.

Once finished, Li Yan used his abilities to draw several talismans.

Handing them out, he instructed, “You must carry these talismans on your person from now on. Only once the vengeful spirit is dealt with may you remove them. Understood?”

Everyone nodded and promptly placed the talismans on themselves.

After confirming this, Li Yan told them to leave.

However, recalling Old Master Xue’s uneasy expression when the well’s spirit was mentioned, he added, “Everyone except Old Master Xue may go.”

The group left at his words, leaving Old Master Xue trembling in place.

Li Yan helped the still-kneeling and shivering Old Master Xue to his feet.

He said to him, “At midnight, I will use the array and other means to force the spirit to manifest. But you must tell me the truth. Do you know who that vengeful spirit really is?”

Old Master Xue’s expression grew even more uneasy at Li Yan’s words and he hurriedly invited Li Yan inside to speak privately.

Once inside, Old Master Xue began to explain.

According to him, the vengeful spirit in the well was merely a maidservant from the estate.

She yearned for a better life and, one night when Old Master Xue was drunk, she went to his room.

She “served” him throughout the night.

When Old Master Xue sobered up and saw her, he was furious and initially planned to give her some money and send her away.

But seeing her weep so pitifully and noting her delicate features, he ignored the objections of others and took her as a concubine.

Old Master Xue treated her fairly well, but somehow, she ended up jumping into the well and dying.

Li Yan listened, maintaining a skeptical attitude; if it were truly so simple, she would not have taken her own life so easily.

Yet, judging from Old Master Xue’s demeanor, he did not seem to be lying, so Li Yan refrained from pressing further.

Instead, he said, “Old Master Xue, it’s getting late. You should return to your room. Remember, no matter what happens, do not come out tonight. And don’t forget to carry your talisman.”

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