Chapter 97: I Have My Own Way

Looking at the two of them, Ding Yingqiu’s expression was somewhat peculiar, seeming both familiar and cautious.

Su Huafang waved his hand: “What background… I am just a commoner with a bit of luck. When I was young, I traveled south and north, met many friends, and have heard of this term, but I do not know the details.”

Ding Yingqiu smiled lightly: “The name Fragrant Thief Gentleman, I have also heard of it.”

Su Huafang immediately felt embarrassed.

The others chuckled lightly.

Then Ding Yingqiu looked at Li Lin and asked: “How does Patrol Hunter Li view cultivating immortality?”

“Swallow a single Golden Core into the stomach, my life belongs to me and not to Heaven?”

At these words, everyone looked at him in surprise.

Ding Yingqiu’s expression was intriguingly contemplative: “Patrol Hunter Li’s family truly is… quite imposing.”

Li Lin smiled and asked: “Then what of Ding Patrol Hunter’s family?”

“Dual cultivation of life, eternal life.”

After hearing this, everyone still felt Li Lin’s description more inspiring.

Ding Yingqiu continued: “According to our family records, over two hundred years ago, during the reign of our dynasty’s founder, an immortal appeared in the world, but later, for unknown reasons, vanished.”

At this point, Ding Yingqiu glanced at Li Lin. Seeing no sign of opposition, she continued.

“But immortals left blessings throughout the lands, numerous immortal techniques, numerous magical instruments. Obtaining even one, even if it does not achieve the fruit of immortality, can grant great divine abilities.”

Su Huafang and the others listened, blood boiling with excitement, eager to obtain these items immediately.

But Li Lin remained calm.

Bai Liwei could not help but ask: “What can we get?”

Ding Yingqiu said: “As far as I know, that immortal blessing does not contain overly powerful items. After obtaining them, I can provide a large sum of silver, and even some of our Ding family’s secret manuals, as compensation.”

Everyone nodded.

Bai Liwei could not help but say: “I am willing to lend Ding Patrol Hunter a hand.”

“I am willing as well.” Zhao Hao said.

Su Huafang said nothing, but looked at Li Lin.

The others also turned their gaze to Li Lin, waiting for his response.

“I will pass.” Li Lin said lightly with a smile.

He was cautious. Regardless of whether immortals existed, these so-called ‘immortal techniques’ and ‘magical instruments’ were objects of contention among the world.

Spirit Hunters were not ordinary people, but he had just reached Ninth Rank. Why should he ‘take’ these items?

It was better to first solidify his own foundation.

Moreover, if he knew of this alone, he could explore gradually.

But with the Ding family knowing… anyone assisting Ding Yingqiu would also know. With many people, rumors would spread easily.

At that point, if other experts came to seize them, he could not handle it.

“Such a pity.” Ding Yingqiu smiled.

“Then I will leave first. You continue your discussion.”

With that, Li Lin stood and left.

Su Huafang wanted to follow him but abandoned the thought.

He was not young, in his fifties, already in the ‘fear of death’ stage.

Life was so wonderful; he wanted to live a few more years, ideally forever.

Li Lin put this matter behind him and returned home.

The following days were uneventful, consisting only of cultivation, cultivation, and more cultivation.

Six more days passed this way.

County Magistrate Huang Yan sent for him to come to the county yamen.

There, Yan Han, Bai Yunfei, and Bai Bufan were already present.

Huang Yan, dressed in official robes, said with a helpless expression: “Recently, there have been issues in Beiliu County. Normally, local Spirit Hunters should handle the matter, but strangely, none of them are present, so the County Magistrate of Beiliu has requested assistance.”

Everyone listened quietly.

“I have some friendship with County Magistrate Ma of Beiliu and could not refuse. Moreover, if a major incident occurs there, complaints would spread, and Yulin County would suffer as well. Therefore, I decided to send someone to investigate. However, Patrol Hunter Su, Patrol Hunter Zhao, and Patrol Hunter Ding are all absent.”

At this moment, Bai Bufan stepped forward: “My uncle, along with Patrol Hunters Su, Zhao, and Ding, have gone on important matters. He said if anything happens, I may handle it.”

“You?” Huang Yan looked at Bai Bufan, sighing: “You have only been in service for half a year. How can you manage?”

“I have handled many matters with my uncle; it should be fine.”

Huang Yan was silent for a moment, then looked at Li Lin: “Patrol Hunter Li, this time it troubles you. Take Patrol Officer Bai and Patrol Hunter Zhao to Beiliu County to see the situation. Remember, only observe. Help if you can; if not, return immediately. I will consider other methods.”

“As you command.” Li Lin clasped his fists.

Huang Yan was silent for a moment: “Be careful.”

“I will be.”

After leaving the county yamen, Zhao Xiaohu jumped up excitedly: “Brother Lin, I finally get to go on a mission.”

Li Lin shook his head helplessly: “How is your Nourishing Yin Cultivation Method coming along?”

“Not bad.” Zhao Xiaohu laughed: “It feels quite easy.”

“Is that so? Let me see.”

Li Lin checked Zhao Xiaohu’s pulse again.

He then exclaimed in surprise: “You have actually succeeded.”

Indeed, a strand of yin qi existed within Zhao Xiaohu’s body.

He remembered teaching Zhao Xiaohu the Nourishing Yin Cultivation Method only half a month ago. For him to progress this fast was impressive, better than most, though still far behind Li Lin.

“After this mission, I will teach you the Falling Lightning Incantation.”

Zhao Xiaohu nodded excitedly.

“Have you been to the brothel recently?”

Zhao Xiaohu shook his head repeatedly: “Not recently, not recently; very costly.”

“Then prepare accordingly.” Li Lin glanced at the time: “We will depart at noon; if riding, we can reach Beiliu County before evening.”

The two immediately left.

Li Lin returned home, taking his usual travel items… after thinking, he also put his mask in the bundle.

Half a shichen later, the three gathered at the county yamen’s barracks, borrowed warhorses, and left the county town.

Along the way, the three hurried and barely spoke. At dusk, they arrived at the walls of Beiliu County.

They showed the white jade plaques, immediately prompting the local militia to complain: “The Patrol Hunters have finally arrived. Our County Magistrate is extremely anxious; please go meet him at the yamen.”

The three hurried to the county yamen. After identifying themselves, the yamen clerks led them to the main hall.

A man in the county magistrate’s official robes paced with hands behind his back.

Seeing the three enter, he immediately approached with surprise: “Are you the Spirit Hunters sent from Yulin County?”

“Yes.” Li Lin nodded.

County Magistrate Ma said urgently: “Wonderful, you have finally arrived. Help me find the Spirit Hunters from our county; they have disappeared for three days.”

Hmm?

“You did not organize a search?”

“We dared not. The clerks are too frightened to move.” County Magistrate Ma sighed: “Over a month ago, an evil cultivator came to the county, killed seven local Spirit Hunters and over twenty clerks, and left. Now, the clerks are terrified, unwilling to leave the county town.”

Mentioning the evil cultivator reminded Li Lin: that person had indeed said he caused trouble in Beiliu County.

Unexpectedly, it was true.

“County Magistrate Ma, it is already night. The area outside is dangerous. We will search tomorrow.”

County Magistrate Ma nodded: “That is reasonable. Then let it be tomorrow. Tonight, please rest at the county inn.”

The three were led to an inn near the county yamen and received a lavish dinner.

Zhao Xiaohu ate ravenously while speaking: “Brother Lin, how do we find them tomorrow?”

“I have my own way.”