Chapter 157: Bai Chuchu

In fact, there was another Soul Light within the Ancient Mirror.

It was the one from the Corpse Refining Sect cultivator he had slain, which the Ancient Mirror had automatically absorbed.

Lu Bai wasn’t sure how this Soul Light differed from those formed by Ghost Souls and other evil entities.

After a moment of hesitation, Lu Bai decided to merge the Soul Light with his Red Ming Celestial Patrol, thinking, ’Comprehend!’

In the blink of an eye, Lu Bai’s Swordsmanship became far more masterful and fluid, as if he had instantly gained years of practice. His movements were completely unhindered, flowing as smoothly as water.

Red Ming Celestial Patrol, Great Success!

Lu Bai breathed a sigh of relief. He gazed at the mountain village ahead, and after a moment’s hesitation, he hoisted He Liangzhi onto his back and started walking toward it.

As he drew near the village, he frowned slightly.

The two of them had just been to Bai Family Village, and it had been deathly silent, completely devoid of life.

And yet now, the village was bustling with people, the sounds of chickens and dogs filled the air, and everything seemed peaceful and harmonious.

When the two of them had fled the manor, the sky had still been dark with night.

But now, as they arrived at the village, they could see the setting sun dyeing the clouds crimson.

The road was far from deserted.

A man carrying a hoe and leading an old ox was returning from the fields, his pant legs still caked with mud, humming some forgotten little tune.

Several children, laughing and chasing a stray dog, ran past Lu Bai, kicking up a cloud of dust.

It was as if the children couldn’t see Lu Bai and his companion at all.

Lu Bai subconsciously reached out, trying to stop one of them.

They were clearly within arm’s reach, yet he couldn’t touch the child at all.

It was as if they were separated by innumerable layers of space.

This dual dislocation of time and space created an indescribable and deeply unsettling feeling within Lu Bai.

"This must be an illusion created by the Ghost Bride."

He Liangzhi said softly.

Lu Bai remained silent.

’It’s an illusion, yes, but it feels more like we’ve traveled back in time, placed in another dimension to watch the history of Bai Family Village unfold.’

’It was as if they had become mere spectators.’

’Why would the Ghost Bride trap them here?’

Carrying He Liangzhi on his back, with Black Dog Ah Ming trailing behind him, Lu Bai entered the village.

He made his way through.

None of the villagers seemed to notice them.

Yet they, in turn, could see everything and hear all the clamor and noise of village life.

Lu Bai activated his Eye of Illusion, but nothing changed.

The Black Dog, too, showed no signs of agitation or panic; it was perfectly calm.

"Strange."

Lu Bai murmured to himself. He went to the ancestral hall and then wandered around the village, but he was still clueless.

Just then, a middle-aged man arrived in the village. He wore the tight-fitting clothes of a martial artist, and his temples bulged slightly, giving him the distinct air of someone from the Jianghu. His attire made him stand out starkly against the other villagers.

"Captain Liu is here."

The villagers clearly knew him and greeted him as he passed.

The middle-aged man nodded slightly in return and made a beeline for a particular house.

The man of the house, who had just returned with his hoe, was washing the mud from his hands and feet at the entrance. He looked up, his face a mixture of surprise and delight. He quickly rushed forward to welcome the visitor. "Captain Liu, please, come in."

"There’s no need to be so formal, Younger Brother Bai."

Captain Liu smiled and nodded, then asked, "Is Chuchu home?"

"Yes, she is! She is!"

The man hurriedly called into the inner room, "Chuchu, come out! Your Third Uncle Liu is here."

This Captain Liu was clearly an Innate Martial Artist, so Lu Bai watched him for a few extra moments.

Just as he was about to look away, he glanced through the open door and saw a young girl emerge from the inner room. Though she was dressed in simple clothes, they couldn’t conceal her delicate beauty. Her eyes were bright and watery, full of a rustic innocence.

Upon seeing the middle-aged man, the girl grew a little shy. She lowered her head, offering a small bow, and said softly, "Hello, Third Uncle Liu."

The sight of this girl made Lu Bai’s heart jump!

She wasn’t wearing a phoenix crown and wedding veil, nor was she dressed in a red robe, but her face was unmistakably that of the Ghost Bride he had seen in the manor!

He Liangzhi said, "This must be a scene from the Ghost Bride’s life. So, her name was Bai Chuchu."

Father Bai had Bai Chuchu wash some fruit, and when she brought them out, he offered them with a smile. "These were just picked from the fields, they’re as fresh as can be. Please, Captain Liu, have a taste."

Lu Bai subconsciously drifted closer.

From this closer distance, Lu Bai studied Father Bai’s face carefully and couldn’t help but narrow his eyes.

The White Jiangshi that the Corpse Refining Sect cultivator had been refining... it was this very man!

It was just that the White Jiangshi’s face had been covered in fine white fur, and its gaze had been completely vacant. Though its features were preserved, Lu Bai hadn’t recognized him at first glance.

"Don’t go to any trouble."

Captain Liu motioned for Father Bai to sit. "Younger Brother Bai," he said, "I came today because I have a matter to discuss with you."

"Please, speak," Father Bai said at once.

Captain Liu said, "You mentioned before that you were looking for a good opportunity for Chuchu. Well, the Gang Leader’s wife is looking to hire a few clever and nimble maids for her personal service, and I immediately thought of Chuchu."

"Ah, well..."

Father Bai hesitated, looking uncertain.

Captain Liu continued, "You’re from the Mo Country, which means you’re undocumented in the Wu Dynasty. If Chuchu comes to the city with me, I can arrange for her to get official residency. She’ll also receive a monthly allowance. It’s a chance for her to put down roots in Jingzhou City.

"In the future, she can find a good family to marry into and be settled for life."

If she left, Father Bai didn’t know when he would see her again. The thought made him anxious.

But then again, he thought, if his daughter stayed with him, she’d be stuck in this village for the rest of her life. It would be far better for her to go to the city and see the world.

Father Bai asked, "Captain Liu, what kind of person is the Gang Leader’s wife? Does she treat her servants well?"

Captain Liu laughed. "You can rest easy about that. The Gang Leader’s wife is an extremely kind person. The only reason she’s looking for new staff is because her current maids have reached a marriageable age. She gave them each a sum of money and even helped find them good husbands. That’s why she needs someone new."

"That’s good, that’s good..."

Father Bai murmured, then looked up at Bai Chuchu, his eyes full of reluctance.

"Father."

Bai Chuchu said softly, "You’ll be all alone here. Let me stay and keep you company."

"What good would it do to keep an old man like me company? You can only live a good life if you go to the city."

Father Bai smiled, having made his decision. He looked at Captain Liu and said, "Chuchu was born with a constitution of pure yin, which is said to bring a difficult fate. Perhaps going to the city can change her luck. I’ll have to ask you to look after her from now on, Captain Liu."

Hearing the phrase "constitution of pure yin," Lu Bai’s expression flickered.

A strange glint flashed in Captain Liu’s eyes, but he smiled and said, "Leave Chuchu to me, Younger Brother Bai. You have nothing to worry about."

"When will she leave?"

Father Bai asked.

Captain Liu replied, "We should go today. If we’re quick, we can reach the city before dark. Once Chuchu is settled in, I’ll come back to let you know."

"Alright!"

Father Bai gritted his teeth, went into the inner room, and fumbled for a while in a hidden compartment near the head of the bed before finally pulling out three taels of loose silver.

Father Bai returned to the outer room and pressed the silver into Captain Liu’s hand. "Captain Liu, please accept this small token. I’m entrusting Chuchu to your care."

"Of course."

Captain Liu smiled, pocketing the silver so smoothly it was almost unnoticeable.

Father Bai said, "I’ll go pack some of Chuchu’s clothes and belongings."

"There’s no need."

Captain Liu said, "They have everything in the city. She won’t need anything she brings from here."

"Yes, of course. Once she’s in the city, she can’t be wearing these village clothes," Father Bai nodded, a little dejected.

"Chuchu, come with me."

Captain Liu beckoned.

Bai Chuchu looked to her father.

"Go on."

Father Bai forced a smile and said, "Go on. Be good once you’re in the city. Work hard, and if you face any grievances, just endure them. When I have a chance to visit the city, I’ll come and see you."

Bai Chuchu bit her lip, her eyes rimmed with red as tears streamed silently down her cheeks.