Twin Dimension Yin-Yang Mirror: Attaining immortality through the martial path
Chapter 116 - 113 Buddha’s Hand, Devil’s Heart (Please Subscribe, Seeking Monthly Pass)

Chapter 116: Chapter 113 Buddha’s Hand, Devil’s Heart (Please Subscribe, Seeking Monthly Pass)

"Indeed, the Guangyun Lin Family has good relations with the Cui Family as well, and Lin Zhongguang even discussed a marital alliance with Cui Guangling, intending for his second son, Lin Zhengwu, to propose marriage to Cui Guangling’s daughter, Cui Yuenniang, forming a bond as strong as that of Qin and Jin,"

At this point, Green Lady let slip a sly smile, "Speaking of which, this matter is somewhat related to Brother Zhou."

"Can you guess what terms Lin Zhengwu offered? Putting aside the rest, there was one condition that involved taking Cui Yuenniang to join the Cloud Water Sect together to inherit the Floating Cloud Sword Canon..."

Understood.

Zhou Ping’an carefully pondered over these words, observing the expression on Green Lady’s face.

He immediately realized what the other party was referring to.

Even the Red Lotus Rebel Army had heard of this, which really showed that the Lin Family wasn’t too scrupulous in their actions.

It was nothing more than using Lin Huaiyu as a bargaining chip, offering her as a concubine to Fang Yu, a True Disciple of the Floating Cloud Lineage of the Cloud Water Sect, in exchange for two Inner Sect Disciple positions.

The title of "Fairy Huaiyu," one of the Three Beauties of the Southwest, was certainly useful.

The Lin Family sold it off smoothly.

And at a high price, too.

"This is quite a coincidence."

Zhou Ping’an mused, "The position of County Magistrate must not be compromised. Miss Qing, please send out the invitations tomorrow for another gathering with music, and make sure to get Li Yuankang to come this time."

"Do you suspect Young Master Li?"

Green Lady’s face changed slightly.

Upon reflection, she nodded, "It is indeed possible that he’s the one causing trouble. Logically, considering the Zhang Family’s influence and financial power within Qingyang Territory, even the County Magistrate would have to take their preferences into account.

If the Zhang Family strongly recommended you for the position of County Magistrate, given your reputation, background, and superior martial skills, there is absolutely no reason for you not to be recognized.

At this moment, there must have been someone who could sway County Magistrate Li’s decision, convincing him to seek someone from outside the county city and report directly to Guangyun."

As she spoke, her tone became more and more certain.

"And that Li Yuankang, who is the County Magistrate Li’s late-born son and dearly beloved, might not follow every word, but his opinions are greatly valued. If it was Young Master Li who made the suggestion, it is indeed possible that he could have disturbed Brother Zhou’s affair."

The only thing Green Lady couldn’t understand was, "From what I’ve observed, Li Yuankang and Brother Zhou seem to have compatible temperaments, enjoying poetry, and getting along very well when they sing together. Why would he do such an out-of-character thing?"

"Guessing is too boring, we’ll know once we see him in person."

Zhou Ping’an shook his head.

"Hehe, since Brother Zhou has made up his mind, I won’t meddle any further. However, merely resolving this issue feels like we’re still missing something. In the selection for Martial Scholar in the day after next, I will give Brother Zhou a helping hand, ensuring that the old confused County Magistrate comes to his senses."

"What are you planning to do?"

Zhou Ping’an immediately perked up upon hearing this.

He still remembered the old man Li Yunxiu’s process in judging a case the last time he saw him.

It nearly shattered his worldview.

He couldn’t believe that such a way of governing could exist and even earn the reputation of an upstanding official from the Imperial Court.

It just goes to show that the world is full of wonders.

If such a type of incompetent official became the mainstream in the Imperial Court, oppressing the commoners and fattening themselves on other’s blood, yet managing to die a good death and having their legacy continue for generations, how could the common people, who couldn’t even afford to marry, cope with that?

Could it be that in future generations, those who survived and passed on their lineages would be the offspring of such characters? Just the thought gives one the chills.

As long as Green Lady didn’t lay siege to the city,

she could do whatever she wanted to the Official Government.

He had no objections whatsoever.

"How can Mr. Zhou assist in your plan?"

"Of course, like this and like that..."

Green Lady explained, and the two of them settled on a plan.

Zhou Ping’an declined to stay any longer and, taking advantage of the deep night, slipped through the window and returned to the Lin Residence.

No sooner had he entered the East Cross Courtyard than he heard the quiet backyard suddenly come alive again with the sound of a knife’s faint clang.

"Is that..."

The Third Miss must have been waiting for him to return.

Did she resume her practice after she was at ease with his return?

Thinking of Lin Huaiyu’s diligent cultivation,

Zhou Ping’an felt slightly embarrassed.

Alright.

Time to take the medicine.

The Sun Chasing Pill was still plentiful.

And the effects were strong.

If it didn’t burn him to death right away, he would first increase his strength to the point of madness.

...

In the back courtyard of the County Yamen.

Within the bamboo garden, Li Yuankang was dressed in a white robe, sitting cross-legged on a couch. Droplets of sweat as large as beans rolled down his forehead, his face a shade of green and purple, showing a hint of ferocity.

The sound of heavy breathing, like bellows being pumped, was extremely unsettling to the ear.

"Lin Huaiyu, Green Lady, hehe, haha..."

The County Magistrate’s son had already lost his usual scholarly grace and was nowhere close to the compassion he showed in front of the commoners as he handed out porridge and clothes. His eyes were blood-red, as if choosing someone to devour.

After clenching his teeth for a moment, he lifted his blood-red eyes and looked towards the outer room.

Through the half-lifted pearl curtain, he saw two petite maids hugging each other, trembling violently.

It was clear that they were extremely frightened.

Li Yuankang sneered without saying a word, slowly walked into the outer room, and let out a grin with a bare-teethed laugh...

...

The next day, long after sunrise, County Magistrate Li Yunxiu, rubbing his sore back, climbed off his couch, being attentively served by a young maid.

After washing up and feeling refreshed, he was assisted to a sunlit spot to recline in a chair, planning to bask in the sun to replenish his vitality.

A beautiful and petite maidservant passed him swallow’s nest soup, mouth to mouth, in little sips, while another careful maid massaged the old man’s feet, stimulating his circulation.

Todays he was rarely without cases to judge.

The County Magistrate’s day-to-day life was boring and dull...

Just as he was considering calling over a few concubines to set up a banquet and while away the long hours in sunlight.

He heard,

"My lord, the young master is sick again."

A maid used for menial work knelt with a plop, speaking timidly.

From her expression, it was clear she was terribly frightened, yet dared not fail to report.

"What?"

The County Magistrate’s face changed dramatically, his voice rising octaves.

He picked up a bowl brimming with hot ginseng broth and smashed it on the maid’s head.

The menial maid didn’t even grunt before collapsing, her breath gradually fading away.

A large gash split open her skull, and blood mixed with the soup flowed down.

The County Magistrate didn’t even spare her a glance but squinted his bitch’s eyes and shrieked, "Why haven’t you called for the master? Hurry and bring him to see, my son can’t have any mishap."

Soon, the County Magistrate found the old monk Guangming staying in the residence and rushed with a bald, pre-adolescent novice monk to the bamboo garden.

Before they even entered, they smelled the stench of blood.

Peering through the open doorway, they saw two tiny bodies with dry skin and deathly pallor, lying stark naked on the ground, lifeless.

And Li Yuankang’s face was shrouded in a black mist, which rose turbulently. His lips were blood-red, his eyes still redder.

"Silly child, wake up now, when else will you wait?"

The old monk stepped forward, his hand forming a Dharma Seal, and shouted softly, the sound thunderous.

He lightly placed his palm on Li Yuankang’s head, and the black mist let out a shrill screech, turning into a ferocious head. It screamed once before dissipating into smoke, dispelled by the golden light in the monk’s hand.

After a while, the skinny, white-bearded old monk withdrew his hand, looked at Li Yuankang, who had returned to his handsome and gentle demeanor, and said with a smile, "Young Master Yuankang possesses a profound Buddha Root, a compassionate nature. Such petty ailments needn’t concern you.

In my view, he will soon completely master the evil thoughts in his heart. My congratulations, County Magistrate, for the good news, under my guidance, Yuankang will forge the Vajra Body and the day of his transcendence is not far."

"Certainly, our lineage does not prohibit marriage. Even if one becomes a Buddha or an ancestor, there’s no worry of ending the Li family lineage..."

"That’s very good, thank you, master."

The County Magistrate’s face stretched out like an orange peel with his smile.

He commanded, "Go buy a few more maids and send them to Kang’s room. They are running out; don’t they have eyes?"

"Yes."

There was already an attendant stumbling and rushing out of the residence, heading towards the Eastern City to select pretty young girls.

...

I seek your Monthly Pass.