This dark demonic energy is invisible to ordinary people, only cultivators who have achieved qi circulation can sense it.
Thus, as soon as Yan Jiaojiao reached the door, she couldn't help but cover her nose and mouth, her beautiful eyebrows furrowed.
Sheng Mobai stepped a few paces closer to her, raised his hand, and waved it in front of her. A refreshing air instantly filled Yan Jiaojiao's surroundings, and he had subtly cast a purification spell on her, ensuring the air around her would no longer be polluted by this dark energy.
Madam Hua, unaware of their actions, led them directly into the mansion.
After walking a few steps, Yan Jiaojiao quietly tugged on Jiang Yiling's sleeve. Sheng Mobai naturally moved closer. Yan Jiaojiao then said, "Senior Brother, don't you find this demonic energy a bit strange?"
Jiang Yiling and Sheng Mobai exchanged glances. What was strange about demonic energy?
Yan Jiaojiao was about to say more when Madam Hua turned back to look at them, "Are the immortal masters perhaps displeased?"
"No, no," Sheng Mobai waved his hand perfunctorily. The three of them had no choice but to temporarily drop the matter and continue following Madam Hua into the main hall.
After they were seated, Madam Hua ordered servants to serve good tea before slowly beginning, "Immortal masters must have learned quite a bit about the Night Demon by now. Do you have any further questions?"
"How did this Night Demon suddenly appear in your village? Was it truly without any warning?" Yan Jiaojiao asked first.
It was difficult to track the Night Demon precisely because it wouldn't linger in one place for long. However, this time it seemed intent on this village, having committed five or six murders in succession. It was even still lingering in the vicinity, which was why the demonic energy was so pervasive.
Yan Jiaojiao even suspected that the Night Demon had previously hidden within the Hua manor, the place with the densest demonic energy, only to have left by now!
Madam Hua clearly hadn't expected the young girl to speak before the elder man. A flicker of admiration crossed her eyes as she answered earnestly, "I truly do not know. The deceased girls were all honest and well-behaved children who had never caused trouble. I don't know what offense they gave to the Night Demon, and it has been a great source of worry for me."
Seeing that she had nothing more to offer, Yan Jiaojiao fell silent. Jiang Yiling and Sheng Mobai asked for more details and learned that the Night Demon generally appeared and committed its acts during the hours of Yin (1 AM to 3 AM). They then began to formulate a plan.
It had been three days since the Night Demon's last act. According to previous patterns, it would reappear within the next two days. At that time, they would set up a formation, with Yan Jiaojiao acting as bait. Once the Night Demon appeared, they would attack from both inside and out to capture it in one fell swoop!
To ensure Yan Jiaojiao's safety, Sheng Mobai had made thorough preparations this time, stocking up on a dozen talismans and giving her careful instructions.
Madam Hua also agreed to all the arrangements they made, and they would set up the formation that afternoon, then wait for the Night Demon's appearance.
Seeing that the matter was mostly settled, Madam Hua glanced at the midday sun and invited them to dine at the Hua manor.
Sheng Mobai, feeling the heavy demonic energy in the place, and even with the purification spells around them, didn't want to linger. After all, cultivators didn't necessarily need to eat. He was about to signal Jiang Yiling to refuse when he heard Yan Jiaojiao readily accept.
In her previous life, Yan Jiaojiao was accustomed to being in a position of authority, and decisions were naturally hers to make. Therefore, she didn't feel anything was amiss at this moment.
Sheng Mobai's brow furrowed slightly. He then looked at Jiang Yiling and, seeing no displeasure on his face, breathed a sigh of relief for Yan Jiaojiao.
After all, Jiang Yiling was the highest-ranking member on this outing, and everything should be arranged by him. Fortunately, Jiang Yiling had a good temper and didn't mind these things. If it were someone else, Yan Jiaojiao, as a junior sister, would surely have angered them by making such a unilateral decision.
Seeing that they had agreed, Madam Hua went to arrange the luncheon. Only the three of them remained in the main hall.
Sheng Mobai then asked, "Jiaojiao, you don't like the demonic energy here, so why agree to stay for a meal?"
"Precisely because there is demonic energy here, we should stay and investigate thoroughly," Yan Jiaojiao replied as a matter of course.
Jiang Yiling said, "You suspect Madam Hua? But it was Madam Hua who submitted the request for help to Xiangge Nan Academy."
"Yes, she desperately wants to capture the Night Demon. It's just that she wants to capture the Night Demon too much."
"You mean, she might have attracted the Night Demon here?" Sheng Mobai instantly understood Yan Jiaojiao's implication.
Yan Jiaojiao nodded, "The demonic energy in this manor is quite telling."
The two also felt it made sense. Although the Night Demon enjoyed feeding on the blood of young, fearful women, it wasn't as if it wouldn't kill others. If it had lingered in the Hua manor, why was no one within the manor harmed? This was indeed somewhat strange.
With suspicion planted in their minds, the three of them became more cautious.
When Madam Hua returned to the main hall, dishes were already being served. Madam Hua took the head seat and gestured for them to begin eating.
Jiang Yiling looked at the table full of delicacies and then at the empty seats. He couldn't help but ask, "Is Madam Hua living alone?"
His question was direct. Madam Hua, who had been smiling and preparing to pick up a dish, paused her chopsticks for a moment before continuing to serve herself. She said calmly, "Yes, my family has all passed away. However, I wouldn't say I'm living alone, as there are still so many servants and retainers living in this manor."
The final jest was cold, and the content of her words, coupled with the loneliness, was even colder. It wasn't funny at all, and the atmosphere turned somber.
Sheng Mobai couldn't help but glare at Jiang Yiling, who didn't know how to ask questions.
To make matters worse, Yan Jiaojiao was even more direct, "How did they die?"
Sheng Mobai nearly dropped his chopsticks. He wished he could cover Yan Jiaojiao's mouth. Was this a sensitive topic for a young girl they had just met to bring up?
He immediately wanted to apologize to Madam Hua, but then he heard Madam Hua let out a light laugh. She didn't seem angry.
"This female immortal master is quite curious about me."
Yan Jiaojiao put on an innocent smile, "I'm really just a young girl. Seeing a female village chief for the first time, I couldn't help but be a little gossipy."
Under the table, Sheng Mobai kept kicking Yan Jiaojiao's feet. Was this really the kind of gossip she should be engaging in?
Madam Hua slowly ate the dish she had served herself before saying, "Yes, it wasn't easy for me to become this village chief either."
Yan Jiaojiao and the others remained silent. A hint of melancholy appeared on Madam Hua's face as she continued, "Back then, my family was the most impoverished in the village. My parents favored males over females, and I suffered a lot from a young age. That's why I decided to make something of myself on my own."
"Later, I discovered a method of weaving and led the entire village in raising silkworms and weaving. Gradually, everyone began to live better lives, and I was naturally elected village chief. Unfortunately, as my life improved, my family members one by one fell ill and passed away. After all, those past years were too difficult..."