Chapter Twenty-Five: The Return of Li Mo'er

The City God Temple fair had stirred an immense uproar within the city. The authorities ordered a thorough investigation of all suspected members of the Demon Cult, while rumors of ordinary people turning to demonic practices grew ever more gruesome.

Song Mu and Madam Zhu made their way home, their nerves still unsettled by the recent events.

“Mu, it’s just too dangerous now. In the future, let’s avoid crowded places and focus on your studies at the county academy,” Madam Zhu admonished, to which Song Mu nodded in agreement.

The tension in Shiyang County weighed heavily on Song Mu’s heart, the foreboding sense of a gathering storm making him uneasy.

When they arrived home, Second Uncle was anxiously waiting by the door. Upon spotting them at the end of the alley, he hurried over, anxiously inspecting each of them from head to toe.

“Mu, you nearly scared me to death! I was working on the southern city wall when I heard something happened in the west. I saw crowds fleeing from Chenghuang Street and remembered you all were there…” Song Liangda’s round, plump face was etched with worry. Seeing the three of them safe at last, he finally let out a breath of relief.

“Don’t worry, Second Uncle. We did encounter some trouble, but we noticed it early and left before anything happened,” Song Mu quickly reassured him, supporting the uncle, whose legs were still weak, as they walked into the courtyard.

Song Mingwei, beaming with excitement, threw her arms around Song Liangda and chimed in her childish voice, “Daddy, big brother helped catch the bad guys today! He wrote on paper with his brush, and just like an immortal, sent out great white clouds. The ones hurting people froze and couldn’t move anymore!”

Her eyes sparkled as she spoke. Song Liangda, however, shuddered and looked sharply at Song Mu. “Is this true? Didn’t you say you and your aunt left right away?”

Song Mu forced a smile, not expecting the little girl to give him away so quickly. He could only reply, “It wasn’t dangerous. I just wrote a poem for Qingming. I never got close to the trouble. The academy instructor came later as well.”

“That’s still not acceptable! You’re only a scholar-student, and those people are ruthless—murderous even! Mu, from now on, you must stay far away from anything like this!” Song Liangda’s tone was unyielding, nearly commanding.

Song Mu lowered his head in acquiescence. Ever since his father’s passing, Second Uncle had cherished him like a treasure, unwilling to risk any harm. Song Mu understood—it was only natural.

Still, if he were to encounter such a situation again, he would decide for himself what to do.

After helping Song Liangda rest a while in the courtyard, the uncle went back to his work. Madam Zhu took Ya Ya to tend to chores, and seeing that it was getting late, Song Mu prepared to head to the academy.

“Holding a sword, I once dreamed of roaming the world… to witness all its splendors…” Song Mu hummed a tune while he packed his bag, recalling the day’s chaos. Though his involvement was minor, a sense of accomplishment blossomed in his heart.

For the first time, he had actively used his poetry in battle—and achieved remarkable results.

Who said scholar-students were powerless?

Song Mu, humming to himself with his book bag in hand, was about to step out when he suddenly froze on the threshold.

His eyes darted side to side in surprise. He retreated into the room and abruptly looked up.

There, perched on the crossbeam, sat a person, legs dangling, two small eyes watching him with great amusement.

“You…” Song Mu was speechless.

The figure on the beam was none other than Li Mo’er, the Poet of the Li Clan and a member of the Celestial Guards, who had been absent for several days.

She squinted at Song Mu, and seeing his astonishment, she waved her hand. The door quietly shut. Li Mo’er floated down effortlessly and put a finger to her lips, signaling silence.

She wore her usual Celestial Guard attire, but now looked somewhat travel-worn.

Song Mu stared at her, watching as she examined the room before looking back at him. He finally whispered, “Miss Mo’er, why are you here?”

“Well—it’s a long story. In short, I need to take shelter here for a while,” Li Mo’er replied nonchalantly, plopping herself into a chair and surveying the room with casual indifference.

“Your house is really shabby, Song Mu. Don’t you find this wooden bed uncomfortable at night?” She curled her lip, then, without ceremony, took his teapot and poured herself a drink.

Watching this girl of thirteen or fourteen act so brashly—nothing like the refined lady or the heroic scholar he’d seen before—Song Mu was at a loss. Nevertheless, he replied politely, “Scholars aren’t particular about such things. But Miss Mo’er, I thought you’d already left Shiyang County. Why are you here?”

Li Mo’er ignored his question, peering out into the courtyard instead. She then asked, “Does your family come into this room often?”

Song Mu frowned and shook his head. “My uncle and aunt never disturb my studies. I usually eat in the kitchen.”

Li Mo’er nodded with satisfaction. Song Mu then realized something and asked, “Miss Mo’er, you must need something from me?”

Li Mo’er grinned at last, rocking leisurely in her chair, and whispered, “I’ve been running about lately and need a place to rest. But you mustn’t tell anyone.”

“And how long might this rest be?” Song Mu gritted his teeth, sensing she had an ulterior motive for appearing here.

“That—I’m not sure. Maybe a while. When the time comes, I’ll leave,” she replied vaguely, her innocent eyes fixed on him. Then she added with a sly smile, “You won’t refuse such a small favor, will you?”

Song Mu shook his head, bowing slightly. “Miss Mo’er, you flatter me. But propriety forbids a man and woman alone together. If you need a place to stay, I can find you another.”

“Hmph.” Li Mo’er snorted, brushing aside his suggestion without a thought. “No need. Here is just fine.”

Something seemed to occur to her then. She fixed her gaze on him. “Don’t let anyone know about this. I trust you can manage that, can’t you?”

By now, Song Mu understood her intentions. She must have slipped into Shiyang County on some mission for the Celestial Guards and wanted to keep a low profile, hiding out here.

Recalling the earlier incident with the fox demon and today’s chaos at the City God Temple street, Song Mu did not find it improper for a scholar-official to take refuge in his home.

Li Mo’er seemed to read his thoughts, tilting her head as she said, “As long as you understand. Also, while I’m here, I hope you’ll maintain your integrity.”

Song Mu almost wanted to protest—how could he not maintain his integrity?—but instead only bowed.

“Then I’ll take my leave. I still have lessons at the academy today.”

“Go on.” Li Mo’er waved her hand dismissively. Song Mu pressed his lips together, turned, and headed for the door.

“Wait a moment,” Li Mo’er suddenly called.

Song Mu paused and looked back. Li Mo’er said, “On your way back, buy two pounds of vinegar.”

Song Mu was dumbfounded. Seeing her calm expression, he could only nod helplessly and left the house.

As she watched Song Mu leave, Li Mo’er’s expression changed subtly. She drew a tattered piece of cloth from her sleeve and muttered to herself, “Let’s see how you hide this time.”