On the surface, Hong Ning remained calm, but internally, she was growing increasingly anxious.
Her small deception had bought her some time, but only for a short while.
If the lotus spirit didn’t appear soon, she would have no way to explain herself…
Just as she was worrying, a sudden gust of wind swept over the pond.
The wind was strong, sending dust and sand flying—yet it was not cold.
Instead, it carried the delicate fragrance of lotus leaves and blossoms, sinking deep into one’s heart.
At the same time, the torchlight dimmed inexplicably.
The surrounding people raised their sleeves to shield their faces and exclaimed:
"What a wonderful scent!"
Hong Ning immediately sensed something unusual and rejoiced.
“You have already arrived—why not reveal yourself?”
The moment her words fell, the once dark and still pond suddenly became covered in lotus leaves.
Standing gracefully atop the floating leaves was a woman dressed in soft pink robes, her cheeks as delicate as peach blossoms.
She was incredibly beautiful, with a presence so ethereal that she resembled an immortal.
The entire crowd was stunned.
Magistrate Tao turned pale, his voice trembling:
"Wh-what manner of demon is this?!"
Even Lord Hai was visibly shocked. “This is…”
Hong Ning quickly reassured them, “There is no need to be alarmed, my lord—she is the witness I spoke of.”
It was obvious to everyone present that this woman was no ordinary human.
No one dared to speak rashly.
However, Lord Hai, having seen much in his life, quickly composed himself.
With the righteousness of an imperial official, he straightened his posture and asked solemnly,
"Miss, who are you? If you know the truth behind this case, please tell us everything as it happened."
The woman in pink robes bowed gracefully, her voice as melodious as flowing water.
"My lords, I am but a humble lotus spirit from this pond. My name is Lian Hua, and I have come today to speak on behalf of a great injustice."
Lord Hai asked, "Who killed Zheng Ke?"
Lian Hua answered plainly, "It was I."
The moment the words left her lips, Magistrate Tao slammed his hand on the armrest of his chair, his brows furrowing in rage.
"So you’re the murderer! Guards!" He barked instinctively before realizing his mistake.
Turning instead to Hong Ning, he snapped, "Why aren’t you assisting this magistrate in capturing the criminal?"
Hong Ning shot him a cold glance.
"Why the rush, my lord? If she came here willingly to confess, do you really think she’ll just run away? Even if she is the killer, shouldn't we at least hear her testimony first?"
Lord Hai nodded in agreement and asked Lian Hua, "Did you hold a personal grudge against Zheng Ke?"
Lian Hua shook her head.
Lord Hai’s expression darkened, his voice growing stern. "A demon who dares to take a human life without cause is guilty of defying the celestial order. If you do not explain yourself clearly, I will show no mercy!"
Lian Hua lowered her gaze. "I would never dare to lie before Your Lordship."
Her voice trembled slightly as she continued, "I took Zheng Ke’s life… to avenge another."
As she spoke, tears slipped down her cheeks.
She turned to face the crowd.
"Have any of you heard the story of a monk who once lived here at Tian He Temple—a monk by the name of Master Hai Ming?"
Lord Hai turned toward the abbot, his expression serious.
The abbot stepped forward and pressed his palms together in reverence.
"Indeed, our temple once had an elder named Hai Ming. He left on a pilgrimage years ago and has not returned. I arrived at this temple much later and never had the chance to meet him."
Lian Hua wiped her tears. "I have lived in this pond for over a century. Twelve years ago, during a great drought, the waters dried up. Had it not been for Master Hai Ming, who carried water to me every day, I would have perished.
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