Midnight.
The sky was moonless, and the pond’s edge was illuminated by five or six torches. The flickering firelight cast long shadows.
Dressed in simple blue robes, Hong Ning stood by the water. Beside her, Lord Hai had changed into plain mourning attire and sat composed in a chair, accompanied by Magistrate Tao. The two blue-robed guards stood unarmed at either side.
The bailiffs and constables had removed their swords, while twenty monks had taken off their prayer beads and other spiritual talismans. They all stood at a respectful distance.
Lord Hai turned slightly and asked, “What time is it?”
“Almost midnight,” a bailiff reported.
Lord Hai frowned and looked at Hong Ning, his gaze questioning.
He had only agreed to wait because she had insisted that an important witness would appear tonight.
Understanding his concern, Hong Ning reassured him, “Rest assured, Lord Hai.” Jin Xiu would never deceive her.
Her request had been unusual and difficult to believe. Lord Hai had been skeptical at first, regretting that he had agreed so readily. If nothing happened tonight, he would surely become a laughingstock.
But seeing Hong Ning’s unwavering confidence, he gradually felt more at ease.
By contrast, Magistrate Tao was furious.
A bizarre murder had taken place at the temple—he would have preferred to stay as far away as possible.
However, since the prefect had personally summoned him, he had no choice but to accompany him, despite his unwillingness.
Now, hearing that this was yet another of Hong Ning’s ideas, his patience was running thin.
“What a load of nonsense!” Magistrate Tao snapped. “In my opinion, this must be the monks’ doing. Why don’t we arrest them all and interrogate them? They’ll confess soon enough!”
The abbot was so alarmed that he hurried forward and pressed his palms together. “Amitabha! This humble monk can guarantee that none of our temple’s monks are the culprits. I beg Your Lordship to see the truth clearly.”
Magistrate Tao sneered, “No outsiders were present in the temple that night—if it wasn’t the monks, then who else could it have been?”
The abbot faltered, unable to find an answer.
Lord Hai’s expression darkened. “This matter requires careful deliberation. Once the truth is uncovered, I will personally ensure that justice is served for your brother-in-law.”
Magistrate Tao let out a cold laugh. “Then tell me, when will this so-called important witness arrive?”
Midnight was fast approaching, yet there was no sign of movement.
Even Hong Ning was starting to feel uneasy.
She turned to the crowd and asked, “Are you absolutely certain you’ve all removed your weapons? And monks—are any of you still carrying spiritual artifacts?”
Everyone shook their heads.
Lord Hai studied her intently.
Hong Ning forced a calm smile. “She may have been delayed. Allow me to ask.”
Hong Ning stepped forward, facing the pond, and took a deep breath.
She pulled out a talisman from her robes, murmured an incantation while gazing at the sky, then clapped her hands together before tossing the talisman into the air.
The talisman floated upwards, drifting weightlessly before igniting on its own.
As the paper burned away, two large characters appeared in the air:
即到 (Arriving Soon).
The glowing words were as large as a battle drum, shimmering brightly for nearly ten seconds before slowly fading like fireflies dispersing in the night.
The spectacle was unmistakable.
The assembled crowd gasped in shock, instantly reevaluating her abilities—no longer daring to underestimate her.
Even Lord Hai seemed thoroughly convinced. “I didn’t expect Miss Hong to be so proficient in Daoist arts.”
In reality, Hong Ning had only performed a rudimentary illusion spell—a simple trick.
She had no other choice and had acted on impulse to stall for time.
Hearing Lord Hai’s words, she quickly bowed respectfully. “The witness will arrive shortly. I ask for both lords’ patience for just a little longer.”
Lord Hai nodded, and Magistrate Tao had no choice but to remain silent.
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