jdhmnovel Chapter 95 Inner Court
Chapter 95 Inner Court
Hearing the old man's rather impatient tone, Luo Sifan, though unsure why, still mustered the courage to bow to him.
"I've obtained the treasure, and I thank you for your guidance, senior. However, I have another important matter to discuss with you."
Old Master Zhao was taken aback, then said impatiently:
"Is there anything else? Speak quickly!"
Luo Sifan chose a crucial point and recounted how Lin Qianxiu and the other person had been tricked into coming to this place.
Old Master Zhao remained unusually silent, neither eager to interrupt or admit or deny the matter.
Luo Sifan was still describing the appearances of Lin Qianxiu and Uncle Qiao when he suddenly sensed something was wrong. He changed the subject, his expression stiffening.
"Senior! Are my two companions in this City Lord's Mansion? Please tell me the truth!"
Luo Sifan stared intently at the old man's expression in the light and shadow, clearly seeing a hesitant look of someone who knew the inside story but didn't want to say anything more.
The old man, feeling helpless under Luo Sifan's gaze, muttered a few words in a low voice, and his figure gradually disappeared as he swayed.
"Senior! These two are my closest friends. Please tell me their whereabouts!"
Seeing that he was about to slip away, Luo Sifan felt something was wrong and shouted anxiously. He bowed deeply to the thin figure in the void and pleaded.
The lingering shadow in the void dissipated, and there was no trace of Old Master Zhao's presence left in the study.
Luo Sifan's heart sank, but then he heard a low sigh and a faint, distant voice:
"Boy, if you're not afraid of death, come to the inner courtyard of the City Lord's Mansion. The girl you're looking for is right here."
Shu Hongyi and Jiang Wanfeng watched the two talking, completely unaware of Old Master Zhao's final message.
"That old man is hiding something! He clearly knows where Miss Lin is!"
Seeing that Luo Sifan's pleas to Old Master Zhao had been in vain, Shu Hongyi curled her lip and gave the elusive Old Master Zhao a disdainful look.
Luo Sifan shook her head and turned to Jiang Wanfeng to ask:
"Brother Jiang! Is there anything special about the inner courtyard of the City Lord's Mansion? I'm afraid I should visit this place."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Wanfeng recalled for a few moments, then his face showed surprise:
“Brother Lin! The inner courtyard and council chamber of the City Lord’s Mansion are both places that inspire fear. The difference between the two, I just remembered, is that those who have entered the inner courtyard of the City Lord’s Mansion have never come out again!”
Looking around the study, which was covered in the blood and gore of the monster's limbs, Jiang Wanfeng couldn't help but show a hint of fear on his face:
"Although this council chamber is dangerous, at least some people have survived, albeit seriously injured. Brother Lin, the inner courtyard of the City Lord's Mansion is probably ten times more dangerous!"
Having narrowly escaped death, Jiang Wanfeng, his blood boiling, followed Luo and Shu into the City Lord's Mansion. However, the hardships and bloodshed within the council chamber had worn away most of his courage.
Upon hearing that Luo Sifan intended to venture into the inner courtyard again, Jiang Wanfeng became extremely cautious.
"Senior Shu, Brother Jiang, let's leave the council chamber first!"
Luo Sifan frowned. Jiang Wanfeng's words were true, and Old Master Zhao had also warned him beforehand. The inner courtyard of the City Lord's Mansion must be a mysterious and dangerous place.
But Lin Qianxiu and the other two seemed to be already caught up in it, and he would feel uneasy if he didn't go.
Luo Sifan turned and left. Shu Hongyi looked longingly at the stacks of books in the bookcase, then steeled her heart, stamped her foot, and followed.
Jiang Wanfeng dared not linger here alone, and hurriedly followed the two down the council pavilion.
Stepping off the stairs, the oppressive atmosphere inside the council chamber dissipated, and the three felt much more relaxed.
"Brother Jiang, where is the entrance to the inner courtyard?"
Having made up his mind, Luo Sifan asked Jiang Wanfeng calmly.
Jiang Wanfeng, having calmed down, replied with a wry smile:
“Brother Lin, as far as I know, there is only one entrance to the inner courtyard. It is located on the north side of the backyard of the council hall. Just push it open and you will enter.”
After glancing at Shu Hongyi, Luo Sifan cupped his hands to the two of them and said:
"Please wait here while I go to the inner courtyard."
Shu Hongyi, who had remained silent the whole way, raised the Dragon-Slaying Sword in her hand, blocking Luo Sifan's path, and spoke up with dissatisfaction:
"Hey kid, wait a minute. How can you do something so good by yourself?"
Luo Sifan stopped, looking somewhat embarrassed, and glanced at Shu Hongyi:
"Senior Shu, this inner courtyard is far more dangerous than usual, and it's not a good place to go. I have no choice in the matter, so you shouldn't go, right?"
"What do you mean by 'having no choice'? I think you're just addicted to finding treasure!"
Shu Hongyi was still preoccupied with the fact that Luo Sifan had so easily accepted the painting treasure, and the look she gave Luo Sifan was quite disapproving.
“Senior Shu! This junior has no interest in any hidden treasure. Old Master Zhao sent word to me that Miss Lin and her companion are both in the inner courtyard. He also warned me that this place is extremely dangerous!”
Luo Sifan rolled her eyes at Shu Hongyi helplessly and truthfully relayed Old Master Zhao's message to the two of them.
Upon hearing this, Shu Hongyi put away the Dragon Slayer and pondered for a moment. Luo Sifan's expression seemed genuine. Shu Hongyi was ashamed of her own inferiority to Old Master Zhao's cultivation level. If even Old Master Zhao said that the inner courtyard was dangerous, Shu Hongyi would have to take it seriously.
Seeing that she had made way for him, Luo Sifan didn't bother to say anything more and went to the backyard of the council pavilion on his own.
Jiang Wanfeng wanted to follow, but he couldn't muster the courage and stayed behind, watching Luo Sifan's figure gradually disappear into the distance.
Just as Jiang Wanfeng had said, behind the council chamber, in the backyard, a round, double-leaf vermilion gate was hidden among white walls and green tiles.
Luo Sifan stood in front of the circular gate for a few breaths without any unusual behavior. He mustered his courage, grabbed the copper button on the door, and with a slight effort, the heavy vermilion gate opened as if the wind were blowing through the clouds.
Luo Sifan looked out at the world outside the door, a strange look appearing on his face.
Like looking through frosted glass, a plaza palace seemed to float faintly outside the door.
This feeling was quite familiar to Luo Sifan in the image of Old Master Zhao.
After a moment's hesitation, Luo Sifan boldly put her foot inside first.
As if there were gentle ripples on the water, Luo Sifan blinked and was surprised to see his toes appear outside the door at a slightly strange angle.
A feeling of panic and loss of control then connected Luo Sifan with the feet outside the door.
He wiggled his feet, and although he was a little slow, Luo Sifan felt that he could still control them.
So I steeled myself and stepped in, getting most of my body inside.
His soul felt as if struck by lightning, trembling and disoriented. In his great horror, Luo Sifan had lost control, and as if on drugs, he stared blankly ahead, continuing to move his entire body outside the door.
Luo Sifan inwardly cursed, unable to imagine the terrible consequences of being trapped in the outside world.
At this moment, the jade pendant at her waist moved and disappeared into the world outside the door.
A faint glow emanated from the fluttering jade pendant, gradually enveloping Luo Sifan's chest, abdomen, waist, and legs...
In the backyard of the council chamber, Luo Sifan's left hand, which was raised behind his back, struggled in panic, only to be tightly grasped by a jade-like hand that reached out horizontally.
It was Shu Hongyi who swept up from behind Luo Sifan.
Shu Hongyi frowned, her eyes fixed on the strange, otherworldly scene that Luo Sifan had witnessed after the courtyard gate opened, staring back in horror. She felt a bizarre force pulling her away as if she were about to be flown away.
If she doesn't let go soon, she'll probably be dragged into the otherworld by Luo Sifan at the door in the next second.