Zhou Li and Gan Hua exchanged a glance, both filled with doubt.
So, did she actually find Kong Lingfeng in the secret chamber of the forbidden grounds?
And why wouldn't Kong Shan Kui pursue the matter of tonight?
Although they both wanted to know what had happened as soon as possible, seeing the exhaustion on Su Yan's face, they swallowed the words that were on the tip of their tongues.
No matter what, as long as she was safe and sound, it was fine.
When the two reached the door, Su Yan spoke to Gan Hua again: "I will keep Kong Shan Kui's token for the time being. I'll find an opportunity to return it to him directly."
Gan Hua showed a worried expression.
Su Yan added, "If I return it to him, he won't blame me."
Although her tone was very calm, her attitude was extremely firm, and this way, it wouldn't involve him.
Gan Hua thought about how Kong Shan Kui had always wanted to recruit Su Yan; since Kong Shan Kui wouldn't even pursue her for trespassing in the forbidden grounds, it was indeed better for her to return the token herself.
He no longer dwelled on it and chose to leave along with Zhou Li.
Su Yan's mind was still a chaotic mess, unable to recover from the fact that the ghost shadow was Kong Lingfeng.
She thought back to the day she had subdued the ghost shadow and brought it back.
Granny Li had let the ghost shadow follow her constantly, so did the Granny already know the ghost shadow's identity back then?
With Granny being such a powerful and miraculous person, how could she not have known?
She knew the ghost shadow was her mother's killer, yet she still let it stay by her side—was she trying to make the ghost shadow atone for its sins?
Her head throbbed with splitting pain.
Finally, she lay down on her bed, used a calming talisman, and fell into a deep sleep as quickly as possible.
Many things had happened this night, yet it felt as if nothing had happened at all.
The morning sun rose as usual, and the disciples of the Kong family bathed in the morning light as they practiced spiritual power and talismans.
The morning meal was also delivered to Su Yan's door as per custom; no one mentioned the events of last night.
After waking up, Su Yan subconsciously touched her Qiankun bag.
However, the ghost shadow was no longer inside.
*Knock, knock, knock.*
"Senior Sister Su, are you awake?"
Zhou Li's cautious inquiry sounded from outside the door.
Su Yan gave an "Mhm" before getting up from the bed.
The door pushed open, and Zhou Li walked in, a look of relief on his face.
He had suffered from insomnia for an entire night, fearing that the Kong family would move against them overnight.
But once dawn arrived and no one came to cause trouble, he finally believed Su Yan when she said Kong Shan Kui would not pursue the matter.
"Senior Sister Su, your complexion is much better today than when you returned last night."
After sizing Su Yan up, his heart finally settled.
Su Yan looked as if she had completely recovered, and she sat directly at the dining table.
Seeing her about to eat, Zhou Li actually spoke up to stop her.
"Wait a moment."
After saying that, he exaggeratedly took out a silver needle and tested every single dish.
Su Yan was incredibly helpless regarding his behavior. "If the Kong family wanted our lives, they wouldn't use such methods."
"One must always be wary of others; I'm just being prepared for any eventuality," Zhou Li said as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Su Yan picked up her utensils and began to eat, just as she did every other day.
"Senior Sister Su, what exactly happened last night?"
Zhou Li eventually couldn't help but ask, though he specifically lowered his voice to prevent eavesdropping.
Su Yan's movements paused for a moment.
Zhou Li continued to press, "Did you find Kong Lingfeng?"
"I found him." Su Yan spoke the truth, but her expression gradually darkened.
Zhou Li's emotions flared. "You really found him? Wasn't it said that he had died long ago?"
"He is indeed dead."
Zhou Li: "..."
Why did he not quite understand the meaning behind Su Yan's words?
Su Yan had lost all appetite and set down her utensils.
"Senior Sister Su, did you find Kong Lingfeng's corpse?" After thinking calmly for a few seconds, Zhou Li realized this was likely the only possibility.
As expected, Su Yan did not refute him.
Zhou Li let out a heavy sigh; in truth, he had probably already guessed this would be the result.
After all, Kong Shan Kui couldn't possibly deceive them regarding such a matter.
Since Kong Lingfeng was dead, Su Yan naturally could not continue her revenge, which was why Kong Shan Kui would overlook her intrusion into the forbidden grounds.
He felt his deduction was not wrong.
"Senior Sister Su, don't be too angry. Since Kong Lingfeng is dead, he got what he deserved; you could say he met his retribution early."
He could only comfort her this way.
Su Yan chose to remain silent.
"Senior Sister Su, are we still staying with the Kong family?" Zhou Li asked while carefully observing her reaction.
The Kong family's intention to recruit Su Yan was far too obvious. Now that it was certain Kong Lingfeng was dead, there was no need for them to stay, unless Su Yan herself wanted to be recruited.
Just as Su Yan was about to answer, the sound of hurried footsteps and voices suddenly came from outside.
The two exchanged a glance and stood up to walk out simultaneously.
The disciples of the Kong family were all running out from their respective rooms.
Zhou Li randomly stopped one of them. "Senior Brother, what happened?"
"It seems there is evil presence appearing again in the southern part of the manor, and it has already threatened the surrounding villages."
After the Kong disciple finished speaking, he hurried toward the assembly point.
Zhou Li's brow furrowed deeply; he hadn't expected things to be so unstable even here in the Kong family.
"Senior Sister Su, let's go take a look as well."
Although they had no connection to the Kong family, as long as there were evil spirits causing chaos and threatening commoners, they could not stand by and watch.
Su Yan followed closely behind.
This time, not only were all the Kong family disciples present, but the Second Elder Kong Ling and the Third Elder Kong Chao were also there. Finally, even Kong Shan Kui and Kong Xiang arrived.
Looking at the imposing formation of the Kong family, Zhou Li, standing not far away, couldn't help but sigh.
"The Kong family still has quite a lot of heritage."
Su Yan's eyes flickered slightly. As one of the four great families, the Kong family had guarded this place for thousands of years; they were certainly not to be underestimated.
Gan Hua, Ruan Tao, and Kong Yueling were all standing in the ranks. Compared to these younger disciples, those standing at the front were the truly powerful exorcists of the Kong family.
Kong Shan Kui made arrangements methodically, demanding that the disciples on this expedition must thoroughly slay all demons inside and outside the manor.
With the command given, the team set off, led by the Second and Third Elders.
The disciples left behind remained on standby, prepared to provide support at any time.
Su Yan's gaze fell upon Kong Shan Kui's tall and imposing figure. The pressure his every word and movement exerted was truly immense. Even if he did nothing and just stood there, he was fully capable of intimidating everyone.
"Su Yan, do you know? Actually, this Clan Leader Kong is also a once-in-a-century innate talent for the Kong family," Zhou Li whispered in Su Yan's ear.
(End of Chapter)