The great demons who had already taken human form and stabilized their souls inexplicably fled in haste from the surface of the Talisman-Iron River. With their retreat, the ringing of the bronze bell in Zhu He's hand naturally came to a halt. Yet fearing that these audacious demons, brazen enough to roam the mortal world under broad daylight, might have employed some illusionary trick, Zhu He cautioned against a hasty pursuit downstream. Instead, he lifted the ancient bell engraved with archaic seal script and began striding back and forth across the river's surface downstream, wandering vigilantly in wide arcs, lest any fiends lurked in shadows to ambush the innocent.
Thus, after packing their belongings, Chen Ping'an and his companions remained where they were, watching Zhu He dart about like a headless fly. Li Huai was laughing heartily, Lin Shouyi was filled with curiosity, while Zhu Lu, feeling utterly embarrassed, wished she could drag her father back to stop his senseless antics and save face—after all, a young girl's pride is a delicate thing.
By chance, Chen Ping'an noticed that Ah Liang's expression remained composed, devoid of his usual teasing and jests toward Zhu He. Catching Chen Ping'an's glance, Ah Liang removed his wine gourd and grinned, asking, "Still not drinking?"
Chen Ping'an shook his head. Ah Liang turned to Lin Shouyi instead. "Boy, you've just encountered a rare sight—several demons, not just one. How about a sip of wine to calm your nerves?"
Perhaps because it was his first encounter with such legendary creatures, Lin Shouyi's heart stirred. After a moment's hesitation, he nodded. "I'll try a sip."
Ah Liang shot a sly glance at Chen Ping'an, resuming his roguish demeanor. "See? That's what I call good fortune. You, kid, just weren't born to enjoy the easy life."
Lin Shouyi took the small silver gourd, tilted his head back, and took a gentle sip. His face instantly turned crimson. Already fair-skinned from a life of comfort, the blush made him glow like a burning ember. Cupping his mouth with his palm to avoid spitting it out, he felt the fire scorching his throat, the heat spreading through his organs—his whole body trembled. For a first drink, this was a rude awakening. Embarrassed, Lin Shouyi bit his lip, ready for another sip, but Ah Liang had already taken the gourd back, pressing a hand lightly on the youth's shoulder with a smile.
"True joy in drinking comes from restraint. From now on, I'll give you just one sip a day. I promise, before long, the world shall gain another carefree soul, untouched by sorrow."
Li Huai, always quick with his tongue, exposed him with a grin. "Just say you're too stingy to let Lin Shouyi have more."
Ah Liang sighed dramatically, retrieving his hand and securing the gourd at his waist. "Can you blame me? This wine's of the highest origin and exorbitant value—and more importantly, priceless. Lin Shouyi simply stumbled into great fortune."
Li Huai asked tentatively, "Can I have a sip too?"
Ah Liang hastily tucked the gourd away. "You're too young. Your qi vessels haven't matured yet. Strong liquor would damage your foundation."
Li Huai blinked, then burst into a tantrum. "Ah Liang, screw you! Two years ago at New Year's dinner, I was already dipping my chopsticks in liquor! That was our town's strongest baijiu—my dad said I take after him. Everyone knows he's the town's toughest drinker! Since last spring, he's been dunking me in herbal wine every month. I just need to lower my head to take a sip. And now you're telling me this?!"
Ah Liang winced with an "Oof," then glanced at the little firecracker. No wonder, he thought. Despite his age, the boy kept pace with the entire group without so much as a blister—far sturdier than Lin Shouyi. Clearly, the wine baths were honing his physique. For the first time, Ah Liang examined Li Huai closely. What he saw stunned him: the child's internal essence had been purposefully veiled by a powerful martial art. But Ah Liang, now that he was intent on seeing, pierced through the veil with ease.
In his eyes, Li Huai's body revealed a mystical landscape of meridians and qi flow—muscular "mountains" steady and robust, "waters" fierce yet controlled, with violet aura faintly rising. At one key acupoint, all the channels converged, steam rising like mist from a great marsh—undeniably remarkable.
Clicking his tongue in amazement, Ah Liang muttered, "Who would've thought the old man I randomly called father-in-law would turn out to be someone special. Li Huai, what's your father's full name? Maybe someone I know has heard of him."
Li Huai fell silent, his face darkening as he walked away alone, disinclined to respond.
Lin Shouyi quietly explained, "Li Huai's father is named Li Er, a notorious drunk and idler in our town. Never worked a proper job all year. Back when we were in school, Li Huai was often mocked because of him. At first, he fought back and even got into a few scuffles. But eventually, he must've realized his father was truly a lost cause and stopped caring."
Ah Liang chuckled, "This little brat doesn't know how good he has it."
The comment was offhand, but Lin Shouyi took it to heart, storing it silently.
Roughly half an hour later, Zhu He finally returned, smiling. "All clear within ten miles—no anomalies from the bell. We can set out now."
Li Baoping handed him a water flask with a bright smile. "Uncle Zhu, thank you for your hard work."
Zhu He took the flask and replied heartily, "Miss, this is merely my duty."
Zhu Lu watched silently, her gaze dim, then turned toward the waterfall of the Iron Talisman River, biting her lip. She remained quiet, her emotions a turbulent swirl, as elusive as mountain wind or river mist.
Chen Ping'an, meanwhile, stared intently at the demon-repelling bell in Zhu He's hand. Aside from Miss Ning's flying sword, this was the second genuine magical artifact he had ever seen up close. He watched it with keen fascination.
Zhu He, not the stingy type, generously handed the bell over. "This was gifted by our ancestor before I set out. He said it's not of the highest grade among celestial treasures, but whenever a demon in human guise draws near, the bell will ring on its own, its clear chimes warding off enchantments and serving as a warning. It also helps with concentration and clarity of mind. In fact, our ancestor joked that a brave cultivator could live beside a harmless demon and use the bell's chimes to temper their heart and spirit. Of course, such demons are rare—both harmless and patient enough to endure the constant noise—so it's more a jest than a real suggestion."
Chen Ping'an carefully took the bell, while Zhu He led his horse and walked beside him. "Large ones are called gongs, small ones bells. Celestial artifacts like this often ward off evil and protect dwellings. Common folks hang wind chimes under their eaves mainly for decoration. But if it's a consecrated one from a temple, blessed by a virtuous monk or priest, it may indeed repel malevolence and invite blessings."
When the boy gently shook the bell, Zhu He burst into laughter. "Without demons nearby, the two inner clappers barely move, so the bell stays silent. Otherwise, it'd drive the owner crazy with constant ringing!"
Understanding the reasoning, Chen Ping'an was about to return the precious artifact, but his sleeve was tugged. The little girl in the red cotton jacket looked at him with hopeful eyes. Seeing Zhu He smile and nod, he handed it to Li Baoping, who seized it with both hands and began examining it intently, flipping it this way and that. She occasionally yanked the clappers with all her strength, making Chen Ping'an increasingly anxious. He kept warning her to be careful and not break it.
As he watched her, Chen Ping'an couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Zhu, those demons in the river—won't they harm people? Are there many such strange beings in our Great Li Dynasty?"
Zhu He did not answer casually...