Master is Also Running Away from Marriage Today (Transmigration) - Chapter 25

Mu Ling was unaware of the events that transpired with the peddler after she left.

After entering Liao Family Village with Lin Qingge, they quickly found Squire Liao’s residence following the directions given by the villagers.

Squire Liao’s estate was built against the mountain, occupying an enormous area with roughly a hundred buildings. At a glance, its boundaries were impossible to discern.

Even in broad daylight, the gates of Squire Liao’s residence remained tightly shut.

Mu Ling knocked on the door and stated her purpose.

After a long wait, someone from inside the Liao residence finally came to open the door.

The one who greeted them was an elderly gatekeeper. After sizing up the two women, he led them to a side room and unfurled a thick ledger. “This records the names of all the cultivators who have come here over the past few months. Everyone who entered signed a waiver of liability. You two may look through it.”

Sure enough, Mu Ling found Bai Mufeng’s name in the ledger from two months prior.

“Then it’s likely this Master Bai also met with misfortune. My condolences to you both,” the gatekeeper sighed deeply, whispering a few words to a servant beside him. Before long, the servant returned with a small chest of spirit stones. “This is a token of our master’s sympathy. Please accept it.”

Mu Ling did not take the chest. Instead, she cupped her hands in a respectful gesture. “We would appreciate it if you could inform your master that we are somewhat versed in the mystic arts and wish to visit the place where Master Bai disappeared.”

“Young ladies, I urge you to heed an old man’s advice,” the gatekeeper studied them for a moment before shaking his head and gesturing for them to leave. “To be frank, many cultivators have come over the past six months, and most never returned. You two are still so young. Don’t throw your lives away needlessly.”

Mu Ling stood firm, unmoving.

The gatekeeper sighed again but did not insist on their departure. Instead, he called for a servant to escort Mu Ling and Lin Qingge to a small courtyard. “Rest here for now. Meals will be delivered to you, and we will do our best to accommodate any requests. Whenever you wish to leave, just let us know.”

The courtyard’s layout adhered to the principles of the Five Elements, with a simple array set up in the center to prevent anyone from leaving. There were even numerous hidden surveillance mechanisms.

Mu Ling glanced around. Surrounding this courtyard were many similar ones, each housing varying numbers of people. Clearly, the Liao residence was no stranger to visitors seeking lost relatives.

Mu Ling pressed her lips together. It seemed just as the peddler had said. Squire Liao had long given up on finding a mystic to save his son.

With this path now blocked, Mu Ling decided to investigate the back mountain for any possible clues.

The array in the courtyard naturally posed no obstacle to Mu Ling. Without much effort, she discreetly dismantled it, and she and Lin Qingge made their way to the back mountain.

Perhaps to prevent accidental entry, the mountain pass was heavily guarded. But ordinary guards could not stop Mu Ling and Lin Qingge. After surveying the area, they were about to choose a secluded spot to enter when suddenly, a long howl echoed through the forest. In an instant, the entire mountain seemed encased in an invisible barrier. Despite several attempts, they found themselves temporarily unable to breach it.

As the guards began searching the area for intruders, Mu Ling and Lin Qingge chose not to linger and returned once more to the small courtyard.

No sooner had they returned to the courtyard than a clamor erupted outside, followed by the sounds of a scuffle. Mu Ling stepped out the door and immediately spotted Bai Fengqing standing atop his sword in midair.

What an unfortunate encounter!

“Senior Mu is a disciple of the Bai Xu Sect, and his life is now hanging by a thread. Yet you insolent commoners dare to obstruct our search? Such audacity!” Bai Junhao, usually mild-mannered, now wore a stern expression as he rebuked the crowd.

A heap of people some of them cultivators lay sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain.

The gatekeeper, his face twisted in distress, brightened upon spotting Mu Ling nearby. “These two young ladies are also here to seek Master Bai. Why don’t the four of you sit down and discuss this properly? Allow me to inform the master of the house.”

Mu Ling hadn’t expected to run into the Bai brothers here. Though she had taken a Disguise Pill, Bai Fengqing’s piercing gaze sent a shiver down her spine. His eyes were far too sharp.

“Ahem, Uncle Fu, since these esteemed guests have come for me, you may withdraw.” Just then, a frail voice interrupted. A sickly-looking man, leaning on a servant for support, slowly stepped forward and bowed to Mu Ling and the others. “I am Liao Kun. Greetings, honored immortals.”

Liao Kun appeared to be around fifty, with a benevolent and kindly face. Both Mu Ling and Lin Qingge were taken aback upon seeing him, and even Bai Fengqing’s expression softened.

Liao Kun bore the visage of a “Ten-Life Good Man” meaning he had been a virtuous soul for ten consecutive lifetimes, dedicating himself to charitable deeds like building bridges and paving roads.

Such individuals possessed distinct features: exceptionally long earlobes, clear and serene eyes, and an aura of tranquility. Had Liao Kun encountered a high-ranking cultivator in his youth, he might have been guided into the Bodhi Crossing Sect, one of the Four Great Sects specializing in Buddhist cultivation.

But now, it was too late. A thick aura of death clung to him, signaling his dwindling lifespan.

Bai Junhao, his cultivation damaged and internal injuries unhealed over the years, had made no progress in his techniques. He failed to recognize Liao Kun’s Ten-Life Good Man appearance. Still, seeing the man they sought, his tone eased as they followed Liao Kun into the main hall.

“You two must be disciples of the Bai Xu Sect,” Liao Kun remarked, gesturing for the four to sit. His gaze lingered on Bai Junhao and Bai Fengqing. “My only son, Liao Mingxin, was also blessed with fine features, around your age.”

“Our ages likely surpass your sons by a hundredfold,” Bai Junhao replied with a polite chuckle, steering the conversation back on track. “We hope Master Liao can share all the details about the strange occurrences in the back mountains. Perhaps we can help you find your son.”

“To think you both appear so young yet possess such profound cultivation! Truly rare talents of the Bai Xu Sect.” A glimmer of hope flickered in Liao Kun’s weary eyes as he stared at the Bai brothers. “Your presence brings honor to my humble home!”

“We are but modestly renowned,” Bai Junhao said, fanning himself with a trace of impatience. “Time is of the essence. We plan to enter the mountains today. Please provide us with any useful information.”

Liao Kun’s expression stiffened before he began recounting the events surrounding his son’s disappearance. His account largely matched what the peddler had said earlier. Liao Mingxin, Liao Kun’s son, had been exceptionally gifted since childhood, earning the title of xiucai at a young age. He had planned to travel to the capital for the imperial examinations this year but suddenly vanished near the back mountain.

From the outside, the back mountain appeared no different than usual, but once inside, it was shrouded in thick black mist. Liao Kun had sent many people in, but none had returned.

“Earlier, the two of us tried to sneak into the back mountain, but as soon as we reached the entrance, it felt like an invisible barrier had formed, accompanied by a long, eerie howl. Why is that?”

Mu Ling and Lin Qingge sat to the side, taken aback by how things had unfolded. They hastily fabricated identities, claiming to be old friends of Bai Mufeng. Given Bai Mufeng’s wide social circle, the Bai brothers didn’t question it, though Bai Fengqing seemed to study Mu Ling carefully for a moment before saying nothing.

“So, the two of you have already been to the back mountain.” Liao Kun said with a bitter smile upon hearing Mu Ling’s words. He stood and led the four of them deeper inside. “That was due to a rare artifact I collected, one with protective properties. Fearing others might wander into the back mountain by mistake, I set it up. Once activated, the artifact requires a token to allow entry.”

Liao Kun guided them into an inner chamber and handed each of them a jade tablet engraved with strange symbols. “This is the Nine Revolutions Talisman. Wearing it will allow you to pass through the mountain gate.”

Then, with great care, he opened another chest. As soon as the lid was lifted, the room filled with a radiant glow. At the bottom of the chest lay a mirror shimmering with iridescent light.

“This is the Mirror of Discernment. I purchased it at great cost from another, hearing it could distinguish the hearts of ghosts and men, as well as bewitch minds. I don’t know if it will be of any use to you immortals, but if you rescue my son, I will gladly gift it to you.” Liao Kun held up the mirror for each of them to see.

Mu Ling studied the mirror, feeling an odd sensation. Unable to resist, she probed it with her spiritual senses. Though it carried a faint trace of array energy, it was hardly a powerful artifact. Likely, Liao Kun, being a mortal, had been deceived into believing it was a formidable magical tool.

Clearly, the Bai brothers also saw little value in the mirror, glancing at it briefly before turning away. “We should head up the mountain as soon as possible!”

“Then I leave it in your hands, all four of you!”

Squire Liao said no more, leaning on his servant’s arm as he shakily accompanied the group to the back mountain.

It was only through casual conversation that Mu Ling learned the Bai brothers had encountered Aunt Zhou from next door on their way here. Seeing these two young men claim to be Bai Mufeng’s juniors and visit frequently, she had informed them of Bai Mufeng’s whereabouts in Liao Village.

Soon, they arrived at the back mountain.

Listening to Squire Liao’s incessant coughing, Mu Ling hesitated to reveal the existence of her spiritual spring water in front of the Bai brothers. Instead, she offered him a few pills. “Take one daily with water. It will soothe your cough.”

But Squire Liao did not accept the medicine. He gazed deeply at Mu Ling, his face twisting into a bitter smile. “My son’s fate is unknown, my wife has already passed, and I toss and turn every night, unable to sleep. A worthless life like mine is nothing compared to you immortals. Keep the medicine for yourselves. This broken body is beyond saving anyway.”

After speaking, Squire Liao coughed twice and added, “The back mountain is dangerous. Once you enter, life and death are uncertain. I see that you two don’t possess the same extraordinary skills as those two young masters. Why not stay in the manor and wait for good news?”

“Since we’ve come this far, there’s no reason not to go in,” Mu Ling said, casting a deep glance at the dense forest of the back mountain before firmly pressing the medicinal pills into Squire Liao’s hand. “Life has no distinction of high or low. You must take care of yourself. Keep these pills and take them on time.”

With that, Mu Ling didn’t wait for Liao Kun’s reaction and flew into the mountain forest on her sword.

Once inside the back mountain, everything was just as Liao Kun had described. Endless black mist surged toward them instantly. Sensing the aura of the mist, Mu Ling was shocked. It was thick with demonic energy!

But by then, retreat was no longer an option. Behind them was only void, with no exit in sight.

“It’s the work of the demon clan!” Bai Junhao ahead also paled, likely recalling his past encounters with the demons.

With no way back, the four of them could only proceed cautiously through the black mist. Yet the mist seemed endless, shrouding the forest so densely that visibility was reduced to less than five meters. Occasionally, rustling sounds emerged from the darkness, hinting at unseen presences lurking within.

As they pressed forward, they found no flaws in the path. After what felt like an eternity, the black mist gradually began to disperse, and a bright, silver-like full moon faintly appeared through the branches above.

But this moon looked bizarre; upon closer inspection, red patterns swirled across its surface!

“No! That’s no moon!” Bai Junhao exclaimed in alarm.

Mu Ling realized it too. This “moon” emitted an eerie glow, and staring at it too long caused dizziness in one’s consciousness.

“Turn away!” Mu Ling quickly grabbed Lin Qingge’s hand and turned her own head, only to be met with a blinding light as bright as day!

—It was the “Mirror of the Heart” they had seen in Squire Liao’s room earlier. Now, the mirror radiated intensely, its center swirling with a sinister vortex-like light that cast an eerie projection onto the trees, sucking all four of them into the mirror!

…

Meanwhile, in the study of the Liao residence in the back mountain, a young man sat before Liao Kun, leisurely reading aloud. Liao Kun coughed twice, his gaze falling on the young man’s shadow cast on the floor. A shadow that twisted and clawed like a half-human, half-beast creature.

Closing his eyes, Liao Kun spoke hoarsely, “I see those two girls are kind-hearted. Can you spare them?”

“Spare them?” The young man suddenly laughed, his eyes gleaming with malice. “Others might be spared, but never these two!”

When Mu Ling awoke, she found herself wearing a red bridal veil inside a wedding sedan. Instinctively, she tried to regulate her breathing, only to discover she had lost all her spiritual power!

The clamor of suona music surrounded her.

The sedan was shabby, with no red satin lining the bottom just bare wooden planks, like those used by impoverished families.

As the sedan swayed through streets and alleys, Mu Ling tried to call out but found herself unable to speak or even move a muscle.

This felt different from the illusion she had experienced before. This time, Mu Ling realized it was her own body, yet she had no control over it at all.

What in the world was happening? Where had everyone else gone?

Shocked and bewildered, Mu Ling could find no clues.

“We’re here, we’re here! Hurry and help the bride out of the sedan chair. Don’t miss the auspicious hour!”

After what felt like an eternity, a crowd surged forward and helped Mu Ling out of the sedan chair.

In a daze, she was guided over a basin of fire and then stood before the hall. The room was bustling with noise, as if many people had gathered.

Through the hem of her veil, Mu Ling caught sight of a pair of embroidered shoes adorned with red lotuses across from her.

For a moment, it felt like a bolt of lightning had struck her!

These were the very shoes she had picked out with Lin Qingge a few days ago at a mortal shop to conceal their identities.

Could Qingge be here too?

Most likely, Qingge was in the same situation as her. Otherwise, given Qingge’s temperament, she would never allow herself to be manipulated like this.

“Groom, are you happy today?” Mu Ling heard someone teasing playfully.

Sure enough, Lin Qingge’s voice rang out from across the room. Normally cool and composed, her voice now carried the pure joy of a young girl who had just received her favorite candy: “Of course I’m happy!”

Someone nearby chimed in, “Liao Kun! Who would’ve thought you’d be the one to win the beauty’s heart? To marry a lady as lovely as Miss Meng.”

So now she was the “Meng family’s lady,” and Lin Qingge had become “Liao Kun.” This was their wedding.

Could all of this really be connected to Liao Kun?

Mu Ling had already grown suspicious of Liao Kun when she saw that mirror, and now this scene only confirmed her suspicions.

What exactly was Liao Kun trying to do?

Just then, the matchmaker outside drew out her voice in a loud announcement: “The auspicious hour has arrived!”

Hearing this, Mu Ling felt her scalp prickle with dread. She had no time to dwell on Liao Kun’s oddities. Her only thought was to resist the wedding ceremony. Yet no matter how hard she struggled, her body moved forward against her will, guided by the hands of others. Amid the crowd’s teasing, she followed the matchmaker’s commands:

“First bow to heaven and earth!”

“Second bow to the ancestors!”

“Husband and wife bow to each other!”

“Ceremony complete! Escort them to the bridal chamber!”

As Mu Ling felt herself bowing, her entire body burned with humiliation!

Her little disciple must have recognized her by now! If this were like the illusion before, where she was in someone else’s body, it might have been bearable. But this was her own body!

What would Qingge think?

Fortunately, it wasn’t long before Mu Ling found herself being led into a side room and seated on the edge of the bed.

“Miss Meng!” Perhaps worried she might feel lonely; a few elderly women came over to chat with her. “Young Kun lost his parents early, and we folks from Nishui Bay practically watched him grow up. He’s a loyal and righteous boy. I once gave him a bag of rice when he was little, and all these years, he’s often come to help me with chores. ”

“That’s right! Kun truly cherishes you,” another old woman added. “When he heard that city ladies place a pair of wild geese on their dowries when they marry, he went up the mountain in the dead of winter to hunt two of them.”

“You don’t know this, but Brother Kun saw you once before. Back then, he was just a young dockhand for the shipping company. When I happened to pass by the pier where his boat was moored, I noticed him staring blankly in one direction, completely lost in thought. When I moved closer to see, it turned out he was watching you bringing food to your father.”

…

Mu Ling heard herself speak softly, her tone tinged with shyness: “I understand the kindness of all you aunties. I’ll treat Brother Liao well from now on.”

In the words of these elders, Liao Kun was upright and kind-hearted, just as his appearance said to be that of a man who had done ten lifetimes of good deeds suggested he was an absolute saint. But if that were true, why had he schemed to bring her to this place? Was he connected to the strangeness at the back of the mountain?

She had no idea how much time had passed when the surroundings suddenly fell silent. Mu Ling bit her lower lip, feeling the wedding veil over her head stiflingly hot, as if she were being steamed alive, making it hard to even breathe.

With a creak, the door opened from outside, and a crowd of people poured in, surrounding her.

“Time to lift the veil!”

A few children bounced over, tugging at the hem of Mu Ling’s skirt. “We want to see the bride.”

Amid the clamor, Mu Ling realized someone had sat down opposite her. That person seemed to chuckle, and then, with a sudden lightness, the veil was lifted.

Lin Qingge, seated across from her, was also dressed in red. She had always been strikingly beautiful, usually appearing cold and aloof, untouchable. But now, the vibrant hue of the wedding robes softened the frostiness in her expression. Perhaps from drinking, her jade-like cheeks were faintly flushed, and her lips, tinted with rouge, gave her an almost bewitching allure.

At this moment, Lin Qingge was staring at her unblinkingly, her eyes slightly dazed, brimming with complex emotions.

Poor little disciple must be terrified out of her wits!

Mu Ling sighed inwardly, desperately trying to convey her helplessness through her gaze.

“Look at this!” someone teased good-naturedly. “Brother Kun is so happy he’s gone dumb! Can’t take his eyes off his bride.”

The crowd burst into laughter.

Mu Ling caught a flicker of annoyance in Lin Qingge’s eyes.

Though she knew it was inappropriate, Mu Ling couldn’t help but find this version of Qingge somewhat endearing.

Qingge had always been so composed; this was the first time she’d ever been so flustered. The hours of greeting guests and toasting must have been pure torture for her.

Lin Qingge noticed the faint amusement in Mu Ling’s eyes, and her own darkened.

But what goes around comes around. Mu Ling’s amusement didn’t last long.

“Time for the ceremonial wine!” The matchmaker’s voice rang out again.

A cup was pressed into Mu Ling’s hand.

Her heart pounded like a drum, her fingers trembling slightly around the cup. She could only stare wide-eyed as Lin Qingge’s flawlessly beautiful face drew closer, her arm reaching around Mu Ling.

Mu Ling felt her face burning as if on fire, yet she could only watch herself lower her head slightly and drink the wine.

The sweet liquor burned its way down, searing her insides. Without her spiritual power, Mu Ling had always been a lightweight, and now she felt utterly dizzy, as if floating outside of time.

At some point, the guests had dispersed. By the time Mu Ling regained her senses, she was already lying on the simple bed, scattered with peanuts and longans.

“My lady, you’re truly beautiful!” Lin Qingge propped her cheek with one hand, reclining beside Mu Ling with a smile. Her collar was slightly undone, revealing delicate collarbones, and her usually immaculate hair was now a bit disheveled. Perhaps the lighting was too dim, but Mu Ling noticed an unusual tenderness in Lin Qingge’s expression. That breathtakingly gorgeous face paired with such gentle emotions made Mu Ling feel her head grow hot.

This was too bewitching!

Mu Ling’s eyes widened as her heart pounded so fiercely it nearly leapt from her chest. Yet she could only watch helplessly as Lin Qingge slowly lowered her head, her lips landing on Mu Ling’s forehead.

Lin Qingge’s breath carried the sweet fragrance of wine. Mu Ling could see the trembling of her eyelashes, delicate as butterfly wings. Perhaps even her breath was intoxicating, for in that moment, Mu Ling felt herself drowning in Lin Qingge’s presence. Unable to resist, she closed her eyes and let out a soft, involuntary whimper.

Lin Qingge’s hand, which was gripping Mu Ling’s waistband, suddenly trembled violently.

In the next moment, Mu Ling felt Lin Qingge roll to the side. A few rapid breaths followed, then another ‘crash’; Mu Ling heard something shatter. She realized she could move again!

She quickly scrambled up and jumped off the bed, but when she raised her eyes, she met Lin Qingge’s complicated gaze. Mu Ling froze, about to speak, when a familiar wave of dizziness overwhelmed her. As darkness swallowed her, Lin Qingge’s slightly hoarse voice seemed to linger in her ears: “Forgive my impertinence, Master.”