I Have A Dual World Seal

The sky was dark, and rows of lanterns were hung up, with their little sparks reflecting against the night sky of Tonglin County, creating an interesting scene. However, the bustling crowds in Tonglin County added a sense of hustle and human warmth not found in the sky.

"It's so lively!" Liu Qingyan exclaimed.

"So beautiful!" Liu Qingquan pointed to a large lantern hanging in the town center, "Isn't that Sister Shen?"

Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan looked in the direction Liu Qingquan was pointing, and they saw a humanoid lantern floating in the center of the town, as tall as three people.

The lantern depicted a woman's figure, with clothing identical to that of the Peach Blossom Fairy's sculpture in Taohua Temple. Indeed, ancient craftsmanship was quite impressive, as the head and face of the lantern weren't flat but made of woven bamboo strips, creating a three-dimensional appearance that exhibited the grace and peace of the Peach Blossom Fairy in Taohua Temple.

…

The daytime market gathering wasn't much to speak of, somewhat like an enhanced Qixi Festival. Lu Zheng accompanied the Liu Family Sisters to stroll through the market, watched some performances, bought some items, and then participated in and watched the City God Temple's blessing ceremony. However, due to the overwhelming crowd, they did not join in the frenzy to burn incense and offer prayers.

In the evening, after having dinner at home, they were pulled out again by the excited Liu Qingquan.

…

Tonglin County, adorned with numerous lanterns, indeed had a different flavor compared to the daytime. Though only a county, the common people also seized this rare festival in the year to relax. Each shop hung distinctive lanterns at their entrances, and many stores held small contests to win lanterns or other prizes.

Lu Zheng looked around. Although there were riddle-solving activities, they weren't considered traditional programs, in line with other activities like pitch-pot, ring-toss, stilt-walking, and tug-of-war.

Also, Lu Zheng was looking for a chance to unleash his big trick, but even though some shops offered rewards for poetry writing, those rewards didn't attract the Liu Family Sisters, and they never participated.

They were interested in…

"Brother Lu is amazing!" Lu Zheng, through pitch-pot, got a sugar figurine for Liu Qingquan.

"Thank you, Lu Lang!" Lu Zheng helped Liu Qingyan win a book of novels by solving riddles.

Lu Zheng blinked, pointed to a bookstore in the distance, "Do you want a piece of calligraphy to hang in Renxin Hall?"

Liu Qingyan glanced over and shook her head, "I'd prefer Lu Lang's handwriting, we might as well buy a blank scroll for Lu Lang to write on."

Lu Zheng rubbed his chin, seemingly the only piece of calligraphy he'd shown was the running script of the 'Peach Blossoms' stele in Taohua Temple?

"Alright!" Lu Zheng smacked the palm of his left hand with the fist of his right, "We'll buy a blank scroll, and I'll burn incense, bathe, concentrate, and write a world-shocking piece of calligraphy!"

Liu Qingyan smiled sweetly, gently pulled Liu Qingquan, and then walked away with Lu Zheng.

…

But before they reached the bookstore, they saw Chief Liu with two constables passing through the crowd, looking around.

When Chief Liu saw Lu Zheng, his eyes lit up. He immediately pushed past the blocking townspeople and approached Lu Zheng in a few steps.

"Young Master Lu!"

"Chief Liu." Lu Zheng cupped his hands in respect, "Is there a problem?"

Chief Liu nodded repeatedly, "The people reported to the officials, children missing. At first, we thought the kids were just playing and hadn't returned home, but when three families in succession reported to the officials, I felt something was wrong. So, I came out with my men to search the streets."

"Then why are you looking for me…" Lu Zheng vaguely sensed something.

Chief Liu grinned, repeatedly clasping his hands together, "Old Liu didn't intend to trouble you, but since we've met, hehe, the 'Five Talisman Technique' from White Cloud Temple is renowned. I plead with you to show mercy and lend a righteous hand."

Lu Zheng frowned, "How many families?"

Chief Liu immediately said, "Four families!"

At this moment, a constable ran over from afar in a hurry, "Sir! Sir! Two more families have reported to the officials!"

Chief Liu turned back, "Six families!"

This speed...

If the children weren't just wandering off themselves, then the perpetrators are either a well-organized gang or an Abnormal People with Dao practice.

And, kidnapping children...

Lu Zheng took a deep breath, focused his eyes, and then apologetically looked at Liu Qingyan. Liu Qingyan immediately nodded solemnly, "The matter is urgent. Qingquan and I will go home first."

Lu Zheng nodded and said to Chief Liu, "There are too many people, send two men to escort them home. You take me to the most recent household with a missing child."

"Sure, sure!" Chief Liu turned and said, "Zhang Long, Zhao Hu, escort the two Liu Family young ladies home! Ensure they reach safely!"

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

Just as Lu Zheng made up his mind, he almost choked on his own saliva, carefully inspecting the two constables; indeed, they were ordinary in appearance, and both were over thirty, showing no signs of being martial arts masters, which finally set him at ease.

Thus, under the escort of Zhang Long and Zhao Hu, the Liu Family Sisters left, and Chief Liu immediately took Lu Zheng into a side alley. They turned a few corners and arrived outside a courtyard.

Outside the courtyard, only a few elderly people were anxiously looking around.

"The child's parents have already gone out looking everywhere," Chief Liu told Lu Zheng, then immediately waved his hand for the constables to step forward, "Go find a piece of the child's clothing or a toy."

Thus, the two constables stepped forward, led the elderly back into the courtyard, and moments later, emerged holding a rattle drum.

Lu Zheng took the rattle drum, then took out a Qi-Seeking Talisman from his arms, channeling the True Qi within his body. His hand formed the Seal Technique.

"By the Supreme Decree, seek Qi, swiftly!"

A breath of Qi was gathered by the Qi-Seeking Talisman from the rattle drum and infused into the Qi-Seeking Talisman.

But... no source was found?

Lu Zheng's eyes flickered; it was indeed the methods of cultivators!

Actually, he had guessed this yesterday upon learning that six households had lost their children overnight, and now he was only confirming it.

Child abduction, whether for profit from resale or for sacrificial rites in the evil path, is something done by unscrupulous rogues—a disgrace to cultivators. Lu Zheng, having encountered it, naturally felt compelled to intervene, purify the air of the cultivation realm, and perhaps earn some Light of Fortune.

However, the Qi-Seeking Talisman was of no use, which put Lu Zheng on alert.

The adversary possessed some skills, be it distinct secret techniques or advanced Dao practice?

Lu Zheng's eyes flickered as he put away the Qi-Seeking Talisman and changed the seal technique in his hands again.

"By the Supreme Decree, seek breath through observation, hurry!"

Deploying the Qi Observation Technique, Lu Zheng finally faintly sensed a breath akin to the one from the rattle drum from the direction of the city's west.

Watching Lu Zheng cast his spell, Chief Liu's heart and mind were violently shaken, looking at Lu Zheng with disbelief and more reverence.

After sensing for a moment, Lu Zheng said, "I've found the place, but the adversary is an Abnormal Person with potentially strong cultivation. I'll return to fetch some items, then we'll proceed together."

"Alright, alright, we'll follow your lead!"

...

Returning home, Lu Zheng did not disturb the Liu Family Sisters who were already home. He hung two Brocade Spring Sabers and gathered enough Cold Condensing Talismans before setting out once again, holding the rattle drum and making his way through the alleys toward the city's west.

Moments later, at the city's west, Tonglai Inn.

The lanterns shone brightly, bustling with people.

Lu Zheng stood afar on the street opposite the inn's entrance, with Chief Liu positioned beside him and several constables trailing behind.

"In the inn?" Chief Liu blinked in confusion.

"No way, we searched this area before and didn't find those children, right?"

"Moreover, those children would stand out so much; if they were in the inn, they couldn't go unnoticed, could they?"

"The inn's packed with people?"

Constables exchanged puzzled glances, only Chief Liu seemed to realize something, his heart skipped a beat, eyes full of gratitude as he looked at Lu Zheng.

Lu Zheng furrowed his brow; would fighting be inconvenient within the inn?

Eyes flickering, Lu Zheng turned and said, "Chief Liu, let's not alert the snake before it comes out; you and I should take a quick look around first without letting any word slip to draw the person's attention."

Chief Liu promptly nodded, "Lead the way!"

Then Lu Zheng untied two Brocade Spring Sabers and handed them to the constables behind before taking the lead across the street, Chief Liu following suit.

Upon entering, Lu Zheng slowed his pace a bit, letting Chief Liu move ahead.

Chief Liu caught a quick glance and understood, so he made no courtesy and stepped forward, entering the inn first.

Inside the inn, a lively hubbub, mostly composed of foreign merchants. Even during the Lantern Festival, those out working still faced hardships; a few dishes and a pot of fine wine was a way to reward themselves.

Seeing Chief Liu enter, everyone curiously turned to look; some timid individuals couldn't help but feel their hearts skip, pondering if some incident had occurred in the inn.

The inn, bustling moments ago, fell silent at once.

Shopkeeper Lu noticed Chief Liu entering and hurriedly stepped out from behind the counter, jogging over.

Not yet there, he smiled and spoke, "Good to see you, Chief Liu! Amidst the festival, what brings you here? There's been no incident at the inn!"

Chief Liu nodded sternly, saying, "No big deal, it's the festival today, so I'm having everyone patrol and inspect various places. I'm also making rounds and happened upon your inn, so decided to step in."

"Phew—"

The inn's main hall revitalized instantly.

Shopkeeper Lu, hearing this, beamed with a smile, "You are indeed diligent, patrolling even during the festival to protect us regular folks."

Then he led Chief Liu and Lu Zheng, who looked like Chief Liu's junior, to a seat, "Please sit, I'll whip up a couple of dishes and a pot of wine for you, enjoy before you're busy."

Lu Zheng glanced at Chief Liu, who felt slightly embarrassed but still pretended and sat down.

Lu Zheng scanned the people in the inn's main hall, then turned his gaze towards the backyard, softly asking Shopkeeper Lu, "Shopkeeper, may I ask if there's a place to relieve oneself in the backyard?"

Shopkeeper Lu nodded, "Yes! Yes! There are stables and outhouse in the backyard, where various items are stored, and guests' goods are piled in the backyard too."

Lu Zheng nodded, then told Chief Liu, "Rest here, I'll be back shortly."

Seeing Chief Liu comfortably seated, Lu Zheng turned and walked through the main hall, leisurely approaching the entrance to the backyard.

He lifted the half-hanging curtain, turned through a folding corridor, pushed open a wooden door, letting the early spring chill wind blow inside.

Then, sounds of wind, donkey, horse, chicken, and duck calls filled his ears.

Looking around, several cart frames were squeezed in the center of the courtyard, with some bamboo baskets, shoulder poles, and wheelbarrows leaning against the walls.

Additionally, there were wooden crates, one holding chickens and ducks, another cats and dogs.

Lu Zheng blinked, then found the outhouse at the back of the courtyard.

"Yikes!"

Entering, Lu Zheng's face twisted; he felt his nose was overwhelmed ten thousand times, then held his breath, furrowing his brows, and quickly turned away.