The infirmary was in another part of the yamen complex. The journey there didn't take long. Understanding Xu Yun's anxiety—and eager for answers herself—Bai Xunli didn't delay.
She had initially planned to send Yan Zhen to Bai Mountain to investigate, but Lu Jianhong spoke up before she could. "My Da Shixiong is already there, handling things." He didn't elaborate further, but Bai Xunli caught the silent message—Gu Tianzhu was there. Everything was taken care of.
Bai Xunli pushed open the infirmary door and stepped inside with everyone.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of medicinal herbs, mingling with the mist rising from boiling decoctions. A doctor stood at a nearby table, carefully weighing herbs, while two young boys—presumably his assistants—busily fanned the stoves, ensuring the medicine brewed properly.
The doctor noticed Bai Xunli's arrival and immediately stood to greet her.
"We're here to see the survivors from the inn case. No need to follow us," Bai Xunli dismissed him swiftly. In her eyes, he was of no consequence—just another mortal, untrained in cultivation.
Without hesitation, they moved deeper into the infirmary, where the survivors awaited.
Upon arriving at Lin Qian's door, they saw a man standing in front of the door. He wore the same uniform as Yan Zhen but had a friendlier face and a slightly shorter stature.
When he noticed the group approaching, he turned and bowed to Bai Xunli. "Captain."
Bai Xunli nodded. "Xianren, this is Luo Heng, my subordinate who has been guarding the survivor."
Xu Yun gave Luo Heng a slight nod. "Thank you, Enforcer Luo."
Luo Heng returned the bow politely.
Bai Xunli instructed her subordinates, "The two of you, stay here."
In front of Lin Qian's door, Xu Yun took several deep breaths to calm herself before looking at Bai Xunli, silently asking for permission.
Bai Xunli nodded.
Xu Yun opened the door and stepped inside quietly.
The room was simple, furnished only with the essentials—a wooden table, a few round chairs, a shelf, and a bed.
On the bed lay a woman, her chest rising and falling in an uneven rhythm. Her eyes remained closed, but her body was tense, her sleep far from peaceful.
At the sight of her, Xu Yun's tears fell freely. Her breath hitched as she struggled to hold herself together.
Lin Qian, stirred by the noise, opened her eyes—fear flashing across them.
Xu Yun immediately stepped forward. "Lin Jie! It's me! It's me. Don't worry, you're safe. You're safe." She grasped Lin Qian's hands tightly, her voice soothing.
"Xu Yun?" Lin Qian's voice was weak and hoarse, as if she had cried too much or hadn't spoken in days.
Xu Yun nodded, her tears continuing to stream. "It's me. It's me. It's me, Lin Jie."
Finally recognizing her, Lin Qian's eyes welled up. She pulled Xu Yun into a tight embrace. "Thank Heavens! You're safe!"
For a while, the two women cried, releasing days of fear, anxiety, and worry. The weight they had been carrying finally lifted, leaving them feeling lighter, relieved.
Bai Xunli and Lu Jianhong sat nearby, silently waiting. Lu Jianhong felt a wave of relief as well—his mission was complete.
Bai Xunli, though understanding of their emotions, remained focused. This was the first solid lead she had, and she needed information.
Gradually, the sobbing faded.
Lin Qian sniffled and released Xu Yun from her embrace. "Is everyone safe?"
Xu Yun nodded. "Everyone is okay. Thanks to Xuan Ge."
Lin Qian exhaled deeply. "Thank Heavens."
Bai Xunli finally saw a chance, and she took it. "I'm sorry, but I need to ask a few questions."
Both women turned to her and nodded simultaneously.
Bai Xunli gave a slight nod. "I'll try to keep it brief."
"Go ahead, Captain," Xu Yun said. Now that she had her friend back safe and sound, she was happy to answer any questions.
Bai Xunli started, directing her question to Lin Qian. "Do you know who the killer was?"
Lin Qian swallowed before answering, "Yes. I do. It was Tie Yanfang."
Bai Xunli stiffened, a rare flicker of disbelief crossing her face. "From Lingxu Sect, Tie Yanfang? The Head of the Divine Elixir Peak, Tie Yanfang?"
"I don't know if he was the head of that peak, but I know for sure it was Tie Yanfang," Lin Qian answered firmly. Xu Yun's presence, their reunion, and the news that everyone was safe gave her new strength.
"How? Did you know him before?"
"No, but the other survivor did. He recognized him—he should. He was a member of the same peak as Tie Yanfang."
Bai Xunli continued, "And the other survivor's name is?"
"Mo Chaoren."
Lu Jianhong's expression shifted, the name sinking in. Then, suddenly, he shot up. "He was the one Shizun was looking for! Him and another cultivator, Feng Hailin! They're in it too!"
All three women turned to him.
"Gu Zhenren was looking for Mo Chaoren and Feng Hailin?" Bai Xunli confirmed. "And those two are?"
"Captain," Xu Yun called. "I believe it would be better if you ask Gu Zhenren himself."
"No offense to you, Lu Jianhong," Xu Yun nodded to him, "but I believe Gu Zhenren would be the best person to explain how his investigation led to Mo Chaoren and Feng Hailin."
Lin Qian nodded. "We'll tell you what we know."
Lin Qian began recounting their journey to Baishan City and how she ended up back at the inn with Elder Mo. Omitting Lei Wen and their true identities, she told Bai Xunli everything.
Silence fell in the room.
Bai Xunli was deep in thought, processing the information she had just received. The fact that Lingxu Sect was somehow involved in this was a big deal. She couldn't recklessly disclose this new information to just anyone—only to Han Zhaofeng, head of ICEB.
Lin Qian took this moment to ask Xu Yun about the cavern's situation, especially what had happened after she left.
Bai Xunli overheard and asked Xu Yun to recount her side of the story as well.
Xu Yun obliged, carefully omitting the part where Xuan Tian broke the seal for a few moments. But Lin Qian understood.
Lu Jianhong, who had been listening intently, dropped his jaw in disbelief. "This Xuan Tian Xianren extracted Tie Yanfang's core?! Tie Yanfang was a Saint! No one can defeat a Saint!"
But when he recalled the way Xuan Tian carried himself—even when he looked like he was about to collapse—his presence had been undeniable. He couldn't help but believe Xu Yun.
Both Yan Zhen and Luo Heng, who had been called inside to listen to Lin Qian's account, shared Lu Jianhong's disbelief. When they had first heard that the culprit was Tie Yanfang, they worried about how they could possibly capture him.
But now, hearing that Tie Yanfang had died horribly—that his core had been extracted—they knew it was just deserts. Yet, one thought remained at the forefront of their minds:
Who exactly was this Xuan Tian Xianren?!