31: The deity of incense and offerings was Judge Lu.

Upon hearing this, the elegant lady nodded and said, “There’s no hidden chamber, but there is a concealed compartment. My daughter used to hide some books there, fearing the master would discover them and scold her.”

Books kept in a young woman’s chamber usually refer to popular novels circulating in the market—tales of talented scholars and beautiful ladies, strange romances between ghosts and foxes—that orthodox scholars disdain. In some prestigious families, such books are strictly forbidden.

Everyone understood; the Deng family was an official household and naturally would not allow their daughter to read such stories.

“Madam, please open the hidden compartment and check inside. There may be some clues,” Yuan Hui suggested.

The lady hesitated, then pleaded, “Masters, please keep this matter confidential.”

Yi Fan and his companions agreed, knowing that if news of this spread, it would damage the Deng family’s reputation. Moreover, Miss Zhu was already dead; to sully her name further would bring even greater shame upon them.

The lady instructed her maid to move a vase and take down a scroll from the wall, revealing a wooden cabinet embedded in the wall. She gently opened it, and everyone’s eyes immediately narrowed in surprise.

Within the small compartment stood a statue: green-faced, red-bearded, with a fierce and dreadful expression. Its gaze was murderous, as if it could leap forth and slay any who approached.

“Masters, do not be alarmed. This is the statue of Judge Lu from the City God Temple. He is said to be efficacious, able to protect the house and ward off evil—a true and noble deity.”

Seeing the somber faces and astonishment among the group, the lady explained, “My daughter was frail and often had poor sleep, frequently startled awake at night. I brought Judge Lu’s statue here to suppress evil. It worked well and was remarkably effective.”

Yi Fan and his companions exchanged glances; this statue was identical to the one that Yi Yanxia and her husband had chased down—a symbol of the evil deity. Suddenly, they realized the matter was far from ordinary and suspected hidden truths.

“Madam, do many in Hangzhou worship this deity?”

“Indeed, owing to his reputed efficacy, he has many followers. Most are mountain villagers and hunters, who keep the statue at home for protection. A few months ago, someone even established a temple in the hills, sculpting a golden image of Judge Lu.”

The lady spoke in detail, and with each word, Yi Fan and his companions grew more unsettled. They had not expected such an evil god to have this background—he had even secured the position of judge in the underworld, making things infinitely more complicated.

“Masters, do you believe my daughter’s death is connected to Judge Lu?” The lady was no fool; seeing their expressions, she guessed as much, her face pale with terror and disbelief.

Yi Fan sighed and pointed at the statue. “There is no direct evidence that Judge Lu was responsible for Miss Zhu’s death, but the demonic aura emanates from this idol. We must investigate further to determine the truth.”

Since Judge Lu had so many followers in Hangzhou, the issue was not merely one of simple investigation. It involved the broader populace, and only the authorities could intervene. Otherwise, with just a handful of them, it would be impossible to pursue the matter.

The lady broke down in tears, overcome with guilt, barely able to stand with the maid’s support.

Yuan Hui sighed, recited a Buddhist invocation, and asked, “What do you all intend to do next?”

The matter was intricate and involved too many; a single misstep could incite public outrage. If the Deng family refused to pursue it further, there was little they could do.

“Whether he’s a true god or a demon, if he harms people, he deserves to be struck down with a sword,” Zhuge Liuyun declared with a cold snort. He was unafraid of trouble; ordinary folk, powerless as they were, could never hold him back. If need be, he would simply depart.

Yi Yanxia nodded in agreement. “Exactly. My husband and I have tracked this evil god from Huizhou, crossing great distances. We will not give up now. True god or not, if he harms the innocent, he must be slain.”

Yuan Hui considered for a moment, clasped his hands together, and said, “Since you have decided, I shall join you in confronting Judge Lu.”

Outside, they found Master Deng and Master Zhu waiting, their faces grim and stern. As Yi Fan and his companions emerged, Master Deng stepped forward. “Masters, is there any evidence that Judge Lu is responsible?”

Yi Fan shook his head. “There is no direct evidence, but I am certain—Miss Zhu was killed by Judge Lu.”

Master Deng’s expression darkened as he looked at the group. “It’s not that I doubt you, but the implications are vast. Without direct proof, not even the Deng family can act recklessly.”

“Master Deng, though lacking direct evidence, there is other proof,” Yi Yanxia replied, bringing out the previous statue and explaining its origins. “This evil god fled Huizhou two years ago. My husband and I pursued him here. Seeing this idol, I am certain it is Judge Lu’s doing.”

“If this is true, I will not shirk my duty,” Master Deng said, his face growing grimmer. “If you can find my daughter’s head and prove Judge Lu’s guilt, I will request the prefect to send soldiers and destroy the temple.”

He paused, then added, “I will assign men to accompany you, following your guidance.”

With that, Yi Fan and his companions had nothing further to demand and agreed.

Night had fallen. After leaving the Deng residence, the group returned to their villa and entered the main hall. Yi Fan addressed Zhu Ziqiang, who had not yet departed. “Young Master Zhu, may I ask you something?”

“Oh?” Zhu Ziqiang was taken aback. “Please speak, Master Yi.”

Yi Fan smiled lightly. “It’s not a major matter, but I noticed a trace of demonic aura on you and wondered if you’ve been in contact with anyone unusual recently?”

Hearing that he bore a demonic aura, Zhu Ziqiang’s complexion changed. “Master Yi, am I in danger?”

Zhuge Liuyun laughed, slapping the table. “Of course there’s trouble! That demon will visit you at night and use your head as a wine vessel.”

Zhu Ziqiang was terrified, but seeing Zhuge Liuyun’s mocking look, he realized he was being teased, his face alternating between red and pale.

“Brother Zhuge, don’t frighten people unnecessarily.”

Yi Fan apologized to Zhu Ziqiang. “Young Master Zhu, Brother Zhuge meant no harm. Please forgive him.”

Zhu Ziqiang, though embarrassed, knew he needed their help and did not pursue the matter. “Master Yi, in recent days I have not met anyone unusual. I spend most of my time at home reading, rarely going out.”

Yi Fan was puzzled. If he hadn’t gone out, where had the demonic aura come from? “Please think carefully, Young Master Zhu—have you encountered anything unusual during your recent outings?”

Zhu Ziqiang pondered, then replied, “There’s nothing particularly noteworthy lately. If I must mention something, half a month ago I attended a poetry gathering.”

“Oh?” Yi Fan exchanged glances with the others, sensing something amiss. “Is this poetry gathering held often?”

Zhu Ziqiang shook his head. “Once a month. It’s hosted by the city’s talented scholars. I only entered because I was invited by others; generally, only those with a reputation for talent are invited.”

Talented scholars? Yi Fan’s heart stirred—was this not the same scholar who, days ago, had accompanied Song Liuming on a boat ride across West Lake?