Early Spring Journey

The girl slowly came to. Her eyes, clear as water, contrasted starkly with the half-dangling mask, making her look bizarre. Her vision gradually cleared, her eyes showing little panic or fear, only fixedly watching the leader, calmly saying, “Do not hurt me. Whatever you want, the Di family will provide.” The man grinned, “Indeed, not an ordinary woman.” The girl closed her eyes again, silent. Suddenly, someone pinched her waist hard, her long lashes fluttered, trying to shrink away, but she was firmly held. “Boss, let me have some fun first…” the man drooled, “No one will know.” The leader fell silent. Seeing him tempted, the man quickly added, “Or you can go first—” The girl suddenly opened her eyes, her breath trembling, “Don’t touch me. The Di family will give you any amount of money!” “Money is easy, beauties are hard to find.” The man’s smile was lewd as he touched her cheek, soft and smooth, stirring his desire. He looked at the leader with barely contained eagerness. The leader was still undecided when suddenly, a gust of wind extinguished the torch outside the temple. “Who’s there?” There was a rustling sound outside, and the leader shouted, “Who’s there?” He brandished his long knife, turned back, and commanded, “Third, stay here. The rest, follow me out!” Several dark figures quickly disappeared outside the temple. After half an incense stick’s time, they returned, saying, “Damn, it was just a crow.” But as they entered, a faint smell of blood filled the air. They were startled to see an arm on the ground and the third, mute from having his mute point hit, rolling in pain. The leader quickly undid the mute point, angrily asking, “Who? Who did this?” The third, sweating profusely, endured the pain, his gaze filled with terror, “That person’s skills… not human, not human! It must be a ghost!”