**Chapter 38: "My Lady Feels a Bit Stifled. Perhaps the Immortal Master Should Visit Tonight?"**

However, Lin Fengmian noticed that the other two were also starting to waver. 

It seemed that after a night of thinking, they finally realized something was off.

Lin Fengmian sighed. With people disappearing for several days in a row, it would indeed be strange if no one sensed anything wrong.

Yet, to his surprise, even more people showed up the next day. Due to the rumors spreading the day before, not only were there eligible young men, but parents were also bringing their children to the event.

The crowd became so overwhelming that the city lord's residence had to deploy extra personnel. Even Liu Mei and the others had to come down to help with the influx of townsfolk looking to have their spiritual aptitude tested.

With a group of ethereal beauties recruiting disciples, their area was instantly swamped, which relieved some of the pressure on Lin Fengmian and the others.

Suddenly, fewer people surrounded Lin Fengmian. Upon a closer look, he realized that the voluptuous city lord's wife had arrived, accompanied by her daughter.

Taking a basket from her maid, the city lord's wife gracefully approached Lin Fengmian. Her face was adorned with a charming smile as she said, "Immortal Master Lin, I've prepared some refreshments and tea for you. Please take a break and enjoy."

Lin Fengmian smiled and replied, "Thank you, Lady. You're too kind. Please, just leave them here."

The city lord's wife bent over, personally arranging the tea and snacks on the table. Her low neckline revealed her ample bosom, giving Lin Fengmian a feast for the eyes.

She gazed at him intently and said with a suggestive tone, "Immortal Master, please don't forget about our agreement."

Knowing her intentions, Lin Fengmian took a cup of tea and whispered, "It's all taken care of, my lady. Rest assured."

Her eyes lit up as she glanced around before softly saying, "Thank you, Immortal Master. I've been feeling some tightness in my chest again. Perhaps you could come by tonight and take a look?"

Lin Fengmian couldn't help but chuckle to himself. It seemed yesterday's treatment didn't work well enough—otherwise, why would her chest feel tight again?

He responded meaningfully, "Of course, I'll make sure to visit tonight and give it a thorough check."

The city lord's wife blushed slightly, her face full of longing as she nodded, "I'll be eagerly awaiting your arrival, Immortal Master."

Just then, a commotion outside startled the two, who were feeling somewhat guilty.

Someone outside pointed to the sky and shouted, "Look! More immortals!"

Lin Fengmian hurriedly stepped out of the tent, only to see several streaks of light descending from the sky—clearly, more cultivators had arrived.

The two disciples exchanged a glance, confused, but Lin Fengmian's heart sank.

Who are these people?

The six streaks of light landed in the square, revealing six monks dressed in robes. Each of them had a solemn expression as they walked towards Lin Fengmian and the others.

The middle-aged monk leading them spoke in a booming voice, "I am Fahui from Yangquan Temple. May I ask which sect you belong to, fellow cultivators?"

Liu Mei quickly stepped forward and gave a respectful bow. "Greetings, Master Fahui. I am Liu Mei of the Yushu Sect. My junior brothers and sisters and I are here to recruit disciples."

Seeing the graceful and ethereal Liu Mei, several of the monks couldn't help but glance at her a few more times.

Lin Fengmian, relying on his male instincts, sensed something was amiss with the way they were looking at her.

"The Yushu Sect?"

Fahui frowned briefly before offering a smile. "It's a pleasure, Lady Liu. Might I request to meet your junior brothers and sisters as well?"

Though slightly puzzled, Liu Mei still nodded and called Lin Fengmian and the others over.

After all, among the six monks, only two were at the Qi Refining stage, while the others had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage. They were not to be underestimated.

"These are esteemed monks from Yangquan Temple. Show your respects."

Lin Fengmian and the others hurriedly bowed, and the monks returned the greeting, their eyes scanning Lin Fengmian's group with a scrutinizing gaze.

Lin Fengmian briefly considered exposing their identities to create an opportunity to escape. But then, he remembered the fate of Dong Gaoyi and quickly swallowed the thought.

With the poison still coursing through his veins, any rash moves would be foolish—he could end up dead without even realizing how it happened.

Moreover, there was something unsettling about the monks' eyes. It felt as though they were looking at prey.

Fahui addressed Liu Mei, "Lady Liu, might I trouble you to present your sect's identity tokens for verification?"

Among the five women, Mo Ruyu had the shortest temper. She stepped forward, frowning, "What do you mean by this, Master Fahui?"

Fahui smiled apologetically, "Please don't misunderstand. Recently, the Hehuan Demon Sect from Beiming has been abducting young men across Donghuang to drain their vitality."

"Our temple has been taking this matter seriously and sent us to investigate. We mean no offense, but it is simply a routine inspection. I hope you understand."

At this, the two disciples' faces turned pale with fear and anxiety.

Mo Ruyu, indignant, shouted, "What are you implying?"

Liu Mei's heart sank, but she maintained her gentle smile as she intervened. She produced an identity token and handed it over.

"We're legitimate disciples of the Yushu Sect. Master Fahui, you are being overly cautious."

Fahui examined the token closely before respectfully returning it. 

"My apologies for the misunderstanding. Thank you for your patience."

One of the monks leaned in and whispered to Fahui, "Senior Brother, those three men look rather suspicious."

Without changing his expression, Fahui nodded and turned to Lin Fengmian and the other two. "Might I trouble you three to show your identity tokens as well?"

Lin Fengmian immediately presented his prepared token and nudged the other two. "What are you waiting for? Show yours."

After carefully inspecting their tokens and finding no issues, Fahui finally relented.

"Thank you for your cooperation. Be careful out there—the Hehuan Demon Sect has been wreaking havoc lately. Many men have been drained of their essence. It's truly horrifying."

Just as the two disciples were about to speak, Lin Fengmian stepped forward and smiled. "Thank you, Master, for the warning. We've heard about the danger and will be on guard."

Still not entirely convinced, Fahui asked, "You three must be newly initiated, right? I've heard that the Yushu Sect specializes in sword techniques. Have you started your training?"

Liu Mei and the others felt a chill run down their spines. Why were these monks so suspicious and meticulous?

They were already preparing for the possibility of having to fight and then flee.

Tokens could be forged, but how could they convincingly perform the sword techniques of the Yushu Sect?

And who knew when the two disciples might turn against them?

Mo Ruyu and Wang Yanan were itching for action, while Xia Yunxi's delicate face showed signs of anxiety as she clenched her jade-like hands.

Chen Qingyan stepped forward first, her cold demeanor evident as she drew her sword with a sharp clang.

"You dare question us, accusing us of being from the Hehuan Sect? Do you think our Yushu Sect is that weak?"

Her stunning beauty and icy aura immediately caused the monks to hesitate.

Would the Hehuan Sect really have someone this cold and unapproachable?

Could they have misjudged the situation?