Chapter 28
Twenty-Eight
Folktales
Big Wang’s response to Gigi’s update is swift, arriving a mere three hours later. It is short and to the point:
‘Zhong Kui, the Minister of Rites, was a renowned demon hunter from nearby Likiang, Romain de Durand’s last-known whereabouts.
Many of Minister Zhong’s descendants also became celebrated demon hunters.
An interesting story was passed down by his descendants about a shrine which sparkled with gold mist. A small white fox was often seen in the cave.
Minister Zhong always assumed the tale was poetic fancy, however, the consistent mention of the fox paired with a description that matches the misting ability of vampires leads him to suspect that the shrine may be where Lady Jing’s father was, or perhaps still is, held.
Unfortunately the location has been lost. Those descendants with knowledge have long crossed the Naihe Bridge.
We checked with Willy, who was based further south in Kunming during that time.
He confirms that demon hunters were unusually active during the months Romain de Durand was in residence, but has no first-hand knowledge of their activities.
Lady Longnu likewise was not present during those months.
She suggests speaking to Lady Jing’s venerable grandmother, Niang Niang, who will have first-hand knowledge of any demon hunters in the area.
Passes have been issued for Lady Jing’s grandmother, half-sister and one more of Lady Jing’s choosing, including if Lady Jing so wishes, her good-for-nothing half-brother. It’s time to come home.’
We have only just arrived, but now we’re being called home. I suppose since we delivered Lord Aengus safely into Lady Brigid’s hands, I’ve fulfilled my duties to the Tuatha Dé pantheon and my role as Liaison to the Hulijing Court. It’s time to focus on family and finding my father.