The journey down was quiet. The graves of Shi Shoufu and Xiao Cui weren’t located too high up, and with Constable Zhang being skilled in martial arts, the two quickly descended the mountain.

“Master, there’s still some time before the noon banquet. I’ll go and investigate the matters you’ve assigned. Does that sound good to you?”

After being educated by Yi Chen, Constable Zhang’s self initiative had greatly improved.

“Great, give it your best effort” Yi Chen nodded in approval.

Watching Constable Zhang’s departing figure, Yi Chen narrowed his eyes and walked in the opposite direction.

It was still early, and he wanted to use his own methods to investigate Shi Shoufu, Xiao Cui, and Mayor Wu’s past, to later compare with Constable Zhang’s findings for confirmation.

Listening to various sources leads to clarity, while only listening to one side leads to darkness. He couldn’t just take Shi Shoufu’s word for it. If what Shi had said was true, then he would act on behalf of heaven to lend a hand.

But if anyone dared to deceive him…

A grave that can be made can also be dug up, and their ashes scattered.

…

…

An hour later, the two met in a private room of a small tavern in the town.

After comparing their findings, Yi Chen confirmed that Shi Shoufu’s words were true, and in fact, even understated.

Appearances can be deceiving, and the ocean’s depth is immeasurable.

Some appear kind and benevolent but have hearts like serpents and scorpions.

Others may look ugly but have kind hearts.

Mayor Wu, always smiling like a living Buddha, committed unspeakable acts in secret.

He monopolized the fur trade, exploited the locals, ran gambling dens and brothels, loaned money at usurious rates, and suppressed competitors with both legal and illegal means, leading to their ruin and forcibly marrying their wives…

He also induced gambling. A local rich kid, Jia Fugui, was tricked into losing his ancestral home and now has joined the beggars to start anew.

According to information Constable Zhang gathered from acquaintances, Mayor Wu, notorious for his lasciviousness, even… had affairs with his daughter-in-law, which was an open secret in Qingyuan Town.

“Disciple, tell me more. I love hearing about these things.”

Constable Zhang was stunned. Was his master’s fetishes so unconventional?

However, he quickly managed his expression and vividly recounted all the information he had gathered.

Half an hour later, with his mouth dry from talking, Constable Zhang summarized the bad deeds of Mayor Wu, including the names of the victims.

He then took a moment to pour himself a cup of murky wine to moisten his throat and asked, “Master, are you investigating these to punish Mayor Wu?”

“Mayor Wu has some connections to the county and even the provincial city. It’s a complicated network of mutual interests. It won’t be easy to deal with him officially.”

As Constable Zhang was about to drink another cup of murky wine, he suddenly locked eyes with Yi Chen, whose gaze was as calm as the deep sea, dark and seemingly able to draw people’s souls into it.

His hand, holding the wine, froze in mid-air.

Yi Chen’s serene voice reached his ears: “Disciple, today I’ll teach you another lesson.”

“Mind your own business when it comes to societal affairs.”

“Too much curiosity will only harm you.”

“Have you understood?”

Feeling a chill in his heart, Constable Zhang lowered his head like an ostrich, adding another layer of understanding to his newly acknowledged master.

When he looked up again, Yi Chen was no longer there, leaving behind only four lines written with murky wine on the table.

He read them out loud, one word at a time.

When a thought arises in the human heart, heaven and earth are fully aware.

If good and evil go unrewarded, the universe must harbor secrets.

He abruptly looked up at the spot where Yi Chen had sat, now empty, but he could imagine his cheap master writing those lines in anger.

He stood up sharply, then slumped back down.

“If good and evil go unrewarded, the universe must harbor secrets.”

“Master, rewarding good and punishing evil is indeed a great virtue in the human world, but meddling too much, I fear for your eventual fate.”

“Being too altruistic can harm you.”

“In life, it’s sometimes better to remain ignorant.”

If Yi Chen could hear his cheap disciple’s thoughts, he would probably laugh. Disciple, you think too highly of me.

He doesn’t aspire to cleanse the world, nor does he have the strength or audacity. Within his capabilities, if he encounters evil, sweeping one household clean is enough to fulfill his duty.

He has never been the kind of good person traditionally perceived, otherwise, why would Bai Yunzi say he has a heavy heart and a black hand on his deathbed?

But he’s not a heartless madman or antisocial either. He has his principles and is willing to do good for the benefit of the world, where possible.

If not, Bai Yunzi, who couldn’t stand a speck of dust in his eyes, would have expelled him long ago.

Taoist Master Yi has always been a not-so-good good person, a not-so-bad bad person, and his true nature has never changed.

…

…

At the Wu family mansion.

The banquet begins.

Ding dong, ding dong.

As the host, Mayor Wu naturally sat in the place of honor.

Yi Chen sat to his left, Master Lianhua to his right, and Constable Zhang, representing the government office, sat behind Yi Chen. The well-known merchants and officials of Qingyuan Town respectfully took their seats behind them, each at their designated spots.

“Today, we are graced by the presence of distinguished guests and filled with eminent friends. I, Wu Changshou, am overjoyed that you all could attend today’s banquet at my home.”

Yi Chen and Master Lianhua smiled silently, while the others hurriedly expressed their humility.

Mayor Wu continued:

“Especially Taoist Master Yi seated below, a distinguished disciple of Bai Yunzi from Hidden Dragon Temple, whose profound Taoist skills helped rid Qingyuan Town of its harmful spirits, ensuring the smooth flow of commerce once again. Let us all give a toast to Taoist Master Yi and Master Lianhua.”

“Cheers!”

“To Taoist Master Yi!”

“To Master Lianhua!”

The atmosphere surged as everyone enthusiastically agreed, with flattery flowing like a tide. Yi Chen, in particular, drank his fill, warmly engaging with everyone, leaving Constable Zhang astonished.

Master, you truly live up to your reputation.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became lively.

Yi Chen, with a flushed face from the wine, took the opportunity to approach Mayor Wu, clapping him on the shoulder and calling him “Brother Wu.” He promised to take care of any future disturbances whenever someone was sent to seek help from the Hidden Dragon Temple, assuring everything would be handled perfectly.

These words made Mayor Wu beam with joy, calling Yi Chen a forthright person. Unbeknownst to him, a faint, almost imperceptible, purple internal energy briefly transferred from Yi Chen’s hand to his shoulder during the pat.

Had Yi Chen’s Minor Pure Yang Technique still been at the fifth level, he wouldn’t have dared such an action.

However, since breaking through to the sixth level, Yi Chen’s mastery over Pure Yang Internal Energy had reached a sublime degree. He was confident that even if Master Lianhua was watching closely, he might not notice his subtle move.

Naturally, Mayor Wu was even less likely to detect anything. Warmed by the wine, Yi Chen subtly flattered him further, boosting his ego. He felt like he was the brightest star at the banquet.

What he didn’t know was that the imperceptible internal energy had already begun eroding the blood vessels connected to his heart. On the surface, it seemed normal, but they had become fragile, prone to sudden pressure increases such as when he becomes overly excited or when he consumes certain stimulants.

A few more such exhilarating moments, and within three days, Mayor Wu would likely die “unexpectedly”.

The death would be instant!

Even the most skilled coroner would find no trace of foul play.

The only way to save himself would be through abstention and living healthily, avoiding anger and lust.

Given Mayor Wu’s reputation as a lustful spirit, this seemed highly unlikely.

“Continue the music.”

“Continue the dance!”

Mayor Wu was overjoyed today. With a clap of his hands, another group of dancers came forth, their graceful movements under thin veils catching even Yi Chen’s gaze.

Unexpectedly, such wealth and luxury were found in the small town of Qingyuan, maintaining so many dancers.

Indeed, being a commercial hub in Fengyun County, they were truly affluent.

And yes, the aesthetic was also commendable; not a single squint-eyed dancer in sight, which Yi Chen particularly appreciated.

Time flies during a feast, and as the saying goes, all gatherings must come to an end. Two hours later, the party dispersed.

The atmosphere was consistently pleasant, and the dancers performed exceptionally well. Yi Chen mingled effortlessly, gleaning information about the various wealthy guests for future reference in case they sought Hidden Dragon Temple for assistance with evil spirits. He now knew how to price his services – 23333.

As for regrets, he had one: Mayor Wu’s daughter-in-law never made an appearance.

Rumored to be exceptionally beautiful, it was unfortunate he missed the chance to see her, leaving his curiosity unsatisfied…

Such was the regret of Taoist Master Yi, whose passion for gossip burned brightly.

Yet, some regrets in life are normal. Perfection can be dull, and a slight longing, once whisked away by the wind, fades.

Outside the gates of the Wu residence, Mayor Wu held onto Yi Chen’s sleeve, seemingly reluctant to part.

He found Taoist Master Yi to be a fascinating person, eloquent and profoundly skilled in Taoist arts, striking a chord with him as if they had been acquainted for years.

Handing out two envelopes, one each for Yi Chen and Master Lianhua, he said, “I’ve always respected the Tao and Buddha. I’m very grateful for your help, Taoist Master and Master Lianhua. Please accept this small token of my appreciation.”

Yi Chen shared a smile with Master Lianhua and took the envelope first.

Sometimes, details and spiritual awareness are revealed in these seemingly insignificant moments.

Despite feeling he could outperform Master Lianhua in terms of cultivation, the latter was still his master’s friend and an elder.

Would you let an elder reach for a red envelope before you? Is that proper?

If he didn’t take it first, how could Master Lianhua?

If nobody took it, how could their temples and Taoist halls progress?

The maintenance of everlasting lamps and temple repairs, after all, costs money.

See, now the atmosphere is harmonious.

If you’re not making money off the rich, who are you planning to profit from? It’s not a sin.

Feeling the envelope, Yi Chen knew it contained two fifty-tael silver notes, while he estimated Master Lianhua’s envelope held only one.

This was the premium Taoist Master Yi earned through professional social skills.

“Mayor Wu, you’re too kind. No need to see me off. We’ll have other days, see you later,” Yi Chen said courteously, though inwardly adding, if you have any later.

After bidding farewell, Master Lianhua left first.

Yi Chen, observing the rosy-cheeked Mayor Wu, squeezed the envelope and laughed, “I have some knowledge of medicine. You’re not as young as you used to be, Mayor Wu. It’s not good for your health to overexert yourself.”

With a wink, he turned and left with a hearty laugh.

“A beauty of eighteen, soft as cream, waist like a willow, cutting down foolish men.”

“In the open, no heads fall; in secret, I teach your marrow to dry.”

Mayor Wu’s laughter brightened even more behind him.

Taoist Master Yi, so adept at playful banter, truly a remarkable person. How wonderful, a man as delightful as his poetry.

(End of the chapter)