"Patriarch, this..."
The government officials who followed felt a heavy burden.
They had come in the dead of night, not out of idleness.
The same was true for Governor Du Ling of Chongqing; everyone was at a loss.
He hadnât expected that, after all his investigations, they would point to his own gentle and conflict-averse son.
Now, Governor Du Ling had lost all his spirit, bedridden and unwilling to eat, drink, or speak to anyone, too weary to strive anymore.
As for his son, he had long vanished without a trace.
Wan Baoquan, unable to apprehend anyone, had come here to try his luck, only for everyone to collapse before he could clear things up.
"Senior Brother!"
His junior brother rushed in from outside and said anxiously, "Everyone in the Zhou Mansion has fallen unconscious, and none can be awakened."
Wan Baoquan nodded, wasting no words, he turned to the courtyard, clasped his hands at the night sky, and said, "Master Uncle, you have witnessed the situation, it involves the Mystical Sect, and we need your intervention."
Whoosh~
A gust of wind blew past, and a man had already landed in the courtyard.
It was the temple priest of the City God Temple, Dan Hezi.
He flicked his horsetail whisk and looked at Wan Baoquan, sighing, "This matter is too troublesome, Iâve told you, we Emei mustnât get involved lightly."
Wan Baoquan promptly put on a fawning smile, "Master Uncle, itâs not that we wish to interfere, but these demonic people are too audacious, showing no regard for our Emei."
"See, such a big incident in the city, yet no commoners visit the City God Temple with incense offerings, instead, they seek out witches and wizards..."
Dan Hezi paused briefly, then said, "The Zhou Familyâs affliction was not caused by the Du Family, but by the Pai Sectâs spell."
"They got involved in this struggle, backed the Cao Gang, and offended the Pai Sect; they even sought me out earlier. But harboring evil thoughts, they made a magician find innocent people to take the brunt of the disaster."
He glanced around, musing, "It seems a master intervened to let them pay for their misdeeds."
"No need to intervene; it has nothing to do with the killer."
"But no!"
Wan Baoquan was anxious, "Master Uncle, the killer hasnât been found yet; they might be the only ones with knowledge of the situation. They must at least be awakened first."
"Rescue?"
Dan Hezi widened his eyes, "If I had that kind of skill, would I be relegated to this unfortunate place? Isnât it better to cultivate on the mountain?"
"Look at what Iâve brought along this time, a bunch of useless people. If it were a fattening job, would it fall upon me?"
"If they canât be saved, find someone to collect the bodies!"
Truth be told, Dan Hezi was also filled with frustration.
This Chongqing Prefecture was a battleground for two opposing forces; even if they captured it due to a blunder by Qingcheng Mountain, standing firm wouldnât be easy.
Moreover, there was also intrigue and strife on Emei Mountain.
He had been pushed to this place as a temple priest reluctantly, and during the day, he was even reprimanded by Governor Du Ling at the government office.
If it werenât for the deep connection with Wan Baoquanâs lineage, he wouldnât care to get involved in this muddy water.
"This..."
Wan Baoquan looked pained, quickly bowing with hands clasped, "Master Uncle, even just giving us a clue would help, I canât explain it if no one is caught."
"How about seeking the Pai Sect?"
"Wishful thinking!"
Dan Hezi sneered, "Do you think a curse is something simple?"
"Itâs like a thrown dart; if it doesnât hit someone, it rebounds with backlash. Dispel the curse, and you must pay a significant price."
"If people in this world were so reasonable, would there be so much strife?"
Seeing Dan Hezi getting angry, Wan Baoquan shrank his neck, then glanced around, a sudden flash of insight, "Master Uncle, the one who set up the Zhou Familyâs retribution must be a master; could it be possible for them to assist?"
Upon hearing this, Dan Hezi pondered, "Worth trying; if someone managed this, it must be the rightful path of the Mystical Sect. Iâll go with you to prevent any miscommunication and offense to others."
"Thank you, Master Uncle!"
Wan Baoquan quickly clasped his hands, a glimmer of hope arising in his heart.
...
"Senior Brother, itâs right here."
In less than the time it takes for three incense sticks to burn, Wan Baoquan had led the party to the old street.
His junior brother whispered, "Iâve already asked around with the people here; the Wu Clan is staying in this area."
He pointed to an old house across the way.
Wan Baoquan nodded, about to approach and knock when Dan Hezi beside him shook his head, "No need to search, theyâve already left."
Before finishing his words, his ears trembled involuntarily. He suddenly raised his head towards the distance and simultaneously invoked a mantra, gathering power at his feet.
Whoosh~
In an instant, a fierce wind surrounded the area.
Looking up, Wan Baoquan saw the veteran Daoist already with the gusts of wind and falling leaves, leaping across rooftops towards the northwest.
"Quick, follow him!"
With this order, Wan Baoquan led the government officials in a mad chase.
Dan Hezi moved with great speed, but thankfully Wan Baoquan was also skilled; though he didnât know spells, the power in his steps allowed him to scale walls and eaves, closely trailing behind.
Finally, he saw Dan Hezi stop, standing atop a high wall. With a flick of his horsetail whisk, he smiled and said, "Fellow Daoists, please do not misunderstand; I, Dan Hezi of Emei, come with no ill intentions."
Wan Baoquan turned the corner and was stunned.
In the dark alleyway, stood a group of mysterious figures, donning Nuo Masks and draped in wide robes, appearing shadowy, like dark ghosts in the night.
So many!
Wan Baoquan was shocked and hurriedly steadied his hand on his sword hilt.
He had thought they were searching for a master, but to find so many mysterious people hidden in Chongqing Prefecture raised his suspicions.
Dan Hezi shot him a sharp look, then cupped his hands again, "Rest assured, we only have a question to ask, with no intention to pry into your affairs."
Blocking the alley, naturally, were Li Yan and his party.
Although they had been prepared, being discovered so quickly surprised them; they methodically began to retreat.
But being burdened, they could not outrun this old Daoist.
Li Yan had been ready to act, the Soul-breaking Flying Blade at the brink of release, yet upon hearing the old Daoistâs words, he paused and asked sternly, "What do you wish to ask?"