Chapter 5: Going Out to Take a Look
“At last, we get to see the Great Immortal!” The woman’s eyes lit up, her hands rubbing together excitedly. She stepped forward and bowed. “This humble woman greets White True Man, Great Immortal Bai!” The middle-aged man behind her also followed with a salute.
“Mm.” The old man slightly lifted his chin, face full of aloof superiority. “What is it that brings you here?”
“Great Immortal Bai…” The woman suddenly remembered her purpose, speaking even more anxiously, “We are villagers from Li Family Village at the foot of the mountain. Please, Immortal, save my son! He… he can’t hold on any longer.” As she spoke, tears burst out all at once.
“What has happened? Why seek my help to save him?” the old man pressed.
“He… he’s been possessed!” The woman wept uncontrollably, snot and tears all over. “Seven days ago, he suddenly fell ill. At first, it was only headaches and trouble breathing, but then it worsened. Now he can’t speak, can’t move. And on his body… black corpse… corpse spots have appeared!”
“Corpse spots?” The old man was startled. Stroking his grizzled beard, he pondered for a moment before putting on an inscrutable air. “From your words, there is indeed something strange. But since I have not seen it with my own eyes, I cannot be sure of the cause. Unfortunately, there are urgent matters in the temple, it is truly inconvenient for me to…”
“Great Immortal!” The woman panicked, dropping to her knees. Crying bitterly, she begged, “My son must have been entangled by unclean things. This is about human life. Within a hundred miles, only you can save him. I beg you, please save him!”
The man beside her also knelt. “Yes, Immortal, please come down the mountain to save my second brother! We are willing to donate thirty… no! Forty taels of silver incense money to the temple!” He tightened his grip on the money pouch and, gritting his teeth, offered it up.
“This…” The old man looked conflicted, but his eyes suddenly lit up. Stroking his beard, he finally nodded. “Ah, very well, very well. I shall go with you.” He said this as he directly accepted the pouch.