Daoist Competition

In that caravan, there was a manager-like person who suddenly saw a blur before his eyes, and a young Taoist with disheveled hair appeared, snatching the wine that was meant for the sacrificial offering to the Dao Palace, drinking it carelessly, and immediately became furious, saying: "Where did this wild Daoist come from? Why are you still standing there in a daze? Quickly, seize him!"

He hadn’t clearly seen where the Yu Gu True Spirit had appeared from, but youths in the mountains often enjoyed climbing cliffs, swinging down on vines to steal goods, a common occurrence, so he didn’t think much more of it and immediately ordered those around him to take action.

The servants and guards were all quite experienced; with three to five people in front, they jabbed wildly with long sticks, and one person took out a rope waiting to tie him up after he was driven down, with a few young men behind full of excitement, ready to give Xiahou a good beating.

But the sticks went straight through his body as if through a phantom, unable to touch him at all.

Everyone was shocked, and someone exclaimed: "Could it be we’re seeing ghosts in broad daylight?"

The manager, having some insight, sensed something was off, pulled a boy over, whispered a few words, and then stopped everyone, stepped forward, and cupped his hands saying: "May I ask which palace Immortal Master cultivates in? My master’s family name is Wang, and we have some connection with the Prince of Song’s household."

The Yu Gu True Spirit just gulped down a jar of wine, patted the unchanging shriveled belly, and said with a grin: "I don’t know anything about any Prince of Song or not; if you want wine money, ask him."

He pointed with a finger, and when everyone turned to look, there was somehow a handsome young Taoist beside them, accompanied by a pristine Daoist boy.

Seeing his extraordinary demeanor standing there, exuding a hard-to-describe oppressive feel, the manager unconsciously took a step back, uncertain.

Zhang Yan took out a jade box from his sleeve and handed it to the Mountain and River Child at his side, who stepped forward and passed the box to the manager, saying: "My master said, use this as wine payment."

The manager saw these three coming in an odd manner, seemingly possessing some Daoist skills, and did not dare take it lightly.

As he hesitated, someone said from afar: "What’s a little wine worth? It’s my honor that the Immortal Master is willing to grace us."

Zhang Yan looked toward the voice and saw a woman of about twenty-seven or eight years old coming over, with exquisite features and a hint of competence and shrewdness in her eyes, draped in a pink great cloak. As she approached, everyone made way, clearly showing her high status in the caravan.

When the woman came near, she said with a smile: "We are all citizens of Song Country, traveling to the capital with goods. Within a thousand miles of this place, there’s only one gorge road into the mountains. If the Immortal Masters don’t mind, why not join the caravan into the mountains? If we encounter any mountain spirits or monsters, I hope you will protect us."

She gestured towards the jars of fine wine and continued: "If you agree, all this wine will be yours."

In these mountains, there are many spirit monsters. While traveling, those with deep roots often invite Dao Palace Taoists for protection, at a considerable cost. There are also some Taoists who travel and wait by the roads, eating and taking from the caravans, then standing out to shield them from disasters. It seems this woman took Zhang Yan and the others for such Taoists.

The Yu Gu True Spirit’s eyes lit up, then looked at Zhang Yan eagerly, saying: "Nephew Zhang, there’s good wine here, perhaps, perhaps..."

Zhang Yan pondered for a moment, realizing they needed to find a way into the mountains regardless, mingling with these merchants would avoid many incidents, so he slowly nodded.

The Yu Gu True Spirit was delighted, winked at the woman, and said: "How should I address the young lady? Have you promised yourself to someone?"

Everyone heard his teasing tone and glared angrily at him.

The woman was not offended and replied with a smile: "My husband’s family name is Wang, so you may call me Wang Family."

She waved her hand, calling the manager, and said: "Prepare two fine carriages for the Immortal Masters, quickly."

The manager hurriedly agreed.

Lady Wang also said with a smile to Zhang Yan and Yu Gu True Spirit: "If you need anything, just ask Manager Qiu, I must excuse myself for now."

Having said that, she curtsied and then turned to leave.

Lady Wang returned to her carriage, seeing an elderly manager with white hair leaning on a cane, waiting there. Upon seeing her, he walked shakily over and saluted, saying: "Lady Wang."

Lady Wang took his arm, frowning: "The mountain path is treacherous, Manager Wu is aged, why not sit comfortably in the carriage?"

Her face turned stern, eyes glaring at a few others beside her, scolding: "How do you handle things?"

Manager Wu quickly spoke up: "It’s not their fault, I have something to discuss with Lady Wang."

Lady Wang sighed: "Manager Wu is an elder of ours, if anything’s needed, just send someone to inform me, why trouble yourself to come personally?"

The old manager showed a worried expression and said: "Lady Wang, the ten loads of Gu Weng Tea and a hundred baskets of Spring Transformation Fruit are for the Huijue Dao Palace; they’re worth a fortune. If any are lost, we can’t bear the responsibility."

Understanding his meaning instantly, Lady Wang glanced at him and said: "Is Manager Wu worried that those two Taoists aren’t trustworthy?"

The old manager nodded repeatedly and said: "These two arrived strangely, we must be cautious."

Lady Wang’s expression remained unmoved, her gaze lowered, saying: "You’ve overthought it, Manager Wu. If they had ill intentions, they would act immediately since there’s nobody around for miles. Besides, don’t we have the Dao Palace guards you invited? There’s nothing to fear."

Manager Wu attempted a few more words, but seeing Lady Wang’s insistence, he could only sigh and return to his own carriage. Pulling aside the curtain, he saw a robust middle-aged man in his forties seated there, with spirited eyes and strong joints, an impressive aura. He quickly greeted respectfully, saying: "Greetings, Qi Weiling."

The middle-aged man glanced at him and asked: "How did it go?"

Manager Wu replied angrily: "Those two Taoists seem to have some skills, and that little bitch sure knows how to find an opportunity, I don’t know who’s teaching her."

The middle-aged man said blandly: "They’re just two wild Daoists; they won’t hinder anything. We’ll deal with them altogether when the time comes."

...

...(To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)