Chapter Forty-Eight: The Search [Requesting Recommendations]

Shi Jian!

Hearing this name, Li Yang’s eyes immediately narrowed. So this is the person who dares to practice dark arts under the banner of the Maoshan Sect. In the original work, there was little description of Shi Jian—only that he was the leader of his generation in the Maoshan Sect, a cultivator of great skill, even superior to Ninth Uncle. Later, because his son committed crimes and clashed with Ninth Uncle, Shi Jian was careless and died at the hands of Ninth Uncle, defeated by the innate Eight Trigrams.

That being so, the elder Taoist called Qingyunzi must belong to the previous generation of Maoshan.

“Forgive us for making you witness such things!” After a long while, the elderly couple regained their composure, looked at Li Yang with embarrassment, and forced a smile.

“There’s no need to apologize, elder. My own curiosity stirred up the pain in your hearts—it’s I who should be sorry. If there’s anything inconvenient to share, I’ll ask no further.” Li Yang shook his head and spoke with genuine remorse.

“It’s not that we cannot speak, but that Daoist Shi Jian is nothing like Qingyunzi, whose spirit is upright and open-minded. Shi Jian is narrow-hearted and ruthless. If word of this reached his ears, you, our guest, would be implicated, and we would be gravely at fault.” The old man sighed, his face full of bitter helplessness.

“Speak freely, elder. I’d like to see what this Shi Jian can do to me under broad daylight and clear skies. Though I lack skills in the Dao, I am not so easily bullied.”

“Since you do not fear him, I have nothing to lose!” Seeing Li Yang’s righteous confidence, the old man’s spirit soared.

“This story begins when Shi Jian arrived at Teng Teng Town. Upon his arrival, he embarked on grand construction projects, collecting money to build a Taoist temple. Later, he conscripted the young and strong of the town to construct a Dao altar in the rear hills. At first, everyone hesitated out of respect for Qingyunzi, saying little. But as time passed, the town was left without able-bodied workers, production lagged, and families teetered on the brink of starvation. Dissatisfaction grew, and unrest followed.

No one expected Shi Jian to be so cruel—he turned those who protested into zombies. His mastery of Daoist arts forced the townsfolk to endure. When his disciple arrived two years ago, he scoured the town for women, claiming it would bring vitality to the temple. Yet those women chosen either went mad or vanished without a trace.

My poor Shan’er was chosen last year. Since then, we’ve heard nothing of her. She is likely lost to us. Teng Teng Town has been ruined by this master and disciple. It’s a curse!” Tears streamed down the old man’s face, and his wife silently wiped her own.

“Outrageous! A true disgrace to the Dao. I had no idea Maoshan harbored such men—I have learned much today!” Hearing this, Li Yang slammed the table and feigned furious indignation.

“Ah, it is fate! Qingyunzi once said this place’s feng shui is ill—the surrounding peaks resemble coffins, making it a natural sanctuary for corpses. Yet one cannot easily leave one’s homeland, and we are old and frail. Nearly all the young and strong have fled; only us old bones remain, waiting for death.” The old man was full of melancholy, forcing himself to joke.

...

Under the night sky, a cold, dense fog rose over Teng Teng Town, unusually eerie for an early spring evening. The town was pitch black and silent, as if not a soul stirred.

After resting in the small inn all afternoon, Li Yang slipped out the window under cover of darkness, moving like a shadow toward the Taoist temple at the town’s center.

“Heaven clear, earth bright, grant me divine power: borrow the method!”

A golden centipede, barely an inch long, crawled from Li Yang’s sleeve and slipped through the temple’s door crack.

Inside, the temple was ablaze with light. From time to time, women carried food and clothes toward a room in the back hall.

“Beautiful one... let me have a kiss...”

“You’re so naughty...”

“No... you’re terrible, sir...”

“Don’t run... let me teach you a lesson...”

“Ah... please don’t...”

“...”

Climbing in through the window, Li Yang was greeted by a scene of decadent luxury.

Charcoal braziers warmed every corner, banishing any chill from the air. In the center of the room stood an ornate bed. A young man, his face full of wicked lust, lay bare-chested, cavorting on the bed with a group of women clad only in thin undergarments. He drank fine wine, indulging in pleasure without restraint.

The flashes of pale skin left Li Yang dazzled, his heart full of conflicted thoughts. For a moment, he felt this was the life he ought to lead, and wished he could join in.

But then he remembered Lady He’s radiant smile; shaking his head, he looked again at the painted women and lost all interest. Desire vanished from his heart.

“Cough, cough...” As the young man reveled, a Taoist elder in black and white robes appeared in the room, coughed twice, and stared coldly at the pleasure-seeking youth.

“Master!... You all, leave now...” Sensing the elder’s mood, the young man’s expression turned fearful. He hurriedly drove the adorned women out and tidied his clothes, climbing up respectfully.

“So you remember I am your master. How many times have I told you—cultivators must avoid women; read the Daoist scriptures, banish lust. Women sap our essence, but you never listen!”

Looking at the youth bowing his head in terror, the elder’s voice was full of disappointment. Yet after a moment, his tone softened, “Enough. Come with me to the rear hills. And remember—don’t be so reckless again.”

“Father! I don’t get it. Teng Teng Town is already desolate—there’s nothing left to take. Why stay here? I’m sick of this miserable place!”

Seeing his father’s tone relax, the young man became lively and complained.

“You know nothing. That’s just the surface. Gold and silver are important, but with Maoshan’s reputation, we have ways to get resources. What truly matters is buried in the rear hills!”

“Hmph! I can see through your little scheme. You just want to move because there are no more women here for you to enjoy!”

The elder glared at his disappointing son, speaking with irritation.

“Hehe... But father, what is this truly valuable treasure you speak of?”

Exposed, the young man shrank with embarrassment, then asked curiously.