At the break of dawn, the county office of Jinjiang also became lively.
“Everyone, get moving, no slacking off! Today is the day the Immortal Master performs the ritual. There must be no delays. Hurry up and work efficiently!”
The chief clerk was busy checking all the preparations for the ritual. While he was rushing around, he noticed a yamen runner tiptoeing toward him.
“What are you doing here?” the chief clerk scolded unhappily. “There’s no time to waste. Get to work!”
“Chief clerk, I swear I’m not slacking,” the runner hurriedly defended himself. After saying this, he leaned in closer and whispered, “Chief clerk, why hasn’t Vice Magistrate Xiao shown up?”
This reminder made the chief clerk realize, “That’s right. I don’t think I’ve seen Vice Magistrate Xiao today.”
“Not just today. He wasn’t here yesterday either.”
“Really? I’ve been so busy preparing for the ritual that I didn’t notice,” the chief clerk said. “Perhaps he went somewhere to relax and forgot to return. You go back to work. I’ll send someone to look for him.”
However, even by the time the ritual began, the chief clerk still hadn’t found Xiao Jingduo.
In the courtyard of Magistrate Chen’s residence, a few young acolytes in long robes were chanting sutras. They were merely warming up the ceremony, as the Immortal Master from the Tai Li Sect would perform the main ritual later.
The chief clerk stood amidst the crowd, constantly glancing around. Finally, he couldn’t resist asking the county captain in a low voice, “Have you seen Vice Magistrate Xiao?”
“Ah, Vice Magistrate Xiao?” The county captain scratched his head in surprise. “I haven’t seen him. Why do you ask?”
“The main ritual is about to begin, and Vice Magistrate Xiao is still absent. This won’t do. You stay here and keep an eye on things; I’ll go look for him again.” The chief clerk was growing anxious. Unable to oversee the ritual any longer, he gave some quick instructions and left in a hurry.
Just as he stepped out, he ran into Qi Ling. “Ah, Immortal Master, when did you arrive? Why didn’t you call for me? I’ve been so disrespectful.”
“It’s no matter,” Qi Ling replied with a gentle smile. His movements were unhurried, and his expression carried a benevolent, almost otherworldly air. Then he asked, “Where are you rushing off to, chief clerk?”
“Vicd Magistrate Xiao hasn’t arrived yet. I’m quite worried and thought I’d search for him again.”
“Oh, I see. Please carry on,” Qi Ling said.
The chief clerk thanked him and hurried away. Once out of sight, the benevolent smile on Qi Ling’s face vanished, replaced by a sharp and sinister expression. “Hmph, he’s not likely to show up.”
“Immortal Master, many people inside are waiting for you. Shall we go in?”
“Let them wait. I am an Immortal, and they are but mere mortal officials. Isn’t it only proper that they wait for me?” Qi Ling snapped, shaking his sleeves forcefully. Then, putting on the demeanor of a reclusive sage, he strode into the courtyard with his head held high.
As Qi Ling entered, everyone stopped what they were doing and bowed, making way for him. Qi Ling walked through the crowd and headed straight to the center of the courtyard. He looked around at the people bowing to him in reverence, including officials of the Xuan Dynasty’s court. Yet all of them had to lower themselves before him.
Qi Ling savored the moment, maintaining his lofty demeanor as he raised his hand and said condescendingly, “You may all rise.”
Only then did the crowd dare to straighten up, though their eyes remained downcast, not daring to meet the Immortal Master’s gaze.
Qi Ling continued, “I have transcended the mortal world and devote myself entirely to the pursuit of immortality. By rights, I should not concern myself with the affairs of this world. However, you officials of the county office have begged me repeatedly, with such earnestness that I could not refuse. Thus, I have delayed my cultivation to come here and perform a rite for Magistrate Chen’s departed soul. The cycle of heaven’s law is impartial; every man has his destiny. Magistrate Chen’s death was fated, a result of the karma bound to his life…”
Qi Ling spoke endlessly, expounding on mysterious and profound principles. These were lines he recited daily to wealthy landowners and influential figures, a skill he had perfected over time. As he spoke, his mind was occupied with other thoughts: the Sun family had donated a great deal of money to him and were his loyal followers. Since they were under his protection, he absolutely could not let them suffer. That arrogant young man had disrupted his plans, causing Sun Sizuo to lose his official position. Qi Ling could not tolerate this, so he subtly twisted his words to frame Magistrate Chen’s death as destiny, absolving Sun Sizuo of blame.
Usually, when Qi Ling spoke in such grandiose and empty terms, no one dared interrupt, even if they didn’t understand a word. They would hold their breath, fearful of making even the slightest sound. But today, as Qi Ling was at the height of his speech, someone suddenly interrupted him.
“Utter nonsense! Magistrate Chen’s death wasn’t fate—it was deliberate murder.”
Everyone gasped and turned their heads in shock, only to see Xiao Jingduo standing by the shadow wall, clad in fitted travel attire and exuding a commanding presence. Behind him, butcher Feng, dressed in his usual short-sleeved work clothes, stood like an immovable mountain.
“Vice Magistrate Xiao! What are you doing here?” Someone in the crowd, overwhelmed with surprise, blurted out.
“If I weren’t here, where else would I be?” Xiao Jingduo’s icy gaze locked onto Qi Ling, a chilling smile curving his lips. “Perhaps on my way to Rongzhou, being hunted down by your people?”
At this moment, the chief clerk arrived, his eyes darting between Xiao Jingduo, who was covered in morning dew, and the others in the courtyard, each with a different expression. Confused, he asked, “What’s going on here? Who’s been chasing you?”
“You should ask Qi Ling, the so-called Immortal Master of the Tai Li Sect,” Xiao Jingduo replied.
As Xiao Jingduo spoke, all eyes turned to Qi Ling. Qi Ling smiled faintly and said, “I have no idea what you’re talking about. You’re just a lowly deputy magistrate. How dare you overstep your bounds and offend me, an Immortal Master?”
“Others might be fooled into calling you Immortal Master, but you actually believe it yourself?” Xiao Jingduo’s tone was dripping with sarcasm. Suddenly, he raised his voice and shouted, “Feng Xiang, light the fire!”
“Got it.” Butcher Feng pulled a torch from his bundle, struck a firestarter with a puff, and lit the top of the torch without hesitation. A flash of flame was followed by thick white smoke rising from the torch.
The crowd below the steps erupted into exclamations, scattering as Butcher Feng deliberately waved the torch around, scaring off those nearest to him. Only then did he throw the torch forcefully to the ground, letting it continue to emit thick smoke.
The crowd backed away in alarm, forming a distant circle around the mysterious smoke-producing torch. They ignored Butcher Feng’s rudeness and instead pointed at the ground in astonishment. “This… this…”
“This is the truth behind Qi Ling’s so-called ability to summon clouds and mist,” Xiao Jingduo said. “He’s no Immortal, just a charlatan who uses tricks. He concocts special mixtures to produce smoke, deceiving you into believing it’s mist he has summoned. His claims of summoning clouds, flying, and seeking immortality are all lies.”
“You’re spouting nonsense!” Qi Ling panicked as soon as he saw the smoke. He never imagined his secret would be exposed, and worse, he had no idea how to handle the situation. He forced himself to remain composed, maintaining a facade of authority as he shouted, “Utter nonsense! You’re slandering me, the Immortal Master! Do you think a mere torch can discredit me? Let me tell you, I not only summon clouds and mist but can also walk on water without leaving a trace. Do you think that’s a lie too?”
“Walking on water without leaving a trace is even simpler,” Xiao Jingduo said with a mocking smile, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Why do you always appear from a distance and never let anyone get close? Is it because you’re afraid they’ll discover the hidden supports under the water?”
“You’re slandering me! You’re spouting nonsense!” Qi Ling shouted, his voice trembling with anger and fear.
Xiao Jingduo couldn’t be bothered with Qi Ling, who was angrily stomping his feet. Instead, he commanded, “Men, arrest this fraud.”
“Who dares? I am an Immortal Master!” Qi Ling shouted furiously, and several young disciples and clerks immediately surrounded him.
Xiao Jingduo carefully observed the expressions on everyone’s faces. Today, with the Tai Li Sect’s rituals in full display, nearly everyone from the county office had gathered here. It couldn’t be easier to identify who were the sect’s insiders and who were loyal to the government.
Noting the suspicious individuals, Xiao Jingduo committed their faces to memory. Then, with a resolute wave of his arm, he shouted, “Take action!”
Immediately, a group of soldiers rushed in from behind Xiao Jingduo. With a sharp clang, they unsheathed their gleaming long swords, encircling Qi Ling and his followers tightly. Though Qi Ling had deceived a fair number of supporters with his empty words, most were either elderly, feeble landlords or gullible commoners with limited knowledge. They were no match for the disciplined soldiers. At the sight of the drawn blades, the crowd of Qi Ling’s supporters quickly lost their nerve.
“Didn’t he claim he could summon clouds and mist and walk on water? Bring him forward,” Xiao Jingduo ordered as he turned and walked out. The soldiers, unceremoniously grabbing Qi Ling, dragged him along.
Xiao Jingduo led the group through the main street, out the city gates, and all the way to the edge of Miracle Lake. Curious townsfolk, unsure of what was happening, trailed along to watch the commotion. Standing before the lake, Xiao Jingduo raised his voice so everyone could hear:
“Qi the Immortal’s divine abilities have left us all in awe. I remember them vividly. Since everyone is here today, let’s have Qi Ling demonstrate another miracle. Men, throw him in.”
“No! I am an Immortal! You can’t treat me like this!” Qi Ling struggled violently, shouting threats of divine retribution to scare those around him. One of the soldiers guarding him glanced at Xiao Jingduo, who calmly but firmly gave the order: “Throw him in.”
Following the command, the soldiers wasted no time. Working together, they lifted the screaming and flailing Qi Ling. After swaying him back and forth a couple of times, they released their grip and hurled him into the lake.
With a loud splash, Qi Ling landed in the water, immediately gulping down a mouthful as he floundered about. Gone was the composed air of an Immortal; he was now a pitiful figure thrashing in the water, shouting, “Help! Help!”
Feng Jiao, who hadn’t dared leave her house in a long time, had heard rumors earlier that Xiao Jingduo was dragging the so-called Immortal Master out of the city. Overcome with curiosity, she mustered her courage to follow. She arrived just in time to witness this satisfying scene.
Feng Jiao felt a surge of both relief and anger. Picking up a rock, she hurled it forcefully at Qi Ling’s head. “You fraud! Didn’t you say you could summon clouds and walk on water? Why can’t you do it now?”
The rock struck Qi Ling squarely on the forehead, causing blood to trickle down his pale skin. Inspired by Feng Jiao, other families who had lost their daughters began cursing and throwing stones as well. Some of the more hot-tempered individuals even prepared to wade into the water to beat him up.
Xiao Jingduo quickly stopped them. The rumors about the local population’s fiery nature were true, it seemed. He needed Qi Ling alive to report back to the prefect of Rongzhou and couldn’t let the townsfolk beat him to death.
“Vice Magistrate Xiao, that scoundrel tricked our daughter away. Can we still find her?” someone called out anxiously.
Xiao Jingduo reassured the crowd, “Yes, we will find all the missing girls. Please stay calm.”
Just as he finished speaking, a signal flare rose from the southwest. Xiao Jingduo’s spirits lifted. “Xiao Lin has found the place!”
Without wasting a moment, he called out, “Follow me!” and led the soldiers toward the source of the signal. The townsfolk, their anger now fully ignited, eagerly followed behind, leaving only a few guards to keep an eye on Qi Ling.
Hearing that the missing girls had been found, Feng Jiao’s face lit up with joy. She lifted her skirt and ran after the crowd. After just two steps, however, she turned back and fiercely kicked Qi Ling twice.
The guards, caught off guard, failed to stop her. They watched helplessly as the nimble and lively young woman darted away like a deer, leaving them with resigned expressions.
Meanwhile, Qi Ling lay sprawled on the ground like a dead dog, muttering to himself, “Impossible… The timing… In just three days, there’s no way they could’ve gone to Rongzhou and back. And I clearly sent people to kill him. Why?”
Xiao Jingduo and his group arrived at the location marked by the signal flare, where Xiao Lin was already waiting outside. Seeing Xiao Jingduo, Xiao Lin quickly stepped forward and reported, “Sir, the Central Army Commander has already led his men inside. It’s been about half a quarter-hour.”
“Good. Everyone, listen up! Charge into the area immediately and assist the other team in rescuing the captive women.”
“Yes, sir!” the soldiers responded in unison. With a loud shout, they rushed into the cave. Xiao Jingduo stayed outside, giving Xiao Lin a firm pat on the shoulder. “Well done. It must’ve been a tough journey to Rongzhou.”
Butcher Feng scratched his head and asked, “Vice Magistrate Xiao, that day at the market, when you told me about all this—was it intentional?”
Xiao Jingduo smiled without answering, merely saying, “The terrain inside is treacherous, and we don’t know how many innocent women are being held. Go in and help the Rongzhou soldiers.”
“Got it!” Butcher Feng rolled up his sleeves, eagerly charging into the cave.
In truth, Butcher Feng wasn’t wrong—everything Xiao Jingduo had done in the past few days was intentional.
A few days earlier, Xiao Jingduo had deliberately rummaged through Magistrate Chen’s study, pausing dramatically when a slip of paper fell from a book. He quietly pocketed it, even though it was nothing more than a scrap—a rejected draft of poetry that Magistrate Chen had absentmindedly tucked into a collection. But Xiao Jingduo made it seem like a crucial piece of evidence. Qi Ling’s informants, misled by Xiao Jingduo’s theatrics, reported up the chain, creating the illusion that Xiao Jingduo had found something significant and was planning to report it.
The next day, Xiao Jingduo approached Butcher Feng, whose loud voice ensured the news spread quickly. As expected, one of Qi Ling’s spies overheard and reported the information. Qi Ling, thinking the situation critical, ordered his men to watch Xiao Jingduo closely and even sent assassins when Xiao Jingduo secretly left the city. However, Qi Ling had no idea that the person carrying the vital evidence—Xiao Lin—had already been sent on his way to Rongzhou.
While Xiao Jingduo and Butcher Feng acted as decoys to draw attention, Xiao Lin carried Xiao Jingduo’s handwritten letter and official seal to seek help from the Rongzhou prefect. The prefect, well aware of the Tai Li Sect’s notoriety, had long wanted to act against them but lacked solid evidence and faced resistance from locals who supported the sect. Now, with irrefutable proof of the sect’s crimes against government officials, the prefect was determined to eradicate the cult. Following Xiao Jingduo’s advice, he dispatched two teams of soldiers to assist in capturing the rebels.
Naturally, when the time came to distribute credit for the operation, the Rongzhou prefect’s name would appear at the top.
Xiao Jingduo didn’t care about that. To him, destroying the Tai Li Sect mattered more than anything else. Magistrate Chen might not have uncovered anything significant, but his mere curiosity had drawn Qi Ling’s suspicion. Fearing exposure, Qi Ling ordered his servant to poison Magistrate Chen. To find a scapegoat, Qi Ling targeted Butcher Feng, who was unruly, held a grudge against Magistrate Chen, and was also at odds with the Tai Li Sect. Blaming him served multiple purposes—it eliminated the magistrate and allowed Qi Ling to take control of Feng Jiao.
Qi Ling’s followers stole Butcher Feng’s knife and planted it next to Magistrate Chen’s corpse. When Butcher Feng arrived later that night, Assistant Officer Sun publicly accused him. Qi Ling’s plan seemed flawless, and Assistant Officer Sun gave convincing false testimony. But in the end, it all fell apart in the face of Xiao Jingduo’s careful scheming.
The day Xiao Jingduo successfully tested the formula for saltpeter and sugar paste, he had just arrived at the county office when a loud explosion came from the southwest. The yamen runners explained it was due to alchemy, but Xiao Jingduo, having seen many Taoists in Chang’an, knew that the sound of a failed alchemy furnace did not resemble this. He immediately suspected this was the location where Qi Ling was holding the kidnapped girls. After all, creating “cloud-riding” illusions required large amounts of saltpeter and multiple attempts to perfect the effect. This meant Qi Ling likely had access to a natural saltpeter mine to support his fraudulent schemes of divinity.
Time proved Xiao Jingduo’s suspicions correct. While he led a team to expose Qi Ling at the county office, Xiao Lin led another group to locate the saltpeter mine in the southwest. At the office, Xiao Jingduo remained anxious about Xiao Lin’s progress. Their plan relied entirely on the element of surprise. If Qi Ling’s men realized what was happening and Xiao Lin failed to locate the kidnapped girls, their operation could fail disastrously.
Fortunately, everything went smoother than Xiao Jingduo had anticipated.
Before long, armored soldiers emerged from the cave, supporting the frail kidnapped girls. The surrounding townspeople, upon seeing them, broke into tears. Some wailed loudly as they rushed forward, embracing the girls while crying out, “My child! My child! Your mother thought she’d never see you again!”
The sight moved everyone deeply. Even Xiao Jingduo turned his head away, unable to watch.
Family after family reunited, with parents weeping and girls sobbing uncontrollably. Though the girls were disheveled, with torn clothing and haggard faces, they were alive, and that was all that mattered. The air filled with the sound of tearful reunions, a mix of joy and sorrow.
Amid the chaos, no one expected one of the frail girls to suddenly lunge forward. With unexpected strength, she snatched a soldier’s sword and stabbed at a man nearby. Xiao Jingduo and the others were alarmed. Xiao Lin quickly drew his own blade, positioning himself protectively in front of Xiao Jingduo, while other soldiers encircled the girl.
Despite her determination, the girl’s weak body betrayed her. She managed to cut her target’s skin before he dodged away. Refusing to give up, she raised the sword again but was restrained by the soldiers.
“Let me go! I want to kill these scoundrels! You destroyed my family! Even as a ghost, I won’t forgive you!” she screamed.
The soldiers held her firmly on both sides as she struggled fiercely, but she couldn’t break free. They glanced at Xiao Jingduo, waiting for his orders. He observed the girl for a moment, then gestured for everyone to lower their weapons.
“She doesn’t mean any harm, and her target isn’t us,” Xiao Jingduo said calmly as he approached her. He softened his tone, attempting to soothe her. “You’re safe now. These criminals will face justice under the law. There’s no need for you to act on your own.”
Perhaps it was the sound of Xiao Jingduo’s voice, but the girl gradually calmed down. She sank to the ground, covering her face with her hands as she wept. Xiao Jingduo sighed helplessly. He had always been uneasy dealing with women’s tears. Unsure of what to do, he stood awkwardly nearby, waiting for her to collect herself.
After a while, the girl finally began to settle down. She wiped her tears forcefully, her face still streaked with dirt, but she mustered a faint smile and bowed slightly toward Xiao Jingduo. “I am Chen Ci. Thank you, Vice Magistrate, for your comfort.”
Xiao Jingduo didn’t have time to ask how she knew his position. Instead, he looked at her in surprise and exclaimed, “You’re Cheni Ci?”
T/N: You might be wondering about my inconsistent upload schedule and I’m sorry about that. With school and work piling up, I’m trying my best to upload every week, though it may be one chapter or more.
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