Chapter 145

Chapter 145: Coming to the Door

Liu Hao Tian quickly understood, raising his sword-like brows as he asked, “Fellow Daoist Wei, are you saying this was deliberately set up by demonic cultivators to spread their cultivation methods?”

Yun Xi nodded and replied, “It’s just a guess, but mortals are not cultivators and have short lifespans. They long for immense strength, higher status, and eternal life—all temptations offered by demonic cultivation techniques. As cultivators, we know very well that once a mortal begins practicing these evil arts, they’ll have no choice but to kill endlessly. Countless innocent lives lost will breed resentment. Eventually, this overwhelming resentment becomes nourishment for the demonic cultivators. Perhaps that’s their true intention for leaving these techniques in the mortal world.”

Yu Qing Cheng narrowed her phoenix eyes thoughtfully, realizing she had underestimated the situation.

Xia You considered Yun Xi’s words carefully before suggesting, “If we wish to confirm Yun Xi’s theory, we should carefully investigate on our return journey to the cultivation world. We will surely uncover some clues.”

Yu Qing Cheng immediately agreed, “Indeed. Yun Xi’s spirit pet could be of great help.”

Liu Hao Tian, having never met Dian Dian, turned curiously toward Yun Xi.

Without hesitation, Yun Xi gently plucked Dian Dian from her bosom and introduced him formally, “This is my spirit beast, a Trail-Seeking Mouse. His name is Wei Dian Dian—you can just call him Dian Dian.”

Dian Dian stood upright on his hind legs, folded his front paws, and politely bowed. His tiny, black eyes darted around, carefully noting each of his master’s new companions.

Yu Qing Cheng laughed gently, teasing, “Junior Sister Yun Xi, you treat your spirit beast more like a pet. Why haven’t you prepared a spirit beast pouch?”

Yun Xi softly petted Dian Dian’s furry head, answering warmly, “I never intended Dian Dian to be a combat helper. Initially, I kept him simply because he was adorable and good company. It turned out he has a remarkable talent for tracking. We discovered the mountain bandit leader’s demonic cultivation thanks to Dian Dian’s sharp nose.”

Liu Hao Tian nodded approvingly, “This is your fate, Fellow Daoist Wei. Even if Dian Dian’s combat ability is low, his unique skills can be a powerful assistance.”

Yun Xi nodded in agreement, reflecting that her contract with Dian Dian was entirely coincidental.

After meeting everyone, Dian Dian swiftly returned to the comfort of Yun Xi’s embrace. With the introductions settled, the four began discussing their next steps.

Yu Qing Cheng, remembering her grievances against Boss Shen, said angrily, “I still need to settle things with that Boss Shen.”

Yun Xi chuckled softly, warning, “Boss Shen has already been scared out of his wits. Please be gentle with your punishment.”

Yu Qing Cheng’s delicate brows arched sharply, “If not for him being a mortal, I would’ve ended him already. How dare he even think about selling my Senior Brother Liu? He must have a death wish!”

Yun Xi explained lightly, “The one who wanted to buy you both was the county magistrate himself. He was desperate to please an imperial censor—a high official from the capital who has an infamous reputation for lust. He isn’t picky about gender, either. The magistrate was merely doing everything he could to keep his position.”

Yu Qing Cheng sneered disdainfully, “Bribing officials with beauty? It seems this county magistrate isn’t so upright himself.”

Yun Xi smiled thoughtfully, adding, “County Magistrate Zhou is quite intriguing. He might not be perfectly righteous, but he did place spies among the bandits to destroy them from within. When we handed him the captured bandits, he swiftly passed judgment—executing the guilty, punishing the rest, and ensuring the stolen wealth returned properly to the county treasury. He didn’t pocket any of it himself. Although he’s bribing that lustful censor with beauties from his own purse, it shows he’s a flexible man who understands compromise.”

Hearing this, Yu Qing Cheng also found Magistrate Zhou interesting—a pragmatic official who knew how to adapt.

Liu Hao Tian picked up on Yun Xi’s deeper implication and asked thoughtfully, “Fellow Daoist Wei, are you thinking of lending County Magistrate Zhou a hand?”

Yun Xi flashed her charming dimples and smiled openly, “Overall, he’s a decent magistrate who keeps his county safe. Since we’re already involved, what’s the harm in helping out a bit? Besides, I’m genuinely curious about this infamous imperial censor.”

Yu Qing Cheng instantly saw Yun Xi’s curiosity outweighed any benevolence, smiling mischievously, “Well, since we plan to investigate demonic cultivator activity along the way anyway, another day or two won’t matter. Let’s go meet this County Magistrate Zhou.”

All four were people of decisive action, so that very evening they appeared at the magistrate’s residence.

Yun Xi believed in simplicity and asked Hao Chun De—the strategist spy they previously helped—to introduce them.

When Hao Chun De saw the sudden appearance of the four cultivators, he nearly screamed in shock but forced himself to remain calm and quickly led them to Magistrate Zhou.

County Magistrate Zhou had been anxiously pondering how to find suitable beauties, but seeing these four striking cultivators, he momentarily froze in awe until Hao Chun De’s voice snapped him back to reality.

“My lord, these are the immortal sirs I previously mentioned who helped capture the mountain bandits.”

Magistrate Zhou immediately stood and bowed respectfully, “Many thanks to you four immortal sirs for removing this scourge from Jinshan County. Please accept this humble official’s gratitude.”

After receiving his thanks, the four took their seats comfortably.

Yun Xi went straight to the point about the imperial censor’s impending arrival, making Magistrate Zhou flush with embarrassment.

“This… How could I trouble you noble immortal sirs with such trivial matters? It’s…”

Liu Hao Tian calmly interjected, “It’s fine. This matter involves us, so consider it settling our karma. Simply arrange our accommodations, and when the censor arrives, introduce us. We’ll handle the rest.”

“Yes, of course. I will immediately prepare lodgings personally.”

Magistrate Zhou hurriedly explained the matter to his wife, Madam Yu, swiftly preparing the backyard as living quarters for the four immortals.

Madam Yu was both reverent and cautious upon meeting real immortals for the first time, yet their exceptional beauty compelled her gaze to linger.

Once settled into the magistrate’s residence, Yun Xi and the others entered seclusion, not venturing out. Four days later, Hao Chun De brought news that the imperial censor, Di Kang Nian, had arrived.

Magistrate Zhou and his subordinates welcomed Di Kang Nian, housing him in an extravagant mansion offered by a wealthy local family.

Arrogantly, Di Kang Nian didn’t even greet Magistrate Zhou on arrival, merely entering the courtyard while embracing two concubines. Magistrate Zhou cursed him inwardly but outwardly remained respectful, sending four sedan chairs early the next morning.

Hearing the news, Di Kang Nian dismissed the concubines attending him, changed into elegant violet robes, and eagerly stepped outside.

Seeing four sedan chairs, he nodded approvingly, signaling his attendants to reveal the guests.

Yu Qing Cheng emerged first, her scarlet robes highlighting her enchanting allure. Her mere glance captivated everyone present, and even Di Kang Nian’s breathing quickened noticeably.

Yun Xi stepped out next, dressed in lotus-pink robes, appearing youthful, lively, and exceptionally lovely.

Xia You followed, icy blue robes complementing her cold, indifferent beauty, radiating a fascinating yet untouchable charm.

Finally, Liu Hao Tian exited the sedan chair. Towering at nearly six-foot-three, his sky-blue robes emphasized his noble bearing. His sharp brows and mesmerizing peach-blossom eyes instantly captivated Di Kang Nian, who now seemed thoroughly tempted by this extraordinary beauty standing before him.