Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Lady Xiao ordered several servants to take Xiao Yinfeng back to her room and, while they were at it, drag away the man on the floor whose life or death was now uncertain.

Then she forced out a smile and took a few steps forward. “My daughter has been spoiled rotten by me on ordinary days. Please don’t take offense, Immortal Maiden. May I ask… what you said just now, was it true?”

“This humble Daoist never speaks nonsense.” I stepped out from behind Old Swindler and delivered my curse in a sinister tone. “Xiao Yinfeng’s hands are stained with blood, and resentment clings to her body. She is extremely vulnerable to possession by demons and ghosts. She won’t live more than a few days… days… ays…”

A cold breeze swept past, and everyone present shuddered.

Old Swindler’s mouth twitched. The hand hidden behind his back waved frantically.

You’ve overdone it, girl!

But the General’s Lady had lost every trace of color in her face. Swaying on her feet, she seized my arm, her nails almost digging into my flesh, her voice trembling.

“Daoist… is there a-any way to resolve it?”

Expressionless, I blurted out, “Can’t save her. Wait for death.”

“Cough! Cough! Cough!”

Old Swindler coughed loudly several times, barely covering my answer. He let out a few dry laughs and, without making a show of it, pulled my arm back.

“Well… Madam, there’s no need to panic. Naturally, there is a way. It will simply require a great deal of energy…”

“I’ll pay more!” The General’s Lady looked terrified, tears brimming in her eyes. “I only beg you all to save my daughter.”

“Ha-ha… ah… Money is of no importance. The key point is that exorcising demons and defending the Dao is the duty of people such as us. Madam, rest assured!” Old Swindler stroked his beard, covering the upward curve of his lips as he spoke with awe-inspiring righteousness.

The other practitioners around us secretly rolled their eyes, then immediately rushed forward one after another.

“Amitabha. Madam, in truth, this poor monk can also chant scriptures and pray for Miss Xiao, warding off calamity and dispelling misfortune.”

“That’s right. This poor Daoist is also willing to lend his strength. I absolutely will not allow the eldest young lady to be disturbed by evil spirits.”

“Me, me…”

“And me…”

“This poor Daoist can sleep directly outside Miss Xiao’s room tonight! I will not let any evil spirit come within a single step!”

“This poor monk can do so as well!”

Old Swindler agreed to catch the ghost for the General’s Lady after nightfall.

The steward arranged guest rooms for us and told us to prepare well.

Anyone who has killed someone knows that bloodstains on clothes are very hard to clean.

A breath of frustration was stuck in my chest. I took a bath and changed into a fresh set of white robes.

“What did you do just now? Why did the General’s Lady believe you so much?”

There were only Old Swindler and me in the room. He held a wine jug in one hand and gnawed on a greasy chicken leg with the other.

I sat at the writing desk, took a little doll from the pocket close to my body, and gently wiped it with a fine cloth.

“Didn’t they say the dog died in the pigsty? I performed my best trick for her there, made a cloud of rolling black smoke, and scared her half to death.”

“You bluffed her?”

“Of course. You didn’t see the scene back then. Ah, those peers of ours-either their yellow talismans burst into flames or their compasses spun wildly. So old-fashioned, not the slightest bit creative. The moment I showed my hand, they were stunned. Their eyes were full of longing for new technology!”

I couldn’t help laughing. When it came to playing at gods and ghosts, Old Swindler truly had no equal.

“Oh? This doll is quite pretty, white and lustrous as jade. Where did you get it? Don’t tell me it was a gift from your sweetheart?”

Old Swindler leaned over to look.

My fingertip gently brushed over the doll’s face, and the corners of my mouth curved into a faint smile. “I carved it myself.”

Old Swindler took another swig of wine and teased, “Didn’t see that coming, girl. You’ve got hobbies like this? Nice craftsmanship. What did you carve it from?”

I bared my teeth and said darkly, “Human bone~~~”

Old Swindler spat out a mouthful of wine. Annoyed, he patted my back. “Damn girl, stop scaring people all the time. Be careful, or you won’t be able to get married.”

“I have a fiancé. No need for you to trouble yourself.”

“Huh? Really? Tsk. I was thinking of introducing my youngest son to you. Looks like he doesn’t have that fate.”

“You have a son?”

“What kind of question is that!”