Chapter 94: Chapter 93: The Daoist Shows His Might

"Mr. Wang Runheng?" Taoist Xiu Xin looked toward the middle-aged man at the door, his eyes brightening as he rose to greet him.

After a brief exchange, Taoist Xiu Xin had his disciple lead the man away. He then returned to the table to excuse himself from the other Daoists. "A patron has run into a bit of trouble. I must step away for a moment."

Taoist Yi Hong stopped Taoist Xiu Xin as he was about to leave. "To visit during the Centennial Grand Rite, he must be here for a serious matter," he said, rising. "I see a dullness in his features and would like to listen in, if that’s not too presumptuous."

Taoist Xiu Xin was taken aback for a moment, then shook his head. "Not at all, not at all. Of course not."

’Normally, I shouldn’t trouble Taoist Yi Hong, my honored guest. But if he’s offering to help, I certainly won’t refuse.’

’And as for being presumptuous...’

’The man came to me because he trusts the Taoist Family. If I bring the highly respected Taoist Yi Hong along, he won’t think it’s presumptuous at all—he’ll be thrilled.’

"Excellent." Taoist Yi Hong nodded, then beckoned to Yunyang and Gu Zhao. "You two come and listen in as well."

The two immediately rose. Yunyang’s face was alight with excitement, and Gu Zhao was intrigued as well.

’Ghosts, demons, evil cultivators... I saw plenty of those in the Otherworld, so they’re nothing special. But for a wisp of sinister Yin Qi to pop up in modern society? Now *that* is strange.’

’I remember Taoist Yan Song mentioning that the world still holds sinister, ghostly, and foul energies. I just didn’t expect to encounter one so soon.’

’Just as Taoist Yan Song said, it’s incredibly faint, almost undetectable. If I weren’t so close, I wouldn’t have sensed it at all. An evil aura this weak... even Taoist Yi Hong and Taoist Yunyang could extinguish it with a flick of their wrist, given their Magical Power.’

’But even the weakest trace of Yin Qi can affect an ordinary person. I can see the man’s eyes are lifeless and his complexion is dull. He clearly hasn’t been resting well, and he looks mentally exhausted.’

Seeing Taoist Yi Hong take Yunyang and Gu Zhao with him, the few Daoists who knew what was going on grew restless.

Taoist Jing Yan asked tentatively, "Senior Brother?"

Taoist Yi Hong waved a dismissive hand. "It’s a small matter."

Taoist Jing Yan nodded and instructed Yunyang, "Follow Martial Uncle Yi Hong’s arrangements in everything. Don’t be reckless."

Yunyang could barely suppress a grin, but he still bowed respectfully. "Yes."

Nearby, Yun Fa, Zheng Ning, and Sheng Lin were eager to witness things for themselves, but they knew it would be inappropriate for so many to go. Besides, their presence would be of no help.

And so, a slightly bewildered Taoist Xiu Xin led Taoist Yi Hong, Yunyang, and Gu Zhao to another reception room.

"Taoist Xiu Xin!" the middle-aged man exclaimed, once again clasping his hands in a formal greeting. He then looked curiously at Taoist Yi Hong.

"This is Mr. Wang Runheng of Hengta Group," Taoist Xiu Xin said, making introductions. "And this is Taoist Yi Hong, from our Quanzhen Dragon Gate Ancestral Court White Cloud Temple. He is highly respected, and his Daoist Techniques are profound."

The words "Daoist Techniques are profound" made Wang Runheng’s eyes light up. He hastily clasped his hands in greeting. "A pleasure to meet you, Taoist Yi Hong!"

Taoist Yi Hong nodded, then motioned for Gu Zhao and Yunyang to take a seat to the side, indicating that they would first listen to the situation.

They were only there to assist; Taoist Xiu Xin was still the one in charge. Naturally, Taoist Xiu Xin invited Wang Runheng to sit and asked him what trouble he had encountered.

"Daoist! You must save me! Someone’s put a Black Magic curse on me!" Wang Runheng pleaded.

Taoist Xiu Xin stroked his beard, feigning a look of complete composure. "Tell me everything, in detail."

Gu Zhao and Yunyang exchanged a puzzled glance but remained silent, listening intently.

Wang Runheng then recounted his story.

Hengta Group’s main businesses are finance and real estate. They were trying to win a bid for a plot of land in Southeast Asia, putting them in direct competition with a property developer from Sakura Country.

His bid was higher, and since his competitor couldn’t match it, they invited him to negotiate in person, an offer he rejected.

"But ever since that meeting half a month ago, I’ve been having nightmares every single night, and I’ve started having frequent hallucinations."

Wang Runheng gritted his teeth. "Three days later, I got a call from Yoshiyama Yuuki. He asked how I’d been sleeping and said that if I wasn’t willing to withdraw from the bid, he’d put me to sleep for good!"

The hand stroking Taoist Xiu Xin’s beard froze. "And then?"

Wang Runheng looked a little sheepish. "First, I went to a doctor, but they just gave me sleeping pills. My problem isn’t insomnia, it’s the nightmares. Even with the pills, I still have them."

"After that, I went to the Huang Daxian Temple and the Guanyin Temple. They all said I’d been cursed with Black Magic. I paid for rituals and even acquired Magical Artifacts, but nothing has worked."

"Daoist, can you save me?" Wang Runheng asked anxiously. "If you can remove this Black Magic curse, I’m willing to donate one hundred—no, five million for Incense!"

Taoist Xiu Xin drew a sharp breath, then waved his hand dismissively. "The money is a small matter. Your problem is what’s most important."

"Yes, of course, of course!" Wang Runheng nodded emphatically.

Taoist Xiu Xin frowned in thought. "Your problem is quite complex," he said to Wang Runheng. "Your opponent is from Sakura Country, so this may not be Black Magic. It’s possible a Yin-Yang Master has used an Evil Technique on you."

"What?" Wang Runheng exclaimed in surprise.

"The Centennial Grand Rite at Penglai Immortal Pavilion just concluded, so the ancestral Incense is still potent," Taoist Xiu Xin advised. "I will perform a Ritual for you this afternoon. Go home afterward and see if it helps. But remember, you must not meet with that person again."

"Yes, yes, I know that!" Wang Runheng wasn’t an idiot. He’d fallen ill right after their last meeting. He’d bet his life that the other party had pulled some trick on him then.

’The moment Taoist Xiu Xin mentioned performing a Ritual, I knew he didn’t have any real skill.’

’The Yin Qi on Wang Runheng is incredibly faint. Any Daoist with even a bit of Magical Power could dispel it with ease. Why would he need a full-blown Ritual?’

’Taoist Yan Song told me that a Ritual is just a ceremony to help a Daoist calm their mind and focus their intent. At best, it might amplify their casting, but it’s mainly for things like praying for blessings, performing an Enlightenment, or dealing with much heavier concentrations of Yin Qi.’

’As for a Daoist with no Magical Power, a Ritual is completely useless!’

Yunyang rubbed his hands together, itching to take action, but he glanced over at Taoist Yi Hong first—only to see the senior Daoist scrolling through his phone.

"Martial Uncle?" 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Yunyang called out. Taoist Yi Hong looked up from his screen. "Mr. Wang, you have investments on the mainland as well?"

"Yes, yes, I do! I’ve made contributions to the mainland!" Wang Runheng added quickly.

"But my search shows you’re also a defendant in several lawsuits for failure to pay suppliers," Taoist Yi Hong said calmly.

"There are reasons for that..." Wang Runheng began to explain, glancing awkwardly at Taoist Xiu Xin.

Taoist Xiu Xin frowned. "Taoist Yi Hong..."

"Taoist Xiu Xin, forgive me for poaching your business." Taoist Yi Hong took hold of Taoist Xiu Xin’s arm, and a surge of True Qi flowed into him. A numbing sensation shot through Taoist Xiu Xin’s body, and he nearly stumbled.

"Daoist, you..." Taoist Xiu Xin stared at Taoist Yi Hong, his eyes practically bulging from their sockets.

Despite the gentleness in Taoist Yi Hong’s eyes, Taoist Xiu Xin felt a chill run down his spine. "Penglai Immortal Pavilion is a branch of the Dragon Gate Sect," he said, trembling. "We will follow all of Taoist Yi Hong’s instructions."

Taoist Yi Hong nodded and turned to Wang Runheng. "A trivial wisp of Yin Qi is nothing. But if I help you remove it, you need to settle these lawsuits."

Wang Runheng looked from Taoist Xiu Xin to Taoist Yi Hong. In a moment of clarity, he understood. He nodded emphatically. "Rest assured! I’ll pay back every cent I owe. On top of that, I’ll make a donation to the mainland. Five hundred thousand—no, ten million!"

Taoist Yi Hong stroked his beard and smiled. He looked at Yunyang and Gu Zhao. "He is a compatriot, after all. We should help where we can. We can’t just let the Sakura People walk away with the prize. You two, who wants to handle it?"