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Chapter 475 The people from Lucheng arrived first.

The day-roaming deities and night-roaming deities are generals under the City God, and their names are also registered in the underworld.

They naturally possess the "official weapons" granted by the underworld authorities.

This "counterpoint pen" is one of them.

According to a folk legend during the Ming Dynasty, this treasure originated from the judge's pen of Judge Cui of the "Yin Law Division".

However, their functions are actually different.

The Night Wanderer's Erasure Pen has three main uses.

The first is to reward good and punish evil, investigate evil deeds in the world, and erase the "merits" of the perpetrators.

The greater the evil deed, the greater the merit it erases.

The second is to open the "connection" between the world of the living and the world of the dead.

The various wandering spirits, ghosts, evil spirits, and malevolent spirits encountered during the procession are sent directly to the underworld.

The third option is to completely erase the soul from the world if the crime is too heinous.

This is what is known as "the soul is scattered and the spirit is destroyed".

Overall, this underworld artifact has many functions, but its power was not particularly strong before the era of the supernatural.

At that time, the City God system itself was the most basic link in the entire Heavenly Court-Underworld structure.

It is mentioned alongside the local earth god temples scattered throughout the countryside of Huangming.

In some smaller places, the two are even combined.

However, in this day and age, the power of the underworld has greatly increased, and this "erasing pen" has become extremely powerful in the mortal world.

Xu Yuan and Uncle Xi were all studying it carefully to see if it was a "canceling pen," since Uncle Xi was only guessing.

Zhong Die and Lao Zheng, however, didn't even glance at the pen.

Xu Yuan's attention was entirely focused on the "canceling pen," and the iron tube that had originally sealed the pen was left on the ground beside him.

Old Zheng, who had been behind Zhong Die in line, was now as agile as a climbing monkey, leaping up in a flash and snatching half of the iron tube.

They held it in their hands and examined it carefully.

Zhong Die never expected that this old man would actually snatch something from a young girl like her!
Since Lao Zheng took half of it, I could only take the other half and study it carefully as well.

Muttering to herself, "I overestimated the lower limit of craftsmanship..."

Zhou Leizi grinned: "That's something you said, even you're insulting yourself..."

Di Youzhi quickly covered the idiot's foul mouth.

Don't say anything more. He's a student of Mr. Feng Si, from a prominent family. Do you think you can afford to offend him?

"Pah! Pah! Pah!" Zhou Leizi yanked his old boss's hand away and cursed, "You didn't wash your hands after you peed!"

Dafu made a disgusted face and imitated Zhou Leizi, saying, "Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey!"

Old Zheng and Zhong Die quickly reached their own conclusions: "This is a very skillful piece of craftsmanship."

"Ingenious ideas and well-made. The overall quality isn't exceptionally high, but the designer's skill is evident..."

After thinking for a moment, Zhong Die gave a reluctant evaluation: "She is only slightly inferior to my teacher."

But in reality, Zhong Die felt that the designer's skill level was no less than that of Mr. Feng Si.

In other words, the person who designed this iron cylinder was also a third-rate craftsman!

Zhong Die, at least verbally, was unwilling to admit that outsiders were better than her own teacher.

The two quickly began discussing the "mutual support" between the materials used in the piece, the many exquisite crafting techniques, and the imaginative crafting ideas.

Although they couldn't fully grasp the subtleties, the discussions they had were very beneficial.

Then the two of them began to summarize together:

"The materials used in this item are not of high quality or particularly precious. However, when combined and refined into this artifact, they achieved an amazing effect."

"The purpose of this thing is to create a space inside the iron cylinder that is absolutely isolated from the outside world."

"Moreover, although the craftsmanship of the object itself is not high, it is exceptionally sturdy. It is sturdy enough to ensure that even if it is subjected to a strong external impact, the object will not deform or break, thus ensuring that the absolutely independent space inside will not be invaded by any external force."

The two craftsmen spoke in unison, each taking turns to say something, their thoughts remarkably in sync.

Finally, almost simultaneously, another question arose: "But what is the purpose of making such a skillful yet single-purpose artifact?"

Zhou Leizi and Di Youzhi looked at each other in bewilderment.
You two were just talking about the various principles behind this artifact, such a complex thing, and you analyzed it all so clearly—we didn't understand a single word!

But in the end, neither of you could figure out this simplest question?

Xu Yuan walked over, holding the "cross-off pen" in his hand, and answered their questions: "It's to save this pen."

It is thanks to this iron tube that this "clip pen" has been able to be preserved intact to this day.

This pen was most likely brought from the underworld by the evil spirit of the pseudo-village, when it was still a ghost messenger.

However, if you carry the fake village evil spirit with you, or frequently come into contact with the fake village evil spirit, or even other evil spirits.

Even if you don't come into contact with evil spirits, just leaving them in this world can cause strange changes.

It lost its status as an official artifact of the underworld and became a powerful object-type evil spirit!
This is also Xu Yuan's biggest confusion right now: Why do the evil forces in the fake village try so hard to maintain the purity of this "cross-off pen"?
It has already changed its ways; if the erasure pen also changes its ways, it will possess a powerful weapon.

Based on the discussion between the two craftsmen, only a craftsman of Mr. Feng Si's level could forge this iron tube.

Who was it that helped the evil spirits of the fake village forge this artifact?!

What was the purpose of such a powerful craftsman doing this?

Xu Yuan originally thought that the conspiracy uncovered by Jia Zongdao was aimed at Champa.

But now it seems... that the mere city of Champa is not worthy of being the main target of a conspiracy of this magnitude!

Xu Yuan felt a chill run down his spine. Had he inadvertently gotten involved in some major incident again?!

Fortunately, there were a few tall men in Champa this time!
Mr. Feng Si, Master Miaoyan, Miss Jinxi, and several important figures from the lineage of the Supervisor are all in Champa.

If the sky falls, they'll be the ones to hold it up first.

This time... it shouldn't be like before in Shanhe County, where the dignified commander was in charge, but he ended up having to fight to the death against the evil spirit of Fu Dong Tian Wang to turn the tide, right?
Xu Yuan mentally muttered a little bit about his old boss.

But suddenly, it was as if a string in Xu Yuan's heart had been unintentionally plucked, creating a continuous ripple:

Mr. Feng Si, Master Miaoyan, and Miss Jinxi are all important figures in the lineage of the Supervisor—how could such people all appear in Champa, a place considered remote even in southern Vietnam?!

Xu Yuan recalled: It all started with Miss Jinxi, but did Miss Jinxi really come to Nanjiaozhi just to imitate the "Strange God Catcher" and track down that evil spirit?

Xu Yuan secretly glanced at Miss Jinxi.

She was tucked between her arms, palms turned outwards, following behind Dafu, imitating Dafu's manner, walking with a waddling, duck-like gait.

Dafu turned around and saw that Miss Jinxi was imitating him, stretching her neck and squeaking at her in protest!

"Giggle..." Miss Jinxi laughed so hard she almost fell over, then took out some snacks and fed them to Dafu: "Good Dafu, I won't imitate you anymore, we still have to be friends."

Xu Yuan shook his head inwardly: At least Miss Jinxi was so self-righteous that she chased after that evil spirit to South Jiaozhi.

As for Miaoyan Zhenren and Mr. Feng Si... well, that's hard to say.

In Xu Yuan's mind, the image of the "Supervisor" far away in Beidu immediately became lofty and distant.

Lord Xu's thoughts were running through his mind without anyone around him noticing.

Old Zheng and Zhong Die, having received Master Xu's "answer," had no further questions and nodded in unison: "That's right."

Zhou Leizi and Di Youzhi covered their mouths and whispered to each other, "That's how craftsmen are."

"He speaks eloquently about the techniques of craftsmanship, and his thoughts flow like a spring."

"He's as slow-witted as Dafu when it comes to other things in life."

Zhong Die and her senior brother, however, are rather unconventional.

They will switch between two states.

They were from prominent families and had been exposed to the ways of the world since childhood, so they were not completely ignorant of interpersonal relationships.

However, if we start discussing the techniques of craftsmanship, we can smoothly enter the state of craftsmanship.

When it will be available... well, that's hard to say.

Xu Yuan held out his hand to the two of them: "Give it to me."

Old Zheng and Zhong Die were both gripping the broken iron tube tightly.

"Can you give it to us?"

"If that doesn't work, we'll buy it."

"I'm willing to pay any amount of money."

Name your price.

I really can't bear to return it to Lord Xu.

Old Zheng wished he could sell his life to Lord Xu in exchange for this half of the iron tube.

Unfortunately, his life wasn't his own; it belonged to the Wei family.

Zhong Die wished she could... but forget it, there's already a marriage agreement at home, she can't mess around like this.

Xu Yuan still stretched out his hand without any politeness: "Here we go again."

But Lord Xu was not heartless: "If I no longer need this in the future, I can lend it to you for research for a few years."

The two were reluctant to part, yet filled with hope: "Really? You must remember your promise."

"I always keep my word."

Xu Yuan snatched two iron tubes from their hands and put the check mark pen back in.

Then, Xu Yuan wanted to tell Uncle Xi, "Senior, you've misjudged. This isn't a cancellation pen."

In the end, he didn't say anything.

There are too many people here today.

Especially Wei Jinyuan and a few others.

There's no need to expect them to help keep it a secret.

Therefore, the fact that he had a "suspected" cross-out pen in his possession was bound to be leaked.

Even if I say it's not true, people won't believe me.

"Let's go back to the village first," Xu Yuan said.

When everyone returned to Pingquan Village, Dafu cawed a few times, and the flock of water birds around it followed it away.

The waterbirds chirped merrily, finally reforming themselves.

Dafu made an extremely high promise: "Follow me, and you'll have an endless supply of fish to eat."

The flock of geese took flight again from the treetops.

It hovered in the sky, letting out long, drawn-out cries.

She accused the unfaithful man of not only playing around outside, but also demanding that he bring her back!

Dafu raised its head and cackled at the sky.

They repeatedly emphasized that you are the first wife, and so on.

Xu Yuan had a headache. It seemed that digging a pond at home was not enough; he also needed to prepare a place for these geese to live.

Moreover... it can't be smaller than a pond, otherwise how can the status of the "first wife" be shown?

From now on, this house will probably never be peaceful, with all sorts of birds chirping and making noise every day.

This lord doesn't even have a girl he's compatible with, yet his pet already has a harem of wives and concubines. Back outside the village, it was almost time, and Xu Yuan was preparing to set off for the location of the fake village when three people on horseback galloped towards him along the path.

He was also wearing the official robes of the Exorcism Bureau.

They didn't slow down, and when they reached Xu Yuan and his group, they suddenly pulled on the reins, and the horses neighed and reared up.

It spun around in place a few times before finally landing and stopping.

Xu Yuan and the others couldn't help but frown.

The leader of the three was a woman with a pointed chin and slender eyes, about twenty years old, dressed in the official uniform of a patrol inspector of the Exorcism Bureau. Behind her were a man and a woman, both ordinary captains.

"Master Xu?" The female inspector looked at Xu Yuan from her horse and asked.

Xu Yuan countered, "And who are you? You look unfamiliar."

Xu Yuan had met most of the inspectors and law officers of the Jiaozhi Southern Office, and it was unlikely that these people were sent by Lord Ma.

The female inspector dismounted gracefully, showing remarkable agility.

She clasped her hands in a fist salute to Xu Yuanyi: "I am Dong Daiyun, the patrol inspector under Chen Tong, the chief of law enforcement in Lucheng."

Lucheng? Xu Yuan's heart stirred slightly.

"What brings Inspector Dong here?"

"We went to the Champa government office and learned that Lord Xu was here, so we rushed over immediately because we have something important to discuss with you."

Dong Daiyun's expression was somewhat cold and stern. He glanced at the crowd around him and said, "I ask Lord Xu to dismiss his attendants. This matter is confidential and must not be known to any unauthorized persons."

Wei Jinyuan chuckled.

Dong Daiyun immediately glared at him angrily.

Xu Yuan then pointed to Wei Jinyuan and said, "This is Wei Jinyuan, the son of Grand Secretary Wei Shiqi. The other four are his attendants."

Then, he specifically introduced Uncle Xi: "This senior is a fourth-rate cultivator."

Dong Daiyun's expression changed drastically.

His previous arrogant and angry demeanor had completely vanished.

"Uh..." she stammered a few times, but finally gave a fawning smile and explained, "This humble woman did not know your identity, sir. I have offended you greatly. Please forgive me."

As she spoke, she actually gave Wei Jinyuan a deep bow.

Xu Yuan almost burst out laughing.

The female inspector just now could appear "heroic and spirited" in front of me.

He clasped his hands in a gesture of respect towards himself.

Now, facing Wei Jinyuan, he actually started to act coy!
Wei Jinyuan didn't even bother to pay her any attention.

Dong Daiyun was somewhat embarrassed, but then explained to himself, "Since he is a family member of a cabinet minister, he is naturally not considered an outsider. Moreover, this senior is a fourth-rate expert and is a great help to our mission."

She then looked at Miss Jinxi and the others.

Miss Jinxi is naturally beautiful, which she dislikes.

But she didn't dare to speak up easily.

Considering Wei Jinyuan's identity, one might suspect that such a beautiful woman is likely related to this noble young man.

She deeply loathed this type of woman.

Because she had never been favored by any noble young men, but ordinary men in the imperial court liked her, she felt that they were like toads trying to eat swan meat.

If Wei Jinyuan didn't have this woman by his side, Dong Daiyun felt she would have a chance!

"Excuse me, young lady..." Dong Daiyun asked cautiously, "Are you a member of Young Master Wei's family?"

Wei Jinyuan suddenly found Dong Daiyun much more pleasing to the eye.

But Wei Shi coldly replied, "Stop talking nonsense! My young lady is pure and virtuous!"

Dong Daiyun glanced at Xu Yuan: If it's not Wei Jinyuan's, then it's Xu Yuan's.

It is said that this person came out to handle a case, but he also brought female relatives with him?

Hmph, he's just using the guise of investigating cases to spend public funds and take his female relatives out for fun.

It could also be to curry favor with Wei Jinyuan.

Dong Daiyun's immediate superior, Chen Tong, the head of law in Lucheng, is thirty-four years old this year.

In the field of cleansing and purifying Jiaozhi, he has always had a reputation for being "young and promising".

When Dong Daiyun came to see Xu Yuan, he rode his horse at full speed right up to him, which showed a lack of respect, and the reason for this was obvious.

Seeing that Xu Yuan was currying favor with Lord Wei Shiqi's son, Dong Daiyun guessed that Xu Yuan's success today was due to the support of a powerful figure behind him.

Dong Daiyun was extremely jealous: Why can't I get close to him?
Since they weren't related to Young Master Wei Jinyuan, Dong Daiyun didn't bother with formalities and coldly said:

"These gentlemen... please excuse us."

She's become addicted to chasing people away.

Then they discovered that the other party was completely ignoring them again.

Then he felt "humiliated".

Dong Daiyun's face fell: "Gentlemen, do you expect me to personally drive them away?"

Xu Yuan had just introduced Wei Jinyuan, but now he was silent.

Wei Jinyuan is an arrogant young master. He'll be very happy if you tell others who his father is.

However, Miss Jinxi's identity is sensitive, and Xu Yuan will not easily reveal it.

Miss Jinxi still ignored her and had a great time playing with Dafu.

Wei Shi sneered, "Truly ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth!"

Dong Daiyun's face was frosty, and he had already placed his hand on the sword at his waist. Just as he was about to speak, Xu Yuan had no choice but to stop him.

If we don't stop her, it would be deliberately condoning Dong Daiyun's offense against Miss Jinxi.

"Inspector Dong," Xu Yuan suddenly spoke, his voice solemn, "These individuals are of extraordinary status, and they provided crucial assistance in this case. They are not just ordinary people!"

"Really?" Dong Daiyun sneered, his voice filled with obvious skepticism.

Xu Yuan narrowed his eyes, and a chill rose from his body.

How did Dong Daiyun, who is so stupid, rise to the rank of patrol inspector under Chen Tong?
Unfortunately, at this moment, neither Xiang Qinghuai nor Old Yan were by Xu Yuan's side, so no one could tell him that Dong Daiyun was Chen Tong's sister-in-law.

Chen Tong was notorious in Lucheng for being henpecked.

Although being afraid of one's wife is not a good reputation, it was quite common in the Ming Dynasty.

More than two hundred years ago, Qi Hu, a general of the Ming Dynasty, was notorious for being afraid of his wife.

Since Dong Daiyun is ungrateful, Xu Yuan doesn't need to give her any more face.

"What I say goes! You're just a mere patrol inspector from Lucheng, who do you think you are! How dare you question my words?!"

When did Dong Daiyun suffer such humiliation in Lucheng?
He immediately flew into a rage... and gripped his sword tightly!

Suddenly, a series of heavy and rapid footsteps came from the road where Dong Daiyun had come.

Dust billowed up.

"My lord!" Ji Shuangqiu's voice came from the gray fog: "This woman came to the yamen to see you, and she was very arrogant and domineering!"

We discussed it, and the old lady asked me and Xiao Ba to come and give you a message!

She and Lang Xiaoba, relying on their martial arts prowess, raced all the way here.

Ultimately, he was still a step behind Dong Daiyun.

Xu Yuan said coldly, "Indeed, arrogant and domineering!"

Ji Shuangqiu was furious: "How dare you, you shrew, offend my master!"

With that, he threw a punch without any hesitation!
Xu Yuan deliberately left Ji Shuangqiu and Lang Xiaoba in the yamen to cultivate this time because Ji Shuangqiu was about to be promoted.

The "Falling Star" gifted by the immortal Miaoyan is extremely important.

Lang Xiaoba's talent in martial arts cultivation is far inferior to that of Ji Shuangqiu.

By sheer chance, Lang Xiaoba managed to master this martial art ahead of Ji Shuangqiu.

However, after achieving some success, Ji Shuangqiu gained even more insights and touched the threshold of advancement.

Yesterday, Ji Shuangqiu officially became a seventh-rank martial arts practitioner.

This punch, delivered from over ten feet away, was a "Heavenly Starfall".

Half a year ago, Dong Daiyun barely became a seventh-rate official before being promoted to patrol inspector.

But when it comes to fighting, Dong Daiyun is no match for Ji Shuangqiu.

This martial arts technique was of extremely high quality; its speed was truly as fast as a shooting star, and its force was as powerful as a falling meteor.

Dong Daiyun was used to being domineering in Lucheng, so he showed a little restraint when facing Xu Yuan.

But she never expected that a mere inspector would dare to attack her!
In the blink of an eye, "Heavenly Starfall" was already in front of them, and it was too late to dodge.

Boom!
whoosh-

The "Heavenly Starfall" slammed heavily into Dong Daiyun's chest, sending her flying backward for a zhang (approximately 3.3 meters) before she landed heavily and slid more than zhang (approximately 3.3 meters) further!

Ji Shuangqiu, arms crossed and fists as big as bronze hammers, chased after Dong Daiyun again with a series of thuds.

Xu Yuan remained silent with a sullen face.

Ji Shuangqiu took another step forward, standing in front of Dong Daiyun, her fist already raised high—

Dong Daiyun's face turned ashen, and whether from injury or fear, she screamed at the top of her lungs.

"enough!"

Xu Yuan then spoke, shouting.

Ji Shuangqiu stopped halfway through her punch.

They were no more than half a foot away from Dong Daiyun's pointed chin.

The powerful force of the punch sent Dong Daiyun's hair flying backward.

“Chen Tong’s men are ill-mannered; we in Zhancheng cannot be like them.” Xu Yuan glared fiercely at Ji Shuangqiu: “Get back here!”

"Yes!" Ji Shuangqiu obediently withdrew.

Xu Yuan didn't even offer Ji Shuangqiu a perfunctory apology.

Miss Jinxi seemed to still be playing with Dafu, but she secretly glanced over here, and the corners of her mouth couldn't be suppressed.

Xu Yuan walked to Dong Daiyun's side with his hands behind his back and asked in a cold voice, "Chen Tong sent you here. What exactly does he want? Speak quickly!"

After recovering from his shock, Dong Daiyun harbored deep resentment!
But once they've been beaten, they become obedient.

She finally understood that not everyone in this world would be as accommodating to her as her brother-in-law and his subordinates.

She decided not to suffer a loss in the short term.

"In Lucheng, my brother-in-law... after a thorough investigation..." she stammered, spitting out a mouthful of blood as she spoke, "...finally discovered clues about the group of underworld officials who were stranded in the mortal realm back then."

"My brother-in-law speculates that the City God of Lucheng back then has already undergone a strange transformation!"

"It sent spies to both the living and the dead, seemingly plotting a huge conspiracy."

"In our mortal realm, this conspiracy may involve places like Lucheng, Zhancheng, and Liancheng."

"My brother-in-law sent me here with the order... I hope you will follow his orders and be under his command to eliminate the evil spirits and save the lives of the people of the three cities."

(End of this chapter)