Start practicing from Mr. Fox

Chapter 168 This is what the book teaches.

There's nothing else to it; it's nothing more than being blinded by greed and lust.

Chen Ji didn't need to ask anything more; he simply had the headless ghost reveal itself and shout, "Give me back my head!"

The treacherous mandarin ducks were so frightened that they couldn't hear a word and spilled the beans.

It was similar to what the headless ghost had said before, only with a few additional details.

How to decide on the method of harming people, how to find out the whereabouts of demons and ghosts, and how to cover up the matter so that others would not know about it...

Chen Ji listened and asked a question.

"If you hire a demon to kill someone, how can you guarantee that the demon won't kill you?"

"This……"

The team leader hesitated for a few moments before Chen Ji slowly spoke.

"Find a middleman, describe the appearance of the person you want to kill, and the demon will naturally provide identification. As long as you wear it, you won't die."

Chen Ji looked at him coldly upon hearing this.

"Colluding with demons and monsters, aren't you afraid of death?"

Liu's face turned deathly pale, and she trembled all over. Then she pointed at the team leader.

"Your Excellency, please understand! He said it was all his doing, and I had no idea whatsoever!"

"You bastard, didn't you say you wanted to find a discreet way to deal with him, which is why I suggested asking a demon to do it? What are you pretending for now?"

"My lord, she is the mastermind behind this matter. I can only be considered an accomplice at most. I hope you will investigate this matter thoroughly!"

"..."

Chen Ji shook his head.

The old saying is indeed true.

Husbands and wives are birds of the same forest, and when disaster strikes, they fly separately.

Moreover, the two lovers in front of them are not even husband and wife, and they have already begun to shirk responsibility in the face of crisis.

Chen Ji was too lazy to ask about the trivial matters at hand, so he waved his hand to silence the two of them and only asked about the most important thing.

Where are the people? Where are the demons and ghosts?

A single shout carries the power to intimidate even ghosts and gods.

Two ghosts... Although they are not dead yet and cannot be considered real ghosts, their souls here are no different from ordinary ghosts.

Upon hearing this, he floated in the air in a daze, his face filled with horror. After a long while, he seemed to come back to his senses, or perhaps he was still unconscious.

He mumbled in a daze.

"The item was kept in a bundle at home; it was a bone fragment."

"Nineteen, go and fetch him, then tie him up and hand him over to the local warden, using my name."

Chen Ji finished giving his instructions.

Bai Shijiu reappeared, without answering, and disappeared into the night after capturing two souls.

The owl's mournful cry drifted far away, startling the old dog in the town who barked softly before whimpering and falling silent.

Master Xiyun and Monk Zhenru looked at Chen Ji, a strange look flashing in their eyes.

I've never seen Chen Ji use this technique before, but I never expected it to be so effective at deterring ghosts and spirits.

After a moment, when Chen Ji looked at them again, he asked.

"I wonder what kind of magic you used just now, that could intimidate ghosts and gods out of thin air. It is somewhat similar to the Confucian art of establishing words, but it is not quite the same."

Chen Ji smiled and shook his head.

"It's not my magic, but the authority of the City God."

Then he demonstrated it again with the two of them.

Although he is temporarily acting as the City God, he can still utilize some of the City God's abilities within the City God Temple.

The binding technique from before and the shouting sound are both contained within it.

After a moment of reflection, the two asked Chen Ji how he planned to deal with the two murderers.

"There's no need to do anything more."

Chen Ji shook his head.

Although he is the city god of this place, the two of them are still under the rule of human officials, so it is best to keep the power of the two realms separate.

The reason I had Bai Shijiu appear in a dream to the town officials was to deal with this matter.

Soon, lights came on in a house in the most bustling part of town. Dozens of people carrying torches patrolled the area, and a few commotions could be heard before the noise subsided.

Chen Ji glanced into the distance and knew that Bai Shijiu had succeeded, so he returned to the house to inform the painter and the headless ghost.

"Thank you, City God, for restoring justice to me!"

The headless ghost knelt down and kowtowed, but it had no head and only a bloody hole in its neck, which looked rather awkward.

Chen Ji felt the incense burning on his body and accepted the bow with peace of mind before looking at him and asking if there were any unfulfilled wishes.

"Everything else is done, but there's one thing I still can't let go of."

"What's the matter?"

“Those who die violently are often incomplete, have made bad friends, or married unworthy wives. They dare not ask to be buried in their ancestral graves, but only hope to have a head so that they will not be reborn in such a state.”

"This is simple."

Chen Ji answered with a smile.

"Even a head can be replaced?"

Master Xiyun and Monk Zhenru both looked at him in surprise, and even pulled him aside to whisper some instructions.

"Fellow Daoist, you must not deceive those who died unjustly!"

"It is precisely because they died unjustly that they are allowed to die."

Chen Ji said slowly.

Just now, at the cemetery, I saw four children buried with the headless ghost.

I didn't take it seriously at the time, but now that I've heard this request, and since we're currently within the City God Temple area, I actually have a way to help him.

One of the powers of the City God is capable of doing this.

So he told Bai Ba to go to the Changsheng store in town to buy a paper head and told him to watch the craftsman make it more exquisite.

"By the way, just tell this...Fox Messenger what kind of appearance you want."

When Bai Ba heard Chen Ji address him as the Fox Envoy, he stood up straight, beaming with pride, but he couldn't quite manage a smile.

The headless ghost dared not make any demands.

He subconsciously knelt down to thank Chen Ji, then turned towards Bai Ba.

"I dare not trouble the Fox Envoy with his troubles. All I need is a normal head. If I could have my original appearance, that would be even better."

“Sure, tell me what you looked like when you were alive, and I’ll go find that paper craftsman to make one.”

"This……"

The headless ghost twisted its shoulders from side to side, as if shaking its head.

"I really can't say, I just have two eyebrows, a pair of eyes, a nose and a mouth, just like an ordinary person, nothing special."

"If you do that, things will get complicated."

Bai Ba frowned, pondering how to do this.

Just then, the artist silently bowed and looked at Bai Ba.

“Fox Messenger, I remember what he looks like, I can draw a picture for you.”

"Excellent, draw it quickly."

Bai Ba's eyes lit up. There was an artist right beside him, so why ask any questions? He urged the artist to start painting.

Fortunately, the City God Temple also had writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.

The artist quickly bent down to start drawing, and soon produced a finished drawing.

"Is this you?"

Bai Ba grabbed the pattern and handed it to the headless ghost.

The headless ghost remained silent for a moment, then spoke with aggrieved voice.

"Messenger, I can't see now..."

"It was my oversight. I'll be going now to find a head."

Bai Ba looked embarrassed, grabbed the painting, and leaped out of the window, disappearing into the night in just a few steps.

Chen Ji and the others couldn't help but shake their heads.

At that moment, the curtain wall of the City God Temple trembled slightly, and a figure entered.

As soon as Chen Ji stepped inside, he recognized Bai Shijiu, but he found it somewhat strange.

"I just saw that the town government office had already been set up and they were investigating the situation. Why are you only returning now? Were you delayed by some demons or ghosts blocking your way?" "I'm sorry for your concern, Mr. Lao. It's not like that."

Nineteen shook his head.

"I was there observing the town's reaction to confirm that he had sent people to arrest the two before I came back."

Chen Ji was stunned; even he hadn't expected the town supervisor to be so negligent.

Just as he was about to ask about the result, he remembered that Bai Shijiu was already there, so he had naturally been captured and taken back. He nodded slightly.

"You've put in the effort, but how can you be sure he'll actually do it?"

“I noticed that the governor’s mansion was spacious, with many famous plants and trees planted in the courtyard, and he also had four concubines. I knew that he was probably not exactly honest, so I investigated his secrets and mentioned a few words in my dream. When he wakes up, he should be able to see the traces I left behind.”

“The garrison commander is greedy and values ​​his life. He will definitely take these two things to heart whenever they are mentioned.”

Chen Ji clicked his tongue in amazement, Daoist Xiyun nodded, and Monk Zhenru glanced sideways.

All three were amazed by Bai Shijiu's handling of the matter.

Foxes truly deserve to be called the wisest among demons. Even a pure-hearted fox like Bai Shijiu possesses such abilities; they are no ordinary creatures.

Just as he was thinking about what to say, Bai Shijiu smiled slightly.

"It's all thanks to your excellent teaching, sir."

"When did I teach these things?"

Chen Ji looked surprised. Since coming up the mountain, he had only taught fox magic and cultivation beliefs. When had he ever talked about these things?

Bai Shijiu, however, looked serious.

"It's written in a book. Didn't you tell me to read more folk tales?"

"After reading the storybook, I realized that my previous ideas were indeed too simplistic. So I looked up many historical books and found that this was the case in all dynasties: they would outwardly comply but inwardly defy their superiors and deceive their subordinates, only taking things seriously when something bad was about to happen to them."

"..."

Chen Ji was speechless for a moment.

He was worried that Bai Shijiu was too innocent before, and that seeing too much in the dream would cloud his judgment. He thought that reading more stories would prevent him from being affected.

In retrospect, it seems that we went a bit too far.

However, seeing that Miss Bai was not displeased at all, but rather extremely happy, he didn't say anything more.

He just told Bai Shijiu to rest.

The dream-entering technique was used repeatedly, and the energy expenditure was considerable.

"Nineteen, I take my leave."

Bai Shijiu really needed to rest, so he didn't stand on ceremony and returned to his room to sit and rest quietly.

Inside the City God Temple, lights flickered, and the faint scent of incense wafted through the air.

The three people and the fox were drinking tea and discussing philosophy while waiting for Bai Ba to return when they heard a hurried commotion outside.

The sound of horses' hooves clattering and their hurried footsteps indicated a group of people.

Some rode horses, some carried sedan chairs, and some ran swiftly.

You can still faintly smell the aroma of incense and food offerings.

"It came pretty quickly."

Chen Ji knew without a doubt that the person outside was the town supervisor of Fenshan Town.

Sure enough, just as the thought crossed my mind, I heard a knock on the door and a very experienced and melodious way of calling out.

"Is the City God here? The town supervisor of Fenshan Town wishes to pay his respects to the City God and discuss some matters."

His pronunciation was clear, and his voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for people inside the room to hear clearly without being annoying.

It's a skill that requires a lot of practice to master.

Chen Ji also determined what the blood food outside was.

One pig and one sheep.

The blood on its body had not yet dried completely, and some blood was still seeping out of the plate, showing that it was hastily slaughtered and dressed in red.

The town supervisor was very worried about the improper scale of the sacrificial ceremony to the City God, as it would inevitably cause trouble in the future.

Chen Ji decided not to let them in, and the three people and the fox walked out.

"May I ask what brings you here so late at night, Lord Supervisor?"

The public hall inside the City God Temple is large enough that you can step out without opening the door, as if you appear out of thin air in front of the temple.

Upon hearing the noise, the townspeople of Fenshan Town looked up and were terrified by what they saw.

Some people stared wide-eyed, taking a few moments to realize something was wrong.

"No, I saw the City God's image when I was making offerings to the gods the other day. It was clearly a... wait, I can't remember what he looked like, but it wasn't like this. You... where did you come from that you dare to impersonate the City God?"

Chen Ji glanced at the officer and spoke calmly.

"The City God of Fenshan Town has violated the divine way and has been taken away for investigation by the City God of the whole country and the Underworld. I am the acting City God of this place, and I have the edict of the Underworld and the seal of the City God of the whole country as proof."

As he spoke, he took out the City God's seal.

"The City God in place?"

The town magistrate's expression changed slightly, and he straightened up, looking much more relaxed.

"Since you are here in person on behalf of the City God, then I will get straight to the point."

"please."

“I am the town supervisor, an official appointed by the Emperor. The City God is an official appointed by the Emperor. You and I should work together to govern the town and avoid trouble.”

"But... the Venerable God's subordinates seem to be going a bit too far."

The supervisor looked at Chen Ji, his tone gradually becoming serious.

"People who commit crimes come to me, and demons and ghosts that cause trouble come to you. Now, a messenger from the underworld, claiming to be an envoy of the City God, has come to me in a dream to blackmail me and demand that I deal with two unjustly accused criminals. I wonder if Your Excellency is aware of this matter?"

Chen Ji looked at the town's supervisor quietly, his brows furrowed.

It seems he was wrong.

He had initially thought that the supervisor had come here to discuss the case, but no problems had been found with the crime committed by a living person. However, the truth was revealed when he consulted the ghosts at the City God Temple.

This matter should be examined by both the Yin and Yang authorities to be considered properly.

Unexpectedly, they came to hold the City God accountable.

This tone is remarkably similar to what the City God said when he questioned him that day.

Should have thought of it earlier.

The demons and ghosts here are like this, the City God is like this, and the town's overseer should be like this as well.

Chen Ji shook his head, about to speak, but suddenly thought of something and looked at the town supervisor.

"Is the governor questioning the gods?"

"..."

Jianzhen stood there, stunned.

He hadn't had this idea before.

After all, the City God's messenger had revealed all her secrets, including her life and fortune, and she only wanted to discuss with the City God how to handle the matter.

However, upon hearing that Chen Ji was merely acting as the City God, she changed her mind.

Having operated in this area for many years, he knew that the City God's power was limited to matters of gods and ghosts, and was naturally much weaker when it came to matters of the human world.

Moreover, he held an official position, which, both morally and logically, placed him on par with the City God.

He was merely a lowly City God, a commoner, and had no right to interfere in his affairs. That's why he changed his attitude.

He had intended to use his power to intimidate the gods, but he never expected that this generation's City God would be even more assertive than he had anticipated.

They might even go so far as to expose the matter openly, leaving no room for maneuver.

He would lose face if he didn't respond at this moment, but he didn't have the guts to really hold the gods accountable.

Fortunately, the constable who had questioned Chen Ji earlier wasn't stupid; after realizing the problem, he simply stepped forward.

"How dare you! Our lord is an official appointed by the imperial court, while you are just a city god who has not been granted an imperial title. To put it bluntly, you are nothing more than a wild god."

"Ordinary people elsewhere may fear you, but we brothers from Fenshan Town are not afraid of you."

"Yes! That's right!"

The town's yamen runners shouted loudly, brandishing talismans and magical artifacts.

Chen Ji glanced at them and, according to his Qi Observation Technique, these things contained a great deal of magical power; they were indeed genuine.

They also understood that this place was peaceful despite the coexistence of demons and humans.

Demons and ghosts possess magic, and humans also have talismans, so no one dares to offend them.

As the supervisor looked at the constables behind him and listened to their words, his courage gradually grew.

“That’s right. Someone of your status dared to raid the garrison headquarters at night, which is tantamount to treason. Even if I were to kill you, what problem would it be?”

(End of this chapter)