Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 547 White Lotus Town in Qingbo Gate

Although it was foolish, Xu Xuan admired it very much.

"However, Tonglu County is indeed no longer suitable."

"After all, it's not just those above who are dissatisfied; I've also seen the local gentry and elders below expressing their discontent. Now that the government's orders have been pushed back to the county seat once again, staying here is nothing short of wasting time."

These words struck a nerve with Magistrate Ximen.

He was truly devoted to the people, but unfortunately, the people did not love him.

Now I have to face the consequences of my impulsiveness; a transfer is impossible.

When the state conducts a performance review in a few years, he will be dismissed and sent back to the countryside. This kind of cold treatment is the best approach.

Xu Xuan, on the other hand, was thinking about when he would finish dealing with the two sons of officials who were still fighting, and then take his good brother to Qiantang.

It would be a pity to leave them in Tonglu.

Of course, it's not convenient to say it right now, after all, he's a good person.

Now that the bait had been laid, the Holy Father took Lady White Snake back to Qiantang County overnight.

On the way, someone secretly observed Bai Niangzi's expression. After all, although this cooperation was for official business, it was impossible to say that there was no selfish motive involved.

It's a pity I can't see anything; this woman's level of understanding is quite high.

Meanwhile, Wang Daoling, who had returned with gold and silver jewelry, was already in high spirits and felt that the risk of this matter was not great.

As long as you are clever and behave yourself, you will be safe once the Golden Cymbal Dharma King makes a scene.

So he pulled the other three demons to practice their routines, hoping to show their professional skills the day after tomorrow.

Day three.

Wang Daoling's gang selling counterfeit medicine was already standing at the entrance to Qiantang.

"As expected of a large county, it has an extraordinary atmosphere."

Merchants flocked to the area, and goods were piled up like mountains; pedestrians thronged the streets, shoulder to shoulder.

Carriages rumbled and sedan chairs swayed, as merchant guilds brought rare and exotic treasures from afar.

Thanks to Song Youde's policy of non-interference, Qiantang flourished even more. If it weren't for Suzhou's advantage of being located by Taihu Lake, it's likely that the prestige of being the capital of the county would have been usurped.

Wang Daoling felt a deep sense of regret, believing that if he had come here when he was free, he would have certainly achieved great things.

Right now, let's make a quick buck and then coast along for a while.

After saying that, he led the team inside, without noticing anything unusual, and there was no spiritual warning whatsoever.

Meanwhile, the Great Compassionate Dharma King, who was still far away, was unaware of the little toad spirit's high efficiency and plunged in before she could even return to observe.

So, what about the ending?
Wang Daoling arrived at Qingbo Gate in high spirits, knowing the location of the Xu residence without needing to inquire.

White walls and black tiles, arranged in a pleasing, staggered pattern; upturned eaves, exquisite and delicate. Stone lions guard the entrance, vermilion gates with bronze rings, simple and solemn. Vines climb the courtyard walls, lush and green, adding a touch of vitality.

This enormous stone lion is the symbol of the Xu family mansion, standing majestically at the entrance.

An old butler surnamed Mao was waiting at the door.

"Our distinguished guest has arrived! Please come in quickly!"

"My husband has been waiting for you for a long time."

Wang Daoling felt very proud and led his people inside.

It's rather pathetic, really. There isn't a single capable person in this monster gang who's even remotely alert. The only one who's a bit cunning is blinded by desire.

Once the four demons entered, the two stone lions at the entrance exchanged a glance and transformed into two burly men.

Having received their mission today, the Qi brothers naturally had to protect the safety of Qiantang, so they turned around and guarded the gate.

That's right, it's viewed from the outside in, with the scabbard facing inwards.

The rabbit spirits were startled as soon as they entered.

"Wow!"

"so many people!"

There were many servants, guards, and maids in this large mansion, all coming and going as if they were busy with something.

Moreover, they all had kind and benevolent faces, and they all wore Buddhist prayer beads.

This scene is somewhat uncomfortable for the monsters.

"Girl Qing is pure of heart and kind of person, and is loved by everyone."

"After she fell ill, everyone in the Xu family began to pray for her and hung Buddhist beads on her to show their sincerity."

Butler Mao provided a reasonable explanation at the opportune moment.

Wang Daoling, however, was somewhat dismissive, stating that there were few eminent Buddhist monks in the world, and that Maoshan was the most orthodox sect in Jiangnan.

They kept their persona in mind, which is a good thing.

Then, changing the subject, he said that it would be more reliable to buy more talismans and Nine-Leaf Lingzhi Divine Elixir after the doctor's visit.

The comparisons and criticisms are perfectly reasonable, and the sales pitches are ubiquitous; this toad spirit really understands human nature.

Butler Mao nodded, indicating that he would buy as much as possible after the doctor's visit.

Wang Daoling was overjoyed to have such a deal negotiated; just how wealthy was this family?

The steward could only offer a side explanation to address this suspicion, such as that the Xu family was a prominent clan in Qiantang, descended from the Jiang family.

He had close connections with everyone from the magistrate of Qiantang County to high-ranking officials in the imperial court, and even the emperor at the highest level.

That's true; the connection is indeed very close.

Then he went on and on, saying a whole bunch of things that left people confused but impressed.

Just as they crossed the front yard, a bearded guard followed them, carrying a long sword and seemingly watching them.

This made Wang Daoling feel uncomfortable. "I came here for medical treatment, not as a prisoner. Where is your goodwill?"
Butler Mao explained that the bearded man's surname was Yan, and he was a guard in the mansion.

He came from the outlaw world of Sichuan and was renowned for his chivalry. Later, he was ambushed and hunted down by his enemies, but was fortunately rescued by the master and kept as a servant in the mansion.

"I see," the toad spirit said, somewhat understanding.

It's no wonder he doesn't know manners, coming from humble backgrounds. Oh well, ignorance is bliss.

As for strength, at first glance, he seems to have a very full spirit, but I can't sense the domineering power of a martial artist's blood and qi in my spiritual sense.

He's probably just an average expert, nothing to worry about.

Besides, we are monsters, and the difference between us and mortals is like heaven and earth.

Butler Mao and Guardian Yan led the group further inside, directly to the backyard.

There is a young girl dressed as a maid waiting here.

Although she was called a maid, she had a somewhat aloof and arrogant demeanor.

Butler Mao chuckled again, indicating that this was Miss Qing's favorite butler, and that he was somewhat spoiled.

"Yingqi, this is a guest invited by the master."

"Quickly take us to Miss Qing's room."

The maid glanced at them, and the way she looked at them as if they were some kind of country monster made Wang Daoling and Hu Qiang feel somewhat embarrassed and annoyed.

A mere human girl isn't even enough for a bite to eat.

Unfortunately, in order not to alert the enemy, they had to remain patient.

Stepping into the backyard brought a completely different feeling: a clear spring with water so clear you could see the bottom; several old trees with lush foliage. This place was far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world, like a paradise on earth.

It looks simple, but even a rabbit spirit can sense how much money it would cost to create such a place in a town.

They truly are a family of power and influence.

So, escorted by Steward Mao, Guard Yan, and Maid Li, they continued walking inside and arrived at the side room in the backyard.

The side rooms are spacious and bright, with carved beams and painted rafters, and are magnificent. The furnishings are simple and elegant, with exquisite carvings.

Mr. and Mrs. Xu, whom I had met before, were sitting here, still as radiant as ever.

The rabbit spirits, seeing this for the first time, immediately went into a daze, looking like lovesick fangirls who were obsessed with shipping the characters.

This was well-intentioned, while Wang Daoling's actions were not. However, before he could even let his lust take hold, Master Xu's gentle glance today instantly extinguished all the desire in the demon's heart.

I could only turn my head to look at the patient. Was that the patient?
A young girl in a blue dress, who looked like she had rickets, was leaning against the bed; she was really quite ill.

How could it be twisted like a snake, yet not look crazy in its eyes, even looking at the four of them with great spirit?

The toad spirit, who had been trying his best to project an air of otherworldly elegance, felt a tremor run through his body, and his form stiffened.

The familiar feeling brought it back to my childhood.

It's like the fear of being targeted by a snake when you haven't yet taken human form.

Upon arriving at this place, the laws of the food chain finally came into play, and Wang Daoling once again recalled the fear of being dominated by nature.

Something is wrong with this place!
When I got here, I finally realized something was wrong, but when I looked around again, I found myself surrounded on all sides.

Butler, guards, maids
A cold sweat immediately broke out. What kind of den of dragons and tigers was this? How could we possibly get in and out without ever getting out!
In a daze, the long-dormant spiritual sense began to save itself, and at the same time, the white lotus crown above the soul also began to glow.

Double visions appeared in Wang Daoling's toad eyes.

The easy-going steward seemed to exude a Taoist aura, the silent guard had a touch of chivalry, and the aloof maid had a hint of menace.

The young woman on the sickbed looked like a giant snake flicking its tongue, with the sound of rushing water rising and falling.

Further away, the kind-faced servants emanated bursts of Buddhist light, yet their inner selves appeared rotten and decaying.

So, the two people at the very top.
Nothing changed!

She still possessed delicate features and a gentle demeanor, exuding the air of a Confucian scholar. Still dressed in pristine white, her graceful movements made her seem like a celestial being descended to earth.

Even Master Xu smiled at him, a very gentle smile, just like a kind person.

But isn't that the biggest problem?
Demons don human skin before they strike; what are you really like inside?!

Wang Daoling looked as if she had been drenched in water, the dripping wetness making one's heart ache.

Xu Xuan's lips curved into a domineering CEO smile.
"Then, Master Wang."

"Can you tell me who sent you?"

The room was still the same room, but the environment completely changed after Xu Xuan uttered his first words.

Wang Daoling was shocked and immediately decided to run away.

"Hu Qiang, make your move!"

Hu Qiang fell to the ground.

He couldn't even see who did it, and now he was lying on the ground without even the strength to groan, his body still bound by scorching chains.

Needless to say, the two rabbit spirits squatted down with their heads in their hands, behaving very obediently.

Then, Wang Daoling verbally ordered Hu Qiang to do it, but after seeing the miserable state of the other party, he immediately knelt down and surrendered.

So far, only one centipede demon has been punished by the Iron Fist.

Xu Xuan remained completely unmoved by the farce.

Today's operation at headquarters was entirely prepared for that enemy in the shadows. Even the altar for the Seven Star Array was set up in the side courtyard, and a nuclear weapon like Bai Suzhen was right beside them.

Various detection spells were cast one after another, but it seemed that the expected enemy did not appear.

As for these few juveniles, since they've already been arrested, let's interrogate them.

"What do you two know? Go eat your carrots over there."

The two rabbit spirits had terrifyingly clear eyes and trembled as they ran to the side to eat carrots.

When Wang Daoling then tried to claim that he knew nothing, it was somewhat insulting to intelligence.

With a single glance from the Holy Father, Xiaoqing delivered a sharp rebuke to the toad demon and the centipede demon.

The little monster always had a lot of strength; it crushed the floor tiles into powder.

First, demonstrate authority; then, show virtue. —Wu Zi, Chapter on Response

After the fight, the Holy Father showed his concern. The perfect coordination between the good cop and the bad cop caught the White Lady's attention.

These two guys are just... speechless.

However, this approach has not been very successful.

The toad demon may seem cunning and shrewd, but it turns out he's a tough nut to crack!

Neither threats nor inducements could pry it open its mouth; we could only resort to limited methods.

Even when he was being hung up by chains of karmic fire and screaming in agony, he remained silent, which earned him everyone's respect.

Even if they are controlled, it's just that their true spirit is taken away. There shouldn't be any problem with them revealing some information.

Wang Daoling was in a bitter mood; his grandson had no intention of surrendering!
But it wasn't that its true spirit was taken away; rather, it was cursed with a white lotus spell.

The mystery of the Divine Soul Path made him dare not gamble at all, and he could only beg to be let go.

Xu Xuan sighed.

"Okay, okay, I was judging people by their appearance."

"Since you have such integrity, don't blame me for being ruthless."

They summoned Qilicha from outside. He was a Ghost King and skilled in soul manipulation. They wanted to see if they could use a soul-searching technique, which was somewhat rare in the righteous path, to obtain information.

In fact, Xu Xuan also knows how to do it, and could even be said to be good at it.

It's just not appropriate to perform in front of everyone.

When the orthodox teachings of the Western Ghost Emperor penetrated into the soul.

The white lotus, which had been hiding deep within the toad demon's soul and was originally only faintly glowing, suddenly burst into bloom.

The monster let out a shrill roar, its flesh trembling violently as if being torn apart by an invisible force.

The white lotus's light grew brighter and brighter, and its body began to collapse at a visible speed, as if it were being swallowed by an invisible vortex.

One by one, the warts on the skin burst open, gushing out black pus and blood, which quickly evaporated and vanished under the white light.

The toad demon's eyes were filled with fear and despair.

The body gets smaller and smaller, as if the flesh and bones are being compressed.

Upon seeing this, Bai Suzhen immediately tried to extract the other party's soul, but encountered tremendous resistance.

The soul is quite fragile and cannot be forced.

He could only barely succeed by performing all three supernatural powers in the blink of an eye.

But the physical body could no longer be preserved, and it became a bodhi tree made of flesh and blood.

At this moment, a white lotus flower was spinning atop the toad demon's soul, impossible to peel away, while the black demonic energy was dissipated like smoke.

In a few moments, it will be completely purified, and even she will be powerless to stop it.

It's actually a white lotus?!
Everyone in the room was shocked, even though they occasionally used this identity and had even clashed with each other in Xin'an County.

Seeing it again still shakes me to my core; this sect has always represented the ultimate danger.

Xu Xuan's thoughts were extremely complicated. Here we go again?!

A million flashes of wisdom flickered in his mind, and after weighing his current reputation, he decisively took action.

"Amitabha!"

It's too late, it's faster than that!

A flawless, jade-colored finger touched the white lotus with an ethereal, almost unreal quality.

The rotation changes from extreme motion to extreme stillness.

The collapsing space was smoothed out, and the purifying soul was saved.

This is!

The room was completely silent.

"The white lotus emerges from the pure land, and there is a way to deal with it."

　I wasn't feeling well yesterday and didn't write much, so I'm making up for it today.