Dao Qi Wu Zang Guan Guan: I became a Daoist Master in the 1990s

Chapter 69 Thank you, Transport Commissioner
After passing through several courtyards, we arrived at a grand and spacious hall.

On the steps in front of the hall, a man stood with his hands behind his back, looking over with a smile.

This man was about forty years old, with a lean and refined appearance. His three strands of black beard were meticulously trimmed and hung down to his chest, adding to his scholarly elegance.

She wore a brocade robe with a subdued color, except for the collar and cuffs which were embroidered with fine cloud patterns in gold thread, making her look noble without being ostentatious.

He was not tall, but just standing there, he exuded an air of profound composure and imposing presence. His gaze was gentle and peaceful, and the authority of someone who had long held a high position was contained within his words. He was Xie Linfeng, the Transport Commissioner of Jiujiang.

"My lord!" Chen Gang stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and clasped his hands in salute. "This humble servant is ordered to find Master Xuanqing's nephew, Master Qiyun!"

Master Xuanqing has already rushed off to Sanyang Prefecture on urgent business.

Upon hearing this, Xie Linfeng's face showed a genuine regret, and he sighed softly, "Brother Xuanqing is still so fiery-tempered. It's a real pity that we missed each other."

His gaze then fell on Qi Yun, and with a warm smile, he personally stepped down the stairs, saying, "It is an honor to have young friend Qi grace us with his presence! Please come in!"

"Qi Yun, a humble Taoist priest, greets Lord Xie." Qi Yun bowed respectfully, "Thank you for your kindness, sir."

"No need for formalities, please, young friend!" Xie Linfeng said with a hearty smile, personally leading Qi Yun into the hall.

The furnishings inside the hall were extremely elegant and luxurious.

The rosewood tables and chairs gleamed with a warm luster, and the floor was covered with a thick Western Region velvet carpet, making every step silent.

The walls are adorned with calligraphy and paintings by famous artists, and antique porcelain and jade artifacts are displayed on the curio shelves.

The finest agarwood incense rises gently from the enormous gilded incense burner shaped like a beast's head, its aroma serene and delicate.

A sumptuous banquet had already been prepared, with delicacies laid out and fine wines served.

The three of them were seated separately.

Xie Linfeng personally poured wine for Qi Yun, his manner friendly and natural, without any airs of a superior.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became more relaxed, and Xie Linfeng asked gently, "Young friend, where have you and your esteemed master come from on your journey? And where are you headed?"

Qi Yun put down his silver chopsticks and said truthfully, "My lord, I had a chance encounter with my martial uncle near Song Family Village."

At that time, bandits from Black Wind Village were wreaking havoc in the village. Xiao Dao, along with his master and the local militia, worked together to wipe out their lair.

Afterwards, I traveled with my martial uncle to Jiujiang. My martial uncle went to Sanyang Prefecture, while I needed to return to my sect in the mountains to report back.

"Oh? Black Wind Stronghold?" Xie Linfeng's eyes flashed, and he clapped his hands in praise, "Excellent! Eliminating evil and protecting the innocent, relieving the people from their suffering, this is the true nature of a righteous sect!"
The chivalrous spirit displayed by the Five Viscera Observation is truly admirable!

He changed the subject slightly, a heavy look of concern for the country and its people appearing between his brows, "It's just a pity that in today's world, treacherous officials in the imperial court block loyal advice, and demons and monsters breed in the martial arts world."

"I, an official in this position, can only do my best to protect a small corner of Jiujiang. Whenever I think of the suffering of the people in other places, I feel ashamed and powerless."

"Your Excellency cares deeply for the common people. Under your rule, Jiujiang Prefecture is prosperous in commerce and the people live in peace and happiness. It is a rare and peaceful world."

Qi Yun raised his glass, speaking earnestly, "The affairs of the world are of great importance, and cannot be accomplished by one person or for a short time."

"For an adult to be able to protect a piece of pure land is already a great merit."

"You flatter me, young friend," Xie Linfeng said with a smile, shaking his head.

Chen Gang, who was sitting with him, chimed in at the opportune moment, his voice booming: "What Master Qi said is absolutely right!"

The disciple of the Five Viscera Observation is not only highly skilled in cultivation, but also compassionate and chivalrous!
Mr. Chen was extremely impressed! He only regretted not knowing which sacred mountain the Immortal Temple was located on.
If I happen to pass by someday, I will certainly climb the mountain to burn incense and pay my respects to the venerable masters of the temple, to express my heartfelt admiration!

Where is the Five Organs Viewpoint in this world? Qi Yun smiled bitterly to himself, he was also completely confused.

He remained expressionless, only saying apologetically, "I appreciate Officer Chen's kindness."

"But the place where my sect is located is a place of quiet cultivation. Without the permission of my master, I dare not reveal it to the outside world. I hope you will understand." "It's alright, it's alright!" Xie Linfeng laughed loudly and pointed at Chen Gang, saying, "How can a mortal's cave be easily disturbed?"

"Officer Chen, it seems your good intentions can only be entrusted to young friend Qi!" He said jokingly, but without the slightest displeasure.

Chen Gang reacted quickly, immediately clasped his hands in a fist salute to Qi Yun, and said solemnly, "That's right! As long as Daoist Qi is in Jiujiang, if there is anything you need, no matter how big or small, just give me your orders!"

"I would go through fire and water without hesitation! It would be enough for me to do my part!" He spoke earnestly, his eyes burning with determination.

Upon seeing this, Qi Yun immediately understood.

The mountain lord entertained his guests with sacred wine and rare fruits, seeking only the Daoist teachings; the present Lord Xie's courteous treatment of the virtuous and the head constable Chen's exceptional hospitality are likely not without reason.

He replied with a smile, "Officer Chen, you flatter me."

Sure enough, as the wine flowed freely and laughter filled the room, Chen Gang, who had been all smiles and talkative, suddenly slammed his wine glass down with a dull thud.

His thick eyebrows furrowed, his smile vanished, replaced by a cloud of sorrow, and he let out a long, melancholy sigh.

The sigh was unusually heavy, as if it were weighing down by a thousand pounds.

The joyful atmosphere inside the hall was instantly abruptly halted.

Xie Linfeng looked at Chen Gang with concern and asked gently, "Why is Officer Chen suddenly sighing? Has another difficult case arisen in the city?"

"Alas!" Chen Gang sighed again, his tiger-like eyes filled with anxiety and helplessness. "My lord, you are wise! I am incompetent. Recently, a strange incident has indeed occurred in Jiujiang City, causing widespread panic. I... am at a loss!"

His voice was heavy with sorrow as he looked at Qi Yun: "Just twenty miles east of the city, there is a village called 'Yangliutun'."

More than a month ago, people in the village began to die mysteriously!
The deceased were all young and strong, working in the fields during the day without any illness or disaster, but after one night, they were all gone!
The manner of his death was... utterly bizarre!

He paused, a hint of fear flashing in his eyes, "Their faces were flushed, their cheeks rosy, their lips curved in smiles, their expressions joyful and content, as if... as if they had suddenly passed away in a blissful dream!"

The candlelight in the hall seemed to flicker as he spoke, and the temperature dropped a few degrees.

"When I first heard about it, I thought it was either an acute illness or poisoning, so I immediately dispatched three capable constables, Wang Hu, Zhang Bao, and Li Biao, to investigate."

Chen Gang clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "Who would have thought... that the three of them would disappear without a trace! They vanished that very night!"

No one was found alive, and no body was found dead! The villagers were so frightened that they locked their doors and remained silent.
I personally led a team to search the village for several days, turning over every nook and cranny, but we couldn't find even a trace of a struggle!

The three of them, along with their mounts, simply vanished into thin air!

He gulped down a large mouthful of liquor, the strong liquor making his voice even more bitter: "What's even more terrifying is that in the past few days, the way that 'Peach Blossom Smiling Face' died has actually... has actually spread throughout the city!"

Another body was found at the 'Fu'an Inn' in the southern part of the city last night!
The deceased was a traveling merchant who had been to many places. His death was exactly the same as that of the villagers of Yangliutun!
My men are all rough fighters, capable of fighting even the most notorious bandits, but when it comes to such intangible and sneaky matters… we are simply… out of our depth!”

He punched his leg hard, his face full of frustration and anger.

Xie Linfeng frowned deeply, remained silent for a moment, then slowly turned his gaze to Qi Yun, who had been listening quietly. His worried expression suddenly lifted, and he stroked his beard, saying, "Officer Chen, don't be anxious."

Although Brother Xuanqing has vanished without a trace, isn't Young Friend Qi a highly accomplished disciple of the Five Viscera Temple, possessing the ability to subdue demons and monsters?

Young friend, you are compassionate; I wonder if you would deign to relieve the people of Jiujiang of this dire suffering?

Upon hearing this, Chen Gang abruptly looked up at Qi Yun, his eyes instantly blazing with a desperate glimmer of hope. He rose from his seat and bowed deeply to Qi Yun: "Master Qi! I am but a martial artist, ignorant of the mysteries of Taoism, and I dare not presume to expect you to immediately sweep away the demonic aura!"

We only beg the Taoist priest to have mercy and go to Yangliu Village or the inn where the incident occurred, take a look, investigate, and point us in the right direction!
It will also let us ordinary mortals know what kind of evil thing we are facing!

Regardless of the outcome, Mr. Chen and the people of Jiujiang will forever be grateful for his great kindness!

His words were earnest, his posture extremely humble, and there was even a hint of pleading in his fierce eyes.

(End of this chapter)