So it turns out I'm the demon!

Chapter 425 Incense Offerings, Fairy Lotus Pattern

Wong Tai Sin's methods are very clear.

Using the public's resentment to turn against Jiang Mu, they made him bear the burden of sin and hatred.

At the same time, they are reborn through the cause and effect of Heaven's will.

As long as the world remains turbulent and public resentment persists, he has hope of being reborn.

Unfortunately, he encountered Jiang Mu.

"Cause and effect, right?"

Jiang Mu flashed and instantly teleported to the side of Huang Daxian's nearly dissipated remnant soul, grabbing it in his hand.

"Alright, I'll show you exactly how cause and effect works!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he released his star power, which solidified the almost dissipated soul a bit more.

"What are you doing?"

A bad feeling suddenly rose in Wong Tai Sin's heart.

Before he could react, Jiang Mu released demonic energy and simultaneously unleashed her Myriad Tribulations Karma Body.

What is this?!

When Huang Daxian saw the dense lines of sin and karma covering Jiang Mu's body, he was completely dumbfounded.

Of course, these karmic threads of sin were fabricated by Jiang Mu using the Heavenly Origin Star-Fixing Coin.

But how does Wong Tai Sin distinguish them?

For a moment, he was stunned into silence.

What heinous thing did this kid do?

How can there be so many sins?!

With the blessing of demonic energy, the causal threads seemed to come alive, turning into wriggling earthworms that crawled up Wong Tai Sin's remnant soul and entangled it.

After a series of chaotic attempts...

The original cause and effect of the grudges between the two were forcibly reversed and misplaced.

Thus, among those Wong Tai Sin's followers, Jiang Mu became their savior, the "Wong Tai Sin" in their hearts.

The remnant soul held in Jiang Mu's hand, however, became an extremely evil and malevolent spirit.

In other words, all the incense and faith that Wong Tai Sin had painstakingly accumulated over the years ultimately amounted to nothing, like a wedding dress thrown into the wind.

He gave it to Jiang Mu for free.

"How could this happen?"

Seeing the villagers who had just been filled with hatred for Jiang Mu now kneeling on the ground, bowing reverently to him and calling him an immortal, Huang Daxian was utterly bewildered.

His faith, his incense offerings, his path of reincarnation—

It's all gone.

Everything's gone!!

"Jiang Mu, I'll fuck your grandma!"

In the final moment before his remnant soul dissipated, Wong Tai Sin let out a roar of resentment and anger.

With Wong Tai Sin's death, Jiang Mu took advantage of the reversal of cause and effect to seize all the incense offerings, and the raindrops in the sky stopped falling.

A beam of dazzling golden sunlight pierced through the gaps in the clouds and landed squarely on Jiang Mu, as if gilding him with a sacred glow, making him appear like a saint descending to earth. This caused the kneeling villagers to worship him even more devoutly.

At the same time, Jiang Mu clearly felt a strange power flowing through his body, permeating his entire being.

He was very familiar with this thing.

Incense offerings and prayers.

It is the power of these villagers' faith.

However, the incense offerings and prayers needed by the garrison commander usually have to be absorbed by the people of the city he is in, through the earth's veins.

But what Jiang Mu possesses at this moment is something purer.

After all, these were a group of die-hard believers whom Wong Tai Sin had painstakingly cultivated and brainwashed over many years. With cause and effect reversed, Jiang Mu took over all of these fanatical and blind beliefs.

Its purity is naturally 99%.

"Heaven and earth are ruthless, treating all things like straw dogs. The people do not fear death, so why threaten them with death?"

Jiang Mu looked at the kneeling villagers before him, then glanced up at the golden light scattering across the sky, sighed deeply, and turned to rush towards the city.

After he left, the villagers gradually regained their senses.

They stared at each other blankly, their faces showing a dazed expression.

It's like waking up and forgetting why you're kneeling here.

They then went back to doing their own things, as if nothing had happened.

However, in their hearts, a majestic deity had already taken root.

That was Jiang Mu.

When Jiang Mu returned to the city, the children had already been sent back to their respective homes.

The people, overjoyed to have their children returned, kowtowed in gratitude before the Demon Slayer's gate, causing a great stir throughout the city.

To be honest, the people nowadays don't have a good impression of the government.

However, they still held their own city's Demon Slayer Division in high esteem. Especially after Jiang Mu arrived, there were very few demons appearing outside the city.

The child was lost, but found so quickly.

Such high efficiency earned the sincere admiration of the people in the city.

Shui Miaozheng, on the other hand, attributed all the credit to Jiang Mu.

Mo Huaisu was born into a secluded and aloof family, and had always disdained worldly merits. Therefore, the credit for saving the child naturally fell entirely on Jiang Mu's shoulders.

Reporting these achievements to the imperial court would not only earn them more resources for spiritual practice, but also pave the way for their future official careers.

More importantly, if Jiang Mu is fortunate enough to become a garrison commander in the future, it will be much easier for him to absorb the power of incense offerings.

After all, the people who were grateful for Jiang Mu's kindness loved and respected him sincerely.

Mr. Zheng, the only one who couldn't welcome his child back, was the most miserable.

After losing his child, he also had to undergo a detailed investigation by the Demon Slayer Bureau, and his house was thoroughly searched to prevent the Wee Kasien from leaving any evil spirits or tricks behind.

However, Mr. Zheng, who was wealthy and powerful, was quick to let things go.

Anyway, I have plenty of money. I can go back and take in a few more young and beautiful concubines and make a fuss over them.

The incense offerings will never be extinguished.

If he is truly unable to have more children, he will have his wife go to a temple to pray for a child.

Although he was ultimately a monk's child, he was still imbued with Buddhist nature, which can be considered a meritorious act.

Jiang Mu bypassed the noisy crowd and arrived at the main hall of the Demon Slayer Division.

Shui Miaozheng, who was waiting in the front porch, immediately came forward and whispered, "Xiao Jiang, someone is waiting for you."

"wait for me?"

Jiang Mu, filled with doubt, entered the hall.

But then they saw two familiar figures sitting in the hall.

It was Wen Li and Duan Shuang'er.

At this moment, Wen Li's eyes were red and swollen, and she was holding the baby tightly in her arms. When she heard footsteps coming, she hurriedly got up, her face filled with gratitude and lingering fear.

Seeing the woman's expression, Jiang Mu's gaze fell on the child in her arms, and he immediately understood.

grandma's.

So, this little devil was among the babies we rescued in the wilderness earlier.

He didn't look closely at the time and didn't notice it.

But then again, from escaping from the inn to being attacked on the long street, and now breaking through the formation, I've saved this child three times, haven't I?

This little kid is quite blessed.

Wen Li and Duan Shuang'er were somewhat taken aback when they saw Jiang Mu's face clearly.

They never expected that the famous Lord Jiang of Yunzhou City was the same person who had clashed with them on the street two nights ago.

For a moment, the two women were quite embarrassed.

"This humble woman, Wen Li, greets Lord Jiang."

Wen Li snapped out of her daze, hurriedly picked up her child, and knelt down, saying, "Thank you so much, Lord Jiang, for saving my child's life. I have no way to repay this kindness. Also—my junior sister and I were blind and offended you on the street earlier. I hope you will forgive us."

Duan Shuang'er, standing to the side, buried her head in her chest.

Her once spoiled and arrogant face was now bright red, and she didn't dare to utter a sound.

Although Jiang Mu inwardly complained, his heart stirred upon seeing the two women.

He sat casually in the main seat, waving his hand and saying, "Alright, ignorance is no excuse. I heard that you came to the Demon Slayer Bureau a few days ago looking for relatives, specifically a Demon Slayer named Yuan Xiaoshun. Is that true?"

Wen Li was taken aback, then nodded and said, "Your Excellency, that is my late husband's younger brother. Before he died, my late husband said that he had a younger brother who worked in the Demon Slayer Division in Yunzhou City, and that we should come and seek refuge with him."

But when we arrived, we couldn't find him anywhere. It seems he's probably no longer in Yunzhou City.

Jiang Mu gave Shui Miaozheng a wink.

Shui Miaozheng immediately understood and quietly left the hall, intending to go find Meng Zhen.

Jiang Mu continued, "How old is this Yuan Xiaoshun? What does he look like? Do you know?"

Wen Li honestly replied, "He should be thirty-eight years old this year. I've never seen his face before, but since he's my husband's brother, they must look somewhat alike."

Jiang Mu raised an eyebrow: "From what you're saying, your husband and his brother haven't been in contact all these years?"

Wen Li looked somber and shook her head: "Due to some special reasons, the two brothers went their separate ways just after they turned twenty. I only found out that my husband had a younger brother before he died, who worked in the Demon Slayer Division in Yunzhou City."

We originally planned to stay in Yunzhou City for a while and search for him slowly. My husband had said that his brother-in-law's identity was special, so we couldn't go looking for him openly; we had to contact him privately.

But a few days ago, something happened at Mingyun Inn, and I was afraid that something else might happen, so I had no choice but to come directly to find them.

"Contacting privately?"

Jiang Mu seemed to be deep in thought upon hearing this.

After asking a few more questions, footsteps sounded outside the door, and Meng Zhen walked in.

"This humble servant greets Lord Jiang."

Meng Zhen bowed and said, "All thirty-two households in the city have been verified, and the children have all been safely returned. We have also checked the surrounding area and found no other abnormalities."

Jiang Mu nodded slightly, but her eyes were fixed on Wen Li out of the corner of her eye.

However, Wen Li did not have any special reaction when she saw Meng Zhen; she only showed some awe towards the official.

Of course, it's also possible that the brothers don't look alike, which is why she couldn't recognize them.

Jiang Mu remained calm and said, "It just so happens that these two fellow Daoists came to the Demon Slayer Division looking for someone, a Demon Slayer named Yuan Xiaoshun, who said he used to work here. Hall Master Meng, please investigate and let me know if you find any clues."

As he spoke, he kept a close eye on Meng Zhen's expression.

Meng Zhen didn't react much when he heard the name Yuan Xiaoshun. He just glanced at Wen Li and the other man, cupped his hands, and said, "Alright, this subordinate will go and investigate."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Jiang Mu couldn't help but feel uneasy.

So it seems that Meng Zhen, despite his nickname being Xiao Shun, is not the same person as Yuan Xiao Shun?

Could it be that they are mistaken?

Of course, it's also possible that Meng Zhen already knew Wen Li was looking for him and was mentally prepared, which is why he acted so flawlessly at this moment.

As he pondered, he said to Wen Li, "The personnel of the Demon Slaying Divisions in various prefectures of Daqing are frequently transferred. A larger Demon Slaying Division, plus those at the first and second realms..."

The number of its grassroots members is at least 20,000.

Your brother-in-law might have already been transferred. Let me check for you first, and I'll let you know if I find any clues.

"Thank you, Lord Jiang."

After exchanging pleasantries, Jiang Mu personally escorted the two women out of the Demon Slayer Bureau's gate.

When she left, Wen Li thanked him repeatedly.

Duan Shuang'er couldn't help but step forward, mustering her courage to apologize in a low voice: "Lord Jiang, I was very rude to you before. I misunderstood you that night, and I apologize to you here. I hope you will be magnanimous and not take it to heart."

Jiang Mu smiled and said, "It's alright, you should go back to the inn and stay there."

After saying that, he turned around and went back to the yamen.

As Duan Shuang'er gazed at the man's tall and straight back, her previously anxious heart finally settled, but a strange sense of loss and melancholy arose within her.

Feeling frustrated, she said to Wen Li, "Sister Wen Li, why do I feel that although this Lord Jiang seems amiable, he's barely paying attention to me?"

Wen Li sighed: "Silly girl, he is the famous Jiang Mu. He is a powerful figure at such a young age. It is already very polite of him to treat us so kindly."

She then added, "We've already left the Phoenix Feather Sect, so you need to put away your arrogance as soon as possible. Don't expect all the men in the world to fawn over you like those junior brothers in the sect."

Duan Shuang'er's secret was exposed, and her cheeks flushed slightly. However, she couldn't help but turn back to look at Jiang Mu's departing figure, her eyes filled with admiration as she said, "Sister Wen Li, he is so handsome, his cultivation is so high, and he is so young. I wonder which lucky woman is able to be his wife."

"We can't possibly be associated with someone like that."

Wen Li knows her junior sister very well. She has high aspirations and high ambitions, and sometimes she doesn't quite understand her place.

"I was just saying it casually, it's not like I'm really brainless."

Duan Shuang'er pouted and muttered softly, "But no matter what, this Lord Jiang is much better than that guy named Chu Jiang. And haven't you noticed? Sometimes their actions and ways of treating people are quite similar."

But Lord Jiang has that kind of status and confidence, so what gives Chu Jiang the right?

Seeing that his junior sister still harbored resentment towards that Fellow Daoist Chu, Wen Li could only shake his head helplessly and say nothing more.

After the two women left, a pair of eyes coldly watched them from the shadows.

Inside the signing room.

Shui Miaozheng soaked a towel and wiped the man's somewhat dusty face as she asked, "Do you think it's Meng Zhen?"

Jiang Mu shook his head and said, "I can't see any flaws. Either we're overthinking it and Meng Zhen's nickname is just a coincidence, or this guy is still acting. If he is, then he's very cunning."

Shui Miaozheng pondered for a moment, then asked, "If he is Yuan Xiaoshun, do you think he is a member of the Demon-Slaying Society, or someone planted by the Red Umbrella Sect?"

"Who knows?"

Jiang Mu shrugged, pulled the beautiful woman into his arms, and laughed, "But the fox will always show its tail eventually, just wait and see."

The sun was setting in the west.

Jiang Mu returned to his own residence, feeling somewhat guilty, and went to the small courtyard across the street to visit Mo Huaisu.

As it turned out, Mo Huaisu was in seclusion, practicing meditation and not seeing anyone.

Not wanting to disturb her, Jiang Mu reluctantly returned to her room.

After a quick wash, he sat cross-legged on the bed and circulated his internal energy. After a moment, he opened his mouth and spat out a bead.

The beads were only the size of quail eggs, with a dull and unremarkable surface.

"What exactly is the purpose of this bead that Sect Leader Mo spat out to me?"

Jiang Mu was puzzled.

He tried to infuse the beads with demonic energy.

The moment the demonic energy was poured in, fine, crisscrossing patterns appeared on the surface of the bead.

"It can be modified."

Jiang Mu was overjoyed and continued to release demonic energy.

As time went by, the beads gradually became more lustrous, with a mysterious and beautiful glow, exuding a decadent charm.

Soon, the bewitching light disappeared, restoring its crystal-clear and pure appearance, with its spiritual essence hidden within.

What surprised Jiang Mu even more was that after the demonic energy stopped, no information about the bead appeared in his mind as usual.

"What on earth is that?"

Jiang Mu studied the bead for a while, but then gave up and put it away, intending to return it to Mo Huaisu.

After all, the other party had helped him a great deal, and he had inadvertently "tainted" the other party's innocence, so it was only natural to return the magical artifact to its rightful owner.

However, for the rest of the time, Mo Huaisu stayed in his room and refused to go out.

Jiang Mu always turned her away.

It wasn't until three days later that the woman finally left the room.

Her pale complexion had regained its previous rosy hue, and she exuded a serene demeanor.

At this moment, the wind rustled her fairy sleeves, a subtle fragrance wafted in the air, and she was as serene and aloof as a celestial maiden from the heavens, regaining her former otherworldly grace, without a trace of worldly dust or dust.

"Sect Leader Mo, how are your injuries?"

Jiang Mu stepped forward and asked with concern.

Mo Huaisu glanced at him indifferently with eyes as clear as water, and said in a cold voice, "It's nothing, just a minor injury. That evil Buddha is a disciple of the Liuli Chanxin Sect. With the Buddha Mother present, it was inconvenient for me to kill him."

"I see."

Jiang Mu suddenly realized, and then took out the Mind-Cleansing Pearl and handed it over: "By the way, Sect Leader Mo, here's the pearl back with you. You gave it to me back then, probably to prevent me from losing my mind, right?"

Upon seeing the precious pearl in the other person's hand, Mo Huaisu pursed her pink lips slightly, and a faint warmth swept across her earlobe.

After all, that day, in a moment of desperation, in order to expel the demons of desire from her body, she took the initiative to press her lips against his and forcefully insert the tainted bead into his body.

Now, the other party is foolishly thinking that they are saving him.

Mo Huaisu couldn't reveal the truth, so he took the bead.

However, the moment her fingertips touched the pearl, her pupils suddenly contracted, and she froze on the spot.

The beads are intact!?

She originally thought that after the Spiritual Purification Pearl left her body, it had become severely contaminated and was basically useless.

But at this moment, the bead is flawless and radiates spiritual energy.

It looks completely untouched by pollution.

It was even cleaner and purer than when she first received it as a child.

"How is this possible?"

Mo Huaisu stared intently at Jiang Mu, her beautiful eyes wide with surprise, and asked, "How did you do that?"

Jiang Mu dared not say that it was repaired using demonic energy.

He blinked innocently and made up a story: "I don't know either, it just looks like this when I spit it out."

Mo Huaisu stared intently at Jiang Mu's handsome face, his mind churning with turbulent emotions. He thought to himself, "As expected, this kid has an extraordinary physique. No wonder someone like Bai Xiang would be willing to lower himself and infiltrate his side."

"Taking on apprentices!"

"We must find a way to take on apprentices!"

At this moment, Mo Huaisu's gaze towards Jiang Mu was especially ardent.

It's like seeing a delicious feast.

"Sect Leader Mo?" Jiang Mu felt a little uneasy under the other person's gaze and asked, "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing."

Mo Huaisu snapped out of her daze, her pretty face flushing red.

She suppressed her burning desire, took a half step back, held her whisk, and solemnly bowed to Jiang Mu: "Thank you."

Jiang Mu was surprised by such a grand gesture and quickly waved his hand, saying, "You're too kind, Sect Leader Mo. You were injured because you were helping me. Besides, I might need your help again in the future."

"If there is anything I can do in the future, I will help."

Mo Huaisu did not refuse.

Before Jiang Mu could express her gratitude, she said calmly, "I need to rest, so—"

Jiang Mu understood and said, "I have other matters to attend to, so I won't bother Sect Leader Mo any longer. If you need anything, please feel free to ask."

"it is good."

Mo Huaisu nodded slightly.

After Jiang Mu left, she took the bead back into the house and checked it carefully again to make sure that there was nothing wrong with the Spirit Platform Purification Bead.

The woman felt a surge of joy.

Regardless, this bead had a tremendous effect on her cultivation.

Over the years, she has been able to maintain this calm and undisturbed state of mind, and half of the credit goes to the help of this bead.

It is quite a stroke of luck that it has been lost and found again.

Thinking of this, Mo Huaisu no longer hesitated, swallowed the bead back into his stomach, then sat cross-legged and silently practiced the Supreme Mystic Art.

As the precious pearl entered his abdomen, the cool and pure Daoist essence flowed rapidly to his limbs and bones like sweet dew.

It brought her a sense of peace and coolness even more than before.

Mo Huaisu was overjoyed.

However, she did not notice that a strange dark red demonic mark was quietly appearing on her lower abdomen.

It resembles a lotus but is not a lotus.

It flashed for only a moment, then vanished beneath her skin like ink, leaving no trace.