My words have become law; I truly have no desire to display my divine power before others.

The sun was rising higher, and it was nearly noon.

Wang Dashan led Ye Qingfeng back to Xiahe Village.

The unusual silence in the village startled Wang Dashan—it was too quiet. Usually at this time, there would be some smoke from cooking fires and the sounds of people.

But today, apart from the faint sound of the river in the distance, it seems like an empty village.

"Daoist Master, this way please. My humble abode is just ahead." Wang Dashan suppressed his unease and led Ye Qingfeng into his courtyard.

The yard was fairly tidy, but it was also very quiet.

"Wife? Wife?" Wang Dashan called out twice, but no one answered.

He scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and said to Ye Qingfeng, "Perhaps he went to the river to wash clothes, or maybe he heard something and went to join in the fun... Daoist, please sit down, I'll pour you some water."

He nimbly entered the house, took out a rough earthenware bowl, and scooped cool well water from the water vat.

He presented the tea to Ye Qingfeng with both hands, his face showing a sincere apology: "My home is simple, and I don't even have any hot tea. I'm sorry to have troubled you, Daoist Master."

Ye Qingfeng took the bowl of water, thanked him, and calmly swept his gaze across the courtyard.

He wasn't one to crave luxury, and the cool well water suited him perfectly. Just as he was about to drink, he paused slightly.

At this moment, a small amount of Qi had been restored in his body, which seemed to have quietly strengthened his physique, making his five senses somewhat more prominent than those of ordinary people.

At this moment, in an almost eerie silence, he vaguely caught a whiff of noise from a great distance, carried by the wind.

The sound was indistinct, mixed with the clamor of many voices and a rhythmic, chanting or shouting melody.

He drank some well water, then put it down, listened intently for a moment, and his long, slender eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly.

"Benefactor Wang," Ye Qingfeng spoke, his clear voice breaking the silence of the courtyard.

"There seems to be some commotion in the village today? The direction... seems to be by the river."

Wang Dashan was feeling somewhat uneasy because his wife wasn't home and he hadn't been able to entertain her properly.

Hearing this, he was stunned for a moment, then suddenly slapped his forehead, the color draining from his face and his voice changing tone.

"Oh no! Today... today is noon! It's... it's the 'Dragon King Festival'! Little Lian from Old Man Li's family... oh dear!"

"Dragon King Sacrifice?" Ye Qingfeng's gaze narrowed slightly, a hint of doubt showing on his face.

"Yes," Wang Dashan said in a heavy tone, filled with suppressed anger and helplessness.

"They say it's a sacrifice to the river dragon king who protects our village, and to pray for good weather and abundant harvests."

But this sacrifice... is... is to send a 'bride' to the Dragon King!

He briefly explained the barbaric customs of selecting women by lot and sacrificing them in the river, and at the end, his fists clenched unconsciously.

"Today... today is the day of the ancestral worship. The one who drew the lot is my cousin Li Laoshuan's daughter, Xiaolian."

That child... was only sixteen, very sensible, always helping his parents with chores, filial and obedient... but now..."

He couldn't continue, his eyes reddening, and he looked up at Ye Qingfeng, his eyes filled with hope and pleading.

"Master Daoist, I know you are a wandering sage, with extensive knowledge and great skills. You see... could you... could you help me out and take a look at this matter?"

Even if... even if it's just to offer that poor child a little comfort, or give her parents a glimmer of hope... I... I simply can't bear it!"

This is a kind-hearted ordinary person who, within the limits of his ability, is grasping at the last straw for his loved ones.

Ye Qingfeng listened quietly, his expression unchanged.

But in my heart, a storm was already brewing. What was the difference between this so-called Dragon King Sacrifice and the human sacrifices of ancient times?

In his time, everyone was equal, and such human sacrifices only existed in folk tales.

Even if there are gods and ghosts in this world, the one who puts together this kind of foolish sacrifice is definitely not a true god.

Now that such a thing is before him, he naturally cannot turn a blind eye to it.

Since Ye Qingfeng happens to have this ability, today he will properly manage it!

After a moment, he raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a very faint smile that seemed to calm people's hearts, and gently brushed the sleeves of his gray robe.

"Since we've come this far," he said calmly, yet with an undeniable air of composure, "I'll go with you to the riverbank for a look."

There were no grand pronouncements, no guarantees, but the word "view" itself was enough.

Yet, it seemed to possess some strange power, instantly easing the heavy despair and anxiety in Wang Dashan's heart.

He nodded vigorously, his face shining with a mixture of gratitude and hope: "Thank you, Daoist Master! Thank you, Daoist Master! This way, this way!"

The two of them left the courtyard one after the other and walked quickly toward the direction from which the commotion was coming from the riverbank.

At this moment, the only rudimentary dock in Xiahe Village that can be navigated by boat is already packed with people.

Almost the entire village, young and old, gathered here, forming a semicircle.

All eyes were fixed on the makeshift altar on the riverbank, and on the yellow-robed figure dancing before it—Huang Youde.

Incense and candles swirled around the altar, and an apricot-yellow flag was planted there.

Huang Youde had been "performing" for quite some time, wielding a sword, shaking a bell, spraying water, and chanting incantations, putting on a full-fledged performance of the tricks of a charlatan.

Most of the villagers had never seen anything like this before and were stunned by him, especially when they saw him stick a talisman covered with strange symbols on a black pottery jar.

He held his breath as he shouted, "Laojun, by your command, demons and evil spirits, reveal your forms!"

"The demon is hiding in the deep waters of the river. I must approach and perform my magic!" Huang Youde said, sweat beading on his forehead, pointing to a dilapidated fishing boat on the riverbank.

"Which benevolent believer would be willing to give this humble monk a ride? Rest assured, with my protection, you will be safe and sound!"

A stir ran through the crowd, but no one dared to speak. Go down to the river? Or to the middle of the river? That was the "Dragon King's" territory!

In the end, Li Laoshuan gritted his teeth and, for his daughter's sake, was determined: "I! I'll row the boat!"

He jumped onto the dilapidated boat he used to make a living and picked up a bamboo pole.

Huang Youde was certain that the fool had indeed taken the bait.

Holding the pottery jar with the talisman in one hand and a peach wood sword in the other, he boarded the boat, "protected" by several villagers and a small monkey.

The small boat rocked gently as it rowed towards the deep pool in the middle of the river, which the villagers had identified as the place where weddings were usually held.

Everyone on the shore craned their necks, their hearts pounding in their throats.

Chen Maocai stood at the front of the crowd, his hands behind his back, his face seemingly solemn, but his eyes were cold and indifferent.

As the boat reached the middle of the river, the current seemed to slow down, and the light appeared dim due to the depth of the water.

Huang Youde stood at the bow of the boat, with his back to the riverbank, and began to brandish his peach wood sword again.

He muttered incantations, the sound carrying across the river, adding to the mystery and eeriness.

At the height of his reading, he suddenly threw the black pottery jar in his hand into the water!

"Monster! Look at this treasure!"

The earthenware pot sank when it was placed in the water.

One second, two seconds, three seconds...