I'm just an ornamental fish in the water.

Jiang Li and Feng Mu left the Deng residence.

Because there's no point in staying any longer.

All the necessary information was already known. Originally, in Jiang Li's plan, at this point, all that was left was to go straight over and kill that Lady Wusheng.

But that won't work now; the plan is stalled.

What is meant by a secret gathering place used by an evil deity to lure wealthy believers? It is inside the local City God Temple.

The City God of Wushan County is dead?

It should be noted that in the Heavenly Court's division of deities, those closest to ordinary people are the Earth Gods, primarily the City God and the Earth God.

These two are almost indispensable to the common people. In fact, in the land of China, the City God who resides in the capital is a third-rank official in the Heavenly Court!

Its rank is even comparable to that of the chief officials of the eight departments of Heaven, except for the Thunder Department!

This shows the importance of the City God to the human world.

"Are they in cahoots, or is there something wrong with the City God of Wushan County?"

Jiang Li muttered to herself.

At this moment, he and Feng Mu were walking on the main street of Wushan County, heading towards the City God Temple.

There are only two possibilities.

Either the Goddess Wusheng gave the local City God some benefit, causing him to be corrupted and become a collaborator with a cult.

Or, in an even more serious situation, this Goddess Wusheng has replaced the City God of Wushan!

The former is better; with Feng Mu around, at most he can send a note upwards, and Shenxiao Yushu will naturally send a thunder general down to investigate.

But if it's the latter, then...

This will be a major earthquake for all the deities of the entire land of China!

The City God has been replaced by an evil god!

This is practically defecating on the head of the Heavenly Court!

"Perhaps there is another possibility."

Jiang Li said softly, "This is a smokescreen, a trick by the Goddess Wusheng. After all, you and I are in the open, while she is in the dark."

Feng Mu blinked thoughtfully and said, "All three guesses are possible, but regardless, we still need to go to the City God Temple first."

Jiang Li glanced at her, hesitated for a moment, but still asked a question.

"Your Highness, why not cut to the chase quickly and decisively?"

This is a point that puzzles Jiang Li.

The matter of the Goddess Wusheng seems very complicated. If only Jiang Li had encountered it, she could only proceed step by step, following the clues and investigating little by little, just like she is now.

But Feng Mu should be different.

She is a princess of the human race.

Even if only a single word is leaked, plenty of people will come to get rid of this eyesore, Lady Wusheng, for Feng Mu.

Upon hearing this, Feng Mu naturally understood Jiang Li's meaning, but could only sigh helplessly.

You overestimate me.

Feng Mu said helplessly, "Unless I encounter a life-threatening situation, I am just an ordinary patrol officer of the Lower Yuan Water Official's Palace."

"This is a rule that Father established long ago."

Feng Mu's tone was somewhat complicated.

"In the Fire Cloud Cave, I can cultivate without any worries. All resources will come to me without any delay, as long as I ask for them."

"But since I have chosen to leave the Fire Cloud Cave and come to the Three Realms for training, all my privileges will be taken away."

Jiang Li's expression shifted, and she tentatively asked, "This rule started with... Her Majesty?"

Feng Mu nodded silently.

What exactly happened between the Empress and His Majesty Fuxi back then?

Jiang Li couldn't help but start to let her thoughts wander.

Separated from the protection of their sovereign father, they lose all privileges, which seems reasonable and also fosters their independence.

However, if the conflict between the Empress and Emperor Fuxi is included, it carries a somewhat irritating, one-size-fits-all approach, and... a hint of punishment...

Or to use a somewhat exaggerated way of putting it.

A stubborn daughter and an arrogant father.

However, as I said before, Jiang Li has no ability to understand or even mediate these matters.

The two remained silent and headed towards the City God Temple.

Before long, they arrived at the City God Temple.

Logically speaking, in this era when Buddhism and Taoism are not very widespread and there are not many Taoist temples and Buddhist temples in various places, the incense offerings of City God Temples and Earth God Temples should be extremely prosperous.

However, the City God Temple, which should have been bustling with worshippers, was deserted at this moment, with not a single person coming to offer incense.

This is very unusual.

"Is the gate sealed off?"

Jiang Li frowned.

The gate of the City God Temple was tightly closed, secured by a heavy iron lock that was as big as two palms.

Why is the City God Temple closed?

Jiang Li looked around and stopped an old farmer who was passing by.

"Greetings, sir."

Jiang Li smiled, cupped his hands in greeting, and asked, "May I ask, sir, why is the City God Temple in your county closed to the elements?"

"Is the young master from out of town?"

The old farmer put down his carrying pole and awkwardly imitated Jiang Li's manner of returning the greeting and asking questions.

"They came from out of town to do some business in Wushan County. They originally planned to offer incense at the City God Temple, but they couldn't find the entrance."

Jiang Li answered with a smile.

"Then it's not surprising."

The old farmer smiled and said nonchalantly, "Our City God Temple was closed half a year ago. It's said that the county magistrate plans to rebuild it."

"Therefore, the government specially posted a notice that a large incense burner would only be set up outside the City God Temple on the first and fifteenth of each lunar month for offering incense."

"Based on the timeline, it will take another three days."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Li remained expressionless, simply smiling and expressing her gratitude. She reached into her sleeve, took out some loose copper coins, and, despite the old farmer's reluctance, stuffed them into his hand.

After seeing the old farmer off, Jiang Li's expression gradually darkened.

Six months ago, the county magistrate allowed people to offer sacrifices outside the temple on the first and fifteenth of each lunar month...

Three keywords swirled in Jiang Li's mind.

It is now confirmed that the local City God has indeed encountered a major problem.

On the surface, it seems that the magistrate of Wushan County wanted to rebuild the City God Temple, but he also cared about the people, which is why he allowed people to offer incense outside the temple at specific times.

There doesn't seem to be any problem. Even the City God himself can only wait in the face of such a situation.

However, things change if we add the variable of the Goddess of No Birth.

"Your Highness."

Jiang Li walked back to Feng Mu's side and gave him a look.

Feng Mu glanced at the sealed City God Temple and nodded slightly.

Jiang Li immediately walked to the entrance of the City God Temple, and a stream of water vapor appeared in her hands.

The water vapor slowly probed into the keyhole, and the gentle water vapor suddenly condensed into ice.

With a slight turn of Jiang Li's hand, the lock was opened with a 'click'.

Jiang Li casually tossed it aside and pushed open the gate of the City God Temple.

It was pitch black inside, and you couldn't see anything except for a small patch of light near the door, which was open.

A thick layer of dust was visible on the ground where the light shone.

Jiang Li and Feng Mu are not ordinary people; seeing in the dark is just normal for them.

Looking inside, one sees a very strange scene.

The statue of the City God still stands on the shrine; it is a seated figure that looks very majestic.

However, unlike other statues, the head of this City God statue was completely covered by a thick layer of white cloth...