Even emperors have it tough, so don't be too picky about the entries.

The high priest nearly choked on his breath; this damned emperor was indeed unconventional.

Can I say that?

If Chen Yuan were to speak, even if Chen Shao were easily fooled, he would immediately be sent to the Meridian Gate for execution—no, to the execution grounds.

"This...the wronged soul is in a state of chaos, not yet formed, and its name cannot be spoken."

"Is he my father?"

Pfft!

Even a well-traveled and knowledgeable person like the high priest couldn't help but stumble and fall to the ground.

The other ministers were even more terrified, their faces turning ashen.

Throughout history, who has ever seen someone speak so bluntly?

Even though everyone had already assumed this was the answer...

Chen Shao raised an eyebrow. "What? Is there something I can't say? Yes or no, I am an enlightened ruler. Just tell me the truth."

The high priest stood up unsteadily.

Suddenly, I couldn't figure out whether the person in front of me had a brain or not.

How was he supposed to answer that?!

Chen Shao didn't give him any time to think, and shouted:

"You're not here to swindle anyone, are you? If you, a Taoist priest, can communicate with the spirits and invoke deities, how could you not know about such a trivial matter?"

"Guards, drag him out and execute him by slow slicing!"

...Holy crap! Even the high priest, who would never swear in his life, couldn't help but curse out loud at this moment.

However... it doesn't matter whether it's Chen Yuan or not, and it doesn't matter whether Chen Shao can break this deadlock.

The important part is the witchcraft that follows.

He cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Chen Shao:

"etc."

"What makes Your Majesty say this? I have observed the celestial phenomena and consulted the yin and yang. Your Majesty's filial piety is known throughout the land. How could this wronged soul possibly be the retired emperor? Absolutely impossible. I can guarantee it with my own head."

Chen Shao looked at him and suddenly smiled.

He didn't press further, but instead stood up from the dragon throne.

He personally descended the imperial steps, offered the high priest a helping hand, and his tone became as gentle as a spring breeze:

"Good! Good! Daoist Master is indeed incredibly powerful, able to discern right from wrong by understanding the yin and yang. It is thanks to a master like you that I was able to clear my name."

"Okay, okay!"

Chen Shao laughed again: "Throughout the entire court, no one understands the ways of Heaven and the hearts of men better than the Daoist Master. Having the Daoist Master is truly like a fish finding water!"

"In that case, please have the Taoist priest set up an altar in the palace to perform a ritual, drive away the evil spirits, and restore peace to the palace."

"Once this is accomplished, I will certainly reward you handsomely; even the position of Imperial Advisor is not out of the question."

These words caused an uproar throughout the hall.

Imperial Advisor!

This is an honor that many alchemists dream of.

Of course, this also implies another layer of meaning: His Majesty acknowledges this person's Taoist skills.

The high priest finally relaxed a little.

Don't let Chen Shao's young age fool you; dealing with him is far more intimidating than dealing with Helian Yunni.

He quickly declined:

"I have come here not for fame or fortune, but only to share Your Majesty's burdens."

Chen Shao nodded and repeatedly said yes, ordering people to immediately go and prepare for the ritual.

Less than an hour later.

The altar was set up in the square in front of the main hall.

Yellow banners fluttered in the wind, and talismans danced in the air.

The high priest changed into a more elaborate crane cloak and ascended the altar to perform the ritual.

He held a copper bell in his hand, treaded the steps of Yu the Great, and chanted incantations continuously.

The square was surrounded by a dense mass of imperial guards and palace servants, all holding their breath in concentration.

To make himself more convincing, the high priest spared no effort in performing his special skills.

Singing and chanting to invoke the gods, licking a red-hot iron knife with his tongue, breathing flames, causing paper figures to bleed, and bone divination tools to crack...

He brought out everything he knew how to do.

Chen Shao sat on the high platform in front of the palace, engrossed in solving the riddle.

The eunuch Wei beside him was so nervous that his palms were sweating. When he saw something dangerous, he would cover his eyes with his sleeve.

"Oh my god..."

The high priest suddenly stopped halfway through the ritual.

The copper bell in his hand stopped abruptly, and a look of horror appeared on his face.

He looked up at the sky, then looked down and counted on his fingers, his brows furrowing more and more tightly, before finally taking two steps back.

He made a sound.

Chen Shao hurriedly asked:

"Master, is there something amiss?"

The high priest turned around, his face ashen.

"Your Majesty, this evil aura has not only failed to dissipate, but has instead grown stronger and heavier."

"When I was performing the ritual, I clearly felt that someone was secretly interfering."

"There is an extremely yin entity outside the palace, which is vying with me for the vital energy of this place."

"Without this item, the few wandering spirits in this palace are nothing to fear."

"But now... hey, someone is feeding evil spirits with the life essence of living people."

As he said this, his eyes gleamed, and his hands moved in a series of hand gestures.

The reporter said in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty, the palace is haunted; this is likely no simple matter. If I am not mistaken, someone is using witchcraft to wreak havoc on the palace!"

He spoke the last four words slowly and deliberately, his voice loud and clear.

Almost everyone present heard it clearly.

But when the words "witchcraft" were uttered, although everyone was surprised, they dared not utter a sound.

In this kind of thing, whoever gets involved is doomed, without exception.

If even biological fathers and sons are not acceptable, how much less so their subjects?

Here he comes... Chen Shao had been waiting for a long time, and the other party had been quite patient, only bringing this up now.

If I don't say anything soon, I'll have to subtly steer him towards witchcraft and sorcery.

Chen Shao's smile gradually faded. He stood up and scanned the assembled officials.

At that moment, even the wind seemed to stop.

In the vast square, you could hear a pin drop.

"This matter is of utmost importance; does the Taoist priest dare to make a definitive statement?"

"This humble Taoist is most skilled in this art; how dare I speak recklessly? If there is any error, I am willing to accept divine punishment!"

Chen Shao stared at him for a long time.

After a while...

He just flicked his dragon robe.

"Investigate! This matter must be thoroughly investigated for me!"

"Master, your Taoist arts are profound and mysterious. I have a request that you may make."

"The sorcery of witchcraft has wreaked havoc in the palace. If such a major case is not thoroughly investigated, I will not be able to eat or sleep in peace. Since you, Daoist, can contend with that evil spirit for vital energy, surely finding its root cause is no problem for you as well?"

He's here, he's here... The high priest finally felt relieved. He had put in so much effort to perform today, all for this moment, waiting to hear these words.

Of course, you shouldn't appear too eager on the surface.

He closed his eyes slightly, appearing as if he were concentrating on sensing something.

He made a hand seal with his right hand, changing it back and forth.

A moment later, he slowly opened his eyes, already confident and assured.

"The power of witchcraft is extremely strong, and it is evenly matched with my own. It is difficult to determine the winner for a while, but if we just follow the energy to find its source, it is not too difficult."

Chen Shaolong was overjoyed. "Daoist Master, lead the way! I want to see which treacherous people are trying to harm me!"

...

Half an hour later, the high priest, holding a copper bell, walked at the front.

Chen Shao rode on horseback, surrounded by civil and military officials, who followed at a leisurely pace.

Further behind were three hundred Imperial Guards, their swords and spears drawn, exuding a murderous aura.

The high priest paused frequently, sometimes looking up at the sky, sometimes looking down at the ground, and sometimes muttering to himself to the old locust tree by the roadside.

Although his movements were somewhat exaggerated, they actually looked quite convincing when combined with his ethereal crane cloak.

"The Supreme Star, ever-responsive... dispelling evil and binding demons, protecting life and body... bringing wisdom and clarity, and peace of mind..."

Recite a few words and ring the bell.

"The evil spirits have moved eastward."

And so, guided by the high priest, the crowd wandered through the streets and alleys, making many twists and turns.

Finally, he stopped in front of a dilapidated house.