Chapter 43: The Strongest Network

The police officers of Zhenshan County may not have extensive experience in handling cases, but through long-term exposure, they certainly have more experience with vengeful spirits, ghosts, magic implements, and masters than police in other places.

Du Director personally interrogated Duan Yang, coldly watching him cower in the corner, whimpering and spouting clumsy lies to defend himself—claiming he hadn't done anything and the police had no right to arrest him.

Du Director snorted, then turned to the police officer standing behind him: “It seems his mind isn't clear yet. Take him to the Zhu Family and let him sober up properly.”

Duan Yang screamed loudly: “I won't go, I won't go to that ghost place! Help, someone help me!”

Duan Yang squirmed uncomfortably, trying to push himself into the corner of the wall, as if he could only feel safe if he could squeeze himself into a crack in the wall.

Du Director slammed his palm on the table and said sternly: “If you don't want to go to the Zhu Family, it's simple—confess honestly. Who sent you to steal from the Zhu Family? Who are your accomplices? Was the Vajra Fish stolen from Wangyun Temple one of your jobs? Where did the items go?”

“I'll confess, I'll confess.” While saying he'd confess, Duan Yang still tried to negotiate with a trembling voice: “I didn't do anything bad, at most it's attempted. If I confess, you have to promise to let me go.”

“Lenient treatment for confession. How lenient your sentence will be depends on how much you confess.” Du Director's tone softened slightly: “You're educated, so you know what it means to earn merit by confessing, right?”

Duan Yang nodded frantically: “I know, I'll tell you everything.”

Duan Yang was supposed to return to the city last year. His high school classmate, Shi Jia, had contacted him and asked him not to rush back to the city yet—only if he helped her with one matter would she take him abroad.

Duan Yang originally didn't believe Shi Jia's words; he thought she was talking nonsense. How could he possibly go abroad?

He hadn't passed the College Entrance Exam last July, and he had given up on returning to the city through testing. He took the family's savings, abandoned his wife and children, and returned to the city.

After returning to the city, Duan Yang met Shi Jia. Shi Jia brought her recently returned from abroad little uncle to meet Duan Yang. Shi Jia's little uncle told Duan Yang how wonderful it was abroad, and said that wealthy foreigners were very fond of Chinese cultural relics—if they took a liking to something, they'd pay any amount of money.

At that time, Duan Yang didn't think much about it because his family was just ordinary, and he didn't understand anything about cultural relics nor did he have channels to obtain valuable genuine items.

Shi Jia's little uncle said he had channels and clients who had specifically requested certain items. If they delivered the items to Port City for the transaction, the profits would be split fifty-fifty.

Duan Yang thought it was unfair—he was the one who would steal the items and take all the risks. Why should Shi Jia's little uncle get half? Duan Yang bargained with the person, and finally they settled on a seventy-thirty split—Shi Jia's little uncle getting thirty percent and Duan Yang getting seventy percent.

The police officers in the interrogation room were speechless. You know nothing, you greenhorn, and you're trying to get a seventy-thirty split? The other party didn't kill you after getting the items—that was them being kind.

Shi Jia's little uncle was truly clever too—by using this bargaining method, he really made Duan Yang believe this deal could be done. To get that money and to go abroad, Duan Yang would certainly do his utmost to steal the items.

“Shi Jia stole the Vajra Fish. She stayed at the guesthouse in Nanjiang County before Chinese New Year. During the New Year period, she went to Wangyun Temple several times. She originally planned to take advantage of the many people going to Wangyun Temple to worship and steal it, but those monks were very vigilant. She couldn't find an opportunity until the day before yesterday when she finally stole the Vajra Fish and left.”

“You went home the day before yesterday—was that related to her?”

“Yes, I met with her. She said she would go first and wait for me at the Shanghai dock. After I arrived in Shanghai, I should immediately take a ship to Port City to avoid any complications.”

“Shi Jia stole the Vajra Fish from Wangyun Temple. What was your task?”

“They asked me to steal a City God Seal from the Zhu Family.”

“City God Seal?”

Duan Yang didn't understand either. He only said: “Yes, they said it's a cultural relic—a seal sent to the Nanjing City God Temple by a Ming dynasty emperor after worshipping heaven and earth. It has research value. They've been looking for that seal for many years. The City God Temple in Nanjing was destroyed early on, and the City God Seal disappeared. It was recently discovered and sent to the Zhu Family.”

The police officers who had seen many supernatural events looked at Duan Yang differently after hearing this. If he didn't know, that was one thing—but since he knew it was a City God Seal, how dare he still go steal it? His courage was really too big.

Duan Yang's courage wasn't actually that big—otherwise he wouldn't have been scared out of his mind by an inner demon. He dared to steal the City God Seal because he didn't believe there were ghosts or deities in this world. If there really were ghosts and deities, how could even a deity fail to protect its own temple?

Those ghost stories were just things other people made up to scare people.

What could the police say? They could only say that the ignorant have no fear.

“Your wife suddenly became seriously ill—was that also your doing?”

Duan Yang remained silent.

“Tell the truth!”

Duan Yang nodded, then said: “I didn't harm her. The medicine was given to me by Shi Jia.”

He didn't want to kill his wife. He only wanted his wife to get some illness so he could use it as an excuse to stay at the Zhu Medical Hall, giving him the opportunity to steal from the Zhu Family.

Duan Yang seemed to really believe his own words. He said again: “Shi Jia said an ordinary illness couldn't deceive the doctors at the Zhu Family—they wouldn't let us stay at the medical hall.”

Duan Yang pushed all the responsibility onto Shi Jia. The police officers present weren't fools—they understood what he meant.

Du Director asked when and where he had given his wife what kind of medicine. Duan Yang told him everything, and finally added: “Fortunately, my wife was lucky—that woman Shi Jia didn't manage to kill her.”

Hmph! Anyone with a conscience couldn't say such a thing.

Du Director didn't linger on this question. He asked for Shi Jia's home address, photo, work unit, and other information. After getting this information, Du Director stood up and called the police captain behind him: “Review the interrogation report. If there's no problem, have him sign and press his fingerprints.”

Du Director left the interrogation room. He Zaiming, the county chief of Zhenshan County, was waiting outside.

He Zaiming asked urgently: “What did the interrogation reveal?”

Du Director summarized the interrogation results, then said: “This matter originated from our area, but it's quite serious and involves many aspects. Our public security bureau can't handle it alone. We need to send the interrogation report to the National Security Action Group and the Shanghai Public Security Bureau—they're the ones who can handle this.”

He Zaiming frowned: “We can contact the Shanghai Public Security Bureau, but the National Security Action Group isn't easy to contact.”

Du Director said: “County Chief, don't worry about that. Last time someone from the National Security Action Group borrowed our bureau's phone to contact their headquarters—we have the phone number on file in our bureau.”

He Zaiming was shocked: “When did that happen? How come I didn't know someone from the National Security Bureau came to Zhenshan County?”

Du Director thought to himself: You don't know about a lot of things.

He Zaiming was after all the county chief of Zhenshan County. The National Security Bureau and Shanghai Public Security Bureau would definitely come to investigate later, and the two sides would definitely meet. Du Director casually revealed: “You're familiar with the Zhu Family's eldest daughter, right? The one who came to our county probably has an incurable illness. She specifically came to our county to seek treatment from the Zhu Family's eldest daughter and even stayed at the Zhu Family for a period.”

He Zaiming knew the Zhu Family had connections, but he didn't expect them to have such extensive connections. His mind turned to matters related to the Zhu Family. He asked: “Who else in our county knows about this?”

“Only our bureau's people know.” Du Director thought for a moment and added: “The retired Peng Division Commander was the one you introduced to the Zhu Family, right? He definitely also knows the Zhu Family has this channel.”

After the Peng Family's eldest grandson was cured, the Peng Family gave He Zaiming tangible benefits, but they never told him a single word about the Zhu Family having connections with the National Security Bureau.

“Plant a phoenix tree, and the phoenixes will come. The Zhu Family's eldest daughter has ability, so naturally many people will flock to her.” He Zaiming thought for a moment, then stopped mentioning it. He said seriously: “Please pay close attention to this matter, Du Director. The items stolen from Wangyun Temple must be recovered as soon as possible.”

“Please rest assured, County Chief He. Our county bureau will fully cooperate with the investigation.”

After leaving the county bureau, He Zaiming originally wanted to go to the Zhu Family, but after thinking, he decided this wasn't a good time to visit the Zhu Family. To go to the Zhu Family, he would have to wait until the matter was completely resolved.

Mingjue Grand Master was still at the Zhu Family at this time. Du Director personally went to explain the interrogation results to Mingjue Grand Master and Zhu Shian. He said: “We will contact the National Security Action Group and the Shanghai Public Security Bureau. If convenient, please also contact the National Security side to urge them. Otherwise, if something goes wrong in the middle and the items are sent abroad, it will be difficult to trace them.”

Mingjue Grand Master thanked Du Director: “We've already contacted the Action Team. Checkpoints will be set up along the route from Zhenshan County to Shanghai to intercept them.”

“It would be best if we can successfully intercept them on the way.”

After Du Director explained the situation to Mingjue Grand Master and Zhu Shian, he still needed to see Wang Erni, so he took his leave first.

After Du Director left, Mingjue Grand Master asked Zhu Shian: “Is that City God Seal the one the Action Team sent to you before Chinese New Year to use as a Suppression Object?”

Zhu Shian nodded: “I didn't have time to go to the Mountain Valley during the New Year period, so the City God Seal is still in my room.”

Mingjue Grand Master sighed: “You only got the City God Seal before Chinese New Year, and already someone is keeping watch—there must be something going on behind the scenes.”

Zhu Shian laughed coldly. Mingjue Grand Master was being too polite.

It wasn't that something was going on behind the scenes—there was a mole. Even a small fry like Duan Yang knew such secret information, so the people behind him must be of high rank.

After Zhu Jin received the news, her head ached. Before Zhu Jin could even report it, the National Security internal personnel quickly went through everything from top to bottom. The final conclusion was that there was no problem within National Security—the problem was with the Cultural Relics Confidential Protection Bureau that stored the Magic Implements.

Many Magic Implements were originally very valuable cultural relics. The various Magic Implements collected by the Action Team were diverse, and many needed repair and maintenance. The Action Team didn't understand these matters, so they sent the Magic Implements to the cultural relic confidentiality units for storage, and would retrieve them from the Confidentiality Bureau when needed.

The National Security investigation found that the director of the cultural relic confidentiality unit, along with several other employees, had been systematically smuggling national cultural relics. In the past year or more, dozens of cultural relics had been smuggled out through their hands.

Because overseas collectors had preferences, the cultural relics they previously smuggled were mainly paintings, calligraphy, and porcelain. This time, it wasn't them who targeted the highest-level confidentiality Magic Implements—it was the buyers who specifically requested them.

Before Chinese New Year, the Action Team had investigated the Magic Implement collections of various Xuan Sect families and sects. These materials required cooperation from the Cultural Relics Confidentiality Bureau. Since the confidentiality level of the Magic Implements was too high for them to access, they instead found ways to smuggle the materials out, letting the buyers figure out how to get the items they wanted.

After Zhu Jin finished reading all the reports from the interrogation of the Cultural Relics Confidentiality Bureau director, she lowered her head: “Leaders, I must criticize myself. This matter is my responsibility—I didn't think of how the enemy would find a way to exploit this gap.”

Several leaders from the National Security Bureau gathered at the Action Team today. They came here not to listen to Zhu Jin criticize herself, but to adjust the internal management regulations of the Action Team.

“Your Action Team isn't good at handling cases. This matter should be handed over to other departments for investigation. National Security is an important force protecting national security—we absolutely cannot allow anyone to spy on us from behind. Have our people immediately contact the contacts in Hong Kong. Unless we drag out the enemies behind this, this matter isn't over.”

Zhu Jin quickly said: “We will immediately hand over the relevant clues we've already discovered to the comrades in other departments and do our best to assist them, giving this matter a result as soon as possible.”

“This matter has a result, but what about next time? This time, Magic Implements were stolen and confidential materials were leaked—what about next time?” After a pause, this leader said: “Zhu Jin, historical lessons tell us that laypeople directing professionals doesn't work.”

Zhu Jin slightly nodded in agreement.

“Everyone knows your Action Team has special work. You're not from the Xuan Sect, and you've managed the Action Team to this extent—you've done your best.”

Zhu Jin slightly lowered her eyes, waiting for the leader's next words.

“Recommend a few suitable candidates. They must be from the Xuan Sect and must be people who can command respect. From among them, choose one to do your work. You're good at management, so in the future, internal affairs of the Action Team will still be handed to you to manage. Being the political commissar of the Action Team's leader is suitable for you.”

Zhu Jin silently exhaled, then finally nodded.

Zhu Jin rationally ran through the candidates she had in mind in her head. She said: “Li Qingyuan, the leader of the Southwest Action Team; Ma Sanjie, the leader of the Northeast Action Team; and Xiang Baihu, the leader of the Central Action Team. Their combat power can rank in the top four of the Action Team. Choosing any one of these three as leader, I believe other team members won't object.”

“Top four—what does that mean? You didn't mention the one who can also rank in the top four.”

Zhu Jin slightly smiled: “Zhu Shian, the head of the Zhu Family in Zhenshan County. Her abilities are very outstanding—both Talisman and Magic Array work are top-notch. Over the past year, she's given us a lot of help.”

“Why didn't you mention her name just now?”

“I once invited Zhu Shian to join the Action Team on behalf of the Action Team. She refused. She is only willing to give us support in areas such as Talisman and so on.”

“Oh, why?”

“The Zhu Family passes down as Daoist Physicians. Compared to being a Xuan Sect master, Zhu Shian values the family's development more. Last August, Beijing and Shanghai held pilot exams for the Individual Medical Practice License. Three people from the Zhu Family obtained medical practice licenses—among them, Zhu Shian ranked first.”

Zhu Jin continued: “Besides not being interested in that, Zhu Shian is also very young—she's only in her teens this year.”

“Compared to age, those who practice Dao Cultivation value talent more, don't they?”

“That's true.”

Xu Juzhang from the National Security Bureau spoke up. He said: “The infighting within the Xuan Sect is more deadly than actual battles. Your Action Team is the Raft Leader charging ahead—we must choose someone who can suppress the situation. Age, on the other hand, is secondary.”

“I understand. I will personally go to meet Zhu Shian and ask her to join the Action Team again.”

In her heart, Zhu Jin actually favored Zhu Shian—that's why she mentioned the term “top four” just now, waiting for the leader to ask her about it.

The room grew quiet. Xu Juzhang asked Zhu Jin: “Is Zhu Shian's medical skill really that good?”

“As far as I know, it's very good. Zhu Shian can not only treat ordinary people's illnesses, but also treat illnesses caused by Xuan Sect methods. Not just one person from our Action Team has gone to her for health adjustment.”

“Mm, got it.”

Xu Juzhang never spoke nonsense. Zhu Jin didn't know why Xu Juzhang asked about Zhu Shian's medical skill just now—presumably, the leader had his own intentions.

The meeting ended. Zhu Jin nodded to the several leaders and left.

After closing the door, Xu Juzhang asked the person beside him: “Is Tan Pingzhang, that young master from the Tan Clan, still in Beijing these days?”

“He is. Tan Pingzhang returned from studying in the UK and then contracted a strange illness. Both Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine have been consulted, but neither gave any substantial diagnostic results. The day before yesterday, a senior leader met with Tan Pingzhang and had his health physician take his pulse, but still nothing came of it.”

Tan Pingzhang was the confirmed next successor of the Tan Clan. Regardless of the Tan Clan's generations of help to the country or the Tan Clan's future domestic investment plans, the leadership was very concerned about Tan Pingzhang's health.

The person beside him asked: “Do you want to introduce Tan Pingzhang to that Zhu Shian?”

Xu Juzhang had this thought: “Zhu Jin said that Zhu Shian is a Daoist Physician—she can treat illnesses that ordinary doctors can't treat. It's also an opportunity.”

“What the director says makes sense. I heard that in Southeast Asia, they like to engage in feng shui contests and magical duels. Perhaps Tan Pingzhang isn't ill—it's possible he was calculated against by someone from the Xuan Sect.”

Xu Juzhang made up his mind. “Bring it up with the Tan Clan later.”

When Xu Juzhang mentioned this, it was already late—because that day, Tan Pingzhang had gone south with Tan Laoyezi on a plane.

Zhenshan County, Zhu Medical Hall.

Wang Erni was taken by the public security bureau for questioning. She went at noon and was released in the afternoon. Wang Erni went to the Acupuncture room at the back of the medical hall to pack up her things. She was about to leave.

Wang Erni had been carried into the medical hall lying down. Although she had no breath at the time, after Zhu Shian pulled her back from the gates of death, she was very cooperative in treatment and had a strong will to live.

At this point, Wang Erni's body was better, but her heart seemed dead. Like a wandering soul, she walked to Zhu Changfeng and said she wanted to settle the bill.

Zhu Changfeng glanced at the ledger and said: “Your bill was settled yesterday.”

“I stayed in your Acupuncture room last night.”

“We don't charge for one night's stay.”

“You should charge.” Wang Erni took out one yuan from her pocket and placed it on the table: “You saved me, but I almost harmed you. I can't owe you any more.”

Zhu Changfeng looked at her red-eyed, forcefully holding herself together—she was too pitiful. He accepted the one yuan and gave her five mao in change.

“Staying at a guesthouse outside, a single room is generally five mao. I'll take five mao from you—we both don't lose out.”

“Thank you.”

Wang Erni bowed to Zhu Changfeng, then walked to Zhu Changbi and Zhu Xiang and bowed deeply to them.

“Thank you both for worrying about me all this time. I have nothing to repay you in this life. In my next life, I will definitely be a cow or a horse to repay you.”

Zhu Changbi immediately grabbed Wang Erni's arm and said coldly: “Since you think we have done you a favor, why don't you repay us now? Saying to wait for the next life—who are you trying to fool?”

Zhu Xiang also sensed something was off in Wang Erni's words and quickly said: “That's right. You're young—you have decades ahead of you. If you want to repay the favor, you have plenty of time in this life. If you push it to the next life, are you really wanting to repay the favor or just saying empty words?”

Wang Erni stood there helplessly, not knowing what to say.

“What about your parents?”

“My parents are in the village.”

Zhu Changbi's expression grew even colder: “Call your parents here. I want to ask them how they raised their child. Knowing the favor but not repaying it—what kind of logic is that?”

Zhu Xiang also chimed in: “Changbi jie is right.”

Wang Erni's mouth opened and closed, then she lowered her head.

Zhu Changbi wouldn't let Wang Erni leave. She said to Zhu Changfeng: “Nanjiang County is more prosperous than our county—their townships must have phones. Go to the county committee and ask for the phone number of Wang Erni's family. Tell her parents to come now.”

Wang Erni urgently said: “You can't call my parents. My parents are at home helping me look after my children—they don't have free time.”

Hearing Wang Erni say this, Zhu Changbi became even more insistent and urged Zhu Changfeng to go now.

When Zhu Changfeng went to the county committee to inquire about the phone number of Nanjiang County's Niutou Township, he ran into Zhu Changming. After hearing about Wang Erni's matter, Zhu Changming said: “Parents who take care of their daughter's children—they must treat Wang Erni well. Calling their parents is the right thing to do.”

The news of Duan Yang being arrested by the public security bureau this morning hadn't spread yet, so Wang Erni's family definitely didn't know about it yet. He Zaiming said: “This matter is not decent after all. If it gets out, Wang Erni won't be able to face people in the village. With her pride, she probably won't want to live anymore.”

“Then what should we say?”

“First make up some excuse to call Wang Erni's parents here. When they arrive, tell them the truth. Have them say outside that Duan Yang abandoned his wife and child and returned to the city—cover it up.”

The crime Duan Yang committed was serious. Even with leniency for confession, the charge of him colluding with foreign forces to steal national cultural relics was enough to punish him severely.

“Many people in our county know that Magic Implements were stolen from Wangyun Temple. Not many people know that Duan Yang was arrested from your house. Even those who know won't talk nonsense—keeping it hidden should still work.”

“Then we'll do as County Chief He said.”

He Zaiming sighed. Wang Erni also had a hard fate. If they could help, they'd help.

In winter, darkness came early. Wang Erni's parents heard the news from the village speaker and rushed to Zhenshan County—it was already dark.

To do a good deed to the end, Zhu Changfeng specifically waited at the dock. When Wang Erni's parents arrived, Zhu Changfeng told them everything Duan Yang had done.

Wang Erni's mother kept crying. Wang Erni's father cursed repeatedly in anger: “Last year, Duan Yang left saying he was going. When he suddenly came back, we didn't say a single word against him. What part of my daughter, my Wang family, was not good enough for Duan Yang? Why did he want to harm Erni's life? That heartless thing—why doesn't the heavens strike him dead with lightning?”

“Duan Yang's crime is serious. Even if he saves his life, he won't have a good life ahead. Don't be angry, you two. The most important thing now isn't Duan Yang—it's your daughter.”

Wang Erni's father was a reasonable man. He gripped Zhu Changfeng's hands and said: “We should thank you. Without you, where would my daughter be now?”

“Don't be polite. Isn't curing patients and saving lives what doctors are for? But I have to say—when your daughter was brought to our medical hall, she had no breath. If our family's eldest daughter hadn't used her superb medical skill to save your daughter, who knows what would have happened. I say this not for any other reason—it's just that she barely saved her life. If she throws it away again, wouldn't it be a waste?”

From Zhenshan County to Nanjiang County, the whole way was rivers. If Wang Erni couldn't get past it and jumped into the river behind people's backs, it would really be a waste of a life.

Wang Erni's father said heavily: “Duan Yang is a beast. If she dares to die for such a beast, even if I have to chase her to the Underworld, I'll break her legs.”

Wang Erni had two older brothers above her—she was the only daughter in the family. After she got married, her relationship with her family had always been quite good. Wang Erni broke off with her natal family and stopped interacting with them—this started when Duan Yang returned from the city. It was only in the past half year or so.

Wang Erni had broken with her natal family. When she got sick and went to the hospital, no one was there to look after the children. Her parents took the children home to look after them—this showed that Wang Erni's parents still had their daughter in their hearts.

Looking back at it now, Duan Yang's meddling to cause the estrangement between Wang Erni and her natal family was premeditated.

The Zhu Medical Hall hadn't closed yet. Zhu Changbi and Zhu Xiang had been guarding Wang Erni the whole time. Only when Wang Erni's parents arrived did the two of them finally relax.

Wang Erni hugged her parents and cried. Her mother cried along with her. When Wang Erni's father entered, he had scolded her a couple of times, but seeing Wang Erni cry like this, he couldn't bring himself to say the scolding words anymore.

“You girl—you're too useless!”

No matter how much Resentful Qi parents had toward their daughter, in the end, they could only grit their teeth and say such words.

At this time, it wasn't appropriate to let the Wang family leave. Zhu Changfeng arranged for them to stay in the Acupuncture room in the back workshop until morning before leaving.

Zhu Changbi and Zhu Xiang left, walking through the alley. Zhu Xiang sighed: “If I have a daughter, I can't raise her to be like Wang Erni.”

Zhu Changbi had a daughter. She said: “If I raise such a daughter, I'd worry about her my whole life. Even after I die, I wouldn't dare close my eyes—it's really exhausting enough.”

“Ah, we after all saved her life. We hope she's well. I hope that after this matter, she can figure it out and stop being confused.”

The Wang family of three stayed at the medical hall's back courtyard for one night. Who knows what they talked about? The next morning, when Zhu Changfeng and the others saw Wang Erni again, her spirit had returned. She looked like a normal person.

Yesterday, Zhu Changfeng had charged Wang Erni five mao for accommodation. Today, Wang Erni's father gave one yuan and five mao for accommodation money, then thanked the doctors before leaving with his daughter.

Wang Erni and her parents went to the dock to take a boat. They ran into Cai Popo, who had come to the dock early to do business. Cai Popo glanced at Wang Erni and said to Wang Erni's parents: “Your daughter should suffer a bit more. Let her bear her own responsibilities. You two elders should help her less.”

Wang Erni didn't blame Cai Popo. Instead, she smiled at her: “I remember what you taught me. I won't be like this anymore.”

Cai Popo snorted: “Being foolish once almost cost you your life. Do you want to go through it again?”

She didn't want to. She really didn't want to be like that again.

After Wang Erni got on the boat and left, Cai Popo took the opportunity to teach her granddaughter: “Use your head—don't let people trick you in the future.”

Cai Popo's granddaughter smiled mischievously: “When you went to the small forest to secretly sell sunflower seeds, I kept watch for you. I was only five or six years old then. I've been smart like you since I was little—I won't be tricked by anyone.”

Cai Popo contentedly touched her granddaughter's braid. Being like her was good. Being like her was the only way to live a flavorful life—no matter how bitter or difficult, nothing was to be feared.

A day passed. The Vajra Fish stolen from Wangyun Temple still had no trace. Zhu Shian tossed the City God Seal in her hand and played with it.

The Nanjing City God Temple was once extremely prosperous. The seal of the City God was both granted by the emperor and had received the worship of the people. It was also indeed registered in the Underworld—it was a genuine City God Seal.

Later, for some unknown reason, the City God Temple was demolished, the City God's statue was destroyed, and the City God also disappeared—no one knew where he went. Even the City God Seal was lost.

Looking carefully at it against the sunlight, the grooves of the City God Seal carved in intaglio at the bottom of the seal had fine, fragmented cracks like a riverbed that had dried up and cracked.

The City God was a deity of the Underworld. Without Yin Qi to nourish a deity of the Underworld's seal, it was normal for it to crack.

Someone had proposed sending this City God Seal to Zhenshan County. This City God Seal was perfect for suppressing the extremely Yin place that was constantly harassed by Yin Soldiers.

Without the City God Temple to suppress it, having a City God Seal was also good.

To avoid complications, Zhu Shian wouldn't be lazy. She would take care of the matter today.

Zhu Fengqin had just returned from buying groceries. They met at the door. Zhu Fengqin asked: “Where are you going?”

“I'm going out for a walk.”

“Then come back early. I bought two carp, seven to eight liang each. I'll make fish soup with tofu in a bit. When it's done, we have to eat it—fish soup gets fishy when it cools.”

Zhu Fengqin showed Zhu Shian the fish she bought. “Look at the golden scales on this fish's belly, and the bright red gills—you can tell right away these are wild fish just pulled from the river.”

Zhu Shian glanced: “If they're not from the river, where else would they be from?”

“Oh my, you don't know. Some rural production teams dug ponds to grow lotus and raised fish at the same time. During Chinese New Year, they sent the fish to the county to sell. They claim it's wild fish from the river when it's actually farmed fish. River fish taste better than farmed fish—one jin is one mao more expensive. Hmph, my eyes are sharp—they can't trick me. I went over and gave them a piece of my mind.”

Zhu Shian didn't know about fish, but she knew about eating. She said: “When making fish soup with tofu, cut some white radish strips and throw them in the pot. The white radish strips soak up the fish soup and taste delicious.”

Zhu Fengqin laughed: “That's easy. There are still over a dozen white radishes in the back garden. I was thinking if we can't finish them before spring, I'll pull them all up, wash them clean, cut them into strips, and make them all into dried radish strips.”

Zhu Shian was still in a hurry to go to the Mountain Valley, so she said: “Then you take your time. I'll be back soon.”

She opened the door and went out. After leaving the alley, she turned and walked north along North Street to leave the county.

Placing Suppression Objects was neither difficult nor simple.

If it were an average Xuan Sect person, they might spend days turning around in the Mountain Valley with a compass and finally find an acupoint—maybe even the wrong one.

For someone like Zhu Shian who was extremely skilled at Magic Arrays, placing Suppression Objects was easy. After entering the Formation, she found the acupoint of the Wind-Swept Acupoint Evil and embedded the City God Seal into it.

Once the Suppression Object was in place, the Yin Qi wandering in the Mountain Valley suddenly had somewhere to go—it was instantly absorbed by the City God Seal. Without Yin Qi to disturb people, the Mountain Valley instantly became a few degrees warmer.

Zhu Shian crouched down and touched the City God Seal. The Yin Qi on the City God Seal was about to condense into water vapor.

Just now, the City God Seal had been dry and shriveled like a date hanging from a tree. After absorbing the Yin Qi, it instantly became plump and moist—truly looking like a valuable treasure.

With the City God Seal suppressing the Mountain Valley, there was no fear of Yin Qi harming people. But to prevent anyone from coming to steal the Suppression Object, Zhu Shian removed the Mizong Formation outside the Mountain Valley and replaced it with a Hidden Formation, directly hiding the road into the Mountain Valley.

Xiao Bai slipped out from the grass: “Master, from now on you don't have to worry about people accidentally entering the Mizong Formation.”

“Mm, removing the Mizong Formation also saves you some trouble. You don't need to watch the Mountain Valley. Go back and practice your Dao Cultivation properly.”

Xiao Bai didn't want to do hard cultivation. It slipped into the grass and ran away.

Zhu Shian couldn't help but complain: “Why are all the snake spirits I know like this?”

Xiao Bai popped up from somewhere, a leaf still on its head: “Master, who is the snake spirit you mentioned? Are they powerful?”

“Same as you—lazy. What do you think?”

This, Xiao Bai wouldn't admit. It stuck out its tongue and ran away again.

Zhu Shian sighed. In a few days, she would go up the mountain to see Zhang Jie. Zhang Jie was like her—diligent and talented.

Zhu Shian walked home slowly. Passing by Sanqing Lane, she went to the medical hall to make a round. Seeing there was nothing requiring her attention, she turned and crossed through the back workshop to return to the main house.

Zhu Shian timed her return perfectly. As soon as she got home, Zhu Fengqin called her to wash her hands and eat.

Zhu Shian ran two steps: “I'm coming!”

Zhu Shian could eat and sleep. Life went on as usual. Over at Wangyun Temple, Mingjue Grand Master's days were a bit harder. Without the Vajra Fish as the temple's treasure, Wangyun Temple had completely lost its reason for existence.

Two more days passed. Mingjue Grand Master came to Sanqing Lane to find Zhu Shian. He said he was going out and asked Zhu Shian to take more care of Zhenshan County. If anything bad happened, please suppress it.

Zhu Shian said: “Master, don't worry. With the Soul-Suppressing Bell from Yuntai Temple, no evil can be feared.”

Mingjue Grand Master smiled bitterly: “The Soul-Suppressing Bell from Yuntai Temple has protected the people below the mountain for over a thousand years—I naturally trust it.”

With Zhu Shian as the reliable master of Yuntai Temple, the Soul-Suppressing Bell and Soul-Suppressing Handbell could also fulfill their roles as Magic Implements. But Wangyun Temple— it couldn't just decline like this.

When Mingjue Grand Master left, he had already made up his mind. If the Vajra Fish couldn't be found, he would apply to the Action Team for a Magic Implement to replace it. He couldn't let Wangyun Temple's Mother-Child Bell become completely useless.

Not long after Mingjue Grand Master left Zhenshan County by boat, Song Weiguo arrived in Zhenshan County driving his family's boat.

It had been almost a year. Compared to last year, Song Weiguo was visibly more spirited. He laughed as he entered: “Eldest daughter! The New Year hasn't passed yet. I'm here to wish you a late Happy New Year.”

Zhu Shian smiled and looked him over. “Your forehead is shining, your eyes hide light, and your wealth palace is full—you're about to have good luck.”

Song Weiguo was excited: “Really?”

“Based on your physiognomy, yes. What good luck have you had recently?”

Song Weiguo laughed loudly. “Eldest daughter is amazing—nothing escapes you. I've indeed recently taken on a big cargo order and made some money.”

When Zhu Changfeng and Zhu Changfang from the neighboring medical hall heard Song Weiguo had come, they finished their work and hurried over to see him. Zhu Changfang asked curiously: “What big order?”

Song Weiguo didn't hide anything. He said directly: “Almost half the boats that used to transport goods for several supply and marketing cooperatives in our county were transferred to the city. The supply and marketing cooperatives in the county couldn't supply goods, so they had to find other cargo boats to help transport. When I heard the news, I went and took on this job.”

Zhu Changfang said: “The cargo boats used by the supply and marketing cooperatives are all public—they don't cost money. Using your boat costs extra. Can the finance department at the supply and marketing cooperative approve that?”

“The supply and marketing cooperative also pays for using public boats—they just don't account for it separately. It's directly written off from the general ledger. Switching public boats for private cargo boats doesn't add much expense.”

Song Weiguo said: “I don't know about your county, but in our county, after private trading was allowed around Chinese New Year, educated youth returning to the city who didn't have work—many of them started individual businesses. This affected the supply and marketing cooperatives' business. It's just starting now, so the impact doesn't seem big, but it won't be good in the future. In this situation, if the supply and marketing cooperatives don't restock in time, it's really adding insult to injury.”

Zhu Changfeng said: “Individual businesses can't do every kind of business—at least tobacco and alcohol, which are state-run exclusive sales, can't be done. With these two things, the supply and marketing cooperatives aren't afraid of going out of business.”

Song Weiguo gave a thumbs up: “Little brother, you really have insight. When I went to Yibin to transport goods this time, I was transporting alcohol.”

Zhu Shian asked: “Can we buy some alcohol?”

“Buying a small amount of alcohol with tickets at the supply and marketing cooperative works. If you want to buy alcohol in large quantities, that's probably not possible. As you know, alcohol is uniformly purchased and sold by the monopoly bureau—private individuals can't get involved.”

Song Weiguo lowered his voice: “Private individuals wanting to buy alcohol from big factories definitely can't do it without the monopoly bureau's permit. If you don't mind, you can ask around in the township production teams. I heard some places are secretly selling privately brewed wine.”

Zhu Changfeng was clever. He immediately said: “You have connections?”

Song Weiguo smiled and admitted it, though he said: “I can introduce you—whether it works or not, I don't know.”

“From Yibin?”

“Of course. Yibin is a wine city—that place has many people who know how to brew.”

Zhu Changfeng turned to ask Zhu Shian: “Should we?”

“We're buying alcohol to make medicinal wine. Privately brewed wine might not be bad—we can buy some first to try.” Zhu Shian said: “No need to mention it to the family. The money for buying alcohol will come from the medical hall's account.”

“Okay.”

Zhu Changfang looked at Zhu Shian expectantly. Zhu Shian smiled and said: “You want to go?”

Zhu Changfang nodded quickly: “I want to go.”

“Go then—going out to broaden your horizons is good.”

Song Weiguo couldn't stay long in Zhenshan County. After seeing Zhu Shian, he was about to leave. Zhu Changfeng and Zhu Changfang hurried home to pack their luggage for the trip.

“By the way, I came from Chongqing. Along the way, my boat was stopped and checked several times. Do you know what's going on?” Song Weiguo said: “They checked very carefully—even my empty wooden barrels had to be opened and looked at.”

Zhu Shian told him: “This isn't a secret. Something was stolen from Wangyun Temple. They're now making every effort to capture the thieves.”

Song Weiguo was startled: “What's so important about it?”

“A Magic Implement—it's considered Wangyun Temple's treasure.”

Song Weiguo's expression grew serious: “What was stolen, and what does the person who stole it look like? Tell me—I have wide connections. I'll ask around.”

Zhu Shian happened to have the materials from the public security bureau. She gave Shi Jia's information to Song Weiguo. Song Weiguo read it twice and memorized it.

“These young people nowadays—how bold! Give them an inch, and they'll try to tear down the sky.”

Song Weiguo slapped his forehead: “Oh right, I came to you about another matter. How about I introduce a patient to you?”

“What illness?”

“A strange illness.”

“Strange illness?”

Song Weiguo couldn't explain clearly either. He said: “Last year, when my old mother and wife came to your place for treatment, I went to Zhenjiang. The Zhenjiang Tan Clan came back—they said they came back to find a doctor to treat the Tan Clan's young master. To treat this illness, Tan Laoyezi searched for many famous doctors. Those doctors were all actively preparing to establish the Traditional Chinese Medicine University last year. The Tan Clan donated money to several TCM universities to invite those doctors. Alas, the university was built, but the Tan Clan's young master is still ill.”

Song Weiguo went to Zhenjiang last summer and already knew the Tan Clan's young master had a strange illness. At that time, he didn't think of finding Zhu Shian—he was afraid of causing trouble for Zhu Shian.

Last August, Zhu Shian ranked first among many old TCM doctors in Shanghai and also opened the Zhu Medical Hall. Seeing that the doctors the Tan Clan had invited weren't effective, he thought maybe he could try to make an introduction.

Zhu Shian had heard about the Tan Clan from Old Master Song. She said: “As a doctor, I certainly won't turn away patients, but I don't want to travel far. If the Tan Clan wants medical treatment, have them come to Zhenshan County.”

Song Weiguo was worried: “Having the Tan Clan come to Zhenshan County probably won't work.”

Zhu Shian smiled: “If it doesn't work, it doesn't work. You don't lack connections with the Tan Clan, and I don't lack one patient.”

Song Weiguo thought to himself that he actually did lack them.

The Tan Clan had money and connections—who wouldn't want to connect with the Tan Clan?

Zhu Shian was very indifferent. To put it bluntly, she herself was the strongest network of the Zhu Family.