Chapter 400: Chapter 211: Deception is a Technical Job
Inside the dilapidated temple.
An old Daoist and a young one slowly walked inside.
The old Daoist’s hair and beard were completely white. He held a Duster, a Peach Wood Sword hung at his waist, and he wore a faded white Daoist Robe that had been washed many times.
Although it looked old and worn, it was still neat and clean.
The young Daoist had lively eyes. He held a Compass and carried a large bundle on his back, following closely by the old Daoist’s side.
"Ahem."
The old Daoist cleared his throat, interrupting the prayers of the villagers inside the temple.
"Blessed Infinite Celestial Venerable. The Holy Infant has heard the prayers of all you lay devotees."
"However, the Holy Infant has only just descended to this world. His Holy Power has not yet recovered, so for now, he cannot protect everyone."
As he spoke, he sighed.
"Alas, what is a humble Daoist like myself to do?"
The moment he finished speaking, the young Daoist beside him immediately piped up:
"Master, if you ask me, you’re just too kind-hearted! Look at you, leading the Holy Infant to save so many families in Yun Cang Prefecture without taking any payment. Now, the Holy Infant isn’t being nourished and his Holy Power can’t recover. Your own cultivation has been damaged, and even your lifespan has been greatly diminished!"
"These people have no gratitude at all. They won’t even give a single bit of incense money! In my opinion, you should stop meddling in these troublesome affairs and just let these people fend for themselves."
The old Daoist snorted coldly and declared with an air of great righteousness:
"You scoundrel! What nonsense are you spouting? We Cultivators are meant to deliver all living beings from suffering and aid the common people. How could we ignore the life and Death of the masses over some worldly possessions?!"
Hearing this, the young Daoist’s eyes darted around before he knelt and pleaded mournfully:
"Master, you have to consider the Holy Infant, too! He needs Incense to restore his Holy Power. If you keep refusing all incense money, the Holy Infant won’t be able to bear it for much longer!"
The old Daoist sighed.
"If there’s truly no other way, then I will use my own lifespan to nourish the Holy Infant. No matter what, we must solve these people’s problems!"
Nearby, Wang Chuan, who had been praying to Wang Xiao, immediately spoke up:
"Daoist Yun Yin, I’m not some ungrateful wretch! As long as you can solve my problem, incense money is a trivial matter!"
The other villagers quickly chimed in.
"That’s right. Daoist Yun Yin is compassionate, so we naturally can’t let him be disheartened."
"As long as you can solve our problems, we’re willing to pay any amount of incense money."
"Yes, Daoist, you can’t just abandon us."
A glint flashed in Daoist Yun Yin’s eyes as he shook his head.
"Right now, I want to help, but I lack the strength. It’s not actually an issue of Incense, but rather that the Holy Infant needs to be nourished to be able to use his Holy Power."
"Moreover, I certainly can’t handle everyone’s problems in such a short time. Therefore, I can only choose a few among you to help!"
After a pause, he looked at Wang Chuan and said:
"Landlord Wang, the Holy Infant has just informed me that the reason your wife died young and your children perished prematurely all these years is because an evil presence is haunting your home. It is born from the resentment you’ve brought back from all corners of the land—from the South Sea to the northern sky—during your years in business."
"Lately, have you been having frequent nightmares at night and feeling like there’s something in your courtyard?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Chuan hurriedly replied:
"Y-Yes! Just recently, I haven’t been able to sleep soundly. I’d wake up in the middle of the night and hear terrifying sounds, and I’ve even seen shadowy figures moving about."
"But this never used to happen before."
Daoist Yun Yin waved his Duster.
"That is because the Holy Infant’s power has left this evil presence with nowhere to hide. From now on, I’m afraid it will only grow more frantic."
"If you don’t deal with it soon, I fear it will come for your life!"
Wang Chuan was terrified by this and immediately dropped to his knees.
"Oh my, I beg you, Daoist, you must save this old man!"
"This old man is quite well-off. As long as you can solve my problem, I am willing to give any amount of incense money."
Daoist Yun Yin waved his hand dismissively.
"There’s no rush. I will first take the Holy Infant to your courtyard to exorcise the evil presence for you."
"As for the matter of Incense, you can give it later, depending on the Holy Infant’s condition."
Seeing that Daoist Yun Yin would perform the service before taking payment, Wang Chuan couldn’t help but be moved.
"Daoist, you are a man of high principles! This old man will never forget your great kindness."
The other villagers also began to praise him profusely.
Daoist Yun Yin waved his hand.
"Assisting you lay devotees is my duty. There is no need for thanks. If not for the fact that the Holy Infant is truly exhausted, I would probably not even ask you for this bit of incense money."
Wang Chuan hastily replied:
"Daoist, how could you say such a thing? As long as you can solve the problem with my residence, I am obliged to offer incense money, even if you refuse it."
Daoist Yun Yin nodded slightly. He stepped forward, chanted scriptures, and kowtowed before Wang Xiao. Only then did he take Wang Xiao from mid-air and cradle him in his arms.
He then said:
"Landlord Wang, the Holy Infant has agreed to help. Please lead the way."
"Yes, yes."
Wang Chuan nodded eagerly, got up, and led Daoist Yun Yin and the others out of the small temple.
’This Daoist doesn’t have much actual power, but his ability to swindle people is first-rate.’
Wang Xiao silently observed the Daoist named Yun Yin as lines of text flashed in his vision.
[Analyzing...]
[Analysis Complete]
[Yun Yin, fifty-six years old, Temple Master of Cyan Cloud Temple. He joined Cyan Cloud Temple to practice cultivation since childhood. Unfortunately, his Talent for cultivation was poor. He barely managed to achieve Dao Entry after turning thirty. Later, when the Sect went out to perform an exorcism, it met with a great disaster and was almost completely wiped out. He became one of the few surviving disciples of Cyan Cloud Temple.]
[Afterward, he studied and trained diligently, finally reaching the first layer of Dao Entry at the age of forty and becoming the Temple Master of Cyan Cloud Temple.]
