Chapter Forty-Nine: Popularity

Cui Xiu felt that Wu Yu was somewhat reckless. Although he could not fathom Wu Yu’s intentions, they had all witnessed the terrifying power of spirits and ghosts, and yet he still invited such an eccentric Daoist to his home. It was hardly a rational decision.

Still, it wasn’t his place to pay a visit and warn Wu Yu. After all, the Daoist’s abilities seemed real enough; whether he was good or evil remained uncertain. Perhaps Wu Yu had discerned something and invited the Daoist for a particular reason.

Shaking his head, Cui Xiu let Wu You attend to his own affairs and chose not to dwell on it further.

Once he truly became a member of the Office of the Sun, these mysteries would gradually unveil themselves before him.

Yet, the affairs of the world are ever unpredictable; sometimes, even when one seeks peace, events will inevitably come knocking.

...

“Wu Xiu?”

Sure enough, the next day, Wu Xiu arrived at the pharmacy once more.

“Master Cui, my young master invites you to the residence for a discussion.”

Wu Xiu rubbed his head, appearing somewhat troubled. After all, Wu Yu had just invited Cui Xiu only a few days prior.

“Brother Zixing is looking for me? Is it because of the Daoist from Drunken Moon Pavilion?”

Looking at Wu Xiu before him, Cui Xiu had some suspicions.

“You know about it, Master?”

Wu Xiu was surprised.

Cui Xiu shook his head lightly. “The matter has caused quite a stir—naturally, I've heard. But from what you say, is the Daoist still at the Wu residence?”

“Indeed. He’s being entertained with fine food and drink.”

Wu Xiu seemed rather disapproving of the Daoist, and his tone was less than pleasant. “That Daoist may have some magical skill, but my young master is acquainted with far more capable men. Doesn’t the chief inspector serve in the Office of the Sun, possessing extraordinary methods? Surely he surpasses that Daoist. Besides, what the Daoist did at Drunken Moon Pavilion hardly seemed honorable. I truly don’t understand my young master’s intentions, letting the Daoist act so freely in the house.”

As Wu Yu’s page, Wu Xiu had read many texts and understood a fair amount of reasoning.

Cui Xiu, having a close relationship with Wu Yu and even considered to have saved Wu Xiu, was someone Wu Xiu felt comfortable speaking openly with.

As he said, anyone with a bit of wisdom, even if they kept silent, would feel that what the Daoist did at Drunken Moon Pavilion was improper.

---

After all, though the manager at Drunken Moon Pavilion refused him entry, he still sent fine wine as an apology. The Daoist’s vengeful response was hardly befitting a man of the Dao.

“It’s all right to speak so here, but that Daoist, eccentric as he may be, possesses real magical power. If he overheard you, it wouldn't end well for you.”

Cui Xiu shook his head, offering a warning, then continued, “Brother Zixing must have his reasons. By the way, his invitation—is it so I might meet the Daoist?”

“Thank you for your advice, Master. I understand... As for my young master, he didn't say much, only that he would discuss matters in person.”

Wu Xiu appreciated Cui Xiu’s concern and nodded in gratitude.

“There’s no rush. Go back and tell him I’ll first visit somewhere to inquire about the situation, and will arrive shortly. Brother Zixing will understand my meaning.”

Since Wu Yu had invited him, Cui Xiu would not refuse, but before going, he needed to see Guan Yuan.

Given Guan Yuan’s position, he should have some insight regarding this Daoist who had suddenly appeared in An Yuan County.

Whether he was good or evil, whatever his intentions, it was best to be prepared.

“Yes...”

Wu Xiu didn’t ask further. Though he wasn’t sure what Cui Xiu intended, he understood he was making preparations, so he departed.

After Wu Xiu left, Cui Xiu didn’t hesitate and went directly to seek out Guan Yuan.

Originally, he had intended to ignore the eccentric Daoist, waiting peacefully for Guan Yuan’s news. But now, with Wu Yu involved and reaching out to him, he had to make some preparations.

Having encountered the supernatural in this world, and influenced by ghost stories from his previous life, Cui Xiu was highly cautious of such extraordinary beings suddenly entering his daily life.

When Cui Xiu arrived, Guan Yuan happened to be home.

An Yuan was but a small city, with few events warranting Guan Yuan’s involvement, so he spent most of his time cultivating at home.

As a member of the Office of the Sun, one’s strength determined their status and safety—none could afford to neglect their cultivation, especially as Guan Yuan had no family.

Aside from his practice, he had little else to occupy him.

Cui Xiu waited in the courtyard for a while before Guan Yuan came out and invited him inside.

“Brother Cui? What brings you here today? Didn't I say that when your Office credential arrives, I’ll seek you out?”

---

Guan Yuan wasn’t gifted with mind-reading, so he naturally didn’t know why Cui Xiu had come.

Cui Xiu shook his head with a smile. “You misunderstand, Brother Guan. It’s not about the credential.”

“Oh?”

Guan Yuan was curious. Apart from that, he couldn’t imagine what else Cui Xiu might need from him. Unless...

Guan Yuan frowned. “Have you encountered something strange, Brother Cui?”

That seemed the only possibility.

Cui Xiu shook his head, then nodded, saying, “Brother Guan, have you heard of an interesting event lately in An Yuan County?”

“An interesting event?”

Guan Yuan was taken aback, then shook his head. “Since I sent off your and Pan Qi’s household registrations the other day, I’ve been cultivating in the courtyard, never going out. What happened that brings you to me?”

Guan Yuan knew Cui Xiu fairly well. Though they’d only interacted briefly, apart from some talent in martial arts, Cui Xiu was otherwise unremarkable, but steadier than most of his peers, rarely acting rashly.

So Guan Yuan understood that anything bringing Cui Xiu to him must not be simple.

Seeing Guan Yuan’s interest, Cui Xiu recounted what he had heard from Wu You about the Daoist, and described his brief encounter and the Daoist’s appearance.

“In this world, magical arts are myriad and strange. Even I know little. The Daoist’s methods seem somewhat akin to transportation techniques, but different in ways. Based on your account, it’s hard to judge. As for his appearance, I recall no such person.”

Guan Yuan shook his head and continued, “You needn’t worry too much. In An Yuan and even near Ganzhou Prefecture, I know most of the powerful Daoists. This one you mention, I’ve never heard of. He’s likely a wandering Daoist from somewhere else, possessing some skill but nothing more than deceiving ordinary folk. No need for concern. Such itinerant Daoists merely trick local wealthy men for cultivation resources or simply seek food and drink, but rarely harm others. Most practitioners know of the Office of the Sun and wouldn’t act recklessly.”

“Go and observe for yourself. I don’t know what your young master intends, but contact with such a wandering Daoist can be seen as an experience for joining the Office—a rare opportunity to meet a cultivator here. If anything seems amiss, simply come to me.”

“As for whether the Daoist might harm people... ha, that’s not worth worrying about. The county town is a place of thriving human energy; magical arts are greatly suppressed here. Unless one is an Office official or a disciple of a great Daoist lineage, recognized by the court, it’s not easy for ordinary folk to cause harm with magic.”

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