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Chapter 242 Magou Town

It's getting dark.

With the doors and windows repaired and sealed tightly by Liu Xunyan, the dilapidated temple was quite dark, with only the light from the campfire casting shadowy figures on everyone.

The headless Bodhisattva statue looked even more sinister and terrifying.

The firewood crackled and sparks flew.

By the firelight, Wang Xi glanced at the three people in the corner.

"Hu Bugui, the Abandoned Child of the Five Immortals (Neutral/High-Rank Two-Star/Elite)"

"Brown Girl (Monster) · Hu Xiaosheng (Neutral/High-Rank 3/Elite)"

"Sang Hui, disciple of Tai Su Jian Zhen Ge (Neutral/Upper Rank Two Star/Elite)"

Above the heads of the man and two women, corresponding entries appeared, which Wang Xi noticed.

'A fox spirit's abandoned child, a strange creature, and a sect disciple... how could they possibly travel together?'

Wang Xi found it interesting.

Among them, Hu Bugui and Hu Xiaosheng are mostly just sworn siblings, since they have absolutely no connection.

Hu Xiaosheng may appear weak, but she is actually the strongest of the three, having reached the upper three-star level of the Bronze Frame. Ordinary cultivators are probably no match for her.

At this moment, Mei Yanxi and the members of the Jinghong Troupe were gathered around a large package in the center of the temple, deftly packing dry rations and water bags:

"Everyone, take some food. You must be tired from the journey... But try to conserve your water."

His tone was efficient, with the straightforwardness of a gang leader. The burlap bundle contained dry, hard flatbreads, pickled vegetables, and several water bags, clearly indicating that he had prepared for a long journey.

Liu Xunyan approached lightly, holding an oil paper package and a water bottle, and bent down to hand them to Wang Xi, her voice as gentle as a stream:

"Young master, please have something to eat. Master Mei specially saved it for you."

Wang Xi nodded: "Thank you for your hard work, Xunyan."

Liu Xunyan hurriedly returned the greeting with a deep bow, her movements revealing a hint of restraint.

The oil paper package was unfolded, revealing three or five yellowish-brown grain pellets, which are known locally as "marching pellets".

Each one is no bigger than a lychee, but it's so heavy it can keep you full for half a day—it's made from a mixture of dates, dried persimmons, peeled sesame seeds, and glutinous rice, and it's quite filling.

On the spread-out oil paper, there were two strips of dried beef, emitting a salty and fishy smell.

Wang Xi's gaze swept over the corner—Hu Xiaosheng stared at the dry rations, his throat bobbing slightly, while Hu Bugui was soothing him in a low voice, and Sang Hui was sitting cross-legged with her eyes closed, seemingly regulating her breathing.

Seeing this, he turned to Liu Xunyan and said in a calm voice, "Take some and share it with them."

Liu Xunyan hurriedly replied "Yes," and took three portions of dry rations as instructed, filled a bag with water, and walked slowly to the corner.

Hu Bugui and the other two looked up in astonishment.

Liu Xunyan handed over food and water, which Hu Bugui accepted, saying, "Thank you, young lady. We are strangers who have met by chance, and I am truly ashamed to receive such kindness."

He gestured for his sworn sister to rise, and bowed deeply to Wang Xi from afar, saying, "Young master, you are very generous. I will remember this."

The female cultivator in the white dress also spoke briefly, thanking Wang Xi.

Wang Xi shook his head and casually said, "As the saying goes, it takes a hundred lifetimes of cultivation to share a boat ride... It is fate that we can share this dilapidated temple to take shelter from the rain."

Upon hearing this, the three felt more favorably disposed towards the young man in the black coat.

Liu Xunyan turned to leave, but Hu Bugui called her back.

He hesitated and asked, "Young lady, if I may ask... are you a member of the Liu family?"

Liu Xunyan paused, then nodded frankly: "Exactly."

Hu Bugui smiled bitterly and exhaled with self-mockery: "I am also a member of the Hu family, one of the Five Immortals. But two years ago I violated the clan rules and was expelled from the family. Now... alas, I am like a stray dog."

A hint of sympathy flashed in Liu Xunyan's eyes as she softly replied, "I understand that the rules of aristocratic families are strict."

Hu Xiaosheng leaned closer and pressed, her eyes blinking, "Miss Liu, are you and that young master... a Daoist couple?"

Liu Xunyan was taken aback.

He immediately waved his hand in a panic: "Young master once saved my life, and I am willing to serve you for three thousand days and nights to repay this kindness."

After saying that, she turned and left as if fleeing, returning to sit down by the fire. However, her cheeks were slightly flushed, and she dared not look at the young master beside her.

Hu Bugui and the other two were somewhat surprised.

The Liu family is known for its pride among the Five Immortals outside the pass. For this young master to be able to have his son serve as a servant to repay a debt of gratitude, he must be no ordinary person.

Wang Xi, as if he hadn't heard their conversation, asked calmly, "Mr. Hu, where are you headed on this trip?"

Upon hearing this, Hu Bugui regained his composure, stood up, clasped his hands in a solemn gesture, and said, "To be honest, the three of us have traveled north from the Chen Kingdom, exploring along the way. This trip is not for sightseeing, but rather to emulate the ancient heroes, to right wrongs, and to slay demons and monsters."

Knowing that the young man was also a cultivator, he did not hide it, or rather, there was no need to hide such a thing.

"If we encounter any demons or evil spirits along the way, we must eliminate them, accumulating 'virtuous deeds' to prove our path of cultivation."

Sang Hui, holding her sword, nodded in agreement: "Slaying demons and overcoming calamities is also what the elders of the sect expect, and we dare not neglect it."

Wang Xi nodded knowingly.

Judging from the "Retirement Preview," these three people are not bad people.

The path of cultivation requires tempering one's inner spirit through external tribulations; this is a common principle in the realm of mysteries, and he deeply understands its essence.

With that as a starting point, Hu Bugui began to recount what he had seen and heard: "Further north is 'Magou Town.' It's the border between the Northern Kingdom and the Chen Kingdom, a place neither the government nor the immortals can enter."

He said in a deep voice, "It is said that the town is occupied by gangs and foreigners and is quite chaotic... Recently, people have been going missing frequently. We plan to go and investigate. If we encounter any evil spirits, we can eliminate them as a way to accumulate good karma."

Wang Xi nodded and smiled, "It just so happens that we are also going to Magou Town to rest. Why don't we travel together? We can look after each other along the way."

Hu Bugui and the other two exchanged glances, and he bowed respectfully.
"I can't ask for it."

...

...

The rain outside the window continued to pour down, pounding on the roof like the beating of war drums. A strong wind, carrying moisture, kept seeping in through the cracks in the doors and windows, bringing a chill.

"It seems we'll have to stay here for the night."

Wang Xi sighed inwardly and spoke.

No one objected.

The members of the Jinghong Troupe and Wang Xi and others found sheltered spots and lay down fully clothed, while Hu Bugui and the other two huddled in a corner.

Silent all night.

Only the sound of rain and the breathing of the people inside the temple mingled together.

As dawn broke.

When Hu Bugui and the other two woke up, they crowded around the barely blocked window crack and peered out.

But outside, the wind and rain continued to rage, and the sky was overcast.

"This rain..." Sang Hui frowned, her worry tinged with impatience. "It looks like it won't stop for another day. Are we just going to sit here and wait?"

"I'm so suffocated..."

Hu Xiaosheng muttered something to himself, then walked straight toward the temple gate, seemingly wanting to get some fresh air.

Her hand had just touched the wooden door when—

A dark figure appeared beside her without warning, moving with ghostly speed, and its hand precisely grabbed her wrist.

Hu Xiaosheng was startled.

She was about to retaliate when, just as she looked up and locked onto the other person, she met a pair of deep eyes.

A strange grayish-white light flashed in those eyes, piercing Hu Xiaosheng's senses like a sharp arrow.

"Well!"

Hu Xiaosheng let out a muffled groan.

Her whole body tensed up, as if she had been instantly cast into rock. She couldn't retaliate, not even move a finger, and even blinking was frozen.

"Young Master Wang, you...?!"

The person who captured her was Wang Xi.

This sudden turn of events startled the other two. Hu Bugui raised his hand, and sharp claws grew from his five fingers. Sang Hui also drew her longsword.

The two were on high alert.

The atmosphere suddenly became tense.

"Young Master Wang, what does this mean?"

Hu Bugui asked in a deep voice.

Wang Xi stood ramrod straight, one hand behind his back and the other gripping Hu Xiaosheng's wrist tightly. He glanced at the two of them casually and said, "I don't like rainy days, don't open the door."

Although his gaze and tone were calm, they sent a chill down their spines, and the momentum they had been building dissipated.

As soon as he finished speaking, the terrifying force that had bound Hu Xiaosheng receded like a tide. The stiffness disappeared, and he regained control of his body. Hu Xiaosheng felt his whole body go limp, his legs staggered, and he almost collapsed to the ground.

Hu Bugui reacted quickly, stepping forward to catch her.

"Little sister!" Hu Bugui exclaimed anxiously, checking on her.

"I'm fine..." Hu Xiaosheng leaned against her brother's chest, her gaze towards Wang Xi filled with lingering fear and disbelief. "I just couldn't move for a moment."

Hu Bugui and Sang Hui exchanged a glance.

What exactly is this young man's cultivation level?!

With just a glance and a single look, Hu Xiaosheng, the most skilled cultivator, was rendered immobile...

Moreover, such a powerful cultivator would actually refuse to open the door simply because of the absurd reason that he "doesn't like rain"?
Hu Bugui's mind raced. He suppressed the shock in his heart, forced a slightly embarrassed smile, and cupped his hands to Wang Xi, saying, "Young Master Wang, please calm down. My little sister was ignorant and did not know your taboos. I apologize to you on her behalf."

This person adopted an extremely humble posture.

He paused, then hesitated before asking, "But...Young Master Wang, this rain just won't stop. Are we just going to wait here in the temple forever?"

His tone was cautious, with an inquiring quality.

Wang Xi's gaze swept over the closed doors and windows, and he nodded slightly: "Yes, we'll leave when the rain stops."

Hu Bugui and the other two felt their hearts sink.

Looking at Wang Xi's still calm face and the usual quietness of the Jinghong Class members, they felt that this person was unfathomable.

Hu Bugui frowned, as if weighing the pros and cons.

Wang Xi seemed to sense the three's surprise and uncertainty, and spoke again, his tone calm: "If the three of you are in a hurry to get on your way, you might as well go ahead and head to Magou Town first."

Upon hearing this, Hu Bugui's hesitation finally turned into decisiveness. He glanced at the torrential rain outside the window, gritted his teeth, and bowed to Wang Xi: "Thank you for your understanding, Young Master Wang... In that case, we will take our leave first and await your arrival in Magou Town."

He decided to leave this place first.

Wang Xi glanced at him indifferently, said nothing more, and simply raised her hand casually.

Hu Bugui and the other two felt a blur before their eyes as a gentle yet overwhelming invisible force instantly enveloped them.

Before they could react, their bodies were gently lifted up by this force, and the surrounding scenery rushed by like flowing water and then froze in an instant—the three of them were now standing under the simple eaves of the dilapidated temple, the cold rain splashing onto their shoes and trouser legs.

The heavy wooden door of the dilapidated temple was clearly still tightly shut...

"?!"

Hu Bugui and the other two were stunned.

The teleportation just now wasn't a door opening and sending them out, but rather it was as if they were "moved" out of thin air.

What kind of spell is this?
Terrifying!
Sang Hui took a deep breath and lowered her voice: "Young Master Wang is probably a great cultivator..."

"go!"

The three of them didn't linger. Ignoring the heavy rain, they hastily bowed towards the temple gate, then turned and rushed into the torrential rain, their figures quickly disappearing into the rain.

...

...

Two days later in the blink of an eye.

The heavy rain finally stopped.

After the rain, the sky clears up.

The dilapidated temple door creaked open, and Wang Xi and his group stepped out. The members of the Jinghong Troupe began packing their belongings, while Mei Yanxi directed everyone in their work.

Wang Xi stood under the eaves, feeling the crisp, cool air after the rain, and looked towards the direction of Magou Town: "The rain has stopped, let's get going."

The team set off again.

That afternoon.

A makeshift "wall" made of crooked wooden fences and rusty wire mesh appeared by the roadside, with a simple wooden sign stuck in the mud, bearing three large characters written crookedly in red paint: Magou Town.

Several men wearing gray cloth jackets, their open collars revealing their thin, bony chests, leaned against the wooden fence, holding patinated bolt-action rifles in their hands.

The leader was a man with a scar on his face, a cheap cigarette dangling from his lips, and murky but fierce eyes.

Upon seeing Wang Xi and his group, who were dressed relatively well, the sentry immediately perked up, lazily strolled over, and blocked the road.

"Hey! Stop! Where did you come from? Don't you know the rules for entering town? You have to pay an entrance fee!"

The scarred man spat out his cigarette butt and tapped Zhang Fuyun's horse lightly with the butt of his gun.

"Entrance fee?" Zhang Fuyun, young and impetuous, frowned. "How much?"

"Eight mao each!" Scarface squinted, quoting an inflated price, his gaze sweeping over Liu Xunyan. "Look at your attire... tsk, rich people! Price up, one yuan each!"

Seeing the anger on Zhang Fuyun's face, he grinned, revealing his yellowed teeth: "Hurry up! Stop dawdling! The Sky Wolf Gang calls the shots here!"

"This is extortion!" Zhang Fuyun immediately flew into a rage and was about to dismount and argue with them.

“Brother Zhang.” Mei Yanxi shook her head slightly at him.

Zhang Fuyun paused, wanting to speak but then stopping himself.

Wang Xi remained expressionless, not even glancing at the thugs, and simply said, "Xunyan, give me the money."

Liu Xunyan nodded silently, took out a dozen silver dollars from her embroidered cloth bag, held them in her slender hands, and handed them over.

Sunlight fell on the silver dollar, reflecting a dazzling light.

The scarred man grabbed it, weighed it in his hand, a satisfied smile spreading across his face, and waved it away.

"You're smart to come in! Go inside!"

Wang Xi and his group entered the town.

The scarred man watched their retreating figures, especially Liu Xunyan's graceful silhouette. He licked his chapped lips, winked at his companions, and grinned, "Hey guys, did you see that? That girl's got a damn good figure!"

A skinny man next to him immediately chimed in with a low laugh, "Brother, don't worry, she'll definitely be opening a shop at 'Yu Bao Lou' in a couple of days. Let's go and have a taste."

"Hahaha, you're right..."

Stepping into Magou Town is like entering another world.

The place reeks of mud, cheap tobacco, sweat, cheap cosmetics, and the cloying, fishy smell of embroidered cream.

The road beneath our feet was a bumpy dirt track filled with murky black water. On both sides of the street were low, dilapidated shacks and tiled houses, their walls covered with black stains and graffiti-like slogans.

There wasn't a single real security officer in sight; only groups of three or five men dressed in simple clothes, carrying rifles slung across their shoulders, loitering around, their eyes fierce as they stared at the pedestrians on the street.

Just a hundred steps away, you can see three or four small restaurants with signs that read "Dream Porcelain Fairy Village" or similar. There are two or three men squatting or leaning against the door with empty eyes and emaciated bodies.

Occasionally, scantily clad women with heavy makeup lean against doorframes or stand by the roadside, their expressions numb, waiting for something.

The townspeople here mostly walk hurriedly, their eyes darting around, revealing a sense of fear that their lives are hanging by a thread.

Seeing this, Mei Yanxi and Zhang Fuyun both frowned.

Magou Town...

It was even more dilapidated and chaotic than the most impoverished town in the Morning Kingdom.

Even a seasoned troupe leader like Mei Yanxi, who had been in the business for a long time, looked more serious and wary.

Soon, the group found a hotel that looked a little cleaner.

Zhang Fuyun's gaze was quickly drawn to the notice posted at the entrance of the inn, which depicted three figures. Although the figures were blurry, he recognized them at a glance—they were Hu Bugui, Hu Xiaosheng, and Sang Hui.

It also has a large red seal and the reward amount on it.

Next to the portrait were words such as "Wanted criminal" and "Kill without mercy".

"It's them!" Zhang Fuyun exclaimed in a low voice.

Wang Xi glanced at the notice, his expression calm.

He led everyone into the hotel.

The shopkeeper was a lean old man with a mustache and shrewd eyes. While registering the group, he glanced at Wang Xi and his party out of the corner of his eye, especially at the well-dressed Zhang Fuyun and the elegant Liu Xunyan, and couldn't help but glance at the notice at the door.

Wang Xi took out some money and handed it over, casually asking, "Boss, what's with those three wanted posters at the door?"

The innkeeper took the money, twirled it, and a worldly, slightly mocking smile crept across his wrinkled face.
"Those three guys... ha, they came here a couple of days ago, not knowing their place, causing trouble at 'Yubaolou'."

The boss shook his head and clicked his tongue twice: "'Yubaolou' is the most valuable place in our Magou Town. It is controlled by the Tianlang Gang and has foreign bigwigs as its backers... How can these three peasants from out of town mess with it? They're really asking for trouble!"

"I see."

Wang Xi nodded, his eyes thoughtful.

After settling their luggage, Mei Yanxi walked to Wang Xi's side and whispered, "Brother Wang, it seems those three have indeed run into a tough nut. This town... is probably not simple."

Wang Xi's gaze swept across the chaotic and dirty streets outside the window, his voice calm: "Find them first. Once we find them, we'll naturally understand what happened."

Zhang Fuyun immediately pressed on, "Senior brother, this town isn't that big, but it's not that small either. How are we going to find it in such a short time?"

Wang Xi raised the corners of his mouth slightly, glanced at his junior brother, and uttered two words: "Primordial Spirit".

"soul?"

Zhang Fuyun and Mei Yanxi were taken aback.

They had actually cultivated their primordial spirits, but they could only separate them from their bodies by a few meters.

Wang Xi slowly raised his right hand, palm facing upward.

A mass of ink condensed and transformed into a pair of yin-yang fish. They circled joyfully before shooting out and disappearing outside the hotel.

"Senior brother, is this your primordial spirit technique?"

Zhang Fuyun exclaimed in surprise.

"It can leave the body this far..."

"Hmm." Wang Xi didn't explain further.

As the sun sets in the west.

Wang Xi stood at the entrance of the inn, withdrawing his gaze from the distance. After a moment, he turned back into the inn and said to the three people waiting there, "Found it. It's in an empty house in the southeast. I'll go take a look."

...

...

After a while.

In an abandoned house that smelled musty.

Hu Bugui was sitting on the edge of the bed, his face pale and ashen, and his breathing was obviously weak.

Hu Xiaosheng warily stared at the broken window, while Sang Hui, holding a long sword, leaned against the wall, her face showing speechlessness and disdain.

whoosh-

Suddenly, the three of them heard a faint noise.

"Who?!"

Hu Xiaosheng suddenly turned around, about to pull out the green ribbon from her waist. But in the ink painting that appeared before her eyes, that figure that startled her stepped out.

"Young Master Wang...?!"

Hu Xiaosheng was stunned.

"How...how did you find us?"

"The primordial spirit," Wang Xi said casually, seemingly unwilling to dwell on the topic. He looked at Hu Bugui's pale face and asked, "What happened?"

"cough."

Hu Bugui blushed, coughed awkwardly twice, and stammered, unable to utter a complete sentence.

Sang Hui, standing to the side, couldn't help but sneer, "We originally went to 'Jade Treasure Pavilion' to investigate as planned, but who knew that the gangs there were colluding with foreigners, not only covering up the fact that the demon was harming people, but also setting a trap for us, these guys..."

She gave Hu Bugui a disdainful look.

"This guy couldn't take his eyes off the 'top courtesan' in the building. He insisted on getting close to her, but he fell for her trick... That 'top courtesan' wasn't human at all, but a monster that specifically drained your life essence."

A monster that drains people's vital energy?
Wang Xi's expression grew increasingly strange as he listened.

What is that thing that has become a spirit...?

A cup?
“I also smelled a strange odor from that ‘top performer’… It’s very similar to the lingzhi mushroom growing on the headless bodhisattva statue in the dilapidated temple.”

Sang Hui said in a deep voice.

Wang Xi seemed to be thinking about something.

At this moment, Sang Hui said again:
"The Sirius Gang is nothing special, just some ordinary people with firearms, easily dealt with... But the foreigners here have a group of demonic subordinates who are incredibly fast and can heal their injuries by sucking blood, making them quite troublesome."

"If it weren't for that, we wouldn't be in such a sorry state."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xi raised an eyebrow slightly.

Are foreigners raising demons?

Things seem to have gotten even more "interesting".

(End of this chapter)