The Northern Song Dynasty returned south, seeking the truth of the Dao.

Upon hearing Master Lu's words, Wang Zhenhuan's heart stirred. He then exchanged a glance with Ao Shuang and asked, "May I ask, Master Lu, didn't the abbot of Puji Temple notice anything?"

I've heard from the townspeople that the abbot of Puji Temple is incredibly skilled at subduing demons and monsters.

"Oh dear, those are just rumors from the townspeople. Monks are good at chanting sutras to help people pass on, but for things like exorcising demons, you should leave it to professional Taoist priests. It's just that the master won't let me tell anyone else."

"Young Taoist priest, don't go around spreading rumors." Master Lu waved his hand and explained when he heard Wang Zhenhuan's question. Wang Zhenhuan immediately understood.

This county magistrate was a friend of Daoist Chong Hezi, so his entire household naturally believed in Taoism. In addition, Chong Hezi was a true cultivator, and he must have displayed his cultivation in front of this clerk quite often, which is why he so highly praised Taoism.

However, his words also reminded Wang Zhenhuan. The strange creature causing trouble in the temple sounded somewhat familiar. He slowed his pace, falling behind Ao Shuang, and spoke softly.

Is this it?

"It's hard to say. We saw it take form, but we didn't see its true form. We have to see it with our own eyes to be sure. By the way, you haven't told Chonghe Zhenren about this, have you?" Ao Shuang asked in a low voice.

"I haven't had a chance to say it yet. I don't know how to bring it up. If he finds out that we were responsible for the collapse of the Huai River, wouldn't the county magistrate kill us?" Wang Zhenhuan said, shrinking back.

"Nonsense, what do you mean we did it? That thing caused it, it has nothing to do with us. If it really is that thing, then the culprit will be found."

"Then you can tell Na Chong and Zhenren and the county magistrate what happened. Anyway, the culprit has already appeared, remember?" Ao Shuang whispered.

"Isn't this a bit much? There's chaos and war right now. I don't think that county magistrate's family is wealthy. What will we do when we have to repair the river embankment?" Wang Zhenhuan looked troubled.

"It's alright, don't worry about it. I still have some savings, and besides, the Chen family is all gone now, except for their only daughter, who is recuperating in my cave. I'll just donate the Chen family later." Ao Shuang waved her hand and said nonchalantly.

"By the way, you and Miss Chen Ruoruo? Have you known each other for a long time? How is she doing now? Is there anything I can do to help?" Wang Zhenhuan leaned closer to him and asked tentatively.

"Go away, you little kid, why are you asking so many questions? That's your sister-in-law. Sigh, it's all that old man Chen's fault. What can't he say? He had to kill his own daughter."

By the time I arrived, I was practically a ghost. I was almost taken away by the underworld officials, but luckily I knew one of them. He used to be a ferryman on the Huai River. I drank with him quite a bit.

Speaking of this, Ao Shuang gritted her teeth. Clearly, she was very dissatisfied with Chen Shanren. But thinking about it, it made sense; even tigers don't eat their cubs. He actually killed his own daughter for the treasure in his cave.

No wonder Ao Shuang looked down on him. After thinking for a moment, Wang Zhenhuan asked, "But this can't go on forever, can it? Brother, you can't keep searching for those yin things to nourish her soul, can you?"

"Sigh, let's leave it at that for now. What else can we do? Let her possess someone else's body? Wouldn't that be harming someone? Besides, the other person doesn't look like her, and I wouldn't be happy if she possessed someone else." Ao Shuang sighed.

"That's true, but ultimately humans and ghosts are different, so we still need to think of a way. Oh, right. Daoist Chonghezi is a Purple Qi Immortal and an official in the imperial court; he must have seen many such cases."

"Let's ask the real master later if there's any way to save my sister-in-law." Wang Zhenhuan clapped his hands and then pointed to Aoshuang in front of him.

"Sigh, let's just take it one step at a time. I didn't have high hopes either..." Ao Shuang said softly as she walked forward with her hands behind her back without looking back.

"Hey, don't be so pessimistic..."

The two chatted and laughed as they followed Master Lu to Puji Temple once again. Unlike their previous visit with Xiao Liuzi, this time a group of soldiers had gathered outside the temple.

The burly man at the head of the group, upon seeing Master Lu, hurriedly ran over, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Master Lu, what brings you here?"

"What? Can't I come? Where are you, sir and the Taoist priest?" Master Lu said with his hands behind his back and a stern face.

"No way, they can come! The lord and the Taoist priest are inside. I heard that the monster can grow bigger and bit the abbot last night. You must be careful when you go in, sir." The leading soldier whispered, covering his mouth with his hand.

"What nonsense are you spouting? Can't you see I have two Taoist priests following me? You coward! You're just making a fool of yourself. Get out of here! Take them and get the hell out of here!" Master Lu waved his hand at the man.

"This...isn't that inappropriate? The adults are still inside..." The leader hesitated for a moment after hearing his words before speaking.

"The master has the protection of a Taoist priest. If even Master Tongmiao can't defeat this monster, you're just offering yourselves as cannon fodder here. Get out of here! I'll go talk to the master." Master Lu patted him on the shoulder and said.

"Alright, then we'll leave it to the clerk. Guys, did you hear that? The clerk has spoken, so hurry up and thank him!" the leader called to the remaining soldiers.

"Thank you, sir!" "Thank you, sir Lu!"

"Get lost! You're all disobedient brats. Your parents can't control you anymore, so you're sent here to make a living. Please forgive yourselves, Taoist priests." Master Lu said, bowing to Wang Zhenhuan and Ao Shuang.

The clerk, though seemingly rude, had actually explained the reason to Wang Zhenhuan and his companion. These soldiers were all young, and their families were unable to support them, so they were sent to serve in the army.

The advisor was afraid something might happen to them, so he sent them down the mountain. But he was also worried that Wang Zhenhuan and Ao Shuang would be angry, which is why I did this. This advisor is kind-hearted, and though he may seem rough, he is actually quite shrewd.

No wonder the townspeople were so familiar with him. And the county magistrate trusted him to manage his household. Wang Zhenhuan naturally didn't mind; he smiled and cupped his hands in greeting.

"It's good to go back. This monster is no ordinary person and can't be dealt with easily. The advisor is a good man! It's cold, so here's some silver for the brothers to have some wine." Wang Zhen said, taking out a few taels of silver from his pocket and handing it to the advisor.

"Oh, young Taoist priest, you're too kind. These little rascals didn't do anything," Master Lu said, and tried to hand the silver back. Ao Shuang immediately reached out and pushed the loose silver to the master.

Then he took out a ten-tael silver coin from his pocket and threw it directly at the leader: "Go, take the brothers with you. It's freezing cold, and the brothers have all worked hard."

The leader, holding the silver in his hand, was momentarily at a loss for what to do. He then looked at the clerk, Lu, with a questioning gaze. The clerk glared at him and said:

"Hurry up and thank the Taoist priest! After you've thanked him, get out of here!" "Yes, thank you, both Taoist priests!"

"May you be blessed with boundless happiness, go forth..."

Before Ao Shuang could finish speaking, the sounds of fighting suddenly came from inside the temple...