Inner Demons

Chapter 30: Dragon King Temple

The subsequent matters did not require Li Yunxin's involvement.

Although Yu Meng had a slight mental peculiarity, he was still a normal person after all. And with Old Daoist Liu, a local expert – eager to attach himself to Yu Meng, this super-rich second-generation – things ran even more smoothly.

The Qiao Family's Hongfu Escort Agency still had some people at home, mostly women and children. Seeing only the head of the household, Qiao Duanhong, return, along with his dazed and foolish daughter, the entire family erupted in tears and chaos.

Fortunately, the Dragon King Temple that Old Daoist Liu presided over was conveniently located just on the back street of the Hongfu Escort Agency, so he also rushed about, handling many affairs.

Old Daoist Liu seemed to still be hoping Yu Meng would bestow some silver – just like he did with the city guards.

Who knew that this rich young master only frowned at the chaotic scene outside the Hongfu Escort Agency for a while, left ten silver ingots, and then turned and left. Judging by Old Daoist Liu's expression, Li Yunxin guessed that these one hundred taels of silver were probably just enough for the Hongfu Escort Agency to compensate for their lost goods. Perhaps Old Daoist Liu could skim a little profit, but certainly not much.

Li Yunxin now stood under a crooked Moonbeam Flower tree at the entrance of the Dragon King Temple, listening to the commotion from the Qiao family courtyard, just one short street away.

This Moonbeam Flower tree was roughly the circumference of a man's embrace, appearing to be a hundred years old. It leaned out diagonally, perfectly spanning the lintel outside the Dragon King Temple, like a natural floral archway.

It was mid-spring. Delicate and abundant nine-petaled white Moonbeam Flowers bloomed fiercely among the slightly curled emerald leaves, occasionally scattering fragrant small petals with the gentle breeze, landing on Li Yunxin's shoulder.

Yu Meng stood before him, respectfully cupping his hands, saying: "Brother Li, let us part ways here. Your humble elder brother knows you are a man who dislikes disturbance, of a leisurely and detached nature, not fond of power or wealth. So your humble elder brother will not speak of gold or silver with you. In the future, should you ever need my help, do not hesitate to ask. You know where I live."After speaking, he looked at Li Yunxin with reluctance: "Then... I shall take my leave."

Are you insane? Li Yunxin thought. Even with my limited brain, I know I need money. I already told you on the road – I lost my parents young, traveled the world alone, and recently decided to become Old Daoist Liu's disciple... I definitely need "gold and silver"!

So he smiled indifferently: "Brother Yu, have a good journey. Feel free to visit when you have time."

Yu Meng then walked away, turning back every few steps. Li Yunxin saw him from afar; as soon as he reached the alley entrance, he was immediately surrounded by a group of young people dressed in silk robes, who chattered a few words, then he was ushered away, disappearing around the street corner.

Actually, this person... wasn't bad. A bit naive, but kind. Perhaps he'll be useful later.

He turned and pushed open the two peeling wooden doors of the Dragon King Temple and walked into the courtyard.

After all, it was a temple, even a small one, it was still slightly larger than an ordinary house. The front courtyard had a pebble path, with four rugged, slender rocks and wild grasses on the left. On the right were two clumps of thin bamboo, with a small path between them, a stone table, and two stone benches, which had a certain charm.

It seemed that at least in terms of aesthetic appreciation, Old Daoist Liu's taste was outstanding. Then he felt relieved – he was an Artificer after all... an artist.

The main building was the temple, dedicated to the Wei River Dragon King. Li Yunxin could see the Dragon King statue and the interior of the temple, which was pretty much as he imagined. However, Li Yunxin remained skeptical about whether the "Wei River Dragon King" truly existed or how effective it was. He certainly knew that rain was a natural phenomenon. But considering that this world had demons and divine powers, perhaps some precipitation was also caused by those spirits and high-ranking experts.

As for the title "Wei River Dragon King"...

It might not actually be a dragon. Perhaps it was some aquatic spirit or monster that, for the sake of incense offerings, displayed some divine power like the little Cat Demon, and over time, people built a temple for it. Could this type be considered a true deity? Also yes – after all, it enjoyed the power of faith and incense from its devotees. But was it a "Dragon King"? Of course not.

The spirits and monsters in this world could enjoy the power of faith from believers, and even use it for cultivation. The stronger the power of faith, the stronger the power the spirits gained. Unfortunately, due to certain rules, human cultivators could not enjoy such benefits.

Speaking of faith power, it didn't necessarily have to be positive emotions like "reverence," "admiration," or "awe" – "fear" and "disgust" were also the same. That's why great demons like Young Master Nine could freely eat and harm people – people were afraid whenever they mentioned such a being, and he gained stronger faith power.

But constantly causing mischief would inevitably attract the attention of cultivators walking the secular world, making it ultimately less stable than doing good deeds.

Li Yunxin walked in, reached out to touch the clay statue, and slightly closed his eyes.

The cultivation realm "Profound Truth of Manifestation" allowed one to sense the spiritual bodies of spirits when touching the edge of the Manifestation Realm. Although Li Yunxin's Snow Mountain Qi Sea was sealed, he ultimately possessed the Manifestation Realm, and could perceive something.

So he perceived...

A somewhat familiar aura. But he truly couldn't say where he had encountered it before. He had seen three great demons and one little Cat Demon, none of whom matched.

Perhaps it was an illusion.

But regardless, this indicated that the statue in this temple indeed possessed spirituality, or as the common people would say, it was "consecrated." The spirit referred to as the "Dragon King" had left its spiritual energy here, and it truly could hear "the people's demands" – as long as it was willing.

Li Yunxin walked through the main temple building, going to the back, which was Old Daoist Liu's usual residence.

The backyard consisted of a main room and two side rooms, all looking quite old.

But the tiled eaves were covered in emerald moss, and a patch of soft fine grass grew at the base of the steps. In the courtyard was a small pond, edged with pebbles, and the bottom of the pond was also pebbled. Five bowl-sized lotuses floated on the clear water, their stems drawn but not yet bloomed.

A small path ran along the pond, and there were wooden corridors outside all three rooms. One could imagine the charm of leaning on the railing to warm wine and watch the rain or snow on a rainy or snowy day.

This Old Daoist Liu...

A hidden romantic.

Li Yunxin paused in the courtyard for a moment, then Old Daoist Liu rushed back, exclaiming: "Master, Master, something's happened—"

Li Yunxin frowned: "Don't be dramatic. In this city, call me Brother Xin."

Old Daoist Liu didn't bother correcting himself: "That little girl's in trouble!"

"Qiao Jiaxin? Wasn't she quite well-behaved when we came back?"

"She's throwing a fit now!" Old Daoist Liu rubbed his hands anxiously. "I say, Brother Xin, tell me the truth, I promise not to tell anyone. Is that girl just scared, or... possessed? She keeps yelling 'Lady Sanhua' inside the Qiao family house..."

Li Yunxin sighed: "Let's go, take me to see."

Old Daoist Liu hastily led Li Yunxin towards the Qiao family home. The Qiao family had a large compound – being an escort agency, they were quite well-off. The layout was refined, showing a comfortable prosperity. But Li Yunxin had no mind to observe details. Because he had just been led by a male servant through the gate into the women's back courtyard, when he heard a strange, mocking voice—

"Hmm? My Lady Sanhua is here, hmm? Where are the Three Sacrificial Animals? Hmm? What grass are you eating? What grass? Hmm? Where's the meat!"