Today, only one update…
In the secret chamber, Sixth Master could only smile bitterly after hearing Wu Bing’s report about Mei Qing’s movements.
“Can’t this reckless kid ever make things easier for people? Fine, have Bu San Bu Si follow him secretly. Tell those two fools to be careful not to get noticed—he’s pretty sharp. Also, how did Tieyi Daoist Zheng Jiu get involved in this matter? And who exactly is that white-robed fellow? Have you figured out his background yet?”
Today, only one update…
In the secret chamber, Sixth Master could only smile bitterly after hearing Wu Bing’s report on Mei Qing’s whereabouts.
“That rascal just can’t let anyone rest easy. Forget it, let Bu San and Bu Si secretly follow him. Tell those two idiots that the kid is sharp, so they better not let him notice. Also, how did that Iron Robe Daoist Zheng Jiu get mixed up in this? And what’s the background of that guy in white? Have you found out anything?”
Wu Bing replied, “I’ve already ordered an investigation. Zheng Jiu disappeared two years ago. At the time, some said he was being hunted and fled overseas; others said he was practicing some new spells, which is why he vanished. Last night, when Mei Qing and the others killed Zheng Jiu, he was using his old Iron Robe Snake and that bag of Jiao Ants—nothing new there. As for his spells, they didn’t seem particularly novel either—”
At this point, Wu Bing paused slightly before continuing, “According to Mei Qing and the others, the young man in white referred to Zheng Jiu as ‘Protector Zheng,’ while Zheng Jiu called him ‘Master Ling,’ clearly indicating they belong to some sect. Zheng Jiu himself has always been a solitary practitioner, having learned from the former Ape King Yuan Chongzhen. It’s unclear which sect he joined. As for the young man in white, he introduced himself as Yang Jin, claiming to be from a respectable family. After a thorough investigation, we believe this Yang Jin is likely the second son of Yang Zui, the former Minister of the Imperial Stud who was convicted three years ago. At the time, Yang Zui died in prison, and his two sons were exiled. Yang Jin reportedly escaped from his place of exile last year and was hidden by his father’s old friend, Zhang Jia in Pingzhou. As for when he started practicing spells, joined a sect, or why he came to the capital, we don’t have much more information.”
“Yang Zui?” Sixth Master murmured, his eyes clouded with confusion.
“Yang Zui, then Minister of the Imperial Stud, opposed the Crown Prince’s regency and submitted a memorial criticizing Tao Zhongwen and others as charlatans, which angered the Emperor…” Mei Qing muttered to himself, his confusion growing.
After arriving at the Records Office, Mei Qing pulled some strings with Huang the Fat and began searching for any high-ranking officials or noble families with the surname Yang who had a descendant named Yang Jin. It didn’t take long for him to uncover the case of Yang Zui, the former Minister of the Imperial Stud, who died in prison three years ago.
To understand this matter, one must mention Tao Zhongwen, the Daoist who was highly favored by the current Emperor. The Emperor, Jiajing, has always been a devout follower of Daoism, particularly the Zheng Yi sect. The former Celestial Master, Zhang Yan, was once highly trusted by Jiajing, but after failing to bring rain and failing to help the Emperor conceive a son, he was stripped of his title and died soon after in shame and anger. His successor, Shao Yuanjie, was not only highly skilled but also deeply trusted by the Emperor, becoming the de facto leader of the Daoist community.
Shao Yuanjie, originally from Guixi, was said to have been taught the secrets of the Dragon Diagram and Turtle Script by a mysterious figure in his youth, granting him the ability to control wind and rain and communicate with spirits. After meeting Jiajing, his abilities were repeatedly proven, and he quickly rose to prominence, becoming the leader of the Daoist world.
Tao Zhongwen was a close friend of Shao Yuanjie and, through his recommendation, also gained the Emperor’s favor. Three years ago, Tao Zhongwen suddenly warned of a fire disaster in the palace, urging caution. Sure enough, in February, a fire broke out in the palace at night. If not for Lu Bing, who happened to be on duty and rescued the Emperor, the consequences would have been disastrous.
After the incident, it was discovered that the fire was caused by a group of thieves who had accidentally knocked over a lamp while attempting to steal from the palace. Several valuable items were stolen. In his anger, the Emperor rewarded Shao and Tao generously. However, Shao Yuanjie soon claimed that a heavenly calamity was approaching and that he needed to go into seclusion. He left a letter and disappeared.
Shortly after, an imperial edict promoted Tao Zhongwen to the title of “Loyal and Filial Daoist of Unity,” placing him in charge of Daoist affairs. He was also appointed as Minister of Rites and given the title of Junior Guardian, receiving a first-rank salary. The Emperor even expressed his desire to follow Tao Zhongwen in Daoist practice, entrusting the Crown Prince with the regency.
The edict shocked the court, and memorials of protest poured in. The most scathing was from Yang Zui, the Minister of the Imperial Stud. Yang Zui not only argued that the Crown Prince was too young to handle the regency but also directly accused Tao Zhongwen of being a charlatan who used sorcery to deceive the Emperor, urging that he be arrested and punished.
This memorial enraged the Emperor, who immediately ordered the Imperial Guards to arrest Yang Zui and throw him in prison. Not long after, Yang Zui died under mysterious circumstances.
According to the secret archives of the Records Office, Yang Zui’s death was highly suspicious. It was said that after being imprisoned, he went mad before even being interrogated, biting anyone he saw like a rabid dog. He clawed at his own body until there was no intact skin left. He banged his head against the wall while laughing maniacally, and after three days and nights of this, he finally died.
After Yang Zui’s death, his two sons were exiled to Yunnan. The eldest, Yang Chu, died soon after due to the harsh conditions. The second son, Yang Jin, reportedly escaped last year and disappeared without a trace.
“Is that all? No news after Yang Jin escaped?” Mei Qing asked, somewhat frustrated.
“That’s all we have. If you want more, you might have to check with your internal group. Hey, Mei, what are you up to? Why are you digging through archives every other day?” Huang the Fat’s round face seemed to have grown even rounder, his cheeks jiggling as he laughed.
Mei Qing thought for a moment before replying, “Brother Huang, I won’t hide it from you. A case I’m working on recently involved Yang Jin—it seems he’s returned to the capital, but we can’t find where he’s hiding. That’s why I’m going through the records, looking for any clues.”
Huang Zhongman looked thoughtful. “He dares to come back? What for? You don’t have to tell me, but I’m guessing it’s not something small. Back then, when his father Yang Zui died in prison, people said it was all very mysterious, probably involving something big. If this kid’s back, he’s definitely up to something. Who would dare take him in? If he really is back, it’s probably part of a plan by whoever helped him escape, likely to use his identity as Yang Zui’s son to stir up trouble.”
Mei Qing nodded in agreement, then after a moment asked, “Brother Huang, do you know where officials like Yang Zui are buried after they die?”
Huang Zhongman thought for a long time before answering. “I vaguely remember something about this. Yang Zui’s case was special—after he died, there was a specific edict about his burial, different from other convicted officials. According to our laws, if someone is executed for a minor crime, their family is allowed to bury them. But for heinous crimes, the body is displayed in the market as a warning. Yang Zui’s crime was considered serious, but because he died so strangely and his body was in such a state, the higher-ups ordered that his corpse be dumped in his old family shrine and left to rot, with no burial allowed. His old house is outside the West Gate, near Liangshui Well. It’s been sealed off and left abandoned.”
Mei Qing nodded, deep in thought, and said nothing more.
That evening, Mei Qing once again communicated with Bi Zhen through their spiritual connection, recounting everything that had happened over the past two days.
When she heard about the antics of Sun Bu San and Sun Bu Si, Bi Zhen couldn’t help but laugh for a long time. Even though they were communicating through thoughts, Mei Qing could almost hear her familiar, clear laughter ringing in his ears.
“That’s hilarious! So the Imperial Guards are full of such characters. Too bad I didn’t get to see them. If I ever run into them, I’ll have to take a good look.”
But when she heard that Bu San and Bu Si had a sister, Bi Zhen hesitated. “You know I’m half a member of the Qing Jing Sect, but I’ve never heard of anyone daring to use the name of the Qing Jing Daoist. From what you’ve said, Bu San and Bu Si are quite skilled, so they shouldn’t be unknown figures. How could they have a sister with such an unclear background? There might be something strange here—you should be careful.”
Mei Qing agreed, though he himself had his doubts. The name Sun Bu Er was legendary—who would dare to use it for themselves? Not just the Qing Jing Sect, but even the Quanzhen Sect wouldn’t allow such a thing. Yet the two brothers spoke of her without hesitation, and they didn’t seem to be lying. Their sister must have some other secret.
When the topic turned to the Ten Thousand Puppets technique and the transformations of the puppet clones, Bi Zhen grew concerned. “I’ve heard of the Ten Thousand Puppets, but it hasn’t been seen in the world for a long time. I didn’t expect you to run into it.”
Mei Qing said, “The Bu San brothers seemed to have heard of it too. They looked quite wary at the time. Luckily, they managed to injure it as soon as they attacked, so we didn’t see anything more dangerous.” He then described the fight to Bi Zhen.
Bi Zhen replied, “It’s not that easy. The puppet you saw was probably a tool made by an elder for a junior’s protection, like the things I have. Its power is far from what the original user could achieve. The Bu San and Bu Si brothers’ technique is quite deceptive—most people would fall for it.”
Mei Qing laughed. “The real trick came later. Listen to this.” He then recounted how the brothers killed Iron Robe Zheng Jiu.
“Iron Robe Daoist?” Bi Zhen was surprised. “He was quite famous back in the day. They say he came from a poor background and was very short, so he was bullied a lot as a child. Later, he was taken in by a master and specialized in controlling objects. In battle, he was ruthless and cunning, so he made a lot of enemies. Eventually, he offended someone he shouldn’t have and fled overseas. I wonder how he ended up here? He did a lot of bad things, so it’s fitting that the Bu San and Bu Si brothers killed him. By the way, was this your first time seeing someone kill someone? Weren’t you scared?”
Mei Qing felt a bit dazed. When Bu San and Bu Si killed Zheng Jiu, Yao and Zhou didn’t seem bothered; Zhao Dayou was initially panicked but later, seeing Zheng Jiu’s headless body, was so scared he could barely walk. But Mei Qing himself felt strangely calm, as if it were something he’d seen many times before.
“I didn’t really feel anything. Maybe it was because we were in a life-or-death situation, so I forgot about it,” Mei Qing finally said.
Bi Zhen sounded a bit sad. “It’s a pity I’m trapped here and couldn’t be with you in such a critical moment.”
Under the bright moon, both of them felt a wave of melancholy, and they fell silent.
Wu Bing paused briefly before continuing, “According to the report from Mei Qing and others, the white-robed youth addressed Zheng Jiu as Guardian Zheng, while Zheng Jiu called the youth ‘Lord Commander,’ indicating they are members of a sect. Zheng Jiu was always a solitary cultivator, having studied under Yuan Wang Yuan Chong Zhen in his early years, but it’s unknown which sect he joined. As for the white-robed youth, he claims to be Yang Jin, from a reputable family. According to our detailed investigation, Yang Jin is likely the second son of Yang Zui, the former Grand Secretary of the Imperial Stables, who fell from grace three years ago. At that time, Yang Zui died in prison, and both sons were exiled. Yang Jin reportedly escaped from his assigned residence last year and was hidden by his father’s old friend, taking refuge in the Zhang family of Pingzhou. As for when he learned magic, which sect he joined, and why he came to the capital, we have no further information.”
“Yang Zui?” Master Six murmured, his eyes clouded with confusion.
Today, only one update…
In the secret chamber, Sixth Master could only smile bitterly after hearing Wu Bing’s report on Mei Qing’s whereabouts.
“That rascal just can’t let anyone rest easy. Forget it, let Bu San and Bu Si secretly follow him. Tell those two idiots that the kid is sharp, so they better not let him notice. Also, how did that Iron Robe Daoist Zheng Jiu get mixed up in this? And what’s the background of that guy in white? Have you found out anything?”
Wu Bing replied, “I’ve already ordered an investigation. Zheng Jiu disappeared two years ago. Some say he was being hunted and fled overseas; others say he was practicing some new spells, which is why he vanished. Last night, when Mei Qing and the others killed Zheng Jiu, he used his Iron Robe Snake and that bag of Jiao Ants—both were his original tools. The spells he used were nothing new either—”
Here, Wu Bing paused slightly before continuing, “According to Mei Qing’s report, the young man in white addressed Zheng Jiu as ‘Protector Zheng,’ and Zheng Jiu called him ‘Lord Ling,’ clearly indicating they belong to some sect. Zheng Jiu himself has always been a solitary practitioner, having learned from the Monkey King Yuan Chongzhen back in the day. It’s unclear which sect he joined. As for the young man in white, he introduced himself as Yang Jin, claiming to be from a respectable family. After a thorough investigation, we believe this Yang Jin is likely the second son of Yang Zui, the former Minister of the Imperial Stables who was convicted three years ago. At that time, Yang Zui died in prison, and his two sons were exiled. Yang Jin reportedly escaped from his place of exile last year and was hidden by his father’s old friend, Zhang Jia in Pingzhou. As for when he started practicing magic, joined a sect, or why he came to the capital, we don’t have much information yet.”
“Yang Zui?” Sixth Master murmured, his eyes clouded with confusion.
“Yang Zui, at the time the Minister of the Imperial Stables, opposed the Crown Prince’s regency and submitted a memorial accusing Tao Zhongwen and others of being charlatans, which angered the Emperor…” Mei Qing muttered to himself, his confusion growing.
After arriving at the Records Office, Mei Qing pulled some strings with Huang the Fatty and began searching for any high-ranking officials or noble families with the surname Yang who had a descendant named Yang Jin. It didn’t take long before he uncovered the case of Yang Zui, who had died in prison three years ago.
To understand this case, one must mention Tao Zhongwen, the Daoist who was highly favored by the current Emperor. The Emperor, Jiajing, was deeply devoted to Daoism and alchemy, particularly the Zheng Yi sect. The previous Celestial Master, Zhang Yan, had enjoyed the Emperor’s trust until he failed to bring rain or produce an heir, leading to his disgrace and death. After him, Shao Yuanjie, a Daoist of great skill, rose to prominence and became the Emperor’s most trusted advisor.
Tao Zhongwen was a close friend of Shao Yuanjie and, through his recommendation, also gained the Emperor’s favor. Three years ago, Tao Zhongwen suddenly warned of a fire in the palace, which indeed occurred in February. If not for Lu Bing being on duty and rescuing the Emperor, the consequences could have been disastrous. Afterward, it was discovered that the fire was caused by thieves who had accidentally knocked over a lamp while attempting to steal from the palace. The Emperor, furious, rewarded Shao and Tao generously. However, Shao Yuanjie soon claimed that a heavenly calamity was approaching and left to meditate in seclusion, disappearing without a trace.
The Emperor then promoted Tao Zhongwen to the position of Loyal and Filial Daoist, in charge of Daoist affairs, and later appointed him as Minister of Rites and Grand Tutor, granting him a first-rank salary. The Emperor even expressed his desire to follow Tao Zhongwen in Daoist practices, leaving the Crown Prince to handle state affairs.
This decree shocked the court, and many memorials of protest were submitted. The most scathing was from Yang Zui, who argued that the Crown Prince was too young to govern and accused Tao Zhongwen of being a charlatan who had bewitched the Emperor and should be arrested and punished.
This memorial enraged the Emperor, who ordered the Imperial Guards to arrest Yang Zui immediately. Shortly after being imprisoned, Yang Zui died under mysterious circumstances.
According to the secret archives of the Records Office, Yang Zui’s death was highly suspicious. It was said that after being imprisoned, he became deranged, biting people like a mad dog and clawing at his own body until there was no intact skin left. He laughed maniacally while banging his head against the wall for three days and nights before finally dying.
After Yang Zui’s death, his two sons were exiled to Yunnan. The eldest, Yang Chu, died soon after due to the harsh conditions. The younger, Yang Jin, reportedly escaped last year and disappeared.
“Is that all? No news of Yang Jin after he escaped?” Mei Qing asked, frustrated.
“That’s all we have. Unless you check with your internal group, there’s nothing more. Mei, what are you up to? Why are you digging through archives so often?” Huang the Fatty’s round face seemed to grow even rounder as he smiled, his cheeks almost jiggling.
Mei Qing thought for a moment before replying softly, “Brother Huang, I won’t hide it from you. There’s a case involving Yang Jin—it seems he’s returned to the capital, but we can’t find where he’s hiding. That’s why I’m busy looking through the records for any clues.”
Huang Zhongman looked thoughtful. “He dares to come back? What for? Mei, I don’t need to ask—it’s probably something big. His father Yang Zui died mysteriously in prison, and people say it’s quite the scandal. If he’s back, he’s definitely up to something. Who would dare take him in? If he’s really back, it’s probably part of a plan by whoever helped him escape, likely to use his identity as Yang Zui’s son for some scheme.”
Mei Qing nodded in agreement and, after a moment, asked, “Brother Huang, do you know where officials like Yang Zui are buried after they die?”
Huang Zhongman thought for a long time before answering, “I vaguely remember something about this. Yang Zui’s burial was unusual. According to our laws, those who commit serious crimes are usually left to rot in the streets as a warning. But Yang Zui’s body was in such a state that his superiors ordered it to be dumped in his ancestral shrine outside the West Gate, near Liangshui Well. The place has been sealed off and left abandoned ever since.”
Mei Qing nodded, deep in thought, and said nothing more.
That evening, Mei Qing met with Bi Zhen again and recounted the events of the past two days.
When she heard about the antics of Sun Bu San and Sun Bu Si, Bi Zhen couldn’t help but laugh for a long time. Even through their telepathic connection, Mei Qing could almost hear her familiar, clear laughter ringing in his ears.
“That’s hilarious! So the Imperial Guards are full of such characters. Too bad I didn’t get to see them. If I ever meet them, I’ll have to take a good look.”
But when she heard that Bu San and Bu Si had a sister, Bi Zhen hesitated. “You know I’m half a member of the Qing Jing Sect, but I’ve never heard of anyone daring to use the name of the Qing Jing Daoist. From what you’ve said, Bu San and Bu Si are quite skilled, so they shouldn’t be unknown. How could they have a sister with such an unclear background? There might be something strange here. You should be careful.”
Mei Qing agreed, though he also had his doubts. The name Sun Bu Er was well-known—who would dare use it for themselves? Not just the Qing Jing Sect, but even the Quanzhen Sect wouldn’t allow it. But the brothers spoke of her so casually, seemingly without deceit, suggesting their sister might have some other secret.
When the topic turned to the Ten Thousand Puppets technique and the transformations of the puppet clones, Bi Zhen grew concerned. “I’ve heard of the Ten Thousand Puppets, but it’s been a long time since it’s been seen in the world. I didn’t expect you to encounter it.”
Mei Qing said, “Bu San and Bu Si seemed to have heard of it too. They looked quite wary at the time. Luckily, they managed to injure it right away, so we didn’t see anything more powerful.” He then described the fight to Bi Zhen.
Bi Zhen replied, “It’s not that easy. The puppet you saw was likely a tool made by an elder for a junior’s protection, like the things I have. Its power is far from what the original user could achieve. Bu San and Bu Si’s technique is quite deceptive—most people would be fooled by it.”
Mei Qing laughed. “The real trick came later. Listen to this.” He then recounted how the brothers killed Iron Robe Zheng Jiu.
“Iron Robe Daoist?” Bi Zhen was surprised. “He was quite famous back in the day. He came from a poor background and was very short, so he was bullied a lot as a child. Later, he was taken in by a master and specialized in controlling objects. He was ruthless in battle and very cunning, so he made a lot of enemies. Eventually, he offended someone he shouldn’t have and fled overseas. I wonder how he ended up here? He did a lot of bad things, so it’s fitting that Bu San and Bu Si killed him. By the way, wasn’t it scary, seeing someone killed for the first time?”
Mei Qing felt a bit lost. When Bu San and Bu Si killed Zheng Jiu, Yao and Zhou seemed unfazed, while Zhao Dayou was initially panicked but later terrified by the sight of Zheng Jiu’s headless body. Mei Qing himself felt strangely calm, as if it were something he had seen many times before.
“I didn’t really feel it. Maybe it was because we were in a life-and-death situation, so I just forgot about it,” Mei Qing finally said.
Bi Zhen sighed. “It’s a pity I’m stuck here and can’t be with you in times of danger.”
Under the same bright moon, both felt a pang of longing and sadness, and they fell silent.
After arriving at the Records Bureau, Mei Qing used a favor with Fat Huang to look up any records of Yang family members—specifically descendants of disgraced officials named Yang Jin. It didn’t take long to find the case of Yang Zui, the former Grand Secretary, who had died in prison three years ago.
To talk about this case, one must mention the Taoist priest Dian Zhenren Tao Zhongwen. Tao Zhongwen was highly favored by the current emperor, and he himself was a Daoist priest.
The current emperor, Jiajing, has always been a devout Daoist, deeply engaged in alchemy. Across the land, Daoist sects flourished with talismans, pills, and furnaces. But the emperor especially favored the Zhengyi sect. In the past, Zhang TianShi Zhang Yan was greatly trusted by Emperor Jiajing. However, later on, when he failed to bring rain and could not help the emperor in producing an heir, he was stripped of the title of TianShi and died soon after, overwhelmed with shame and anger. After that, Zhiyi Zhenren Shao Yuanjie, who was not only a highly cultivated master but also deeply trusted by the emperor, became extremely influential.
Shao Yuanjie was originally from Guixi. It was said that as a child, he was taught the Dragon Chart and Tortoise Model by a mysterious master, enabling him to summon wind and rain, exorcise ghosts, and communicate with immortals. Later, he met Emperor Jiajing and proved his abilities repeatedly, quickly rising to prominence and becoming a de facto leader of the Daoist community.
Tao Zhongwen was originally a good friend of Shao Yuanjie. Introduced by Shao, he also gained the emperor’s favor. Three years ago, Tao Zhongwen suddenly warned that a fire would occur in the palace and urged caution. Indeed, in February, a sudden fire broke out at night in the palace. If it weren’t for Lu Bing being on duty and rescuing the emperor from the fire, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
After the incident, investigations revealed that the fire had been caused by a group of thieves attempting to break into the palace, who accidentally knocked over a lamp. Several valuable items were also stolen. In his fury, the emperor naturally rewarded Shao and Tao greatly. But within days, Shao Yuanjie claimed that a heavenly tribulation was coming and needed to be avoided through secluded cultivation. He left a letter and disappeared.
Today, only one update…
In the secret chamber, Sixth Master could only smile bitterly after hearing Wu Bing’s report on Mei Qing’s whereabouts.
“That rascal just can’t let anyone rest easy. Forget it, let Bu San and Bu Si secretly follow him. Tell those two idiots that the kid is sharp, so be careful not to let him notice. Also, how did that Iron Robe Daoist Zheng Jiu get mixed up in this? And what’s the background of that guy in white? Have you found out anything?”
Wu Bing replied, “I have already ordered an investigation. Zheng Jiu disappeared two years ago. At the time, some said he was being hunted and fled overseas; others said he was practicing some new spells, which is why he vanished. Last night, when Mei Qing and the others killed Zheng Jiu, he used his Iron Robe Snake and that bag of Flood Ants, both of which were his original tools. The spells he used didn’t seem particularly novel either—”
At this point, Wu Bing paused slightly before continuing, “According to Mei Qing’s report, the young man in white referred to Zheng Jiu as ‘Protector Zheng,’ while Zheng Jiu called the young man ‘Lord Ling,’ clearly indicating they are from a sect. Zheng Jiu himself has always practiced alone, having been taught by the former Ape King Yuan Chongzhen, and it’s unclear which sect he joined. As for the young man in white, he calls himself Yang Jin and claims to be from a respectable family. After a detailed investigation, we believe this Yang Jin is likely the second son of Yang Zui, the former Minister of the Imperial Stud who was convicted three years ago. At that time, Yang Zui died in prison, and his two sons were exiled. It is said that Yang Jin escaped from his place of exile last year and was hidden by his father’s old friend, residing with the Zhang family in Pingzhou. As for when he started practicing magic, joined a sect, or why he came to the capital, we don’t have much more information.”
“Yang Zui?” Sixth Master murmured, his eyes clouded with confusion.
“Yang Zui, at the time the Minister of the Imperial Stud, opposed the Crown Prince’s regency and submitted a memorial criticizing Tao Zhongwen and others as charlatans, which angered the Emperor…” Mei Qing muttered to himself, his confusion growing.
After arriving at the Records Office, Mei Qing pulled some strings with Huang the Fat and began searching for any high-ranking officials or noble families with the surname Yang who had a descendant named Yang Jin. It didn’t take long before he found the case of Yang Zui, the former Minister of the Imperial Stud, who died in prison three years ago.
To understand this case, one must mention Tao Zhongwen, the Daoist who was highly favored by the current Emperor. The Emperor, Jiajing, has always been deeply devoted to Daoism, particularly the practice of alchemy. Among the Daoist sects, the Zheng Yi sect was especially favored by the Emperor. The former Celestial Master, Zhang Yan, was highly trusted by Jiajing, but after failing to bring rain and failing to help the Emperor conceive a son, he was stripped of his title and soon died of shame and anger. Later, Shao Yuanjie, the Daoist known as ‘Zhi Yi,’ not only had exceptional skills but also enjoyed the Emperor’s trust, becoming the de facto leader of the Daoist world.
Shao Yuanjie was from Guixi and was said to have been taught the secrets of the Dragon Diagram and Tortoise Script by a mysterious master in his youth, allowing him to control the wind and rain and communicate with spirits. After meeting Jiajing, his abilities were repeatedly proven, and he rose to prominence, becoming the leader of the Daoist world.
Tao Zhongwen was a close friend of Shao Yuanjie and, through his recommendation, also gained the Emperor’s favor. Three years ago, Tao Zhongwen suddenly warned that there would be a fire in the palace and that caution was needed. Unexpectedly, his prediction came true when a fire broke out in the palace at night in February. If it hadn’t been for Lu Bing, who was on duty at the time and rescued the Emperor from the fire, the consequences would have been disastrous.
After an investigation, it was discovered that the fire was caused by a group of thieves who had accidentally knocked over a lamp while attempting to steal from the palace. Several valuable items were also stolen. The Emperor, furious, naturally rewarded Shao and Tao generously. However, Shao Yuanjie soon claimed that a heavenly calamity was approaching and that he needed to find a quiet place to practice, leaving a letter and disappearing.
Shortly after, an imperial edict promoted Tao Zhongwen to ‘Zhong Xiao Bing Yi Zhenren,’ in charge of Daoist affairs, and later appointed him as Minister of Rites and Junior Guardian, granting him a first-rank salary. The Emperor even expressed his desire to follow Tao Zhongwen in practicing Daoism, ordering the Crown Prince to temporarily handle state affairs.
Once the edict was issued, the ministers were shocked, and memorials of remonstrance flooded in. The most scathing one came from Yang Zui, the Minister of the Imperial Stud. Yang Zui not only argued that the Crown Prince was too young to handle state affairs but also directly accused Tao Zhongwen of being a charlatan who used sorcery to deceive the Emperor, suggesting that he should be arrested and punished.
This memorial enraged the Emperor, who immediately ordered the Imperial Guards to arrest Yang Zui and throw him in prison. Not long after, Yang Zui died under mysterious circumstances.
According to the secret archives in the Records Office, Yang Zui’s death was highly suspicious. It was said that after being imprisoned, he became delirious before even being interrogated, biting anyone he saw like a mad dog. He also scratched himself all over, leaving no part of his body untouched. He was locked in his cell, banging his head against the wall while laughing maniacally. After three days and nights of this, he finally died.
After Yang Zui’s death, his two sons were exiled to Yunnan. The eldest son, Yang Chu, died soon after due to the harsh conditions. The second son, Yang Jin, reportedly escaped last year and disappeared without a trace.
“Is that all? No news after Yang Jin escaped?” Mei Qing asked, somewhat frustrated.
“That’s all we have. If you want more, you might have to check with your internal group. I say, Mei, what are you up to? Why are you always digging through archives these days?” Huang the Fat’s round face seemed to have grown even rounder, and when he smiled, his cheeks seemed to jiggle.
Mei Qing thought for a moment before saying softly, “Brother Huang, I won’t hide it from you. A case a few days ago involved Yang Jin—it seems he’s returned to the capital, but we can’t find where he’s hiding. That’s why I’ve been busy looking through the records, hoping to find some clues.”
Huang Zhongman looked thoughtful and said, “He dares to come back? What for? Mei, you don’t have to say it, but I can guess it’s not something small. Back then, his father Yang Zui died in prison, and people said it was all very mysterious, probably involving something big. If this kid has come back, he’s definitely up to something. Who would be foolish enough to take him in? If he really has returned, it’s probably part of a plan by whoever helped him escape, likely to use his identity as Yang Zui’s son to stir up trouble.”
Mei Qing nodded repeatedly, thinking for a moment before asking, “Brother Huang, do you know where officials like Yang Zui are buried after they die?”
Huang Zhongman thought for a long time before saying, “I vaguely remember something about this because Yang Zui’s burial was specifically ordered by the Emperor, unlike other convicted officials. According to the laws of the Ming Dynasty, if someone is executed for a general crime, their family is allowed to bury them. But for heinous crimes, the body is displayed in the market as a warning. Yang Zui was considered guilty of a serious crime, but because he died so strangely and his body was in such a state, the higher-ups ordered that his body be thrown into his old family shrine and left to rot, not to be buried. His old house is outside the West Gate near Liangshui Well, but it’s been sealed off and left abandoned for years.”
Mei Qing nodded, deep in thought, and said nothing more.
That evening, Mei Qing once again communicated with Bi Zhen through their spiritual connection, recounting everything that had happened over the past two days.
When she heard about the antics of Sun Bu San and Sun Bu Si, Bi Zhen couldn’t help but laugh for a long time. Even though they were communicating through thoughts, Mei Qing could almost hear her familiar, clear laughter ringing in his ears.
“That’s so funny! So the Imperial Guards are full of such characters. It’s a pity I didn’t get to see them. If I ever run into them, I’ll have to take a good look.”
When she heard that Bu San and Bu Si had a sister, Bi Zhen hesitated and said, “You know I’m half a member of the Qing Jing Sect, but I’ve never heard of anyone daring to use the name ‘Qing Jing Zhenren.’ From what you’ve said, Bu San and Bu Si are quite skilled in their practice, so they shouldn’t be unknown figures. How could they have a sister with such an unclear background? There might be something strange going on here, so you should be careful.”
Mei Qing agreed, though he also had his doubts. The name ‘Sun Bu Er’ was legendary—who would dare to use such a name? Not just the Qing Jing Sect, but even the Quanzhen Sect wouldn’t allow it. But the two brothers spoke of her so casually, and it didn’t seem like they were lying, so their sister must have some other secret.
When Mei Qing mentioned the ‘Thousand Puppets Technique’ and the transformations of the puppet, Bi Zhen became somewhat worried and said, “I’ve heard of the Thousand Puppets Technique, but it hasn’t been seen in the world for a long time. I didn’t expect you to run into it.”
Mei Qing said, “The Bu San brothers seemed to have heard of it too. At the time, they seemed quite wary of it. Fortunately, they managed to injure it as soon as they attacked, so we didn’t see anything more dangerous.” He then described the fight to Bi Zhen.
Bi Zhen said, “It’s not that easy. The puppet you saw must have been a magical tool made by an elder for a junior’s protection, like the things I have. Its power is far from what the original user could achieve. The Bu San and Bu Si brothers’ technique is quite deceptive—most people would fall for it.”
Mei Qing laughed and said, “The real deception came later. Let me finish.” He then told her about how the brothers killed Iron Robe Zheng Jiu.
“Iron Robe Daoist?” Bi Zhen was somewhat surprised. “He was quite famous back in the day. It’s said he came from a poor background and was very short, so he was bullied a lot as a child. Later, he was taken in as a disciple and specialized in the art of controlling objects. He was ruthless in battle and very cunning, so he made a lot of enemies. Later, it was said he offended someone he shouldn’t have and fled overseas. I wonder how he ended up here? He did a lot of bad things, so it’s fitting that the Bu San and Bu Si brothers killed him. By the way, was this the first time you saw someone kill someone else? Weren’t you scared?”
Mei Qing was somewhat dazed. When Bu San and Bu Si killed Zheng Jiu, Yao and Zhou seemed unfazed; Zhao Dayou was initially panicked but didn’t show it, but after seeing Zheng Jiu’s headless body, he was so scared he could barely walk. Mei Qing, however, felt strangely calm, as if it were something he had seen many times before.
“I didn’t really feel anything. Maybe it was because we were in a life-or-death situation, so I forgot about it,” Mei Qing finally said.
Bi Zhen was somewhat disappointed and said after a long pause, “It’s a pity that I’m trapped here and can’t be with you in times of danger.”
Under the same bright moon, both of them felt a sense of melancholy and longing, and they fell silent.
Today, there’s only this one update…
In the secret chamber, Sixth Master could only smile bitterly after hearing Wu Bing’s report on Mei Qing’s whereabouts.
“That rascal just can’t let anyone rest easy. Forget it, let Bu San and Bu Si secretly follow him. Tell those two idiots, that kid is sharp, so be careful not to let him notice. Also, how did that Iron Robe Taoist Zheng Jiu get mixed up in this? And what’s the background of that guy in white? Have you found out anything?”
Wu Bing replied, “I’ve already ordered an investigation. Zheng Jiu disappeared two years ago. At the time, it was said he was being hunted and fled overseas; others said he was practicing some new spells, hence his disappearance. Last night, when Mei Qing and the others killed Zheng Jiu, the Iron Robe Snake and the bag of Ants he used were his original tools; the spells he used were nothing new either—”
At this point, Wu Bing paused slightly before continuing, “According to Mei Qing’s report, the young man in white addressed Zheng Jiu as ‘Protector Zheng,’ and Zheng Jiu called the young man ‘Master Ling,’ clearly indicating they are from a sect. Zheng Jiu himself has always been a solitary practitioner, having learned from the Monkey King Yuan Chongzhen back in the day, but it’s unclear which sect he joined. As for the young man in white, he calls himself Yang Jin and claims to be from a respectable family. According to our detailed investigation, this Yang Jin is likely the second son of Yang Zui, the former Minister of the Imperial Stud who was convicted three years ago. At that time, Yang Zui died in prison, and his two sons were exiled. It’s said that Yang Jin escaped from his place of exile last year and was hidden by his father’s old friend, living with the Zhang family in Pingzhou. As for when he started practicing magic, which sect he joined, and why he came to the capital, we don’t have much more information.”
“Yang Zui?” Sixth Master murmured, his eyes clouded with confusion.
“Yang Zui, then the Minister of the Imperial Stud, opposed the Crown Prince’s regency and submitted a memorial, accusing Tao Zhongwen and others of being charlatans, which angered the Emperor…” Mei Qing muttered to himself, his confusion growing.
After arriving at the Records Department, Mei Qing pulled some strings with Huang the Fatty and began searching for any high-ranking officials or noble families with the surname Yang who had a descendant named Yang Jin. It didn’t take long before he found the case of Yang Zui, the former Minister of the Imperial Stud, who died in prison three years ago.
To talk about this incident, one must mention Tao Zhongwen. Tao Zhongwen was highly favored by the current Emperor, but his identity was that of a Taoist priest.
The current Emperor, Jiajing, has always been a devout Taoist, diligently practicing alchemy. Among the Taoist sects, the Zheng Yi sect was particularly favored by the Emperor. The previous Celestial Master, Zhang Yan, was highly trusted by Jiajing. However, after failing to bring rain and failing to help the Emperor conceive a son, he was stripped of his title and soon died of shame and anger. Later, Shao Yuanjie, known as the True Man of Unity, not only had exceptional cultivation but also enjoyed the Emperor’s trust, becoming the undisputed leader of the Taoist world.
Shao Yuanjie was originally from Guixi and was said to have been taught the Dragon Diagram and Turtle Script by a mysterious figure in his youth, enabling him to control wind and rain and communicate with spirits. After meeting Jiajing, his abilities were repeatedly proven, and he rose to prominence, becoming the de facto leader of the Taoist world.
Tao Zhongwen was a close friend of Shao Yuanjie. Thanks to Shao’s recommendation, he also gained the Emperor’s favor. Three years ago, Tao Zhongwen suddenly warned that there would be a fire in the palace and that caution was needed. Unexpectedly, his prediction came true when a fire broke out in the palace one night in February. If not for Lu Bing, who happened to be on duty in the palace and rescued the Emperor, the consequences would have been dire.
After the incident, it was discovered that the fire was caused by a group of thieves who accidentally knocked over a lamp while attempting to steal from the palace. Several valuable items were stolen. The Emperor, furious, naturally rewarded Shao and Tao generously. However, Shao Yuanjie soon claimed that a heavenly calamity was approaching and that he needed to find a quiet place to cultivate. He left a letter and disappeared.
Shortly after, an imperial edict promoted Tao Zhongwen to the True Man of Loyalty and Filial Piety, in charge of Taoist affairs. He was soon also appointed as the Minister of Rites and given the title of Junior Guardian, receiving a first-rank salary. The Emperor even expressed his desire to follow Tao Zhongwen in cultivating the Tao, ordering the Crown Prince to temporarily handle state affairs.
Once the edict was issued, the ministers were shocked, and memorials of remonstrance poured in. The most scathing one came from Yang Zui, the Minister of the Imperial Stud. Yang Zui not only argued that the Crown Prince was too young to handle state affairs but also directly accused Tao Zhongwen of being a charlatan who used sorcery to deceive the Emperor, suggesting that he should be arrested and punished.
This memorial enraged the Emperor, who immediately ordered the Imperial Guards to arrest Yang Zui and throw him in prison. Not long after, Yang Zui died under mysterious circumstances.
According to the secret archives in the Records Department, Yang Zui’s death was highly suspicious. It was said that after being imprisoned, before he could even be interrogated, he went mad, biting anyone he saw like a rabid dog. He also clawed at his own body until there was no intact skin left. Locked in his cell, he banged his head against the wall while laughing maniacally. After three days and nights of this, he finally died.
After Yang Zui’s death, his two sons were exiled to Yunnan. The eldest son, Yang Chu, died soon after due to the harsh conditions. The second son, Yang Jin, reportedly escaped last year and disappeared without a trace.
“Is that all? There’s no more information after Yang Jin escaped?” Mei Qing asked, somewhat frustrated.
“That’s all we have. If you want more, you might have to look within your own group. I say, Mei, what are you up to? Why are you always digging through the archives these days?” Huang the Fatty’s round face seemed to have grown even rounder, and when he smiled, his cheeks almost jiggled.
Mei Qing thought for a moment before saying softly, “Brother Huang, I won’t hide it from you. A case I’m working on recently involves Yang Jin—it seems he’s returned to the capital, but we can’t find where he’s hiding. That’s why I’ve been busy looking through the records, hoping to find some clues.”
Huang Zhongman looked thoughtful. “He dares to come back? What for? Mei, you don’t have to say it, but I can guess it’s no small matter. Back then, his father Yang Zui died in prison, and people say it was all very mysterious, probably involving something big. If he’s back, he’s definitely up to something. Who would dare to take him in? If he’s really back, it’s probably the people who helped him escape who are behind it, likely planning to use his identity as Yang Zui’s son for some scheme.”
Mei Qing nodded repeatedly, thinking for a moment before asking, “Brother Huang, do you know where officials like Yang Zui are buried after they die?”
Huang Zhongman thought for a long time before saying, “I vaguely remember something about this. Yang Zui’s burial was different from other convicted officials. According to the laws of the Ming Dynasty, if someone is executed for a crime, their family is allowed to bury them. But if the crime is particularly heinous, the body is displayed in the market as a warning. Yang Zui’s crime was considered severe, but because he died so strangely and his body wasn’t in a good state, the higher-ups ordered his body to be thrown into his old family shrine and left to rot, with no burial allowed. His old house is outside the West Gate near Liangshui Well. It’s been sealed off and has been abandoned ever since.”
Mei Qing nodded, his expression thoughtful, and said nothing more.
That evening, Mei Qing once again communicated with Bi Zhen through their spiritual connection, recounting everything that had happened over the past two days.
When she heard about the antics of Sun Bu San and Sun Bu Si, Bi Zhen couldn’t help but laugh for a long time. Even though they were communicating through thoughts, Mei Qing could almost hear her familiar, clear laughter ringing in his ears.
“That’s hilarious! So the Imperial Guards are full of such characters. It’s a pity I didn’t get to see them. If I ever run into them, I’ll have to take a good look.”
When she heard that Bu San and Bu Si had a sister, Bi Zhen hesitated for a moment before saying, “You know I’m half a member of the Qing Jing Sect, but I’ve never heard of anyone daring to use the name of the Qing Jing True Man. From what you’ve said, Bu San and Bu Si are quite skilled in cultivation, so they shouldn’t be unknown figures. How could they have a sister with such an unclear background? There might be something strange going on here, so you should be careful.”
Mei Qing agreed, though he himself had doubts. The name Sun Bu Er was legendary—who would dare to use such a name for themselves? Not just the Qing Jing Sect, but even the Quanzhen Sect wouldn’t allow it. But these two brothers spoke about it so casually, and it didn’t seem like they were lying. Their sister must have some other secret.
When the topic turned to the Ten Thousand Puppets Technique and the transformation of the puppet clone, Bi Zhen expressed some concern. “I’ve heard of the Ten Thousand Puppets Technique, but it hasn’t been seen in the world for a long time. I didn’t expect you to encounter it.”
Mei Qing said, “The Bu San brothers seemed to have heard of it too. At the time, they seemed quite wary. Fortunately, they managed to injure it as soon as they attacked, so we didn’t see anything more powerful.” He then described the fight to Bi Zhen.
Bi Zhen said, “It’s not that easy. The puppet you saw was likely a magical tool made by an elder for a junior’s protection, just like the things I have. Its power is far from what the user themselves could achieve. The Bu San and Bu Si brothers’ technique is quite deceptive. Most people would probably fall for it.”
Mei Qing laughed. “The real deception came later. Listen to this.” He then recounted how the brothers had killed Iron Robe Zheng Jiu.
“Iron Robe Taoist?” Bi Zhen was surprised. “He was quite famous back in the day. It’s said he came from a poor background and was very short, so he was bullied a lot as a child. Later, he was taken in as a disciple and specialized in object manipulation. In battle, he was extremely ruthless and cunning, so he made a lot of enemies. Later, it was said he offended someone he shouldn’t have and fled overseas. I wonder how he ended up here? He’s done so many bad things, so it’s fitting that the Bu San and Bu Si brothers killed him. By the way, was it scary the first time you saw someone kill someone?”
Mei Qing was somewhat dazed. When Bu San and Bu Si killed Zheng Jiu, Yao and Zhou seemed unfazed; Zhao Dayou was initially panicked but didn’t show it, though he was almost too scared to move after seeing Zheng Jiu’s headless body. Mei Qing himself found it strange—he felt completely natural, as if it were something he was used to.
“I didn’t really feel anything. Maybe it was because it was a life-and-death situation, so I forgot about it,” Mei Qing finally said.
Bi Zhen sounded a bit down. After a long pause, she said, “It’s such a pity that I’m trapped here and can’t be with you in times of danger.”
Under the same bright moon, both of them felt a sense of longing and sadness, and they fell silent.
After this memorial was submitted, the emperor flew into a rage and immediately ordered the Jinyiwei to arrest Yang Zui. Unfortunately, Yang Zui died under mysterious circumstances shortly after being imprisoned.
According to the secret records in the Records Bureau, Yang Zui’s death was highly suspicious. It was said that after his arrest, he went mad before even being interrogated, biting people like a rabid dog. He scratched his entire body until there wasn’t a patch of skin left unbroken. Locked in prison, he kept banging his head against the wall while laughing maniacally for three days and nights before finally dying.
After Yang Zui’s death, both of his sons were exiled to Yunnan. The eldest son, Yang Chu, died soon after due to poor health from the unfamiliar climate. The second son, Yang Jin, reportedly escaped last year and has since been missing.
“That’s all you’ve got? No news about Yang Jin after he escaped?” Mei Qing asked in frustration.
“That’s all we have. Unless you check with your own internal unit, there’s no more information. Hey Mei, what are you up to again? Why do you keep coming here to check records so frequently?” The round-faced Huang Fat laughed, his jowls jiggling.
Mei Qing thought for a moment before quietly saying, “Huang, I won’t hide it from you. A few days ago, there was a case involving Yang Jin—this guy seems to have returned to the capital, but we can’t find where he’s hiding. That’s why I’m rushing to look through records for any clues.”
Huang Zhongman looked thoughtful as he said, “He dares to come back? What for? You don’t have to explain, but I think it’s no small matter. Back then, his father Yang Zui died in the imperial prison, and people always spoke of it in hushed tones, suggesting it involved something big. This kid coming back must mean he’s up to something. Who would dare shelter him? If he really is back, it’s probably part of someone else’s plan, using his identity as Yang Zui’s son for some purpose.”
Mei Qing nodded in agreement. After a moment’s thought, he asked, “Huang, do you know where officials like Yang Zui, who died disgraced, are usually buried?”
Huang Zhongman thought for a while before replying, “I vaguely remember something about this. After Yang Zui’s death, there was a special imperial decree, different from ordinary criminals. According to our Ming legal code, if someone died of capital punishment, their family could claim the body. For those guilty of grave crimes, their bodies would be displayed in public as a warning. Yang Zui was considered a serious offender, but since his death was so strange and his corpse was in a bad state, there was an order to abandon his body in his old family shrine. His remains were left to rot, and burial was forbidden. His old residence was located outside the western gate near Liangshui Well. It’s been sealed off and left abandoned for a long time.”
Mei Qing nodded thoughtfully and said nothing more.
In the evening, Mei Qing once again spiritually met with Bi Zhen and told her everything that had happened over the past two days.
When he mentioned the antics of Sun Busan and Sun Buxi, Bi Zhen couldn’t help but laugh for a long time. Even though they communicated through spiritual thoughts, Mei Qing could almost hear her familiar, crisp laughter echoing in his ears.
“So funny! The Jinyiwei is full of such treasures. Too bad I didn’t get to see them. One day when I meet them, I must have a good look.”
When she heard that Sun Busan and Sun Buxi even had an older sister, Bi Zhen hesitated for a moment before saying, “You know I’m half a member of Qingjing Sect, but I’ve never heard of anyone in the sect daring to use the name of Qingjing Zhenren. From what you’ve said, Sun Busan and Sun Buxi seem to be powerful cultivators. They shouldn’t be unknown figures. How could they have an older sister with such a mysterious background? There might be something strange going on here. You should be careful.”
Mei Qing nodded repeatedly. In fact, he had his own doubts. The name Sun Bu’er was well-known—what fool would dare to use such a name? Not only in the Qingjing Sect, but even in the Quanzhen Sect, such a thing would never be allowed. Yet these two brothers spoke of their sister so casually, and they didn’t seem to be lying. Therefore, their sister must have some hidden secret.
When Mei Qing mentioned the Myriad Puppet Technique and how the puppets could transform and multiply, Bi Zhen became slightly worried and said, “I’ve heard of the Myriad Puppet Technique before, but it’s been absent from the world for a long time. I didn’t expect you to encounter it.”
Mei Qing replied, “The Sun brothers also seemed to have heard of it. At the time, they looked quite wary. Fortunately, they managed to wound the puppet with their first strike. We didn’t get to see any more powerful techniques.” He then described the fight to Bi Zhen.
Bi Zhen said, “It’s never that simple. The puppet you saw must have been a magical artifact made by an elder for a junior to use for protection, like the items I have. Its power is far less than when used by the original master. The Sun brothers’ techniques are really good at deceiving people. I bet most people would fall for it.”
Mei Qing laughed and said, “There’s more to come. Just wait and hear the rest.” He then told her how the brothers later ambushed and killed Zheng Jiu, the Iron-Robed Daoist.
“The Iron-Robed Daoist?” Bi Zhen was somewhat surprised. “That guy was quite famous back then. It was said he came from a poor background and was very short. He was bullied a lot as a child. Later, he was taken in by a master and learned the art of controlling creatures. In battle, he was ruthless and cunning, which earned him many enemies. Later, he offended someone he shouldn’t have and fled overseas. I wonder how he ended up here again? He’s done countless evil deeds, so it’s only fitting that he was killed by the Sun brothers. By the way, weren’t you scared the first time you saw someone get killed?”
Mei Qing looked somewhat dazed. At that time, when the Sun brothers killed Zheng Jiu, Yao and Zhou didn’t seem to care much. Zhao Dayou was initially frightened but later, after seeing Zheng Jiu’s headless corpse, was so terrified he could barely walk. Mei Qing, however, felt strangely calm, as if it were an everyday occurrence.
“I wasn’t really scared. Maybe because it was a life-or-death moment, I just forgot,” Mei Qing finally said.
Bi Zhen felt a bit disappointed and after a long silence, she said with a sigh, “Alas, I’m trapped here, unable to be by your side in times of danger.”
Under the same bright moon, two hearts ached with longing. Both fell into a melancholy silence.
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