Chapter 66

Chapter 66

The Boar Demon sincerely believed that this was the mother of his future piglets. Should he give his offspring Chinese names or foreign ones?

Boss Wei Xi, however, was completely oblivious to his employee's long-suppressed inner cries for love.

After the ghosts entered the zoo, they dispersed, and his eldest disciple was dismissed to roam freely. He strolled along the zoo's pathways with his second disciple, visiting several exhibits. When he realized that these alluring animals were not edible, his interest waned.

His second disciple walked quietly beside him, seemingly uninterested in the animals. Dressed in black, with his hands in his pockets, he moved slowly, maintaining a calm expression. However, when Wei Xi glanced at him, he quickly sensed it: "What's wrong?"

Staring at him for a moment, Wei Xi's peripheral vision was filled with couples, resembling him and his disciple. Most of them held hands, walking intimately together.

With the overcast sky making it chilly, Wei Xi tightened his jacket and reached into his disciple's pocket.

Shuo Zong paused, his gaze filled with confusion. Then, he felt icy fingers touch his skin. The fingers were nimble, exploring his hand and weaving between his fingers as if determined to nestle there.

He froze for a moment but did not resist. Instead, he chuckled softly, opened his palm, and took the initiative to grasp the other's hand, gently squeezing it before interlacing their fingers.

Their hands clasped tightly in the pocket, Wei Xi felt that they were now similar to the other intimate couples around them. Somehow, this made him inexplicably happy.

The disciple's expression softened, his gaze landing on Wei Xi's face. After a moment, he reached out with his other hand to touch his cheek, his voice low and concerned. "Your hands and face are so cold. Are you feeling chilly?"

Wei Xi shook his head. Before the hand retreated, it brushed back the hair that had fallen across his forehead. "Come on, let's find a warm place to rest."

In such weather, the only warm spot was undoubtedly indoors, and the nearest location was the Panda Pavilion. As they entered, they encountered a group of fairy employees gathered in front, critiquing the pandas.

Though the squirrel fairy appeared timid, its jealousy was palpable as it spoke rapidly. "Look at it, still eating. How many bamboo shoots has it consumed? It even turns its back on visitors, completely indifferent to their feelings! Does it deserve the tickets people pay to see it?"

The pheasant fairy was equally indignant. "It's only because of state support that it can slack off on the job and deceive the public. What's happening to society?"

The weasel fairy seemed to have seen through the world's injustices. "The favored always feel entitled. Can the life of a connected individual be compared to ours, commoners?"

The fairies were envious and resentful, all wearing expressions that conveyed, If I were in there, I would never be so unprofessional. Their eyes burned with the desire to rush in, pull out the panda, and take its place in performing their talents.

Visitors observing the pandas glanced at them with mixed emotions. It seemed that if not for their good looks, they might have already been targeted by panda enthusiasts.

Inside the pavilion, the panda munching on bamboo appeared melancholic, its chewing movements slowing down... ...

******

Holding his disciple's pocket, Wei Xi witnessed this scene and almost turned around to leave. However, he was spotted by his employees before he could do so. The chattering squirrel spirit immediately shut up, and the others slunk over, addressing him, "Chairman, Minister Lu."

It took Shuo Zong two seconds to realize that the second title referred to him. He was now the Minister of Finance for Taicang Sect.

After a moment of silence, he reluctantly accepted the new title, "Mm."

The squirrel spirit was terrified of Wei Xi and dared not utter another word. Its submissive demeanor even caught the attention of a gloomy panda in the exhibit, who paused with its bamboo shoot to glance back. Visitors around them also couldn't help but stare. At that moment, a middle-aged man pushed through the crowd and hurried in. Seeing everyone looking in the same direction, he followed their gaze.

Upon seeing Wei Xi, he exclaimed in surprise and approached quickly, asking, "Are you Daoist Wei from Taicang Sect?"

Wei Xi had never met him. "Do you know me?"

The man looked troubled, his brows furrowed as if he held some concern. Nevertheless, he forced a polite smile, "I've worked with CEO Qiu Guokai before and heard him mention you. I've also seen a video of you performing a ritual for their production team. It's an honor to meet you. I'm Zhi Lixuan, the zoo director here."

Wei Xi shook hands with him and noticed the man's hesitant expression. Lowering his voice, he asked, "Did Daoist Wei come to our zoo... because of something you've heard?"

Wei Xi was puzzled. "What?"

Zhi Lixuan was taken aback. "Not because of something? Then why did Daoist Wei come?"

Wei Xi answered matter-of-factly, "A team-building event for the staff."

Zhi Lixuan: "…"

Zhi Lixuan broke out in a sweat, wondering if he remembered correctly that Taicang Sect wasn't a Taoist temple? Why would Taoist priests need a team-building event? And why choose their own zoo, bustling with tourists, as the location? It was truly... peculiar.

But he didn't know much about the Taoist profession. Swinging his thoughts around, he thought perhaps it was common for temples to organize such events. The lifestyle of modern Taoists might have long deviated from the traditional notion.

Regaining his composure, he quickly changed the subject, "Master Wei, your visit is timely. A few days ago, I spoke with President Qiu, and I planned to ask him to introduce me to you soon."

Upon hearing this, Wei Xi realized there was business at hand, "What's the issue?"

Looking around, Zhi Lixuan sighed, "To be honest, I never believed in these things. But recently, our zoo has been restless, with several animal attacks on visitors. It's had a terrible impact. We've investigated various causes, from the feed to the keepers, but couldn't solve the problem. When I mentioned it to President Qiu last time, he speculated that there might be an issue with the feng shui in the park and suggested I consult you."

Wei Xi nodded, considering this not too difficult a task. However, he was intrigued by the details of the injuries, "How were people injured?"

Zhi Lixuan took a deep breath, ready to speak when suddenly someone called his name from behind. He turned his head and replied, "Guanghao!"

A dark-skinned man with a square face rushed over, panting as he scolded, "Why didn't you answer your phone?!"

"Left it in the office," Zhi Lixuan explained before introducing further, "Master Wei, this is my business partner Guanghao. Guanghao, this is Daoist Wei from Taicang Sect. I was planning to ask Daoist Wei to help us investigate the recent incidents in the garden."

The man with the square face, who had been catching his breath, froze at these words and quickly shifted his gaze back to Zhi Lixuan. "Why didn't you discuss this with me?"

"I happened to run into Master Wei today, leading a team-building event for the sect's Daoists," Zhi Lixuan replied coolly, seemingly maintaining an ordinary relationship with the man. "Don't worry, Master Wei is very skilled."

The square-faced man's brows furrowed, and he glanced at Wei Xi. "But I've already..."

Zhi Lixuan was taken aback.

At that moment, a commotion came from outside. The square-faced man immediately straightened, and Wei Xi turned his head as well, witnessing several security guards rush in, politely escorting visitors out of the venue. They then stood in two neat rows by the entrance, creating a path about two people wide.

At the end of the path, a slightly plump figure appeared slowly. It was a middle-aged man in his forties, dressed in a well-fitted traditional Chinese outfit. His expression was upright and dignified, and his pace unhurried as he strolled in with his hands clasped behind his back, exuding the air of a sage detached from the world. Several young men followed closely behind him, seemingly his disciples.

The square-faced man rushed forward to greet the newcomer, treating him with great respect. He respectfully invited the man over to Zhi Lixuan and said, "Old Zhi, come meet Master Xia. This is the expert I specifically invited!"

Zhi Lixuan spoke with displeasure, "What are you saying?"

The man with the square face was resolute, "I made arrangements with Master Xia for the ritual days ago. There's no need to trouble two masters for one task. You should send Daoist Wei back first."

Upon hearing the two men's argument, Wei Xi understood the situation at hand – it was a rival in the same profession trying to snatch business.

This competitor had quite an impressive entourage, even requiring a clear path for their arrival. Even the Taoist priests from the major temples who accompanied them during their previous exorcism mission to Hua Maoshan didn't have such protocols. Wei Xi became instantly alert.

Master Xia also glanced at him indifferently, his expression unperturbed, exuding an air of authority. Only when Zhi Lixuan and the square-faced man started to argue heatedly did he frown slightly and clear his throat, "Enough bickering. There's demonic presence here."

"What?" The square-faced man immediately turned around, not doubting the claim at all.

Out of the corner of his eye, Wei Xi casually swept a glance over his employees, becoming even more cautious. The squirrel spirit and the other few monsters were startled by the unexpected statement and stood motionless behind Wei Xi, as quiet as cicadas in winter.

Indeed, this was a formidable competitor who had instantly exposed the identities of his employees!

Wei Xi's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze filled with a murderous intent. His fingers, hanging by his sides, began to slowly rub against each other. Although Wei Dedao had repeatedly warned him, the prosperity of their sect was at stake, and desperate times called for desperate measures...

Their rival's gaze casually swept past their group before finally landing on the giant panda in the pavilion, who was crazily nibbling on a bamboo shoot.

Wei Xi: "? ?"

Tai Cang Sect employees: "? ?"

Giant Panda: "???"

Wei Xi, on guard and somewhat perplexed, turned to his second disciple and asked, "Que'er, did that panda actually become sentient?"

"..." The second disciple glanced at the enigmatic Master Xia and casually averted his gaze. "I don't think so."

Wei Xi never doubted his disciple's words and, upon receiving an answer, didn't pursue the matter further. However, upon overhearing their conversation, Master Xia frowned in displeasure and huffed. "Ignorant children! Spouting nonsense! How would you know what a monster truly looks like?"

Wei Xi: "?"

The Taicang Sect staff behind Wei Xi: "......."

Shuo Zong chose to ignore the situation.

The squirrel spirit and other spirits looked at this person with mixed feelings. The Taicang Sect employees who had been watching from a distance, intimidated by Master Xia's aura earlier, now cautiously approached. The drowning ghost was the first to hover in front of the master, contorting its pale face into various frightful expressions.

The disciple standing behind Master Xia declared proudly, "In this world, monsters, ghosts, demons, and all manner of malevolent spirits may take on countless forms, but none can escape my master's all-seeing eyes."

Master Xia remained calm and composed, smiling without saying a word.

"President!" the drowning spirit standing before him turned back and said, "It seems like he's a fraud!"

"What?! A fraud?!"

Upon hearing the word 'fraud', the elderly members of the mediation team immediately surged forward with indignation, voicing their scoldings in a cacophony. The younger spirits employed more sophisticated tactics, virtually beating and cursing him without actually touching him. Then, they started climbing onto his body, hugging his arms, stepping on his shoulders, and even crouching on his head. Eventually, they found amusement in forming a human pyramid on top of his head.

Four spirits swayed unsteadily atop his head, piled high, while the two on his shoulders were exerting themselves to help Little Fatty ascend to the peak. Below them, countless childlike colleagues eagerly awaited their turn, creating a spectacle reminiscent of an Indian motorcycle parade, grand and impressive.

Master Xia stood as straight as a pine, his tone calm. "It's just demonic aura, there's no need to be afraid. As long as one's intentions are pure, evil cannot prevail."

After speaking, he probably felt a bit weighed down, so he subtly stretched his neck and limbs, a hint of subtle confusion flickering in his eyes.

Why was it getting colder and colder in this exhibition hall? Even his down-filled Chinese-style jacket was struggling to withstand the sudden drop in temperature.

Wei Xi: "..."

Shuo Zong: "..."

The demons: "..."

Upon his head, the pile of arhats had already increased to five, with over a hundred more waiting at the foot of the peak. For the time being, Little Fatty stood at the very top, leaning forward to yell at Wei Xi, "Boss! This divine swindler is stealing our business! Let's get him! Take him down!"