Chapter 74

Chapter 74

At this moment, Wei Xi was in the local City God Temple. Not long after the Underworld Messenger who had given him the certificate appeared again, informing him that the official responsible for processing the unit registration for the Taicang Sect had hurried over from Fengdu. This person held a higher rank than the Taicang Sect; it was said he was a minister. As a department-level cadre, following his senior disciple Tuanjie Yi's suggestion, Wei Xi decided to abide by bureaucratic protocol and go with his disciples to greet the official, showing respect for his superior.

The City God Temple in the capital had far more visitors than the Taicang Sect. On a non-holiday day, it was packed with people, and the incense smoke was so thick it could almost choke one.

Wei Xi was envious as he watched. "Compared to this place, even Fellow Daoist Kuang's temple seems lacking in incense."

He had previously envied Liandu Temple, but now he realized there was always something greater beyond the horizon; the Taicang Sect seemed like a mere shrimp in comparison.

"Certainly," Unity Right, understanding his master's sentiment, explained expertly, "The City God Temple is a well-established local institution, directly run by the authorities with branches across the nation. It's equivalent to having distributors nationwide, whereas Liandu Temple only has one location. Its recognition can't possibly match up."

Again, the issue of reputation. Wei Xi found himself even more eager to advertise. Without recognition, didn't that mean a lack of believers? In truth, Unity Right was also intrigued. After persuading his master that morning, he had specifically called Qiu Guokai, an insider in the circle, to inquire about its feasibility. Qiu Guokai's response over the phone was simply, "............................................ Wake up."

Superstitious content couldn't be aired on television, a fundamental problem even the wealthy tycoon like Qiu Guokai couldn't solve. "There's the Ministry of Culture and the broadcasting censors. You don't even need to think about it! Forget about a Taoist temple, our company's new drama from last year, which doesn't even have ghosts, still hasn't been allowed on satellite TV because the main character doesn't embody the core socialist values!"

From this, Wei Xi learned of two formidable and enigmatic organizations – the broadcasting authority and the Ministry of Culture. They were entities akin to bosses.

Looking at the bustling crowd of devotees from other establishments, and contemplating his failed business plan and the nascent sect that was hungry for growth, he couldn't help but frown deeply. "I wonder how we could convince them to change their minds."

Unity Yi chuckled wickedly. "Well, if there's no backdoor dealing, we can only hope that some big shot will get a membership card at our place."

Shuo Zong: "..."

These two foolish master and disciple were constantly challenging his understanding of idiocy.

Wei Xi snapped out of his thoughts and exclaimed, "That Underworld Messenger said he was going to fetch someone. Why hasn't he returned yet?"

"And there are so many people around here!" Unity Yi added, equally perplexed. "Where would the leader come out from? With so many believers in broad daylight, wouldn't it scare them?"

He vividly remembered the eerie winds stirred up when the Underworld Messengers had come to retrieve a soul at the hospital. He wondered if today's prominent leader would have an even grander presence, and surely a sudden gust of ghostly wind in the middle of the day would frighten people.

Just then, a clear male voice rang out behind them. "Is this Director Wei?"

Unity Yi instinctively turned his head with his master, then... ".................."

In front of the main hall of the City God Temple, a young man stood with his hands clasped behind his back, just inside the entrance. Dressed in a sharp black suit, shoes polished to a shine, with a spiky hairstyle and golden-rimmed glasses, his trendy vibe was off the charts, rivaling even curly-haired Wei Xi.

The believers entering the main hall with their incense seemed to be able to see him, stealing glances involuntarily. He didn't seem like someone who should be in a City God Temple; rather, he appeared to be a high-flying professional in a central business district, perhaps an arts graduate who studied abroad and embraced materialism.

These devotees rubbed their arms while stealing glances, asking those around them, "Why is it so cold in the main hall?"

Of course, it's cold, Unity Righteousness thought. Do you know how many Underworld Messengers are surrounding this man? They'd even turn to glare at you if you walked through their bodies!

Wei Xi nodded calmly at the man. "It's me."

The man's face broke into an official smile as he walked over with measured steps, now exuding an aura of authority. "Director Wei, nice to meet you. I'm Fan Wujou, the Deputy Minister of the City God Department in the Underworld Bureau."

Wei Xi shook his hand, slightly confused by the situation. Unity Righteousness was equally perplexed. "This name sounds familiar..."

Shuo Zong opened his mouth, looking at the suited man before him, also feeling that there were too many things to criticize but nowhere to vent. ".... You can also call him Black Impermanence."

Unity Righteousness: ".....................Wow, really unexpected."

Indeed, he didn't seem like an ordinary Underworld Messenger. He looked incredibly wealthy, dressed in an Armani suit and wearing a Hermes belt...

Seeing Unity Righteousness staring at his belt, Black Impermanence seemed to fear a misunderstanding and quickly explained, "I won this as a prize during the Underworld Bureau's annual meeting, not from a devotee."

Unity Righteousness sighed in admiration. "Your annual meeting at the Underworld Bureau is quite lucrative..."

Black Impermanence burst into laughter. "With the growing number of ghosts these past decades, our GDP has been rising rapidly. Since we're all colleagues, if you're interested, you can join us for this year's annual gathering."

Unity and Righteousness: "…"

Without minding Unity and Righteousness' bewildered expression, he warmly shook hands with Wei Xi again. "To build a new Netherworld and solve the problem of ghost overpopulation, we need visionaries like Director Wei. Only by working together in both the living world and the spirit realm can we truly embrace socialist progress! We're deeply grateful that Director Wei is blazing a trail for us, helping to resolve our surplus labor issue."

Passersby, who had come to burn incense, looked at the group blocking the entrance to the main hall. "…Can you make way? I need to pay my respects to Lord Wuchang."

Both Black and White Impermanence were collectively known as Lord Wuchang. Upon seeing one of his followers, Black Impermanence's face lit up when he noticed the thick candle in the man's arms. "Thank you for your support."

Devotee: "………………" What a nutcase.

Unity and Righteousness watched the follower's contorted expression with a mixture of emotions. He thought to himself, Auntie, do you realize you just met your idol?

**********

Back at the Wei residence, the pockmarked man was still in a daze. What on earth had just happened? Why did he suddenly trip?

Before he could figure it out, the thin, tall man spoke grimly, "Don't waste time. Let's get started."

He wandered around the room with his magical artifact, exuding an imposing aura. Occasionally, gusts of eerie wind would rise spontaneously. Wei Tianyi, who had never encountered such a scene, gradually dismissed his doubts and leaned more towards superstition. The ethereal and slender Taoist suddenly stopped and said to him, "Give me the birthdays and zodiac signs of your entire family."

Unconsciously, Wei Tianyi asked, "What's that?"

The tall and thin Taoist was on the verge of being enraged. Damn, this temple was even more life-threatening than he had imagined! The people here didn't even know what birth dates and zodiac signs were!

Little Fatty couldn't help but sigh, "Ah!"

This sigh carried deep meaning, and the thin Taoist felt deeply humiliated. He could only barely suppress his anger and explain, "It's the dates of your family's births."

Wei Tianyi replied innocently, "Oh, they're all quite early."

The thin Taoist: ".................."

Who the hell wants to celebrate your birthdays!

"Give them to me when I ask for them! Hand them over!!!"

Wei Tianyi couldn't help frowning. Although he temporarily believed that this person had some abilities, he wasn't accustomed to someone bossing him around. Why was this Taoist behaving like this?

Xing Kai, observing the tense situation, hurriedly stepped in to mediate. "Uncle Wei, this is something the Daoist needs for his ritual. If he asks for it, you should just give it to him promptly."

Wei Tianyi sensed something amiss. "What kind of ritual is he performing? Why does he need the birthdays of our entire family?"

The lanky figure gritted his teeth. "If not the whole family, then just your eldest son's would do."

Wei Tianyi remained cautious. "Why do you need his birthday?"

The thin man knew it wouldn't be that straightforward. He restrained his impatience and replied, "Just give it to me first. I have a use for it."

With a hint of skepticism, Wei Tianyi turned to ask Shu Wanrong, "On which day was Wei Xi born?"

Shu Wanrong wasn't sure either, so she pulled out her phone. "Hold on, let me search Baidu Baike. I remember his fans have edited an entry for him."

Tall and Slim: "?????"

Little Fatty exclaimed, "Wow, this family is truly remarkable."

Surrounded on both sides, the lanky figure was on the verge of collapse: "What do you two mean by this?"

Wei Tianyi assumed he was being criticized for not knowing his son's birthday, which unexpectedly stirred a twinge of guilt within him. Fortunately, though he couldn't recall the date, Butler Zhou had always kept records: "Please wait, Mr., I remember storing Young Master's birth certificate in the study."

He hurried upstairs and retrieved a file folder, pulling out a sheet of paper. As Wei Tianyi reached for it, a lanky figure swiftly snatched it away.

Feeling affronted, Wei Tianyi asked, "Master Qing, what are you doing?"

The thin man, in an unusual display of excitement and malevolence, exclaimed, "Hah! Finally, I've got it!"

Wei Tianyi sensed trouble brewing. "Master Qing, what do you mean by this?"

With his objective achieved, the thin man dropped the pretense, giving Wei Tianyi a cold glare. This fellow had been manipulating him since that morning at the hospital, and Wei Xi, that novice, had aligned with Liandu Temple, provoking their Sect of Cultivation, resulting in his master's severe backlash and current incapacitation.

But now, all his suffering and efforts had paid off! This birth certificate was the harbinger of Wei Xi's demise!

He laughed menacingly as he clutched the fragile paper, unfolding it hastily under the startled and anxious gazes of Wei Tianyi and Shu Wanrong.

"..................................."

Little Fatty leaned over for a look and calmly assessed, "Senior Brother, it seems they're playing a trick on you."

***********

Wei Xi led the Black Impermanence and a group of Underworld Messengers back to the Taicang Sect. Before they even approached their doorstep, they heard a commotion. Stunned, he took a few more steps forward and saw Wei Chengshu standing at the entrance of the courtyard with a cold expression, staring into the house.

Peering inside, Wei Xi noticed a fierce fight in progress, with debris scattered everywhere. He could also hear Wei Tianyi's roars, which hadn't been heard for several days. He asked Wei Chengshu, "What's going on?"

Wei Chengshu glanced at him from behind his forehead, his face numb. "Dad and Mom brought a group of Taoist priests home for an exorcism. They said Xing Kai recommended them."

Wei Xi responded, "Ah? And then?"

Wei Chengshu replied coldly, "Then they started fighting."

Looking at the intensity of the battle, Unity Righteousness could barely make out someone shouting, "How dare you deceive me!" and Wei Tianyi's enraged cry of "Madmen!" He was momentarily stunned. What was happening?

It was already strange that Wei Tianyi had invited people to perform an exorcism at their own sect, but how did it escalate into a fight? Could it be a disagreement over the payment for the ritual? Were they asking for too much or was there a refusal to pay?

He asked Wei Chengshu, "Aren't you going to help?"

Shu Wanrong had already retreated outside. Wei Chengshu huffed, dropped the iron bucket, and leaned against the courtyard wall, seemingly unconcerned about the situation.

Wei Xi felt slightly annoyed. Outsiders came to their sect to perform rituals and even fought with their own disciples. What were they up to? "Are they here to cause trouble?"

Recalling the group of seemingly serious Taoist priests, Wei Chengshu sneered. "They seem more like lunatics to me."

After speaking, he noticed the unfamiliar elite man following Wei Xi. He gave him a once-over and asked with a frown, "Who's this? Your new disciple?"

Black Impermanence was attentively watching the brawl inside and didn't notice. Considering that Wei Chengshu was an elder disciple of their sect, Wei Xi patiently explained, "No."

Wei Chengshu's expression relaxed a bit. In the next second, he heard Wei Xi introduce, "This is Black Impermanence, the Deputy Minister of the City God Department in the Underworld Bureau. He's here today for an inspection. Go inform Housekeeper Zhou to prepare for his reception."

Damn it, not a single normal person. Wei Chengshu's face turned cold instantly. "………………Oh."

Just as they were talking, the chaotic fight inside suddenly changed. A tall and thin figure in a Taoist robe managed to break free from Wei Tianyi's furious roar and punches, roaring angrily, "You're asking for it!"

Wei Xi saw his second disciple raise one eyebrow upon recognizing the opponent.

Wei Xi asked, "What's wrong?"

The second disciple looked down at him. "We couldn't find anything about them. I didn't expect them to come to us. You'll get your chance to shine."

Wei Xi: "What kind of technique?"

Second Disciple: "Crushing Evil Sects."

Tianyi Unity immediately caught on. "The Cult of Regeneration?! The ones who summoned the Underworld Messengers to take away Daoist Kuang's soul?!"

Black Impermanence was unusually sensitive to this term and promptly reacted. "Underworld Messengers?"

Tianyi Unity hurriedly explained, "It's an evil cult from Xin Nan that has ties with the Underworld Messengers. They can summon them to snatch people's souls at will. Recently, they've caused quite a few incidents."

Black Impermanence's expression turned grave as his gaze swept over the group of Underworld Messengers behind him. The Messengers by his side immediately paled and started defending themselves. "Young Brother, don't go around spreading lies! We Underworld Messengers have strict rules and would never take anything from the living or the dead!"

As their voices faded, the thin man's sharp cries of anger echoed in the room. "You dare to hit me! You won't give up until you see the Yellow River, huh?! Do you believe I'll summon Lord Underworld Messenger right now and have your soul taken away?!"

The multitude of Underworld Messengers outside: "..............."

While he spoke, Wei Tianyi delivered several fierce kicks to the thin man, pinning him down and yelling, "Damned liar!!! Talking about Underworld Messengers, my ass! Coming to my house and acting crazy, do you think I won't beat you to death today?!"

The thin man was too weak to fight back and could only cower with his head down. Seemingly enraged beyond endurance, he finally pulled out a token from his pocket and shouted at the sky, "Thunderous Mandate, Urgent as a Flaring Star, Spirit of the Land, Hear My Command, Swift Arrival, Matters to Report, Urgent as the Utmost Celestial Law!!"

Then, he shouted at a certain plump boy beside him, "Light the fire! Fetch the ingots! Burn paper money for Lord Underworld Messenger!"

Wei Xi heard the commotion behind him and turned to look. He saw the many Underworld Messengers loudly distancing themselves from the situation. "This is a summoning order from Xin Nan's City God Office. It has nothing to do with us! Our local City God Office would never engage in such practices!"

At the tall and lanky man's request, the little fatty promptly lit a fire. Endless smoke and dust rose into the sky. Following the tall man's command, a sudden gust of eerie wind swept across the ground, and then an Underworld Messenger dragging a long chain slowly materialized before him.

The Messenger was grim, and as soon as its form began to take shape, it eagerly reached for the ingots the little fatty was burning. With both hands full of ingots, it stuffed them into its sleeves while asking the tall man in a dark voice, "Did you summon me?"

Upon hearing the voice, the tall man was overjoyed. With the token in hand, he was just about to explain his request to the arriving Messenger when the half-materialized Messenger suddenly stopped stuffing the ingots into its sleeves.

Then, it slowly turned its head towards the certificate hanging on Taicang Sect's wall.

Seemingly sensing something, it slowly turned back to look at the entrance.

In the world invisible to ordinary people, countless pairs of eyes met awkwardly.

"..."

As the tall man spoke, he suddenly couldn't sense the presence of the Underworld Messenger and couldn't help but cry out in alarm, "Lord Underworld Messenger! Lord Underworld Messenger!"

Yet, all that responded to him was a scattering of paper ingots on the ground, with not a single sound following.

The lanky figure was utterly bewildered. What was going on? The Underworld Messengers were clearly present just now; why had they suddenly vanished? In disbelief, he took out the summoning token and bellowed at the sky once more. He had followed the exact same procedure as before, but this time, not even the previous commotion reappeared.

Little Fatty, realizing the situation, wore a mournful expression as he said, "Senior Brother, you're getting worse and worse. Last time, you failed to retrieve a soul, but now you can't even summon the Underworld Messengers."