Yinshan Record

Chapter 229 Reluctantly
Shi Chibao, his face pale, sat in the main hall waiting for Su Che. He was currently possessed by a demonic spirit, and the experience was not pleasant.

Where there is a human heart, there are desires. And who doesn't like fine wine and cheese, beautiful women, fame and fortune?
As the sage said, "Food and sex are human nature." Although it is said to be human nature, everything should be done in moderation.

Once lust becomes excessive, it can at least affect one's cultivation, and at worst, it can lead to internal demonic possession.

The inner demon is different from the outer demon; it arises from the very thoughts of a cultivator and specifically attacks the weaknesses of the mind.

Yin demons are a type of inner demon that evolves from desire. Demonic cultivators collect yin demons to use against enemies, making them particularly difficult to defend against.

Shi Chibao had previously fought with the demonized City God of Tianan, and the demon had used his curse to arouse his own demonic thoughts, causing him to inadvertently become tainted by the Yin Demon. Now, his heart was burning with anxiety, and his mind was corrupted by the demonic thoughts.

When one's overall condition is extremely poor, the most urgent task is to find a quiet room, calm one's mind, and patiently dispel the demonic thoughts within one's heart.

Otherwise, if he were to forcefully fight someone or fail to eliminate them, Shi Chibao might become the next Tianan City God.

But no matter how badly Shi Chibao was injured, he had to force himself to stay strong.

"Brother, has the matter been settled?"

"We have already captured the corrupted Tianan City God, and we haven't noticed anything unusual since."

Su Che looked at Shi Chibao and said, "Your Excellency, it would be best if you rested and recuperated."

“Alas, how could I not know that I should rest and recuperate? But the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease.” Shi Chibao looked at Su Che with a trace of worry on his face: “My dear brother, you may not know this, but the Prince of Wuling is coming to Cizhou. My purpose in coming to Tianan County this time is twofold: first, to give His Majesty an explanation regarding the case of the demonic book, and second, to make arrangements for welcoming this prince.”

The imperial court has not sent any princes to govern local areas for a long time, and the safety of the Prince of Wuling must not be compromised.

In addition, given the current complex power dynamic between the emperor and the crown prince, any slight disturbance will naturally lead to suspicion that the crown prince is behind it.

Those who were considered to be from the Crown Prince's faction were left with nothing but mud on their pants, with no one to appeal their grievances to.

To avoid such a misfortune, everyone in the Imperial Guard sincerely hoped that the Prince of Wuling would be safe and sound.

In summary, the recent orders issued by Jiankang to Shi Chibao can be summarized into two points.

The first priority is to find Su Che immediately and ensure his safety.

The second task is to make every effort to prepare for the arrival of the Prince of Wuling in Cizhou.

This time, the usually vague official document surprisingly stated directly and clearly that the routine work of slaying demons and capturing ghosts could be put on hold for now, and that the matter of the Prince of Wuling should be dealt with first.

"Those demonic sect experts, why did they choose to make their move in Tian'an County just as the Prince of Wuling was about to take office? I suspect they might be after him."

As Shi Chibao spoke, a flush rose on his pale face.

"But who would have thought I would get injured again? Now I can only ask my brother for help."

"It's all part of my job, there's no need to ask for favors."

Su Che immediately agreed.

"But what are Qianhu's plans now?"

"I really can't take care of you in this condition." Shi Chibao used his internal energy to suppress the red glow on his face, and his complexion turned ashen again.

“I will return to the Cizhou Thousand-Household Office with those centurions to recuperate. We still need you, my brother, to be in charge here in Tian'an County. We should at least wait until he arrives in peace before making any further plans.”

Shi Chibao looked at Su Che, who appeared troubled.

He knew very well that this matter shouldn't fall on Su Che's shoulders. The connection between the Su family of Duling and the Crown Prince, and Su Gong's position in the palace, all meant that no matter what Su Che did, he might face blame. But Shi Chibao had no other choice.

“This matter should have been handled by me, but given the current situation, I have no choice but to ask you, my brother, to do it.”

"Of course, Commander Qianhu, rest assured and recuperate. I will wait here in Tian'an County to welcome the Prince of Wuling."

The plan has been decided.

Shi Chibao led the other centurions, accompanied by a group of elite cavalry, and secretly disguised themselves to retreat back to Cizhou.

Meanwhile, Su Che led a large contingent of imperial guards to set up camp in Tian'an County, preparing to welcome the Prince of Wuling.

Tian'an County maintained a strict outer defense but loose inner defenses, with all four gates closed except for the south gate, which was used for passage. The city walls were lined with patrolling imperial guards.

Magistrate Pei Huai tried several times to see Su Che, but was stopped by the imperial guards. Meanwhile, the mysterious Madam Xie continued to live in Tongde Tower.

Of course, the manager of Tongdelou is still doing well.

Because Su Che had other things to do.

First, not only did the Yin-Yang Dharma King make a public appearance, but he also launched a surprise attack on Su Che.

This man, who claimed to be Su Che's second uncle, swaggered into the Imperial Guard's camp and demanded to see Su Che. It's unclear what methods he used, but none of the Imperial Guards realized he was a ghost.

Thus, the terrified imperial guards led him to see Su Che, and the third young master Su had no choice but to acknowledge this second uncle.

We can't exactly let them beat him out with sticks, can we?

Although he didn't know what this reincarnated senior was up to, Su Che had no reason to refuse since the senior was willing to stay by his side.

Although he has lost all his cultivation, this Yin-Yang Dharma King, who came from ancient times, still possesses remarkable insight and knowledge.

Aside from this rather unexciting surprise, Su Che finally received some good news.

Lu Bai has returned from Jiankang, bringing with him the assistance of the Su family of Duling. Currently, the eldest son of the Su family is fighting in the north with Wei Huaiwen, the second son is at sea as an envoy, and only the third son is barely staying at home.

Since the Third Young Master has made the request, we have no choice but to fully support him.

A steward named Su Fu, along with seven or eight capable stewards and three carts of silk and copper coins, came to support the Third Young Master Su's "get-rich-quick scheme".

Of course, the members of the Su family were all very confused when they encountered this "uncle" who appeared out of nowhere, the Yin-Yang Dharma King.

They had all worked for the Su family of Duling their entire lives and had never heard of their master having such a relative.

In the end, Su Che sacrificed his family's reputation and subtly mentioned to them that the old man was actually the father of a concubine he kept outside. Because he had not yet married his wife, he temporarily referred to him as his second uncle in order to protect his reputation.

This earned him an "understanding" look from the group of managers, who all addressed the Yin-Yang Dharma King as their uncle.

As for that old ghost, the Yin-Yang Dharma King, his face had long been tempered and refined. He not only took an indifferent attitude towards the rumors spread by Su Che, but sometimes even fueled the flames, intentionally or unintentionally leaving a lot of room for imagination for others.

The stewards all remarked that the Third Young Master had become quite accomplished after his trials and tribulations in the local area, and that he was still as impressive as ever.

However, these are all digressions. Lu Bai's return, the appointment of the Yin-Yang Dharma King, and the arrival of the Su family stewards finally gave Su Che the first step to begin his little paper-cutting plan.

(End of this chapter)