Fellow Daoist! That scoundrel has written a new book again.

Zhu Wuyao finalized the itinerary that very evening.

First, follow Luo Budao to the black market in Tongzhou to deal with the stolen goods. Then, head to Huandie Mountain nearby to explore its intricacies.

The group set up a protective barrier during their conversation, so they did not disturb Madam Ge's peaceful sleep.

Seeing that the matter was settled, Ruan Ayao did not linger there and left to reunite with her fellow disciples.

The next morning.

Zhu Wuyao finished his meditation in the woods outside the house.

The barrier had just been removed when Ge Mingsheng was seen sitting on the threshold, looking utterly dejected, while Luo Budao beside him was chattering incessantly:

"Little Ge, do you know what's most important when you're navigating the martial world?"

Ge Mingsheng nodded perfunctorily:

“I remember you once said that the most important thing in navigating the world is to be opportunistic.”

"No, no." Luo Budao waved his folding fan, displaying a rather unfathomable Taoist demeanor, and said:

"When you're out in the world, the most important thing is two words—loyalty!"

Ge Mingsheng nodded.

Having received a response, Luo Budao became even more energized, stepping onto the threshold and speaking in a high-pitched, rhythmic voice:

"Do you know that my master, the sorcerer of Tongzhou, was grateful for a meal from his neighbors? Even though cats and dogs hated him and he was chased by them with broom handles, he would still step forward when it mattered most."

"This is loyalty!"

"As my master's last disciple, I learned the skills rather sparsely, but I inherited his ambition perfectly."

"That's why I'm willing to repay evil with kindness. Because I've eaten many meals at my friend's house, and even obtained that spiritual herb as the basis for my transformation, even though she once chased me with a sword, when she needs me—"

"Guess what?"

It's unclear how long Ge Mingsheng was surrounded and talked about before Zhu Wuyao finished meditating. Under Luo Budao's expectant gaze, she casually accepted the question, saying:

"What's wrong?"

When you don't know how to respond, simply repeating the last few words of the other person can keep the conversation flowing smoothly.

This method is especially suitable for dealing with people who have a strong desire to express themselves.

Luo Budao continued:

"She may be heartless, but I cannot be unjust. Why is that?"

"Because I am kind!"

“My old friend is stranded in a foreign land, with no relatives or friends around. I am the only familiar person she can rely on. At this critical moment, how can I abandon her?”

“If I did that, tell me, tell me, what kind of Tao would I be cultivating?”

"Isn't that the same as her, cultivating a path that values ​​profit over friendship?!"

“——Ouch!”

Zhu Wuyao slapped Luo Budao on the back of the head.

"Taoist Master."

Ge Mingsheng stood up and bowed, looking as if he had been granted a pardon, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Today, Zhu Wuyao, in order to pay a visit to Madam Ge as an old friend of Ge Mingsheng, specially changed his ferocious appearance and adopted the look of a chivalrous man in his early forties.

He looks calm and reliable.

She looked at Ge Mingsheng and said:

"Tongzhou is about to descend into chaos. Although you have some martial arts skills, you may not be able to protect yourself. I have already informed my senior sister about your situation."

"I have some introductory techniques here; you can start practicing them for now."

Zhu Wuyao handed over a booklet with a blank cover.

This is the introductory exercise in the Star-Picking Tower, the "Starry Sky Myriad Phenomena Technique," which is used as a demonstration by the elders of the Teaching Hall during their daily lectures.

It's not considered proactive to attend classes without being invited.

Therefore, I only remember the part about the Qi Refining stage.

As long as one can draw qi into the body, one can use talismans and other external objects that require spiritual power to protect oneself.

This can be considered a temporary measure.

If Senior Sister Gu doesn't take a liking to Ge Mingsheng, she can bring him under her wing. As long as he has the identity of Zhaixing Tower, she won't be held accountable for privately teaching him.

Ge Mingsheng took over.

After Zhu Wuyou met Madam Ge, the group traveled together to Tongzhou.

Fortunately, Tongzhou is a melting pot of all sorts of people, including many martial arts practitioners, rogue cultivators, demons, and people from other continents. You can often see people who cover their faces with long robes and hoods.

The Ge family's attempt to cover it up did not seem out of place.

Zhu Wuyao set up array flags nearby to protect the two of them, and then went to the Tongzhou black market with Luo Budao.

It was not yet night.

The two arrived too early.

Zhu Wu invited Luo Budao to knock on the door according to custom, and after exchanging the secret code, a yawning aunt opened the door.

This man's name is Lei Piao. As his name suggests, Zhu Wuyao observed that he did indeed have a somewhat agile and vigorous demeanor.

Upon seeing Zhu Wuyao, Lei Piao's nonchalant demeanor vanished, replaced by a sharp, piercing gaze as he scrutinized the man from head to toe.

Then, she flung the door open, adopting a welcoming stance, and said:

"Luo Budao, you've brought a big deal with you."

The gatekeeper doesn't necessarily need to be highly skilled, but he must have a keen eye.

This thousand-faced ability is powerful, but it depends on who controls it. If someone wants to impersonate someone of high status, they must have the strength to seize objects and souls, making the impersonation indistinguishable to anyone.

But if it were used in ordinary life, there would be no need to commit murder.

It's just a mask, after all.

Many people in the martial arts world are skilled at judging bone structure, because both martial arts and Taoist cultivation require a certain physical constitution.

Therefore, Lei Piao could tell at a glance that the guest who came to the door had concealed his true appearance, and his figure did not match his appearance.

Moreover, her movements were cautious yet composed, with a hint of murderous intent. Lei Piao observed that she didn't seem like a ruthless person, and thus guessed—

This is right after they've just finished killing.

Moreover, he was inexperienced and not used to killing.

Therefore, they do not yet understand how to conceal their strength.

This is how one displays their brilliance to others, making them feel that they are full of pride and satisfaction.

He has the ability to kill, but he is not used to killing.

Lei Piao instantly identified this type of person, guessing that he was probably a cultivator from a major orthodox sect who had learned a skill but did not abuse it out of conscience.

Only recently have I truly lost my temper.

In that case, this is a fat customer.

But they might not be easy to fleece.

When someone is at their most arrogant, they are not to be trifled with; if you provoke them, you will suffer the consequences.

It has to be said that anyone who can become a local tyrant in a place like Tongzhou is not lacking in methods and insight. The reason why Zhu Wuyao rushed to eliminate the Juque Sect's stronghold after waking up was really because he had a "what's the use" mentality and was a bit impulsive.

If we were truly tricked or schemed against in this place—

It's not a big deal to offend this one place.

After the transaction was completed.

After walking out and getting some distance away, Zhu Wuyao remarked to Luo Budao with emotion:

"I knew it, you're used to talking nonsense."

“This place is nothing like the den of dragons and tigers you described. The people inside all seem kind and friendly; they are clearly honest people who make money through harmony.”

She weighed the storage bag in her hand, feeling quite pleased.

Now, only one-fifth of the original batch of goods remains, and she is quite satisfied with how well it has been handled.

Luo Budao was also puzzled.

He then found an explanation on his own:

"They must have been outmaneuvered quite a bit recently. And I've been around Tongzhou for many years. They're only treating you with courtesy because of me!"

Neither of them were seasoned veterans of the underworld.

Unaware that their secrets had already been revealed, the leader, from inside the door behind them, asked:

"Have we managed to send that evil spirit away?"

"Damn it, this isn't some fat customer, this is the Silent Taoist Priest who caused all the trouble a while ago..."

"I never expected him to be this kind of person."