Chapter 18

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Clouds in the west were tinged with dusk, casting a dim light over Fushui County. As the town grew darker amidst the lively bustle, the various “eccentrics and extraordinary individuals” who had come in response to the notice gradually made their way into the Chen family’s estate. They were soon warmly invited inside by an elderly steward.

Walking along a gravel path through the flower garden, they arrived at a two-story wooden building at the end. Large lanterns were being lit and raised to the eaves. More than a dozen elegantly dressed maids in long skirts carried trays of dishes in a long line, passing through the warm red glow of the lanterns. In the main hall ahead, the noise of chatter and laughter grew clearer, interspersed with greetings like “Pleased to meet you!” and “I’ve heard so much about you!”

In the main hall, there were seven tables, each seating six to seven people. The atmosphere was lively as drinks were exchanged. A bald man in a dirty yellow monk’s robe rolled up his sleeves, pulling others into drinking games, while others sat silently in the corners, their eyes darting around.

On the second floor, two pairs of eyes quietly observed the scene below.

“Father, so many people have come just because of one notice. That monster might not even dare show up now, right?”

A young man holding a wine cup looked down at the oddly dressed crowd, gripping the railing tightly with his other hand, his face filled with excitement. “Father, among these people, how many do you think really have great skills?”

Landlord Chen was also watching the scene below. He then turned his head to look at his son.

“There are certainly some who are just here to make up the numbers. I’ve lived in Fushui County for many years, and there are a few familiar faces among them… Even if they don’t have the ability to subdue the monster, it’s still good to have them die in your place. With so many people, our family can afford to feed them.”

As he spoke, he waved his son over.

“Come with me to greet these people.”

As they walked down the wooden stairs, many were drinking and eating heartily. Upon seeing Landlord Chen and his son, they hurriedly stood up. Some, who were already tipsy, wobbled where they stood, while others who were still sober stepped forward and cupped their hands in salute. “Landlord Chen, your generosity with fine wine and meat is greatly appreciated.”

“Mr. Wang, you’re too kind. Your reputation on Qiaoluo Street precedes you.” Landlord Chen replied with a smile, returning the salute. He then cupped his hands toward the other eccentrics and extraordinary individuals around the room. “My family has recently encountered a terrible misfortune, and we’re relying on the great talents of you all for help. If the food and drink are not enough, just tell the steward to bring more.”

The crowd erupted in cheers.

“Landlord Chen is so generous!”

“With such a benevolent and kind-hearted man, we must give our all to help——”

“Landlord Chen, just have a good night’s sleep tonight.”

…..

Landlord Chen was smiling from ear to ear as he and his son made rounds to socialize with their guests. The old man called Wang Banxia, after making his rounds at two tables, had also drunk quite a bit and, in high spirits, began to boast about slaying demons and monsters. He acted as though he were truly a cultivator from the mountains, waving his chopsticks around for emphasis, winning cheers from everyone present.

By this point, the seating in the hall had become chaotic. Wang Banxia, stumbling around in a drunken haze, couldn’t find his original seat and ended up choosing a random spot. Squinting through bleary eyes, he noticed that across from him sat eight large and muscular men who were tearing into whole chickens, ducks, and pork knuckles… devouring them with loud, guttural swallows.

“What strong fellows…” Wang Banxia muttered with a chuckle. He then turned his head and noticed another figure seated nearby, cloaked from head to toe in a drab gray mantle, with only a sliver of chin visible as they quietly picked at their food.

“This brother…”

He began to speak but suddenly froze. His smile faded, and his outstretched hand, which was about to pat the cloaked figure, began to tremble. Slowly, he turned his body, his legs shaking uncontrollably as he stood up. Step by trembling step, he started inching away.

“There’s a demonic aura here… Damn it… A real monster has shown up…”

He stumbled towards another guest nearby, clutching them and shakily pointing towards the table where the cloaked figure sat. In a stammering voice, he managed to whisper,

“A demon…”

“Demon, my foot. That fellow has arms and legs and is just eating his meal. Not eating people, right? Where did you come from, get lost!!” They brushed him off with a wave and hurried to join another table in a drinking game.

Wang Banxia tried to warn others, but each time he was brushed aside. Looking nervously over his shoulder at the mysterious figure once more, he swallowed hard and made for the exit.

“…Better to retreat while I can. My life is more important than heroics.”

Meanwhile, in the bustling hall, Lu Pan picked up a slice of lamb and ate it with great satisfaction. His face glowing from the alcohol, he called out to the shadowy figure seated under the cloak: “Liangsheng, eat more! We don’t often get to taste the fine food of wealthy families like this.”

He then turned to the seven men around him and raised his chin: “Well, boys? Isn’t this better than eating dry rations and coarse buns out in the wild?”

Lu Qing and the seven others wiped the grease from their mouths and burst out laughing. This feast truly hit the spot for them. Most days, they only had simple tea and plain meals, and whenever they caught game on the mountain, they sold it for money or rice, with only the cheapest cuts left for themselves.

Among them, only Lu Liangsheng ate with any decorum, but even he consumed a fair amount of meat and rice. Smiling, he said: “Uncle Pan, you should eat more. I’ve had enough.”

Just then, the piece of braised meat held between his chopsticks swayed slightly. Under the loose folds of his cloak, a long, crimson tongue flicked out without anyone noticing and swiftly coiled around the meat, pulling it into his mouth.

A moment later, a voice only the young man could hear murmured: “Liangsheng, grab another piece. Your Master wants that braised fatty meat.”

As the Toad Daoist finally ate the braised meat, slowly chewing with great enjoyment while lying on his disciple’s lap, he savored the taste and said, “This place is filled with a gloomy aura, there must be a fierce ghost around. It’ll appear around midnight, so we’d better leave quickly. Your level of cultivation isn’t enough to handle it.”

“Ah, it’s a pity about that 500 taels.” Lu Liangsheng murmured in agreement with his master’s advice. Outside, he hadn’t noticed it as clearly, but now that he was inside the courtyard, he could sense that the ominous aura was growing stronger. The malevolent energy seemed to be spreading from the side courtyard of the wooden building to the rest of the Chen Residence.

As they spoke quietly, a heavy-set figure approached them down the corridor. Lu Liangsheng glanced sideways to see a burly butcher with his chest exposed and a cleaver at his waist, holding a wine jar in one hand and a large bowl in the other.

The butcher came up to Lu Liangsheng and the others, his beady eyes scanning them.

“Why isn’t anyone drinking at this table?”

Unfazed, Lu Pan and the others raised their wine bowl and shouted back: “Who says no one’s drinking?” They drank their wine in one go and showed the bottom to the butcher with a grin.

“Cheers!”

The butcher laughed heartily, clearly enjoying the straightforward and bold manner. He poured himself a bowl of wine, set the jar down on the ground, and made his way around the table towards Lu Pan.

“Good fellow, let me toast you with a bowl!”

As he moved past, he accidentally bumped into Lu Liangsheng. The hefty body of the butcher caused the young man to wobble on his stool. The toad, who had been comfortably resting on his lap, had been saying, “These people are all just here to eat and drink, none of them…”, when the young man’s body suddenly tilted, he flayed his hands and legs as he grabbed the bedcloth.

At the moment of contact, the cloth slid directly off his webbed hand. The toad stared with wide eyes and exclaimed: “Who washed this? It’s so slippery!” In an instant, there was a loud thud, and he fell into the jar, splashing up a few droplets of wine.

There was a series of gurgling sounds.

“Master!”

Lu Liangsheng was also startled. He reached into the jar, fished the toad out of the wine, and placed it on his lap. The Purple Star Daoist was lying on his back, his limbs limp, and alcohol was continuously spitting out of his mouth.

Half-closing his eyes, he looked up at Liangsheng, tremblingly raising one of his webbed hands.

“This wine’s been watered down… ribbit!”

He tilted his head and then passed out.
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