“This here is Daoist Master Muyunzi, a high master we villagers have pooled funds to invite from Qingxiao Temple in Donghe County. Daoist Master Muyunzi, we didn’t know the government had also invited an expert today…”0

“Daoist Master Muyunzi?” Lady Calico immediately turned her head to look.0

What she saw was a lean, bearded old Daoist wearing a pristine eight trigrams robe. Beside him stood two young disciples, also dressed in Daoist robes, carrying large packs. From one of the bundles, a finely crafted peachwood sword protruded at an angle. Muyunzi himself was sizing her up as well.0

Lady Calico grew wary.0

It couldn’t be helped. Ever since she began traveling with the Daoist, most of the Daoists they encountered were remarkable in some way. Combined with the exceptional abilities of her own Daoist, it was hard not to develop the impression that all Daoists were formidable figures.0

“I am Muyunzi,” the old Daoist said. “I practice at Qingxiao Temple in Donghe County. May I ask, young fellow Daoist, where you studied and what skills you possess?”0

“I am Lady Calico.” Lady Calico’s face remained blank, even as a flurry of thoughts raced through her mind. She fixed her bright eyes on him and replied firmly, “I learned my craft under a Daoist priest from Yin-Yang Mountain in Lingquan County, Yizhou.”0

“Well, you’re truly a young Daoist…”0

“I’m the Daoist priest’s attendant.”0

“I see…”0

Muyunzi carefully studied the little girl, not daring to underestimate her.0

While it was true that scams were rampant in Changjing, with countless swindlers employing ever-changing tricks—sometimes even fooling high-ranking officials—who had ever heard of a scammer as young as this girl using exorcism as a means to swindle money?0

Moreover,...0