Sishui Crossing, situated near Huaishui City in the Qian Dynasty, evolved from a simple ferry into a small town reliant on the North-South Canal.
Traders passing by, guards accompanying valuable shipments, laborers, and Jianghu people from all walks of life converged here, gradually infusing it with a bustling, commonplace atmosphere.
In an open-air wooden teahouse, a blind storyteller struck the table with a bang.
"A tale from Yutang County in Qingjiang Prefecture: one day the sky suddenly darkened, and down from the clouds jumped a blue-faced, red-faced armored Evil Demon, standing over eight feet tall, spewing flames with a mighty roar..."
Some tea patrons below listened intently, but most seemed distracted, casting occasional glances at the "Golden Prosperity Gambling House" across the way.
These people, with scarred faces or straw hats, exuded a sinister air, their weapons at the ready, revealing them as Jianghu's bloodthirsty men.
Suddenly, the gambling house doors burst open, and figures were hurled out, screaming in anguish.
Right after, a white-robed gentleman, handsome as a jade, emerged shaking a folding fan, and greeted the crowd with a gentle smile and a fist salute.
"Fellow Jianghu comrades, this year's 'Bitter Heart Pill' is something our Celestial Eagle Manor is determined to acquire, so we ask for your kind consideration."
The Jianghu people in the teahouse gasped in surprise,
"'Silver Sword Young Master' Chen Wushuang, he's come too?"
"With Celestial Eagle Manor involved, there's little hope this year..."
"Bah, not afraid of biting off more than he can chew!"
"..."
Meanwhile, in a private room on the teahouse's second floor, Li Dong'Er sat by the window, her cheek in her hand, starry-eyed.
"'Silver Sword' Young Master, so elegant and handsome. I wonder which lucky girl will marry him..."
On the other side of the table,
Zhang Kui, face flushed and neck bulging, tried hard to suppress his laughter but eventually burst out with a hearty chuckle.
"Lustful Young Master... haha, going around with a name like that, haha... Jianghu is truly entertaining... haha..."
"Zhang Kui!"
Dong'Er's face flushed with both anger and embarrassment, dashed forward like a ruffled little cat, scratching and clawing.
Zhang Kui, unfazed, took a large swig of wine, "Looks like I need to come up with a formidable alias too. How about 'Empty Young Master'?"
"You, looking like a big bear, calling yourself a young master..."
Li Dong'Er said angrily, hands on her hips.
Zhang Kui continued teasing,
"Alright, alright, won't mock your idol anymore."
"What's an idol?"
"It's the person you adore."
"Ah, you're annoying, who adores him..."
"Why's your face red then?"
"It's not..."
Old Liu nearby chuckled and shook his head, "Alright, enough fooling around, let's eat something quickly and get going."
Zhang Kui took a meat bun and tossed it into his mouth, glancing sideways, "Old Liu, aren't you interested in the 'Bitter Heart Pill' at all?"
Old Liu chuckled,
"The 'Bitter Heart Pill' extends life by over a decade, who wouldn't want it? But every year, it claims many lives. I'm an old man near the grave, better to earn a stable amount of silver."
Zhang Kui swallowed the last bun and stood up, "Let's go then, really wonder what you're doing with all that silver."
Old Liu gathered his things, shaking his head,
"People say longevity is great, but you can't do without silver. Ah, fear of poverty..."
The three descended the stairs, and Zhang Kui's intimidating presence immediately drew the attention of the Jianghu folks, who eyes them up and down.
Zhang Kui snorted coldly, his eyes fierce,
"What are you staring at?"
An aura of malevolence filled the hall, and the Jianghu people quickly turned away, putting on a show of nonchalance.
"Hey, Old Li, this meal is on me."
"No, no, I insist on treating."
Zhang Kui sneered and strode out the door.
The waiter bowed low,
"Safe travels, Master Kui, come again when you have time."
Zhang Kui laughed heartily,
"That's a nice title, here's a reward!"
With that, without looking back, he flicked a silver piece that embedded with a bang into the teahouse's pillar.
After Zhang Kui left, the Jianghu folks breathed a sigh of relief, "Goodness, what a fierce Daoist, why haven't we heard of him before, where did he come from?"
"Felt like being watched by a tiger, drenched in sweat."
"This year's 'Jade Flower Society' is bound to have some big events..."
…
Meanwhile, Zhang Kui and Old Liu, the master and apprentice duo, left Yutang County aimlessly wandering.
On the road, Old Liu asked Zhang Kui what skills he had, Zhang Kui cunningly replied that he could catch ghosts and demons, to which Old Liu was overjoyed.
It was common knowledge that the Qian Dynasty was plagued by evil spirits, some beyond anyone's daring to confront, but there were many lesser ones too.
Not everyone could hire the Astronomical Bureau, so private exorcisms became quite a profitable trade.
Zhang Kui, eager to level up and gain experiences through adventuring, teamed up with Old Liu to form a demon-hunting trio. Old Liu and his disciple handled logistics, while Zhang Kui took action, and they began their Jianghu journey.
Old Liu, with an ear to the ground, learned that the young son of a great ferryman in Sishui Crossing had been possessed, and even the Astronomical Bureau couldn't cure him. A substantial reward was posted, and the trio hurried there.
This grand ferryman, named Yu Gaishan, was not only one of the thirteen chiefs of the Cao Gang but also had intricate connections with a court noble. Nearly half the people in Sishui Crossing worked for him.
The place was easy to find, with its vast estate of pavilions and trellises taking up nearly half the town. Just one street away stood a tall paifang, inscribed with words like "Loyalty, Filial Piety, and Brotherhood".
Old Liu whispered,
"A few years ago, during a disaster in the north, Yu Gaishan organized grain transport without regard for profit. Though he suffered losses, he obtained this paifang, recognized by the Court as a Jianghu leader, to whom everyone must show respect."
Zhang Kui pondered,
"Ha, it seems there's something fishy going on here."
As they spoke, the three of them passed through the archway and arrived at a large red gate.
With a towering stature and a casually tied Daoist topknot, Zhang Kui carried a huge sword on his back. Old Liu and his apprentice barely reached his chest, and their peculiar trio immediately caught the guards' attention.
The guards were brawny men with calloused hands, evidently skilled, yet they were wary upon seeing Zhang Kui.
"Stop, what are you here for?"
Zhang Kui ignored them and surveyed the mansion, while Old Liu stepped forward with a smile and clasped his hands courteously,
"We've heard your young master is possessed, and we've come for that reason."
The guards were taken aback and changed their attitude to one of respect, "Please wait a moment, I'll report this right away."
In this world, there are monsters and ghosts, but no major cultivation sects. Those with skills either retreat to the mountains or establish altars and temples; various strange and mysterious tales abound.
From his physique and looks to his aura, Zhang Kui unmistakably appeared to be an alien, hence none dared to slight him.
Before long, a corpulent steward hurried out, his eyes wide with surprise upon seeing Zhang Kui. He bowed respectfully, "This way, Daoist. Please come in."
The trio followed the steward in grand style into the courtyard.
The compound had a meticulously arranged layout of pavilions, corridors connecting everywhere with ancient trees standing tall. Ponds and rock gardens dotted the area, clearly crafted with effort.
Upon reaching the living room, Yu Gaishan actually came out to greet them personally, accompanied by several subordinates.
This man had an imposing figure, dressed in a red ceremonial robe, black-faced with a long beard, and his eyes were full of concern.
"Honored Daoists, please come inside."
After they settled in the living room, Yu Gaishan warmly served tea, taking the opportunity to subtly probe Zhang Kui and his companions.
Old Liu was a seasoned trickster, never allowing anyone to discern much. The exchanges were full of polite exchanges.
Impatiently, Zhang Kui spoke up,
"Chief Yu, never mind the mountain I live on or the skills I've mastered. Just bring your son out quickly, I'll fix it, get my payment, and leave."
Yu Gaishan was not angry, but pleased. The previous arrivals had done a lot of boasting, promising much but delivering little.
This straightforward approach actually reassured him.
"No need to rush, Daoist. You've traveled a long way; please rest, and let me offer some hospitality."
With that, he rose to arrange a grand feast.
Though Zhang Kui and his companions had snacked a bit at the teahouse, they couldn't resist the delicacies that were now served. They feasted heartily.
Yu Gaishan slowly revealed their troubles.
His son Yu Wenchang had never enjoyed business or martial arts, preferring poetry and books. Polite and courteous, everyone called him a gentleman.
Yu Gaishan was delighted, intending for Yu Wenchang to make a name for himself in the imperial examinations.
Yet unexpectedly, his son suddenly changed character, frequently beating and scolding the servants, using vulgar language, and even attempting to assault his father's concubine.
Such scandals, naturally, needed to be concealed; hence he acted hesitantly.
But the problem was that both the Astronomical Bureau and others insisted Yu Wenchang wasn't possessed, merely had a change in disposition.
Yu Gaishan was left with no choice but to offer a reward.
Zhang Kui understood the implication.
Being possessed had become a shield against shame; regardless of whether they found the cause, for Yu Wenchang's reputation, they had to claim he was possessed.
"No problem!"
Zhang Kui agreed readily, not caring about these matters, just curious if there were any small demons he could upgrade.
Yu Wenchang was overjoyed, and after the meal, immediately took them to the rear courtyard.
Inside the bedroom, a disheveled scholar was tied to the bed with ropes, his face gaunt, complexion fierce, eyes blood-red, cursing vilely upon seeing them:
"Damn you, old bastard, bringing people to torment your grandfather; release me, I'll kill you bastards!"
Yu Gaishan flinched at the corner of his eye,
"My son was never like this before, yet they all say he's not possessed..."
"Their Tao cultivation is insufficient!"
Zhang Kui narrowed his eyes, activating Tongyou Skill.
He could clearly see a black mist coiled around Yu Wenchang's heart, occasionally revealing a ferocious face.
Upon closer inspection,
The face bore an uncanny resemblance to the scholar.
Zhang Kui had exorcised several evil spirits along the way—mostly insignificant goblins or awakening foxes.
But this phenomenon was a first...
"Is it true... truly?"
Yu Gaishan's eyes lit up with surprise, confessing he had thought his son merely crazy.
Zhang Kui said nothing, advancing forward with his right hand ignited in a bloody Gang Evil.
Yu Gaishan's eyes rounded instantly.
This man, is a True Immortal...
Zhang Kui frowned as he moved his flaming Gang Evil toward the scholar's chest.
Touching him wasn't possible; Gang Evil harmed not only ghosts but people and objects alike.
But with experience he had gained, any possessed spirit scared like this would flee.
Indeed, the scholar, terror-stricken, struggled madly, "Get away, you savage, damn you..."
Still daring to curse at me?
Zhang Kui, filled with Evil Qi, glared wide-eyed,
"Shut up!"
Urk~
The scholar, frightened pale, rolled his eyes and fainted...