[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-nothing-is-taboo":3,"chapter-nothing-is-taboo-nothing-is-taboo-chapter-389":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Nothing Is Taboo",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2310774,4514,"Chapter 389","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-389",389,"\u003Cp>The village had three wells; the two with water were at its northern and southern ends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Jiaozhi, rivers were numerous, so wells were originally unnecessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after the “Ban on Linhe,” they began digging wells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The villagers often forgot about the third, dried-up well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiaozhi was humid and hot, with frequent rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, “dried-up wells” were rare—most were merely abandoned, yet still held water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lang Xiaoba led his men to this dried-up well and immediately sensed something was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dried-up well was fifteen feet deep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its interior was overgrown with strange plants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was extremely damp, yet contained no water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground around the well was flat, but no households existed within dozens of zhang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When villagers built their homes, they unconsciously avoided this spot for reasons unknown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lang Xiaoba imitated Xu’s demeanor and ordered: “Spiritual cultivator, send a yin soldier down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A spiritual cultivator stepped forward, pinched one nostril, and blew—out floated a jet-black yin soldier, like a bubble, slowly expanding before drifting into the dried-up well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the well, countless poisonous insects startled and darted into crevices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The yin soldier reached the bottom and began inspecting when suddenly it felt droplets falling from above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The droplets should have passed straight through the yin soldier’s body, yet they struck its head like iron pellets, heavy and brutal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The yin soldier felt “pain,” which immediately transmitted to the spiritual cultivator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spiritual cultivator was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The yin soldier looked up and saw a second droplet rolling off a fern growing sideways from the well wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fern looked deeply sinister, resembling human ribs!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The droplet was crimson—blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plop!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The droplet struck the yin soldier’s forehead, searing with agony; it couldn’t help but stagger downward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then it saw the base of that rib-like fern gushing forth streams of blood, alive, flowing down its stems and leaves toward the yin soldier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, it changed from droplets to a torrent!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splash, splash, splash…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood rapidly pooled inside the well!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spiritual cultivator cried out in alarm and frantically tried to recall his yin soldier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the blood at the bottom coalesced into pairs of blood-hands, each gripping the yin soldier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spiritual cultivator frantically pushed his power—the yin soldier’s body stretched over ten feet long, yet still could not be pulled back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, more blood gushed from the crevices in the well walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the yin soldier was completely submerged!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spiritual cultivator groaned, spat blood, and cried: “My yin soldier has melted!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lang Xiaoba’s expression turned icy. He barked: “Prepare for battle!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone had seen the blood rising swiftly in the well—clearly, it was about to erupt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The alchemists readied the fire in their dantians.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the evil surged out, they’d blast it with fire first, roast it dry!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blood rose swiftly to the well’s rim—then abruptly stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It matched the rim perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a single drop overflowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The captains stood at the ready, tense as stone; time seemed to slow, the surroundings deathly silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lang Xiaoba stepped forward—the blood sank lower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The closer Lang Xiaoba came, the more the blood receded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time Lang Xiaoba reached the well’s edge, the blood had sunk fully ten feet below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lang Xiaoba stamped his foot: “Dig! Unearth it completely—I want to see what evil lies beneath!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lang Xiaoba suddenly became as decisive as the real Xu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even carried a fraction of the Zhanglu’s bearing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing the blood, Lang Xiaoba felt a surge of joy—he’d found the clue!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He issued orders without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he could truly uncover the root evil of Guimen Village, it would be a great achievement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his current seventh-rank strength, and this great achievement, wouldn’t the Police Inspector post be within reach?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flicker of burning ambition hid in Lang Xiaoba’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Power was right before him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The captains surged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wu xiu led the charge, too impatient to find shovels or hoes—they used their weapons to dig directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the spiritual cultivator who lost his yin soldier forgot his injury and joined the rush to help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The well’s mouth was quickly uncovered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some captains grew impatient and dug with their bare hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every captain’s eyes burned with fierce desire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All believed that unearthing the evil beneath would be a great achievement, earning them promotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like Lang Xiaoba, they were unknowingly infected by a certain “greed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Villagers sought wealth; captains sought power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing paced back and forth at the village entrance—Xu had withdrawn the captains guarding it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, something flashed through the village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing caught a glimpse in his peripheral vision—Zhao Xian and his four companions darted past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes darted, his thoughts stirred with unexpected turbulence…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He now doubted: had this village truly become “Guimen Village”?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of this was Xu’s claim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After our arrival, we never verified it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we were merely fooled by his words…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu followed his own “investigation logic” to find the boy’s home—clearly, his skill was inferior to mine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I could expose his trickery, then solve the village’s mystery, I’d prove I was far superior to Xu!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Greed for “victory” made him grit his teeth and decide to risk it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked to Lu Renxing’s side and whispered his plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Renxing also doubted: “You mean we send someone in to confirm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing nodded. “An’s orders were to bring Xu back. If we sit here like fools, waiting to be fooled… how will we explain to An?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Renxing worried: it wouldn’t just be about “explanations”—he’d be scolded by An, never trusted again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We truly can’t do nothing,” Lu Renxing nodded. “Who do we send?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing glanced back—he’d brought a squad of captains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Renxing brought two hundred soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to send the soldiers, but turned to see Lu Renxing watching him with scrutiny—he gritted his teeth: “We each send six. Send a team in. If it’s truly Guimen Village, they can watch each other’s backs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If Xu questions us, we can say we sent reinforcements.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Renxing nodded: “Agreed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both went to pick their men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their subordinates froze in shock!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why not just wait outside?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You fear An’s scolding—so you gamble our lives?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing still blustered: “Don’t worry—I’m seven-tenths certain Xu is lying to us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His men seethed inwardly: if you’re so sure, why don’t you go in and verify yourself?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You won’t go, yet force us to—how cruel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But none dared speak out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Renxing’s side went smoothly—they were soldiers; disobedience meant immediate execution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing’s men pushed and shoved each other. Jia couldn’t force six to go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, Jia Luojing said: “Draw lots.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, six unlucky men were chosen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two sides formed a twelve-man team, hesitating at the village entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After being harshly urged by both commanders, they gritted their teeth and entered the village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once inside, they immediately tried to flee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just verifying, not actually sending them to help Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when these twelve men stepped out, they actually walked out again!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing and Lu Renxing burst into loud laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So it was that brat tricking us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Renxing praised Jia Luojing enthusiastically: “Thank heaven you, Jia Zhanglu, saw through his scheme!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing preened, swaying his head: “Hmph, trying such petty tricks before me? Xu Yuan’s still too green.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both waved their hands: “Enter the village!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing led the charge, storming in with the Shanhe Corps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Renxing followed closely with the River Camp troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire force thundered into the village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clatter of hooves sounded—Zhu Zhanlei had returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Jia Luojing and Lu Renxing lead men into the village, her face paled: “How did you…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing cut her off brusquely: “Platoon Leader Zhu, we’ve all been fooled by Xu Yuan. This village is no Guimen Village!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just tested it—people can enter and exit freely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei’s mind shifted: “You discussed at the village gate whether to send someone in to test if this village had become Guimen Village?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing frowned: “What do you mean, Platoon Leader Zhu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei sighed inwardly: How on earth did you two rise to your ranks?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Try again. See if you can still walk out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing sneered: “What are you questioning, Platoon Leader Zhu? What’s your connection to Xu Yuan? The facts are clear—why defend him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Renxing barked: “Platoon Leader Zhu, remember your position! You’re a Police Inspector of the Shanhe Corps, sent by Commissioner An to escort Xu Yuan back to the Canal Wharf!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Think carefully—do you want to join us, or shall I have my men arrest you and Xu Yuan together?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei showed no fear, replying calmly: “Try it. Just take a few steps—you’ll know the result.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing stormed out angrily: “Fine—I’ll let you see the truth once and for all…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he finished speaking, he felt something was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His vision suddenly blurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few steps, he found himself back where he started!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t left the village!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Impossible!” Jia Luojing stared wide-eyed, lunged toward the village gate again—and once more, inexplicably returned to his original spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone behind him fell utterly silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d all seen it: Commander Jia Luojing, bizarrely spinning in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No… no… no…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Panic erupted. Everyone scrambled toward the village gate, the formation collapsing into chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon, every last shred of hope shattered—they couldn’t escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each time, their vision blurred, and they found themselves back where they began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Th-this… this…” The Shanhe Corps men turned pale, stammering incoherently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The River Camp soldiers, with no restraint, erupted in curses at Jia Luojing: “You bastard Jia Luojing! Even as a ghost I won’t let you live!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We were fine outside! You dragged us all into this death trap!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Renxing was terrified too, glaring at Jia Luojing: “What madness possessed me to follow your advice? What do we do now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing’s brow knotted, his body trembling, completely disoriented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sending men in was a desperate gamble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought he’d win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d truly believed he had won—that’s why he rushed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what if he lost? He’d never considered that possibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So now, he had no idea what to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei shook his head in silence: “You discussed testing at the village gate—of course the Guimen Village’s mystery let you succeed, luring you all inside! How could you possibly think…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He might as well have said: Jia Luojing, you’re an idiot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One River Camp soldier dropped to his knees: “Platoon Leader Zhu, save us! We have no one else to turn to…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei waved: “Stand up, all of you. No need for such obeisance—I’ll spare no effort. Now…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei thought a moment: “Go find Xu Yuan. Ask him to protect you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Renxing quickly added: “Yes, come with me—we’ll find Commander Xu!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He, as commander, had trusted a traitor and led them all into this death. If he didn’t act fast to calm his men, mutiny was imminent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing hated the idea of begging Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the River Camp soldiers surged past him in a thundering wave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dared not lift a finger to stop them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he spoke another word now, the entire River Camp would tear him apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the River Camp passed, Jia Luojing looked around—his side was empty. The twelve Shanhe Corps captains were gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d blended into the River Camp and left with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei stood outside, coldly watching Jia Luojing: “What are you waiting for? Is your pride worth your life? Do you still think you’re stronger than Xu Yuan—that you can break this Guimen Village alone and walk out alive?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing’s face burned crimson, but his defiance crumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bowed his head and hurried after the group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan didn’t return to the ancestral hall—he went straight to the dry well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Commander Xu suspected the dry well had been prepared—his men would “discover” something there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From afar, Xu Yuan saw everyone frantically digging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The well’s mouth had been widened into a deep pit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens were inside, digging downward in a state of “frenzy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lang XiaoBa was among them, constantly directing everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan frowned inwardly, still concealed by “Dragon Spits Mist,” and crept closer for a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the captains dug, a blood mist rose from the depths of the dry well—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The evil can’t hold back!” Lang XiaoBa shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several alchemists, ready, spat fire at the mist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Streams of internal fire encircled the mist, searing it fiercely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A piercing scream came from within—the evil was badly wounded, tried to break free several times, then sank back into the well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The captains cheered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lang XiaoBa ordered: “Dig! Keep digging! Drag out this evil and destroy it—we’ll break Guimen Village and earn great merit!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!” the captains chorused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They dug harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan murmured inwardly: “Something’s off…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan activated “Viewing Fate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His captains’ “fates” were all coated in yin energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not like the possessed villagers—where yin energy condensed into a single thread hidden within the fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This yin energy clung like dust to the surface of their “fates.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if their “fates” had become sticky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deeper they dug, the heavier the yin energy became.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan’s original plan was to let events unfold—see what the rope evil had prepared in the dry well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now he couldn’t wait. If he waited longer, Lang XiaoBa and the others would turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan was about to reveal himself when he suddenly heard Lang XiaoBa say to everyone: “The Commander has shown us great grace. Now that we’ve uncovered vital clues, this is our chance to earn merit and repay him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The captains nodded eagerly: “True! The Commander treats us like brothers—I’ve always worried I could never repay him…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Xu Yuan’s “Viewing Fate” vision, as these words rang out, the dust-like yin clinging to their “fates” suddenly drifted away!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if the “stickiness” on their “fates” had vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their “fates” became clear as mirrors!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The evil’s corruption receded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan remained hidden, puzzled: Why did this happen?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The captains still dug with vigor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the eerie feeling from the dry well’s depths began slowly fading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blood mists that occasionally rose, the faint growls—they grew fainter and vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they dug, Lang XiaoBa suddenly realized something was wrong. He looked down—and exploded in rage: “The evil escaped!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lang XiaoBa smacked his forehead: Dammit! I just said, “The Commander has shown us great grace”—I accidentally revealed I’m not the Commander!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be that phrase made the evil see through me—and flee?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lang Xiaoba regretted deeply, but also found it strange—given my level, I shouldn’t have made such a stupid mistake while impersoning the official.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover… the other Captains didn’t warn me; they made the same mistake I did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lang Xiaoba recalled his state just now and realized that at that moment, his mind held only one powerful thought: “Earn merit and receive reward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This thought suppressed all other thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It caused him to… lose his reason!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other Captains were probably the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is all the work of that damned evil spirit!” Lang Xiaoba couldn’t help cursing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan had just figured it out too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hidden evil spirit could stir up desires of all depths within people’s hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Desires drove people mad, made them fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now, it had awakened in the hearts of all in the Purification Office the desire for “merit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the evil spirit never imagined that the root of everyone’s desire for “merit”—including Lang Xiaoba’s—was to repay their benefactor’s kindness!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This prevented the evil spirit from carrying out its next two steps: “madness” and “corruption.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They sought merit not for themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corruption vanished completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Captains began to curse loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of the Captains were crude men; their curses were filthy, aimed squarely at the evil spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>True, my lord didn’t need to show himself—but the plan to observe secretly and play the role of the opportunistic oriole had still failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Master Xu was still deeply relieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sincerity begets sincerity: he had treated his subordinates kindly, and they were fiercely loyal to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the world was full of cases where sincerity met with treachery, at least his own yamen had none.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Yu Yun ran up, frantic: “My lord, you must return at once—something terrible has happened!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yun rushed straight to Lang Xiaoba: “Lu Renxing and Jia Luojing have brought everyone inside!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lang Xiaoba was stunned: “Huh?! These fools! But… but I’m not the official…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lang Xiaoba knew he was already exposed, so he swept his hand across his face and restored his true appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where’s the official?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan’s voice sounded beside him, then he appeared, heading straight for the ancestral hall: “What are these fools doing?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yun and the others hurried after him; Yu Yun added specifically behind the official: “Inspector Zhu did not follow them in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan glanced at him oddly—why are you emphasizing this to me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yun chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu Yuan, prompted by those words, had a new thought—he changed direction and headed toward the village entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was better to ask Zhu Zhanlei what had happened than to go back and question Lu Renxing and Jia Luojing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei saw Xu Yuan emerge and sighed: “Those two fools have dragged you down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan: “What exactly happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei explained the whole sequence, then suddenly made a gesture to Xu Yuan, slipped away to write a letter, and shot it to him with a bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan raised an eyebrow, opened the letter, and read it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The letter detailed Zhu Zhanlei’s observations after circling the village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Inspector Zhu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the ancestral hall, Xiang Qinghuai stared helplessly at Lu Renxing, Jia Luojing, and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Assistant Regional Commander, a Head of Discipline—both held high ranks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could the Great Ming have such stupid officials?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Renxing kept glaring at Jia Luojing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Renxing didn’t think he’d done anything seriously wrong; he firmly believed he’d been dragged down by this fool!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The river camp soldiers felt the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If looks could kill, Jia Luojing would have been cut to pieces a thousand times over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing’s heart… was in turmoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He desperately hoped Xu Yuan could break the Guimencun .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he still harbored some resentment toward Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Xu Yuan truly succeeded, it would prove Jia Luojing was truly inferior—so he was stuck in doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, his life mattered more, so Jia Luojing stayed obedient, never daring to speak out again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, voices rang out: “The official is back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Renxing rushed out: “Master Xu—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Renxing extended both hands to grasp Xu Yuan’s, but the official dodged aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing followed out, trying to edge closer to Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan raised a hand: “Stay away from me—I fear your stupidity might be contagious!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing’s face flushed crimson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he dared not argue with Master Xu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Renxing added coldly: “Get lost!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Luojing turned and walked away without a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan whispered to Lu Renxing: “I didn’t mean to humiliate him—I have matters to discuss with you, and I don’t want him to know. He’s stubborn, lacks self-awareness, and I fear he’ll sabotage the plan if he finds out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Renxing nodded vigorously, his attitude toward Master Xu now utterly changed: “Master Xu is right! I’ve finally seen it—this fellow loves to play petty tricks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan quietly explained his plan to Lu Renxing, who nodded and said: “Rest assured, I’ll give you full cooperation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3256,"2026-06-20T12:07:24.624Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","94b74ef47a3293a644c93aaba3f35579eae471404b0e527069937c48e87fec61","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-390","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-388",413,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnothing-is-taboo-cover.jpg"]