[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-nothing-is-taboo":3,"chapter-nothing-is-taboo-nothing-is-taboo-chapter-411":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},2310796,4514,"Chapter 411: The Time to Perform Has Come (Combined Three Parts)","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-411",411,"\u003Cp>Xu Yuan guessed correctly, but there were still parts he hadn’t figured out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Qi and the other three had all grown up with the Young Lady and understood her temperament well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Qushui Office’s Jiaozhi South Branch, when selecting targets from the bounty-listed malevolent spirits, the four worked in perfect harmony, using subtle verbal tactics to indirectly guide the Young Lady into choosing this Nail Head Abscess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This malevolent spirit was exceedingly rare and possessed strange abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in truth, even if possessed by it, one would not die immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the Young Lady suffered misfortune, there would still be room to recover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the four would rather die than ever reveal this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For servants to “control” their masters through such means is a grave taboo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had the Young Lady’s safety not been paramount, they would never have resorted to this tactic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Qi grew even more certain that this young man had become Zhanglu through his own abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a pity—such a talented youth was not born into a good family; otherwise, his future would have been truly boundless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then…” Xu Yuan continued, “tomorrow, during the pursuit of the Nail Head Abscess, I’ll do my best to let it escape.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he had said this when they first met, Geng Qi would have bluntly replied, “No need to hold back—go all out. That Nail Head Abscess is cunning and slippery; even full pursuit won’t catch it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, Geng Qi nodded repeatedly: “Master Xu, please be merciful—don’t actually capture it. We’ll all remember this favor of yours, Zhanglu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two reached an agreement, and Xu Yuan immediately took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never so much as glanced into the courtyard the entire time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Qi nodded inwardly: This young man is truly cautious—he never invites trouble upon himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan returned to his room and took out the case documents, adding a new section to the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He offered a few words to exonerate the local County Magistrate and emphasized how effectively he had handled the resettlement of disaster victims after the calamity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Xu Yuan took his official seal and stamped it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiao Ba.” He called out. Lang Xiao Ba immediately pushed the door open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Take this dossier to the County Magistrate. Ask him to review it again. If there are no issues, send it to the South Branch tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lang Xiao Ba took the documents. The County Magistrate read them and wept with gratitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Never mind that Xu Yuan had previously made promises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In officialdom, verbal promises were often reneged upon after the fact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was rare to find an official as straightforward as Master Xu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, the County Magistrate invited Master Xu to a banquet again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The venue was the most elegant place in the county: “Pipa Pavilion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The County Magistrate personally explained to Xu Yuan the charms of the “Pipa Pavilion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside were four top-tier courtesans, purchased at great expense by the owner from the Southern Capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four girls had fingers like spring scallions—graceful, nimble, and their pipa skills were top-tier even by Zhengzhou standards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They could compose poetry and couplets, and were skilled in ink wash painting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were first-class talents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Xu seemed to be swayed by the description.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The banquet had been prepared the very day Xu Yuan arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that the case was settled, Xu Yuan no longer refused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu Yuan said: “No need to go to Pipa Pavilion. Staying overnight outside the yamen is inconvenient. Let’s hold it here, in the back courtyard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The County Magistrate understood at once and arranged the banquet in the yamen’s back courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four pipa-playing girls from Pipa Pavilion were also summoned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan got thoroughly drunk; laughter and merriment of men and women echoed through the night air of the back courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This left the Young Lady both exasperated and amused. She said to Wei Shi: “Auntie, you’ve been guarding me so tightly you scared him—so much so that you even broke the law by hosting prostitutes in the yamen, just to sully your own reputation before me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Shi felt awkward. My Young Lady is as brilliant as ice and snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet she did not blame Xu Yuan for going too far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One must know gratitude—what was Xu Yuan striving so hard for?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan slept until the sun was high the next day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady sent Geng Jiu twice to inquire. Both times, Lang Xiao Ba answered with a grim face: “My lord has not yet awakened.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Shi assumed Xu Yuan had overexerted himself, but she did not know this was a stratagem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was solely to delay their departure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To let the Nail Head Abscess run farther away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it wouldn’t be accidentally caught.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They waited until the hour of Si, two parts in, before Xu Yuan finally rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After washing and a light breakfast, he formally apologized to the Young Lady, who had already grown impatient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke of “last night’s indulgence” and similar excuses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind her veil, the Young Lady’s peach-blossom eyes couldn’t help rolling another white one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go quickly—Auntie has already traced the Nail Head Abscess’s whereabouts…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Young Lady spoke, the County Magistrate arrived, smiling: “Master Xu, those four girls last night fell head over heels for you. I noticed you have no servant to pour tea or attend you, so I took the liberty of purchasing them and present them to you—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four girls, holding pipas, stood behind the County Magistrate, blushing yet expectant as they gazed at Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could finish, someone interrupted him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Shuangqiu burst in with a voice like a bronze bell: “My lord, Zhanglu Zhu has arrived!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Xu Yuan was still wondering who this “Zhanglu Zhu” was, a lithe, agile figure stepped out from behind Ji Shuangqiu’s sturdy frame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanmei!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had been promoted to Zhanglu since last they met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her official robes were new.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her attire was bright, her face composed and cool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked displeased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan stared, dumbfounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt some cosmic law had been triggered…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The seasoned official, the County Magistrate, sensed something instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately fell silent and dared not mention giving Xu Yuan women again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped back, his left hand behind his back, gesturing to the four pipa girls: Leave at once!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Young Lady suddenly spoke: “County Magistrate, you’re truly generous. How much silver did you spend to buy these four courtesans for Zhanglu Xu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old official’s mind couldn’t keep up: My Young Lady, so brilliant—why are you pouring oil on the fire now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The County Magistrate glanced between Zhu Zhanmei and the Young Lady—he couldn’t shake the feeling that the Young Lady was enjoying this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan acted decisively, waving his hand: “I appreciate the County Magistrate’s kindness, but I’m used to being alone. Thank you, but please take the girls back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!” The County Magistrate hurriedly shoved the four girls out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan turned to Zhu Zhanmei: “Why are you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanmei glanced at the Young Lady beside her—she knew who this noblewoman was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she couldn’t fathom how this woman had become entangled with Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Ma ordered me to summon you to Luocheng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Commander Ma sent you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanmei was from Shanhe Office. If Ma Tianshou wanted to summon Xu Yuan, he’d send someone from Qushui Office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanmei said: “Something major has happened in Luocheng. The court has secretly issued orders—Qushui Office, Shanhe Office, and the Demon Extermination Army are now uniting to respond together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go inside,” Xu Yuan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The courtyard was too crowded—secrets could leak easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanmei and Xu Yuan entered together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A diplomatic delegation arrived from India—but they’re all blue-eyed barbarians!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan frowned: “Blue-eyed barbarians?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve learned through various channels that the blue-eyed barbarians have conquered Southern India…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanmei detailed all known information to Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ming Court had grand ambitions; some in the court even had a long-term plan to launch two-pronged invasions and fully conquer India.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumor had it the greatest driving force behind this plan was the River Dragon King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>India has a great river—the River Dragon King covets it above all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The court’s massive plan called for fifty thousand troops and three million laborers and conscripts!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now the blue-eyed barbarians have seized India first!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They say the blue-eyed barbarians’ military advance in India has been swift and unstoppable, encountering little serious resistance. After landing with steamships, they conquered all of Southern India in just half a year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan frowned: “What’s their purpose in sending this delegation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To flaunt their military might and warn our court against meddling in India again. More than half of the delegation are their ‘professionals.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s said they also brought several artifacts as “gifts” for the Son of Heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These artifacts are terrifying in power—latest achievements of the Blue-Eyed Barbarians.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan sneered. Are they here to scare us?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’ve fought the Blue-Eyed Barbarians before—and the Ming Court won.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’ve reached Chancheng?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not yet. Probably five days away,” Zhu Zhanlei said. “But the situation is grim. They passed through the Demon-Slaying Army’s territory and likely clashed with them several times in secret.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Demon-Slaying Army gave vague reports, but they probably suffered heavy losses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan understood: “So the Court plans to teach them a lesson in Chancheng?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei nodded. “The Court entrusted this matter to Elder Ma. Right now, all three Ghost Affairs Offices in Chancheng answer to Elder Ma.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m delivering a batch of military supplies to Luocheng—he told me to bring you word: be in Luocheng in five days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan nodded, then suddenly realized: “You’re passing right through Shiping County.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. I was passing outside the city, had no intention of entering—then I ran into Ji Shuangqiu. She told me you were inside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What are you doing wandering outside the city at this hour, Ji Shuangqiu?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan mentally marked down a debt to this good man, Ji Shuangqiu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chancheng has no River Patrol stationed there. Who are you delivering these supplies to?” Xu Yuan asked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There will be one soon,” Zhu Zhanlei said. “The Court is about to settle the matter of the Prince’s Consort. An order has been issued: station five hundred River Troops near the Chancheng docks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This batch of supplies was sent ahead to build the garrison.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Five hundred troops? What good will that do against Ghost Witch Mountain?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei: “The Court’s intent is likely steady advancement, slow encirclement. But perhaps… they’re currently powerless against Ruan Tianye, so they’re just putting on a show—can’t let the Prince’s Consort be killed without any response.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan vaguely felt it wouldn’t be this simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But regardless… this was his chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could work in secret to make trouble for Ruan Tianye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just how strong is this Blue-Eyed Barbarian delegation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Elder Ma has already sent people to investigate,” Zhu Zhanlei said, sounding annoyed. “The Demon-Slaying Army won’t tell us a thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan felt a wave of disgust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Typical of the Demon-Slaying Army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They took a beating and lost face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Court assigned Ma Tianshou to restore honor in Luocheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Demon-Slaying Army doesn’t want the Cleansing Office or Shanhe Office to steal the spotlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We lost. If you win, does that make me a useless fool?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So the Demon-Slaying Army secretly hopes Ma Tianshou fails—and refuses to share intelligence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan shook his head. “The Ghost Case in Shiping County is resolved, but I owe that outsider a favor. Yesterday I promised to help her track down a malevolent spirit—I can’t return to Chancheng with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei “Oh”ed, glanced at Xu Yuan, and couldn’t help warning: “That girl’s background isn’t simple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan chuckled bitterly. “Do you think that’s why I spent last night drinking and carousing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei’s eyes flickered, her mood suddenly brightened, a smile tugging at her lips: “Why are you explaining to me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan: “…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After they stepped out, Xu Yuan said to the Young Lady: “My business here is done. I can now set out to pursue the Dingtoujie.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Shi said: “That malevolent spirit went to Chancheng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan froze: It went to my Chancheng!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei had almost left the courtyard, but stopped at this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan smiled: “Perfect. Let’s head back to Chancheng together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady studied Zhu Zhanlei, then Xu Yuan, with keen interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew this Zhu family’s third daughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then let’s go,” the Young Lady said cheerfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The County Magistrate, too ashamed to face Xu my lord, didn’t come out to see them off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He assigned Wei Zhenbang to escort them all out of the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the road, Wei Shi said to Xu Yuan: “I can only narrow the thing’s location to Changhuai Fang. You’re the Chancheng Zhanglu—how’s the district? Will it be easy to capture?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Shi already knew about Xu Yuan’s “agreement” with Geng Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This question gave Xu Yuan a chance to list difficulties—so if he failed to catch the Dingtoujie, the Young Lady would understand it wasn’t his fault, sparing him blame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when Wei Shi said “Changhuai Fang,” she noticed Xu Yuan’s expression suddenly changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, Xu Yuan said: “I know Changhuai Fang better than anyone!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Shi sensed something odd—this sounded like gritted teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady and Geng Qi and the others stared at Xu Yuan in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Zhu Zhanlei suddenly remembered something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Shuangqiu, that good man, raised his bushy eyebrows and bellowed: “What?! The malevolent spirit went to our base?! Prince Fu Jingyu is still on patrol in the Nan Cheng Watchhouse!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chancheng Cleansing Office Zhanglu, Xu Yuan, had deep feelings for Changhuai Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least for now, he ranked it as his “second hometown.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the Nan Cheng Watchhouse was in Changhuai Fang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the future, when Xu my lord rises higher and spends more time elsewhere, this “second hometown” might change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for now, Xu my lord would not allow a malevolent spirit to run rampant in Changhuai Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially since Fu Jingyu and Song Lu were both there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan suddenly raised his hand and ordered: “Post the speed notice—full speed back to Chancheng!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!” His subordinate captains chorused, tying speed notices to their horses’ legs and galloping off in a cloud of dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan didn’t even greet Geng Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He and Geng Qi had agreed to let the Dingtoujie escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now this thing had gone to Changhuai Fang—if it caused real disaster, how could Xu my lord let it live?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t afford to explain further to Geng Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady and her four companions stared, bewildered: What just happened?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei couldn’t keep up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was escorting military supplies—dozens of carts, over a hundred men—forced to move slowly along the main road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Ershi came over to ask; Zhu Zhanlei told her the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Qi’s expression turned strange. He turned his head aside, avoiding the Young Lady’s gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could this be so unlucky?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Qi couldn’t accuse Xu Yuan of breaking his word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady clapped her hands repeatedly, delighted: “We’ll post speed notices too—chase after them! The malevolent spirit has ruffled Xu Zhanglu’s beard—he’ll be furious and catch it for sure!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Qi and Wei Shi and the others were reluctant, but couldn’t disobey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhanlei thought inwardly: You guessed right!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they came, every member of the Cleansing Office had posted speed notices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was because the case was urgent—they needed to reach Shiping County fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But on the return trip, Xu my lord wanted to save effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t even get to save it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This group galloped twenty li—then the Young Lady and her four companions easily caught up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speed notices varied in quality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Qi had been looking for a chance to speak privately with Xu Yuan, away from the Young Lady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu my lord gave him no opportunity until they entered Chancheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dingtoujie parasitizes inside a human brain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This malevolent spirit is half-physical, half-shadow-soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its physical form is a tiny worm, no bigger than a needle’s eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its shadow-soul portion, however, spans half a zhang wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When spread out, it resembles a giant umbrella.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By rotating and drifting with its shadow-soul, it can move freely through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yesterday, it entered Chancheng through the South Gate and gently trembled its shadow-umbrella.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was one of its ghost techniques—allowing it to sense whether any threats existed in the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it detected one, it would leave without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had always escaped Geng Qi and the others thanks to this technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, yesterday Xu my lord and Da Fu were both absent from Chancheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one in the city could threaten it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Tou Jie rejoiced: this vast city, with hundreds of thousands of people, was all his!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It spun and drifted into Changhuai Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A parasol half a zhang wide trembled, allowing it to clearly sense the strength of all within a ten-zhang radius below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding Tou Jie preferred to parasitize cultivators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ninth-rank Law Cultivator, a Captain of the Southern City Patrol Station, happened to pass by; Ding Tou Jie drifted down and settled behind his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just an arm’s length away—neither too close nor too far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one else could see it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It did not act immediately; at this stage, Ding Tou Jie retracted its half-zhang-wide yin parasol, dragging it behind like the tail of a goldfish, swaying as it glided through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Captain passed down an alley, empty ahead and behind; Ding Tou Jie lunged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It drilled a hole no larger than a needle point into the back of his skull and slipped inside; the yin parasol rapidly expanded, filling the entire cranial cavity, sucking dry his brain matter!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Captain collapsed face-first, eyes rolling back, his whole body convulsing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A porter passed through the alley, saw the fallen Captain, and hurried forward: “My lord, my lord? What’s wrong with you…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Captain suddenly stiffened, startling the porter into a backward stumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the Captain stood up, brushed the dust off his body, ignored the porter entirely, and walked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The porter shook his head, baffled: “Strange…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Captain returned smoothly to the Southern City Patrol Station, then awkwardly greeted his colleagues, claiming he felt unwell and retired to his room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having consumed the brain matter, Ding Tou Jie needed a full night to digest it before birthing a brood of offspring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brain matter of a ninth-rank Law Cultivator would allow it to produce at least a hundred offspring at once!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For an ordinary person, it could produce at most twenty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan led his team racing toward the city; the guards at the Western City Gate saw them from afar and urgently cleared the roads inside and outside the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Xu is in such a hurry—he must have something urgent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan did not slow down at all, charging straight through the city gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Shi, ever observant, deduced from this detail: this young Zhanglu held immense prestige within the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Jingyu was diligently processing documents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must ensure not a single procedural error.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan rushed in; the Captains along the way saluted: “My lord!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Jingyu smiled upon seeing him: “You’re back…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan first used “Wang Ming” to scan him, then exhaled deeply and asked gravely: “Are all the brothers on duty today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All are here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Has anyone requested leave?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No,” Fu Jingyu frowned slightly. “What’s happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan said: “Gather all the brothers immediately. I’ll explain slowly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.” Fu Jingyu left at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, everyone in the Southern City Patrol Station was assembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Twelve brothers are out patrolling the streets.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Send men to recall them immediately,” Xu Yuan emphasized: “You go yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.” Fu Jingyu headed out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he stepped outside, Xu Yuan raised his hand; the Filth Net shot out with a whoosh, spreading rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It enveloped the entire courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Filth threads crawled everywhere—on the ground, walls, ceiling—everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Qi and Wei Shi had tried to block the Young Lady from entering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they couldn’t stop her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now seeing Xu Yuan’s grand display, the four immediately surrounded the Young Lady in the center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Jiu whispered: “Does Master Xu have a way to see through Ding Tou Jie?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Geng Qi shook his head slightly—he didn’t know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan activated “Wang Ming,” scanning everyone once, then relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the brothers in the Southern City Patrol Station were unharmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then Xu Yuan suddenly realized another possibility: could one of the twelve patrolling Captains be infected?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so, Fu Jingyu might be in danger!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan spun around and dashed out; halfway there, he suddenly remembered something and shouted: “Da Fu!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Da Fu’s long neck slithered out from behind Xu Yuan’s back, his head twisting left and right, looking utterly dim-witted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan grabbed him up, ignoring Da Fu’s fierce resistance: “It’s time to prove yourself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he rushed out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady’s interest surged: Da Fu was so adorable—could he really catch evil spirits?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, why would Xu Yuan say that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hurry, hurry, follow!” the Young Lady urged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four Wei soldiers reluctantly trailed behind, dragging their feet, twenty zhang back from Master Xu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan emerged onto the street, asked at shops, and learned which direction Fu Jingyu had gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately gave chase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Shi guessed Xu Yuan’s thought, yet found it odd: “Is he so certain Ding Tou Jie has parasitized a Quhui Corps Captain?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, Xu Yuan wasn’t certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in his mind, the Captains of the Southern City Patrol Station were his own men—of course they ranked higher than ordinary people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Xu needed to confirm his own men were safe first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why he came straight to the Southern City Patrol Station after entering the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The twelve Captains were split into two squads, each patrolling fixed routes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Jingyu found the first squad and immediately waved: “Cease patrol. Return with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!” The six bowed in response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As one Captain spoke, a Ding Tou Jie spat out of his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Jingyu turned to leave; the Ding Tou Jie darted after him, ready to drill into the back of his skull!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a white shadow lunged forward and clamped its jaws around the insect!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ding Tou Jie thrashed violently, revealing its true form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Da Fu didn’t care—he stretched his neck and swallowed it whole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Lady, watching from behind, gasped, her cherry lips wide enough to fit an egg, her eyes sparkling: “So adorable—and so powerful?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3768,"2026-06-20T12:07:25.031Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","cdfa6daa6a0b1c7e602bdab21e247e7cc4329a7478a7373c613ac446d8f17415","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-412","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-410",413,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnothing-is-taboo-cover.jpg"]