[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-nothing-is-taboo":3,"chapter-nothing-is-taboo-nothing-is-taboo-chapter-60":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},2310445,4514,"Chapter 60: Six Villages","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-60",60,"\u003Cp>The paper was as thin as a cicada’s wing, clearly no ordinary thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou and Yan Lao both clearly felt that this thin sheet held an immensely powerful mysterious force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brush had been specially treated by a Craft Cultivator; storing it inside could mask that aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Lao couldn’t help saying: “This contract… even if signed by someone of the Upper Three Streams, must be obeyed—death cannot break it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou spread the contract on the table and lightly tapped its surface with his finger: “The biggest problem is this seal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The contract was blank, but in one corner, a red private seal had already been stamped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though merely a private seal, it was infamous—Ma Tianshou and Yan Lao recognized it at a glance: it belonged to that one person in Beidu!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, neither dared speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had been dragged into a “Tongtian”-level incident!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, Ma Tianshou rolled up the contract and returned it to the brush shaft, then tightened the ivory cap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This matter must never be revealed to anyone!” Ma Tianshou warned solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Lao immediately nodded: “I’ll take it to my grave!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou said no more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for what Ma Tianshou truly thought inside, Yan Lao could not judge, nor did he wish to speculate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, Yan Lao himself had no intention of getting involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan treated his injuries with medicinal pills, and his wounds slowly healed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of the herbs collected from Wangxiang Village were unfamiliar to Xu Yuan, yet the medicinal pills they produced were exceptionally potent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, the sun gradually sank westward; a Captain in the Purification Office’s uniform stood guard at the door, his sleeve lacking cloud patterns—lowest rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looks like I won’t be going back tonight,” Xu Yuan thought silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After waiting a while longer, Xu Yuan heard footsteps outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Captain at the door called out, “My lord,” and opened the door for the newcomer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou entered, accompanied this time by Fu Jingyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou had already spoken with his two students before coming to see Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan rose immediately to greet him; Fu Jingyu introduced: “This is my master, Deputy Commander Ma Tianshou of the Purification Office’s Jiaozhi South Bureau.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Greetings, Master Ma,” Xu Yuan bowed with clasped fists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou sat down and waved his hand lightly: “Sit and speak.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan sat. Fu Jingyu maintained proper disciple etiquette, standing by to serve tea to both.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou apologized: “You were attacked under our Purification Office’s protection—we owe you a debt.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord, you speak too highly,” Xu Yuan hurriedly replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s the truth,” Ma Tianshou said. “But you surprised me—you killed two Seventh Streamers single-handedly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan wanted to deny it, to repeat what he’d told Yan Lao, but as he opened his mouth, he saw the amusement lurking in Ma Tianshou’s eyes—and closed it again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t a bluff; he’d already been certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan’s mind raced, and he suddenly understood: careless—I forgot Yan the Elder cultivates the “Algorithm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yan the Elder isn’t being fair,” Xu Yuan deliberately showed a hint of complaint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou laughed: “Old ginger is the spiciest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan seized the opening: “You, my lord, aren’t some spicy ginger either—I’m no match for you folks…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough! Cough! Cough!” Fu Jingyu coughed loudly beside him, interrupting Xu Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s my master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou laughed louder, waving at his obedient student: “It’s fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Jingyu instantly stopped coughing, as if he’d swallowed a Medicinal Cultivator’s pill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou turned back to Xu Yuan: “I originally wanted to ask how you killed those two Seventh Streamers, but since you’ve said this, I won’t ask.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, my lord, for your generosity!” Xu Yuan gushed: “I was presumptuous just now—my lord truly has the breadth of a chancellor, understanding and compassionate toward juniors, and exceptionally kind…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough, enough,” Ma Tianshou cut him off, turning serious: “Now let’s speak of the matter at hand. You went to Wangjing Fang  and wisely returned all those items.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Xu Yuan was truly “wise”—he no longer denied having gone to Wangjing Fang .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Er… I overheard an elder saying he was looking for something, and mistakenly thought I had it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou: “The thing they sought is indeed among the items you returned.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan’s expression changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou spoke calmly: “But since you returned them voluntarily, this matter is now our Purification Office’s responsibility.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Xu Yuan genuinely raised his thumb: “My lord, you’re a true gentleman!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now let’s discuss your personal affairs,” Ma Tianshou gestured to Fu Jingyu: “You may leave. No need to serve here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Jingyu bowed and withdrew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan was baffled—my personal affairs?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou said: “I can have Yan Lao send you back immediately. From now on, you’ll cultivate quietly in Hegong Alley. As long as you don’t leave, I’m certain Hegong Alley can protect your safety.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In about three to five months, I’ll resolve Chen Liangxuan’s matter, and you’ll be safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That is your first option.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan nodded, not rushing to respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou’s proposal meant the Purification Office would take full responsibility for everything ahead—he’d only need to hide at home for three to five months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your second option: join us in investigating this case. You’re capable, and as a firsthand witness, you hold great advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I know Hegong Alley hides old secrets, so your family likely won’t want you involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in my view, you’re precisely the one suited to ‘break the deadlock’—Hegong Alley has lingered in the past too long; it’s time to move forward…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan couldn’t help asking: “What old secrets?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou stroked his beard: “That’s your family matter—I can’t reveal it. Ask Lin Wanmo yourself. But… you may deliver this message to Lin Wanmo: Over a hundred years have passed; few in the court still remember the so-called ‘Six Villages’ Rebels.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan frowned—Rebels? Did my ancestors rebel back then?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Tianshou continued: “Enough. Let’s continue. If you join Jingyu and the others on this case, upon success, I’ll reward you with a proper status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I may even petition the Son of Heaven to erase Hegong Alley’s past crimes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I came to Shanhe County because I’ve already gathered some leads—I won’t act without cause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Zia’s base is in Qihetai Town; the key to this case lies precisely in Qihetai and Ghost Witch Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You know Ghost Witch Mountain well—you’ll surely aid Jingyu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, Ma Tianshou asked: “Which of the two options do you choose?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yuan answered without hesitation: “I choose the first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Requesting monthly votes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1104,"2026-06-20T12:07:23.516Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","d6bdb64e21830907026ff9c390fbf2fe16c0cf7802c7124d958e5ddbeb2a673c","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-61","nothing-is-taboo-chapter-59",413,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnothing-is-taboo-cover.jpg"]