Chapter 161: Divine Dan Pill

Wen Gu analyzed the behavioral patterns of the Caishan Horse Bandits from all the records in the case files.

If they were truly hiding in Xinzhou City, they might have been terrified by the Plague Ghosts outside at first, but after a long time, they would certainly have figured out the routine and waited for an opportunity to act.

A while ago, major events occurred in Xinzhou one after another, and the Patrol Guard Division took turns with "continuous connection" and "small elimination" operations, keeping the whole city on edge; any unusual movement would easily attract attention. If they had other intentions, they could only remain in hiding.

Looking further ahead, the most likely timing should be when both inside and outside Xinzhou are busy, and the number of people entering and exiting the city gates is high. For example, when the Autumn Hunt begins.

At that time, the number of merchant caravans coming and going increases, and the flow of vehicles, horses, and people at the city gates is high, making it easier to exploit loopholes.

Compared to food, the horse bandits have a greater need for various medicinal materials.

This is not an ordinary chaotic era; if there is a need to go out, the demand for medicinal materials must be very high, and it is not just for treating illnesses, but also for exorcising and avoiding the plague, such as those Incense Pills refined by Qingyi Daozhang—as long as one carries one on their person, it can greatly mask their scent and avoid being hunted by Plague Ghosts, until the Incense Pill loses its effect.

These are all consumables.

If they want to rob a wave and leave, they will definitely keep their eyes on good things to rob.

Lao Zhao said firmly, "We must eliminate the hidden danger as soon as possible!"

For this purpose, he approved all the suggestions Wen Gu made.

Lao Zhao reminded Wen Gu, "Some horse bandits are very skilled at night raids; one must never be careless with night patrols and guards!"

Those horse bandits know how to enhance their night vision; when people with night blindness are completely confused, they can already accurately find their targets.

Although these are all just guesses, precautions must be taken.

After Wen Gu left, Lao Zhao summoned several generals of the City Defense Army for a secret talk.

Regarding the speculation about the Caishan Horse Bandits, none of the generals thought Wen Gu was alarmist; they had truly come into contact with the horse bandits, and they truly knew what they were capable of doing!

If Xinzhou City were to be robbed by horse bandits, not only would there be a loss of wealth and goods, but their dignity would also be trampled under horse hooves, becoming a joke passed on to other forces in Beidi.

The most fatal point is that those large families and major forces still on the sidelines might continue to waver, or give up supporting Xinzhou and turn to support others—if you can't even defend against mere mountain bandits, how can we feel assured in supporting you?

This dark nail must be pulled out first!

Whether the Caishan "Flying Car Bandits" are hiding in Xinzhou City will be known once we set out bait to fish for them.

Another major event is happening in Xinzhou City!

A good thing!

Nowadays, in Xinzhou City, there is a new hot topic of discussion among the people.

"I heard Qingyun Temple is going to hold a large-scale Dharma Assembly to exorcise evil and pray for blessings!"

"The time was also calculated by Qingyi Immortal; it is absolutely an auspicious day and hour. I also heard that on this day, the Immortal will open the furnace to practice Alchemy!"

To most ordinary people, Qingyi Daozhang is already at the "Immortal" level, and they are very respectful in their speech.

"What kind of Dan Pill is he refining?" someone who was not well-informed asked curiously.

"I heard it's a Dan Pill for exorcising evil!" an Idler said.

"Just this? Haven't they refined it before!"

"This time is different; this time the hour has been calculated, and it can receive the protection of the gods! When a Daoist practices Alchemy, they talk about Qi, karma, and auspiciousness! The Dan Pill refined at this hour is absolutely different from those in the past!"

The Idler was adamant; he didn't know exactly how it was different, but it was all rumors in the streets anyway.

They believed it deeply!

The topic also attracted more people nearby to join the discussion.

"We can go and watch this time; I must go and see it!"

"I have to squeeze into the front row when the time comes to see what this kind of Dan Pill looks like; if I can get a touch of the immortal aura, that would be even better!"

"According to the people of Qingyun Fang, Qingyi Immortal has already begun fasting."

Qingyun Temple.

Qingyi Daozhang was indeed fasting to show his sincerity.

But it was not that he was doing nothing else.

For the past few days, he had been in a state of excitement, his spirit incomparably full; this Dharma Assembly was the perfect opportunity for him to show his face!

If done well, it could greatly increase his reputation!

The young Daoists also dared not be slack in the slightest; the division of labor was detailed, and they were familiarizing themselves with the ritual process.

For the many preparations in the early stages, Qingyi Daozhang was strict; all kinds of props were carefully selected, and he personally inquired about every detail, busy with everything.

Finally, when he had a moment of leisure to rest, he looked up and found Gou Shusheng sitting not far away drinking tea.

Qingyi Daozhang just wanted to be sarcastic and curse a few times, but he closed his mouth again, constantly chanting to himself: I am fasting, fasting, fasting—my state of mind must be stable! Must be stable! Must be stable!

Soon, he was back to the appearance of a high-level Daoist who is indifferent to fame and wealth, transparent and open-minded.

Wen Gu put down his teacup and said, "You have been waiting for this kind of large-scale Dharma Assembly for a long time, haven't you?"

Qingyi Daozhang decided not to answer.

He asked back, "What are you people up to?"

Wen Gu said, "To pray for the retreat of evil spirits, the peace of the city, and the salvation of all living beings. Just complying with the will of the people."

Qingyi Daozhang: "————"

I believe you, you ghost!

When I, this Daoist, was roaming the Jianghu, you brat were probably still playing with mud!

Qingyi Daozhang had a knack for guessing the thoughts of the nobles.

Sacrifices are conducive to appeasing the hearts of the people, enhancing cohesion, and giving refugees who have fled from various places a greater sense of belonging.

From the perspective of those in power, sacrifices are conducive to building order and are also a management method; they are all core affairs.

Lao Zhao had an attitude of half-believing and half-guarding against religion; to him, sacrifices were nothing more than political tools.

The Zhao Family controlled Xinzhou and would hold a sacrifice from time to time, and would also assign tasks to Qingyi Daozhang, but never with such great momentum and variety as this time.

Qingyi Daozhang was even a little flattered.

If he didn't know that the Zhao Family was still hiding a "high-level person," he would definitely think that the Zhao Family was sincerely supporting him!

But since he knew the Zhao Family had a "high-level expert" they trusted, such enthusiastic support actually made him feel a bit uneasy.

Qingyi Daozhang thought of the other task Wen Gu had stuffed into his hands—

Forget it, let me build up my reputation first!

As for the rest, I'll deal with things as they come!

Soon, the day of the Taoist purification ritual arrived.

This Dharma Assembly allowed commoners to watch, supposedly to increase the sense of participation among the believers.

In this era, commoners were not qualified to participate in many things; even if they were blocked outside, they would not only have no complaints, but would also feel that they were indeed unworthy.

Now that they were allowed to watch, many were grateful and wished they could kneel and thank him on the spot.

Since they could participate, many commoners waited at the ward gate early on. Once the gate opened, they rushed to Qingyun Temple to grab front-row spots, hoping to soak up a bit more immortal energy—who knows, maybe it could change their fate?

The powerful and wealthy, meanwhile, spent money to secure the best spots, the prime locations.

The City Defense Army was maintaining order, and facing those soldiers wearing armor and holding weapons, the onlookers did not dare to cause any trouble at all.

When the time came, the dog Daoist appeared in grand attire, and with the cooperation of the surrounding young Daoists, there was indeed a strong sense of ritual, and the atmosphere at the scene was quite solemn.

Setting up the altar and offerings, burning incense and drawing talismans, performing Bugangbudou, chanting scriptures and reciting spells—

After the whole process was finished, let alone the onlookers, even the soldiers maintaining order looked on with awe.

Qingyi Daozhang observed everyone's reactions at the scene without leaving a trace, feeling very proud.

However, the process wasn't over yet; there was still the task Gou Shusheng had stuffed into his hands!

The young Daoists opened the alchemy furnace, took out several Dan Pills, and placed them on a specially made Tray to show the powerful, wealthy, and common people present.

This proved that the rumor circulating in the ward about "refining Dan Pills at an auspicious time" was not a lie.

Qingyi Daozhang held his posture, listening to the gasps of surprise rising all around, and felt even prouder inside.

This newly refined batch of Exorcism Incense Pills had an extra ingredient added, and the medicinal effect had indeed increased by ten percent; it wasn't false advertising!

Moreover, according to Wen Gu's requirements, the newly added ingredient was not completely mixed with the original herbs, but instead formed distinct, contrasting stripes.

Externally, this was claimed to be the Dan Pattern of the Alchemy.

High-class!

Next time he held a Dharma Assembly, he could make another type of Dan Pattern. Different batches would have different Dan Patterns.

A specially made anti-counterfeiting code—pirates will be prosecuted!

Qingyi Daozhang couldn't help but sigh: Gou Shusheng has so many tricks!

It's a good thing that dog didn't cultivate the Dao, otherwise our rice bowls could be snatched away!

Look at what's in front of him again.

Some of the powerful people in the VIP seats couldn't sit still after seeing the newly refined Dan Pills and expressed their desire to purchase them on the spot.

A sense of achievement!

Qingyi Daozhang was self-satisfied.

Could it be that Wen Gu and Lao Zhao wanted to make a fortune from this?

Not necessarily; those two must have an even bigger scheme!

Regardless of the reason, look, when there's trouble, they still have to come to me!

Lao Zhao's special permission!

Would that "high-level expert" hidden by the Zhao Family know how to do this?

What "that immortal master is not skilled in this way"?

Heh, trash!

Can't even do Alchemy!

Infected by the surrounding atmosphere, Qingyi Daozhang's mindset drifted a little.

All in all, this Dharma Assembly also proved his irreplaceable ability!

It's just that—

Qingyi Daozhang's slightly drifting mindset settled down again.

The little bit of Exorcism pharmacological technique he had newly pondered was extracted by Gou Shusheng in advance because of this matter.

And he had exposed it willingly, because the profit was greater.

But looking back, he felt somewhat unwilling.

It's really hard to keep more trump cards hidden!

Qingyi Daozhang's current mood was nine parts joy and one part worry.

The others present did not notice his complex psychology; most people's attention was on these newly refined Dan Pills.

Those who had grabbed front-row spots were even more excited when they saw the distinct patterns on the Dan Pills.

The looks they cast toward Qingyi Daozhang were incomparably reverent.

Afterward, their gazes seemed to be glued to those Incense Pills.

Unfortunately, they were a bit too far away to smell all the scents of the Incense Pills, but the lingering fragrance faintly wafting in the air did indeed make one feel refreshed when breathing it in, as if even a restless soul had been settled.

Taking a deep breath and savoring it carefully, it seemed to carry a sense of holiness!

Take a few more looks! Inhale a few more times!

They had no official rank or position, nor had they performed any great deeds, so they couldn't be allotted these immortal Incense Pills.

But that didn't stop them from bragging when they went back!

At the edge of the Daoist altar.

Two people wearing the clothes of the Patrol Guard Division huddled together to chat about the Dan Pills they were about to receive.

"The higher-ups said they'll be issued once every ten days, to avoid improper storage and wasting the medicinal effect."

"From what I see, the quantity of these Exorcism Dan Pills blessed with immortal magic isn't very large; is there enough to go around?"

"Roughly calculating, it's only about a month's supply."

"A month is nowhere near enough!"

"After a month or so, the weather in Beidi will gradually turn cool. If the temperature drops quickly by then, the Xianshou Army will be able to go on long-distance hunts. When that time comes, it won't be as dangerous for us to go out, and just getting some incense ash to smear on ourselves will suffice."

"That's true, it will be turning cool by then. We just need to make it through this month while the weather is still hot."

"Never mind the rest, what belongs to us will always be ours. Remember to go grab the incense ash from the Dharma Assembly Daoist Priest is holding today; if you're a step slow, it'll really be gone!"

Although their voices were not loud while chatting, they did not deliberately lower them either.

Someone nearby overheard and turned to chat with others: "The officials from the Patrol Guard Division said these Immortal Pills are only a month's supply."

Once they're used up, they're gone!

The Idlers in the neighborhood ran about, and the news spread rapidly.

It's only a month's supply, so those who want them must definitely act quickly!