Chapter Twenty-Four: Captured

  The long street was empty and foggy at night, but under the big archway of Yongdingmen Gate, a shadow flashed by.

  She was increasingly uneasy and hurriedly took the five ghosts back to their lair, but saw several divine lights descending from the sky. A heavenly general with armor and soldiers blocked her way, who was none other than Kaibin, the god of the treasury, who shouted: "Which evil spirit dares to steal the silver from the treasury? Put it back for me now!"

  She stared, wondering if her unease came from here, but not too afraid of this ordinary little god. She raised her head and said, "Don't even think about it." These gods can't stay in the mortal world for too long, just fight and escape, they can't do anything to me.

  The general pointed with his long copper finger and shouted: "Take him down for me." The soldiers behind him responded loudly, holding their weapons and rushing up.

  She had a cultivation of five hundred years, and the Five Ghosts Moving Great Method was also accomplished. Although the Five Ghosts' attack was not strong, they excelled in speed and agility, tying down the soldiers. Relying on her solo fight with Ku Shen, she was fearless as the god general danced with his long copper spear, its wind whistling. She joined her palms together and struck upwards, relying solely on her bare hands to fight against that god general.

  Although the monster can transform into a human form, its true body is still a giant beast with incredible divine power, speed and agility from birth. Although they generally do not practice martial arts like humans, it's not as if they haven't been experiencing life-and-death battles since birth, with only the strongest surviving to this day. Their combat abilities are extremely powerful, and sometimes they even use demonic magic, making them difficult to deal with.

  Xu Xian has many magical skills, but his body is still mortal. If he's not careful and gets hit by one of her moves, it'll be a disastrous outcome of broken bones and severed tendons. So he secretly hides to the side to watch them fight. The shadows are blurry as people fly about, clearly fighting with extreme intensity.

  The little green figure and the god general had been fighting for dozens of rounds, but the god general couldn't take her down. He began to feel a bit disheartened. This was also a difference in their mental states. The god general was indeed stronger than Little Green, but to him, this was just a job, and one that no one supervised at that. It would be best if he could easily capture the thief, of course. But if he couldn't, well, the silver wasn't his own anyway, so it didn't matter if he couldn't catch her.

  One used seven-tenths of his strength while the other used twelve-tenths of his strength. The difference was naturally apparent.

  Xu Xian watched from the shadows for a while, seeing that the godly general was defending more and attacking less. Knowing that this free labor's enthusiasm was not enough, he walked out of the darkness and said loudly: "Godly General, don't be anxious, I'll help you."

  The god took a look and today's host was not selling much, so he put in a bit more effort. Little Qing took a glance and was shocked to see that it was him, his momentum rising and falling. Little Qing suddenly found himself in a precarious situation.

  Xu Xian walked in and took a closer look at the young man in green clothes in the formation, who was indeed exceptionally handsome, with several more parts of elegance than he remembered. However, it seemed like he had seen him somewhere before. He only recalled the memory of saving Pan Yu on West Lake that night, but didn't remember having interacted with Bo Qing before.

  He, with the principle of safety first, did not go forward, but instead took out the few talismans he had written and burned them together with the true fire of the sun. In a short while, divine light descended again, summoning many heavenly soldiers and generals to kill in the Eight Trigrams Formation.

  The gods saw that so many colleagues had come, and the momentum was great. The five ghosts saw that the situation was not good and all hid. Dozens of soldiers surrounded Xiaoqing in the encirclement. Xiaoqing couldn't hold on and let out a cold hum as he was about to use his magic to escape.

  But just as she heard Xu Xian's loud shout, "Come!" Xiaqing only felt her head swell up and her escape technique fail. In an instant, several knives and swords came at her from all directions. Where could she still hide? She cried out in alarm in her heart, never having thought that she would die at Xu Xian's hands.

  "Your Honors, please do not harm her life," Xu Xian cried out. This group of heavenly soldiers and generals were all under Xu Xian's control, and if possible, they would rather not unsheathe their swords or guns, instead using them to pin down Xiao Qing firmly on the ground, forcing her to kneel.

  Xu Xian couldn't help but laugh to himself, thinking that this tactic of using a large number of people was quite useful and didn't require much effort. However, he also knew that in the world of cultivation, quality was more important than quantity, and if he were to face someone like Fa Hai, even with many soldiers, they would still be nothing but cannon fodder.

  "Thank you, fellow Taoist, for your assistance. I was able to escape unscathed." He saw that Xu Xian was also a cultivator who could summon so many heavenly soldiers and generals, which meant he had some foundation. Although he was an official deity, his divine status was not high, similar to the City God. Most likely, he was a posthumous deity, whereas Xu Xian had been cultivating since birth, resulting in a significant gap between them.

  "Hua Hua's sedan chair, everyone lifted it up. Xu Xian naturally showed courtesy and said: 'It was only with the help of all you gods that we were able to capture this thief. I should be the one thanking you instead. Tomorrow, I will have someone properly offer sacrifices to your esteemed gods and constantly receive incense from the mortal world.'"

  "Permit me, Xian, you're taking advantage of your numbers to bully the few. What kind of skill is that? If you have the guts, let's fight one on one." As she spoke, she couldn't help but think of the power of Xian's thunder talisman last time, and in a real one-on-one fight, she didn't have half a chance.

  Xu Xian Dao said: "Do you recognize me?"

  He didn't take what he said to heart at all. It's just like the "Journey to the West" I saw in my previous life. The Taoist ancestor could easily subdue Sun Wukong, but instead chose to throw a black brick and trap him in Jinzhou. The Buddha also dealt with Sun Wukong with ease, but first set up a trap to lure him into his palm. These people who have cultivated to a deep level are all masters of wisdom, playing tricks on each other.

  Xiao Qing saw that he seemed to really not recognize her and couldn't help but think of what Xu Xian had said at the Qi Wang Fu last time. "At that time, I won't be able to recognize you anymore." She didn't understand what was going on. She thought to herself, could it be that this guy is pretending not to know me on purpose because of his own words? But perhaps it's because she had been saved by him before and felt that Xu Xian didn't have any ill intentions, but now he was being like this which was really annoying.

  Xu Xian saw her lowering her head and not speaking, nor saying much. He took out a Restriction Talisman and stuck it on Xiao Qing's body. Suddenly,

  The flame burned spontaneously, and the ash flew to strike only the pattern on the charm was clearly visible, merging into Xiao Qing's body. Xiao Qing suddenly felt his body stiffen and his breath catch. This was how the immobilizing charm could exert its maximum effect.

  Xu Xian thanked a few more gods and sent them off. Now only Xu Xian and Xiao Qing were left on the street of Shen Chang.

  Xu Xian crouched down and asked Xiao Qing: "Have you seen me before?" He also felt that Xiao Qing was somewhat familiar.

  Xiao Qing was being pressed down on the ground and still maintained this posture, which seemed to be a humble gesture, but in her heart she was even more ashamed and annoyed.

  "Let me go, I've never been treated like this!" She had never suffered such humiliation since her cultivation was successful. Even the battle at Qiu Wang Fu was only a narrow escape. But the person who gave her this great shame, Xu Xian, happened to be the one she owed a debt of gratitude for saving her life. Seeing that Xu Xian didn't remember what happened that night, whether it was real or fake, she didn't want to mention it again.

  Xu Xian sighed: "I've never seen a thief so brazen. Let's not talk about other things, first you call back the five ghosts and let them return the silver to the treasury."

  "You think you can!" she said, her neck stiff with anger, and at this moment, her indignation surged to her head, where she refused to back down.

  Xu Xian's head ached, this was truly a hot potato. He had a stubborn temper since birth and couldn't be beaten or killed. It was really unclear what to do for the best. Standing up, he let out a loud shout, "Where are the five ghosts?"

  Indeed, five vague and weak figures emerged from the darkness. The five ghosts did not go far. The leading ghost begged: "Little White Fu, please let our master go, we will return the silver to you." They were all under Xia Qing's control and had to consider Xia Qing's thoughts.

  Xiao Qing angrily said: "Don't let go!" But at this moment, she was pinned down by Xu Xian and had no ability to restrain the five ghosts. The five ghosts all came to persuade her: "Young Master Qing stole the silver, it's our fault, we didn't eat or drink, it's not worth risking our lives for useless silver."

  Xu Xian said, "You first return the stolen silver to the treasury, I'll wait for you at the Qi Wang Fu." The five ghosts looked at each other in shock and amazement, not knowing how Xu Xian knew their secrets. They reluctantly carried the silver back to the treasury.

  Xiao Qing exclaimed: "How did you know?" She indeed hid the silver in the Ou Wang Fu, accurately speaking, she had been using the Ou Wang Fu as a place to settle down.

  Xu Xian smiled and said, "I know even more than that, sorry for being rude." He picked up Xiao Qing from the ground and held her in his arms. Xiao Qing said, "Put me down," she had been living among humans for some time and was naturally influenced by human etiquette, so it was really uncomfortable to be held like this by a man.

  Xu Xian ignored her and strode quickly towards the Chou Wang Fu. Xiao Qing's body was light and agile, not requiring much effort. It was just that her snake-like waist seemed to be an extra bonus.

  Proceeding straight to the border of Qiantang County and Hangzhou City, a desolate Chu Mansion came into view. On the gate, a large character read "Qiu Wang Fu". Xu Xian thought that if it were the original storyline, the woman would be here to marry him, bringing about a fantastical dream.

  Pushing the door open, I only see weeds growing wildly, deserted buildings, and dense spider webs. Where is even half of the original beauty? This is also the appearance after waking up from a dream. At that time, how foolish and ignorant was I to believe that my wife was not a demon? Was it because I was enchanted by her stunning looks or is love really capable of making people stupid? In fact, we only spent one day together.

  What's the difference between loving someone for their appearance and loving them for who they are? Whether it starts with infatuation or gratitude, once you love, you love. But now I'm no longer qualified to receive this kind of love.

  But perhaps only by breaking free from the original constraints can we truly see each other. Her thousand-year cultivation was not for being a wife, but rather, I am her demon obstacle in terms of cultivation.

  Xu Xian furrowed his brow and thought for a moment before entering a dilapidated hall, where he found a stool, dusted it off, and set Xiao Qing down. However, she glared at him with her bright, black-and-white eyes, clearly furious to the extreme. If she had really followed Bai Suzhen to West Lake and seen Xu Xian, she would probably have tried to stop them from being together and ruined their relationship.

  If it were the old Xian, he would still mind this point and might even try to please her. But now that Xian has let go of his burden and doesn't care, those bad feelings may even be beneficial for a future breakup.

  He sat down on another chair and said calmly, "My brother-in-law is the head of this county's capture team. You're just stealing for fun, but if you really can't crack the case and retrieve the silver, I don't know how many people will lose their heads because of you. As a cultivator, you should also understand the severity of this matter."

  Xiao Qing said: "Then you want to arrest me and take me back?" She also had some fear in her heart, if she was really caught and punished, her 500 years of Taoist practice would be in vain. But she had a feeling that the other party wouldn't do so, which is why she was somewhat fearless.

  Xu Xian smiled and said, "I didn't mean to do that. As long as you tell me where Ku Yin Chu is, I'll let the county magistrate close the case and I'll naturally let you go. Just take my advice and be more careful with your words in the future, don't let your temper get the better of you, or you'll regret it someday." Although he didn't want to curry favor, there was no need to make enemies either; he just wanted to do what was right and clear up the matter.

  Xu Xian thought that this woman in front of him was about to be taken as a maid because of teasing that person, but didn't know if this would change because of himself.

  Xu Xian's gentle words of persuasion were not lost on her, for she was not a person who didn't understand reason. She knew that she had been in the wrong from the start, and Xu Xian had no malicious intentions. In fact, his tone was even warmer than it had been that night, with a hint of coldness and severity. His words were as gentle as a spring breeze on her face, naturally giving rise to feelings of intimacy. After hesitating for a moment, she told him the location of the remaining silver in the warehouse.

  Xu Xian didn't move, Xiao Qing angrily said: "You suspect me."

  Xu Xian's bitter fate

  Xiao Dao said, "I can't carry so much silver back myself. I'll just clear the way and let them run a few more times to deliver it all." He wasn't thinking of waiting until dawn for the yamen people to come and take it, but if he didn't keep an eye on it, Xia Qing might transfer it elsewhere. Anyway, since it would take time, he might as well get everything done at once.

  Xiao Qing said, "Then why don't you let me go?" But she secretly rolled her eyes and was captured by Xu Xian. She didn't surrender willingly. If Xu Xian dared to release her, she would seize the opportunity to launch a sneak attack and subdue him. Then she would show mercy to Xu Xian too. That would be satisfying.

  Xu Xian immediately refused, "No way." She deeply knew that the woman in front of her was cunning and that she herself wasn't a match for close combat. If she were to stir up any more trouble, that would be asking for humiliation.

  Xiao Qing said: "You speak but don't keep your promise." Seeing Xu Xian ignore her, she made a big fuss.

  Xu Xian thought to calm his mind and cultivate, so he said: "Alright." He walked over and pointed like a sword at the void. Xiao Qing felt her body relax and her heart fill with joy. She let out a clear cry and looked at the move. It seemed like a righteous and majestic palm, but in fact, it was preceded by an attack that came before the sound.

  Xu Xian smiled slightly, but was already prepared for her. His right hand drew a talisman and his left hand pressed it on. It happened so quickly that Xiao Qing only had time to stretch out her hand and shout "Look out!" before she was frozen in place with an awkward posture.

  Xu Xian put her back on the chair and said, "It's indeed difficult to raise women and petty people. The ancients were not deceiving me. Let alone I didn't give you a chance, now you'd better behave yourself and stay here for one night until those five ghosts return all the silver from the warehouse, then I'll let you go."

  Xiao Qing's furious outburst was met with an unshakeable calmness from Xu Xian, who had both the power and reason to suppress her, leaving her with a sense of inescapable control.

  "That sentence 'only women and children are difficult to raise' she also knew the meaning of Chu Xin's words, wondering if he had seen through her true identity as Chu Zhen. Yet she couldn't ask, otherwise wouldn't that be self-incrimination?"

  Xu Xian sat back in his original place and began his daily cultivation. Golden light started to gather on his body, constantly merging with the eight main stars. Xu Xian sat calmly within the golden light, as if he were a divine being.

  Xiao Qing couldn't help but think of that night, also in the Qi Wang Fu, when she said goodbye and promised to repay his kindness. But who would have thought that their next meeting would be like this? Every day, she was trapped in the Qi Wang Fu, at his mercy, her life or death decided by him. Her emotions were truly complicated.

  The five ghosts returned and Xian opened his eyes, ordering them to continue moving. The five ghosts immediately cried out in distress and began to complain.

  "I said no stealing, now we still have to transport it back and forth."

  "Who says it's not simply lifting a stone to hit one's own foot, making trouble out of nothing."

  "What can be done when things don't go as planned?"

  Implicitly and explicitly, it was all about saying that Xiao Qingchu wasn't captured because of inferior skills, but rather he was a trouble to his brothers.

  Xiao Qing glared and shouted, "Have you had enough to say?" Her Taoist skills were still shallow and she wasn't good at controlling her subordinates. Although she could command the five ghosts, she hadn't established her master's authority yet. At this moment, not giving face to Xu Xian in front of him, how could she not be angry?

  Xu Xian stood up, his hand grasped the void, and a golden light suddenly appeared. With a wave of his hand, he sent the five groups of Taiyang True Energy into their bodies. "You all should hurry up and get to work. If not, my hand will rise with golden Taiyang true fire, which will make you five ghosts tremble. You know that if you touch it even slightly, there will only be one dead end, and your souls will be burned clean."

  Just the eight Yang energy bodies and five ghosts felt a boost of spirit, knowing that the power of the sun was very beneficial for their cultivation. They happily said: "It's still this young master who knows our hearts, with just one word from you, we brothers dare not spare any effort." As they called out to each other, they quickened their pace and transported the gold and silver. Compared to Xia Qing, they were much more majestic.

  Xiao Qing was even more depressed and didn't know what to say, thinking that the five ghosts were still under the impression that Chu was a fairy. She asked: "Don't you really remember the Ou Wang Fu?"

  Xu Xian thought back to when he was in a trance-like state and couldn't help but sigh, saying: "Listening to you talk, it seems like I really did do something back then. My soul left my body and became a dream. At that time, I was not the same as I am now, just like a fantasy. I don't want to think about it too much. Can you tell me what happened back then?"

  He thought that he must still have some things that he hadn't remembered yet, but this was a self-protective mechanism of amnesia itself. If he forced himself to think about it, it might not necessarily be a good thing, so it's better to let nature take its course and recall slowly.

  Xiao Qing finally won over Xu Xian with a proud and triumphant feeling, raising an eyebrow and saying: "Want to know? I won't tell you"

  Xu Xian smiled and shook his head, then closed his eyes again. Xiao Qing was disappointed and didn't say a word either. Wu Gui came back several times and finally returned all the silver that had been stolen from the treasury over the past few days.

  Xu Xian stood up and patted the dirt off his body, smiling: "Thank you, all five of you." Then he rushed towards Xiao Qing.

  We will meet again

  Wait

  Xu Xian patted his head and said: "Forgot." He then waved his hand and the hidden symbols on her body dissipated.

  Xiao Qing's body relaxed as he stared at Xu Xian, but for a moment he didn't dare to make a move, fearing that he would be humiliated again. Xu Xian, however, turned around and left with ease.

  Xiao Qing watched his back, her hand sometimes loose and sometimes clenched, but the more unguarded Xuxian was, the less she dared to make a move. Until Xuxian walked out of the Qi Wang Fu, she still couldn't move. She let out a dejected sigh, knowing that she had already developed a fear of Xuxian. In the future, when she saw him again, it would be difficult for her to exert her full strength against him as an enemy.

  But then again, even if he used all his strength, what's the point when the other party hasn't even unleashed their true power and hasn't used the Lei Fu symbol yet? It would be too ungrateful to go looking for trouble with him again.

  Alas, this mouthful of grievances has been stuck in my heart and can't be expressed.