Chapter Seven: The Art of Possession

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Upon hearing this, Gu Xian’s expression immediately grew serious. He glanced at his senior sister, who nodded slightly in response. He then turned to Master Qi and said, “In that case, my senior sister and I will first visit the White Cloud Temple.”

With that, Gu Xian drew three yellow talismans from his sleeve and handed them solemnly to the steward. “Place these talismans respectively on Miss Qi’s bedroom door, her bed, and her forehead. Before we return, no one is to remove them without authorization; otherwise, your lady may face a fate beyond salvation.”

The steward held the talismans carefully with both hands, growing even more cautious after hearing Gu Xian’s warning.

Gu Xian then left the Qi residence with Liu Suiyi, followed by the two constables. Instead of heading straight to the White Cloud Temple, he found a nearby tea stall on the street and ordered a bowl of tea each. He began a casual conversation with the constables.

Taking a light sip of tea, Gu Xian asked nonchalantly, “Have you two ever heard of the White Cloud Temple?”

The two constables exchanged glances before the lean one replied, “Master, the White Cloud Temple has stood for several centuries. In earlier times, its incense offerings waned, and only two or three Taoist priests remained, guarding a dilapidated place. About seven or eight years ago, a Taoist immortal named Baiyun arrived—his cultivation was profound. Three years ago, during a severe drought outside the city, he conducted a ritual that brought forth a great rain. Tens of thousands witnessed the event.”

“Now, the White Cloud Temple flourishes, with nearly a hundred disciples and followers.”

Gu Xian smirked faintly. “If that’s the case, why hasn’t the County Magistrate Chen invited this esteemed Taoist immortal to deal with the city’s demonic disturbances?”

The lean constable waved his hand and leaned closer to Gu Xian, speaking in a low voice, “Master, I heard some rumors from the squad leader, but please don’t spread them.”

Gu Xian and Liu Suiyi gave him reassuring looks.

The constable continued, “It’s said the county magistrate originally wanted to invite Baiyun Immortal, but he was too greedy and demanded a fee the magistrate couldn’t afford. So, the magistrate settled for two lesser Taoist masters instead.”

Gu Xian nodded softly. “I see.”

———

Outside Nanyang City, at the White Cloud Temple.

Inside the temple, incense burned fervently, and a constant stream of devotees came and went, each with a look of sincere reverence.

But standing quietly outside the main gate were two young individuals whose calm demeanor seemed somewhat out of place.

They were none other than Gu Xian and his senior sister.

Gu Xian wore a simple blue robe, a long sword hung at his waist, and he carried a book box on his back. He looked less like a cultivator and more like a scholarly traveler wielding a sword.

Liu Suiyi, as always, dressed in her usual manner, though the waves of her chest drew many curious glances from passing pilgrims.

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Gu Xian gently brushed his eyes with both hands, and a faint golden light spread within his pupils. After a moment, he withdrew his gaze and sent a thought to his senior sister.

“Strange indeed, my True Eye cannot detect the slightest trace of sinister energy within this temple.”

Liu Suiyi frowned. “Could it be that Miss Qi’s condition was not caused by Baiyun Immortal?”

After pondering briefly, Gu Xian shook his head and thought to himself, “Even so, Baiyun Immortal must have some issue. Think about it—what cultivator capable of summoning rain would choose a place so spiritually barren as their sanctuary?”

Liu Suiyi murmured, “Indeed.”

The spiritual energy around the White Cloud Temple was thin; a cultivator with such great powers would hardly be content dwelling here.

Suddenly enlightened, Liu Suiyi sent a thought, “Do you mean Baiyun Immortal is a fraud? But the constable said tens of thousands witnessed the event—how do we explain that?”

Gu Xian smiled mysteriously. “Why not just ask?”

He looked up toward the temple entrance and saw a middle-aged Taoist standing there. He wore a plain Taoist robe, his face pale and clean-shaven, holding a whisk. Around him drifted a faint aura, embodying the ethereal grace of a true immortal.

Gu Xian thought to himself that this must be Baiyun Immortal.

The Taoist was also watching Gu Xian. After a long moment, he withdrew his gaze and sent a mental message.

“Honored Taoist friends, welcome. I apologize for my lack of proper reception; please forgive me.”

Gu Xian stepped forward a few paces, replying as he walked, “You are too kind, Taoist.”

“If you do not mind, please join me for a conversation.”

With that, the Taoist led the way into the White Cloud Temple, and Gu Xian and Liu Suiyi followed quickly.

Inside the temple was a large courtyard. In its center stood a massive bronze incense burner, from which fragrant smoke spiraled endlessly. Beyond was the main hall, where a statue of a Taoist immortal was enshrined.

Baiyun Immortal led them toward a quiet, secluded garden at the back. Entering, the three seated themselves under a pavilion, exchanged names, and exchanged pleasantries.

Baiyun Immortal personally poured tea for them. When both lifted their cups, he spoke gently, “May I ask what brings you to my temple?”

Gu Xian set down his cup. “My senior sister and I have traveled here and heard of Taoist Baiyun’s ritual to summon rain for a county. We have come especially to pay our respects.”

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Hearing this, Baiyun Immortal paused briefly while pouring more tea, then continued. After putting down the teapot, the middle-aged Taoist chuckled softly. “It was but a minor trick—nothing worth mentioning.”

Liu Suiyi smiled and looked at him. “Taoist friend, you truly possess great powers, turning even rain invocation into a casual feat.”

After the two drank their tea, Baiyun Immortal’s expression suddenly turned cold.

“Why have you really come?”

“Why such suspicion, Taoist? We truly admire your character and arts, wishing merely to become acquainted.”

A strange smile curled at the corner of Baiyun Immortal’s lips, his voice growing darker and hoarser.

“If you admire me so much, then stay a while—don’t leave.”

His eyes rolled back, and his pupils gradually turned a deep crimson. The once serene and balanced Taoist aura twisted into something sinister and malevolent.

His flesh and bones crackled loudly, sounding like roasting beans.

Seeing this, Gu Xian could not help but marvel, “A splendid ruse of parasitic possession.”

The bloodthirsty eyes fixed on the two in front of him. With a flick of his sleeve, a string of white bone beads shot out, glowing with a blood-red light, hurtling toward Gu Xian’s face.

In a flash, Gu Xian rolled aside just in time to evade the attack. He quickly rose and grabbed his senior sister, fleeing the pavilion.

The next moment, the bone string struck the pillar behind Gu Xian’s seat, splitting it in two. The pavilion collapsed with it.

Gu Xian’s mind moved swiftly. The wooden sword at his waist was instantly in his hand.

Spiritual energy surged within him, casting a faint golden glow over the blade. He stepped forward to intercept the floating bone beads.

The sword tip collided with the beads, sparks flying and ringing sharply.

The Taoist manipulated the beads with his mind, attacking Gu Xian from all directions continuously.

The young man with the book box darted through the courtyard with agile maneuvers. His sword danced like the wind, blocking each assault with perfect timing.

The middle-aged Taoist’s gaze darkened further. To prevent any surprises, he shouted fiercely, “If none of you intervene now, then when?”