Chapter 1 He Doesn't Let Her Leave

"Daoist, you misunderstand. I wasn't making things difficult for this priest, but he stopped me in the street, spouting nonsense and slandering my friend…"

Zhang Wentao's expression shifted slightly as he tried to explain.

Zhou Jing turned to look at Mei Zhanqing, observed her briefly, and then said, "May I ask what your friend is called, and what their background is?"

Zhang Wentao hurriedly replied, "This is Xuanxin Jushi, also a practitioner of Daoist arts. He's staying at my residence temporarily and is a distinguished guest of the Zhang family. He asked me to arrange a meeting so he could pay his respects to you, Real Person."

"I see." Zhou Jing nodded and said to Mei Zhanqing, "What business do you have with this poor Daoist?"

"I simply admire you and wish to become acquainted."

Mei Zhanqing steadied herself, performed a passable Daoist salute, and spoke in a gentle, melodious voice.

She wasn't sure what Zhou Jing's attitude was, and with so many onlookers present, she naturally didn't dare reveal her true intentions.

At this moment, Wei Zifu spoke up from the side, his voice deep:

"Real Person, be careful! This woman is none other than Mei Zhanqing, who is most skilled in the art of *cai bu* (Yin-Yang Dual Cultivation). She must have set her sights on you, hoping to ruin your cultivation. Real Person, do not fall for her tricks!"

"You…shameless!" Mei Zhanqing was greatly angered and shouted, "You old Daoist, you've ruined my reputation time and again. What are you up to?!"

"Mei Zhanqing, stop pretending in front of the Real Person! The Real Person has long reached the realm of Dao Fa Ziran (harmony with nature), is a grandmaster of this era, and has profound attainments in the art of Qi Observation. Your filthy aura has nowhere to hide! You can fool ordinary people, but how could you fool the Real Person?!"

Wei Zifu spoke loudly.

He had been feeling somewhat trapped, but now that Zhou Jing was supporting him, he perked up and continued the confrontation.

Hearing this, Mei Zhanqing's expression changed slightly, and she became a little nervous.

She hadn't studied Qi Observation in her cultivation, but she knew that the mana cultivated through evil arts was quite impure, like a firefly in the night to those who practiced Qi Observation.

If this Royal Wind Real Person also knew the art of Qi Observation, then she wouldn't be able to pretend any longer and would be exposed immediately.

However, Mei Zhanqing wasn't actually afraid of being exposed, as she had planned to reveal her intentions to Zhou Jing from the start. But with Wei Zifu getting in first and the surrounding crowd watching, she worried that she wouldn't have a chance to explain her purpose and would be seen as an enemy.

With that thought, Mei Zhanqing grew restless and took a step forward, saying:

"Real Person, please don't listen to his one-sided story. Besides admiring you, I also have important matters to discuss. I wonder if we could speak in private?"

Zhou Jing glanced at her. "What is it that can't be said here?"

Mei Zhanqing gritted her teeth secretly and said, "It's just some private matters that are not convenient to discuss in public."

"Since it's not convenient to speak in front of everyone, then it must not be anything good. How can this poor Daoist speak with you in private, needlessly inviting gossip?"

Zhou Jing shook his head, not wanting to chat with her privately at all.

He had used his Elemental Vision earlier and seen that the female Daoist's aura was a chaotic mess, entwined with black and turbid energy. She was practicing evil arts, which proved that she was most likely not a good person.

Although he didn't know her intentions, it was probably not anything reliable. His reputation was currently at its peak, so why would he get involved with someone with such a shady past? The disadvantages outweighed the advantages.

Hearing this, Mei Zhanqing felt frustrated.

How could she reveal her intention of cooperating and currying favor with the imperial power in public? Did she not want her head anymore?

Today was a disaster. She wouldn't be able to achieve her goal. She should leave this troublesome place first and plan for the future…

Mei Zhanqing had this thought, and she began to back down, sighing deliberately:

"Real Person is prejudiced and has a great deal of bias against me. It seems that we won't be able to talk today, so I'll take my leave now and visit another day."

With that, she turned to leave, and the Zhang family guards intended to escort her away as well.

However, Zhou Jing spoke, stopping the group, and said gloomily, "I haven't let you leave yet. You won't be able to leave today without a clear explanation."

As soon as his voice fell, the Ye family guards responded and immediately blocked the way, surrounding the Zhang family group.

Mei Zhanqing was stunned, then turned back angrily:

"Real Person, this is too overbearing! I came to pay my respects today with courtesy. It's fine if you don't want to see me, but you won't even let me leave? What do you mean by this?"

Zhang Wentao also stepped forward to stop them, somewhat unhappy: "Xuanxin Jushi is a distinguished guest of my family. Real Person, this is not appropriate…"

Zhou Jing glanced at him with a smile that wasn't a smile, then suddenly changed the subject and said slowly:

"Some time ago, Ye family's Taigong (respected elder) contracted a strange illness, and all the doctors in the city were helpless. This poor Daoist cured him. Do you know about this?"

Zhang Wentao was stunned and nodded cautiously: "This matter caused a sensation in Ning Tian Prefecture, and I have certainly heard of it."

Zhou Jing narrowed his eyes and said slowly:

"But the truth is not so simple. What Ye Taigong contracted was not an illness, but an evil spirit, most likely someone harming him with sorcery. I just observed his Qi and discovered that this female Daoist has practiced evil arts, and she is a distinguished guest of your residence… Could it be that your Zhang family is colluding with her to secretly harm Ye Taigong, and plans to harm other dignitaries in Ning Tian Prefecture in the future?"

As soon as he said this, the surrounding onlookers erupted in an uproar, discussing among themselves.

Zhang Wentao's face changed drastically: "How could my Zhang family do such a thing? You are smearing our reputation! Furthermore, the matter of Ye Taigong's illness is known throughout the city. How did it become an evil spirit today? Real Person, stop talking nonsense!"

"Hmph, the Real Person is not talking nonsense, I can testify!"

At this moment, Ye Taigong was helped out of the residence.

"I was entangled by evil spirits a few months ago. Fortunately, the Real Person exorcised the evil and saved my life. I also want to know who harmed me. Real Person, feel free to ask. If we find the culprit, my Ye family will never let it go!"

He looked at Zhang Wentao and said in a deep voice.

He had rushed over after hearing the report from his servants. Seeing the situation, he unhesitatingly supported Zhou Jing.

Hearing what Ye Taigong, the person involved, said, the many people present believed him seven or eight parts and were amazed.

Zhang Wentao was immediately speechless and hurriedly waved his hand to deny: "There must be some misunderstanding. My Zhang family has no such intention."

Zhou Jing said lightly: "Then step aside and do not protect this female Daoist. Allow us to interrogate her, otherwise it will really make people suspect your Zhang family's intentions."

He didn't know exactly what was going on with Ye Taigong's evil spirits, but he didn't mind using it as an excuse to put pressure on the Zhang family and force them to stand aside.

Zhang Wentao's face was uncertain, but in the end, he gritted his teeth, withdrew the guards around Mei Zhanqing, and stated that he would not interfere for the time being.

In his opinion, although this was a bit embarrassing, it was also a pragmatic move. Anyway, it was just a question or two, so it wasn't a big deal.

Mei Zhanqing's heart sank, but her face remained unmoved. She frowned and said, "Real Person, why are you forcing me so hard? I don't think I have ever offended you, but you are so aggressive towards me."

"I have my own judgment." Zhou Jing didn't say much to her and turned to signal Wei Zifu to speak.

Wei Zifu's expression turned serious, and he immediately said sternly:

"You evil demon, how long are you going to keep pretending in front of the Real Person? You committed a major crime in the northern regions, and I have been chasing you for half a year. How could I be wrong? Now you have changed your name and identity and become a distinguished guest of the Ning Tian Prefecture's gentry. Do you think the past can be forgotten and no one will settle the score?!"

He listed Mei Zhanqing's misdeeds.

*Cai bu* (Yin-Yang Dual Cultivation) to harm people, digging up graves to refine corpses, torturing vagrants and beggars to make them die full of resentment and give birth to vengeful ghosts, using human lives to help oneself cultivate and strengthen the zombies and little ghosts one raises. She also used curse techniques to harm dignitaries, and then come forward to resolve them and bestow favors, seeking money, and so on.

Many people gasped in shock and fear, feeling that this beautiful woman was simply a hateful demon in the world.

Mei Zhanqing was exposed, feeling angry and frustrated. However, with so many people watching, she naturally couldn't admit it. She could only retort angrily:

"You old Daoist are spouting nonsense! I have endured you again and again, but you think I am weak and easy to bully. I am not the person you are talking about at all, but you are clinging to me and insulting me as a woman!"

The two accused each other, one side pointing fingers, the other side refusing to admit it.

At this moment, Zhou Jing interrupted and frowned:

"Alright, when will this bickering end? In my opinion, this matter is simple. The two of you agree on a time to have a public duel, relying on your own means, fair and open. Others must not interfere or obstruct. The loser will be dealt with by the winner."

"This poor Daoist will listen to the Real Person." Wei Zifu immediately stated his position.

Mei Zhanqing was extremely unwilling.

Not to mention whether or not she could beat the Wei plague god, if she used her evil arts in public, how could she get any good even if she won?

If she didn't use evil arts, and kept her hands and feet tied, she wouldn't be able to win against Wei.

She felt that this Royal Wind Real Person was deliberately targeting her, forcing her to reveal her secrets in public and confirm that she practiced evil arts.

Mei Zhanqing didn't want to agree and said dissatisfied, "Why should I duel with him? I am upright and honest. This person slandered me with empty words, and I have to prove my innocence? Winning is useless to me, but losing means being at his mercy. Real Person, your handling of things is too biased!"

Zhou Jing raised an eyebrow: "You don't agree?"

"So what if I don't agree! Why should I listen to your arrangements?"

Mei Zhanqing responded with a stiff neck.

Zhou Jing suddenly snorted coldly and waved his sleeve.

Whoosh—

A gust of wind surged, sweeping across the street, causing everyone present to stagger.

Mei Zhanqing exclaimed, feeling as if she had been hit by a wall of wind, knocking her to the ground and making her see stars.

Zhou Jing then withdrew his sleeve and, amid the shocked gazes of the crowd, said in a deep voice:

"If you are unwilling, I will immediately capture you and interrogate you separately! It's settled then. Three days later, the two of you will duel on stage in Ning Tian Prefecture… Don't even think about running away beforehand. If this person doesn't show up by then, your Zhang family will be held responsible."

The last sentence was directed at Zhang Wentao, who was shocked.

Zhang Wentao's expression changed, and his heart was filled with anger.

‘This Lingfeng Zi is too domineering. Does he really think he is someone important? It is true that you have divine powers, but we are the ones who recognize you, and that is why you have reached this status today. If we didn't support you, would you, a mere mountain Daoist, be qualified to spout nonsense in front of our Zhang family? And hold us responsible… bah, what are you!’

His heart was full of indignation, but he didn't dare to publicly defy Zhou Jing, who had revealed his supernatural powers. He had to bite his teeth and agree:

"Real Person's orders are not to be disobeyed. The Zhang family will take good care of Xuanxin Jushi for these three days."

"That's good."

Zhou Jing nodded, deliberately raised his head, put on an arrogant look, and turned back into the Ye family.

The Ye family guards withdrew their encirclement. Zhang Wentao didn't dare to say much, took Mei Zhanqing, and quickly left the Ye family's door.

The onlookers then dispersed with a roar, telling each other the news.

Before long, the feud between Wei Zifu and Mei Zhanqing spread to the streets and alleys, and more and more people in Ning Tian Prefecture learned that, under the auspices of the Royal Wind Real Person, the two would duel on stage in three days. They were greatly interested.

Even many dignitaries were quite curious and sent people to inquire.

The matter quickly became a city-wide sensation, causing a stir in Ning Tian.

…

Inside the Ye family residence.

Wei Zifu and his disciple moved in and were discussing the duel in three days with Zhou Jing.

"Thank you, Real Person, for speaking up righteously. If it weren't for Real Person's intervention, that Mei Zhanqing would still be at large under the protection of the Zhang family, and I don't know how many more people she would harm."

Wei Zifu cupped his hands and thanked him.

Zhou Jing waved his hand and asked, "I saw that the female Daoist was full of evil and turbid Qi, so I knew that what Daoist Wei said was true. Since I agreed to help, I will not break my promise. However, Daoist, are you confident in winning the duel with that person?"

Wei Zifu stroked his beard and smiled:

"I dare not say 100%, but I have an 80% chance of winning. This poor Daoist's skills are all righteous, and I am not afraid to show them in public. That Mei Zhanqing's evil arts are not presentable and has many scruples. With the rise and fall of this, it will be difficult for her to defeat this poor Daoist. The Real Person's stage duel is truly a good and well-laid plan."

Zhou Jing remained noncommittal, paused, and said, "That Mei Zhanqing will not sit still and wait for death. She will definitely make some preparations during these three days. Daoist Wei should still be careful."

Wei Zifu nodded, then asked somewhat puzzled, "If that's the case, why did the Real Person let her leave just now?"

"This poor Daoist has his own plans. Although you and I know her secrets, others only see our one-sided story. If we forcibly detain her, it will only cause criticism. Only when she reveals her evil arts in public can this matter be confirmed."

Zhou Jing smiled and casually explained.

This was just one of the reasons. The real meaning was not convenient to tell him. If Mei Zhanqing was unwilling to sit still and wait for death and caused trouble, it would be exactly what he wanted.

He had already taken a stand, and this wave was choosing to stand on Wei Zifu's side.

Not only did he have the righteous name of eliminating demons and defending the Dao, but also because Wei Zifu was a righteous cultivator who could walk the martial world in a dignified manner and had connections in the art circle. By helping this person, this person would publicize his name and confirm his state of "harmony with nature", spreading it wider and wider.

But if he helped Mei Zhanqing, it wouldn't be of much benefit to him. This person was a rat crossing the street, hiding her head and showing her tail, unable to take care of herself, so how could she help him publicize his name? Moreover, she had many black histories, and would even make him get into trouble for nothing.

After all, Mei Zhanqing's evil aura was too obvious in the eyes of insiders who knew Qi observation. From a distance, one could tell that she was not a good person.

Although he didn't know what unrealistic plot Mei Zhanqing had when she came to find him, the best choice for him was to use her as a stepping stone and use her evil name to establish his own "righteous" image.

‘It's a pity, I really wanted to see the *cai bu* (Yin-Yang Dual Cultivation) technique…’

Zhou Jing smacked his lips and began to daydream.

…

On the other side, Zhang Wentao and his party returned home.

"Xuanxin Jushi, please rest assured, my Zhang family has its own plans for the duel in three days."

Zhang Wentao cupped his hands.

"Then I'll have to trouble you." Mei Zhanqing's face was gloomy, and she barely mustered her spirits to return the greeting.

She had witnessed the Royal Wind Real Person's methods this time. This art of summoning wind was really sharp, and it could cause such a big commotion. It was truly a rare attack technique.

After experiencing it firsthand, Mei Zhanqing was certain that she was no match for him.

Forcibly setting a three-day appointment, Mei Zhanqing felt annoyed and panicked. She really had no confidence in this duel and was worried.

After leaving the Ye family, Mei Zhanqing had been considering whether to get rid of the Zhang family and run away.

Only a fool would really wait three days!

However, on the way back, Zhang Wentao deliberately ordered the guards to protect her, which in name was protection, but in fact became an encirclement, foiling Mei Zhanqing's plan.

How could she not know that the Zhang family was already suspicious and was threatened by the Royal Wind Real Person, so they had changed their attitude and were instead guarding her? She could only helplessly follow them back to the Zhang family, preparing to plan again.

As for the idea of finding Zhou Jing to cooperate, it was no longer feasible.

Seeing Zhou Jing's attitude, Mei Zhanqing knew that he really intended to use her as a stepping stone. Moreover, the other party's cultivation was so profound that it was unlikely that he would agree to join forces with her… After all, her chips were still too few.

‘Find a chance to escape from the Zhang family and stay away from Ning Tian in these three days… By the way, make a second-hand plan. If I can't escape, then I must be prepared on the day of the duel, so that even if I lose, I can escape…’

Mei Zhanqing secretly calculated, and under the supervision of the Zhang family guards, she returned to the bamboo hut all the way.

On the other side, Zhang Wentao went directly to the Zhang family head and reported everything in detail.

After listening, the Zhang family head frowned slightly and asked suspiciously: "This Xuanxin Jushi has a good understanding and claims to be proficient in the art of Feng Shui, which is quite magical, but the Royal Wind Real Person is so targeted, is she really a demon who changed her name?"

"I don't know, but there must be a cause for everything, maybe they are not shooting arrows without a target." Zhang Wentao said, hesitated, and added: "However, the Royal Wind Real Person slandered me, Zhang Family colluded with the demon to harm that Ye family Taigong, this statement is a major blow to the reputation of my Zhang family, how will those dignitaries treat us? How can my Zhang family gain a foothold in Ning Tian Prefecture in the future?"

"What you said is not unreasonable." The head of the Zhang family pondered: "What are your plans?"

Zhang Wentao rolled his eyes and suggested:

"In my opinion, no matter whether Xuanxin Jushi is true or false, don't let her take the risk of fighting on the stage. Because if she is really a demon, and she shows it on the stage, our Zhang family will really be in trouble… It's better to put on a show and let her escape before the duel."

The head of the Zhang family frowned and shook his head: "But the Royal Wind Real Person said that if this person cannot appear on stage to fight in three days, he will hold our Zhang family accountable…"

Anger flashed in Zhang Wentao's eyes, and he said in a deep voice:

"Family head, it's better to choose the lesser of two evils. Does our Zhang family have to listen to even a Lingfeng Zi's words? After all, he is a Taoist without power or influence. Although he has some magical methods, it's just that everyone buys his account. He presumptuously said that he would hold our Zhang family accountable, but in fact, what can he do? It's just putting out a ruthless statement.

Our Zhang family has been based in Ning Tian Prefecture for many years, and our business is booming. Our network of relationships is deeply rooted and we are also a person of some importance. Could it be that those business partners, aristocratic families, and dignitaries will sever ties with our Zhang family because of Lingfeng Zi's words? It's impossible. At most, they will coax Lingfeng Zi on the surface, and how they should get along with us in private is still the same.

In my opinion, those dignitaries have been praising that Lingfeng Zi too much these days, making him unable to figure out how many pounds he weighs, overestimating his face, and becoming arrogant when he is successful!"

The Zhang family head's expression was uncertain, somewhat moved, but also somewhat hesitant, and muttered to himself:

"I'm afraid this move will make my Zhang family look guilty…"

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