I looked at Shi Fei Daoren for a long time, unable to say a word.

I truly hadn't expected Shi Fei Daoren to pull this stunt.

Shi Fei Daoren saw my surprise and smiled, "In this world, the clear are naturally clear, and the muddy are naturally muddy. Rumors and slanders are just the worries of mediocre people."

Shi Fei Daoren certainly had an open mind.

However, I hadn't come to discuss Dao with him. Once I understood what I wanted to know, I changed the subject, "I think I understand what you mean, Daoren."

"Since Xianyang River is under the supervision of the Six Doors, shouldn't the Six Doors be able to inspect its own subordinate institutions? Why insist on going through the process of escorting prisoners?"

Shi Fei Daoren shook his head, "The Six Doors and the Land of Exile are not the same institution. There is another group of people guarding that place."

"Speaking of which, the fact that the Six Doors was willing to break ties with the art Dao to abolish exile back then remains a mystery to this day."

"Every generation of Bu Shen (God Catcher) is curious about the secrets of that time."

"However, each generation of Bu Shen also warns their successors not to investigate Xianyang River, unless something truly major happens there."

Hearing this, I asked, "Since the Six Doors has severed contact with the Xianyang River, how would they know if something major has happened there?"

Shi Fei Daoren stood up, gently pushed open a hidden door in the wall, and pointed to a bronze figure inside, its body wrapped in iron chains, "The nine locks on this bronze figure are the tools for transmitting messages from the Xianyang River."

"The breaking of an iron chain signifies a problem there."

"The first iron chain broke on the eve of the Six Doors' disbandment. It was on that day that the last generation of Bu Shen made the decision to divide the secret treasure leading to Xianyang River into four parts."

"The second iron chain broke in the second year that Bei Yan Jingyun set off for Xianyang River. The chain suddenly snapped at that time. I originally wanted to investigate, but I couldn't set off because I didn't have a map."

"The third iron chain broke after you captured Ningkang Temple."

"Three of the nine locks have broken, indicating that a major event has occurred in Xianyang River. I have no choice but to go to Xianyang River."

I nodded, "What about the prisoners you mentioned? How are they dealt with? And who judges them?"

Shi Fei Daoren said, "As for prisoners, I have some ready-made ones. There's one in each of the four rooms to the left and right. Unfortunately, even though I know they are guilty, I haven't been able to make them confess. That's why I haven't been able to determine their crimes."

"If you can convict two of them, we can escort the prisoners on their way."

"As for who judges them..." Shi Fei Daoren smiled bitterly, "The Bu Shen has the authority to judge术士 (shushi, Daoist priests/sorcerers)."

Shi Fei Daoren sighed, "Officials can choose not to learn anything else, but they must learn how to protect themselves. The people of the Three Law Divisions are the same."

"Officials throughout the ages, from ordinary county magistrates to the Three Law Divisions, are unwilling to offend术士 (shushi, Daoist priests/sorcerers), so they hand over the task of judging术士 (shushi, Daoist priests/sorcerers) to the Six Doors."

"The Six Doors doesn't judge secular matters, only cases involving the术道 (shu dao, the Dao of magical arts)."

"So that's how it is!" I couldn't help but nod to myself.

Jiang Junci had told me about the legend of the Coffin Gate. The Six Doors was somewhat similar to the Ghost Yamen where Xie Bangui served back then, with both arrest and judgment being handled by the same yamen.

I nodded, "What do you want me to do with the four prisoners outside? Can we use torture?"

Shi Fei Daoren shook his head, "If torture were an option, I wouldn't be stuck in this stalemate with them today!"

"Without sufficient evidence, the gatekeeper of the secret realm won't let us in, so there's no point in talking about exiling prisoners."

I suddenly had the idea of killing the gatekeeper, but I quickly suppressed it.

Ye Yang's journey is fraught with danger. I have to find a way to minimize the risks, not create more trouble for Ye Yang.

I asked again, "Besides that, what else do we need to do?"

Shi Fei Daoren said, "Temporarily join the Six Doors!"

My brow furrowed instantly. Shi Fei Daoren quickly added, "Without the identity of a constable, you won't be able to enter the secret realm either."

"This is just a temporary measure. Once the Xianyang River trip is over, you can leave."

I was about to speak when Feng Ruoxing winked at me. I swallowed my words and changed my tone, "Can you tell me about those four prisoners?"

Shi Fei Daoren said, "I can only see that they are surrounded by sinful aura, nothing else."

Shi Fei Daoren pointed to the roof, "I haven't left this funeral home in thirty years. I'm already washed up. Even if you give me time and location, I'm afraid I won't be able to find any evidence. I'll leave the rest to you!"

I nodded, "Alright! We'll discuss it and give you an answer."

"That's how it should be!" Shi Fei Daoren said, "I also have guest rooms here. If you don't mind, you can stay here!"

"No need to trouble yourself. We can find our own place to stay." I stood up and winked at Wang Xiaohuan, who knowingly patted his satchel twice.

Cang Jian quietly slipped out of Wang Xiaohuan's bag.