I Only Want to Lie Flat But Am Forced to Cultivate Immortality-Chapter 180 - 111: Taking Action, Dual Capture

A hundred and ten miles downstream of Baisha River, Xu Qing and his two companions carried the corpse of Shi Quan and searched along the case for ferrymen and signs of habitation, intending to return to Linhe.

At Baisha Ferry, Xue, the Government Official who had fled during the battle, led a band of deserters and rowed through the night, arriving at Linhe Pier in no time.

Cai, the steward who had been hiding in the cabin the entire time, was weak in the legs and exhausted, clearly frightened out of his wits.

The government officials, supporting and aiding him, brought the steward all the way to the Patrol Office.

County Captain Dong Heng and Master Tang Zhou, upon hearing the dire news, rushed to the Government Office, disregarding all other matters.

Upon learning that Chief Zhao and others had been harmed by the Daoists of Celestial Wu Temple and were dragged underwater by Water Ghosts with their fate unknown, everyone was profoundly shaken.

They had been colleagues for many years; to be separated by life and death in just one night was something no one could easily accept.

Even the most unfeeling individuals would shed a few tears in such a moment.

Xue, the Government Official, was clearly one of the notable mourners among them, weeping the most passionately as if he had lost his own brother.

"When Chief Zhao fell into the water, he left the steering to me, entrusting me with the lives of everyone on the boat. If I couldn’t bring the brothers back alive, how could I face Chief Zhao’s trust?"

"Therefore, I had no choice but to harden my heart and bring the brothers back... The Daoist was cunning, the Water Ghosts cruel. Now with a night gone by, it is feared that the Chief may have little chance of survival."

Having said this, the Government Official Xue pounded his chest and stomped his feet in front of everyone, repeatedly lamenting.

The other officials knew well that Xue’s account wasn’t entirely accurate, yet no one spoke up to correct him.

After all, they had all chosen to protect themselves at the time.

In contrast, Shi Quan, who couldn’t even swim, had boldly jumped into the water.

County Captain Dong, seeing the disheartened faces of the officials, immediately frowned and said, "Why panic? Master, go quickly and find Martial Supervisor Wu to request the Demon Hunting Captain search along the river. Maybe there’s still a chance for Chief Zhao."

As Master Tang swiftly left the hall, forensic doctor Wang Lingyuan followed closely behind, hastening to catch up and calling out, "Master, slow down!"

"Master, my junior disciple’s fate is also unknown. Please speak to the Supervisor and the gentlemen on our behalf, asking them to keep an eye out..."

...

Underground Street, Funeral Shop.

Two days had passed since Xu Qing went to the pier for an external job.

Xuan Yu, apparently unfamiliar with the human custom of working from sunrise to sunset, had been keeping the shop open around the clock for the past two days while possessing Sun Erniang.

During this period, a customer would occasionally come to purchase wreaths, paper mache, and other funeral supplies.

Since the incident with the Old Wu Family next door, the Paper Mache Shop had been unattended except for Wu Yaohua’s wife.

Her husband wrongfully imprisoned, and with their twin sons traveling far and wide, Madam Wu had no heart to run the shop.

Xu Qing, being a neighbor, simply moved the wreaths and paper mache to the Funeral Shop to sell them on behalf of Madam Wu.

Xuan Yu, having no concept of the value of silver coins, would let the customers decide on the price for the wreaths themselves.

Fortunately, customers buying funeral supplies usually held a certain reverence for these things and wouldn’t offer a price too low.

And so the days passed, with Shopkeeper Xu’s two-day absence having seemingly little effect on the Funeral Shop.

As the acting shopkeeper, Xuan Yu showed no concern for Xu Qing’s safety.

As a Cat Immortal with a long lifespan, it perceived time differently from ordinary people.

In its eyes, a day or two was just a blink, with months and years barely counting as long periods.

In the afternoon, the sound of cicadas permeated the street.

A tall, slender figure suddenly appeared outside the usually deserted Funeral Shop.

"Young lady, may I ask if Shopkeeper Xu is in?"

Seeing the familiar figure walk in, Xuan Yu’s eyes gleamed with spirit.

The visitor was none other than Huang Immortal, Huang Laohu, with yellowish-brown fur, short limbs, and the ability to speak.

"Xu Immortal Family has gone traveling. Daoist Huang, if you have any matters, you can speak with me."

"May I ask what relationship you have with Shopkeeper Xu?"

"You really can’t recognize me, you old weasel? How could you not know me?"

Xuan Yu transformed into a wisp of black smoke, slipping out from Sun Erniang’s body.

The next moment, a black cat emerged from behind the counter and leaped on top of it.

"So it’s Daoist Xuan Yu."

Huang Laohu’s beady eyes darted around.

Realizing the situation, he cupped his hands and laughed, "With the Profound Jade Immortal Family here, my heart is at ease."

As he spoke, Huang Laohu made a hand sign and summoned a yellow wind, revealing a basket of eggs when the wind subsided.

"Here are twenty pairs of boiled eggs, ten of single yolk and ten of double yolk, specially brought by this old man for you to taste." He placed the basket on the counter, his words carrying a flattering hint.

Xuan Yu glanced at the basket, unmoved.

"Huang Laohu, you better state your case plainly. Don’t think you can deceive me with a basket of eggs." Xuan Yu had a natural sensitivity to weasels and the like and could easily see that Huang Laohu had ulterior motives.

Huang Laohu grinned sheepishly, "I wouldn’t dare. I just came to visit. If there’s anything, it’s a good thing."

"Oh, and I gathered that your Cat Immortal Hall has just been established, so I figured you might not have much business yet. I recently took on a job and thought to pass it to your Cat Immortal Hall if you’re interested."

"These twenty pairs of eggs will be the deposit, and in the future, there will be offerings of incense, grains, oils, meats, and even a phoenix with a twisted neck."

"Such grand offerings?" Xuan Yu widened its eyes. "Only during significant rituals are the Three Sacrifices offered. What kind of job requires such rich offerings?"

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