Chapter 004: A Thousand Taels of Gold

The thin Daoist chuckled. The spell he had cast at the banquet today, turning wine into ice arrows, was called the Profound Ice Curse, an entry-level Daoist technique that nine out of ten Daoists knew.

The master of the prince's mansion, who widely associated with exorcists, was likely aware of this.

By performing it openly today, he had indeed risked being seen as fooling the gullible.

Yet the thin Daoist refused to admit it, instead retorting, "Didn't I later perform the Water Escape Art, opening the eyes of that mortal?"

The female Daoist looked up and glared at the thin Daoist, about to say something, when the old Daoist, who had remained silent, suddenly spoke: "Enough, stop arguing. Don't forget why we came."

The female Daoist and the thin Daoist felt a chill in their hearts.

Meanwhile, in Wang Bo's room, Wang Bo's gaze pierced through the void, watching with interest the events in the beautiful female Daoist's room, while constantly guessing what purpose these three had in coming to his mansion.

He was not at all worried about being discovered spying on them.

After all, his strength far surpassed that of these three Daoists. Unless they achieved immortality on the spot, it was impossible for them to realize that every move they made was being monitored by Wang Bo.

The old Daoist said slowly, "What do you two think of Young Master Wang?"

The thin Daoist said, "Just a mortal."

The female Daoist thought for a moment and said, "A wealthy merchant. The food we ate at the banquet today was worth no less than ten strings of cash."

The thin Daoist was stunned. "That much?"

The female Daoist nodded. "At least that much."

The thin Daoist's eyes lit up as he looked at the old Daoist. "Master, since this merchant is so rich, why don't we just go all the way and..."

He made a chopping gesture.

The old Daoist shook his head. "No."

"Why?"

"That Young Master Wang widely associates with exorcists, unlike ordinary merchants. Many exorcists have received his favors. If we act now and someone notices, it would complicate our current mission."

The thin Daoist said anxiously, "Then what do we do? Are we just going to let this fat sheep go?"

"What's the hurry?" the old Daoist said calmly. "He's here and can't run. After we finish our business, we can send him to reincarnation on our way back. Wouldn't that be better?"

Hearing this, the thin Daoist couldn't help but laugh. "Master is indeed master, truly brilliant."

The female Daoist covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

On the other side, Wang Bo, who was monitoring them, heard this conversation and found it both amusing and exasperating.

Although the old Daoist had a youthful face and white hair, appearing as a man of great attainment, he never expected his heart to be so black. Wang Bo had treated them to fine food and drink, yet they were plotting murder and robbery.

Were these Daoists or bandits?

These people had truly disgraced the Daoist order.

At that moment, Wang Bo really wanted to go up and kill each of them with a single finger.

But in the end, Wang Bo held back. He had come to this world and spent a great deal of money to build a reputation as a friend of exorcists. If he killed all three today, what would the other exorcists think?

After all, they had no idea that these three Daoists intended to kill and rob.

If the three died in Wang Bo's residence, Wang Bo would be unable to explain himself even if he were in the right.

Therefore, Wang Bo could not simply kill these three bastards; instead, he had to act as if nothing had happened and entertain them with fine food and drink.

When they finished their business and sneaked back to find Wang Bo, attempting to kill and plunder, Wang Bo would surely give them a big surprise.

Before long, the three finished their conversation and returned to their respective rooms.

The old Daoist and the thin Daoist fell into a deep sleep, while the beautiful female Daoist sat in meditation, diligently cultivating her qi.

Wang Bo glanced at them a few times, then withdrew his gaze and fell asleep.

…

The next day.

Wang Bo woke up as if nothing had happened, and still warmly hosted a banquet for the Daoists; the Daoists also acted as if nothing had occurred and accepted Wang Bo's invitation.

During the banquet, Wang Bo hesitantly said, “To be honest with you几位道长, I have admired Daoist teachings since childhood, but have never had the chance to enter the Daoist path and learn its methods. Today, by chance, I meet you几位道长. I wonder if you might open the door of convenience and guide me into the path. Rest assured,几位道长, I will devote all my family's resources to support you.”

The thin Daoist and the female Daoist were quite surprised and exchanged a glance.

The old Daoist smiled faintly, as if he had already seen through Wang Bo's intentions, and remained noncommittal.

The originally lively banquet suddenly turned cold.

A trace of mockery flashed in the thin Daoist's eyes as he slowly said, “Young Master Wang, although the Daoist school opens its doors wide and never fears those who come, this Dao is not something just anyone can cultivate.”

Wang Bo said calmly, “Please enlighten me, Reverend.”

The thin Daoist said, “To cultivate the Dao, the four essentials—method, location, wealth, and companions—are indispensable. But among these four, you, Young Master Wang, possess only wealth. To cultivate the Dao, the difficulties are many.”

Wang Bo, however, said, “I have heard of the four essentials—method, location, wealth, and companions. Since I already possess one of them, it shows that I have an affinity with the Dao. I see that you几位 reverends have clean sleeves and little wealth; why not guide me into the path and fill the gap of wealth?”

The thin Daoist's face turned ashen. These words sounded reasonable, but in fact insinuated that they, the Daoists, were paupers. The thin Daoist considered himself a cultivator, already transcendent and超凡脱俗, yet now he was being mocked by a contemptible mortal. Rage flared in his heart, and he wished he could summon a true flame to burn this detestable mortal to ashes.

Just then, the female Daoist beside him again pressed his hand and shook her head slightly.

The thin Daoist had no choice but to suppress the fury in his heart, but the fire within grew ever hotter.

At this moment, the old Daoist slowly said, “What Young Master Wang says is quite right. The four essentials—method, location, wealth, and companions—are indeed crucial for cultivation. If all four are gathered, one can achieve twice the result with half the effort. Young Master Wang's sincerity is evident, and I, this old Daoist, cannot bear to see you sink in the mundane world. I have here a cultivation method. If Young Master Wang likes it, I will give it to you.”

With that, he took out a booklet from a palm-sized pouch and gently tossed it.

The yellowed booklet drifted like a falling leaf and slowly landed before Wang Bo.

A hint of joy appeared on Wang Bo's face, but he said, “Since the reverend is willing to guide me into the path, how could I be so ungrateful as to not reciprocate? I would like to present you with a thousand taels of gold; please do not refuse.”

Upon hearing this, the thin Daoist nearly jumped up.

A thousand taels of gold—that was a huge sum.

Even the old Daoist had not expected Wang Bo to be so generous; for a moment, he was somewhat stunned.

The female Daoist now had only one thought.

This Young Master Wang was truly wealthy.