Bai Yichen smiled knowingly, as if he had made a guess.
He opened it to reveal a plate of exquisitely made pastries.
However, upon taking out the plate of pastries, he pulled aside a layer underneath.
Inside, there were no snacks to be found.
What lay inside was a pile of shiny silver!
What a wonderful job!
Indeed, the people of the county are particular!
Bai Yichen picked it up and counted; it was precisely five taels of silver, equivalent to the half-year expenses of an ordinary household.
Then, he thought of the other people, including Master Guanquan's share.
He couldn't help but sigh; organizing the rituals truly was a labor-intensive and costly affair.
Although it seemed to be led by the county, it was in fact the towns below that had to comply, with every household contributing funds, gathering sand to form a tower, accumulating small amounts to form a large sum, like drops of water forming the sea.
Just like the water-land ceremonies in the past in the imperial city, they drained the people's wealth and emptied the national treasury, yet it only fattened the inner treasury and the officials.
However, many lifetimes of experience in the mortal realm had made him realize that some matters are meant to coexist with light and dust, which is the way of survival.
Therefore, it was just right for half of the silver to go to him, and the other half to pay respects to Master Guanjian. As for the pastries in the food box, he would take them back for his junior brother to taste.
If you're good to me, I'll be good to you; that is what truly matters!
Collecting his many thoughts, Bai Yichen took off his Daoist robe and began his practice for the day.
He had hurried out this morning, and it was inconvenient on the road, which is why he had delayed until now, but daily cultivation must not be neglected.
This was the truth he could grasp and the foundation for his existence.
With his full stomach providing him with ample strength, he circulated his cultivation route, feeling the warm energy within him gradually increase. The strength between his muscles and skin continuously rolled, producing a feeling of numbness throughout his body.
Immersed in the exhilarating sensation of training, Bai Yichen practiced the Three Yang Demon-Subduing Fist. With every operation of his internal method, each shift and movement caused the internal strength to circulate and the bones and muscles to cooperate.
Finally, he took out the body tempering powder he had made with the monthly stipend he received, combined with herbs he gathered in the mountains.
He then began practicing a peculiar martial arts technique he had acquired in his previous life, the "Dragon Elephant Vajra Power Formula."
This was a remarkable martial art he had obtained after seizing the royal treasury following his ascension to power. Originating from the Western Regions, it had nine levels; each level enhanced one's explosive strength by double and had the effect of tempering the body and bones, gradually leading to a state where one became difficult to harm.
However, the further one progressed, the more challenging it became. Fortunately, he was gifted, and just a few days ago, he had completed the first level of training and was now beginning the second level.
Bai Yichen's slow progress before uncovering the mysteries of his fetal origins was partly due to his childhood physical immaturity, which made it unsuitable for him to practice martial arts too early.
Secondly, it was because he had retained a youthful disposition. As a young person, he lacked the persistence needed for sweat and perseverance, often practicing diligently for three days, then slacking off for two days, resulting in a lack of commitment.
Fortunately, after awakening, Bai Yichen would not let go of this exceptional talent in this world!
...
On August 30th, the day was auspicious for opening altars, conducting rituals, and traveling.
In the afternoon, several people gathered at an already set-up Daoist venue for the altar.
Everyone's expressions were normal, and no one mentioned the hidden mystery behind the pastries.
After a moment, Master Guanquan arrived, draped in his ceremonial robe, with a beaming smile, waving his whisk and saying in a loud voice, "Prepare to set up the altar and perform the ritual to pray for blessings and worship the heavens!"
The fragrant smoke wafted, and the banners fluttered.
Under Master Guanquan's leadership, everyone donned ceremonial robes, wore Daoist caps, and appeared solemn and dignified.
On the ritual altar, the five of them arranged ritual implements and offerings according to the "Supreme Huang Lu Grand Altar Ritual."
The sound of chanting was melodious and graceful, like celestial music floating into the clouds.
Chanting scriptures was also a profound study. Bai Yichen and the others adjusted their breathing, circulating the qi in their chest and abdomen, formed hand seals, and began to chant the Daoist scripture for salvation.
"No text, no achievement; no text, no passage; no text, no life…"
While it seemed they were humming and reciting rapidly, they had to elongate their voices at the nodes of the scriptures, accompanied by the shaking of bells.
At times, the sound was deep and seemed to recount the vicissitudes of the world; at other times, it was high-pitched, as if calling for the descent of the deities.
The talismans fluttered, seemingly imbued with spiritual light; the steps were elegant, as if a celestial figure had suddenly appeared.
During the ritual, the atmosphere was solemn and mysterious, as if an invisible force enveloped the entire area, instilling a sense of reverence in people, making them feel as though they were in a spiritual realm.
The county magistrate on the side, along with the gathered townspeople, watched this scene with bated breath and expressions of awe.
After sending off the spirits, Master Guanquan prepared several bowls of talisman water right there on stage and handed them to the magistrates. Upon drinking, their complexions appeared even rosier and more radiant.
Seeing this, the townsfolk below quickly knelt down and collectively implored, "We beseech the Daoist to bestow your great mercy and grant us talisman water."
In response, Master Guanquan and the others were evidently well-prepared, commanding someone to bring out a large bucket of clear water.
Then, Master Guanquan chanted a prayer, accompanied by hand seals. Suddenly, the talisman in his hand caught fire, and he tossed something into the water. After a moment, it dissolved within.
Bai Yichen observed that the object wrapped inside was a few medicinal pills. Judging from the magistrates' earlier expressions, it was likely a remedy for replenishing qi and nourishing blood.
This was one of Xuanzhen Temple's methods to earn a good reputation and gather prestige. After all, while the rites for the deceased were ultimately a form of comfort, the benefits of drinking the talisman water directly affected the health of the townspeople.
Suddenly, as the crowd surged towards the distribution point of the talisman water, Bai Yichen caught sight of a familiar figure he hadn't seen in a long time.
That person made a strange gesture towards him amid the crowd.
In an instant, a thousand waves surged in Bai Yichen's heart, but after the crowd settled, he found that the person had already disappeared.
Fortunately, with his rich life experience, Bai Yichen quickly suppressed his confusion and continued to distribute the talisman water, promoting Xuanzhen Temple along with the others.
After concluding the ceremony and returning to Wang Yuanwai's residence, there was yet another lavish banquet, which left everyone reluctant to leave, wishing they could switch to Fuyuan Hall to perform ceremonies every day.
The younger disciple Shaonian, who had previously asked about ghosts, was particularly curious and asked, "Senior Brother Shaosen, does Fuyuan Hall often hold rituals?"
Shaosen quickly shook his head and explained.
It turned out that such rituals were indeed rare. Most of the time, it was the officials, gentry, and wealthy households who invited the masters from the temple to chant scriptures, bestow blessings, and conduct rituals.
Of course, even leeks need time to grow before they can be harvested, Bai Yichen thought to himself with a hint of resentment.
"Well, that's still much better than our Hall of Records."
The Hall of Records and the Martial Hall where Shaoyang was located were the remaining two halls of Xuanzhen Temple, responsible for matters related to registration and safeguarding the temple, neither of which could be considered lucrative.
In fact, the Martial Hall had been under a lot of pressure recently due to the unstable situation, facing frequent disturbances and often being called to practice hard in preparation for emergencies.
Perhaps that's why Shaoyang wanted to challenge Bai Yichen again.
Listening to their conversation, Bai Yichen quickly picked up a new dish of braised pork knuckle and began to gnaw on it.
For a moment, the guests were cheerful, waiting to set off back to the temple the next day.
...
With the moon dim and clouds thick, stars hidden in heavy mist, the night was quiet and frosty.
At this time, Bai Yichen was meditating in his room.
"Creek, creek!"
Suddenly, a sound came from the window.
Looking again, the window was tightly closed.
However, a person wrapped in a dark cloak appeared before him.