In the Eastern Capital, a wave of audiobooks has taken the city by storm. Various teahouses and restaurants now host storytellers, and this novel approach has drawn many patrons. Among them, the Taihe Teahouse has gained a bit of fame for its unique storytelling experience.
Other storytellers struggle to create the same immersive atmosphere, leading many to conclude that the Taihe Teahouse is the best. Meanwhile, Jiang Ming has noticed a significant increase in the collective willpower of the people. Names like Su Hu, Su Quanzhong, Fei Zhong, You Hun, and even notorious figures like King Zhou are now available for summoning.
However, none of these characters possess supernatural abilities, so Jiang Ming decides against summoning them. Instead, he focuses on a noteworthy figure: Zheng Lun, one of the legendary "Yin-Yang Generals." As a disciple of the wandering master Du E, Zheng Lun has been gifted a formidable ability that allows him to expel two streams of white light from his nostrils, capable of siphoning souls. This ability has proven effective against many foes, though he ultimately met his downfall against the Mei Mountain Seven Monsters.
Jiang Ming can sense the amount of willpower needed for Zheng Lun's revival and estimates that he will be able to resurrect him in just two days.
Just then, a card from the Fengshen series flies out from his possession, and Chong Heihu appears in the room.
"Chong Hou, what brings you here?" Jiang Ming asks.
Chong Heihu rubs his stomach, saying, "Young Master, I haven't eaten in a few days. I'm feeling quite hungry. Can you fetch me some food?"
Jiang Ming is taken aback. He had assumed that Chong Heihu, a character from the stories, would not need to eat, as he is now a god in the tale. Realizing his misunderstanding, he quickly apologizes.
"I'll ask Fubo to bring some food shortly. What would you like?"
"Just a roasted lamb will do," Chong Heihu replies.
"Sure, one roasted lamb it is," Jiang Ming agrees.
At that moment, a gust of wind sweeps through the room, bringing with it a tantalizing aroma. Daji leans against Jiang Ming and playfully teases, "Young Master, I haven't eaten in a while either. Could you bring me a tender, delicious person to feast on?"
Jiang Ming's expression darkens, and he quickly replies, "I'll have someone roast a lamb for you instead. Eating raw meat will only upset your stomach."
With that, he instructs the two to wait in the room.
Jiang Ming decides to take a break today after the exhausting storytelling sessions, asking a waiter to post a notice that there will be no storytelling today, leaving many guests disappointed. After enjoying two roasted lambs, he notices Fubo looking at him with a peculiar expression, wondering when the young master had developed such a hearty appetite.
Fortunately, these two don't eat every day; otherwise, with more summoned characters, Jiang Ming would struggle to feed them all without sending them out to work.
With some free time on his hands, Jiang Ming plans to venture into the nearby mountains to catch some falcons to refine into Iron-Mouth Eagles.
"Young Master, you must not leave the Eastern Capital's vicinity," Fubo warns earnestly. "It's crucial to remember this."
Since Fubo needs to manage the teahouse and cannot accompany him, and considering that the Eastern Capital is one of the Five Capitals of the Jin dynasty, he reassures Jiang Ming that there should be no issues as long as he stays close to the city.
"Don't worry, Fubo; I'll be careful," Jiang Ming replies. He knows the wilderness can be dangerous but intends to stick to the outskirts and trusts Chong Heihu and Daji to protect him.
As Jiang Ming disappears around the corner, Fubo recalls how the young master was previously attacked and feels uneasy, hastening his work to keep an eye on him.
"It seems it's time to find the young master a bodyguard," he thinks.
Jiang Ming's departure is swiftly reported to the Silver Rising Gambling House, where Luo Tianlin rejoices at the news and sends A Hu to take action.
A Hu has already enlisted Zhao Lao Liu, promising him 500 taels of silver as a reward. Once the target appears, they follow closely behind. Of course, Zhao Lao Liu isn't foolish; he brings along one of his brothers for protection, aware that this task has its risks.
A Hu sneers quietly, knowing that Zhao Lao Liu's brother is a familiar face at their gambling house, and he still owes them a significant amount. For money, gamblers are willing to do anything—what's family loyalty to them?
They quickly weave through the market and pursue Jiang Ming.
Unbeknownst to them, Chong Heihu has appeared beside Jiang Ming and suddenly warns, "Young Master, it seems we are being followed."
Jiang Ming is startled—could he have inadvertently upset someone? He glances over his shoulder but sees nothing suspicious. Trusting Chong Heihu, he asks, "Can you deal with them?"
Chong Heihu dismisses the idea, "They are just a bunch of lowly rats. We can eliminate them easily."
"Let's not go too far. First, let's interrogate them before taking action," Jiang Ming insists.
They continue walking, gradually veering away from the city into a quieter area.
Meanwhile, A Hu and Zhao Lao Liu remain oblivious to being discovered, puzzled as to why Jiang Ming has gone this direction. Suddenly, Jiang Ming and Chong Heihu turn a corner and vanish from sight.
"Quick, after them!" Zhao Lao Liu orders, eager for the 500 taels. He rushes forward, but unexpectedly, a large hand reaches out and grips his neck.
A voice suddenly booms, "What are you sneaking around for?"
A Hu and the others are taken aback, and upon recognizing Jiang Ming and his companion, they exchange glances. Zhao Lao Liu's eyes roll back, and he falls lifelessly.
"You killed my brother!" Zhao Lao Liu's sibling, Zhao Lao Ba, exclaims in shock.
Jiang Ming's heart races—did Chong Heihu actually kill someone? He rushes forward to check, confirming there is no breath or pulse.
Chong Heihu frowns, "That's impossible; I didn't use much strength."
"Impossible? My brother was always weak and sickly. He couldn't handle a fright, and now look at him!" Zhao Lao Ba cries, putting on a theatrical display that would fool anyone.
While he speaks, his hands are busy searching Zhao Lao Liu for any weaknesses, hoping to ensure his brother never wakes again.
Meanwhile, A Hu cooperates by surrounding Jiang Ming and raising a ruckus, claiming they should summon the authorities.
Jiang Ming's suspicion grows. These individuals have been following him for no reason, clearly up to no good. Trusting Chong Heihu's assessment that he didn't use force, he ponders how this person died.
Suddenly, it hits him: **scam**! In this world filled with monsters and superhuman warriors, playing dead is hardly far-fetched.
He turns to them with a blank expression and asks, "So, what do you really want?"
"Three thousand, no, five thousand taels. Give me five thousand, and this matter will be settled. Otherwise, I'll report you to the authorities. I know you—you're the young master of the Taihe Teahouse, and you can't escape!" Zhao Lao Ba threatens.
As he speaks, he feels around Zhao Lao Liu's body, searching for a weak point to press.
Just then, a strange object rolls to Zhao Lao Ba's feet, causing him to momentarily falter.
"Uncle, can you help me pick up my head? Or can I borrow your head to play with?" comes a voice from beneath the tree.
Jiang Ming turns to see a peculiar creature standing there, unable to contain his surprise. "Even that thing is trying to pull a scam!" he exclaims.