Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, but Thunderbolt Taoist Sect

Chapter 114 Yang Wanshi, Who Can't Be Helped

Despite saying she didn't care about the other monsters, Sister Hu eventually joined the two in the rescue. Apart from Mo Xunzong physically breaking the iron cage, she and Ma Jiepu used magic to destroy the lock.

It wasn't that they didn't want to unlock the door normally; they had searched the surrounding area but couldn't find a single key. According to Sister Hu, the key had always been in the hands of the person in charge here, who was probably sleeping in the west room. Going back to look for it would take too much time, so they might as well use some other methods.

Mo Xunzong felt that destroying the cage was easier than finding the key, and destroying the cage would add another loss to the enemy.

"Luckily, it's noisy here, and the houses to the west are far away."

Listening to the sounds of the iron cages being broken and deformed, Sister Hu still doubted whether Mo Xunzong was truly human. The little monsters' chattering was a constant noise, which annoyed the White Lotus Sect members, who moved their quarters further away. It was precisely this chaotic noise that allowed these reinforcements to recklessly tamper with so many iron cages.

The fox and the rat that Mo Xunzong sought help from Ma Jiepu were unsurprisingly accompanied by another rat. However, the companion of the little yellow fox was quite different in appearance from what Mo Xunzong had imagined.

He initially thought it was a fox similar to the other fox. Fox spirits usually live in groups, so when he saw Sister Hu in her original form being imprisoned, he assumed she was a companion of the little fox.

In reality, the companions the little fox was trying to save were actually a group of tiny people. The tallest of these humanoid creatures was less than two feet tall. They were short, but they were different from dwarfs. The cages that held them were very large and very short, clearly designed specifically for these tiny people.

They could speak human language, wore human clothes, and had small buns tied in their hair. When Mo Xunzong stood to the side, he felt as if he had accidentally entered a land of little people.

Looking at these chattering little people, Mo Xunzong really couldn't recognize what kind of race they were. Compared to humanoid monsters, they were too small, and compared to the little people like the house monsters, they were too big. He couldn't figure them out, so he turned around to save the other little monsters.

Apart from those tiny people whose races were indistinguishable, the rest were all humanoid monsters whose appearances were basically no different from ordinary animals, with at most some special patterns and a few more human-like behaviors.

In the end, even Mo Xunzong himself couldn't tell whether the animals in the cage were spirits or monsters. In his opinion, these small animals were just naturally intelligent little creatures, not monsters.

Targeting monsters of this level is not just bullying the weak and fearing the strong; it's downright dishonest. A few hunting dogs could easily catch these small animals.

The White Lotus Sect has such a wide range of monster-hunting activities, no wonder those guys had the idea of ​​using human-turned-animals to create fakes.

"Only a minority can learn the skills and become a mage."

Ma Jiepu also realized that the imprisoned little monster was a bit too weak. Looking at Mo Xunzong's expression, he immediately knew what he was thinking.

"The majority of people in the White Lotus Sect are ordinary people who know nothing. With their mortal eyes, they cannot distinguish between spirits and monsters. In some isolated villages, people and animals with unusual appearances are often mistaken for monsters."

"More than that."

Sister Hu also came over and teased him.

"Some people trip and fall when they go out, and they feel resentful and even think that they have been cursed."

All the cages were open. All that was left was to take the little monsters out. There were talismans pasted on the outer walls. When they came in, Ma Jiepu had cast some minor spells on the little fox and the gray rat. Now, it was impossible to take so many monsters away like that.

The talisman needs to be broken, and to speed things up, the wall might even need to be smashed as well, but that would alert others. Breaking the talisman is simple; Ma Jiepu and Sister Hu can both do it. Breaking the wall is also easy; the outermost wall is very old and dilapidated, with only some areas inside the house having been renovated.

What we need to be concerned about is the remaining White Lotus sect members; someone needs to go out and attract attention.

"The rest of the believers are in those houses on the west side, right? Leave them to me."

Mo Xunzong volunteered to attract attention. Before the other two could say anything, he picked up the two unconscious people on the ground, pushed off with his feet, and rose westward, quickly disappearing from the rooftop.

Ma Jiepu was certain that Mo Xunzong had a grudge against a certain cult in the past. His enthusiasm for fighting cults was probably due not only to the other party's eagerness to show off, but also to his own strong desire to fight cult members.

"Does he have a grudge against the White Lotus Sect?"

Sister Hu could also see Mo Xunzong's anxious look.

"No, Master Mo is here to investigate the White Lotus Sect on behalf of his master."

However, these were just Ma Jiepu's own conjectures and were not suitable to be discussed with others. He planned to ask his master, Yuan Wuxiang, when he saw Shuangxiu again in the future.

He debuted during the active period of Ni Hai Chong Fan, carrying the famous saying "Invincible in the world when I first entered the martial arts world". However, Mo Xunzong, who was no match for Ni Hai Chong Fan, said to him, "Please give me some face and don't ask about everything."

With Mo Xunzong drawing attention, the rest of the process is simple. Mo Xunzong will cause a ruckus to wake everyone up and then defeat them. Ma Jiepu and Sister Hu will break through the formation and walls. The monsters will be responsible for running away. There's no need to worry about the illusions outside anymore. The monsters have all been rescued, so there's no need to worry about alerting them. We'll break through all the illusions together.

The remaining task was to immediately report to the authorities and have them inspect this large mansion, which was of unknown age. They wanted to test whether the White Lotus Church would take any further action regarding this stronghold.

For example, they could send stronger people to rescue them, or, as before, once their whereabouts are discovered, they could run away without a care in the world.

Since it's one of the bases specifically used to collect monsters, they shouldn't just leave them there anymore, right? Sister Hu said that someone was supposed to come and collect all the monsters, but Mo Xunzong and Ma Jiepu intercepted them first.

The collected "goods" are gone, and the location of the stronghold has been exposed to the government. Such a big matter should attract some important figures.

It's just a process that takes time. Whether it's the government's investigation or waiting for the news to reach other White Lotus Sect members, all the White Lotus Sect members in the city who are openly known have been found and handed over to the government by Ma Jiepu and his men. It's unknown how long it will take for them to deliver the message.

This free time was perfect for Ma Jiepu to return to the Yang family and deal with the Yang brothers' affairs. He wanted to go back and ask Yang Wanshi for his thoughts.

Mo Xunzong had completed most of his mission and was now free. Since he was Yuan Wuxiang's apprentice and they had gone through these things in the city together, Ma Jiepu originally wanted him to return to the Yang family with him.

But when he said that, Mo Xunzong asked this question with a serious expression.

"Is the Jade Pivot and Osmanthus still there?"

“Jade…yes.”

Ma Jiepu paused for a moment to process this, then remembered that "Jade Pivot and Osmanthus" referred to Yue Wuque, who was indeed in the Yang family. If it weren't for his protection, Yang Wanzhong would have lost his life.

"Then I won't go."

After receiving this answer, Mo Xunzong decisively refused the invitation to travel together, saying that he needed to go see his master again. Then, the next second, he disappeared without a trace.

Ma Jiepu: ...

In that instant, he recalled the comment he heard that night when he met Yue Wuque for the second time: "The most unpopular person in the Daoist sect." At the time, he thought it was just friends teasing each other, but seeing Mo Xunzong's attitude today, it seemed that the comment was somewhat true.

So what has that person done to deserve such a reputation? Judging from the intensity of their previous insults, could they have insulted all their fellow Taoist practitioners?

Finally, Hu Sijie followed Ma Jiefu back to the Yang family. Ma Jiefu himself couldn't figure out why she came along. Although they were of the same species, this was their first meeting, so it shouldn't be necessary for them to travel together.

"Because you look like you need help."

Since learning about the Yang brothers' affair, Ma Jiepu had been in a bad mood. Hu Sijie naturally noticed this as well. It was quite strange that a fox spirit of his level would be so troubled.

"Just think of me as doing good deeds and accumulating merit."

"...Do you wish to enter the path of immortality?"

Sister Hu is a powerful demon who has already formed her core. With her current cultivation level, she can do whatever she wants, and few ordinary demons dare to provoke her.

At this level, she can live as she pleases without having to do anything deliberately or focus on doing good deeds. The most likely reason is that she wants to get rid of her identity as a demon and embark on the path of cultivation.

"Yes."

She readily admitted to Ma Jiepu's speculation. Aside from doing good deeds and accumulating merit, Ma Jiepu was a legitimate fox spirit, and helping him might earn her some guidance. As for Mo Xunzong, his terrifying strength was unlike that of an ordinary Taoist priest, and she suspected that he was also a cultivator.

If that's the case, the master or senior Mo Xunzong mentioned is very likely an immortal. Ma Jiepu knows them, and if I go to help him, I can also establish a connection. No matter how you look at it, I definitely won't suffer any losses by following him.

Upon returning, Ma Jiepu first went to find Yang Wanzhong, who was ostensibly dead. After all, Yang had attempted suicide by jumping into a well, and even if he had been rescued, it was still frightening.

"...What exactly are you doing out there?"

Watching Ma Jiepu leave with the fox and the gray rat, and return with a female fox spirit of considerable cultivation, Yue Wuque tilted his head, wondering if she was going to be a rescuer or a blind date.

Before Ma Jiepu could explain, after confirming that Yang Wanzhong was really alright, he rushed back to the Yang family. At this time, the Yang family was still immersed in grief over Yang Wanzhong's death. When they saw Ma Jiepu return, Yang Wanshi couldn't help but pull him aside again to complain.

Ma Jiepu already knew half of what Yang Wanshi said beforehand. The other half was that Yin Shi continued to torment Yang Wanzhong's wife and children. Yang Wanzhong's wife couldn't bear to part with her children and vowed never to remarry. Yin Shi then ordered the Yang family not to give her food or drink. Now it's unknown how long she can endure it.

But in reality, Yang Wanzhong did not die. Yue Wuque was there to temporarily act as a backup. Yang Wanzhong's wife and children would not suffer. Just like Yang Wanshi's concubine, who seemed to be tormented by Yin Shi, the two sides never even met.

The apparent tragedy was maintained so that Ma Jiepu could see Yang Wanshi's true nature and how to protect the Yang family would ultimately depend on his choices.

Because he couldn't expose himself, Ma Jiepu didn't visit Yang Wanzhong's wife and children. Instead, he directly lectured Yang Wanshi about these matters, trying to enlighten him. However, Yang Wanshi was used to being scolded at home. When Ma Jiepu, who looked much younger than him, lectured him, he just listened obediently. Ma Jiepu was even more disappointed in him.

When Madam Yin learned that Ma Jiepu had returned, she remembered the giant who had frightened her and the two "get out" shouts from before. Given her temperament, she would retaliate for all of these.

Ma Jiepu possessed extraordinary skills and could even summon giants. Although Yang Wanshi claimed that these were all fake magic tricks, Yin Shi, who had already suffered a loss, dared not confront him directly. Instead, she called Yang Wanshi back into the house, slapped him dozens of times, and forced him to immediately break off relations with Ma Jiepu.

The two rooms were not far apart, and Ma Jiepu paid special attention. Hearing the faint sound of slapping, and seeing Yang Wanshi returning with tears in his eyes and the handprint on his face, he knew what had happened.

Seeing his sworn brother's submissive demeanor, Ma Jiepu was truly angry.

"She has committed numerous evil deeds. You dare to lay a hand on her, so can't you at least divorce her?"

Ma Jiepu's voice suddenly rose, startling Yang Wanshi, who was standing there meekly. Seeing this, Ma Jiepu's anger intensified.

"She abused your father and caused your brother's death. You can accept all of that and follow her orders. What kind of human being are you?!"

If he hadn't come here and wanted to visit the Yang brothers, he would never have known the actual situation of the Yang family. If Yue Wuque hadn't intervened while he was away, Ma Jiepu couldn't imagine how badly the Yang family would have been harmed by the Yin family.

His wife was fierce and abused his relatives. As the head of the Yang family, Yang Wanshi not only did not stop her, but also succumbed to her tyranny. His younger brother threw himself into a well and he didn't dare to utter a sound. Ma Jiepu was so cowardly that he was now wondering why he hadn't seen through Yang Wanshi's true character back then.

After being scolded by Ma Jiepu again, Yang Wanshi stretched out his arms, seemingly moved by his sworn brother, and finally mustered up some courage. Seeing that he was about to be enlightened, Ma Jiepu pressed on with encouragement.

As long as Yang Wanshi can resist now, it's not too late to stop.

Ma Jiepu crossed his arms and watched with satisfaction as Yang Wanshi straightened his back and strode out to find Madam Yin. He didn't know what they said inside, but when Yang Wanshi came out again, he was holding his head and shouting for help, with Madam Yin's voice behind him saying she was looking for a kitchen knife.

Upon seeing this, Ma Jiepu's expression fell again.

"He was slapped as soon as he entered the door and immediately knelt down."

Sister Hu came along, but her identity was hard to explain, so she hid herself and watched the commotion from the sidelines. Only Ma Jiepu could see her and hear her speak.

She had just gone into the house with Yang Wanshi, and Hu Sijie knew exactly what had happened inside, and she even relayed it to Ma Jiepu.

"Then this guy knelt on the ground and whispered, 'Brother Yang told me to divorce you,' hahaha."

She had seen men divorce their wives before, but this was the first time Hu Sijie had ever seen one kneel on the ground and say "divorce" like this. After telling Ma Jiepu, she couldn't help but laugh.

Regardless of whether she ultimately receives guidance from the immortals, witnessing such a spectacle makes the trip worthwhile.

"..."

Amidst Yang Wanshi's cries for help and Hu Sijie's laughter, Ma Jiepu took a deep breath and went to find the package he had placed beside him. Since that was the case, he had no choice but to use external force.