Chapter 243: 242: The Fool and His Money Are Soon Parted

Words : 1531 Updated : Sep 27th, 2025

Chapter 243: Chapter 242: The Fool and His Money Are Soon Parted Mu Xi leaped over, stretching his hand directly in front of Qin Liuxi. In fact, while Qin Liuxi was conversing with Yu Changkong, she noticed Mu Xi sneaking and tiptoeing over in a secretive manner. She thought to herself that this Heir Mu must truly be a simpleton; the main hall is square and open, no place to hide, yet he insisted on furtively approaching. Qin Liuxi glanced sideways at Heir Mu and asked, “Why has the Princely Heir come as well?” “Qingping Temple is a place for people to offer incense and worship the gods. Why can’t I come? Surely the Junior Temple Master won’t selectively choose believers based on who they are?” Heir Mu raised his hand and said, “Hurry up, tie a Peace Talisman for me too.” Yu Changkong said, “Perhaps I could help tie it for the Princely Heir?” Mu Xi withdrew his hand and replied, “What are you tying? You’re just a devotee, not a Daoist from the temple. Your tying won’t be effective.” As he spoke, he had his followers donate a silver note for incense oil, then looked towards Qin Liuxi and said, “The Princely Heir has donated incense money too, so I qualify to request for peace now, right?” Qin Liuxi, with keen eyes, caught a glimpse of the amount on the incense money, her smile broadened: “The Princely Heir jests. Any believer who enters the temple, regardless of whether they donate incense money or not, as long as the divine is in their heart, can certainly pray for peace.” She got a red string from Qing Yuan and tied it on his fair wrist, saying, “Good people are greatly kind; the Grandmaster will bless you.” Mu Xi was indifferent to these words, but he was quite satisfied with the red string Qin Liuxi had tied for him. Turning his wrist, the red against his white skin looked rather charming. Seeing that Qin Liuxi and Yu Changkong were about to leave, he became anxious and asked, “Where are you going?” Qin Liuxi looking back, said: “The Princely Heir has sought peace and may stroll at his leisure. Why are you concerned about my whereabouts?” Mu Xi cleared his throat and put his hands behind his back: “Today is the Double Ninth Festival, I wish to ask for a Peace Talisman and a long life wish on behalf of my parents, and also light two long-burning lamps. Oh, the Princely Heir will offer the thickest incense sticks and add a generous amount of incense oil; wouldn’t that count as a particularly esteemed devotee and believer of your temple?” Qin Liuxi blinked and said, “Does the Princely Heir feel the temple is too crowded with believers and hence too noisy? Are you suggesting we should close the temple to the public, allowing you to pray first?” Words like all beings are equal in front of the divine, she would not say, for even though the Buddhist Sect is a sect, it too exists within the mortal worldly realm, naturally following the rules of society. The division of social hierarchy among people, she disdains but does not deny its existence. She understands the distinctions of class; even monks within the Buddhist Sect understand why certain nobles, when visiting temples to worship, arrange for the temple master to temporarily close the temple to ensure no disturbances—clearly abiding by the ranks defined by society. Qingping Temple can do the same. Provided that there is prior notice. Heir Mu curled his lips and said, “Clearing out now would be troublesome. Besides, the Princely Heir arrived early; if I wanted the temple cleared, I would have said so already. No need for such trouble, the Junior Temple Master just needs to accompany me to offer incense.” Qin Liuxi wanted to decline. “If the Grandmaster of your Qingping Temple indeed possesses such spirituality, in the future, the Princely Heir might even donate a few golden statues,” Heir Mu proudly said. Such a shiny golden promise. Qin Liuxi found herself unable to step forward, and turning to Yu Changkong, she said, “Go find my master first, the ol’ man will teach you a bit, and I’ll talk to you later.” After finishing her words, her eyes curved, and she smilingly said to Mu Xi, “A good person indeed does great deeds. If your heart is set on the Dao, how can I turn away a devotee? Come, come, come, offering incense and lighting lamps, right? This way, please. Qingming, fetch the thickest piece of agarwood.” Mu Xi laughed showily and even turned back to cast a provocative look at Yu Changkong. Yu Changkong, however, turned and walked away, ignoring it. Mu Xi was exasperated. ... Kneeling under the guidance of Qin Liuxi, Mu Xi performed the incense offering, lit the long-burning lamp, bowed, and prayed with closed eyes, murmuring words for the well-being and health of his parents and family. Qin Liuxi watched from the side, finding it ironic how the number one playboy and troublemaker of Shengjing, who feared nothing and would brush off any misdeeds with a pat on his rear, the one always backed up by others after causing trouble, had such a soft spot. Standing up, Mu Xi said, “That’s it. Oh right, I also want to ask for some of your temple’s Peace Talismans, give me dozens of them.” “Dozens?” Qin Liuxi chuckled derisively. “What, has Young Master Heir grown tired of his title? Thinking of starting a Daoist Temple and becoming a Daoist?” Mu Xi nearly jumped: “Am I a fool? With the prime of my life and all the glory and riches at my disposal, why would I abandon it all to become a poor Daoist?” “If you’re not looking to become a Daoist, why do you need so many talismans? Not enough on you?” Qin Liuxi referred to the Magic Artifact talismans that Mu Xi was wearing. Mu Xi glanced at the amulets on his person and said, “Of course, they’re for my father, mother, and family. It’s rare for this Heir to come to Li City, it’s like bringing home local specialties as gifts.” Qin Liuxi: “???” Qingping Temple’s peace charms are now considered Li City’s local product? “Peace charms aren’t just any snacks or novelty items, they can’t just be had in whatever quantity you want.” Mu Xi took a silver note worth a thousand taels from Shuangquan and waved it in front of Qin Liuxi before stuffing it into the incense oil box, saying, “Do you have enough now?” Qin Liuxi: “...” Truly, morals decline with each day – even I, Qin Liuxi, have stooped so low for incense money. It’s thoroughly embarrassing. “We don’t have dozens, and with so many devotees today, it’s not possible to indulge only Young Master Heir, is it?” Qin Liuxi gave a light cough and said, “Seeing Young Master Heir’s sincerity, I shall reluctantly part with ten charms.” Before Mu Xi could react, his guard’s mouth twitched at the corner – was this an outright robbery in broad daylight, taking advantage of the Young Master for being an easy mark? Ten talismans for a thousand taels of incense money. This Master Buqiu really dares! “Alright, but they must be drawn by you.” Mu Xi wasn’t truly foolish and looked at Qin Liuxi: “I’ve inquired thoroughly, Master Buqiu is not only skilled in medical arts but also in spells; with profound Taoist cultivation, the talismans you draw are naturally imbued with strong Spiritual Energy. I only want those drawn by you.” Inquiry was not enough; he also had someone investigate Mrs. Zhao and her daughter. He learned that after Miss Zhao had her Life-Borrowing Curse broken by Qin Liuxi, Mrs. Zhao’s niece fell ill immediately, seemingly near death, which led Mrs. Zhao to fiercely confront the matter and declare a severance of ties with her sister. It was clear that the Life-Borrowing had been afflicting the cousin, only to have the spell broken by Qin Liuxi. What did this indicate? Was it not evidence of Qin Liuxi’s deep and profound Taoist skills? Thus, the Spirit Talismans she would draw were bound to be highly effective. Mu Xi, who was adding oil to the lamps nearby, thought to himself that Heir Mu had an eye for quality, recognizing the capabilities of brother Master Buqiu. Qin Liuxi smiled and said, “Young Master Heir’s earnest devotion to our Grandmaster deserves nothing less than my drawing the talismans for you.” Saying this, she glanced at the Grandmaster’s golden statue, thinking to herself, see, not only do I bring incense for your golden statue and earn incense oil, but now I must take up the brush on your behalf. As the thick incense burned quickly before the Grandmaster, the smile on his face grew wider. Even a rebellious disciple has their moments of compliance. If only they would progress a bit more, that would be even better.

Chapter 243: 242: The Fool and His Money Are Soon Parted

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