Chapter Fourteen: The Banquet

Wang Yi and Shen Chang’an had agreed to spend the night at Wang Village, and Shen Chang’an had gladly accepted. He had been on the run for nearly two months—long enough. If he didn’t find a way to resolve the matter and return home soon, chaos would surely erupt among his family.

As he descended from the mountaintop and approached Wang Village, someone suddenly appeared, blocking his path.

“Hey, Taoist, you’d better leave quickly.”

The newcomer wore a gray robe, his head concealed beneath a hood so his features were indistinguishable. His voice was also strange and raspy, as if his throat had been injured—one could not tell if it belonged to a man or a woman.

“Leave? And where should the Taoist go?” Shen Chang’an replied.

The gray-robed figure snapped, “Anywhere is fine—just leave Wang Village. This is not a place for you.”

Shen Chang’an shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I have some matters to attend to here. I won’t leave Wang Village until they are finished.”

Seeing Shen Chang’an unmoved, the figure stamped his foot in frustration and then, with anger, said, “Do as you please. When you’re dead, I hope you won’t regret it.” With that, he vaulted away, vanishing into the woods.

Shen Chang’an touched his nose, a look of faint surprise flitting across his face. He shook his head and made his way back toward Wang Village.

The return was uneventful, and he soon arrived at the village. At the gate, a burly man who had been standing guard immediately waved him over.

The man greeted him with some relief, “The master asked me to wait here for Taoist Lingxiao. You were gone so long, I was wondering if I should go look for you. But here you are.”

Shen Chang’an smiled. “I am fond of mountains and waters. The beauty of Wang Village held me longer than I realized.”

The big man laughed heartily. “Indeed, our scenery may not match that of the big cities, but it has its own charm. If you like it, all the better. But the master has been waiting at home for some time. If you have no other business, please follow me inside.”

Shen Chang’an nodded. “I would not forget an appointment with Brother Wang Yi. Lead the way.”

The burly man promptly led Shen Chang’an to Wang Yi’s house, the largest in the village—a clear sign of his status as master. There, the man took his leave and stood outside, while a young servant led Shen Chang’an to the main hall.

“Eight men on the left, seven on the right—all exits and entrances blocked. Well, this is a real feast of treachery,” Shen Chang’an thought, his sharp senses picking up the layout. Clearly, Wang Yi harbored no good intentions and never planned to let him leave.

He exhaled slowly, his eyes narrowing slightly, but said nothing. He quietly followed the servant to the banquet hall.

“Taoist Lingxiao, you’re finally here.”

When Shen Chang’an entered, Wang Yi and his companions had already laid out a table brimming with food and drink. Several elders of the Wang family were present as well, as though they’d gathered for some weighty matter.

Shen Chang’an’s eyes narrowed further—the old men before him were clearly no ordinary folk.

“I didn’t expect Brother Wang to be so courteous. I’m humbled,” Shen Chang’an said.

“Taoist, you honor us with your presence. You helped us extinguish the fire today—everyone in Wang Village is grateful. Whatever happens, you must share a meal with us tonight.”

Shen Chang’an nodded. “Since you insist, to refuse would be rude. I will accept your hospitality.”

Without further ceremony, he sat down at the table, helping himself to bowl and chopsticks, utterly unconcerned with those around him.

Wang Yi showed a trace of awkwardness but quickly recovered, raising his chopsticks. “Let’s eat—everyone, please.”

The others exchanged glances but took no offense at Shen Chang’an’s behavior. They sat and dug in; cups were raised, laughter filled the hall, and conversation flowed freely. The scene was lively and convivial.

“Taoist, to thank you for your righteous deed today, I’d like to drink with you. May I have the honor?” Wang Yi asked.

Shen Chang’an nodded, raising his cup to toast. Just as he finished, another elder chimed in, “I too would like to toast the great hero who aided Wang Village. Would Taoist Lingxiao grant an old man’s wish?”

Again, Shen Chang’an nodded, poured himself a cup, and drank without hesitation.

Then another stood up, “Taoist, this cup…”

Drink.

Shen Chang’an refused no one, draining cup after cup. They took turns, but no matter how many toasted him, he accepted them all.

After seven or eight rounds, the others’ faces were flushed, but Shen Chang’an remained unaffected.

Wang Yi’s gaze grew cold. He had counted on drinking the Taoist under the table and making his departure easy, but hadn’t expected such impressive capacity. With so many men taking turns, it was they who were nearly undone.

“By the way, I still don’t know, where has the Taoist come from? And why visit Wang Village?” Wang Yi asked.

Shen Chang’an let out a small belch and replied slowly, “Where am I from? That, I can’t say clearly… As for why I came to Wang Village, didn’t I tell you already? I’m here to slay demons and exorcise evil.”

At these words, the atmosphere in the room grew tense. All eyes fixed on Shen Chang’an, and a sinister gleam was barely concealed in their gazes.

“Slay demons and exorcise evil? Too bad you’re a little late. The demons of Wang Village have already been dealt with.”

Shen Chang’an replied calmly, “Dealt with? But earlier today you told me Wang Sheng was murdered by a demon, burned alive in his home. Now you say it’s over? Don’t worry, I won’t linger. Once I’ve destroyed the demon that killed Wang Sheng, I’ll be on my way.”

“Heh, let’s hope you don’t bring disaster upon yourself…”

“No matter,” Shen Chang’an replied, his hand drifting to the hilt of his Yanling saber. Killing intent spread across the table. With the slightest spark, violence would erupt.

Just then, a loud bang sounded outside. Several people burst in, stumbling and shouting, “Master, that woman is here again!”

In the midst of confusion, a crackling noise came from above. In a flash, a gray shadow shot down, heading straight for Wang Yi!