September in Rongcheng was bright and windy, the crisp autumn breeze sweeping away the lingering summer heat.

Inside the auction hall, everyone waited eagerly for the final item of the day: a thousand-year-old jade crown, intricately carved with two deer in brilliant emerald jade.

As the staff wheeled the crown onto the stage, gasps of amazement rippled through the crowd.

“It truly deserves to be the finale,” someone murmured. “The color is still as vibrant as if it were made yesterday.”

“The craftsmanship is unbelievable. The two deer seem almost alive. Even with today’s technology, it’s hard to achieve such perfection.”

“I heard the original owner was extraordinary too,” another person whispered. “A sorcerer who brought disaster to his country.”

“I heard that too…”

Sitting among the formally dressed crowd, Li Xin was an odd sight. He wore loose black sportswear, silver strands threading through his otherwise black hair. His sharp features were handsome yet cold, and the faint ruffian air about him only added to his striking presence. Though he appeared to be in his thirties, the sternness of his expression and the gloom in his deep-set eyes made him seem older.

There was something inherently contradictory about him — a feeling that wherever he went, he was impossible to ignore.

This man, who looked like a typical second-generation rich kid, was actually a skilled Taoist master with genuine abilities.

The audience buzzed noisily, but Li Xin frowned in irritation. He called out to the host on stage, his voice calm but firm, “What’s the starting price?”

Though he didn’t speak loudly, his words carried great weight. In upper-class circles, everyone called him “Master Li,” and no one dared to cross him.

The Li family had relied on feng shui and ritual practices to thrive for centuries, and it was well known that their skills were the real deal. More importantly, Li Xin was notorious for his bad temper — if he wanted something, he would get it, and anyone who challenged him often found trouble knocking on their door.

At once, the hall fell silent.

The host, secretly worrying about the item’s owner, gave a professional smile and said politely, “Master Li, please be patient. Let me introduce the item first.”

Li Xin checked his watch, nodded, and gestured for him to continue.

The host cleared his throat and addressed the room, “This jade crown was once a reward bestowed on an official in the court and has been passed down through the family for over a thousand years. Made entirely of top-grade ice jade, even the jade hairpin shows no discoloration. The craftsmanship is exquisite. Legend says it was crafted by Xuan Juezi, an immortal master of the Dongrong Kingdom, and later gifted to his senior brother, the demon Taoist Chi Yuzi. Over time, opinions about this piece have varied.”

Finishing his introduction, the host sneaked a glance at Li Xin. Seeing the impatience darkening Li Xin’s face, he dared not continue dragging it out and promptly announced, “The starting price for the Ice Jade Double Deer Crown is 30 million.”

No one moved.

The wealthy businessmen exchanged glances but no one raised a paddle. No one dared to risk offending Li Xin.

Seeing this, the host smiled stiffly and announced, “The bidding starts now.”

Still, silence.

Understanding the situation, the host looked nervously at Li Xin and said, “Master Li, what do you say?”

Li Xin smirked, casually fiddling with the shiny prayer beads in his hand. He tilted his chin up and said slowly, “Since it’s been so carefully preserved for generations, let’s make it 50 million.”

The host had expected Li Xin to buy it at the starting price, so the sudden price raise surprised him. Nevertheless, he followed protocol and asked, “Is there anyone else willing to bid?”

Of course, no one dared.

In the ensuing silence, the host concluded, “Master Li wins the item.”

Polite applause filled the hall, mixed with murmurs of “Congratulations.”

Li Xin curled his lips into a faint, contemptuous smile. He raised his hand to quiet the room. “Thank you, everyone. But there’s something I must correct.”

The room instantly fell silent again. The host smiled awkwardly, “Master Li, please go ahead.”

Still twirling his prayer beads, Li Xin said clearly, “This item was indeed crafted by Xuan Juezi. However, Chi Yuzi was by no means a demon harming the country.”

A wealthy businessman nearby asked curiously, “Master Li, how can you be so sure?”

Li Xin ignored the question and continued, “At that time, Emperor Xuanwen of Dongrong was incompetent, and the crown prince was a tyrant. The people suffered greatly. Chi Yuzi, devoted to Taoist practice and compassionate toward the people, sacrificed himself to destroy Dongrong’s destiny and save them from oppression. He was a sage, not a demon.”

“But according to historical records…” someone began hesitantly.

Li Xin cut him off sharply. “History is written by those in power. Do you think Dongrong’s rulers would record Chi Yuzi as a hero who destroyed their kingdom for the people’s sake?”

The hall fell into stunned silence.

Li Xin gazed at the jade crown for a long moment, complicated emotions flickering in his eyes. Then, without another word, he turned and strode out of the auction hall.

At the door, Chang You had been waiting. The moment he saw Li Xin, he stepped forward.

“Uncle Li,” he said respectfully, “Mr. Liu just called. He wants to invite you to his house. His grandfather isn’t doing well.”

Li Xin stepped into the fresh air and breathed deeply. “What’s wrong?”

He hated crowded, stuffy places. If it hadn’t been for the jade crown, he wouldn’t have come at all.

Chang You quickly explained, “It’s strange. His grandfather’s health has been deteriorating, but the hospital can’t find a cause. Mr. Liu suspects something supernatural and hopes you’ll take a look.”

Li Xin nodded. “You go inside and handle the formalities. I’ll head to the Liu family with Chang Wu.”

“Yes, Mr. Li,” Chang You responded and returned to the hall.

Li Xin got into the car and directed Chang Wu to drive to Liu’s house.

The Liu family was a prominent real estate tycoon in Rongcheng. Their villa, nestled in a suburban estate surrounded by mountains and rivers, boasted both privacy and stunning views. Along with their private residence, they had developed a nearby luxury resort.

At the gate, Liu Cheng and the butler were already waiting. As soon as Li Xin’s car approached, they rushed to greet him.

Rolling down the window, Li Xin said casually, “Mr. Liu, no need for such formality.”

Liu Cheng smiled politely. “Master Li, it’s an honor to have you come in person.”

Li Xin returned the polite smile and gestured. “Get in, Mr. Liu. Let’s go together.”

“Thank you, Master Li,” Liu Cheng said gratefully, climbing into the back seat.

The butler took the front seat, giving Chang Wu directions while Liu Cheng and Li Xin talked in the back.

“When did this all start?” Li Xin asked.

“About six months ago,” Liu Cheng replied. “At first, it was just dizziness and fatigue. We thought it was age-related. But later, he began fainting frequently. Tests showed nothing unusual. That’s when we suspected… something else.”

“And now?”

Liu Cheng’s eyes reddened. “He’s bedridden, struggling to breathe. He’s been relying on a ventilator for the past two days. Master Li, please — you have to save him.”

Li Xin patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.”

Reassured by Li Xin’s confidence, Liu Cheng nodded vigorously. “Thank you, Master Li.”

The Liu family’s villa was deep within the estate, near the mountain behind the resort. Their yard was large, the environment serene.

When they arrived, Liu Cheng personally opened the car door for Li Xin and led him inside.

The old man’s bedroom was on the second floor, with a balcony facing the lush mountains.

The moment Li Xin entered, a heavy medicinal smell assaulted him. He frowned deeply. “What is this? It’s suffocating.”

Liu Cheng hurriedly ordered the servants to open the windows. “My sister heard of a folk remedy — fumigating the room with medicinal herbs to drive away sickness…”

Li Xin’s frown deepened as he pointed to a large incense burner. “Get rid of it.”

Embarrassed but obedient, Liu Cheng ordered the incense removed.

“Don’t believe in that nonsense,” Li Xin said seriously. “Believe in science.”

Liu Cheng blinked in disbelief. Science?
A Taoist telling me to believe in science? Is this real?

Still, he nodded quickly. “Yes, yes. You’re right.”

Li Xin, still playing with his prayer beads, walked over to the old man’s bed. Observing his complexion carefully, he noticed a darkening on the forehead, with a faint red hue between the eyebrows.

His expression turned solemn.

“The old man,” Li Xin declared, “has been possessed by an evil spirit.”

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Lhaozi’s Note: Hello, If there is a typo, error, name changed or confusing paragraph or anything that isnt make sense please do not hesitate to comment it, I will fix it asap. Thankyou! enjoy Reading!