“That Tianming Gai is quite interesting,” Zhuang Buzhou muttered to himself, a thoughtful gleam in his eyes.
He glanced at Liu Dashui, but didn't linger, turning back to the restaurant and instructing the waiter, “Bring me two roasted chickens and a pot of Daughter Red. I want them to go.”
“Alright, Mr. Zhuang, rest assured, I’ll get them ready for you right away.”
The waiter quickly and efficiently prepared the order, soon packing the items and handing them to Zhuang Buzhou. After paying, Zhuang Buzhou didn't say much more, turning and heading home. He realized that the Cultivation world was even more dangerous than he had imagined. While he had some guesses as a common person, facing it directly still made him feel insignificant.
“Indeed, no matter which circle you step into, strength is the most important thing. Becoming a Cultivator or a Spirit Master doesn't guarantee freedom.”
Zhuang Buzhou murmured with deep emotion.
In life, the only eternal pursuit is freedom.
But the times when one is not free always account for the majority.
“If you feel neither free nor at ease, how do you break through?”
“Only by Cultivating and becoming stronger!!”
A thought flashed quickly through Zhuang Buzhou’s mind.
“Let’s go, back home to Cultivate.”
He secretly made up his mind, and his steps became steady and powerful once more.
However, after walking a certain distance, he suddenly stopped, his gaze falling upon a secluded corner where a small, frail figure stood, staring longingly at the restaurant opposite.
It was a little girl, no more than six or seven years old.
Her clothes were tattered, her face covered in dirt, her hair messy like weeds. Standing there, she looked truly pitiful, making one feel a surge of compassion.
She stood on the street, pitifully begging a pot-bellied middle-aged man, but was rejected and yelled at, which frightened her. She timidly retreated, lowering her head to stare at her small shoes with holes in the toes, not daring to say a word.
The little girl was clearly startled and dared not beg passersby anymore. She wiped away tears, feeling wronged, and walked forward with her head down, almost bumping into people several times.
She was very scared, fearing she would be scolded again. Timidly, she lowered her head even further, looking utterly pathetic.
Zhuang Buzhou saw this, sighed inwardly, and changed his direction, walking towards the little girl.
His arrival caught the little girl's attention, and a pair of clear eyes looked over.
“Little girl, what’s your name? Why haven’t I seen you before? Where are your family members?”
Zhuang Buzhou asked in a gentle tone.
“My name is Yaya, I just arrived here. I don’t remember my family.”
The little girl looked timidly at Zhuang Buzhou and replied.
There was a hint of cautiousness in her eyes.
“You’re also called Yaya? Do you really not remember anything? Did you get lost from your parents or family?”
Zhuang Buzhou frowned slightly. Although the little girl's clothes were tattered, the skin hidden beneath them was very fair and tender. Ordinary families couldn't raise such a girl, so she might be a Young Miss who got lost from a wealthy family.
“I don’t remember. When Yaya started remembering things, I never saw my father or mother. I’ve always been wandering around. Big brother, I didn’t steal anything, and I didn’t rob anything. Yaya just wants to beg for some food,” Yaya said, cautiously looking at Zhuang Buzhou and whispering, “I’m hungry.”
Zhuang Buzhou’s heart stirred.
Beggars, in this era, were inevitable and difficult to eradicate. Food could never satisfy everyone's needs, and the existence of classes and the opposition of rich and poor were all unavoidable problems.
But witnessing it firsthand, the inner turmoil was still significant, even though he had seen such situations many times before.
Each time, Zhuang Buzhou would give what he could, but generally, he wouldn't interfere. If it were a young, strong man who had fallen into beggary, he wouldn't offer alms. If they were young and strong, unless they were willing to degenerate, they could find ways to work in various shops and at least earn three meals a day. Their becoming beggars was their own problem and not worthy of sympathy. However, those who were physically disabled, old, frail, or children who became beggars, that was understandable.
He would help those who needed it within his capabilities.
This was also one of the reasons for his excellent reputation in Qingyun City.
The little girl's frail appearance instinctively stirred his compassion.
“Here, big brother will treat you to roasted chicken.”
Zhuang Buzhou smiled and gently stroked the little girl’s head, then handed a roasted chicken to Yaya.
“Thank you, big brother.”
Yaya’s eyes lit up, and she couldn't help but swallow, but she still politely thanked Zhuang Buzhou before taking the roasted chicken. She sat to the side, carefully tearing off a chicken wing, and began to eat.
Zhuang Buzhou watched quietly. Some of the local ruffians around, seeing him, kept their distance. They also remembered this little girl, knowing that she was under Zhuang Buzhou's protection. From now on, Yaya in the city would at least not have to worry about the bullying and harassment of those ruffians.
Standing there was a declaration of his stance to those from all walks of life.
Otherwise, if he were to turn and leave, a little girl holding a roasted chicken would be robbed the next moment.
After eating only a third, the little girl stopped, rewrapped the roasted chicken in oil paper, and shyly told Zhuang Buzhou, “Yaya is full. The rest is for big brother.”
“No need, this roasted chicken is given to you, so it’s yours. It’s okay if you can’t finish it now, just eat it when you’re hungry again. Here are ten taels of silver, take it and find an inn to stay in first. Begging is not a long-term solution. People must learn to be self-reliant and strong.”
Zhuang Buzhou pondered for a moment, then took out ten taels of silver and discreetly placed them into Yaya’s embrace, speaking softly.
“Thank you, big brother.”
Yaya blinked her clear eyes and nodded in agreement.
Zhuang Buzhou smiled, carrying the remaining roasted chicken and wine, and walked towards his own courtyard. Such a small girl, generally speaking, would either be sold into a wealthy family as a maid or fall into bad places. It would be very difficult for her to survive. In this era, there were no orphanages or similar places. If she encountered a kind person who wanted to adopt her, that would be extremely lucky. She would at least have food to eat and could survive.
Adopt Yaya?
A thought flashed through Zhuang Buzhou’s mind.
However, he immediately shook his head. Although he was not bad, he was ultimately alone, and he had entered the world of Cultivators. He didn't know what would happen in the future, and he had a plan to leave Qingyun City and travel to other places, otherwise, he wouldn't have resigned from public office. Having a little girl with him would not be a wise choice.
He returned home.
He sat down in the courtyard, brewed a pot of tea, and began to read the Hundred Questions on Cultivation while sipping his tea.
Question: Can the bizarre be eliminated?
Answer: Anomalous beings in the world—demons, devils, ghosts, and monsters—demons can be destroyed, devils can be killed, ghosts can be appeased, and monsters can be subdued. The bizarre arises from indestructible obsessions. Demons, devils, ghosts, and monsters can all transform into the bizarre. That is a special outcome; as long as the obsession persists, the bizarre cannot be extinguished. It cannot be killed, but it can be Sealed. Tools can be crafted from black iron, bronze, silver, and gold for Sealing and containment. black iron has the weakest Sealing ability, and gold is the strongest. Once contained and Sealed by gold tools, it is very difficult to escape.
“Can the bizarre truly only be contained, and not completely eliminated?”
A thought flashed through Zhuang Buzhou’s mind.
Of course, he would personally verify these things later. As mentioned above, there was no doubt that black iron, bronze, silver, and gold were extremely precious in the world, and their value retention was quite high.
Flipping through the Hundred Questions on Cultivation, he truly felt that this ancient book was of immense help to him, allowing him to directly understand the essence of the Cultivation world and make up for his lack of knowledge in this area.
Thump, thump, thump!!
Just as his mind was gradually immersed in the wonderful questions and answers of the Hundred Questions on Cultivation, a sudden, urgent knocking sound came from outside.
He put the ancient book back into the Other Shore Space, walked over, and opened the door to see a verdant figure standing before him.
“Xiao Cui, why are you here?”
Zhuang Buzhou asked in surprise.
It was Xiao Cui, Young Miss Li Yueru’s maid. With his eyesight, he could tell at a glance the anxiety and panic on her face.
“Mr. Zhuang, County Magistrate Li Xian asked you to come over. Something happened at home.”
Xiao Cui said hurriedly.
“Something happened? What is it?”
Zhuang Buzhou frowned slightly, his mind quickly turning. The situation in the city was much more complicated than usual now. Spirit Masters were constantly arriving, and Spirit Masters were not something ordinary people could restrain, unless people from the Demon Suppression Division arrived. Otherwise, no one knew what kind of trouble they would cause.
“I can’t explain it clearly here, please come with me quickly, Mr. Zhuang.”
Xiao Cui said anxiously.
“Alright, let’s go now.”
Zhuang Buzhou didn't hesitate, speaking decisively.
No matter what, he had to go to the County Magistrate’s place eventually. Moreover, this matter might involve Li Yueru. Although they had only known each other for a day, he still had a great fondness for her. Although he had become a Cultivator, he had no intention of becoming a monk and abstaining from women.
A fair lady, a gentleman’s good match.
This was a principle even the sages upheld.
Soon, they arrived at the county yamen.
The constables outside, upon seeing Zhuang Buzhou, respectfully greeted him. They had all heard that Zhuang Buzhou had achieved an Innate Breakthrough and become a Spirit Master. Even though he had resigned from public office, their respect for him had not diminished in the slightest. Instead, a hint of awe had grown, an awe for power.
Entering the yamen, they quickly arrived at the inner courtyard behind and saw Li Xian.
“County Magistrate, why have you called me here? What exactly happened?”
Zhuang Buzhou asked, looking at Li Xian who was seated at the head of the main hall.
“Mount Buzhou, you’re finally here.”
Li Xian, seeing Zhuang Buzhou, greeted him warmly.
“Mr. Li, why such urgency?”
Zhuang Buzhou asked again.
“Mount Buzhou, look at this.”
Li Xian handed over an invitation.