Mutated Tao

Usually, it was the others’ responsibility to obtain information. But, this time was different; his direction of inquiry was related to the Surveillance Bureau. It was simply far too dangerous for others to inquire about these mysterious and unpredictable entities.

However, Li Huowang didn’t have to be concerned about that. His newly acquired powers gave him a distinct advantage in his investigation.

As long as he kept his illusion underground, his physical body could stay outside while staying hidden.

And in any case, if he was targeted, then he had nothing to worry about. His sharp senses would allow him to anticipate those threats earlier.

All the people were scattered throughout the town like white sesame seeds on a pancake. Everybody was busy with their things until nightfall when they finally all gathered again at the inn.

“Senior Li, I’ve sold all of the sheep. People were in a frenzy to get these sheep as soon as they knew that they came from Qing Qiu! I also bought some refined grains. I couldn’t even poop normally after eating whole grains every day the past few days,” said Puppy as he walked side-by-side with Zhao Wu and playfully handed the heavy silver coins to Li Huowang.

“Give it to Zhao Wu to manage. He normally handles the accounts,” instructed Li Huowang.

Feeling a bit low-spirited, Li Huowang turned and walked into his room. As he lay on the bed, he felt the piercing pain in his feet due to walking all day.

If there was anything worse than catching the attention of the Surveillance Bureau, that would be not being able to find any information about them at all. He knew that finding the Surveillance Bureau in just one day was improbable, but he couldn’t help feeling discouraged.

Li Huowang rubbed his forehead, contemplating his next steps in the dark room.

At that moment, a pair of hands with long, sharp black nails reached out from under the bed as they removed Li Huowang’s shoes and socks before gently soaking his weary feet in warm water. At the same time, the pitch-black room fell into silence, devoid of any sound.

The tranquility lasted for an entire hour before Li Huowang broke the silence himself.

Li Huowang suddenly sat up, and excitedly said to Monk’s illusion standing in front of him, “Wait a minute, think about the time when that old Lama appeared! Yes, that’s it! Since the Surveillance Bureau deals with things that regular authorities can’t handle, I just need to get involved in as many troublesome matters as possible. That way, I’ll have a better chance at getting in touch with the Surveillance Bureau quickly!”

“You're right!” Monk nodded approvingly while standing beside the headless Peng Longteng.

Li Huowang realized that he had been looking in the wrong direction before. Instead of inquiring about the Surveillance Bureau itself, he should be investigating any bizarre and supernatural incidents in the area. As long as there were such occurrences, the Surveillance Bureau was sure to make an appearance.

With this realization, Li Huowang could no longer contain his excitement. He lifted his feet from the basin, hastily put on his shoes and socks even as his feet were still too wet, and rushed out.

But as soon as he pushed the door open, the excited Li Huowang came face-to-face with Lu Zhuangyuan.

“Hehe, Daoist, have you eaten?” Lu Zhuangyuan asked with a smile.

“Do you need something?” Li Huowang asked coldly while bracing himself against the doorframe.

“Oh, um, how is Xiucai doing? If he is not behaving, then just give him a good beating! From my experience, a bit of toughness is necessary when learning a craft. Also, please, you don’t need to be too polite with me,” said Lu Zhuangyuan.

“He is very diligent. However, he is learning at a slower pace because he cannot read,” said Li Huowang truthfully.

“Oh, Daoist, why is my life so tough? I finally got a grandson, and now this happens,” said Lu Zhuangyuan.

“If there’s something, then just say it. Otherwise, I have urgent matters to attend to,” said Li Huowang, sensing that there was more to the conversation. This old man wouldn’t come here just to complain. That was not like him.

“Yes! Daoist, did you forget? It is regarding borrowing money to re-open the theater. I’ve been searching all day, and there are plenty of things in this place—costumes, mirrors, musical instruments! So, um…”

“Are you still not giving up?” asked Li Huowang. To be honest, he felt that when compared with the troupe from Liang Kingdom, the Lu Family Troupe's modest performances gave them no competitive edge.

“Well… I want to give it a try. I’ve thought of a way. Maybe I can make a living by picking up some leftover business from these troupes,” Lu Zhuangyuan chuckled.

“Alright, go get the money from Zhao Wu. He should have enough cash available now,” said Li Huowang, pushing him aside and quickly heading toward the inn’s staircase.

Compared to the matter of the Surveillance Bureau, Lu Zhuangyuan’s aspirations to revive his troupe were immediately pushed to the back of Li Huowang’s mind.

In the following period, Li Huowang went to great lengths in order to locate the Surveillance Bureau in Liang Kingdom. He went out early and returned late, gathering information from the town residents.

Li Huowang decided to overlook those who died or were cursed because he knew that such insignificant instances would only draw the attention of Shamans or local mediums, and not the Surveillance Bureau.

Having been in this world for quite some time, Li Huowang also understood what kind of existence the Surveillance Bureau was and what they cared about.

The Surveillance Bureau only ever focused on significant events, such as large-scale disasters that could lead to the death of tens of thousands. For example, the town that was massacred by the Sitting Oblivion Dao, or events that defied the laws set by the Imperial Court.

However, such matters that could attract the attention of the Surveillance Bureau were not all that common. After searching for a while, Li Huowang didn’t find any paranormal or evil occurrences. However, he did hear a lot of gossip and rumors about various trivial matters.

Of course, Li Huowang knew that if he took off the copper coin mask on his face and revealed that he was the Strayed One, it would undoubtedly attract the attention of the Surveillance Bureau immediately. However, that was not what he wanted.

Late into the night, Bai Lingmiao gently opened her eyes as she lay on the bed while looking at Li Huowang, who was fast asleep next to her with his head covered. A trace of concern crept into her heart.

Every day, Senior Li wakes up before dawn, and only returns after I’ve gone to sleep. I’m also not sure what he’s in search of.

Bang, bang, bang!

Someone violently banged on the door as an eager voice sounded from outside the room, “Master! I’ve done it! I now have supernatural powers!”

The moment this voice sounded, Li Huowang abruptly opened his eyes, fixing his bloodshot gaze on the door. It was Lu Xiucai’s voice. He sat up right away, lifted the covers, and walked toward the door.

Li Huowang had just put on his shoes when he suddenly remembered something. He turned to look at Bai Lingmiao on the bed and asked, “How is it going? Have you found your home?”

In response, Bai Lingmiao nodded with a hint of a smile in her eyes. She reached under the pillow and took out a map, handing it over. “Senior Li, I have found it, but you’ve been going out a lot lately, and I haven’t had a chance to tell you.”

Li Huowang quickly unfolded the map and saw various winding lines, among which a red line stood out, leading to the Cowheart Mountain.

“The merchant who sold the map said that if we are using an ox-cart, it would probably take us about a month. It would be faster on horseback, but unfortunately, none of us know how to ride horses.”

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