Cao Wanzhi's father sought out a Taoist priest rumored to be very effective, but the priest was a fraud. He knew nothing of actual Mount Mason Order techniques—I could tell from the way he imitated some of their Taoist Talismans. His eyes constantly flickered with cunning.
Even the locals spread rumors that he was a fraud, but for some reason, the wealthy trusted him deeply—many came to seek his help.
“Old Master Cao, when you return home, tie your son up in the courtyard, in the spot with the strongest sunlight. There’s a saying in Taoist metaphysics: ‘one yang, three yin’—meaning one part positive energy to three parts negative. I’ve checked your son’s birth chart in detail. He’s destined for this calamity, likely entangled by evil spirits. Exposing him to the sun for three days and nights will drive away the evil. Remember, do not pity him no matter how much he cries out, or all hope will be lost. During these three days, only give him water. Once the sun sets, you may feed him, but make sure to lock him where the moonlight can reach him.”
The Taoist spoke with such confidence that Master Cao was completely convinced, even handing over a large sum of silver.
“And what about you, Master?”
“For these three days and nights, I must remain here to restore my energy and pray for your son, first cleansing him of evil. Once my prayers are complete, I’ll personally come to finish the exorcism and banish the demons. Rest assured.”
Master Cao thanked him and left. As soon as he was gone, the fake priest’s true nature revealed itself.
“Oh, restoring my energy, huh? Ha, ha...”
From behind the curtain in the room beside the temple’s idol, a heavily made-up, seductive woman emerged, her voice coy. She immediately threw herself into the fake priest’s arms, and the two became intimate right in front of the idol. Afterward, the priest held the woman close.
Ruby, you have no idea—these rich folks really believe in this stuff.
"Hey, tell me—every time you make things up, why do they always believe you?"
The fake Taoist burst into loud laughter, squeezing the woman's waist with a lecherous grin.
"You don't know, Ruby. You have to pick the right people. Most of those young masters have their quirks—especially the ones who've studied abroad. They talk a big game, and I only target that type. They're well-traveled. As for the old lords in these villages, most are fossils, set in their ways and suspicious of anything new. But their spoiled sons and grandsons? You can't hit them, can't scold them. That's where I come in, heh..."
The fake Taoist was halfway through when the woman, Ruby, interrupted him in a coquettish tone.
"Come on, tell me, tell me!"
"Ah, you little tormentor. Heh, I'll tell you, but you better not go blabbing. If you ruin my reputation, I'll turn on you in a heartbeat..."
Suddenly, the fake Taoist's eyes flashed with menace. Instantly, the seductive woman called Ruby didn't dare to make a sound.
The Taoist continued, explaining that whenever he encountered these stubborn young masters, he'd claim they were possessed by evil spirits. These boys had never suffered a day in their lives—their families coddled them, afraid they'd break. So all he had to do was tell their parents they were possessed, and that the cure required something like exposure to the blazing sun.
"No matter how stubborn, after a few days of torment, they'll soften up. After three days, I check on them. If the young master is still defiant and won't listen to his father, I have plenty of tricks left. Once he gives in, the 'evil spirit' is gone—problem solved. Hahaha..."
As he spoke, the fake Taoist let out a wild, wicked laugh. Just then, thunder boomed outside, and a torrential rain began to pour. Someone knocked on the door. The Taoist hurriedly threw on his clothes and pushed Ruby back into the room.