Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Trick

Since ancient times, the most formidable force in nature has been lightning—a power that has always shaken mankind to its core. The lightning unleashed by the old Taoist was not abundant, but its force was undeniable, awe-inspiring; given the peculiar setting, one might even have mistaken him for a celestial being descended to earth.

Suddenly, the old Taoist strode forward, and with another flick of the dust whisk in his hand, a bolt of lightning crackled through the air, accompanied by intense snapping sounds. Echoes of agony resounded in the empty room, as if the millennia-old fox demon had been struck a grievous blow by the thunder. Then, a violent explosion rang out. The dust whisk in the old Taoist's hand emitted a puff of black smoke, followed by a burst of flames, prompting everyone to retreat in alarm. With a sigh of resignation, the old Taoist said, "As expected, the millennia-old fox demon lives up to its reputation—it has destroyed yet another of my magical implements. This was a treasure I've refined over many years." Regret clouded his face as he finished speaking.

Nangong Zhenyu hurriedly called out, "Immortal, as long as you can exorcise this demon, I will provide funds to help you refine your magical implements anew." The spectacle had convinced him: Nangong Xue had truly been possessed by a powerful fox demon. The immortal, in his effort to save Nangong Xue, had already lost two magical tools.

The old Taoist had been waiting for this very promise. He replied in a gentle tone, "This implement was my cherished possession. The rare materials alone cost over a million, and combined with years of cultivation, it is beyond mere monetary value."

"I'll give you two million, to help you remake your magical tool," Nangong Zhenyu declared immediately. At this moment, thoroughly awed, he had lost his ability to reason: if a fox demon truly existed, why would it possess Nangong Xue? There was nothing to be gained from it, but such doubts were swept away.

The old Taoist smiled slightly. "Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Nangong."

His expression abruptly shifted, and he said to Nangong Zhenyu, "This is bad—the fox demon, wounded by me, has reentered your daughter's body, attempting to absorb her life force to heal itself."

Hearing that the demon had returned, Nangong Zhenyu's hands trembled, his face pale with fear. "What should we do? Immortal, please be careful not to harm my daughter when you cast your spell."

The old Taoist nodded reassuringly. "Rest assured. Though my magic tools are destroyed and I am injured, the fox demon is far worse off. I will first cast a spell to drive it out, then destroy it completely. This will cost me at least ten years of my life, but for the sake of the world, what does it matter if I exhaust these old bones?"

His words, filled with noble righteousness, silenced the room. Save for Ling Tian, the Nangong family members were swept up by the Taoist's heroic aura, breaking into applause and cheers, moved by his selfless spirit.

The old Taoist, satisfied, raised his hand for silence, then approached Nangong Xue. He placed his right hand swiftly on her shoulder, causing them to lock eyes.

In less than a minute, Nangong Xue abruptly opened her mouth and, in a voice hoarse beyond recognition, declared, "You mangy Taoist, I, the great immortal, bear you no grudge—why must you oppose me? Today, I will risk a millennium of cultivation to destroy you!" With that, she reached out, attempting to grab him.

Except for Ling Tian, none noticed that as Nangong Xue spoke, her lips barely moved, and the shape of her mouth did not match the voice. Most would not discern this, but Ling Tian, skilled in lip-reading, saw through the deception. He mused inwardly: there’s trickery here—the old Taoist’s methods are indeed plentiful.

Nangong Zhenyu and his family were now utterly convinced, believing without doubt that Nangong Xue was possessed by the fox demon. They silently worried for the old Taoist.

"Fiend, come forth!" the old Taoist shouted.

Nangong Xue collapsed onto the bed, unconscious.

From his wide sleeve, the old Taoist produced a coin sword—about a foot long, fashioned from ancient copper coins threaded together and bearing a rustic look, no different from those seen in ghost-hunting films.

"This is my most powerful magical treasure. Prepare to die." He pointed the coin sword forward and spat a mouthful of blood; with a wave of his left hand, a ball of fire erupted, forming a massive fireball. The room’s temperature soared. With a mighty cry, he swung the sword.

Before the astonished eyes of all present, a blood arrow materialized out of thin air in the empty room—a miraculous spectacle that drew gasps and exclamations. They were certain the immortal had finally destroyed the fox demon. Even blood had appeared.

The old Taoist raised his sleeve to wipe his brow, exhaling deeply. "At last, the millennia-old fox demon is vanquished." With that, his legs gave way and he collapsed to the floor.

Nangong Zhenyu hurried forward, helping him onto the sofa and instructing servants to prepare tea.

"Immortal, have you truly destroyed the fox demon?" Nangong Zhenyu glanced anxiously at the bloodstains, fear lingering in his heart.

The old Taoist, now extremely weak, replied, "It is gone, but I am left depleted—recovering will require at least three years of rest."

Nangong Zhenyu, moved to tears, said, "Immortal, to save my daughter, you have paid such a steep price. Aside from financial assistance, I have little else to offer. Please rest for now, I will arrange twenty million for you. By the way, do you have a bank card?"

The old Taoist’s foremost desire was to take the money and leave at once, for all his prior feats had been nothing but trickery.

"My wounds are severe. I must return to the mountain to cultivate, or my life will be at risk." With that, he took a bank card from his sleeve and handed it to Nangong Zhenyu.

After the performance he had witnessed, Nangong Zhenyu believed every word, promptly accepting the card and handing it to a servant. "Transfer twenty million to this card immediately, and prepare a car—I will personally escort the immortal back to the mountain."

Ling Tian stepped forward. "Master Nangong, though the immortal has slain the fox demon, Miss Nangong Xue remains unconscious. In my opinion, perhaps the immortal should cast a spell to awaken her, and only after confirming her well-being should we send him off?"

Nangong Zhenyu considered this and found Ling Tian’s suggestion wise; he had been so focused on the demon’s destruction, he had not noticed his daughter’s continued coma. Better to have the immortal awaken her while he was still present.

"Immortal, please see it through—use your magic to awaken my daughter, so I may rest assured," said Nangong Zhenyu earnestly.

The old Taoist was vexed enough to wish he could slap Ling Tian dead. His plan had been proceeding smoothly—he would take the money and depart, leaving Nangong Xue’s fate irrelevant to him. Once gone, he would be beyond reach; even if the Nangong family later discovered he was a fraud, they could do nothing about it.