Early in the morning, Jiang Mubai was awakened by noise. He licked the corner of his lips—no, this wasn’t a dream.
A wave of guilt surged in his chest. No, not guilt, but fear of the punishment his Master would inflict once he found out.
He heard voices outside. From the sound of it, it was his Martial Uncle. Cautiously, he pushed the door open and saw Martial Uncle with an arm around Second Senior Brother’s shoulders, whispering something. Second Senior Brother wore an expression Jiang Mubai had never seen before.
The moment lasted until Master called Second Senior Brother away to do his studies.
Jiang Mubai prepared to sweep the courtyard. As he passed Martial Uncle, he heard him mutter, "Stubborn old fool."
After finishing his chores, Jiang Mubai caught the sound of an argument—mostly from Martial Uncle, while Master spoke in measured tones about "the path of cultivation" and "the welfare of all living beings."
Then he watched as Martial Uncle hurried out of Master’s room and ducked into his own quarters, emerging moments later with a spirit tablet clutched in his hands.
Jiang Mubai froze. The next instant, Martial Uncle’s wails filled the air.
"Master! Open your eyes and see! Your eldest disciple has abandoned me! He’s trying to starve me to death! Summon the ancestors to strike him down with lightning!"
Jiang Mubai was stunned. Who carried a spirit tablet while fleeing hardship? Then he saw Master storm out, his face darker than Jiang Mubai had ever seen—a mix of frustration and fury, all collapsing into a resigned sigh.
"Fine, fine! Do as you please!"
Martial Uncle’s wailing ceased instantly. Jiang Mubai watched as he stuffed the tablet into his belt, making Master’s expression turn even stormier.
"Give me Master’s tablet. I’ll enshrine it properly."
Martial Uncle shook his head like a rattle-drum. "No way. I’ll need it next time I tattle on you."
A snicker reached Jiang Mubai’s ears. He turned to see Second Senior Brother desperately covering his mouth. It was rare to see him like this.
That afternoon, Martial Uncle took Second Senior Brother down the mountain without explanation. Curious, Jiang Mubai asked Master where they’d gone, but Master only sighed and repeated, "Let him be," his voice thick with resignation.
It was strange. Master, who never tolerated defiance, seemed utterly powerless against this unruly Martial Uncle.
Eldest Senior Brother emerged and reminded Master about the scheduled ritual at the Liu Family Village. After a brief hesitation, Master gave Jiang Mubai a few instructions—mostly to guard the temple and keep an eye on Martial Uncle—before the two of them departed.
Master clearly worried about Martial Uncle but had no way to rein him in.
Martial Uncle didn’t return until late afternoon, with Second Senior Brother trailing behind, arms laden with goods as if they’d been shopping at the market. For the first time, Jiang Mubai saw Second Senior Brother glowing with excitement.
"Junior Brother, you wouldn’t believe it! Martial Uncle is incredible! He told fortunes for people, and they were so accurate that folks fought to pay him!" Second Senior Brother pulled out a fistful of copper coins.
Jiang Mubai’s eyes widened. He’d never seen so much money.
Martial Uncle, meanwhile, scanned the temple, visibly disappointed when he realized Master wasn’t there. "Tch. The old stick-in-the-mud isn’t back? Whatever. Let’s feast."
The meal that night was richer than New Year’s—meat, eggs, even a whole carp. Jiang Mubai didn’t understand why Martial Uncle complained about the taste. To him, just having grease on his tongue was a luxury.
No sooner had they finished eating than someone banged on the temple gate. Jiang Mubai, ever dutiful, set down his chopsticks and hurried to answer. The visitor was Wang Laosan, the butcher from the village below.
"Eating, huh?" Wang Laosan eyed him. "Living well, I see."
Jiang Mubai self-consciously wiped the grease from his lips with his sleeve.
"Where’s your senior brother? I need his help." Wang Laosan’s tone was grating, but Master had said that was just his way—best to get used to it.
"Eldest Senior Brother went out with Master," Jiang Mubai answered honestly.
"Gone? Damn." Wang Laosan studied Jiang Mubai, then asked, "Can you exorcise evil?"
Jiang Mubai shook his head but added, "Second Senior Brother might know how." He was about to call for him when a hand settled on his shoulder.
"Exorcism? That’s my specialty."
Jiang Mubai looked up. It was Martial Uncle.
"Don’t know you," Wang Laosan said, sizing him up. Jiang Mubai quickly introduced, "This is our Martial Uncle."
Wang Laosan nodded. "Fine. Come with me." He turned and strode off.
Jiang Mubai met Martial Uncle’s gaze.
"He always talk like that?"
Jiang Mubai nodded. "Master says Wang Laosan is blunt by nature."
Martial Uncle grinned. "Perfect. I specialize in handling blunt people. Bring your senior brother. Let’s show you how it’s done."
Though confused, Jiang Mubai obediently followed Martial Uncle to the village. He’d been here many times—delivering herbs for Eldest Senior Brother or carrying firewood for others.
But this was his first time witnessing an exorcism. Wang Laosan’s family waited anxiously at the door, visibly relieved when they arrived. Among them was a pregnant woman.
"What’s the problem?" Martial Uncle asked.
Wang Laosan scoffed. "Wife keeps having nightmares. Says she’s haunted by little ghosts claiming this baby’s already dead. I don’t believe it, but if it’s a son, I’d rather be safe."
Jiang Mubai noticed Martial Uncle’s expression shift before he smiled and asked, "We can fix this. How much are you paying?"
"Paying?" Wang Laosan laughed. "Since when does White Cloud Temple charge?" His eyes flicked to Jiang Mubai, who opened his mouth—only to close it when Martial Uncle squeezed his shoulder.
"Unless you expect us to live on air?" Martial Uncle’s smile didn’t waver.
Wang Laosan chuckled. "Fine. Five coppers. Now hurry up." His disdain was palpable, even to Jiang Mubai.
"Martial Uncle—" Second Senior Brother started, but Martial Uncle cut him off with a raised hand.
"Just watch. See if I’m better than your Master."
Jiang Mubai observed as Martial Uncle circled the room, then produced a yellow talisman and chanted. Moments later, the paper burst into flames, startling everyone—including Wang Laosan.
"Unclean," Martial Uncle said casually. "The spirits of the children you drowned are clinging to you."
Jiang Mubai believed him—until Second Senior Brother whispered, "Isn’t this just a scam?"