Chapter 23: Repaying A Life
As Er Gou found himself in a difficult predicament, unable to retreat or advance.
A stern and powerful voice suddenly echoed from the hall entrance, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Esteemed guests, please do not panic. I, Ji, have arrived a step late. I hope you will not hold it against me.”
A middle-aged man entered through the doorway. He was burly and moved with the speed of the wind, sporting a thick circle of beard around his mouth.
His eyes were sharp and piercing, scanning each person present with an imposing presence befitting someone in a high position.
This person was none other than Ji Ping, the City Lord of Luoyang, who should have appeared much earlier.
When his gaze swept over a young figure in a Taoist robe, he couldn’t help but frown slightly. However, he didn’t pay much mind, merely glancing at them before looking away.
The most important matter now was to appease these honored guests who had traveled from afar.
Seeing the host finally show up, the expectant crowd below their breath seemed to relax slightly. No one paid any mind to the master and disciple duo who were only focused on eating and drinking.
Someone lightly tapped on a table, seemingly questioning, “City Lord Ji, you are indeed a busy man. On such a joyous occasion, you have neglected your guests who traveled from afar.”
“Could it be… there is something more important than your own daughter’s wedding?”
His words immediately garnered agreement from the crowd.
“Indeed, indeed!”
“Moreover, although the Ji Manor is decorated with lanterns and banners, why haven’t we seen the groom or the procession for welcoming the bride?”
“City Lord Ji, are you trying to trick us?”
Everyone present was not foolish. They had now come to their senses, noticing the various strange aspects hidden within this wedding banquet.
Facing the accusations, Ji Ping smiled calmly. He raised his hand, gesturing in the air to signal for everyone to quiet down.
Seeing this, and given that they all considered themselves to be people of high caliber, they ceased their murmurs.
They merely fixed their gaze on Ji Ping as he walked to the center of the hall, eager to hear his explanation.
Before Ji Ping could speak, the person who spoke first, addressed as Brother Li by the crowd, spoke again.
“I hope City Lord Ji will carefully consider his response before giving us an answer.”
“Otherwise…”
He flicked his sleeve and sat down with a cold expression, no longer speaking, but his unspoken meaning was clear.
They were all influential families, some had come to curry favor with Ji Ping, while others had come out of respect for the title of City Lord of Luoyang.
Therefore, they were not afraid of falling out with Ji Ping.
Scholars value their reputation; respect is mutual.
But if you intend to throw your weight around, then apologies are in order!
Under the watchful eyes of the assembly, Ji Ping’s expression remained calm and composed, showing no sign of panic.
He smiled, picked up the wine cup on the table, and said, “Regardless of the reason, this indeed was my mistake…”
As Ji Ping spoke, he drained the wine in his cup. He then turned and smiled at the crowd, “May I offer a toast of self-punishment first?”
“Hmph! Do you think a cup of wine can appease us?”
“Exactly, exactly. City Lord Ji, stop beating around the bush and tell us the reason.”
Although the crowd still gave him cold looks, Ji Ping’s willingness to yield and his sincere attitude made them feel they had regained some face, and their words were less harsh.
Ji Ping said solemnly, “I am grateful for your kindness in coming to my manor. As for why I used the excuse of my daughter’s wedding, and why the groom has yet to appear…”
“Esteemed guests, please allow me to explain.”
Ji Ping, clearly in good spirits, poured himself another cup of wine before slowly beginning, “This matter concerns my so-called second daughter, Qingge Ji.”
As soon as he spoke, the expressions of the crowd changed slightly. Someone tentatively asked, “What do you mean, City Lord Ji?”
“Could it be that Qingge Ji is not your daughter, City Lord Ji?!”
Ji Ping glanced at the inquirer and nodded, stating firmly, “That’s right. Qingge Ji is not the second daughter born to my wife and me. She is actually a fox demon who has taken human form!”
“I used the name of my daughter Yun Ji’s wedding to lure her back to the city. At the same time, it was to make this demon lower her guard, so that I could set up an inescapable net at home. No matter how powerful she is, she can only be captured obediently!”
“What?!”
This statement caused a stir, and a cacophony of shocked voices and discussions erupted, instantly turning the crowd into a frenzy.
“This… How is this possible?!”
“Yes, City Lord Ji, we have known Miss Ji, the second daughter, since we were children. You mustn’t be so senile as to mistake her.”
Although it was Ji Ping himself who said it, most people still refused to believe him, questioning him repeatedly.
They believed that Ji Ping was likely senile and could no longer recognize his own daughter.
“City Lord Ji, you cannot speak such nonsense. Miss Qingge Ji is a true Immortal, she even knows immortal magic! Wasn’t it Miss Qingge Ji, the second daughter, who helped when my estate caught fire last time?”
“I still clearly remember the scene of the water dragon appearing out of thin air!”
The words were highly persuasive and immediately drew agreement from those who knew the incident.
“Yes, I was there at the time too. The fire was so fierce, I thought all of Old Man Zhang’s life savings would be destroyed!”
Facing the doubt, Ji Ping smiled calmly.
He had naturally anticipated the current scene.
After all, if someone had claimed his daughter was a demon a month ago, Ji Ping would have likely had them arrested and thrown into prison on the spot.
At this thought, Ji Ping said, “Everyone, please remain calm.”
He turned and stepped out of the doorway, announcing loudly, “I know that no matter how much I say now, you will only dismiss it as idle gossip.”
“As for whether Qingge Ji is a demon or not, the Immortal Master of the Zhengqing Sect has already captured her with a formation. Everyone, please follow me to the backyard, and you will see for yourselves!”
After saying this, he walked towards the backyard by himself, leaving everyone exchanging bewildered glances.
“This…”
“What should we do?”
Finally, the most reputable person among them made a decision.
“If Ji Ping is going, why can’t we?”
“Regardless of whether Qingge Ji is a demon or not, even if she is, according to Ji Ping, she has already been captured by a true Immortal Master. What is there to be afraid of?”
“Old Man Zhang is right!”
“Let’s go, let’s go.”
Then, a large group of people followed him to the backyard.
At this moment, a cute little head peeked out from the empty hall entrance.
“Master, they’ve all left.”
Chen An followed and stepped out, then took her hand.
“We should go too.”
“Where are we going?”
“Didn’t you hear them talking? We’re going to see the demon too.”
Upon hearing this, Chichi Su’s face showed difficulty. “Ah… Is the pretty elder sister really a demon?!”
Chen An nodded. He then said, “But she’s a good demon, she hasn’t harmed anyone.”
Chichi Su immediately nodded her head rapidly, like a chick pecking at grain.
“Right, right, right, she doesn’t look like a bad person! Oh, I mean, a bad demon!”
Chen An smiled. “Didn’t you ask Master earlier if you needed to repay something?”
“Then, let’s repay it with a life.”
(End of this chapter)
