In the front courtyard, Arthur Coleman had already changed his attire. He now wore a Five Peaks Cloud Crown on his head, a pale yellow Taoist robe, a multicolored silk sash at his waist, an ancient bronze sword with horizontal patterns strapped to his back, hemp shoes with double loops on his feet, and in his hand, a demon-subduing fan. He looked every bit the accomplished immortal, so much so that the lady of the house was delighted while the master was alarmed—delighted because there was hope her son’s soul would return, alarmed because he had forgotten to settle the price with him.

Arthur Coleman slowly drew his sword. He took light, shuffling steps, circling three times to the east and twice to the west, as if painting a Taiji diagram. Suddenly, he stopped facing south, eyes half-closed, sword in his right hand, a bowl of water in his left, chanting: “This water is no ordinary water, but water of the true energy of five dragons and five stars. This sword is no ordinary sword, it can refine the hardest steel…”

He chanted this several times, but his eyes nervously watched the moon gate. Suddenly, he saw Emily Thompson’s figure flash by and knew the deed was done. Secretly pleased, he chanted loudly again: “By the urgent decree of the Primordial Supreme, I proclaim to all spirits: Heaven’s generals command the world, beat the heavenly drum, raise the heavenly banner, wield the golden star, throw the fire bell, capture the invisible, search the silent.”

He leapt forward and shouted, “Go!” The sword pointed as if sending out an invisible force, striking the fleeing demon.

Everyone nearby was so frightened they trembled, not knowing what had happened. Then they saw the young Taoist supporting Brian Bolton, slowly walking through the moon gate. Mrs. Bolton was shocked and rushed over, crying, “Son! Are you awake?”

“Mother, my legs are so weak! My head is spinning!” As he spoke, his body went limp, about to collapse, but Emily Thompson quickly caught him. This was no act—after lying in bed for so long, he was naturally exhausted.

“You recognize your mother! That’s wonderful. Daughter-in-law, come quickly and see your husband—he’s awake!”

The young wife, though she understood the situation, still had to play along. Forcing a smile, she stepped forward, holding her husband’s hand and asking after him with concern.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bolton, seeing his wife was occupied, quickly pulled Arthur Coleman aside and whispered, “Yesterday I forgot to discuss the price with you, Master. How much do you require?”

“Heh! I cultivate only for self-improvement, and truly hadn’t considered money. But if I don’t accept a token sum, it might seem you lack sincerity. So, just give what you think is appropriate.”

Mr. Bolton hesitated for a moment and said, “Last time I gave the monk two strings of cash. What do you think, Master?”

“Sir!” Arthur Coleman rolled his beady eyes skyward, snorting coldly through his nose. “Do you know that at the start of the year, the four Taoist sons were all granted the title of ‘True Man’ by the Emperor, and all the Xuan Yuan Temples in the land were renamed the Supreme Xuan Yuan Emperor’s Palace? Such imperial favor has never been seen before. Yet you still compare us to those bald monks? It chills me to the bone. It’s not that I care about the two strings of cash, but if your family is truly in hardship, I can forgo it.”

Mr. Bolton blushed slightly and hurriedly said, “Of course, your skills are superior to his. How about three strings?”

“It’s just that these talismans are not easy to make. I’ll need to charge a bit extra for the materials.”

Mr. Bolton cursed inwardly but had no choice. Gritting his teeth, he said, “Then I’ll add another string—four strings, but that’s the limit.”

Arthur Coleman didn’t answer, but glanced over at Mrs. Bolton. Seeing her son was safe, she was overjoyed and was looking around for the Taoist. Spotting him with her husband, she walked over with a smile.

“Five strings!” Mr. Bolton groaned inwardly. If his wife spoke up, she’d give at least ten.

“Very well, I’ll accept your offer,” said Arthur Coleman, knowing when to stop for lasting benefit.

Mr. Bolton was delighted. He quickly pulled a silver ingot from his sleeve and handed it over. “This is a full five taels—no less!”

Arthur Coleman took it, weighed it in his hand, and was overjoyed. He carefully put it into his sleeve pouch. Seeing the lady approach, he bowed deeply and said, “Since the young master is well, I have other matters to attend to and must take my leave.”

“This time we truly owe it to you, Master. Husband, have you thanked the Master yet?”

“Yes, yes, I have!” Mr. Bolton replied hastily, afraid the Taoist might not leave, and quickly ordered the servants, “The Master has urgent business—go help him pack his things!”

“In that case, I’ll take my leave,” said Arthur Coleman, then called to Emily Thompson, “Disciple, let’s go!”

Emily Thompson answered and started to leave, but Brian Bolton panicked. If he left, what would become of his own scholar’s and licentiate’s prospects? In desperation, he grabbed Emily Thompson, eyes bulging, and cried out twice, looking deranged again. The Bolton Couple were both alarmed—had the banished demon returned?

“Son, how do you feel?”

Brian Bolton didn’t answer. His left hand pointed at Emily Thompson, while his right clung tightly to his clothes. Emily Thompson knew what the problem was and smiled bitterly to himself. Did he really have to stay and fulfill that promise of a slap?

Mr. Bolton hurried to Arthur Coleman and said, “Master, what do you make of this?”

Arthur Coleman saw the situation and guessed most of it: Emily Thompson must have promised him something, which was why he stopped pretending to be mad. Now that Emily Thompson was leaving, he wouldn’t let go. That’s what he thought, but he couldn’t say it aloud. After a moment’s thought, he replied, “The demon has certainly been expelled, but there are still some lingering traces inside. Just now, my disciple was suppressing them. If he leaves, those remnants will stir up again, but it’s nothing serious. In a day or two, he’ll be fine.”