I, a humble Daoist, slay demons and exorcise evil only to uphold the will of Heaven and protect the peace of the mortal world. Making money really has nothing to do with it.

"Daoist Baoshou, the temple is only half built, and we're out of money again."

"Ha! Let me go slay a few more demons and bring back some spoils!"

Now, what kind of bad intentions could a Daoist who earns money to build a house possibly have?

……

Slaying demons and exorcising evil in exchange for reward, the Qingyun Daoist Temple is built against the mountain.

One day, I shall be called Dao Ancestor, spreading the teachings and blessings to the world.

Chapter 001 Where Do You Think You're Going, Demon!

The Great Xia Dynasty, Guangshan Region, Jinyang County.

A haunting has broken out at the new residence of Mr. Carter in the south of the city.

Even in broad daylight, passing by the new house of the The Carter Family, one still feels a chilling coldness.

Although no one has died so far, the haunting has left people anxious and fearful. Mr. Carter's family still lives in their old house, not daring to move in.

The matter has caused quite a stir. Mr. Carter offered a generous reward and invited a young Daoist.

"Daoist, they say that thing is extremely wicked. Are you confident you can handle it?"

Seeing that the Daoist was so young, Mr. Carter couldn't help but feel a bit doubtful.

The young Daoist had handsome features and an extraordinary air, holding a horsetail whisk and carrying a ritual sword on his back.

Though his Daoist robe looked old and worn, the black hair at his temples fluttered freely, giving him a unique, unrestrained charm.

Hearing Mr. Carter's question, the young Daoist smiled and replied, "Since I began my cultivation, I have subdued countless demons and evil spirits, slain great monsters, destroyed ghost kings, visited celestial palaces in the heavens, and swum through dragon palaces in the sea. Such a minor haunting is nothing to me."

His tone was calm, neither arrogant nor boastful, as if he were stating the most ordinary fact.

Seeing his composure, Mr. Carter felt reassured and nodded repeatedly, "That's good, that's good."

The young Daoist flicked his whisk, striking a proper pose.

"Daoist, my house is just ahead. As long as you can clear out the evil spirit, John Carter will gladly offer one hundred taels of silver!"

"Money is but a worldly possession."

The young Daoist chuckled lightly and added, "Once I have dealt with the haunting, you may reward me as you see fit."

He stepped forward, looked at the brass lock on the main gate, and turned to Mr. Carter.

With trembling hands, Mr. Carter took out the key, but couldn't help asking, "Must I really go in with you?"

Though he had never seen a haunting before, he knew the house was truly haunted, and now his legs were shaking with fear.

The young Daoist replied solemnly, "The house is yours. The haunting is here for a reason, and you must resolve it yourself."

——

The The Carter Family residence.

Uninhabited, it was inevitably cold and quiet.

It seemed somewhat desolate and lifeless.

Perhaps because of the haunting, there was a chill in the air.

Suddenly, a light breeze swept through, stirring up fallen leaves.

The autumn wind was bleak, sending a chill through one's bones.

Mr. Carter's face turned pale with fright.

"This evil spirit is quite powerful."

The young Daoist's expression grew serious.

In an instant, the sky darkened abruptly!

Darkness swept in.

Everything fell into silence.

"Daoist?"

Mr. Carter called out in a trembling voice.

The young Daoist did not respond, as if he were the only one left in the darkness.

There was not a trace of light around, only the eerie sound of the wind, whistling and chilling to the bone.

Buzz!

Suddenly, a face twisted with ferocity and malice appeared in the darkness!

Ah!!!

Mr. Carter screamed out loud!

A wave of cold instantly enveloped his whole body!

"How dare you, fiend!"

Just as Mr. Carter thought he was about to be killed by the evil spirit, a clear shout rang out!

In an instant, a burst of firelight flared up!

The darkness receded like a tide!

The young Daoist's left hand was raised, holding a burning talisman, as if a ball of flame rested in his palm!

The horsetail whisk in his hand, its white threads coiled into a ball, trembled continuously.

Through the gaps in the threads, one could vaguely see a black object struggling inside.

"Daoist?"

"It's nothing."

The young Daoist stuffed the coiled end of the whisk into a cloth pouch at his waist, then pulled it out again. The whisk was as before, its threads fluttering.

The pouch shook twice, then fell still.

"The evil spirit has been dealt with. I'll give you a few talismans to ward the house and clear out the lingering evil energy. Your house will be clean."

"G-gone... it's gone..." Mr. Carter's mouth was dry, and thinking of what had just happened, he nearly wet his pants.

"Yes, it's gone."

As the young Daoist spoke, his hand seemed a bit itchy. He rubbed his thumb with his index and middle fingers, then counted out five talismans.

Mr. Carter noticed that the way he counted the talismans was much like how he usually counted silver notes. Suddenly remembering he hadn't paid this true master yet, he hurriedly took out a banknote and handed it over.

One banknote, worth one hundred taels!

The young Daoist nodded with a smile, then drew one talisman from the five and handed it over.

Mr. Carter's expression changed slightly, and he handed over the remaining banknotes.

Five banknotes, a total of five hundred taels!

"To me, exorcising evil and upholding the Dao is what truly matters. Money is just a worldly thing. You are too generous, sir."