The Schemer

"I've heard a little about it," Ji Zhen began, "Among the Way of Peace's methods for Foundation Establishment, there's a Three Corpses Severing Method."

"Those who succeed naturally possess both literary and martial talents."

"Way of Peace?" Chu Danqing hadn't expected this matter to be related to the Way of Peace.

"Indeed. The Three Corpses, Six Thieves, and Nine Worms – these three Foundation Establishment methods progress step by step. They can be cultivated individually or advanced further."

"It's said that mastering all three is the best Foundation Establishment method in the world." Ji Zhen shifted into a more comfortable position, relieving the discomfort of being unable to breathe properly due to the pressure of his clothes, before continuing.

"I'm not sure about that," Chu Danqing shook his head, then said, "Before, I..."

He summarized the situation with Lu San and the Man-Faced Black Panther, and explained the characteristics of the three drastic changes in temperament.

Hearing this, Ji Zhen stroked the beard on his chin and said, "The chivalrous one is suggesting that I'm being influenced by one of the Three Corpses, which is why I'm fond of fancy clothes?"

"That's right," Chu Danqing said.

"Does the chivalrous one have a solution?" Ji Zhen asked with a smile, seemingly not caring at all.

These words brought a look of helplessness to Chu Danqing's face, "I don't."

In reality, he did have a solution: kill Ji Zhen directly.

On closer thought, apart from the Man-Faced Black Panther, the Three Corpses hadn't shown any signs of great evil in people so far.

Lu San's temperament changed drastically, but he was using his own money, not stealing or robbing.

As for the possibility of him turning to crime when he runs out of money, that's a future problem. You can't just convict someone based on a possibility, right?

If that were the case, ninety-nine percent of the world would be guilty, because the word "possible" is too vague.

"In that case, there's no need to worry about it," Ji Zhen revealed a smile, "My Ji Estate is large and wealthy; we don't lack for my fancy clothes."

"That's true," Chu Danqing agreed, "But it's better to be safe than sorry. If there are any future problems..."

"Yes, Father, why don't I ask the Way of Peace?" Ji Yun felt that what Chu Danqing said made sense.

The Ji Family still held a considerable position in Yangxian County, so asking someone to resolve the issue wouldn't be a problem.

"No need to trouble them," Ji Zhen simply waved his hand in refusal, "This method isn't something ordinary followers can obtain. I haven't heard of any high-ranking Way of Peace members in Yangxian County."

The meaning was clear: it couldn't be resolved.

Ji Yun became even more anxious upon hearing this.

Chu Danqing didn't continue to persuade him, but cupped his fist in salute, "Since the old gentleman has made his own decision, I won't disturb you any further."

"However, for the sake of the Ji Estate, this problem should be resolved as soon as possible."

"If you don't mind, I can inquire within the Lu Clan to see if there's anything they can do to help."

He planned to leave, as there wasn't much point in staying. Judging from Ji Zhen's expression, he wouldn't be able to convince him.

"Then I thank the chivalrous one. I can't repay your life-saving grace, so we should visit each other more often." Ji Zhen said warmly, and then had Ji Yun see Chu Danqing out.

With a guest present, Ji Yun could only prioritize the Ji Family's reputation. After seeing Chu Danqing off, he returned and was about to continue persuading his father, but Ji Zhen spoke first.

"That Chu Danqing is one of your few good friends," Ji Zhen said slowly, "He's honest and kind. Don't be stingy with him."

"If you ever fall on hard times, he'll be one of the few who will lend a helping hand."

"You can't just win over someone like that with benefits; you should befriend him with affection and righteousness."

With that, Ji Zhen, supported by someone, slowly left, no longer seeming as uncomfortable as before.

"Father, you..." Ji Yun wanted to say something, but found that Ji Zhen had already walked far away, not at all like he had been just now.

In that instant, he realized that he couldn't see through his own father.

Meanwhile, Chu Danqing was in a carriage heading towards the Lu Clan.

Fifty thousand coins was no small sum when placed with the Lu Clan, so after returning, he went to see Lu Peng, the head of the Lu Clan, as soon as possible.

However, he was told that Lu Peng had gone out on business and wouldn't be back for a few days.

Seeing this, he could only change course and go to Lu Yin instead.

Lu Yin was surprised to hear that fifty thousand coins could buy a thousand shi of grain.

"My sister was truly blessed to have invited Chu Danqing into our Lu Clan."

"My father personally went to the Ji Family to buy grain but returned empty-handed. Yet Chu Danqing was able to obtain a thousand shi. I, Yin, admire you." Lu Yin said with admiration.

It was as if they had struck gold.

"Luck, luck," Chu Danqing said modestly, and then took the opportunity to ask about the Three Corpses.

"Chu Danqing is actually interested in the Three Corpses? I happen to know a thing or two about them." Lu Yin smiled, "The Three Corpses are also known as the Three Poisons."

"The Superior Corpse loves fancy decorations and is named Squatter, the Middle Corpse loves flavors and is named Stumbler, and the Inferior Corpse loves lust and is named Tripper."

"The Three Corpses are mentioned in the 'Human Scroll' of the three volumes of the Book of Great Peace that the Way of Peace Master obtained from Imperial Heaven."

"Thus, the Three Corpses Severing Method was created." Lu Yin introduced the situation of the Three Corpses to Chu Danqing, also including some information related to the Way of Peace.

From this, Chu Danqing realized why the aristocratic Lu Clan could be regarded as a faction by Paradise.

Ji Yun didn't know much about the Way of Peace, but Lu Yin knew all about it.

Seeing this, Chu Danqing explained the situation to Lu Yin.

Lu Yin smiled. "Don't worry, Protector Chu."

"Although the Ji Family isn't as powerful as my Lu Clan, Ji Zhen is no less capable than my father. A mere Superior Corpse Squatter can't do anything to him."

"His lifespan is nearing its end; this action is paving the way for Ji Yun."

Hearing this, Chu Danqing immediately understood. It wasn't that Ji Zhen didn't want to eliminate it, but that the Superior Corpse Squatter was useful to him.

"However, since Protector Chu has brought it up, my Lu Clan can't be stingy."

With that, Lu Yin had someone bring paper, ink, brush, and inkstone. He wrote a note and stamped it with his personal seal.

"Xiao Cui, fetch a Glass Heart Cleansing Pill from the treasury." Lu Yin handed the note to a maid beside him, instructing her to retrieve it.

"At noon, when delivering the grain, present it as a gift to Ji Zhen to lend him a hand."

In normal times, a thousand shi of grain wouldn't be much to the Lu Clan.

However, these are times of disaster, and it's unknown when it will end, so grain has become extremely important.

Chu Danqing didn't know the value of the Glass Heart Cleansing Pill, but the fact that Lu Yin needed to write a note and stamp it indicated that its value was considerable.

However, since it wasn't for him, Chu Danqing didn't feel comfortable asking about its effects.

"Young Master Lu, a thousand shi of grain is quite a lot. Transporting it from the Ji Family back to the Lu Clan will inevitably be too conspicuous and might cause unrest," Chu Danqing reminded him.

Lu Yin explained Chu Danqing's concerns: "The Xie Liyang residing in the estate, known as the Wine Jug Hermit, is not only skilled in fire escape techniques and loves brewing wine, but his most prized possession is the World in a Gourd wine gourd."

"There's no need for great fanfare to transport the grain."

Chu Danqing felt that the upper and lower limits of this Trial World's power levels were a bit too far apart.