Jingshui Village's Ancestral Hall.
A crowd gathered there, kneeling on the ground and worshipping with utmost reverence.
A yellow altar had been set up in front of the Ancestral Hall. A Goatee Daoist held a Peach Wood Sword, waving it about in flashes.
Ye Kang and the scholar had also arrived at the back of the crowd. Neither of them knelt; they simply watched the scene with interest.
Ye Kang could tell at a glance that the Daoist was a First-class expert. He just couldn't figure out why he was putting on this supernatural act here.
The Daoist jabbed two talismans with his wooden sword and chanted a string of incomprehensible words. The talismans immediately burst into flames, forming a Monster Phantom in the air before quickly vanishing.
The villagers present were all shocked by the sight. They kowtowed one after another, shouting things like, "Lake God, spare us!"
The Daoist's expression was cold as he spoke in a shrill voice. "The Lake God says you've been fishing without restraint, causing grievous losses among the creatures of Jingshui Lake. That is why he has manifested to punish you!"
The villagers' faces turned pale at once.
"Lake God, spare us!"
"We won't dare do it again! We'll be sure to fish in moderation from now on!"
"Please, Lake God, withdraw your divine powers and let us live!"
The villagers began crying out one after another.
The Daoist listened coldly. After a moment, he said, "The Lake God understands reason. As long as you offer up a boy and a girl, he will naturally show mercy and spare you this once."
"We'll offer them! Right away! Please, Celestial Master, plead with him for us!"
Two villagers immediately came forward, each carrying a baby still swaddled in its blanket.
The elderly village chief