In a Year of Great Disaster, This Is Too Much

As he spoke, the Commandery Governor led everyone to their seats.

Once inside and seated, Shen Hui briefly recounted what had happened the previous night.

He said only that the white-clad female ghost had been a vicious spirit refined by a heretical cultivator among the rebels. After the cultivator died, it had occupied the empty residence and harmed people, but he had already destroyed it.

After hearing this, Governor Zhao let out a long breath and slumped back against his chair, as though a thousand-pound burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

His eyes reddened slightly as he murmured over and over:

"Good, good, good... Many thanks, Daoist Master, many thanks..."

After collecting himself, he asked, "Daoist Master Shen possesses such great powers. May I ask upon which immortal mountain you cultivate?"

Shen Hui said, "Clear Wind Temple, Yongchang Commandery, Luanzhou."

Governor Zhao nodded, then turned to Mo Yunsong and cupped his hands. "And this Old Daoist Master?"

Mo Yunsong hurriedly returned the salute. "This humble Daoist comes from Empty Mountain Ridge in Tongzhou. A small and insignificant sect, hardly worth mentioning."

Governor Zhao repeatedly said, "Not at all, not at all," then praised their righteous devotion in traveling thousands of miles to uphold justice on Heaven's behalf. He immediately turned and instructed his servants:

"Did you hear that? Hurry and prepare a feast!"

Though it was early morning, the table was already laden with dishes—six cold courses and eight hot ones.

There were three meat and three vegetable cold dishes; five meat and three vegetable hot dishes, along with one soup and two pastries, for a total of sixteen dishes.

Plates were stacked upon plates, cups crowded against cups.

The Commandery Governor invited them to sit, personally pouring wine for everyone as he spoke endlessly of his gratitude.

He