The Toad in the Red Robe

Zhao Changshan's eyes widened. "Talk to the River God? What do you mean?"

"You suspect that River God is fake? That Li Yuanwai is swindling people?"

Cui Lang said, "Ah, yes, yes, yes. Brother Zhao guessed it right away."

"As constables, it's only proper for us to arrest swindlers like this, isn't it? He even had people surround and attack us just now, so we can vent a little anger while we're at it."

The two women held their children and followed closely behind them without saying a word. They had clearly been frightened out of their wits.

As they neared the city gate, Cui Lang finally asked, "Do you have parents' homes or other relatives you can rely on?"

There was no way those two could return to that village.

Both women nodded. They were originally from other villages in the county and could return to their parents' homes.

Cui Lang bought several flatbreads from a stall by the city gate and handed them over. "Eat something, then hurry back to your parents' homes. Don't dwell on your husbands' family property, either."

Given Sun Yuanwai's attitude just now, the property of their husbands' families would surely be divided among the other brothers of the clan. Even if they reported it to the county yamen, such matters would be difficult to judge.

The two women accepted the flatbreads, then knelt with their children to kowtow to Cui Lang and Zhao Changshan. Cui Lang hurriedly helped them up.

"Go on, quickly, or you won't make it home before dark." Cui Lang turned and looked at Zhao Changshan's regretful face. "Brother Zhao, stop staring. If you like them that much, why not ask them to stay? Marry a wife and get a child for free—what a bargain."

Zhao Changshan shook his head righteously. "I'm devoted to the martial path. Where would I find the time to look after a household?"

"Besides, they've both suffered such a fright. How could I take advantage of someone in their hour of need?"

Those two women truly had no sense of propriety. Why hadn't either of them offered herself in marriage?

"Brother Cui, you said there'd be a banquet, but it's already noon and I haven't even had a sip of water. How about I go to your home and grab a bite?"

Cui Lang smiled faintly. "Brother Zhao, let's buy some flatbreads and take them back to your place. I can ask you for more guidance on your saber techniques while we eat."

Go to his house?

His younger sister was so pretty—how could he let a pervert like Zhao Changshan see her?

Zhao Changshan said, "???"

A few flatbreads, and he expected him to painstakingly demonstrate saber techniques again?

"Brother Cui, I suddenly remembered I have something to do. We'll discuss practicing saber arts another day."

Cui Lang grabbed Zhao Changshan, who was trying to flee. "Brother Zhao, I'll come find you before the city gates close."

"If Li Yuanwai really is a fraud, that's a major accomplishment. And think about it—how much wealth has Li Yuanwai raked in from all this? Who knows?"

Zhao Changshan grinned. "No problem. Come find me before dark, and we'll expose Li Yuanwai's ugly face together!"

Arresting Li Yuanwai would not only earn him merit, but also let him make a little profit on the side. He was extremely interested.

He would get a good afternoon's sleep, then handle the big matter tonight.

Cui Lang also returned home. During dinner, he told his younger sister that he was going to learn the Blazing Sun Technique from Zhao Changshan that night. Cui Ling did not suspect a thing and told him she would wait for him to return the next morning.

Before nightfall, Cui Lang took his waist saber and left the house.

By Cloudwater River, the sky had gone completely dark. Whether they had come to wash clothes or catch fish, everyone had long since returned home.

Under the moonlight, Sun Yuanwai appeared silently and knelt before Cloudwater River. "This old man begs an audience with Lord River God."

A moment later, the river suddenly churned. Mist spread everywhere in an instant, and a dry, raspy voice emerged from within it. "You still dare come before me? Where are the virgin boys and girls I demanded? You think you can fob me off with a few pigs and sheep?"

"And where is my temple? Why has construction not begun yet?"

Sun Yuanwai pressed his head against the grass by the riverbank, his body trembling slightly. "Lord River God, please forgive me. Everything had been prepared, but two constables from the county suddenly appeared today and took away the virgin boys and girls we had prepared."

"Since the sacrifice had not yet been performed, I did not dare begin building the temple. But please rest assured, Lord River God, the silver for the temple has already been prepared. This old man has also selected new virgin boys and girls and can deliver them to you tomorrow."

Only then did the River God's tone soften somewhat. "Tomorrow, I want two boys and two girls. Otherwise, if I can let you live, I can also make you die!"

If he did not think Sun Yuanwai was still useful and could continue helping him hoodwink the villagers, he would have killed this rotten old man long ago!

Sun Yuanwai's heart skipped a beat. Two boys and two girls? There were no more children of suitable age in the village's other households. He would have to send people to steal two from another village tonight, or else use his own grandson and granddaughter to fill the quota.

It was all the fault of those two constables today. If they had not meddled in other people's business, why would this be so troublesome?

"You brought others with you? Didn't I tell you that you were only allowed to come alone each time? You dare defy my orders? You're courting death!"

Sun Yuanwai was just about to explain that he had not brought anyone when he suddenly felt an enormous force strike him. His entire body flew into the air, tumbling several times before crashing to the ground, already without breath.

The River God looked toward the two people approaching from not far away, his voice turning drawn-out. "Who are you two, and why have you come here? I am the River God. I have just punished an evildoer, so there is no need to fear."

Zhao Changshan's eyes went round. "Brother Cui, did you see that? There really is a River God!"

Within the mist before them, they could see a figure in a red robe standing atop the river. The figure was a full twenty feet tall and looked exceptionally imposing.

Cui Lang narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure that's a god? Why does it look more like a demon in disguise to me?"

Zhao Changshan pointed at the towering figure. "Look carefully. What demon wears clothes?"

"I asked around this afternoon too. Plenty of people have heard of this River God. They say he can do anything—bring the dead back to life, restore flesh to bare bones. There was even a young man who asked the River God to help him break through in martial cultivation."

Their argument also reached the River God's ears, and the River God's voice emerged from the mist once more. "Do you have any requests of me? I can grant your wishes."

Cui Lang shouted, "Can you give me gold? Not too much—just enough to fill two large chests."

The River God said, "???"

These two had vigorous qi and blood. They seemed to be martial artists, yet instead of seeking a breakthrough in martial cultivation, they wanted gold, silver, and money?

He had no need for money. What would he save it for?

"I do not favor the greedy. Choose another wish."

Cui Lang asked again, "Then you must have top-tier cultivation techniques and martial skills, right? Divine weapons and precious armaments would work too. Just give me some, whatever you've got."

The River God said, "..."

Of course he had none of those, either, because he had no use for them.

But he could not say that. Wouldn't that arouse suspicion?

"Close your eyes and pray with all your hearts. Once I sense your sincere devotion, I can grant your wishes."

As long as these two closed their eyes, he could kill them with ease.

Two martial men brimming with qi and blood would be even more nourishing than virgin boys and girls.

Zhao Changshan was thrilled. Though the River God would not directly help him break through, top-tier cultivation techniques, martial skills, and divine weapons were even rarer. With a top-tier cultivation technique, would breaking through still be difficult?

He immediately closed his eyes and began praying devoutly.

Suddenly, he heard the sound of a saber being drawn beside his ear. He could not help opening his eyes at once. Why was Cui Lang drawing his saber?

He saw Cui Lang's blade flash like lightning as it slashed at the River God, who had approached them. The River God retreated swiftly, but his red robe was cut open and turned into two pieces of cloth that slid to the ground, revealing a gigantic toad.