"That's impossible!" The "deity" in town would never allow so many worshippers to leave. Huang Youxi's brows drew together. "Are you sure those people came from town?"
The village chief took one look at him and started. "Huang Youxi? What are you doing here?"
So they were old acquaintances. Huang Youxi studied the chief for a moment, then quickly gave up. He had never been good at remembering people who didn't matter. "I came to visit the Divine Dragon Temple. Is that a problem?"
While they talked, Bian Chunchou headed for the village entrance. He moved quickly, and soon saw a dense crowd there: villagers waving hoes to keep people out, and people trying to get in who looked like... Blue-Faced Fangs in the making?
Why "in the making"? Mainly because their eyes still held a spark of life. Compared with Huang Youxi, though, there was no contest.
"Have you sent for someone who can make decisions? We're not here to force our way in."
Bian Chunchou asked curiously, "Then what are you here for?"
The crowd fell silent as soon as he spoke. It wasn't that he commanded such respect. He had regained his original appearance, and among the dusty, bedraggled villagers, he stood out like a crane among chickens. Daoist Bian also had something of a reputation. With so many contestants gathered here, someone was bound to recognize him.
"It's Bian Chunchou from Yonglu Mountain!"
I'm already this famous? Bian Chunchou thought.
"Fellow Daoist Bian, to be honest, Daoist Wen asked us to come persuade the villagers. It's good that you're here. That'll save us some talking."
So Wen Xu-Xu really was in town. "Why should I believe you? For all I know, you're using Yonglu Mountain's name to swindle people."
"Of course not! Daoist Wen found a