"Haha, Mr. Ye's abilities never cease to amaze me, even seeing them a second time."
Once everyone had finished their tea, Master Shi spoke with a chuckle.
"Servants, bring everything in."
At Master Shi's command, servants soon came in carrying items of all sizes.
"Please take a look and see whether these meet your requirements."
Daoist Green Pine was the first to approach a block of wood. Running his hand over it, he said, "Is this century-old peach wood? You certainly spared no expense, Master Shi. Most people can hardly find fifty-year-old peach wood, let alone a hundred-year-old piece."
Master Shi smiled and stroked his beard.
Meanwhile, Ma Tusheng approached a small jar and lifted its lid.
The smell of blood rushed out. Ma Tusheng sniffed it and examined it for a moment, then opened another jar, which was likewise filled with blood.
"Rooster blood and black dog blood?"
"Indeed. Both animals were freshly slaughtered. As you requested, Mr. Ma, we dissolved coarse salt in a little warm water at the bottom of the bowls to keep the blood from clotting."
Ma Tusheng nodded.
"Have the servants stir them every half hour from now on. They'll be ready for tonight."
With that, Ma Tusheng turned to the cinnabar and talisman paper in a nearby box to inspect their quality.
Off to the other side, Li Dali picked up a large saber.
"Master Shi, why does this saber look so battered? I asked you to find me a decent weapon, and this is how you fob me off?"
Before Master Shi could answer, Daoist Green Pine spoke.
"Li Dali, this is an executioner's saber. I specifically asked Master Shi to send someone to the county seat to buy it."
"This blade alone has taken the heads of no fewer than ten