It was broad daylight, and there had been another bout of shouting, so the four Daoists' bodies were naturally discovered in no time.
The death of a White Feather Daoist in an alley terrified the nearby residents and the ward headman alike. But before they could report it to the authorities, people from the White Feather Way arrived to handle the matter.
Luoqi Prefecture was one of Southern Yan's foremost prosperous regions. When Great Yan had moved its capital south, Luoqi Prefecture had even been considered, which spoke volumes about its special standing. In the end, Zhongling Prefecture had been chosen only because of the dragon veins.
Han Shiyong actually wanted to leave Luoqi Prefecture sooner. But since he had come, his duties as State Preceptor amounted to more than simply visiting the White Feather Way's temples. He had also come bearing imperial orders, and needed to entertain the local dignitaries, "display immortal miracles," and bestow "immortal grace."
The lengths the White Feather Way had gone to in arranging a special rain-praying ceremony showed how much importance Han Shiyong himself attached to this place, and how much the emperor of Southern Yan valued it as well.
Even a State Preceptor could not entirely escape worldly conventions in certain matters, and had to socialize with the city's powerful figures. But when the four bodies were brought back without delay, he immediately ordered his disciples to entertain the guests in his stead, then hurried toward the rear of the temple complex.
Han Shiyong now approached a room within the complex with several White Feather Daoists. Disciples were already waiting outside, and hastened to bow when they saw him.
"True Person, Sect Master!"
After paying their respects, the disciples quickly opened the door.
"Mm."
Han Shiyong acknowledged them and led the others inside.