"Xiangfu Inn..."
Zhang Kui glanced at the tattered signboard.
The inn before them was two stories high, made of earth and wood, with smoke rising from the chimney. Two horses were tied at the entrance, clearly it was operational.
The territory of the Qian Dynasty was vast, spanning thirteen provinces, with long distances between cities, so inns like this were often seen along the roads.
Though its appearance was unimpressive, the cost of food and lodging was not cheap, so even though it was tough and dangerous, many people still earned money this way.
The group pushed the door open and entered, immediately a waiter ran over, smiling and asking, "Honored guests, staying the night or just a meal?"
The waiter was not only a dwarf, but also had naturally mismatched eyes, his head tilted comically.
If an ordinary person from the previous life saw this, they would definitely be startled, suspecting it to be a shady place selling "special meat".
But Zhang Kui just laughed heartily,
"It's so late, of course we're staying. Prepare hot water, good wine, and hearty food. Oh, and one of us has caught a cold, make some hot noodle soup too."
In this feudal, backward society, there were many cases of inbreeding, plus with all sorts of diseases untreated due to lack of money, deformed children were common. Zhang Kui had seen many along the way, all were people with unfortunate lives.
"Alright, honored guests please wait, I'll get it ready." The waiter was very happy, turning his head while shouting, "Big guy, quickly take care of the horses and feed them some fodder."
"Ah-bah-ah-bah..."
A somewhat bulky man nodded and bowed, rushing out to handle the horses.
They were all disabled...
Zhang Kui casually glanced around, "Waiter, where is your shopkeeper?"
"Our shopkeeper went to get some wine, it's country-brewed, very authentic, you must try it." The waiter answered with a smile while wiping the table.
Zhang Kui casually leaned his Greatsword against the table,
"Sure, bring two jars first!"
Li Dong'Er took care of Old Liu, and the ladies and injured guards with Wu Siyuan went to rest in their rooms first. In the hall, Zhang Kui and Wu Siyuan, along with two guards, sat together at a table.
Very soon, the waiter staggered over with two jars of wine, also bringing a whole roasted rabbit, glistening with oil and covered in chili powder, the aroma was enticing.
"Honored guests, the rabbit was caught just yesterday, you enjoy it first, I'll go have the kitchen prepare some other dishes."
"Sure, just bring out your specialties."
Wu Siyuan waved his hand, raising the wine poured by the guard, "Come, Taoist Zhang, a bowl for you..."
Seeing the others started drinking, the waiter with a towel over his shoulder walked toward the kitchen in the back.
In the kitchen, a deaf-mute old woman was cooking. After giving some instructions through gestures, the waiter glanced behind him, dug through a pile of firewood, and leapt into a small hole.
Inside was a dimly lit chamber, just over a meter high. The waiter's voice was slightly tense, "Shopkeeper, a group of guests has arrived, among them is a tall and brawny Taoist; he looks like trouble."
In the chamber, there was only a dim, flickering oil lamp.
A furry paw holding a smoking pipe extended from the darkness, the brass bowl of the pipe touching the oil lamp.
With a couple of puffs, the acrid smoke began to fill the chamber, and a sharp, aged voice came from the darkness.
"We're doing legitimate business, what are you scared of?"
"Serve them well, make sure they leave by morning..."
...
In the hall, after a few rounds of drinks, the two jars were nearly half-empty. Wu Siyuan's face was flushed, his eyes already somewhat vacant.
"Taoist, you have... have a good tolerance."
Zhang Kui laughed heartily,
"This stuff is too bland. Don't force yourself. I'll finish it; you take your time."
Just then, the sound of horse hooves came from outside, followed by several people entering with cold expressions.
Their brocade clothing was black, with silver threads forming patterns of evil beasts at the front.
Astronomical Bureau...
Zhang Kui's eyes narrowed slightly, he snorted and continued sipping his drink. He truly had no fondness for these people.
The group scanned the room and upon seeing him, their expressions suddenly changed.
"Black Corpse Taoist!"
As they spoke, they swiftly drew swords from their waists, watching him nervously, while one of them took out a thin whistle and blew.
Several shadows instantly leapt into the room, forming a formation, each holding a crossbow aimed at them.
The crossbow bolts mounted on those crossbows were quite special, etched with various runes and dipped in vermilion, the arrowheads were black, unknown with what.
Zhang Kui's brow twitched, placing his hand on the Greatsword, his eyes showing a hint of malice, "What do you intend to do?"
At this moment, a person emerged from the crowd, with graying hair, a face handsome yet effeminate, his whole being exuding a chilling aura.
He squinted as he looked over,
Zhang Kui widened his eyes, glaring back.
"Hmph!"
The person suddenly snorted coldly, turning to slap one of his subordinates, "Useless, can't even recognize someone, put away your weapons!"
At the order, the crew from the Astronomical Bureau immediately sheathed their swords and dispersed expressionlessly, subtly taking control of the entire inn.
Zhang Kui drank as he pondered.
He was unwilling to engage with the Astronomical Bureau, only observing from afar on a few occasions.
They were usually divided into two groups, one composed of warlocks recruited by the Court, and the other of specially trained soldiers, executing actions uniformly, handling demons as if waging war.
But the group in front of him seemed even more elite.
Just then, the dwarf waiter walked over trembling, "Honorable officials..."
The effeminate man ignored him, and the subordinate who had been slapped stepped forward, a red handprint on his face, and said coldly, "We're staying, ten rooms."
The waiter looked troubled, "Honorable official, there are only five rooms left..."
"Make them vacate some!"
The subordinate was a bit impatient.
The dwarf waiter glanced over here with difficulty.
Zhang Kui expressionlessly drank his wine, his right hand already on the sword hilt.
However, before he could react, Wu Siyuan, foggy with drunkenness, had already turned around, his face full of mockery.
"Eunuch Yin, such arrogance!"
Eunuch?
Is he a eunuch?
Zhang Kui glanced at Wu Siyuan in surprise.
The eunuch surnamed Yin on the other side was also taken aback, his eyes narrowed slightly, "Imperial Censor Wu..."
"I heard you were transferred to Qingzhou, why are you at this wild inn?"
Wu Siyuan sneered,
"I was secretly taking office, but unexpectedly was attacked by demons in broad daylight, thanks to Taoist Zhang's rescue. Qingzhou is overrun with evil spirits, your Astronomical Bureau did a great job!"
The eunuch surnamed Yin's face turned slightly cold,
"The matters of the Astronomical Bureau don't need your concern!"
After speaking, he flicked his cloak and went straight upstairs, the others following closely behind, but they didn't mention switching rooms again.
The dwarf waiter breathed a sigh of relief, and quickly followed to assist. In no time, only Zhang Kui and others were left in the hall.
Wu Siyuan apologized, cupping his hands,
"Taoist Zhang, I did not wish for attention on this journey, and thus had to conceal my intentions. I hope you understand."
"No worries..."
Zhang Kui waved it off; he had no interest in the other party's identity but was curious about one thing.
"Why is there a eunuch in the Astronomical Bureau?"
Wu Siyuan hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice:
"This relates to the late Emperor. Originally, the Astronomical Bureau was tasked with national protection and exorcism, without interfering in court affairs. But at the time, a few National Guardian True Men attempted to collude with vassal kings..."
Zhang Kui immediately understood.
The Astronomical Bureau recruited extraordinary individuals from all over, possessing great strength, naturally becoming entangled in court conflicts. As the Emperor, he naturally needed to find a way to control it.
And who better than eunuchs to provide peace of mind?
Zhang Kui chuckled and shook his head,
"Quite dull, come, let's continue drinking..."
...
Night fell,
After being satiated and washed, Zhang Kui collapsed on the bed, snoring soundly. On the other bed, Old Liu had also broken his fever, sleeping deeply.
Their snores echoed intermittently.
The entire inn was silent, in the darkness, the dwarf waiter sleeping behind the liquor table smacked his lips and turned over.
At some point, clouds had obscured the stars.
In the darkness, Zhang Kui suddenly opened his eyes.
Something was watching!
He grabbed the greatsword, leapt silently from the bed, and quietly opened the door.
At the same time, a door opened elsewhere.
It was Eunuch Yin.
The two squinted at each other.
Eunuch Yin's fingers pressed on the sword hilt,
"What's your intention in stealthily observing?"
Zhang Kui snorted coldly,
"I don't like men, why would I look at you!"
"How dare you!"
Eunuch Yin's face immediately turned icy.
In the secret passage of the inn, a furry body shrank back, "These two have such strong spiritual senses, they're really spirits of misfortune, better get rid of them tomorrow..."
Just then, it suddenly looked into the distance, fear appearing in its eyes.
And at the same time, Zhang Kui and Eunuch Yin upstairs simultaneously fell silent, looking toward the inn's main entrance.
Outside, there was a faint sound of a woman singing opera.
"Red demon wails, resentful spirits cry, Yin spirits scream, raising a sorrowful wind, oh how lamentable it is..."
The inn was suddenly filled with a strange black mist, and in the vague haze, a red lantern swayed in the direction of the entrance...