Chapter 11: The Master Strategist

"I have heard a little about it," Ji Zhen spoke up. "Among the foundations for cultivation in the Taiping Sect, there is a technique known as Severing the Three Corpses."

"Those who master it naturally possess the qualities of both a scholar and a warrior."

"The Taiping Sect?" Chu Danqing had not expected this matter to be connected to them.

"Indeed. The Three Corpses, the Six Thieves, and the Nine Worms—these three foundational methods are sequential and can be practiced individually or in tandem."

"It is rumored that mastering all three is the premier foundation-building method in the world," Ji Zhen said, shifting into a more comfortable position to alleviate the discomfort of being weighed down by his elaborate clothing.

"I am not familiar with that," Chu Danqing shook his head, then added, "Previously, I..." He summarized the situation regarding Lu San and the human-faced black panther, explaining the three distinct manifestations of radical personality shifts.

Hearing this, Ji Zhen stroked his beard and chuckled. "The righteous benefactor means to say that I have been tainted by one of the Three Corpses, which is why I have developed a fondness for extravagant attire."

"That is correct," Chu Danqing replied.

"Then does the benefactor have a solution?" Ji Zhen asked with a smile, appearing entirely unconcerned.

This left a look of helplessness on Chu Danqing's face. "I do not."

In truth, he did have a solution: kill Ji Zhen. Upon further reflection, however, aside from the case of the human-faced black panther, the Three Corpses had not yet manifested any truly heinous behavior in the people he had observed. Lu San had changed significantly, but he was spending his own money, not stealing or robbing. As for the possibility that he might turn to crime once his wealth ran out, that was a matter for the future; one could hardly pass judgment based on potential. If that were the case, ninety-nine percent of the world would be guilty, as the word "potential" is far too ambiguous.

"Since that is the case, there is no need to worry about it," Ji Zhen said with a smile. "My Ji family has vast resources; we are not lacking for the fine clothes I wear."

"That may be true," Chu Danqing acknowledged, "but one must always be prepared for the worst. If there are hidden consequences..."

"Indeed, Father. Perhaps I should go and inquire with the Taiping Sect?" Ji Yun felt that Chu Danqing’s concerns were valid. The Ji family held a respectable position in Yangxian County, and hiring someone to resolve this would not be an issue.

"No need to trouble yourself," Ji Zhen waved his hand in refusal. "This technique is not something ordinary followers can obtain, and I have heard of no high-ranking members of the Taiping Sect in Yangxian County."

The implication was clear: it could not be cured. Upon hearing this, Ji Yun became even more anxious.

Chu Danqing did not persist. He cupped his hands and said, "Since the old gentleman has made his decision, I shall not intrude any further."

"However, for the sake of the entire Ji household, this affliction should be resolved as soon as possible. If you do not mind, I will make some inquiries within the Lu family to see if there is any way I can assist."

He intended to leave; there was no point in staying, as it was clear from Ji Zhen’s demeanor that neither he nor Ji Yun could change his mind.

"Then many thanks, benefactor. I cannot repay the debt of saving my life, so we should interact more frequently in the future," Ji Zhen said warmly, instructing Ji Yun to see Chu Danqing out.

With a guest present, Ji Yun had to prioritize the family’s reputation. After seeing Chu Danqing off, he returned, intending to continue his persuasion, but Ji Zhen spoke first.

"This Consultant Chu is one of the few true friends you have," Ji Zhen said slowly. "He is honest and kind-hearted; do not be stingy or petty with him. Should you ever fall into hardship, he is someone who would surely extend a helping hand. People like him should not be courted merely with profit, but with sincerity and friendship."

With that, Ji Zhen stood up with the help of his attendants and slowly departed.

"Father, you..." Ji Yun wanted to say something, but he realized his father had already walked away, moving with a grace that showed no sign of the discomfort he had displayed earlier. In that moment, he realized he could not see through his own father.

Meanwhile, Chu Danqing was in a carriage, heading back to the Lu estate. Five hundred thousand coins was not a small sum, and he wanted to report to the head of the Lu family, Lu Peng, immediately. However, he was informed that Lu Peng was away on business and would not return for some time. With no other choice, he sought out Lu Yin.

When Lu Yin heard that he had secured a thousand shi of grain for only five hundred thousand coins, he was visibly surprised.

"My sister was truly wise to invite Consultant Chu into our family. My father personally went to the Ji family to purchase grain and returned empty-handed, yet you managed to secure a thousand shi. I am truly impressed," Lu Yin remarked with a sigh. It was as if they had struck gold.

"It was just luck, pure luck," Chu Danqing said humbly. He then seized the opportunity to ask about the Three Corpses.

"I am surprised you are interested in the Three Corpses, but I do happen to know a little," Lu Yin smiled. "The Three Corpses are also known as the Three Poisons. The Upper Corpse craves fine clothing and status, the Middle Corpse craves gourmet food and indulgence, and the Lower Corpse craves carnal desires."

"The teachings regarding the Three Corpses come from the 'Human Scroll' of the three-volume 'Taiping Book' obtained by the leader of the Taiping Sect from the Imperial Heaven. That is where the 'Severing the Three Corpses' method originated." Lu Yin introduced the concept to Chu Danqing, weaving in bits of intelligence regarding the Taiping Sect.

From this discussion, Chu Danqing realized why the Lu family was considered a major faction by the Paradise. Ji Yun knew little of the Taiping Sect, but Lu Yin treated the information as familiar knowledge.

Chu Danqing then explained the situation with Ji Zhen.

Lu Yin smiled. "Set your heart at ease, Consultant Chu. The Ji family may not be as powerful as mine, but Ji Zhen is a man no less capable than my father. A mere Upper Corpse obsession will not be his undoing. His lifespan is drawing to a close; this move is likely him paving the way for Ji Yun."

Hearing this, Chu Danqing finally understood. It was not that Ji Zhen could not remove the corpse; it was that the Upper Corpse’s obsession was useful to him.

"However, since you have brought this to my attention, our Lu family cannot be stingy."

Lu Yin summoned a brush and paper, wrote a note, and stamped it with his personal seal. "Xiao Cui, go to the treasury and fetch a Glazed Cleansing Pill." He handed the note to a maidservant. "Deliver it as a gift to Ji Zhen when you settle the grain delivery this afternoon to help him out."

In ordinary times, a thousand shi of grain meant little to the Lu family. But in these times of disaster, with no end in sight, grain had become incredibly precious. Chu Danqing did not know the value of the Glazed Cleansing Pill, but the fact that Lu Yin had to use a signed note suggested it was of significant worth. Since it wasn't for him, he did not inquire about its specific effects.

"Young Master Lu, one thousand shi of grain is quite a large amount. Transporting it from the Ji estate to the Lu estate will inevitably be conspicuous and may attract trouble," Chu Danqing cautioned.

Lu Yin addressed his concern: "The gentleman we host, Master Xie Liyang, is known as the Wine Gourd Recluse. Beyond his mastery of fire arts and his love for brewing, his greatest pride is his 'Gourd of Heaven's Space.' Transporting the grain will not be a difficult task at all."

Chu Danqing felt that the disparity between the lower and upper limits of this trial world was truly vast.