A Daoist was different from other Qi cultivators. He attained enlightenment and practiced cultivation in the secular mortal world and yet his Chivalry Qi did not reduce. If there was an evil spirit among the three and the rest did not know, it would kill them.

　　If he did not see it, he would not care. However, he did and hence, he had to be responsible.

　　Besides, he was sure that he would not make a mistake.

　　Hence, the Daoist priest told Shen Lian, “No problem. This is up to you.”

　　Shen Lian smiled and said, “Try it.”

　　September was still unsure because he was, in fact, a demon. On the other hand, Ah Lian was calm. Although she knew that she was a different kind, she believed that Shen Lian would be able to handle this.

　　September knew Shen Lian was tough but he could not trust wholeheartedly like Ah Lian.

　　Amidst the boundless wind and snow, the blinking golden light shrouded all three of them. The golden light was floating and sinking, reflecting the snow. It was dazzling. Although they were covered with the golden clear snow, nothing happened.

　　The Daoist priest did not believe that there was nothing. He continued pinching the formula.

　　His spiritual mirror was modeled on the ancient Lingbao Demon-revealing Mirror. As a land immortal with mana, he even managed to reveal the leading figure of the Demons. However, in this case, there was nothing. His spiritual sense could be wrong.

　　The Daoist’s face became red. He uttered, “I think I have gotten it wrong. Please accept my gourd wine.”

　　Shen Lian smiled and said, “A willing bet is a good mind.”

　　The Daoist man said scoffingly, “The fact that you can look up to this wine here, you must know a thing or two regarding wine. Hence, do accept this. Nonetheless, do not overdrink.”

　　He removed the gourd and the gourd gently flew towards Shen Lian. Suddenly, it sank near Shen Lian. Ah Lian and September could not react in time to this turning point.

　　However, Shen Lian seemed to be expecting it. His fingers moved gently and nipped the mouth of the gourd. He gave a faint smile and answered, “I will remember your advice.”

　　The Daoist commented, “I look up to your capability. I shall make my move now.”

　　Shen Lian whispered, “Daoist priest, why don’t you leave your name. Then, I would be able to return the gourd to you.”

　　The Daoist’s face turned black and laughed whole-heartedly.

　　As he moved his foot, he became an airflow and disappeared. His departure brought up the snow and the dust. At the same time, there was a song playing in the sky;

　　Let both feet come from my way,

　　Soul is always accompanied by Qi,

　　Sometimes Si Da ¹  is drunk,

　　May I ask heaven who am I?

　　The song was faint and the laughter was endless. The ghosts around these hundred miles were shattered by his laughter. They would not be able to create trouble.

　　Finally, Ah Lian stated, “The Daoist seemed like a person on the path of Dao. Why do the celestial Daoist embarrass him?”

　　Shen Lian answered, “If it isn’t for the both of you, why shall I offend people? Now, split this spell wine equally among the both of you.”

　　Ah Lian was hesitant because she felt sorry for the bold and generous Daoist. On the other hand, September looked at the gourd with curiosity. He belonged to the demons so he was not subject to moral etiquette.

　　Shen Lian explained, “The spell wine will adjust your divine Qi and the clear sound will enter your spirit. This wine was named ‘spell’ because it was not easy to make. Furthermore, one of the best things about this wine is that it is able to reconcile your divine Qi. You two have been resisting the wind and the snow for some time and this would affect your divine Qi. Although you could make up by the Technique of Concentration, it would not be faster than drinking this wine. Moreover, if you drink it, you will feel a breakout and become better.”

　　After listening to Shen Lian’s explanation, she stopped herself from being affected by the thoughts.

　　They divided the spell wine and drank it. Immediately, they felt cold from the outside but on the inside, they felt as if like a burning fire. Amidst the ice and snow, they got agitated.

　　Finally, they ran with all of their heart to ease the restlessness.

　　Shen Lian shook his head and leisurely followed them.

　　Without them noticing, it was dusk. The wind and snow stopped while the distant red sun was like blood. The snow seemed to be dyed red. The view was amazing.

　　In front of them laid, an ancient village which was surrounded by an icy stream of water. The smoke rose from the kitchen chimneys but the silence was frightening.

　　September and Ah Lian trembled and paused by the stillness. It was like a cold, chilled water poured from the top of their heads.

　　Their hearts shivered while looking towards the ancient village.

　　“Let’s rest in the ancient village,” Shen Lian’s voice rang by their ears. Unnoticed, Shen Lian was already in front of them.

　　September responded, “Master, something doesn’t feel right.”

　　Shen Lian answered, “That is why we are checking it out.”

　　September chested out and shouted, “I can.”

　　Ah Lian hid her smile. With dainty steps, she followed Shen Lian. At the front of the village, she saw the Daoist again. This was such a small world.

　　Ah Lian’s improvement was due to the help from the spell wine. In her view, the Daoist was filled with Qi of Dao and it seemed that there was white fume floating above his head. The white fume looked like it was forming the shape of a flower. His exquisite cultivation attracted her admiration.

　　The first person who came into sight was Shen Lian, followed by Ah Lian and September. With his ability, he knew that the spell wine was already in their stomach.

　　With a bright smile, Shen Lian walked towards him and said, “I was wondering how I could return this gourd to you.”

　　Shen Lian threw the gourd towards him and it dropped to the Daoist’s hand steadily.

　　He gave a wry smile and replied, “Ah, you guys indeed drank all of it.”

　　Shen Lian eloquently continued, “It was hard to get by a great wine. Such a shame to waste even a drop.”

　　The Daoist was just grumbling. Actually, he was very broad-minded and did not cling to material things. He was one of the eminent people among the Cultivators of Daoism. In a serious tone, he asked, “Do you all know where this place is?”

　　Shen Lian answered, “I never came and never heard of it. However, it was strange. There was smoke but there was no one except the four of us. It was as if everyone in the village disappeared suddenly.”

　　The Daoist agreed, “You were right. They disappeared suddenly. If I was not mistaken, the villagers were abducted by a demon who had supernatural power. Therefore, I planned to investigate further. Would you be able to help me?”

　　Shen Lian glanced at the Daoist and replied, “Do you have a strong relationship with the village?”

　　The Daoist stared at Shen Lian, and finally sighed, “You are great. Three years ago, I passed this village and stayed with one of the family. They were ordinary people but they were the person of noble nature and unsullied character. At the same time, the hostess was having a baby. I felt that the unborn baby had the fate of becoming my disciple. Hence, I decided to come back three years later while laying the foundation for Qi cultivation. When the time came, it would be easier for him to enter Daoism. However, this happened.”

　　Open-mindedly, Shen Lian replied, “After dinner comes the reckoning. Therefore, it is hard to refuse you.”

　　The Daoist was relieved. After meeting for the second time, the Daoist still could not see through the ins and outs of Shen Lian. Nonetheless, the fact that he was willing to give the precious spell wine to the both of person beside him, he knew that Shen Lian’s bearing and cultivation were out of the ordinary.