Chapter 18: The Immortal Master Can Read Minds?

Night fell, and the banquet to celebrate Wang Yan's victory and welcome him was in full swing. The county magistrate of Zhen Ding personally hosted the event, accompanied by officials such as the county deputy and the county captain. Local gentry and wealthy households also attended to pay their respects. The atmosphere was lively and solemn, with much revelry.

As the son of a governor from a noble family and now a hero who had defeated the powerful Yellow Turbans and saved Zhen Ding, Wang Yan naturally received all the honors and became the center of attention.

"Many thanks to the Immortal Master for coming to our aid in time. Otherwise, the people of Zhen Ding would have suffered," the magistrate toasted gratefully.

"Rebellion by the Yellow Turbans is a scourge everyone must fight. I was only doing my duty," Wang Yan modestly replied.

However, a loud commotion outside the yamen (government office) abruptly interrupted the joyful banquet.

"We want to see the Immortal Master!"

"Isn't he supposed to distribute food?"

"Why is he only enjoying food and drink himself?"

The magistrate, fearing the disturbance might offend Wang Yan, coldly asked, "What is happening outside?"

A county official, Zhang Wu, entered and reported, "Your Excellency, many citizens have come, eager to see the Immortal Master and hope he can perform a miracle to bless them."

He cast a deliberate glance at Wang Yan, who recognized him as the same Taiping Dao believer who had plotted against him earlier.

With a hint of anger, the magistrate said, "Zhang Wu, disperse the crowd at once. The Immortal Master needs rest after his journey and battle."

Zhang Wu, however, insisted, "Your Excellency, the people deeply revere the Immortal Master. They won't leave easily. Why not let him perform a miracle to ease their hearts?"

The magistrate, now furious, snapped, "Hmm? Such insolence! If the Immortal Master doesn't bless them, will they cause trouble?"

The noise outside grew louder. "Why won't the Immortal Master see us?"

"Is he just a charlatan like the Taiping Dao?"

In no time, a multitude of citizens surged into the yamen. The magistrate, enraged, ordered, "Arrest them!"

Wang Yan observed Zhang Wu and the leaders in the crowd, understanding their intentions. Ordinary citizens wouldn't dare challenge him. These were undoubtedly troublemakers incited by Zhang Wu, posing as strong men to lead the disturbance.

Wang Yan realized that unless he eliminated these Taiping Dao spies, he would never have peace in Zhen Ding. Moreover, such an influx of emotional energy was too good to pass up.

"Hold on, Your Excellency," Wang Yan said, whispering something to Zhao Yun, who nodded and left the banquet.

The guests, puzzled, wondered why Zhao Yun, a hero of the day, would leave suddenly. On the other hand, Zhang Wu was pleased to find it more accessible to proceed without Zhao Yun.

Wang Yan, calm and composed, stepped into the yamen courtyard. "You all want to see Wang Yan perform a miracle?"

"Then let me show you a small trick for entertainment," he said, smiling at the magistrate, who sighed in relief, seeing Wang Yan was not offended.

Hiding his disdain, Zhang Wu thought, "I don't believe you can conjure food out of thin air. Even the Great Teacher Zhang Jiao can't do that. Let's see how you perform this illusion. I'll expose your trickery today!"

Wang Yan, looking down at Zhang Wu, asked, "County Captain Zhang, why do you think people join the Yellow Turbans in rebellion?"

Caught off guard, Zhang Wu hesitated. As a Taiping Dao follower, he couldn't denounce Zhang Jiao. As a government official, he couldn't criticize the corrupt court. He replied, "The chaos in the world is due to natural disasters."

Wang Yan chuckled, "The chaos is due to greedy officials, ambitious rebels, and powerful aristocrats, not natural disasters."

The crowd, including the magistrate and local gentry, nodded in agreement.

[Emotion Value +22]

[Emotion Value +66]

[Emotion Value +99]

.....

"Captain Zhang, what do you think?" Wang Yan coldly asked, turning to Zhang Wu.

Feeling the intense gaze of Wang Yan, Zhang Wu retorted, "How can you claim to know people's hearts? Can you read minds?"

"Yes, I can!" Wang Yan declared, exuding a formidable aura.

Shocked, the crowd's reactions varied from amazement to skepticism. Zhang Wu, feigning indifference, challenged, "Prove it. Reveal the traitor's heart among us."

Wang Yan coldly stated, "The Taiping Dao spy is among us, led by you, Zhang Wu!"

Everyone was stunned. No one expected Wang Yan to publicly accuse Zhang Wu of being a Taiping Dao follower.

The magistrate, puzzled, asked, "Immortal Master, could there be a mistake? Zhang Wu has served us for years. How could he be a spy?"

Other officials, equally baffled, defended Zhang Wu. Zhang Wu, emboldened, said, "Immortal Master, are you falsely accusing me out of anger?"

Facing Zhang Wu's challenge, Wang Yan sneered, "Zhang Wu, your plot is exposed. These troublemakers are your doing, aren't they?"

"Dare you to let the magistrate interrogate them or search your home?"