The Daoist hadn’t stayed in Yundu for long. Most of the demons he exorcised were in remote mountain villages, far less convenient than the bustling Chama Road. In these times, news traveled slowly. Sometimes, just one mountain or village apart could mean entirely different tales. 0

And so it wasn’t until several days after the Daoist had left that news of the demons and evil spirits being eliminated outside Yundu gradually made its way into the city and reached the ears of the Zhu family.0

By then, the Daoist was already well on his way to Zhao Commandery.0

The sun had been shining brightly along the journey, warming the body so thoroughly there was no need for thick clothing. Now and then a breeze would pass, and one could feel the cool crispness of autumn. Even the clatter of the horse’s hooves seemed lighter and more cheerful.0

Autumn had truly settled over the land.0

The mountains beside the road still retained their greenery, though here and there, a few trees prone to turning early had already yellowed, standing out like golden accents on the green hills. The broad, flat lands between the mountains had been cultivated into rice fields. By this season, the rice had long been harvested, yet the golden stalks remained in the fields, dyeing the earth in autumn’s colo...0