The next morning, as soon as the city gates opened, the two disguised themselves and entered the city.

They were initially worried that the Mad Taoist and his group had already left the city from the other side, but the scouts reported that they hadn't gotten up yet...

That's really weird.

Shen Qingyu and Qi Yunxiao exchanged a glance, looked at each other's unfamiliar faces, and decided to go and see.

The inn had food on the first floor, and the two ordered two bowls of noodles.

The Dragon Guards had already found out that they were sleeping in the top-tier guest room within sight.

As the noodles arrived, the two ate them absentmindedly while subtly glancing upstairs.

Before long, the waiter carried two large platters of food into the VIP room.

Qi Yunxiao and Shen Qingyu: "!!!"

This much food is enough for three or four people, right?

Are there three or four people guarding them?

Shen Qingyu was filled with anxiety, but Qi Yunxiao squeezed her hand under the table, signaling her not to worry.

After finishing the bowl of noodles, the people inside came out of the house.

Although they were wearing veils, Shen Qingyu recognized the two people at a glance.

The mad Taoist's swaying gait was unique.

Erbao has grown taller than before, but looks quite thin.

However, both of them were in good spirits and walked with energy, not looking like they had been abused.

"belch!"

Just as he burped, the Mad Taoist let out a loud burp!

A delicious aroma of braised pork wafted over.

Shen Qingyu frowned and covered her nose to show that she couldn't stand it, but she felt slightly relieved.

Being able to eat braised pork so early in the morning, these two must be living quite comfortably...

The three of them boarded the carriage and walked forward, with Shen Qingyu and Qi Yunxiao quickly following behind.

Once they were on the carriages and the distance between the two groups of carriages was just right, Shen Qingyu whispered, "They shouldn't have suffered much."

Qi Yunxiao nodded.

Shen Qingyu added, "They ate braised pork for breakfast."

Qi Yunxiao nodded again.

He was sitting right across from Shen Qingyu, so naturally he smelled it.

"How about we rescue Erbao when the opportunity arises? Anyway, the Mad Taoist can talk a good game, he shouldn't die."

Qi Yunxiao: "..."

Wouldn't that be too heartless?

However… “This will work too.”

Erbao is still young, and it would be even more inconvenient for him to rescue the Mad Taoist while he's with him.

If Erbao were taken away first, it would be easier for the Mad Taoist to escape without any worries.

So Qi Yunxiao agreed.

The carriage left the city and headed towards the capital of the Xia Kingdom.

At dusk on the second day, we entered the second prefectural city.

Wenchang Prefecture is three days' journey from the capital of the Xia Kingdom.

As soon as the two groups entered the inn, Qi Yunxiao noticed something was wrong.

This inn appears relaxed on the outside but is actually quite tense on the inside, with many skilled martial artists lurking around.

This is not normal.

At this moment, the scout reported that the Second Prince was in the inn.

Qi Yunxiao and Shen Qingyu exchanged a glance: This is troublesome.

There is a hidden door in the small courtyard behind the inn, which connects to a large courtyard.

At this moment, the Mad Taoist and Erbao, one sitting and one standing, looked at the Second Prince, who was being humble, with calm expressions.

Erbao appeared calm on the outside, but was panicking inside: Master, what should we do?

The mad Taoist flicked his finger backward: What's the panic? Watch how your master fools him.

"I wonder if the Master has any way to help me?" The Second Prince looked at the Mad Taoist with a sincere expression, his only hope for a comeback.

The Mad Taoist glanced at the Second Prince, his face unfathomable: "Throughout history, defying fate has always been extremely risky, with a very low chance of success. More often than not, it's about urging one's luck to improve."

"Oh? What does 'enhancing one's luck' mean?"

Mad Taoist: "The so-called 'fortune-enhancing' means to bring about a great fortune that was originally three to five years in the future, so that it can be brought to fruition now, allowing people to achieve great success in a short period of time."

The second prince's eyes lit up: "Oh?"

The mad Taoist shook his head with a sigh: "However, the aftereffects of this matter are also enormous."

"What are the aftereffects?"

"If you force your luck to improve, you might have twenty years of good fortune, but it will be used up in ten or five years, and what's left will be nothing but bad luck..."

The second prince's eyes widened, and he subconsciously said, "That's naturally not a good idea."

What we seek is lasting wealth and prosperity, but rushing things will diminish so much of our good fortune. No matter how you look at it, it's a loss!

"Is there any other way?" the second prince tried to settle for second best.

The mad Taoist priest shook his head again: "The Book of Changes says: First is fate, second is luck, third is feng shui, fourth is cultivating good deeds, and fifth is studying..."

"This fate is predetermined, there's nothing we can do about it."

"Luck has its ups and downs."

"Feng shui... you can't just dig up your ancestors and bury them again."

"Therefore, we should cultivate more good deeds and read more books..."

The mad Taoist priest started talking off the cuff, and his words kept getting more and more absurd.

The second prince's fists clenched tighter, and his gaze toward the mad Taoist priest sharpened.

If I were to succeed to the throne through accumulating good deeds and studying, would I even be looking for you?!

Fortunately, the Mad Taoist sensed the change in the Second Prince's aura and knew that he was about to lose patience, so he threw out another bait.

"But it's not entirely hopeless..."

The second prince loosened his fist and earnestly asked, "What brilliant plan does the Taoist priest have?"

Mad Taoist: "Please, young master, find a lock of your brother's hair or a fingernail..."

Second Prince: "!!!"

Where would he find such a thing in such a hurry?

However, the mad Taoist didn't urge him, looking completely at ease: "If you don't have it, young master, go and find a way to get it. I'll perform a ritual for you, and I guarantee he'll be severely injured, if not killed..."

The second prince's eyes lit up immediately!

"Then would you please accompany me to the capital, Daoist Master?"

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