Chapter 39: The Way of the Charlatan, Borrowing Your Dog's Head

Ye Qingyan caught sight of Chen Huaian in the crowd. Their eyes met, and though no words were exchanged, they shared an intuitive understanding. Chen Huaian gave a slight nod to show his support, and Ye Qingyan nodded back. The onlookers, ever hungry for gossip, watched this interaction with intense curiosity.

Daoist Qingfeng was left speechless by Ye Qingyan’s retort, “I can give you a hand.” Cold sweat beaded on his forehead. This girl was truly playing by her own rules! Summon lightning? I can’t even summon a breeze! He cursed her ancestors through eighteen generations in his heart, yet he had to maintain his composure on the surface.

“Ahem!” Daoist Qingfeng cleared his throat, struggling to maintain a look of inscrutable profundity. “The timing is ill-fated today; the God of Thunder and the Mother of Lightning are both on leave. Even with my heaven-defying abilities, I cannot summon the thunder.”

The guests were stunned by this. On leave? Isn’t that excuse a bit too perfunctory?

Ye Qingyan shook her head, her face full of “regret.” “Oh, what a pity. Since the Daoist is indisposed, I suppose I, this ‘evil spirit,’ will have to take matters into my own hands. I shall reveal who is truly playing tricks here!”

A commotion broke out in the hall. Liu Wushuang’s expression shifted instantly, and Daoist Qingfeng’s eyelids twitched violently. What kind of stunt was this girl trying to pull?

Ignoring the reactions of the crowd, Ye Qingyan walked straight to the basin of clear water. “Someone, pour this water out.” The servant hesitated. Daoist Qingfeng panicked. “Stop! This is the water used for my ritual; how can you just pour it away?”

Ye Qingyan sneered. “What is it, Daoist? Are you afraid? Or does this water hide some unspeakable secret?” Her sharp gaze locked onto him, making the Daoist’s skin crawl. “Nonsense! My actions are open and aboveboard; what do I have to fear?” He spoke with feigned toughness, but his heart was racing with terror.

Ye Qingyan signaled the servant with a look. “Pour!” The servant gritted his teeth, lifted the basin, and splashed the water onto the floor.

“Hiss—” The crowd gasped. This Eldest Miss Ye was truly fearless today!

Once the water was gone, Ye Qingyan picked up a clean cloth. Under the astonished gazes of the crowd, she knelt and carefully wiped the bottom of the basin. “Look, what is this?” She held up the cloth, which was smeared with a thin layer of grease!

“The so-called ghost shadows are nothing more than patterns drawn on the bottom of the basin with oil beforehand,” Ye Qingyan said coldly. “They only become visible when exposed to the medicinal water. Do you dare try to fool people with such petty tricks?”

The room erupted. “Good heavens, you can do that?” “This Daoist is nothing but a charlatan!” “No wonder his paper charms were flying everywhere—he just ran out of oil!” The guests suddenly understood, and their gazes turned toward Daoist Qingfeng with scorn and fury. His face turned ashen; he wanted to argue, but couldn't utter a word.

Ye Qingyan didn't give him a moment to breathe. She turned to her father. “Father, are those koi that turned their bellies up still here?” Her father was stunned. “They… they are in the back garden.” He was shocked. Could his daughter really have such abilities? “Bring them here!”

Soon, the dying koi were brought forth. On their bodies, a large character for “injustice” was clearly written. Ye Qingyan produced a small bottle from her robes containing a transparent liquid—a special antidote she had formulated based on the *Mystic Arts*.

“Watch closely.” She sprinkled the liquid evenly over the koi. A miracle occurred! The fish, which had been floating belly-up, began to slowly twitch their tails. Then, they started to swim! Though still weak, they had clearly regained their vitality.

“My god!” “They’re alive! The fish are alive!” The guests exclaimed, eyes wide in disbelief.

Ye Qingyan pointed at the “injustice” character on the fish. “This so-called symbol of injustice was also written with a special chemical. The goal was to make people believe the fish died of a grievance, thereby framing me!” Her voice was icy and every word struck like a hammer.

With two scams exposed in a row, the guests were in an uproar. “This Daoist is a total fraud!” “Despicable! Daring to commit fraud in the Ye mansion!” “And he almost framed the Eldest Miss!” Angry denunciations filled the air. Daoist Qingfeng was cursed roundly, his face deathly pale and his body trembling. He knew he was ruined, but he couldn't just give up!

Driven to desperation, he pointed at Ye Qingyan and shrieked, “You are the witch! You know so much sorcery—if you aren’t a witch, what are you? Let me finish you! Sword, come!” He brandished his peachwood sword with the frantic energy of a cornered beast and lunged at Ye Qingyan!

Ye Qingyan stood still, a trace of mockery in her eyes. Just as the sword was about to strike, a figure flashed by. *Thud!* With a muffled sound, Chen Huaian appeared and effortlessly seized the Daoist’s wrist. He gave it a sharp twist.

“Ah!” Daoist Qingfeng screamed as the sword clattered to the floor. Chen Huaian held him firmly, rendering him unable to move. The move was clean and swift, leaving the crowd gasping. “Young Master Chen! What skill!”

Ye Qingyan stepped up to the restrained Daoist, looking at him with cold indifference. “Truly, you reap what you sow.” She whispered to herself, “Your Majesty, it is time for you to ascend… no, to take the stage! I can’t wait.”

*Understood! Watch this!* the System responded excitedly.

In the next second, the muscles around Ye Qingyan’s eyes twitched with precise, intense force. An invisible pressure, mixed with her murderous intent and the System’s eerie energy, locked onto Daoist Qingfeng. It was a fear that emanated from the depths of his soul.

Under the horrified gaze of everyone, the battle-hardened charlatan suddenly felt his legs give way. *Thump!* He collapsed to his knees right in front of Ye Qingyan! He trembled violently, his face as gray as ash, overcome with terror. He let out a discordant wail. “Witch… no! Immortal, spare me! Immortal, spare me!”

He was so terrified he was leaking tears and snot, and a foul stench began to rise from his trousers. Everyone was dumbfounded. “Ugh, is this for real? This is disgusting.”

What on earth was happening?!