Volume One, Chapter Eight: The True and False Master

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Ying Yuwei and the classmates An Yu had invited stared at each other in bewilderment. Fortunately, the An family’s villa estate was spacious enough that even with so many people, it didn’t feel crowded.

When An Yu saw Ying Yuwei arrive, he immediately hurried over to greet her, the joy in his eyes and the corners of his mouth impossible to hide. His expression also carried a hint of seeking praise: “So, Master, what do you think of my plan? Isn’t it good?”

“Is this the method you said would clear my name of all those rumors?” Ying Yuwei looked at this carefree fellow beside her, who resembled a mischievous husky, and couldn’t help but ask.

“Yes, Master Ying. Don’t you think this plan is perfect? As long as you perform your skills in front of everyone, no one will spread any more scandal about you.”

Ying Yuwei turned her head away and rolled her eyes dramatically, silently repeating to herself: The customer is always right, the customer is always right! How could An Yu be so naive? He actually thinks that having everyone watch me practice magic will convince them I’m a real master. Why doesn’t he just set me up a live stream?

Just then, An Yu clapped his hands, and someone brought out a set of professional filming equipment from a room. An Yu pouted and said, “To prove Master’s abilities and avoid accusations of staging a script, I’m going to start a live broadcast—no tricks, the whole thing will be genuine.”

After saying this, he proudly leaned over to Ying Yuwei, his expression clearly saying, “See? I’m clever, right?”

Ying Yuwei was thoroughly convinced this time.

The classmates invited by An Yu were equally puzzled. The banner hanging at the entrance was already baffling enough—what master? What exorcism? Now there was professional filming equipment brought in—were they shooting a movie? Was the An family shifting into the entertainment business?

Young Master An was indeed generous with his money for Ying Yuwei, but with her looks, she certainly had the potential to enter showbiz.

Among the crowd, a venomous gaze landed on Ying Yuwei. Jiang Yiyi snorted disdainfully, lifting her chin arrogantly. She had dressed meticulously today, wearing a stylish puffed dress. Her hair was pinned into a princess bun, and two translucent pearls adorned her ears, making her look like a proud white swan.

“Playing tricks and pretending to be a master, you might fool Brother An Yu, but you won’t fool Uncle An and Aunt An,” she said, stepping closer to An Yu with a slightly scolding tone. “Brother An Yu, I’m no longer mad that you ignored me in the cafeteria. I’ve heard about your family’s affairs. This time, I’ve brought a famous master from Hong Kong. Don’t let Ying Yuwei deceive you.”

“How old is she? She’s just a girl. There’s no way she can do all this. She’s just after your money, hoping to climb to the top and become a phoenix.”

Hearing Jiang Yiyi’s words, the crowd nodded in agreement.

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“So Ying Yuwei is a fraud after all!”

“Exactly! Yiyi makes a good point. She’s just a young girl—how could she really do this? Wait until the real master arrives; she’ll be exposed.”

Jiang Yiyi raised her eyebrows and gave Ying Yuwei a triumphant, gloating smile. Ying Yuwei, just wait to be unmasked and for Brother An Yu to see through your true face and despise you.

No sooner had Jiang Yiyi spoken than a stir broke out. The crowd whispered and turned their heads toward the direction behind Ying Yuwei.

A man dressed in a yellow Taoist robe appeared, holding a peach wood sword. He had the long beard typical of Taoist priests in movies, his expression solemn and dignified. Compared to Ying Yuwei’s casual T-shirt and loose pants, with only a small cloth bag slung across her shoulder, the contrast in authority and credibility was stark.

“Look at Ying Yuwei, pretending to be a master without even proper gear. See how a real Taoist looks.”

“Exactly,” the murmurs in the crowd echoed.

The Taoist-like man approached Ying Yuwei, scrutinized her up and down, then scoffed disdainfully: “Young girl, if you voluntarily leave this sect today, I shall not pursue charges against you for impersonating a member of our Taoist order.”

Jiang Yiyi crossed her arms, lifted her chin, and sneered: “This is Master Zhang, a famous master from Hong Kong. Ying Yuwei, don’t embarrass yourself here. Just leave.”

As Jiang Yiyi spoke, the sound of quick footsteps came from behind Ying Yuwei. Jiang Yiyi immediately lowered her hands from her chest, put on an innocent smile, and walked toward Ying Yuwei’s back: “Aunt An, I’ve brought a master from Hong Kong for you...”

But in the next moment, a woman dressed in elegant and luxurious attire brushed past Jiang Yiyi and walked straight up to Ying Yuwei, taking her hand warmly: “Master Ying... Student Ying, thank you so much for your help with my brother last time! We’ll need your assistance with our family matters again this time!”

Mrs. An’s warmth toward Ying Yuwei surprised everyone. The crowd buzzed with confusion:

“Wait, isn’t Ying Yuwei a fraud? Why is Mrs. An so enthusiastic toward her?”

“Yeah, didn’t you see? Mrs. An bypassed Jiang Yiyi and went straight to Ying Yuwei.”

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Jiang Yiyi’s carefully maintained beauty twisted slightly, her palm trembling faintly. “Aunt An, she’s a fraud. Don’t be fooled. She’s the third party who interfered with your brother’s marriage.”

The moment she said this, the entire crowd gasped in shock, their expressions saying, “So that’s what happened.” But the only three who truly understood the situation—An Yu, Mrs. An, and Ying Yuwei—all thought Jiang Yiyi had lost her mind.

The once revered master now found himself ignored and sidelined. Irritated, he threw the peach wood sword onto the ground: “The Taoist sect is in decline, humiliated by an ignorant child. How blind the world is!”

His outburst startled the crowd. An Yu quickly helped Mrs. An over to Master Zhang, picked up the sword, and returned it to him. Neither An Yu nor Mrs. An showed it on their faces, but both thought Jiang Yiyi was meddling unnecessarily.

Master Zhang took back the peach wood sword, flicked the sleeve of his yellow robe, and snorted coldly: “There’s nothing abnormal in your home. Don’t listen to the nonsense of a greenhorn. She’s only trying to swindle your money.”

“Feng shui values the concealment of wind and the gathering of energy. Energy disperses with the wind but stops at water. Your home is surrounded by mountains and water, a feng shui treasure land that conceals wind and gathers energy. There’s no way evil spirits could invade.”

Ying Yuwei had not known Master Zhang’s level before, but hearing his words now, she couldn’t help but let out a snort of derision. So, he was all show and no substance—a mere ornamental pillow.

Her scoff was unhidden, and everyone present heard it. Master Zhang’s forehead flushed red as he clenched his fists: “You insolent child, how dare you mock me!”

Ying Yuwei’s lips curled with contempt, her gaze filled with undisguised disdain. Her tone was harsh: “I laugh at your incompetence at your age. All you do is puff up and glare, unable to understand even the basics of feng shui. Having someone like you in the metaphysical sect is a disgrace. You should go back and study for a few more years before coming out to pose as a master again.”