The place marked by the red line on the map was a small town over a hundred li from the city center. Kuang Feifan drove into the town entrance, slowing the car as he asked, "Where to now?"

Feng Tian glanced in the direction they were headed, bracing himself against the back of the front seat, and pointed the way for him.

When Kuang Feifan followed Feng Tian's directions to the precise location, he was startled to see, through the windshield, a relatively modest Daoist temple not far ahead.

Watching people frequently entering and exiting the main gate, Kuang Feifan asked Feng Tian with curiosity, "This is it?"

Feng Tian simply responded with a low "Mmm."

Kuang Feifan asked, sounding rather puzzled, "I always thought deliverance rites were performed in Buddhist temples. Can Daoist temples do them too?"

Feng Tian offered a slight smile. "They differ, but the old Daoist Master here and I are friends across generations, so you and I can both feel at ease here."

He paused, seemingly sensing Kuang Feifan’s lingering unease, and added, "Don't let the small size fool you; the Daoists inside possess genuine capability."

Kuang Feifan nodded without speaking, placing his trust in Feng Tian regarding these matters.

After parking the car, Kuang Feifan followed Feng Tian toward the temple entrance.

Before they even crossed the threshold, Feng Tian cautioned Kuang Feifan about a few essential points: once inside, do not mention meat or fish; never inquire about the age of the Master or the other Daoists; when greeting them, absolutely do not press your palms together in the Buddhist heshou gesture—instead, one must cup the fist within the palm, held level with the chest; importantly, the right palm must cover the right fist. Furthermore, if one intends to burn incense, they must observe exactly where others are doing so.

Kuang Feifan pursed his lips. "Relax, I'm not so obtuse as to ask someone's age. Besides, I don't plan on burning incense inside; remember, I came with you."

Indeed, just as Feng Tian had described, though the Daoist temple was not large, it adhered to core Daoist principles: a layout facing south, centered on a north-south axis. Upon entering the gate, the main hall was situated on this central line, with a side hall on either flank. The rear section housed the dining hall and residential quarters for the Daoists.

While it could not be called grand, the overall aesthetic was ancient, simple, and refined. Moreover, the buildings appeared meticulously maintained; despite the temple clearly having some age, not a single spot showed disrepair.

Several Daoists were busy within the grounds, but Feng Tian made no move to engage them, leading Kuang Feifan directly toward the rear.

However, before they reached the rear courtyard chambers, they were intercepted by a few Daoists clad in blue robes.

Feng Tian cupped his fist, smiled faintly, and said, "I'm looking for the Old Daoist Master."

At the mention of this, the faces of the Daoists immediately shifted to expressions of respect. Yet, Kuang Feifan could sense that their deference was not directed at Feng Tian himself, but rather at the reverence implied by the words "Old Daoist Master."

The Daoists barring their way stepped aside, clearing a path. Feng Tian nodded to them and continued moving backward.

In a remarkably plain side room, Kuang Feifan finally met the mysterious Old Daoist Master.

To be honest, having been misled by the various descriptions beforehand, Kuang Feifan had imagined this Master would possess an almost otherworldly bearing, every movement exuding an indescribable ethereal grace.

But upon first sight, he felt a degree of disappointment.

The Old Daoist Master was like any ordinary elderly man, his face etched with wrinkles, three strands of white beard hanging from his chin—definitely qualified as "old," showing none of the youthful vigor he might have imagined. He wore the same blue robe as the other Daoists outside, which could only be described as clean.

Kuang Feifan diligently recalled the warning against inquiring about age, offering only the proper gesture of a cupped fist to the old man, ensuring all due respect was shown.

The Old Daoist Master, however, appeared entirely unperturbed, possessing a clear and placid demeanor. Seeing Feng Tian and Kuang Feifan, he greeted them, gestured for them to sit wherever they pleased, and beckoned a young Daoist acolyte at the door to bring tea.

After the tea arrived, the Old Daoist Master stroked his beard and asked Feng Tian, "Little Feng, what brings you here today?"

Feng Tian scratched his head, smiling sheepishly, and while reaching for his satchel, remarked, "As the saying goes, one doesn't visit the Three Treasures Hall without a purpose. I am here naturally to impose upon you, venerable elder."

Saying this, he pulled out four jars from his bag and placed them on the Eight Immortals table beside the Old Daoist Master.

"This involves a family of three, plus one external victim. I ask for your personal service in their deliverance." Feng Tian bowed deeply.

Seeing this, Kuang Feifan rose from his chair as well and offered the Old Daoist Master a deep bow with cupped fists.

Noticing their earnest posture, the Old Daoist Master knew the matter was serious. He nodded. "Very well, I can handle this. But first, tell me the reasons."

Feng Tian recounted the entire affair of the haunted house. After listening, the Old Daoist Master slowly smoothed the brow he had been slightly furrowing, sighed gently, and stated, "Restless spirits who died violently... In that case, I shall prepare the altar for the night after tomorrow."

Hearing the Old Daoist Master mention preparing the altar, Kuang Feifan’s curiosity flared, making him eager to witness it firsthand. However, considering that Feng Tian could return with him right now, he hesitated and ultimately kept the thought to himself.

The corner of Feng Tian’s mouth lifted. Observing Kuang Feifan's progression from eager anticipation to sudden hesitation back to a neutral expression, he understood his companion’s inner conflict.

After a moment’s thought, Feng Tian asked, "It has to be the day after tomorrow? Not tonight?"

The Old Daoist Master suddenly chuckled, "Preparing the altar must align with the auspicious timing; it yields twice the result with half the effort. The timing the day after tomorrow is precisely right. Also, since Little Feng is here, if it's not too much trouble, I need your help with a small matter."

Hearing this, Kuang Feifan’s heart sank; it seemed impossible to hurry Feng Tian away immediately. Feng Tian, however, appeared unconcerned, pouted slightly, and said to the Master, "I knew coming here wouldn't be a simple in-and-out affair. But you have nearly twenty disciples and grand-disciples now; you still need me?"

The Old Daoist did not answer his question, instead suddenly inquiring, "Is there something else you two need to attend to?"

Feng Tian glanced at Kuang Feifan, querying him with his eyes. Kuang Feifan offered a wry nod, signaling his non-objection to helping the Master, considering the man had already agreed to handle the deliverance for the four ghosts.

Seeing Kuang Feifan nod, Feng Tian shrugged at the Old Daoist. "We can put our other matters aside. Tell me, what requires my service?"

The Old Daoist Master rose and walked to a writing desk set against the wall. He picked up a thread-bound book from the desk, turned, and handed it to Feng Tian. "Deliver this book to a certain person."

"Who?" Feng Tian took the book and casually flipped it open, noticing several drawn talismans tucked inside.

Feng Tian paused, startled by the sight of the charms.

The Old Daoist Master reached out and closed the book Feng Tian had opened. "This is for Elder Hou."

"Which Elder Hou?" Feng Tian looked momentarily confused, then his eyes widened in sudden realization, his voice gaining emphasis. "You mean that Elder Hou?"

PS: Something happened today, resulting in me only finishing a little over two thousand characters by this time. I'm uploading now to meet the midnight deadline...