Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 475 - 474: Highest Rank Among Ministers

"Master, you don’t think this is my fault, do you? No matter who it is, it would seem strange! In the past, when someone was willing to pay, there were always others willing to catch it. Now, we’re not refusing to pay, yet why can’t we even inquire about it? Could it be they’re afraid we can’t afford it and would go back on our word?" Zhu Yu muttered with a look of grievance beside Lu Qing, his voice at just the right volume for the Shopkeeper to overhear.

The Shopkeeper was worried that the young apprentice’s words might truly resonate with the esteemed guests and cause some misunderstanding, so he hurriedly waved his hands, "No, no, it’s not that I’m worried esteemed guests can’t afford it.

Looking at everything we just went through, how could I possibly worry that you wouldn’t be able to pay!"

Lu Qing glanced toward the direction the Shopkeeper had pointed, at those wooden boxes placed aside. Inside were rare herbs that are hard to come by outside of Fan Country, costing him two jin pouches and dozens of golden melon seeds.

He smiled slightly without saying anything, neither reprimanding the "young apprentice" behind him nor affirming the Shopkeeper’s words.

Seeing this, the Shopkeeper quickly continued, "We had only spoken half of it just now. There’s other things I haven’t had the chance to say.

Back then, when those people went to catch the Jade Snowbird, none of us knew who the buyer was or why they were so wealthy. Later, it gradually became known that the one who spent a fortune to have someone catch the Jade Snowbird was actually the old wizard’s top disciple.

Originally, that top disciple was the old wizard’s most cherished one, who was set to inherit everything from the master, to carry on the legacy. But unexpectedly, this top disciple’s ambitions were sky-high; he looked down on his master’s sect and wasn’t content to stay in Fan Country.

He secretly left for Jin Country, and it’s said that he got close to a Prince from Jin Country back then.

That top disciple was remarkably talented, with knowledge of both the heavens and the earth, and he was adept in those array techniques. He sneaked off to Jin Country, and it’s said he quickly made military achievements and gained favor, eventually becoming a high-ranking official.

Later, he suddenly returned, brought a lot of gold, sought out people to help him recruit manpower, and capture the Jade Snowbird. Eventually, the old witch doctor found out. He had his disciples capture the top disciple back and told him not to covet the Jade Snowbird anymore, as it was too sinister, and using it was against the heavens.

At that time, the top disciple was doing very well and wouldn’t listen to those words. But he verbally assured his master that it was only this once, and he would never touch the thing again.

Then he disappeared, and it took a long while before the old witch doctor accidentally heard that someone was once again offering a heavy reward for a Jade Snowbird in the black market. After sending someone to inquire, they found out it was the top disciple who had quietly returned again.

The old witch doctor summoned the top disciple once more to scold and interrogate him. This time, the top disciple was even more defiant, not even bothering to put up a façade for his master, constantly saying that his master didn’t understand, claiming he couldn’t stop yet as he was just one step away from reaching the pinnacle of power, and he had to try no matter what.

Angry, the old witch doctor berated the top disciple and decided to expel him from the sect.

The matter became highly tense; the other disciples of the old witch doctor tried their best to speak for both their master and senior brother, pleaded for their senior brother, and advised him to humble himself. But, both sides refused to yield even an inch. In the end, the old witch doctor, fuming, ordered his disciples to chase the top disciple out.

The top disciple left in disgrace; after all, everyone on the street saw him being forced out of the capital step by step by his junior brothers. No one would feel comfortable with that.

When leaving, he claimed he would definitely make a name for himself, reach the pinnacle of power, and show who was truly short-sighted."

"Did that top disciple eventually reach the pinnacle of power?" Zhu Yu asked curiously.

The Shopkeeper smiled and shook his head, "No one knows, as nobody has heard about that top disciple again. While people are privately curious, no one dared to inquire, so I can’t answer that."

"No one dares to inquire?" Lu Qing raised an eyebrow, "Didn’t expect an old witch doctor to instill such fear?"

"There’s actually nothing inherently fearsome about the old witch doctor himself." The Shopkeeper waved his hands hurriedly, "Esteemed guest, what you don’t know is that the old witch doctor’s second disciple is now profoundly influential. He’s our Fan Country’s High Priest, and is heavily favored by our King Fan!"

"High Priest, oh, I’ve indeed heard of this. It’s said your High Priest is adept in astrology and divination, quite a formidable figure." Lu Qing knowingly nodded.

"Indeed!" The Shopkeeper sighed, "It just goes to show how unpredictable life can be.

Back then, in the sect, the High Priest wasn’t as outstanding as the top disciple. Had the top disciple not fled to Jin Country and committed his master’s biggest taboo, being expelled, who knows, maybe someone else would be High Priest now...

But that person was too greedy, seeking to reach the pinnacle of power. Now not even a trace remains...

This turned out to be fortunate for Fan Country. Had that type become High Priest, there’d be no good days for us. Who knows what terrible deeds he’d commit!"

"So, it seems your current High Priest is a good person?" Lu Qing asked, appearing casual.

The Shopkeeper immediately nodded, "Of course. Our High Priest is not only highly capable but also the most obedient disciple towards his master.

Ever since he became the High Priest of Fan Country, he’s forbidden the reckless use of certain malevolent witchcraft and witchcraft medicine within Fan Country.

Not just that, he often holds ceremonies to heaven, praying for the well-being of Fan Country’s people. We’ve seen it, and those ceremonies are unparalleled!

Pity you came at the wrong time; our High Priest is in seclusion. Otherwise, you must see his heavenly prayers!"

"So, even though the loss of a cherished top disciple occurred, the second disciple becoming the High Priest of Fan Country, greatly favored by your King Fan, is enough to bring honor to the sect. This old witch doctor was truly capable, producing many outstanding disciples." Lu Qing asked, "Since we can’t meet the High Priest, I wonder if we might visit this old witch doctor or his disciples?"

"Ah... this... I’m afraid it’s difficult..." The Shopkeeper sighed, "Not long after the top disciple was expelled, the old witch doctor’s disciples started bickering, eventually disbanding. Before long, the old witch doctor, stricken by successive blows, passed away.

Now, except for the High Priest, no one knows where his other disciples have scattered."