Twisted Dreams-Chapter 78 - 50: Daoist Technique Exchange Conference
Zhang Shi’ai looked at the disappearing crow and bald eagle in the sky, with a serious expression.
She murmured:
"The one fighting that monster, is it the Black Dragon Emperor?"
Zhang Shi’ai had seen the crow.
Though both were Apostles, Zhang Shi’ai knew she couldn’t compare to the crow.
The crow had been an Apostle for countless years.
In her eyes, tonight, the bald eagle monster wreaked havoc in the Mortal World, and the Apostle Black Dragon Emperor intervened to save ordinary people.
"Recently, demon activities have been frequent, and those strange things are increasing.
Could it be... that the gates of Hell have opened?
So all that chaos has been released?
Is the Demon Club suppressing the evil demons causing chaos in the Mortal World?
Is there about to be a major upheaval in this world?"
Zhang Shi’ai pondered, feeling both a sense of crisis and relief.
She was relieved to have encountered the Death God before the Mortal World’s upheaval and had become the Death God’s Apostle, with a promising future ahead!
Suddenly, she felt a gaze.
Following the gaze, it was Wei Ming with a furrowed brow.
The little sheriff was thoughtfully looking at her, with a scrutinizing intention.
Zhang Shi’ai’s calm composure was a stark contrast to the chaotic crowd around her.
She provocatively winked at Wei Ming before turning and leaving the stage.
...
The next morning, at dawn.
The South Sea government office building.
Cao Yi, in his security uniform, stood with his head down like a grandson in the mayor’s office.
The mayor paced irritably in the office, pointing at his phone and shouting at Cao Yi:
"Look! Look!
Is this the South Sea City under your jurisdiction?!
Is this how you are the Director of the South Sea Public Security Bureau?!"
On the phone video was the scene of the giant bald eagle causing chaos and fighting with the crow.
The crow couldn’t be captured clearly, but the demon snake on the crow was too obvious against the night sky.
The comment section was bustling.
"I told you it’s a Spiritual Energy Revival!"
"Demons and monsters have come out; I don’t recognize this world anymore."
"Stop spreading rumors, the officials said it’s just game effects."
"It’s just hype from the developers, just watch and see."
"It’s not game footage; I was there yesterday; it was terrifying!"
"Ha, I was there too, and I even got eaten by the bald eagle. CS."
Cao Yi smiled awkwardly:
"Mr. Mayor, isn’t public opinion control doing quite well?
Most citizens now believe it’s a game promotion video."
The mayor sat back in his office chair, rubbing his head.
If it alarms the Imperial Capital, and a supervision team comes down, everything going on here might get exposed.
The mayor sighed:
"Tell me your thoughts.
If the public opinion isn’t completely calmed, the Imperial Capital will hold us accountable."
A flicker of doubt crossed Cao Yi’s face.
Just calming public opinion?
Doesn’t the mayor want to solve the case?
The mayor seems to be somewhat involved with those monsters!
He managed a slight smile:
"I believe this is a high-tech gene experiment activity.
Moreover, I suspect the mastermind is at the South Sea Green Grass Sanatorium.
If you just let me search the South Sea Green Grass Sanatorium, I can quickly solve the case.
Once the case is solved, we naturally have an explanation for the Imperial Capital."
The mention of South Sea Green Grass Sanatorium seemed like a taboo; the mayor’s face changed at the word.
He dodged eye contact, concealing his uneasiness, and said:
"The South Sea Green Grass Sanatorium isn’t as simple as you think.
Forget it, just leave for now."
Cao Yi saluted and left.
The mayor took out a phone from the drawer, and inserted a SIM card taken from a book.
The mayor dialed the only number from the SIM card:
"What are you doing?!
If this continues, I can’t help you!
Don’t turn me into your enemy!"
From the other side came the voice of the old sanatorium director:
"Leader, last night was an accident, I promise it won’t happen again."
The mayor snorted coldly:
"First, using beasts to kill in the city, then letting that freak attack the sheriff.
Last night, there was a fight between two monstrous birds in a crowded place.
You keep making trouble for me; aren’t you afraid of the Imperial Capital visiting South Sea?!"
After a moment of silence, the other side said:
"There is another gene evolution organization in South Sea; some things aren’t our doing."
The mayor said irritably:
"I don’t want an explanation, and don’t try to deceive me with lies!
I warn you, this is the last time!"
With that, the mayor hung up the phone.
He removed the SIM card, broke it, wrapped it in paper, and flushed it down the office toilet.
He thought for a moment, picked up the office phone, and dialed a number:
"Come to my office."
A moment later, a middle-aged man in a suit knocked and entered the office.
He was the Director of the Public Relations Department.
The mayor spoke seriously:
"The recent uproar about the Spiritual Energy Revival has a terrible impact; you’ll need to pay more attention."
The Director of the Public Relations Department adjusted his glasses and said:
"Rest assured, leader, the Spiritual Energy Revival is utterly ridiculous.
Last night was just a larger bald eagle straying into the bustling city.
That strange crow, I think, is also a phenomenon science can explain.
Many animal experts are very interested in that crow and bald eagle.
I’ve already arranged for multiple experts to livestream and promote animal-related knowledge."
The mayor nodded, satisfied with the Public Relations Department’s handling.
The Director continued:
"There’s another matter for which I seek your approval."
The mayor’s tone softened:
"Director Zhang, please go ahead."
The Director said:
"The recent absurdity of the Spiritual Energy Revival has been exaggerated.
So, I’ve contacted several renowned Daoist temples domestically.
I would like to invite some masters to South Sea for a Daoist Technique Exchange Forum."
The mayor frowned:
"A Daoist Technique Exchange Forum?" 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚
The Director smiled:
"In people’s minds, the Daoist family is the most mysterious, closest to immortals.
I want to invite the Daoist masters to educate on the history and philosophy of Daoism.
To tell the public not to be superstitious and to trust in science.
This would be greatly helpful in quelling the Spiritual Energy Revival rumors."
Having the most qualified and accomplished Daoists in the country educate the public on embracing science indeed helps combat superstition.
The mayor nodded:
"Then proceed as you suggested. Where do you plan to hold it?"
The Director replied:
"Taiping Mountain."
There is a Daoist temple on Taiping Mountain, which an old man with a terminal case of second-childhood built over a lifetime.
The old man even named the temple Shu Mountain and declared himself the Sect Leader of Shu Mountain.
However, Shu Mountain Daoist Temple lacked necessary credentials, and the temple was illegally constructed.
After the old man died, his only disciple went wandering, and the city took back the temple.
The reclaiming of the temple was a move covertly spearheaded by Director Zhang of the Public Relations Department, who also leased it to a wealthy businessman, from whom he received numerous benefits.
Recently, the old man’s disciple returned and kept causing trouble in the bureau, cursing incessantly, indirectly calling Director Zhang’s ancestors into question.
Choosing Taiping Mountain as the venue for the Daoist Technique Exchange Forum was also a petty move by Director Zhang.
Shu Mountain is not orthodox; at most, it’s an illegal construction.
Also, holding the Daoist Forum at Taiping Mountain is the best publicity for Taiping Mountain.
In the future, Taiping Mountain could become a famous site, benefiting both the Public Relations Department’s achievements and bringing substantial benefits from the wealthy businessman leasing Taiping Mountain.
