Paperman Zhang is a spy left by Zhang Jian in the Red Lotus Dao.
Ever since his young grandson was rescued by Zhang Jian, Paperman Zhang has completely devoted himself to him, occasionally providing some intelligence from within the Red Lotus Dao.
Most of the information Zhang Lu gathered came from Paperman Zhang.
Zhang Lu agreed, but Zhang Jian's eyes flickered and he suddenly laughed.
"I should go myself!"
"Hmm?"
Zhang Lu looked a little surprised, but soon showed a hint of delight.
Liulin Street, Liu's Paper Horse Shop
The street was still bustling with traffic, but there were many more camel riders, carrying various special products from the Western Regions on the camels' backs, attracting many rich young masters, even purchasing women from large households.
"Young Master, should we take a look? I've noticed quite a few silks and brocades from other counties, there's golden feather, woven golden carpet, bright red feather satin, and duora velvet. If we give these to Miss Qi, she will definitely be happy!"
Zhang Lu was very enthusiastic.
Zhang Jian shook his head at the words. "Miss Qi from the Qi Family has seen plenty; she might not like them!"
The Qi Family has extensive connections in secular society, even surpassing the Zhang Family at present; they've seen everything.
Zhang Jian had no intention of embarrassing himself.
If he were to give a gift, it wouldn't be such 'outdated' items.
At this time, Zhang Jian looked towards the long street, observing that the scene of Red Lotus Daoists spreading their teachings had disappeared.
Under the joint suppression of the Qi and Zhang Families, the actions of the Red Lotus Dao were indeed restrained quite a bit, but secretly, it was feared they were brewing greater turmoil.
Inside the Paper Horse Shop, Zhang Jian saw the busy Paperman Zhang from afar.
At this moment, Paperman Zhang was still wrapped in a thick cotton-padded jacket, which seemed rather odd in this weather, and his face was covered in layers of concealer.
Zhang Jian glanced at him without concern, smiled and called out.
"Boss Liu, a customer is here!"
"Ah, it's Scholar Zhang, please come in!"
Paperman Zhang rasped, first having his apprentice attend to other customers.
"Boss Liu, any new products in the Paper Horse Shop recently?"
Zhang Jian scanned the surroundings, his expression carrying a hint of a smile.
This time he personally came by naturally also to 'shop'.
Paperman Zhang nodded and smiled. "Yes, Scholar Zhang, please come inside."
He also glanced around the vicinity!
Zhang Jian's eyes flickered slightly; he had long since noticed many gazes fixed on Liu's Paper Horse Shop from outside.
After reaching the back courtyard, he asked.
"Have you been suspected??"
Paperman Zhang was silent for a moment, then shook his head. "I don't think so, only recently something else happened at the Red Flower Temple; the Grand Host became a bit sensitive about it, and many of the Daoists active outside have been vaguely monitored!"
"What exactly is Red Lotus Dao doing internally these days? Do you have any clues?"
Zhang Jian looked at Paperman Zhang.
"The Grand Host or Temple Head Lady is very strict on this, I don't know either!"
"That's unfortunate!"
Zhang Jian's gaze shifted.
Soon after, Paperman Zhang led Zhang Jian to a corner of the back hall, revealing a trove of 'good merchandise' underneath a pile of paper figures.
Apart from the Merit Lotus and Purple Qi Golden Lamp from before, Zhang Jian's eyes fell on one particular item.
"This thing is...?"
Zhang Jian looked at the person-tall long banner, its surface dark and gloomy, with exquisitely woven countless dim yellow river runes, at its core was a large disk-like shape.
The banner was covered with dense scriptures.
"This is the Netherworld Rebirth Banner, inscribed with Rebirth Scriptures, what do you think of its condition, Scholar?"
Zhang Jian smiled and replied, "The exterior looks pretty good, give it a try!"
He was just beginning to dabble in the gate of gift-giving, groping through trial and error.
Since it looked impressive, he decided to let the ancestors judge its worth!
Not obtaining any news from Paperman Zhang, Zhang Jian was ready to personally visit the outskirts of the city to investigate the Red Flower Lady Temple.
At this moment, his eyes flickered.
The World Spirit Consciousness Pearl in his mind suddenly trembled.
"Help..."
He heard an incredibly faint female voice, causing him to pause in his steps.
After that voice, several more followed.
"Hmm?"
Zhang Jian's gaze shifted towards the depths of the shrine shrouded in red silk, confirming that the voice originated from within.
"Lady Honghua?"
Zhang Jian's eyes showed a hint of surprise.
Zhang Jian had specifically inquired about the beliefs of the Red Lotus Dao; their faith centered around Lady Honghua.
Lady Honghua, hundreds of years ago, was a virtuous woman from a prominent local family, known for her loyalty and honor, deceiving rebels into a trap during a chaotic time, remembered posthumously by the locals. Later, numerous local gentry petitioned, leading the Commandery Governor's Mansion to establish the Red Flower Lady Temple to commemorate this heroine and extol the virtues of loyalty and filial piety.
Initially, Lady Honghua's faith was quite pure.
However, in the past decades, it evolved into Red Lotus Dao, proclaiming the red lotus's descent to save all beings.
Previously, the followers of the Red Flower Lady Temple were ordinary people who also spoke of loyalty and filial piety, occasionally praying for children. Once their wishes were fulfilled, a plethora of chaotic beliefs emerged.
He casually walked up to the shrine, and with Paperman Zhang's inexplicably curious look, lifted the red silk, revealing a unique magical divine statue of an ebony-skinned, eight-armed figure with a black-red-gold halo behind its head.
As soon as he removed the red silk, an intangible incense aura began to swirl around.
Paperman Zhang looked at Zhang Jian's action with a hint of surprise but remained still.
To them, this shrine was more like a channel for receiving messages, used for worship on occasion.
With the red silk undone, the voice in Zhang Jian's ears seemed distinctly clearer, even carrying a hint of surprise.
"Young Master, can you hear me?"
Zhang Jian's gaze fixed on the divine statue's eyes, his keen Divine Thought sensed a rapid fluctuation in the divine power within, yet the voice continued.
"Young Master, if you can hear my plea for help, please offer me a stick of incense, I would be deeply grateful!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian laughed, "A stick of incense? I'm afraid my incense might be too much for you to bear!"
Upon hearing this, the divine power around the peculiar statue subtly fluctuated, appearing as if something wanted to be heard but gradually got sealed, the words slowly distorted.
His gaze slightly fluttered, perceiving her predicament, he smiled.
"You're a pitiable soul, considering your pure loyalty in the past, today I grant you half a stick of incense!"
"May it help you achieve your heart's desire!"
Listening to Zhang Jian speak, although Paperman Zhang found it incredibly strange, Zhang Jian's Dao practice was far superior to his, so he went to the side to retrieve a stick of incense and handed it to Zhang Jian.
Zhang Jian broke the incense in half, leaving only half, ignited it, and inserted it into the incense burner.