CHAPTER 167: THERE IS NO GOD IN THIS WORLD

The leader pointed at the incense sticks on the table. "I heard the commoners pray to Fairy Bai every day and get food for free. We will try the same and see if it works."

Another man hesitated for a few seconds before saying, "But we are here to check if the incense sticks have been tampered with, not to eat."

The leader rolled his eyes at him and explained, "Didn’t I just say we will pray to ask for permission to get the food? That way, we can ask for permission to eat while checking the incense sticks at the same time."

Hearing this, the masked men realized his plan and said, "Sir, you are wise!"

Seeing that time is not early anymore, he urged, "Stop wasting time. Hurry up and do it!"

"Yes, Sir."

While the masked men lined up to light the incense sticks, Feng Xiyan and the others watched them with doubt in their eyes.

After a long silence, Feng Yi said, "Master, it seems they are just here to check the incense sticks."

Feng Xiyan frowned slightly as he observed the group of masked men thoughtfully.

At the same time, the leader had been holding the incense sticks over the candle flame for over a minute, but not even the tips had begun to burn.

Seeing this, he muttered, "Looks like what the Military Advisor said was right. They really tampered with the incense sticks to embarrass us."

Just as he said that, one of the masked men exclaimed, "Look! Mine lit up!"

Hearing this, the others turned to look at him. When they saw that his three incense sticks were indeed burning, the leader said, "Quick, let me see."

The masked man handed over the incense sticks, and in an instant, the flames went out the moment the leader touched them.

The leader’s frown deepened at this sight. "Looks like you were just lucky."

Not believing him, the masked man took the incense sticks back, and the moment he held them, they lit up again.

At that sight, everyone fell silent.

"....."

After a long pause, another masked man shuddered and whispered with a hint of reverence, "Sir, could it be... Fairy Bai is real?"

When his words fell, the leader felt chills run down his spine. Smacking the man on the head, he scolded, "Stop spouting nonsense! There is no God in this world!"

Not one to believe in ghosts or gods, he snatched the incense sticks again—and once more, the flames died.

Seeing this a second time, the entire group fell into silence again.

Now that he had witnessed the strange phenomenon twice, the leader swallowed hard and said, "L-let’s get out of here."

Just as he was about to leave, the masked man stopped him. "Wait, Sir. Let me offer the incense first."

Looking at the incense sticks in his hand, the leader hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Be quick."

"Yes, Sir."

With permission, the masked man knelt before the altar and prayed sincerely, "Fairy Bai, if you are real, please bless me with some food. I’m really hungry. If not, please let me take a few steamed buns back."

After saying that, he placed the incense sticks into the burner and kowtowed deeply, knocking his forehead to the floor three times.

The moment he finished the third kowtow, the golden body of Fairy Bai suddenly glowed with a soft golden light.

Seeing this, not only the masked men but also Feng Xiyan and his group were stunned.

"It’s Fairy Bai!" one of the shadow guards whispered.

Feng Xiyan clenched his fists tightly as he silently watched from their hidden spot.

A few seconds later, the golden light vanished, and a few pieces of braised chicken feet appeared on the offering table.

Seeing the sudden appearance of the food, the masked men’s eyes widened in disbelief.

The one who had prayed rushed over, picked up the chicken feet, and sniffed them. Swallowing hard, he exclaimed, "It smells amazing!"

The leader and the others stared at the food in a mix of shock and doubt as the masked man took a big bite.

Licking his lips, his eyes widened in surprise. "It’s so delicious!"

As he devoured the food, the others finally snapped out of their daze.

"Stop eating! We need to leave before the soldiers return!" the leader urged.

Realizing they had stayed longer than planned, the masked men quickly wrapped the braised chicken feet with a cloth and put them away.

Before leaving, the leader looked at the golden statue for a few seconds, then bowed deeply and turned to go.

Once they were gone, Feng Xiyan and the others walked out from their hiding place.

"Master, what does all of this mean?" Feng Yi asked in confusion.

Feng Xiyan approached the golden statue and stared at it. After a moment of silence, he said, "Maybe Fairy Bai has other plans for them."

"Then... should we still carry out our plan?" Feng Yi asked again.

Feng Xiyan shook his head. "Tell the others to halt the operation for now. This general will spare them tonight and ask Fairy Bai about her intentions before deciding our next move."

Hearing this, Feng Yi clasped his fists and responded, "Yes, Master."

Seeing that it was already late, Feng Xiyan said, "Let’s return."

With that, Feng Xiyan, Feng Yi, and the shadow guards returned to the Feng Army barracks.

Half an hour later, the group of masked men quietly slipped back into the inn.

Seeing their return, Tuluo Cheng asked, "Well? Did you find any evidence that the incense sticks were tampered with?"

The leader pulled down the black cloth covering half his face. He then looked at Tuluo Cheng, hesitated for a long moment, but said nothing.

Noticing this, Tuluo Cheng frowned and asked, "Why are you hesitating? You failed to get into the temple?"

The leader motioned to one of the masked men, then replied, "Military Advisor, only he could light the incense sticks."

Hearing that, Tuluo Cheng turned to the man. "How did you do it?" he asked urgently.