A Taoist clad in a black cloak, with short hair, entered the inn.

The Waiter was clearing the plates and dishes left on a table by a previous guest. He felt a twinge of unease at the Taoist's arrival.

There were indeed many charlatans in the world—swindlers who deceived for money—but there were also True Cultivators who walked the mortal realm, punishing evil and promoting good.

The Porridge and Rice Inn engaged in the despicable business of turning people into donkeys and seizing travelers' money. Consequently, the Waiter, feeling as guilty as a thief, wanted to send the Taoist away as quickly as possible.

He quickly put down the bowls and dishes, hurried forward with an obsequious smile, and said, "Taoist, are you heading to Long County? From here, go north. Take the first fork to the right, and after another five or six miles, you'll reach Long County town."

"Oh, thank you very much."

Li Ang nodded and turned towards the inn's entrance. However, just as he reached the threshold, he slapped his forehead. He turned back and, with a smile, said to the Waiter,

"I've heard that the Third Lady who runs this inn is generous and kind. She always offers horses and donkeys at a low price to help travelers who lack mounts.

I was in a hurry when I left home and didn't bring a horse. Might your establishment be willing to sell me one or two at a low price?"

The Waiter cursed inwardly. Most travelers tried to maintain some dignity. Even if they needed help, they would ask indirectly and politely. It was rare for someone like this Taoist to openly demand the inn sell horses cheaply.

"This... I'm not in a position to decide. Could the Taoist please wait here for a moment while I go and invite the Third Lady over?"

The Waiter politely asked Li Ang to wait at the inn's entrance. He then ran to the side hall, lifted the curtain, and quietly called for the inn's proprietress.

Li Ang casually found a seat. With his foot propped up, he gazed at the inn's yellowing wall, Should I inscribe a verse like, 'If I could avenge injustices in future years, my blood would stain the banks of the Xunyang River'? he pondered.

Soon, the Third Lady emerged from the side hall. She was dressed in a simple red cotton garment that, though modest, clearly outlined her graceful figure. Her weary expression only highlighted the poignant charm of a woman living in solitude.

Having kneaded flour all night without a wink of sleep, the Third Lady was quite exhausted. Still, she mustered her energy and said with a smile, "Taoist, are you looking to buy horses or donkeys?"

"Blessed Supreme Heavenly Lord. Indeed, I am."

Li Ang nodded. "Currently, my purse is rather light, and I can't afford much. I wonder if the Third Lady would demonstrate her renowned generosity by... giving them to me for free?"

The Waiter and the Third Lady stared, utterly dumbfounded. They had never encountered a Monk with such audacity.

If it had been any other time, the Third Lady would have scoffed and ordered the Waiter to kick out this shameless Taoist.

But she had just performed Evil Magic and was tired and drained, her Mana depleted. She didn't dare gamble on him being merely a charlatan.

So, she took a deep breath to steady herself, managed a strained smile, and said, "Taoist, what are you saying? It's just a horse or a donkey, isn't it? Qian Liu, go and bring one from outside the front gate."

"Yes."

The Waiter, Qian Liu, immediately understood the Third Lady's intention. He hurried out of the inn and found a horse tied by a guest outside. After thoroughly checking it to ensure no identifying belongings had been left behind, he led the horse back to the inn's entrance.

"Taoist, what do you think of this horse?"

"Hmm..."

Li Ang remained seated, not moving an inch. "Its fore, middle, and hind sections are well-proportioned. Limbs of suitable length, muscles firm and even, spirit lively, coat smooth—indeed, a fine horse."

"Alright,"

The Waiter nodded. Just as he was about to lead the horse to some fodder, he heard Li Ang say slowly, "A pity. It's just a good horse, nothing more."

Li Ang sighed and looked at the Third Lady, stating casually, "Before I devoted myself to the Taoist Door, I was a rich young man who loved raising horses. My family owned countless prized steeds.

Horses like the Fierce Steeds of Zaun, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Celestian Rainbow Horses.

An ordinary fine horse like this probably wouldn't catch my eye."

The Third Lady suppressed the urge to call him a shameless rogue. Forcing a smile, she said, "This place is small, remote, and impoverished; I'm afraid we've little to impress you, Taoist Master. Why not ride this horse to Long County town first and find a Broker there to buy another?"

"How can you say that, Third Lady?" Li Ang shook his head. "Having come all this way, how could I leave empty-handed?

I've heard that the inn under your name, Third Lady, has bred a vast number of livestock. They say your backyard is filled with a variety of donkeys and horses, all sorts of remarkable breeds, universally acclaimed and truly unrivaled.

Please lead me to the backyard so I can take a look and pick one out. With my experience in judging horses, I can also help you, Third Lady, discern their quality."

"As the Taoist Master instructs."

The Third Lady smiled. "However, the backyard hasn't been cleaned today; it's quite filthy and messy. Perhaps the Taoist Master would like some grilled cakes and porridge first? Once the Waiter has tidied up the backyard, we can go and choose a horse."

"The Third Lady is truly thoughtful."

Li Ang gave a thumbs-up. He sat on the stool, watching as the Third Lady walked over. She bent down very suggestively in front of him, accentuating her figure as she took away the dishes and wiped the table with a cloth. Swaying her hips, she entered the side hall, trailing a fragrance of powder and perfume.

TSK TSK TSK. Such a shameless old Ryuan! About to be past her prime and still showing off like that, Miss Chai's disdainful voice rang out within Li Ang.

As a demoness with eternal youth, she never gained weight no matter what she ate. However, she could also never change her own body: her waist wouldn't slim down, her baby fat wouldn't reduce, and the soft flesh on the inside of her arms wouldn't disappear. Whenever she saw women on TV or in real life with bodies even "slightly" better than hers, she would inexplicably get angry and secretly curse them.

Li Ang ignored the envious and jealous Chaichai, calmly waiting.

Soon, the Third Lady returned with a tray holding porridge and grilled cakes, placing it in front of Li Ang.

"Taoist Master, please start your meal. I'll go see how the cleanup in the backyard is progressing."

With a seductive smile, the Third Lady left. As she departed, she intentionally or unintentionally brushed Li Ang's hand with her fingertips before taking a leisurely walk out of the inn.

UGH, Chaichai faked a retch.

Li Ang, unconcerned, picked up his chopsticks.

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