My name is Shen Qing, and I'm a civil-service-grade folk customs consultant for the Huailing Municipal Public Security Bureau.
To put it simply, I'm a Taoist priest on the government payroll.
Others earn merit by helping vengeful spirits pass on. I earn ten times as much by solving cases and catching killers.
Others call on their ancestors when they see a ghost. I carry a peachwood sword in my left hand and a body camera in my right.
Others exorcise ghosts whenever they feel like it. I follow the Northern Emperor's Black Code and observe due process: submit the petition, then deliver the verdict. Skip a step and I lose merit.
“Daoist Shen, what just flew past?”
“A drone.”
“And that streak of blue light?”
“Optical refraction.”
“And the black ritual robe you're wearing...”
“Seasonal work uniform.”
Maoshan represents compassion; the Northern Emperor represents justice.
Compassion offers a path to those who still have a shred of goodness. Justice is a blade for those who have cast it all aside.
As for whether ghosts really exist in this world?
Shh... Just read my case report.
Good-looking, love to see lots of hair
Looks pretty good so far
Very interesting. The narrative pace is good.