Summon the City God to apprehend the thief.

Zhao Liang’s words set off a commotion among the crowd, as if dropping a firecracker in their midst.

“What? You’re asking the City God to catch a thief? Did I hear that right?”

“I’ve lived this long, and I’ve never heard of inviting the City God to catch a thief. Does Zhao Liang have some special connection with the deity?”

The villagers had placed great hope in Zhao Liang, but now, hearing this, they found his idea utterly bizarre. Even the two swordsmen, who had been quietly observing, frowned and whispered to each other.

“Senior brother, have you ever seen anyone perform a ritual to seek divine guidance?” the younger swordsman asked.

“Seeking omens from the gods is a great power—perhaps the sect master or the chief elder could do it. For this half-grown boy to claim such ability? I don’t believe it for a moment. Let’s see what trick he plays.”

Zhao Liang noticed their murmurs but remained unruffled. He called over Tian Xiaoqi, a fellow worker at the charity shelter, and whispered a few instructions in his ear. Tian Xiaoqi nodded repeatedly, then darted off through the crowd at a run.

Zhao Liang turned back to the villagers. “There’s no need for doubt,” he said evenly. “I do have a method to invite the City God to manifest his power. But I’ll need your help—just purchase a ritual token, one copper coin each.”

The crowd, seeing Zhao Liang so confident and the cost so trivial, grew curious to see the spectacle. All agreed, and together they made their way to the City God Temple on the east side of the village.

The City God Temple had been built fifteen years prior. Back then, Tian Dan had used the Fire-Ox Formation to rout the Yan army, reclaim lost territory, and save the city of Jimo from devastation. In gratitude, the villagers honored Tian Dan as the City God, worshipping him year after year, incense never ceasing.

The crowd accompanied Zhao Liang into the temple. Before the main hall, incense smoke curled in the air. At the center of the shrine sat the solemn, dignified statue of Lord Anping, Tian Dan himself.

Under the gaze of all, Zhao Liang straightened his robes, knelt at the center of the hall, and respectfully kowtowed three times. Rising, he proclaimed, “Today, I, Zhao Liang, beseech Lord City God to manifest his spirit for the sake of the lost money belonging to Lady Tian and her daughter. Lord Anping’s eyes see all, he discerns truth from falsehood—let not the innocent suffer nor the guilty go unpunished.” He bowed three more times.

Zhao Liang stood and turned to the villagers. “Please wait a moment.”

In less than half the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Tian Xiaoqi hurried back, breathless, carrying a basin of clear water, which he set upon the altar before the statue.

Zhao Liang addressed the crowd, “I have already invited the spirit of Lord Anping. Now, each of you throw your copper coin into the basin. Lord Anping will distinguish the honest from the guilty. Please proceed!”

The villagers lined up, one by one tossing their coins into the basin. Zhao Liang kept a sharp eye on the water, alert for any sign.

When it was the turn of Tian Er, the local ruffian, he flung his coin in carelessly. Immediately, a few tiny, glistening drops of oil floated to the surface—so subtle that only the closest watcher would have noticed.

Zhao Liang’s heart leapt—it was him! Yet outwardly, he betrayed no sign. When all had finished, Zhao Liang called Tian Xiaoqi over again and whispered a few words. Off dashed Tian Xiaoqi, swift as the wind.

Zhao Liang cleared his throat and addressed the crowd. “Just now, Lord Anping revealed the thief’s identity. The culprit is…” Zhao Liang deliberately paused, scanning the crowd with his eyes.

Everyone held their breath, hope shining in their eyes. Only Tian Er looked uneasy.

“It’s Tian Er!” Zhao Liang finally announced.

A collective sigh of relief swept the crowd. Tian Er’s face turned a deep purple; he sprang up, shouting, “Nonsense! Zhao Liang, what proof do you have to call me a thief? This is all trickery! Don’t believe him, everyone—he’s framing an honest man!”

Zhao Liang, unfazed by Tian Er’s outburst, replied, “If it isn’t you, why are you so agitated?”

Tian Er was momentarily flustered. “Agitated? Who’s agitated? I’m not agitated!” But his words tumbled over themselves.

“Just now, Lord Anping also told me where you hid the money. Could it be he made a mistake?” Zhao Liang wore an expression of disbelief.

“Impossible! When I hid the money, only I and…” Tian Er stopped abruptly, as if struck by lightning. Realizing he’d fallen into Zhao Liang’s trap, sweat poured down his face; his hands and feet were at a loss.

“So, Tian Er, who was with you when you hid the money?” Zhao Liang pressed, brimming with satisfaction.

“Zhao Liang, you’re trying to trick me with words! I didn’t steal the money!” Tian Er gritted his teeth, determined to deny everything.

“No matter,” said Zhao Liang, “Lord Anping already told me where the money is hidden. When we recover the stolen goods, let’s see how you explain yourself.”

At that moment, Tian Xiaoqi came running, a money pouch in hand, gasping for breath. From a distance he shouted, “Found it! Found it!”

When Tian Xiaoqi reached Zhao Liang, he tossed the pouch on the ground. “Zhao Liang, you were right! I went to Tian Er’s house and told his wife that Tian Er had been caught stealing and that she’d better hand over the stolen goods to lessen his punishment. She panicked, handed over the money, and cursed Tian Er the whole time.”

Tian Er’s face turned ashen, his legs trembling uncontrollably. He was speechless.

Manager Jiang stepped forward and seized him by the collar. “Well, Tian Er, lazing about was one thing, but now you’ve stooped to thievery! Come, you’re going with me to face the magistrate.”

With that, Manager Jiang and the village head tied Tian Er up and hauled him off to the authorities.

The crowd pressed around Zhao Liang, peppering him with questions, all eager to know how he managed to summon Lord Anping’s spirit.

Zhao Liang burst out laughing. “I have no such powers! It was just a small trick. The money Xiaohong lost was kept in an oil jar, and it had only been missing for less than an hour. The thief couldn’t have cleaned it, so the coins would be covered in oil. When everyone threw their coins into the water, Tian Er’s coin immediately left an oil slick. That’s how I knew he was the thief. A few probing words, and he gave himself away.”

Only then did the crowd understand, marveling at Zhao Liang’s cleverness.

The two swordsmen, too, were secretly impressed by the youth’s resourcefulness.

Some readers, reaching this point, might be tempted to complain, saying, “Isn’t this just like a scene from ‘Detective Di Renjie’? Couldn’t you come up with something new?”

But in my opinion, novelty isn’t the point—it’s how skillfully the plot is used. Just enjoy the story; there’s no need to take it so seriously, don’t you think? Some readers love to nitpick, arguing with the author until they’re red in the face. Aren’t stories meant for entertainment? Is there any need for such fuss?

If you don’t like a book, you can always read another. No need to say more—let’s stop here.