Cui Hantang
Cui Hantang is Cui Hantang is a central and enigmatic figure in the series, embodying the dual roles of a high-ranking Daoist sorcerer and a pragmatic bureaucrat, deeply intertwined with Guangzhou’s political and cultural underworld. As an elder of a secretive sect—likely tied to historical or occult traditions—he wields both supernatural influence and administrative authority, using his knowledge of occult practices to navigate the city’s corruption, crime, and religious tensions. His methods are often unconventional: he exploits superstition, manipulates public perception through elaborate rituals (such as ghost-rearing or exorcisms), and leverages his reputation as a "beggar immortal" to project an aura of mysticism while serving pragmatic
Context from Novel
"Chapter 1824 - The Haunted Yamen Dai E said impatiently: "Old Cui, what do you think this is about? This is a major murder case! Why are we dawdling with this nonsense instead of rushing to help?" "One thing at a time. Solving the case is important, but we have to focus on our profession too. Otherwise how do we increase our visibility among the masses? This is a great opportunity to expand our influence in Guangdong. We can't just preach in Hainan Island and Shandong. If we do this well, we can"
"Chapter 1825 - Playing at Ghosts The party departed by sedan from the Municipal Police Bureau and soon arrived at the municipal government. To avoid alarming anyone, the sedans did not use the front gate: the front half of the yamen had been converted into various department offices, packed with naturalized cadres and local citizens conducting business. Instead they went through the rear gate—for convenience of entry and exit, Wang Sangou had opened a rear gate in the back wall of the Guangzhou"
"Chapter 1826 - Playing at Ghosts (Continued) A police officer on duty in the courtyard hurried over: "Chief, it's on the rear window. This humble one will show you." Cui Hantang walked to the rear window. This type of courtyard house originally had no rear windows—they had only been added for ventilation and light. Nothing particularly unusual. Because there was no veranda at the back, the building stood on its foundation, making the window quite high. Even at 1.8 meters tall, Cui Hantang could"
"Chapter 1827 - Sorcery Before Liu Xiang could speak, Guo Xier dropped to her knees before Cui Hantang, overcome with gratitude: "Immortal Elder, Grand Master..." Though Cui Hantang did not know Guo Xier, he understood she must be Liu Xiang's life secretary or similar. He quickly helped her up: "No need for such courtesy. This is just a small matter." Liu Xiang's spirit had improved considerably by now. Still feeling many doubts about the matter, he asked: "Daoist Cui, you've seen my living quart"
"Chapter 1828 - "Startle," "Flash," "Peak," and "Wind" Cui Hantang's face showed displeasure, like someone whose TV show had been spoiled. Rather unwillingly he said: "That's right." "Hmm?" Mu Min perked up at hearing this might help with the case. "Tell us properly—what exactly is going on?" "Mm! Mm!" Cui Hantang cleared his throat and took another sip of tea before saying mysteriously: "Speaking of ghost-rearing, it's actually similar to raising gu insects. Both are secret arts of sorcerers tha"
Appearances
Appears in chapters: 1825, 1826, 1827, 1828, 1829, 1849, 1850, 1851, 1852, 1877, 1878, 1892, 1893, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1905, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, 2036, 2037, 2038, 2042, 2044, 2561, 2580, 2581, 2582.