Chapter 567: Past Events of Wudang (2)

Chapter 567: Wu Dang Past Events (II)

Northwestern part of Nanchang City.

Dozens of elite from Longhu Mountain, having pursued from Guangxin Mansion, gathered here, their faces solemn. Hands clenched within their sleeves gripped activated talismans and ritual implements, their sacred weapons rising and falling with a resonant hum.

Pairs of eyes fell upon the crowd's center, awaiting the command of Zhang Qingyu, who stood there.

Yet, for reasons unknown, Zhang Qingyu remained motionless, his gaze fixed on the two arrogant figures in the distance.

"Zhang Qingyu, why do you not yet order an attack?"

A white-haired, sealed Daoist, Lian Zu, could no longer contain himself, shouting with a grim expression.

Zhang Qingyu turned at the words, his cold eyes flashing with anger, clearly displeased by the elder's actions.

"Lian Zu, Zao Mountain still watches from across the river. If we strike first, we may fall into a trap. It is better to wait."

Zhang Qingyu strained to control his inner fury, replying in a calm tone.

"The malevolent spirit is before us—what more is there to wait for? You know nothing!"

Zhang Xilian sneered coldly: "If Zao Mountain truly had issues, they would have acted when we entered Nanchang's borders. Why wait until now? You youngsters overthink, losing the fearless spirit of our generation."

Though Zhang Qingyu was the lead figure appointed by Zhang Chongyuan for this mission to subdue demons, Zhang Xilian showed no deference, even publicly invoking seniority to rebuke him.

Though the Daoist sect was not a military force, insubordination in battle was a grave offense.

Yet, having been reprimanded, Zhang Qingyu had no recourse against Zhang Xilian.

For in both seniority and rank, the other held the advantage.

Though in actual combat, Zhang Qingyu believed he was no less than his counterpart—after all, these sealed Daoists had already relinquished their authority, their strength now diminished to the threshold of the third rank, far from their former glory.

But if Zhang Qingyu dared show disrespect to these elders, he would face many troubles afterward.

The Zhang family ruled Longhu Mountain through bloodline, naturally valuing hierarchy and propriety.

This was one of the many chronic ailments plaguing Longhu Mountain's Tian Shi Mansion.

The older generation's sealing of themselves, sacrificing their lives for the sect's foundation, was a noble act worthy of praise.

Yet prolonged sealing and a death-seeking mindset had made these elders peculiar and overbearing.

Except for the three great Tian Shi in the Ancestral Hall, other disciples were seen as mere inexperienced juniors, unworthy to command those who had once fought to the death with Wu Xu, elevating the Daoist sect to its current status.

Thus, unless cornered, none wished to employ them.

None wanted to carry out a mission with a living ancestor hovering overhead, disregarding orders.

"Lian Zu speaks truly, but the situation now is too strange. Zao Mountain's side lost a prominent figure, Ge Jing, yet they only pursued without killing—this reeks of something fishy!"

"You hesitate so, you'll lose the chance! If this Wu Xu escapes, what face remains for Longhu Mountain?"

"Is reputation more important, or the disciples' lives? If we act rashly and fall into Zao Mountain's trap, who will bear responsibility?!"

Zhang Xilian's eyes glared: "If you lack the courage, then let this lord take charge!"

"Fear this responsibility—you cannot shoulder it, Lian Zu!"

Zhang Qingyu's momentum did not waver, his words sharp as blades.

"Audacious! What is your status, Zhang Qingyu, to speak thus to this lord?!"

"Lian Zu, have you forgotten? Should we consult Zhang Chongyuan to remind you of my identity?"

The malevolent spirit was before them, yet they quarreled before striking—a scene not only absurd but chilling to the Longhu Mountain Daoists.

The talismans' vermilion glow faded, the ritual implements' spiritual light dissipated, and the atmosphere sank into gloom.

"Xilian, calm yourself."

Finally, another sealed Daoist intervened to mediate, soothing the furious Zhang Xilian.

"When we left the mountain, Chongyuan made it clear—we must obey Qingyu's commands in all actions. What are you doing? Moreover, Zao Mountain's behavior is indeed odd; caution is wise."

The surrounding disciples' expressions shifted, and Zhang Xilian, seeing this, realized his actions were somewhat inappropriate.

Yet Zhang Qingyu's stubborn stance left him seething, unwilling to yield to this junior Daoist.

Seeing someone extend a ladder, he took the opportunity to step down.

After all, he could disrespect Zhang Qingyu, even act recklessly—Zhang Chongyuan would dare rebuke him. But this mission was of great importance; if he ruined it, he could not face the sect.

"If we can slay Li Jun smoothly, this matter ends here. If he escapes, this lord will report Zhang Qingyu to 'Zhang Tian Shi'!"

"Lian Zu, rest assured. If my actions exceed merit, I will not need you to complain. I willingly descend into 'Fengdu' to atone for the sect!"

Zhang Xilian sneered, flicked his sleeves, and leaped toward the distance, preferring not to see.

The argument at the front ended, though it dampened the disciples' fighting spirit, it stirred Zhang Qingyu's frozen thoughts once more.

If the one surrounded was only Li Jun, there might still be hope for this exorcism.

But now, with the third-ranked ghost armor present, how did Li Jun differ from Su Ce, who once occupied the Wo District and faced off against the Buddhist and Daoist sects across the sea?

Even if Zao Mountain's Yi Kui had no ulterior motives, joining forces to slay Li Jun would surely bring grievous casualties.

Then who would die, and who would be wounded?

If their side suffered heavy losses, who could guarantee Zao Mountain wouldn't stab them in the back?

Nanchang was part of Zao Mountain's base—those who controlled the celestial tracks and various ritual implements could appear at any moment.

Though Zhang Chongyuan promised to personally wield the Northern Dipper and act at the right time, his target was only Li Jun. If he clashed with Zao Mountain's Daoists, Longhu and Zao would immediately turn hostile.

Then Zhang Chongyuan might not hesitate to push Zhang Qingyu forward to bear the blame for Zao Mountain's wrath.

Moreover, the ghost armor had declared that whichever side struck first, it would nail them dead.

If the other side truly fought to the death, how could he respond? Relying on Zhang Xilian and the others? Ridiculous.

They feared not death—Zhang Qingyu believed even if Li Jun was Wu Xu's second, they would dare to fight to the end.

For they were already a group of the doomed.

But he was not.

His Dao foundation and genes were at their peak, with great potential for further advancement—how could he resign himself to death and dissolution?

Yet if he continued to restrain himself, soon the one questioning him would be the great Tian Shi, Zhang Chongyuan.

Thoughts flashed like lightning, revealing the crisis.

Zhang Qingyu pondered deeply but still could not discern how to break the current impasse.

"Why has your strength grown so swiftly? Why did this ghost armor break through the third rank now? Why seek vengeance against Longhu Mountain? Why block my path to immortality?"

Zhang Qingyu's heart burned with resentment—hating Li Jun, and hating Zhang Chongyuan.

Yet he had forgotten how, in the Tian Shi Mansion's announcement office, upon hearing Zhang Chongyuan speak the word "Dao Zi," his heart had trembled with longing and ambition.

"Want to live, Zhang Qingyu?"

A sudden voice echoed in his ear.

Zhang Qingyu's body tensed instantly, his gaze casually scanning the surroundings, finding no anomaly on the faces of the Longhu Mountain Daoists.

If you wish to live, I can help you.

Zhang Qingyu's face was expressionless, yet his fists hanging at his side clenched tightly, as if a drowning man seized a life‑saving straw that drifted in from nowhere.

Very well, it seems you are a clever person.

It seemed as though a pair of eyes in the darkness watched, taking in every subtle movement of Zhang Qingyu.

At that moment, Li Jun, who had been crouched on the roof of the Nanchang Dao Palace, also heard a familiar voice.

Li Xinshu, we meet again.

Li Jun regarded the nearby Ma Wangye impassively, but the latter shook his head, indicating he could not pinpoint the source of the voice.

I thought it was someone else; so it was you, Old Elder.

You are joking, aren't you? Look at this stance—are you once again preparing to do a good deed?

I have that intention, but whether I can accomplish it depends on whether you give me face.

You are mistaken about that.

Li Jun sat on the roof, smiling at the empty air: 'Now I am surrounded; how can I have the right to withhold face from you?'

You needn't be snide here; I know you think you can break out. But don't underestimate these two sects—Yi Kuidou and Zhang Qingyu are merely the visible faces, while hidden foes lie in wait. Even if your black armor bears the legacy of the Sheng Lord and advances to the third rank, escaping Nanchang Prefecture alive would be as hard as climbing to the heavens.

Oh?

Li Jun's tone rose as he turned to Ma Wangye, who instantly snapped, 'What's that? Are you calling me a fool?!'

That old saying really startled me; why don't you appear and give me a direct path forward?

If you truly wish to see me, just survive tonight and there will be plenty of chances later.

The master of the voice asked, 'How about it—are you willing to let me do a good deed this time?'

Old Elder is willing to lend a hand; I would be grateful.

Li Jun smiled, 'I wonder what form this good deed will take?'

It's simple: you should break out to the southwest now. Apart from the visible foes, I can guarantee no further ambushes.

Who blocks Li Jun's southwest path?

Naturally it is Yan Zhaoshan, Yi Kuidou.

Since it's a good deed, there must be a benefit; why doesn't the junior see where it lies?

If you can survive safely, isn't that enough?

Enough, certainly enough; no benefit could be more important than life.

Li Jun, with a ruthless, unscrupulous demeanor, said, 'Besides, you can handle the hidden threats, so why not break out from the Longhu Mountain side? I have a deep grudge against them, and I could use the chance to slay a few to vent my anger.'

Li Jun, a man cannot be too greedy.

Killing, setting fires, wearing a golden belt, repairing bridges and roads without leaving corpses.

Li Jun flashed a cold smile, pointed a finger downward, indicating the roof before him.

If I were a man who seized the moment, I wouldn't have the ability to sit here and make the high‑ranking masters of Yan and Longhu silent as cold cicadas, nor the qualification for you, a master with boundless hand and eye, to be so generous in helping a nameless wretch.

You are no longer a minor character.

The voice by his ear fell silent for a moment, then asked slowly, 'What do you want?'

Li Jun shook his head, 'That depends on you; it's not for me to decide. As long as the price is right, everything can be arranged.'

Ruthless and greedy, Li Jun, your rise to this height is no accident.

Great men fall to fear of death, small men perish from lack of greed; had there been fewer great elders afraid to live or die, I, this petty commoner, might not be alive today.

Li Jun!

The other replied solemnly, 'If this good deed succeeds, I can tell you where to seek the ritual for advancement.'

Indeed, the Old Elder is no ordinary man, knowing even such matters; yet a single word makes me sell my life, sounding like empty-handed catching a white wolf.

Li Jun's smile remained unchanged.

The benefit is sufficient, isn't it?!

It is enough; thank you, Old Elder, for your favor.

Li Jun stood up and brushed the dust from his trousers.

Ma Ye, I'm ready to get to work.

In the world of caves, in the Great Ming Empire's Guangzhou Prefecture, Nanhai County.

Under the night, Hujixi Road was submerged in a sea of red lanterns and green wine.

The wealthy in fine robes swarm about, entering bright chambers, while the poor in tattered clothes drift alone through dim alleys.

Status and poverty are starkly displayed, and desires flow unrestrained.

Rows of buildings press the black sky into a thin line, while chaotic iron frames form a labyrinthine sky corridor; windows hung with red lanterns pile upon each other like a hive, their dark red light flickering incessantly.

At the brothel's entrance, a man with a shaved head blackened by grime emerged, smiling merrily.

His disheveled robes gaped open, revealing a massive chest tattooed with a fierce, coiling dragon whose claws clutch the characters 'Buddha' and 'Dao', and whose mouth bites a plaque inscribed with 'Invincible in Martial Order'.

He swayed with each step, as if fearing anyone would discern his sect affiliation.

The man tightened his belt while turning back to tease those inside the doorway.

'Little filly, you did well this time, but I must give you some advice. Remember to make your... matters larger next time, or I shall cease visiting you, understood?'

'You rascal, still not big enough? Very well, I'll find a physician from the farming order; whatever size you desire, I shall provide.'

A frail, slender figure leaned against the doorway, the grotesque burden beneath her neck left aside for now.

Even just the woman's shaved head is enough to draw attention.

Undoubtedly, her status is not that of an ordinary person, though she wonders why she ended up here.

Hahahaha.

The burly man laughed triumphantly, chest out, striding boldly, his nostrils standing in for eyes as he looked down upon the passersby.

Accustomed to acting with impunity, he was oblivious that he was being silently watched.

Across from the brothel, at a night‑snack stall, Zhao Yilong, wearing a round‑brimmed hat, stared intently at the man, his eyes tracking his movements while the steaming food before him held no interest.

'Junior brother, the person has emerged.'

Zhao Yilong, his hand under the table flipping an electronic document, whispered hoarsely, 'It's confirmed; the tattoo on his chest is the emblem of the sect that seized our Wudang offshoot's Kunda faction.'

'Mm.'

Chen Qisheng, his face buried in a sea bowl, mumbled, 'You truly are a ghost of hunger, yet you still have appetite to eat?'

Zhao Yilong urged anxiously, 'We've been lying in wait here for three days, staring at this cursed place day after day; even you and your senior brother are about to break our vows. Now that we finally have someone, we must act quickly, or what if he runs? This is our first mission—if we fail, how do we explain to the sect?'

Meanwhile, the man swayed unsteadily and had already walked far away.

Zhao Yilong, seeing Chen Qisheng remain as calm as ever, gritted his teeth and, with a sharp 'shush', stood up.

Within the hushed whispers, the child beckons indulgence, yet my elder brother, bound by duty, shall intervene.