https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-233-Returning-to-the-Imperial-City-s-Martial-Temple/12554373/
Chapter 232: Golden Body Manifestation, Shocking the Chaos Realm
Chapter 232: Golden Body Manifestation, Shocking the Chaos Realm
In Songzhou City, Yang Qianxiang carefully attended to every detail and instructed the Demon-Subduing Generals on how to soothe the people's worries.
As the military commander of a state, his strength was insignificant compared to the Investigation Envoy, but he had ample experience handling such troublesome details.
Only after confirming that nothing was amiss, did Yang Qianxiang mount his demon horse and accompany Shen, the Investigation Envoy, as they departed from Songzhou.
Logically, for such a grave mistake, he should have been escorted back under guard.
Fortunately, the Investigation Envoy, Shen, was lenient and hadn't even uttered a word of reprimand, let alone any other words.
With the formidable speed of the Black-Scaled Flood Horse, it would take less than ten days to travel from Songzhou to the Imperial City.
As the two embarked on their journey, the Martial Temple in the Imperial City also received a rare visitor.
Temporarily halting their cultivation, the four Temple Celebrants dressed in blue robes gathered together.
Despite their status, they could only stand by the sides.
Seated in the main position was a man wearing a black and white wide-sleeved robe, with a goat-like beard.
"I wonder what brings Qing Zhenren of Xuanguang Cave to our Great Qian Dynasty?" Wu Dao'an stood up and asked in a neither humble nor arrogant tone.
"Just casually touring around." Qing Zhenren casually sipped his hot tea and gently placed the teacup on the table, his tone indifferent, "Also, to inform you that one of your Grandmasters has unfortunately perished."
Upon hearing the first half of the sentence, the four Celebrants showed no reaction, but when the latter half was spoken, all four unconsciously clenched their jaws.
Wu Dao'an's hand, hidden in his sleeve, tightened into a fist.
After a long silence, he coldly replied, "We understand."
There were only seven Zongshi left in the Great Qian Dynasty, and now one had mysteriously perished. Yet, the man from Xuanguang Cave remained expressionless and didn't even bother to explain the reason.
"If there is nothing else, we shall take our leave."
Although they spoke of the martial artists as crude warriors, in truth, all disciples of the Martial Temple knew that they and the Chaos Realm Zongshi were like brothers, guarding the Great Qian Dynasty together.
How could they not be angry at this moment?
But they must not show their anger... Even the slightest hint of an unusual expression might anger Xuanguang Cave, which would only lead to more unfair treatment for the Zongshi outside.
Wu Dao'an turned and began to walk out.
"Wait a moment." Qing Zhenren suddenly raised his palm to stop them, "I have come on behalf of a friend to seek a young friend of yours."
The Celebrants paused and turned back, "...?"
"My friend is the Elder of Qingqiu. He has two disciples who went out to train, but one of them suddenly disappeared in the Great Qian Dynasty."
Qing Zhenren raised his eyebrows, "Do you have any information about this?"
Wu Dao'an pondered for a moment before replying, "We are unaware. If you need help finding him, we will do our best to assist and send people to investigate in the Nine Provinces."
"Thank you... But there's no need to trouble the disciples of the Martial Temple."
Qing Zhenren smiled faintly and took out a jade slip, "The missing disciple's senior brother has already gathered information. He disappeared in Yang'an County of Qingzhou. His senior brother sent a letter to Jiang Yuanhua, the military commander of Qingzhou, and received a reply, tsk."
"Don't know, unclear, ask the Martial Temple if there are any issues."
As Qing Zhenren's words, laced with a hint of mockery, landed.
Wu Dao'an's eyes twitched, "...?"
This young man with the surname Jiang is quite bold.
"Qingqiu has always been on friendly terms with our three allies, and we have no grievances or enmity. Moreover, they are one of the forces that Xuanguang Cave is actively trying to recruit. We hope the Martial Temple can understand and cooperate so that our Zongshi in the Great Qian Dynasty can be safer."
Qing Zhenren stood up and placed a jade slip on the table, "The senior brother has already investigated thoroughly. At that time, only three martial artists at the Pill Formation stage and above passed through Beiyan, and two of them were too weak to pose any threat to the disciple of Qingqiu. Only the remaining one has too little information, as if he appeared out of thin air."
Although Qingqiu has always maintained a neutral stance, they are still a bunch of fox demons. If the Great Qian Dynasty chooses not to provoke them, that's one thing, but to dare to ask someone to come here and demand an explanation is simply going too far.
In their heyday, if the Great Qian Dynasty said one, would Qingqiu dare to say two?
Forget about disciples; what could they do even if they killed their elders?
Wu Dao'an took a deep breath and asked, "May I ask whom the Zhenren is looking for?"
Changqing Zhenren glanced at the jade slip on the table and touched it with his divine sense before answering, "Shen Yi of Qingzhou."
At these words, the remaining three celebrants were left confused.
"..."
Wu Dao'an paused for a moment, and then a cold smile appeared on his face. Malice flashed in his cloudy eyes as he asked, "Zhenren, could you please repeat whom you are looking for?"
Changqing Zhenren sensed that something was amiss, but he didn't take it to heart. "Shen Yi of Qingzhou," he replied.
What waves could a dying Martial Temple possibly make?
To dare to use such a threatening tone—he must have stayed in this dilapidated temple for too long, clouding his mind.
"Very well."
Before he could finish his sentence, Wu Dao'an's smile widened, and he slowly closed his eyes.
As everyone looked on in confusion, one of the twelve golden body manifestations on the altar in the Martial Temple suddenly came to life. The three-zhang-tall figure of a lion-camel descended from the altar and strode out into the long street.
The blinding golden light reflected off its body, illuminating the sky as it took each step toward the courtyard.
The courtyard was as fragile as tofu under the lion-camel's feet, crumbling instantly.
With a casual wave of its palm, it reduced the roof to rubble, and its massive eyes surveyed the few figures within.
"..."
Shrouded in a massive shadow, Changqing Zhenren unconsciously swallowed as he beheld the golden body, which resembled a deity. He took three steps back and shouted, "What is the meaning of this?!"
"That is precisely my intention," the lion-camel replied, its voice like a resounding bell echoing in the heavens. "You are merely a Nascent Soul cultivator from the Upper Realm, and addressing you as True Man is already an honor. If you dare to mention that name in my presence again..."
The lion-camel bared its teeth slightly, its expression indifferent. "...Then you shall perish here today."
"You!"
Changqing Zhenren's face twisted in rage. "Have you forgotten that I am from Xuanguang Cave?"
In response, the lion-camel lifted its leg and delivered a powerful palm strike.
Changqing Zhenren's face paled as he felt the overwhelming force, and his entire body erupted with red light. Instinctively, he crossed his arms in front of him.
The golden beast's palm stopped just inches away from him, the force of its strike causing him to break into a cold sweat. His eyes darted about fearfully as he struggled to catch his breath.
Staring into the lion-camel's eyes, which were filled with chilling intent, he said, "I am just asking on behalf of Qingqiu. There's no need to resort to violence."
"Tsk."
The lion-camel retracted its leg and slowly turned back into the Martial Temple, resuming its position on the altar. In an instant, it transformed back into a lifeless statue.
At the same time, Wu Dao'an opened his eyes and said indifferently, "Then please leave. No need to see you out."
(End of Chapter)
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