Chapter 372: Guardian, Tang Zheng! [Two Chapters Combined]

Chapter 372: Guardian, Tang Zheng! [Two Chapters Combined]



...

As night fell, Fang Che asked, "Have those off-duty returned home to rest? Are the ones on duty here?"

"They're all here," someone replied.

"Those who should go home, go home. Even though the demon is evil, we can't kill them all in one day. If we keep pushing ourselves like this every day, we might die of exhaustion before we even find the demon."

"Director Fang, you should get some rest too."

"I'm fine," Fang Che assured them.

The group laughed and waved goodbye to those ending their shifts.

After a day of tension, they finally relaxed.

"Tang Zheng!" Fang Che called out.

"Director Fang, I'm here," Tang Zheng responded.

"Come here for a moment."

Tang Zheng entered Fang Che's office and asked, "Director Fang, what's the matter? Has it been approved?"

Fang Che laughed, "Don't be so impatient. It hasn't been approved yet."

Tang Zheng couldn't hide his disappointment.

"It's not that I don't want to approve it," Fang Che said softly. "Your brother-in-law came to talk to me about this matter."

"My brother-in-law?" Tang Zheng asked.

"Yes, your brother-in-law, Yuan Jingjiang, knows that you've always wanted to become a formal priest. But he's worried, so he came to me and asked me to delay it for a while, to give you more time to improve your strength."

Fang Che smiled and said, "I didn't want to agree at first, but your brother-in-law's request isn't unreasonable. He said that as long as you reach the rank of Second Rank General, you can become a formal priest. He understands your aspirations and just wants you to be stronger, more capable of protecting yourself, and safer. It's for your own good."

Tang Zheng's excitement visibly faded. He never expected that just as he was about to fulfill his lifelong dream, his brother-in-law would step in to stop him.

But Yuan Jingjiang's reasoning was impeccable, and it was indeed for Tang Zheng's own good.

Tang Zheng couldn't help but mutter in disappointment, "I know my brother-in-law means well, but I just broke through the Second Rank General, and I don't know when I'll reach the Third Rank General..."

He couldn't hide the bitterness in his heart and lowered his head, sighing.

Fang Che laughed, "I didn't want to listen to him at first, but then I thought, he's doing this for your sake. And your cultivation is only at the Second Rank General level, which is indeed a bit low. If I don't approve it now, you can accompany everyone on missions, which is safer. But once you become a formal priest, you'll be assigned a district to manage. Most of the time, you'll need to patrol your district. At that time, your cultivation might be at a disadvantage."

"Yes, Director Fang, I'll listen to you," Tang Zheng said, feeling dejected.

"Don't be discouraged. Your brother-in-law mentioned the Third Rank General, and there is a way to achieve it quickly."

Fang Che smiled, "I really dislike parents who hinder their children's growth like this. They don't let them pursue their dreams, but don't be disheartened. I have a solution."

Tang Zheng's eyes lit up at the mention of a solution.

"Of course. I can't let you down, especially since we've become close friends despite our humble beginnings."

Fang Che laughed, "I can't let you down, SQL: In the context of databases, a 'solution' could refer to a specific query or set of operations to retrieve or manipulate data. For example, a 'solution' might be an SQL query that retrieves the desired information from a database, addressing a specific problem or requirement.

- Martial Arts: In the world of martial arts, a 'solution' could refer to a technique, strategy, or approach used to overcome an opponent or a particular challenge. For instance, a martial artist might employ a specific fighting style or a combination of moves as their 'solution' to defeat an adversary, showcasing their skill and adaptability.

As Tang Zheng's eyes brightened, Fang Che produced a jade bottle, "It's just the Third Rank General. Here, this bottle contains ten medicinal pills. Take one each day, along with the pills I gave you before, and practice your martial arts. Don't be stingy with the spirit crystals during this period; make sure to use them in conjunction with the pills. After ten days, you should have no problem breaking through to the Third Rank General. At that time, I'll sign the approval, and your brother-in-law's opinion won't matter."

Tang Zheng's whole body trembled with excitement, his eyes shining with anticipation and nervousness, "Director Fang, I... I..."

"Take it and stop being so polite!" Fang Che said.

"In that case, I'll feel more at ease assigning you a district," Fang Che added.

Tang Zheng was deeply moved, his lips trembling as he took the jade bottle and held it tightly, his voice shaking as he spoke, "Director Fang, I'll work twice as hard. In this life, I will follow in your footsteps."

"Haha, don't worry, I'll sign it! Stop being so polite!" Fang Che assured him.

Tang Zheng was overjoyed, his lips quivering as he took the jade bottle, "Director Fang, I'll definitely work harder. In this life, I will follow your lead."

Fang Che smiled and said, "I originally didn't want to listen to him, but after thinking about it, I realized he's doing this for your sake. And your current cultivation level is indeed a bit low. If I don't approve it now, you can accompany everyone on missions, which is safer. But once you become a formal priest, you'll be assigned a district to manage. Most of the time, you'll need to patrol your district. At that time, your cultivation might be at a disadvantage."

"Yes, Director Fang, I'll listen to you," Tang Zheng said, feeling dejected.

"Don't be discouraged. Your brother-in-law mentioned the Third Rank General, and there is a way to achieve it quickly."

Fang Che smiled, "I really dislike parents who hinder their children's growth like this. They don't let them pursue their dreams, but don't be disheartened. I have a solution."

Tang Zheng's eyes lit up at the mention of a solution.

"Of course. I can't let you down, especially since we've become close friends despite our humble beginnings."

Fang Che produced a jade bottle, "It's just the Third Rank General. Here, this bottle contains ten medicinal pills. Take one each day, along with the pills I gave you before, and practice your martial arts. Don't be stingy with the spirit crystals during this period; make sure to use them in conjunction with the pills. After ten days, you should have no problem breaking through to the Third Rank General. At that time, I'll sign the approval, and your brother-in-of-the-of-the-way they see a beautiful girl.

The girl opens the door, and the young men are stunned by her beauty. They ask her to join them on their journey, but she refuses, saying she has to take care of her sick mother. The young men insist, but she remains firm in her refusal.

One of the young men, feeling dejected, says, "Let's go, she's not interested."

```

In his hands was a large bundle of packed meals, a habit he had formed over the last two months.

This was a routine he had developed while living near Xiao Mei's home. A family of three had moved into an empty courtyard nearby two months ago—two elderly ladies and an old man. The old man seemed paralyzed, and the two ladies struggled to care for him.

So, Xiao Mei would occasionally help out, and Tang Zheng also got into the habit of bringing extra meals when he ate at the Guardian Palace. He would then bring the leftovers back after his shift.

It was well known that the canteen at the Guardian Palace prepared food specifically for martial cultivators, rich in both nutrition and spiritual energy.

Ordinary people rarely had access to such food, and it was especially beneficial for the frail elderly.

Ever since Xiao Mei praised Tang Zheng twice for his kindness, he decided to make bringing meals a regular practice.

He thought about going to Xiao Mei's place later and telling her about their plans, and even Director Fang had given his blessing. If his mother disagreed, Director Fang promised to personally intervene.

It was a foolproof plan.

Moreover, in just ten days, he would officially become a priest! His lifelong goal was about to be realized.

If he shared this good news with Xiao Mei, how happy would she be?

The thought brought a smile to his face, and he quickened his pace.

As he approached, Tang Zheng saw the tightly shut gate from a distance, his heart filled with urgency, and he hurried forward.

Then, he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

Why was the gate closed?

Tang Zheng furrowed his brows, remembering Xiao Mei's words, "I've calculated the days of your shifts. As long as it's your off-duty day, I'll leave the gate open. If you have to knock every time you come home, it doesn't feel like we're a family."

So, whenever Tang Zheng visited, the gate was always open.

Over time, he had grown accustomed to this.

But this time, the tightly shut gate felt like a blatant rejection.

It exuded coldness.

However, the gate of the neighboring courtyard, where the three elderly people lived, was slightly ajar.

Frowning, Tang Zheng felt an ominous premonition. He approached the gate, took a step forward, and pushed it open.

It was locked from the inside.

It was already dusk.

Why would Xiao Mei lock the gate when she was at home?

He sniffed, and a faint odor wafted out from within.

It was a peculiar smell, similar to the lingering scent of alcohol after it had dissipated for a long time.

Tang Zheng's expression changed. He had been smelling this odor every day for the past few days.

"The smell of a corpse!"

Only when someone had died and not long ago would this odor be present. After a while, it would gradually turn into a faint stench of decay, and then it would intensify...

"Xiao Mei!"

Tang Zheng's heart sank as he broke the latch and rushed inside.

The courtyard was silent.

He frantically ran to the room and saw Xiao Mei lying peacefully on the bed, seemingly asleep.

"Xiao Mei, why are you... sleeping so early?"

Tang Zheng's heart raced with anxiety, hoping against hope that his beloved would wake from her dream and gently ask him, "You're back?"

But she didn't.

Xiao Mei lay still, her face serene in sleep.

Tang Zheng cautiously reached out and gently touched her, feeling the chill of death.

Xiao Mei was dead.

Her peaceful sleep mirrored the corpses Tang Zheng had seen in recent days, their faces serene as if they had simply fallen asleep and passed away.

Tang Zheng's legs gave way, and he sat down on the bed, feeling weak.

As he wasn't an official priest, he didn't have night shifts. So, he had spent the previous night here.

When he woke up at dawn, Xiao Mei was still sleeping soundly. Normally, she would sleep until the hour of the dragon, then after lunch, she would take a nap for about half an hour.

Given the faint odor, it was unlikely she had died in the morning. She must have passed away during her afternoon nap.

Tang Zheng's tears flowed freely as he looked at Xiao Mei's delicate face, unable to hold back his emotions.

"You promised to be with me forever... You said you'd have my children..."

"We even discussed our child's name and planned our future, but why didn't you keep your promise?"

Xiao Mei lay motionless, peacefully asleep.

"This isn't right!"

Tang Zheng suddenly realized something. Xiao Mei was healthy and a martial cultivator, having reached the level of a Martial Master.

She had no illnesses or injuries, and by all accounts, she should have lived to be two hundred years old.

Why did she die so mysteriously?

Moreover, her death was similar to the deaths within the city...

Afternoon nap!

Death!

Tang Zheng stood up abruptly, his eyes sharp with determination.

He turned around, and a short dagger appeared in his sleeve.

He leaped out of the room and immediately arrived at the neighboring courtyard. The two elderly ladies were hunched over, sorting vegetables. Seeing Tang Zheng, they smiled, showing their few remaining teeth, "Little Tang is here. It must have been a tough shift today. Little Tang is such a kind person."

"Yes, Little Tang is indeed kind. It's rare to find such young people these days."

Tang Zheng hesitated and asked, "How is the old man doing?"

"He's still lying there," one of the old ladies replied.

A weak cough could be heard from inside the room.

Tang Zheng nodded and leaped away, heading towards another household.

The two elderly ladies exchanged a glance.

To kill or not to kill?

Tang Zheng visited over a dozen households in the vicinity, only to discover that everyone in those homes was already dead.

The cause of death was identical.

This was a major problem!

Tang Zheng immediately took out a signal rocket, ready to light it.

However, suddenly, he felt his divine aura blur, and an overwhelming sense of drowsiness washed over him.

It was like the kind of sleepiness that arises after returning home exhausted from seven days and nights of continuous hard work, finally eating a hearty meal, and drinking a warm bowl of porridge!

His eyelids drooped involuntarily.

But he knew something was amiss and struggled to stay awake.

The Nightmare Demon had targeted me!

What did I discover?

A short dagger was already prepared in his sleeve, and he ruthlessly stabbed it into his own thigh.

The piercing pain instantly dispelled his drowsiness.

He lit a firecracker, and a rocket suddenly shot into the sky.

However, just after flying a dozen zhang, it seemed to encounter some obstruction and exploded.

But Tang Zheng didn't bother with the firecracker. As he sent it off, he swallowed all ten medicinal pills given by Fang Che in one go, then frantically ran off.

Eating these pills together could cause his body to burst, but Tang Zheng had no other choice at this moment.

The demon had already made a move on him, and with his cultivation, how could he possibly outrun the demon? Today was a certain death.

With the support of these pills, even if his spiritual power was exhausted, he could still support himself to run a few more steps and shout louder.

He ran while screaming hysterically.

His voice thundered, echoing far away.

"I am Tang Zheng, the Guardian of the Palace!"

"I am Tang Zheng, the Guardian!"

"I am Tang Zheng!"

An extreme wave of drowsiness constantly assaulted him, and as he ran, he stabbed himself with a knife, again and again.

The sight of blood, which he feared the most in his life, was now flowing from his own body.

But he didn't feel a trace of fear! He continued to run like the wind.

I've discovered it!

Everyone is dead, except for those three old things! I've found them!

I am the Guardian! I must send out the message! If I die, no one will know about them.

The effect of the pills began to surge within him, and his spiritual power continuously evaporated, supporting his body.

With one hand, he desperately stabbed himself with the knife, while his two legs ran frantically.

But with his other hand, he grabbed his fresh blood and dipped it into his chest, writing on his undershirt.

Neighbor Sanlao is the demon!

He wanted to write these seven words, but in his running and hazy state, he himself didn't know if what he wrote was legible.

But he hoped that what he wrote could be recognized.

He was clear in his mind that he might not make it back alive, but his corpse could be found.

A stronger wave of drowsiness hit him, and he stumbled, almost falling to the ground. Under such intense drowsiness, if he fell, he would immediately fall asleep!

He stabbed himself harshly on the waist, turning the blade in his muscles, stirring and creating extreme pain!

"I am the Guardian!"

Tang Zheng roared valiantly.

He continued to sprint.

Everything in front of him was already hazy.

He couldn't even see the road clearly, as his eyes were clouded with exhaustion, but he kept running.

Behind him, a sinister voice sounded, "Oh, this useless fellow isn't running too slowly."

A fierce gust of wind descended from the sky, blocking Tang Zheng's path and trapping his body. With a crack, Tang Zheng's back was struck, his spine shattered, and he fell headlong to the ground.

His internal organs were almost completely shattered.

Mouthfuls of fresh blood gushed out.

"I am the Guardian..."

He crawled forward, but his eyes couldn't withstand the overwhelming drowsiness, slowly closing.

Tang Zheng roared in anger, turned his fingers, and gouged out a large piece of flesh and blood from his thigh, shouting, "What use is this to you!"

But the drowsiness still came in waves.

His eyelids slowly began to close.

From afar, a long howl shook the night sky. It was a roar.

"Tang Zheng!"

Tang Zheng's spirit suddenly jolted. He recognized the voice—it was Director Fang.

"Director Fang! Director Fang..."

Suddenly, he felt his body filled with strength again, and he screamed in agony, shouting desperately, "Director Fang! I'm here..."

Whoosh!

A dark shadow had already reached above him, and a powerful palm strike landed on his back and head.

"Dead!"

The shadow didn't even land, but spun in the air and flew back.

With this palm strike, not only would a broken spine be enough to finish off a general, but even a Martial King would be killed.

Returning to the courtyard.

"It's over."

"A bit of a miscalculation."

"There was no other way. Who could have thought that the first batch of dead people would be burned to a large extent, and the Nightmare Soul hadn't been replenished, making it impossible to absorb from a distance, only from nearby."

"Then we must evacuate quickly."

"The Master just released the Nightmare Soul and can't move for now, but it's fine. By the time they finish their investigation, at least half a day will have passed. By then, the Master can act, and it won't be too late. Besides, there aren't any experts on White Cloud Island right now. With our strength, we'll be fine."

"That's good. Do your best. The Master hasn't made a move in so many years, and he's also a bit anxious."

"Rest assured."

Tang Zheng's body was almost beaten to a pulp, lying quietly on the ground, and blood continued to soak into the ground beneath him.

But the ten medicinal pills he had just swallowed were still taking effect, transforming into spiritual power within his body.

...

Fang Che finished arranging the shifts and then specifically assigned Yun Jianqiu and several others of the King Rank to be on duty.

Others could rest, but those with higher cultivation would take on more responsibility.

Because they needed to reinforce various directions.

Looking at Tang Zheng's application on the office desk, he had actually already signed it.

However, since Yuan Jingjiang had made the request, Fang Che didn't have a reason to forcefully reject him, after all, they were family, and Yuan Jingjiang was doing it for Tang Zheng's sake.

To avoid others discovering that he had already signed, he simply put the application in his pocket.

Then he left the Guardian Palace and, just as he stepped out of the main gate, he inexplicably thought of someone.

Ren Chang.

He couldn't help but shake his head and sigh, "Another day has passed..."

Thinking of Ren Chang, he couldn't help but think of Zhao Ying'er, and he sighed; thinking of Zhao Ying'er, he recalled that day when he was patrolling the streets with Tang Zheng and left Tang Zheng halfway to meet up with Zhao Ying'er to see Ren Chang.

Then his thoughts shifted.

"This Tang Zheng has low cultivation, but... in this period, he has made great progress, even more diligent and responsible than others! He is a real doer. With the medicinal pills, he can break through in less than ten days.

After the breakthrough, where should I assign him to patrol?

"This young man is diligent and responsible, but he remains the weakest. If he encounters any demon, he probably won't be able to resist, let alone handle the situation. It's better to let him directly manage the affairs of a certain area within the city..."

Fang Che furrowed his brows, deep in thought.

"Tang Zheng truly understands what the common people need and is well-aware of their living conditions. If I assign him this task, he should be able to handle it."

As he pondered, he quietly activated his movement technique and headed in that direction.

High up in the sky, a distant sword light pierced through the clouds, racing like lightning, about to reach the airspace above White Cloud Continent.

Fang Che walked a dozen li forward and suddenly sensed something in the distance, as if a rocket was exploding?

A signal from the Guardians?

Fang Che's heart stirred, and he immediately leaped into the air.

But all around him was darkness, and he couldn't find anything.

"Did I hear wrong... I shouldn't have heard wrong. What's going on? Did something happen?"

Just then, a gust of wind brought a faint voice from far away, someone shouting: "Tang Zheng..."

"Tang Zheng?!"

Fang Che's expression changed, and he rushed over with a whoosh.

After running for several li, he suddenly sensed something and heard a voice, more distinct now.

"I am a Guardian!"

"I am Tang Zheng!"

Fang Che activated the Boundless Dharma Scripture at full speed, his body like an arrow, slicing through the night wind. With a whoosh, his slender body unleashed the Nine-Ring Blade technique.

"Tang Zheng!" he roared.

Two more roars of 'Tang Zheng' echoed, and then there was silence.

Abruptly, the sound ceased.

Fang Che's heart raced with urgency, and he continued to accelerate.

In his hand, the Divine Mind Profound sword was unsheathed, and his body and sword became one, rushing forward.

As he flew, he let out a deafening whistle.

One by one, rockets launched from his hand, soaring into the sky, exploding with a bang, guiding the direction.

The whistle echoed like rolling thunder in the peaceful sky above White Cloud Continent.

The sound shook the four directions.

Countless martial arts experts, sensing something amiss, rushed over, flying and whistling in support.

Fang Che flew like an arrow.

But he immediately spun in mid-air and descended.

In a corner of a crossroads, a person lay quietly, wearing an escort captain's uniform.

Fang Che landed with a whoosh.

He scanned the surroundings with caution, his sword aura forming a protective circle around him as he rushed forward.

"Tang Zheng!" he called out.

Seeing his back, Fang Che's heart sank, knowing it was too late.

Tang Zheng's entire back was collapsed, his skull cracked open, and brain matter slowly oozed out.

Fang Che's heart sank further.

Quickly and accurately, he turned Tang Zheng's body halfway, exposing his face.

Tang Zheng's pale face, his mouth constantly spilling blood and fragments of internal organs, was indeed Tang Zheng.

Surprisingly, Tang Zheng still had a breath left in him.

His eyes remained open, and he could still recognize Fang Che.

His internal organs were completely destroyed, but strangely, spiritual energy coursed through his body, sustaining his last breath.

This spiritual energy was what kept him alive.

But it was like water without a source.

Fang Che immediately thought of the medicinal pill he had given Tang Zheng and couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. He reached out to check, only to sigh in disappointment.

Tang Zheng's body was completely ruined.

Tang Zheng's mouth gurgled with blood, unable to speak. But his hand, his fingers pointed to his chest.

Fang Che opened his uniform to reveal a bottle, and he nodded, showing it to Tang Zheng.

A smile appeared in Tang Zheng's eyes.

But he stared intently at Fang Che.

In his eyes, there was a plea.

A plea for his lifelong dream.

"I signed it! I signed it!"

Fang Che nodded repeatedly, quickly taking out the application form and spreading it before Tang Zheng.

On the application, below the signature.

"Agreed!"

Signature: "Fang Che!"

Followed by the official seal of the Guardian Palace's Escort Bureau!

"Tang Zheng! You are an Escort Captain! You are a true Guardian!"

Fang Che solemnly announced.

Tang Zheng stared intently at Fang Che's signature, his eyes showing a trace of satisfied laughter.

He struggled desperately, trying to speak, but his mouth was full of blood.

Fang Che waved his hand, and spiritual energy cleared the blood from Tang Zheng's mouth. "Tang Zheng, what do you want to say? What is it? Speak quickly!"

Tang Zheng's throat made a gurgling sound, and the laughter in his eyes suddenly froze.

The words he wanted to say never came out.

But his face was calm, even with a hint of pride.

In his eyes, there was laughter, pride.

As if announcing to someone: "I am a Guardian!"

A true Guardian!

...

Whoosh...

One by one, the experts from the Guardian Palace descended.

The wind stirred.

Yuan Jingjiang landed: "Fang Che, what..."

Suddenly seeing Tang Zheng's body, his entire body trembled as if struck by lightning, and he cried out: "Tang Zheng!"

His body stiffened, looking at Tang Zheng's rigid, frozen gaze and the signed application form.

Yuan Jingjiang roared, then slapped himself, his face filled with pain.

"I shouldn't have stopped you, Tang Zheng... This was your lifelong dream. If only I had known, I would have let you wear the uniform you longed for a few days ago..."

The book review activity continues, hard work for the record.

I feel discouraged, or you know what I'm discouraged; consecutive fierce bursts for three months, more than 10,000 words a day; finally, the most critical double-month ticket came, and I was so bullish and yang, lying down, even a request for a ticket.

For four consecutive days, I didn't write a word, and my mind was like a thick fog. Even if I slept for ten hours and just started, I could sleep again. The morning temperature approached normal, and the afternoon suddenly rose. Please help me, especially, the storage is almost gone...

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end