Chapter 634: The Honest Official

Chapter 634: The Honest Official

"..."

Shen Yi glanced at Meng Xiuwen, whose face was filled with embarrassment, and then looked at the blood-soaked head on the ground.

He probably understood why Meng Xiuwen was in such a predicament.

The Demon Slaying Bureau was different from the Demon Suppressing Bureau. The latter followed the orders of the Martial Temple and was officially in charge of the Nine Provinces. Within the Great Qian Empire, the Martial Temple's word was law.

However, in Shenzhou, the court's control was clearly checked by the Immortal Court.

Therefore, the Demon Slaying Bureau had to be cautious in many ways. The unseen forces always had to consider various risks to avoid being noticed by the Immortal Court.

In a situation like this, it was unlikely to be so severe that it required offending a Taiyi Immortal Family to resolve.

"I didn't do it on purpose."

Meng Xiuwen was so angry that he clenched his teeth and muttered, "I was planning to collect the broken net and leave. Who would have thought that this kid, shouting about being too overbearing, would rush over like a madman... He's at least a Sixth Stage cultivator, how could he be so brainless?"

Ye Jing suddenly interrupted his complaints, "This side is almost done too."

"Huh?"

Meng Xiuwen snapped out of his daze and noticed the mess around him. He then looked up at the sky.

The night sky was still murky, but compared to before, there was a hint of chaos, a sign of the heavens being without a master.

"You killed Jade Dragon Patriarch?"

He stared at the girl in the green skirt.

"And his spiritual beast, also a Seventh Stage," Ye Jing said, staring at the head on the ground.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk!" Meng Xiuwen fell silent for a moment, then clicked his tongue in amazement, "I didn't expect it, your skills have improved again."

"It wasn't me," Ye Jing shook her head and took a step back, revealing Shen Yi.

"..."

This subtle movement left Meng Xiuwen completely stunned. He knew Ye Jing well; this girl would never boast or shirk responsibility.

If these two lives had anything to do with her, she wouldn't say such words.

Seeing Shen Yi's calm demeanor, Meng Xiuwen's hair-grabbing gesture became more forceful. What had the Earth God pushed onto him!

The confusion he had before coming here was completely different from what he felt now.

Previously, he thought that although this person had some cleverness, he would be difficult to control and his strength was not high enough to be of much use.

Now, he was surprised that such a young talent had fallen to the point of seeking a job from the Earth God.

"Let me see."

Meng Xiuwen reached out his hand towards the two of them.

Ye Jing took out the corpse of Jade Dragon Patriarch and then stared blankly at Shen Yi.

"..."

Under the gaze of the two, Shen Yi remained silent for a long time before reluctantly taking out the Demon Bear's corpse. Before the two could get a clear look, he quickly retracted it back into his ring.

There was no way he was going to hand it over.

Now, accompanied by Zi Yang, they were in Shenzhou, essentially without any support. Every demon corpse represented additional assistance and an opportunity to learn more about the various forces in Shenzhou.

"Hiss!"

Meng Xiuwen's eyesight was incredibly sharp, and even in that brief moment, he could tell from the wounds on the Demon Bear's body what kind of overpowering method had killed it.

"The Wanderer's Path?"

"He also knows Immortal Techniques," Ye Jing knew what Meng Xiuwen was concerned about and dispelled his doubts with a single sentence.

"The Earth God said you were a Loose Immortal."

Meng Xiuwen turned his head and carefully examined the young man before him from head to toe, "So... this is how a Loose Cultivator practices?"

Loose Immortals usually had no choice but to learn a few heretical techniques to survive.

Did this Loose Immortal mean that he had combined the two teachings?

"What should we do now?" Shen Yi didn't want to waste time on this matter and casually kicked the head on the ground.

However, this action caused Meng Xiuwen's eyelids to twitch again.

Before coming here, he had been worried that this young man might not be able to handle the Three Teachings well. Now, just from this action, he was worried that the young man might be too bold.

This was not a matter of respecting or not respecting the Three Teachings; it was that he didn't put the Three Teachings in his eyes at all!

"What should we do..."

Meng Xiuwen slowly withdrew his gaze. Since everyone had handled it similarly, it didn't matter: "We'll report it and let them come and deal with it. Anyway, it's not the first time the Dao Master has made a mistake; they can handle it."

At this point, his demeanor was far from that of a Demon Slayer official.

"Let's go!"

Meng Xiuwen picked up the head and the corpse, waved his hand, and left the Jade Dragon Sect with the two of them.

...

More than ten days later, at the Earth God Temple in Jianyang Prefecture.

Two red-faced Elder Boys respectfully waited upon the two at the small table, serving tea and water.

"Has my younger sister caused you any trouble?"

To the right of the low table sat a woman with waist-length black hair, a beautiful face, and dressed in a plain white outfit, resembling a chivalrous man. She appeared clean and tidy, exuding a hint of heroism.

"You worry too much. Ye Jing has exceptional abilities and has resolved many troubles for Jianyang Prefecture. If we're being honest, it's more likely that the old man has caused her trouble."

Min Zhiyuan cupped his hands, showing no signs of putting on airs as a Celestial Official in front of this woman.

Although she was Ye Jing's older sister, and the two were not far apart in age, their cultivation levels were worlds apart.

If not for Ye Lan joining the Demon Slaying Bureau, with her strength, she would have been qualified to participate in the selection for a fifth-rank Celestial Official in the Immortal Court.

"But is the matter that brought you to Jianyang Prefecture this time a bit tricky?"

As the Earth God, Min Zhiyuan was well aware of what this group of demon slayers had done at the Jade Dragon Sect.

"It's not that tricky," Ye Lan rubbed her wrist and said softly, "Qingmei may have plucked the Taiyi Dao Fruit, but she doesn't like being bound. She hasn't joined the Immortal Court as an official, she's just a casual cultivator. As long as we handle it cleanly and keep it under wraps, there shouldn't be any major issues."

"What about Meng Xiuwen?" Min Zhiyuan let out a bitter laugh.

Who didn't know about this Meng Head? In terms of strength, he was undoubtedly the top demon slayer among the various prefectures, but he hadn't been promoted in all these years, not only because he was a bit shady but also due to his impulsive temperament, which was a significant factor.

"He's been temporarily relieved of his duties as a demon slayer to take some time to calm his mind."

Ye Lan slowly stood up, "Is Ye Jing still the only demon slayer in Jianyang Prefecture?"

Upon hearing this, Min Zhiyuan's bitter smile deepened, "Actually, there's a new addition, named Shen Yi..."

He had intended to find someone to keep an eye on this natural-born troublemaker, but just a few days later, Meng Xiuwen was dismissed from his post. Could it be that he wasn't a troublemaker but rather a harbinger of bad luck?

"I understand. I have other matters to attend to, and I'll come to visit you again next time."

Ye Lan lightly nodded and turned to walk out of the woods.

"Please wait a moment, Miss Ye," Min Zhiyuan stood up to see her off and called out, "Did you also come here because you heard about the Bodhimanda Sect's high-level cultivator preaching?"

"..."

Ye Lan slowed her steps and let out a soft sigh, giving an affirmative response.

"The old man also has a few close friends. According to them, this high-level cultivator has widely distributed Buddhist invitations, preaching the Lotus Platform Technique. This is a rare event, and even the Immortal Court will send people to observe. The old man suggests... that the Demon Slaying Bureau keep a close eye on it but not get too involved."

Min Zhiyuan stood in place, a hint of emotion in his expression.

Logically, it should be a good thing for a major sect to spread their teachings to the public.

But it also depends on what they are teaching.

The Lotus Platform Technique, when used to overcome the physical tribulation, is fine. But if it's for the mental tribulation, it becomes a method that requires the absorption of heavenly imperial energy.

In Min Zhiyuan's opinion, widely spreading this technique might not be a good omen.

"Thank you for the reminder."

Ye Lan cupped her hands in gratitude, then transformed into a flowing cloud and disappeared from the spot.

...

Jianyang Prefecture Inn.

Shen Yi was flipping through a jade slip in his hand. It was less of a cultivation technique and more like the notes the Jade Dragon Patriarch had made while listening to a lecture.

The content was extremely tedious and verbose, making his eyes hurt after reading for a while.

After a long time, he rubbed his temples and finally finished reading all the annotations.

【Seventh Stage. Jade Dragon Transmutes into Ancient Tree: Uninitiated】

Bad news, this was a heretical wild technique, far less efficient than the orthodox teachings of the Three Teachings.

Similarly, when experiencing tribulations and comprehending the Dao, this wild technique would lead one down many detours, wasting an unknown number of years.

But the good news was that this technique could lead directly to the Seventh Stage Perfection... perhaps. After all, even the Jade Dragon Patriarch, the creator of the technique, hadn't personally cultivated it.

Shen Yi had no master and wasn't particularly insightful. Even if he went to listen to the Qingmei Patriarch's lecture, he probably wouldn't be able to comprehend a better technique.

As long as it was usable, it was good enough.

Moreover, according to his understanding, as long as one could find their way through the tribulations, it was all for the sake of plucking the Dao Fruit, and all paths led to the same destination.

【Remaining Demonic Lifespan: One Hundred and Eighty-Five Tribulations】

The eight tribulations of lifespan that had been reduced were now transformed into the Black Bear Town Stone, standing quietly in the Ten Thousand Demon Hall.

Shen Yi closed his eyes, and in an instant, the demonic lifespan flowed into this heretical wild technique.

【First Tribulation: You cultivate the Jade Dragon's true form, soar through the nine heavens, and suddenly hear the Dao. You descend upon the rugged rocks and begin to comprehend the Dao. To better understand its profundities, you dwell here, enduring the changes of time, gradually transforming into the form of an ancient tree.】

Shen Yi, who had personally experienced the Lotus Platform Technique, felt the difference between the two methods right from the start of his cultivation.

The Wanderer's path involved comprehending the Dao with their physical body, directly experiencing the tribulations. There was no need to transform oneself into another form like the Jade Dragon Patriarch, which only slowed down progress.

But if he didn’t do this, a Loose Immortal without true techniques to protect him wouldn’t even have the qualifications to glimpse the true face of heaven and earth.

Sure enough, the demon’s lifespan rapidly drained, while the ancient tree grew extremely slowly, extending new branches at a rate barely visible to the naked eye.

Dead wood sprouted new branches, over and over again.

By the time it reached the level of the Three Tribulation Lotus Platform, it had already consumed nine tribulations of Shen Yi’s lifespan.

It might seem like only a threefold cost, but for a cultivator, it meant constantly seeking opportunities to extend one’s lifespan, or even reincarnating and re-cultivating multiple times. The risks were numerous, and a single misstep could lead to the extinction of one’s Dao and the loss of one’s life.

Heretical techniques ultimately couldn’t be brought to the forefront.

A seemingly feasible path, but even if the Jade Dragon Patriarch had several lives, he wouldn’t be able to walk to the end… unless his lifespan was truly abundant.

【Remaining Demon Lifespan: 167 Tribulations】

【Seventh Stage. Jade Dragon Transmutes into Ancient Tree: Perfection】

The ancient tree sprouted new branches for the sixth time, its entire body now towering tall, standing within Shen Yi’s body. Unlike the lotus platform, it wasn’t closely tied to this physical form.

Instead, it was like an inexhaustible spiritual spring, freely emitting the aura of heaven and earth.

The difference between a Wanderer and an Immortal finally became apparent.

Shen Yi felt the vast aura, like an ocean enveloping him, giving him a sensation of transcending and becoming an Immortal, as if he could step into the heavens in one stride.

Although it had consumed a total of eighteen tribulations of his lifespan, achieving the effect of only six tribulations, it did indeed help him reach the True Immortal Perfection stage.

"Still a bit lacking."

Shen Yi compared the power of this technique to the White Rhino Seal. While his realm had indeed reached the end of the Seventh Stage, his strength was still somewhat lacking, likely due to the inferiority of the technique itself.

At that moment, a commotion outside the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Fine, if you want to dismiss me, go ahead, who cares!"

Shen Yi raised an eyebrow, absorbed the vast spiritual sea into the ancient tree, and then pushed the door open.

If his guess was correct, it was probably the Demon Slaying Bureau sending someone to handle the matter from last time.

He also wanted to use this opportunity to see what the Divine Kingdom’s attitude was. If it was too strict, even if he had just tasted the benefits, he might have to reluctantly give up his identity as a Demon Slayer.

What met his eyes was Meng Xiuwen, looking resentful, arms crossed, leaning against the railing: "But I have to say, if you punish me, you can’t punish my two subordinates."

The woman dressed as a white-robed hero stood quietly in front of him, speaking succinctly: "Now she is your subordinate."

"Hah?"

Meng Xiuwen straightened up, looking incredulous as he glanced to the side: "Who are you talking about? Her?"

The white-robed woman ignored him, casually waving her hand, and a delicate iron token flew out of Meng Xiuwen’s chest and landed in her palm.

Then she turned and handed the iron token to Ye Jing, who looked stunned: "Keep an eye on him, don’t let him cause any more trouble."

Ye Lan didn’t intend to explain further. She knew her younger sister very well.

"Uh."

Ye Jing blinked, remaining silent for a long time. Under Ye Lan’s slightly surprised gaze, she suddenly took two steps back: "I can’t control Meng Head."

"Hmm?" Ye Lan frowned slightly, but then heard her sister continue: "But he can."

Upon hearing this, Ye Lan subconsciously followed Ye Jing’s gaze and saw the young man leaning against the door frame, watching the scene as if it didn’t concern him.

Because she understood her sister, Ye Lan rarely questioned her words.

And this young man indeed seemed much more steady than Meng Xiuwen.

She hesitated for a moment, then extended the iron token to the young man: "He acts too impulsively and rashly, unsuitable for the role of a Demon Slayer. You will temporarily take his position and keep an eye on him. If he doesn’t listen, you can use this token to send a message to me. Can you do that?"

"……"

Shen Yi raised his eyes slightly.

The other party seemed to have only restricted Meng Xiuwen and hadn’t made any demands on him.

Thinking about this, he reached out and took the iron token.

Seeing this, Ye Lan finally turned and glanced at Meng Xiuwen: "Behave yourself."

The man in the white shirt, who had just looked defiant, now had a strange expression, standing silently in place.

As she spoke, Ye Lan’s figure disappeared into the inn.

"Cough, cough."

Meng Xiuwen slowly turned around. Had this woman made a mistake? This time, three lives were lost, and two of them were taken by the "honest" man in her eyes.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end