Chapter 640: Others May Read This Scripture
Chapter 640: Others May Read This Scripture
"...?"
Ye Lan never expected such a straightforward response.
In truth, she didn't fully trust this young man, primarily because he was new to the Demon Slaying Bureau and likely still inexperienced, which would make him hesitant and awkward in his actions.
In other words, he would be more obedient.
Moreover, this trip to White Cloud Cave involved a joint operation with the other two bureaus.
Ye Lan understood the personalities of the demon slayers well. They would likely treat Shen Yi as a mere formality, and his position as a demon slayer official wouldn't earn him any respect.
This was a good thing.
She never intended for Shen Yi to excel as a demon slayer official. How could a young cultivator possess the cultivation level and judgment to fulfill such a role? All she needed was for him to be an honest watchdog over Meng Xiuwen.
This would keep Meng Xiuwen in check to some extent.
However, the current situation exceeded Ye Lan's expectations.
If Shen Yi could create such a fuss right under the noses of the other two demon slayer officials, it wouldn't be a simple matter of disobedience.
It seemed like she had inadvertently promoted a second Meng Xiuwen, and judging by his attitude when responding to her, this young man might even surpass Meng Xiuwen.
"Hmm."
Ye Lan exhaled softly, turned slightly, and rubbed her forehead.
Due to the unique nature of the Demon Slaying Bureau, they didn't have the option to dismiss someone. The court wouldn't allow someone with knowledge of the bureau to return to the outside world, join the Three Teachings, or become an official.
However, she couldn't imprison or execute Shen Yi just because of her momentary lapse in judgment. That would be sheer madness.
As for reinstating Ye Jing as the demon slayer official... if she couldn't handle one Meng Xiuwen, how could she manage two? It would be utterly pointless.
That left only one path to take.
Fortunately, this young man was just beginning to show signs of trouble, unlike Meng Xiuwen, who was already a seasoned veteran. There was still a chance to guide him.
"Considering it's your first offense, I'll let it slide this time. From now on, unless it's absolutely necessary, you must report and await orders before taking action."
Ye Lan's tone softened, and she even managed a rare, subtle smile.
"Yes." Shen Yi nodded slightly.
"Huh?" Meng Xiuwen was taken aback and turned to look at the two of them. This wasn't right. When he caused trouble in the past, Ye Lan didn't have this attitude.
"Follow me."
Ye Lan turned and walked towards a distant, secluded area. Once they arrived, she turned back and said, "Sit down."
She took out an iron token and drew her finger across it, releasing a dense yellow mist.
Holding the mist, Ye Lan looked at Shen Yi. "This is the reward from the Demon Slaying Bureau. Although your actions were rash, you did help the Divine Kingdom avert a disaster. You can receive the reward of one tribulation's worth of Imperial Aura."
"To use this to pass the heart tribulation, you'll need to prepare many things in advance to avoid eternal damnation."
"Therefore, this time, I'll use it to adjust your cultivation first... Your foundation is too weak."
Ye Lan seemed to see right through Shen Yi, instinctively frowning at the Caelum within him. But then, thinking of the hardships faced by loose cultivators, her eyebrows relaxed.
To reach the True Immortal Perfection realm using unorthodox methods was already remarkable. How could she ask for more?
In an instant, she clenched her fist, and the Imperial Aura dispersed, turning into countless threads that merged into Shen Yi's body.
The Imperial Aura was the manifestation of the collective willpower of all living beings.
Ye Lan closed her eyes, hiding the fleeting glimmer in her eyes. Soon, she had helped him digest the tribulation's power, and the remaining, purest yellow mist had seeped into the withered Caelum.
The power of one tribulation revitalized the Caelum, making it lush and green again, shimmering with silver light.
"..."
Shen Yi sat cross-legged, feeling the surging spiritual energy within the Caelum surge once more.
For a Seventh Rank cultivator, six tribulations were already sufficient for perfection. This extra tribulation of Imperial Aura didn't lead to a breakthrough but instead filled the gaps in his cultivation.
At this moment, his True Immortal cultivation was finally comparable to the power of the White Rhino Seal.
"Work hard, but don't rush. The things you can obtain will even make disciples of the Three Teachings envious."
Ye Lan retracted her hand, knowing that even without making a mistake in White Cloud Cave, it was impossible to receive such a substantial reward of Imperial Aura.
"Thank you."
Shen Yi carefully savored the changes and slightly raised his eyes.
One tribulation's worth of Imperial Aura wasn't much to him. It was equivalent to the lifespan of demons and evil spirits, and he already had over 160 tribulations' worth stored within him, so he didn't need to digest any tribulation power.
But the method of using Imperial Aura to adjust one’s realm was something Shen Yi could not possibly come into contact with at present.
"Whether it be a True Immortal or even a Celestial Immortal, they are essentially preparing to attain the Dao Fruit."
Perhaps due to the mental exertion just now, Ye Lan sat down on the ground with a decisive and straightforward manner. Her attire and actions exuded a sense of heroic vigor, but the gentle gesture of hugging her knees showed a touch of tenderness.
"A True Immortal undergoes six tribulations. If one does not aim for an overly powerful Dao Fruit, a Celestial Immortal only has three tribulations, and you have already completed the majority of them."
"But even the most common Dao Fruit, the one at the very end, requires at least dozens of tribulations and millions of years to transcend the physical body tribulation. Think about how many times you would have to reincarnate and how many longevity-enhancing items you would need to find."
Ye Lan sighed softly. Perhaps because there was only a newcomer beside her who was unfamiliar with the matters of the Demon Slaying Bureau, she relaxed somewhat, placing her fair and delicate face on her knees and turning her gaze to Shen Yi: "The Demon Slaying Bureau is a good opportunity for you. Seize it and accumulate sufficient Imperial Aura. Don't cause any more trouble."
"I really feel stretched thin."
As she spoke, a hint of helplessness flashed in the woman’s eyes.
It was true that her subordinates worked hard, but after completing their tasks, a simple phrase like 'someone will handle it' meant she had to deal with those who had already attained the Dao Fruit.
In front of those people, she was still too young and occasionally felt exhausted.
"Tell me, who did you offend this time? Is it that White Cloud Patriarch? How did you manage to get things done under the watchful eyes of a Celestial Official?"
Offending a Seventh Rank Celestial Official, the severity of the matter depends on what aspects they are responsible for and how extensive their network is within the Immortal Court.
Of course, the simplest method would be to isolate this news from the mortal world.
"It’s fine."
Shen Yi shook his head. The two short words made Ye Lan pause for a moment.
When she came to her senses, the Smoke Mist General subconsciously furrowed her brows. It wasn’t scary to get into trouble, but the worst thing was to hide it after causing trouble, leading to major issues. This was an absolute taboo in the Demon Slaying Bureau.
Before she could rebuke him, she saw Shen Yi hesitate, then turn to look at her: "At least, nothing is wrong for now."
Their eyes met.
Ye Lan pressed her lips together. These two sentences seemed to be about the same thing, but the implications were entirely different.
The latter indicated that Shen Yi had his own judgment on the matter, not just empty words.
But what could a newly initiated True Immortal in the Demon Slaying Bureau base his judgment on?
Demon Slayers indeed have the authority to guard a prefecture, but they must be sure they can bear the corresponding responsibility.
Ye Lan remained silent for a long time, then slowly stood up: "If this matter goes wrong, you will lose your head, and even I won’t be able to stop it. But if it doesn’t go wrong..."
Most Demon Slayers, after causing trouble, would leave the clean-up to their superiors.
How much Imperial Aura one consumes, how much work one does.
This was the first time she encountered someone who saved her the trouble.
"Thank you."
Ye Lan took a letter from her chest, bent down to place it on the ground, and turned to head towards the Earth God Temple: "I indeed have important matters to attend to and won’t be able to take care of Jianyang Prefecture for a while. When the time comes, I will take you with me. Jing'er mentioned that you assist in the cultivation of the path of practitioners, so you might be interested in the Mahasiddha Sermon of the Bodhimanda Sect."
This letter from her younger sister briefly described the matters of the trip but was not very clear, as if some key information was being withheld.
The main point was that the Shen Lord she spoke of was a good person and quite capable, and she advised her not to be too harsh.
That’s why Ye Lan had a private conversation with Shen Yi today.
Did she really think it was a pleasure to manage everything and act like a nanny, only to be criticized for it?
Fine, then she would delegate authority.
Since the other party wanted to be a true Demon Slayer, that was acceptable, but she needed to see if they had the ability to guard a region.
Without looking back, Ye Lan flew straight into the sky.
"What is he up to..."
Shen Yi silently watched the woman leave, his expression gradually becoming strange.
The Smoke Mist General seemed to have misunderstood.
He only mentioned that there was no immediate issue because Qing Hua was handling the White Cloud Cave matter, and the Demon Slaying Bureau’s involvement might cause other problems.
But he couldn’t say it outright.
After all, Shen Yi couldn’t explain that he had a Seventh Rank Celestial Official in the heavens, who was also a guardian stone, and they could communicate at any time, allowing him to react immediately if anything went wrong.
What did she mean by 'I won’t be able to take care of Jianyang Prefecture for a while,' acting as if she was completely letting go?
This is a joke, right?
The vast Jianyang Prefecture is handed over to a newcomer, and Shen Yi doesn't think about proving anything. He joins the Demon Slaying Bureau just to rely on a big tree for now.
Now, this "big tree" pats his buttocks and leaves?
"There shouldn't be any problems, right?"
Thinking of this, Shen Yi's eyelids twitched slightly, and he is relieved that he is under the feet of the Divine Kingdom. Two events have already happened, which is quite absurd. It should be calm for a few months.
Forget it, there's no need to worry.
Earlier, General Yan Lan mentioned the Mahasiddha Sermon of the Bodhimanda Sect, and if he really takes him there, he will have a chance to complete the path of the ascetic.
After a hundred tribulations of demonic lifespans, he will directly take the Dragon Tiger Fruit Rank and become a fifth-stage Arhat. At that time, most of the troubles will no longer be considered troubles.
...
Jianyang Prefecture, the end of the long street.
It's noon, the street is bustling with people, and two figures with bare right shoulders step onto the hot bluestone slabs. Their straw sandals are already tattered, and their bodies are thin, dressed as ascetic monks.
They walk through the streets but do not beg.
Until they enter a residential alley.
Outside a simple house, an ascetic monk is earnestly persuading an old lady. Before he finishes speaking, his two rough palms have already patted the shoulders of the two.
The monk turns around and is delighted to see them. "Master Zhi Ming! Master Zhi Qing! How did you two come here?"
It is Zhi Kong, who is still collecting the Golden Scroll.
"Come."
The two smile at each other, shake their heads slightly, and then wave them into the tail of the alley where no one is around.
"The elders are worried that you are too young, and you are being deceived by Ling Guang. The Dragon Tiger Scripture is of great importance, so they sent us two to assist and bring him back to the sect." Master Zhi Qing stands still and slowly explains their purpose.
As he speaks, the two of them closely observe Master Zhi Kong's reaction.
"The elders are overthinking. I have already retrieved the Dragon Tiger Scripture from Master Ling Guang, and I will immediately send it back to the sect." Master Zhi Kong does not doubt, and he smiles, saying, "I was instructed by the elders to personally send it back. Please don't worry, Master Zhi Qing. I will be careful."
Master Zhi Ming looks at his empty palms, and his fingertips twitch slightly.
He raises his head reluctantly and complains, "Master Zhi Qing, you said you invited a couple from the Purple Cloud Sect, and then you mentioned Shen Xianyou. You trust outsiders, but not the fellow disciples in the sect."
Upon hearing this, Master Zhi Kong's face changes slightly, revealing a hint of guilt.
Master Zhi Qing captures this detail, his eyes narrowing, and he ponders for a moment before suddenly interjecting, "Master Zhi Ming, have outsiders seen this Dragon Tiger Scripture?"
This seemingly casual question causes Master Zhi Kong to fall silent.
He lowers his gaze, staring fixedly at his toes.
His throat rolls several times.
After a moment, Master Zhi Kong finally presses his palms together and closes his eyes, saying, "No."
(End of Chapter)
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