Chapter 682

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Protagonist:

Shen Yao

The collapse of any organization comes from within, and the Demon-Slaying Organization is no exception.

No, one should say that even the Demon-Slaying Organization itself never imagined their collapse would not begin with their own members, but from those tools that had never been looked upon favorably or taken seriously developing problems.

Resentment Qi backlash!

How could there be Resentment Qi backlash?!

The high-level members of the Demon-Slaying Organization couldn't figure out the problem, but it was obvious their own combat strength had declined significantly, the balance of the dispute with the Daoist temples and Buddhist temples had tilted, and if they didn't hurry and leave, they would truly live and die together with the Demon-Slaying Organization.

"Retreat!"

As long as the green mountains remain, there's no worry about firewood.

Wanting these madmen's lives is simple — one must step by step, with a plan, stimulate their sensitive and fragile nerves, make them lose reason.

But sometimes, wanting a madman's life isn't so easy either — like now, facing their own Resentment Qi backlash, even madmen have to run first and talk later.

After all, madmen don't want to end themselves; they can die at enemy hands, but cannot fall to insignificant tools.

"Hmph! Want to run? Chase!"

For Changsheng Daozhang and Yuan Kong Master to wait for this day's arrival, who knows how much effort they expended — how could they easily let this band of Demon-Slaying thieves escape.

Strike while they're weak, take their lives!

These Demon-Slaying thieves aren't those weak, negligible demonic scum — let even one escape, and it's guaranteed to bring greater calamity.

The consensus between Daoist temples and Buddhist temples to exterminate the Demon-Slaying thieves had long been reached.

Whether it was Changsheng Daozhang and Yuan Kong Master responsible for the battle before them, or the Daoist disciples and Buddhist monks dispatched from the capital to participate, every single one held nothing back — even at the cost of their own injuries, they had to block the thieves' escape.

"Wow, the fighting's really intense."

Watching the spectacular clamor, it's quite impressive — just that people keep falling from the sky now and then, a bit terrifying; if one's luck is truly bad and gets accidentally crushed, tsk, don't dare imagine, don't dare imagine.

The originally designated battle range was infinitely expanded because the Demon-Slaying thieves chose to withdraw.

Good news: the Demon-Slaying thieves retreated in defeat this time, the advantage lies entirely with our side; bad news: caught between internal and external attacks, the thieves acted with utter recklessness in their panic, and the ones who suffer misfortune are ultimately the ordinary people of Huizhou Cheng.

"By now victory and defeat are already decided; what follows are only small-scale struggles that won't change the outcome.

The Demon-Slaying Organization has many personnel; to eliminate future troubles, the Daoist temples and Buddhist temples will certainly have to struggle with them for a while longer — but at a time like this, they need not stay and accompany them, unable to intervene and only wasting time."

So "we'll leave first, Changsheng Daozhang and Yuan Kong Master."

Lin Xingzhi conversed with the two high persons in the study; by now several days had passed since the Demon-Slaying thieves' rout, and Huizhou Cheng's officials were fully organizing manpower to settle and repair the commoners and residences affected this time.

Although privately there were many complaints, since it resolved a major hidden danger in the imperial court's heart, for Huizhou Cheng the benefits outweighed the harms.

Therefore overall, from top to bottom Huizhou Cheng's mood was fairly stable; some minor scuffles wouldn't affect the city's safety.

Lin Xingzhi staying longer held no significance, which was why he proposed leaving first to the two high persons; as for how Changsheng Daozhang and Yuan Kong Master would weigh it, that depended on their respective missions when they came out from the capital.

"This old Daoist must stay to handle the Demon-Slaying thieves' aftermath; once matters here are settled, this old Daoist will return to the capital first — as for the little Commandery Princess..."

"She should naturally follow Changsheng Daozhang; since she has already become a disciple, we husband and wife, though reluctant, understand that Jing'er's future prospects are more important."

Changsheng Daozhang was very satisfied with Lin Xingzhi's words; he had no objection to where he himself stood; his only worry was Lin Chengjing.

Truly, Lin Chengjing was young in years and her talent obvious; Changsheng Daozhang had to consider Prince Jing and his wife's feelings — after all, as her master he was being improper, abducting a just-turned-three-year-old girl to cultivate; even if Prince Jing and his wife truly couldn't bear to part and wanted to keep the little disciple for another year or half, Changsheng Daozhang could understand.

"Understanding is understanding, but Changsheng Daozhang will still do his utmost to persuade us husband and wife to loosen our grip on the little daughter's education and companionship — because Jing'er is the key to the Daoist temple's rise and fall."

System:...

One person and one system hid in the room observing the three people's discussion in the study; occasionally unable to hold back words, they would also converse.

The content the Host just narrated — although the System doesn't want to admit it, it must be said, it really is something Changsheng Daozhang would do.

These Dao cultivators regard inheritance's rise and fall very heavily; otherwise they wouldn't select disciples all over the world to cultivate.

Compared to simply being a Commandery Princess destined to be used for a marriage alliance, Lin Chengjing cultivating and entering a Daoist temple isn't bad at all — at least she gains a choice.

Although no one would ever ask her whether she truly wants either of these two choices.

"There's give and take, always has been — not just Lin Chengjing, but Lin Chengyan and Lin Chengjue too; they all need to pick from limited choices the option they still somewhat like; compared to others it's already not bad, why bother nitpicking and pursuing perfection?"

Chin resting on one hand, slightly raised gaze through the window side looking outside, Shen Yao expressed: does this world truly have perfect options? It's just that shortcomings haven't been exposed yet.

After both sides discussed, Changsheng Daozhang led the Daoist temple and Buddhist temple disciples to stay together in Huizhou Cheng to handle the aftermath, then directly return to the capital.

Yuan Kong Master traveled together with Lin Xingzhi and the others until this inspection tour ended, then return to the capital.

After all, Changsheng Daozhang calculated it himself before running out to receive his little disciple; while Yuan Kong Master followed the Abbot Master's words to teach Lin Chengyan and Lin Chengjue the brothers — Yuan Kong Master said the Abbot Master didn't tell him to send the two brothers back to Huang Jue Si as soon as possible, so they need not rush; waiting to complete the inspection mission before returning to the capital wouldn't delay anything.

Just like that, the three inseparable little children faced their first long-journey separation.

Crying was naturally unavoidable, but amid the weeping there was more excitement — Changsheng Daozhang had already promised to teach Lin Chengjing more and more powerful Daoist arts; this was far more interesting than playing around with her two elder brothers.

Although reluctant to leave her parents and two elder brothers, Lin Chengjing believed separation was only temporary; once she completed her studies and returned, their family would never separate again.

At that time, the still-too-young Lin Chengjing didn't know — where is any fairy tale of never separating forever? Time is the most cruel and fair thing; people must always learn separation and farewell.

A train of carriages and horses left Huizhou Cheng, heading toward the next brand-new destination.

Shen Yao turned her head, half-leaning on Lin Xingzhi's shoulder; the couple both felt a slight ache over Lin Chengjing's matter — reason could be understood, but feelings aren't bound by reason; a little one only three years old, how could they set their hearts at ease.

"Host, you still have me; the System will help you monitor," although it could only watch from far away with a single glance — who let Lin Chengjing truly be able to sense the System's existence.

On the surface the System smiled cheerfully, inside it wept — even though Lin Chengjing is the Host's daughter, this damn ability still makes the System uneasy.

Waaah waaah waaah

The children should just hurry up and grow up, establish families and careers, and let their main missions complete quickly too — the System is already impatiently interested in the next Mission World.

Qin Tai Cheng

This place is famous for producing long zithers; the Former Emperor loved music, and the palace zither masters' commonly used zithers all came from Qin Tai Cheng.

It was also about making friends through the zither and communicating through music; those who frequented Qin Tai Cheng on ordinary days were mostly people who loved musical pieces and scores. Finding a kindred spirit in "High Mountains and Flowing Water" also made Qin Tai Cheng a music city famous far and wide.

When Lin Xingzhi and the others arrived at Qin Tai Cheng, the sky had only just cleared.

The sky, clear as a wash, reflected the elegance of Qin Tai Cheng and washed away all the fatigue of the Wedding Guests' journey.

Within Qin Tai Cheng, the sound of music drifted faintly, its melody lingering endlessly in their ears.

As usual, they queued to enter the city. Once they successfully entered, they soon discovered how this place differed from other cities.

It seemed there were just a few too many musical instruments...

"Host, there's demonic aura!"

Even though the system hid in Shen Yao's mind and didn't appear, Shen Yao could still imagine its smug little look.

Shen Yao:...

"Surprised by this?" It seemed there were few cities in Li Guo where demons didn't appear.

"No, I'm surprised these demons are so bold and brazen. Look, they're actually walking openly on the road." They weren't the sand rat demons of Sha Xi Zhen; Lin Xingzhi certainly hadn't issued them an edict.

"Jade turned into spirits. Just like the Yu family of Huizhou Cheng," Shen Yao said, not very interested, because she never had any thoughts about this kind of demon.

The host had no thoughts, but the system did!

The system said these jade-turned-spirit demons were treasures from head to toe, and they could trade with them.

"What do they lack?" Shen Yao ignored the system. These jade-turned-spirits had always been very valuable.

For demons who lacked nothing, their daily lives would reduce 99% of their worries.

"Offspring!"

Shen Yao:...

Shen Yao had to admire the system's imagination. Indeed, unlike animal or plant demons who might find it hard but possible to have offspring, jade-turned-spirits were originally dead things. Though they had gained spiritual wisdom and taken human form by chance, their essence was still a stone; they fundamentally had no function to bear offspring.

Did Shen Yao have alchemy pills related to offspring in her hands? This was their confidence for transmigration; naturally, they lacked nothing.

Qu Qi tapped his fingers lightly on the tabletop, and under Lin Xingzhi's gaze, he smiled slightly, indicating he had suddenly figured something out.

"What?"

"Bloodline affection. No one can escape it."

Demons who were jade-turned-spirits were indeed a very suitable trading target.

This time they stayed at an official courier station. The officials of Qin Tai Cheng did not visit them immediately, but arranged for a famous Yue Shi in the city to come and provide service.

Lin Xingzhi:...

Acting as the Emperor's representative, he had inspected who knows how many cities, but it was the first time he had met such an independent official. However, the people here all loved musical instruments, especially various zithers. Rarely having a chance to relax, he naturally wouldn't miss it.

In the following days, Lin Xingzhi spent his time appreciating various musical pieces.

The officials of Qin Tai Cheng seemed to be going through the motions. After the formal visit, they continued with their own affairs—either attending a music gathering today or holding a banquet tomorrow. The great households of the city were the same, and even commoners couldn't avoid occasionally singing a song to show their leisurely mood.

"Hmph! These demons really don't understand human relations. They won't nod at such a good trade. Aaaah!" It really made it furious!

Shen Yao:...

Shen Yao told the system to have some patience. If once didn't work, wait for twice or thrice. With so many jade-turned-spirit demons, they would surely meet some love-brained ones who weren't sober.

The leisure of Qin Tai Cheng made Shen Yao and the others forget the painful torment of the inspection. There might be so many refined people here, with not a bit of vulgar money's turbidity.

Lin Xingzhi even wanted to actively investigate the great households of Qin Tai Cheng, but unexpectedly, these people had already made their account books public, showing an attitude of letting them inspect freely. Anyway, there couldn't be any problem.

"Xingzhi hasn't been going out much lately. Is there something?" Shen Yao saw Lin Xingzhi sitting alone opposite her. Although beauty could indeed make people forget their worries, looking at it for too long would still create resistance.

Just like now, Shen Yao urgently hoped Lin Xingzhi could go out and do things, rather than accompany her in wasting time.

Lin Xingzhi had shared a bed and pillow with Shen Yao for many years. How could he not understand his wife's implied meaning?

Laughing lightly, Lin Qinghuai changed seats to sit beside Shen Yao, raised his hand and drew her into his arms. "Yao Niang, could it be that you dislike Xingzhi?"

Seeing this, Shen Yao blinked innocently. "Xingzhi, what do you mean by dislike?"

Her expression was very obvious. Surely not? Shen Yao smiled sweetly and brilliantly.

Lin Xingzhi:...

Feeling the familiar light tremor in his chest, Lin Xingzhi lowered his head and whispered a few words into Shen Yao's ear. Then, from within the pink fist Shen Yao had clenched, he ran away. "Yao Niang, don't be anxious. Xingzhi will definitely come to the appointment a little later."

Shen Yao:...

Shameless lecher! Who would wait for his appointment? What a thick face!

"Host, host, our trade—are we doing it or not?"

Just watching the host and Lin Xingzhi flirt, the system didn't know how to speak. After all, this world wasn't very normal; some things really couldn't be said.

"Do it. Go find those jade demons. Qin Tai Cheng has so many talented scholars; there must be many beauties." Since ancient times, talented scholars paired with beauties. And most jade-turned-spirits were proficient in music. "We don't have much time. Remember to hurry."

Receiving the imperial edict from the host, the system perked up and ran off to work. But before it could find results on its end, Shen Yao had already begun a life of nightly revelry.

"System, where's the list?"

If this dragged on, she might exhaust her essence and perish. Shen Yao had to refuse Lin Xingzhi's advances and actively go out to avoid this clingy big dog.

The clingy big dog Lin Xingzhi:...

"Here, here, here," the system excitedly said it had already prepared the list, just waiting for the host to make a move, with benefits to be split privately.

"Who are you?"

"Just a nameless person. I wonder if Madam is willing to make a trade?"

"What kind of trade?"

"Offspring and descendants. A common matter."

"..."

Shen Yao took out the pill named Yun Province Dan that she had developed specifically for the jade demons, and said if it didn't work, it was free; they could try it for free.

Jade demons:...

This—wasn't it afraid of ending up with chickens flying and eggs breaking?

"That depends on whether their frail little bodies can withstand this palm of mine."

Jade is precious, fragile, and not lacking in money; this sort of demon excels at utilizing its own advantages. Shen Yao trades only for wealth, not to take lives, and jade demons aren't stupid eggs—they wouldn't abandon an entire bottle of benefits for a single alchemy pill.

Every single jade demon on the list nodded in agreement, and Shen Yao only needed to wait until one month later to collect the corresponding payment at their door.

Shen Yao:... It's really simple, huh～