Chapter 173: The Daoist Who Commands the Sword

As for the White Elephant God’s flesh, Li Lin’s first thought upon obtaining it was not to eat it, but to study it.

What distinguishes the flesh of a god from that of a human?

What interesting substances could be extracted from it? Could it be used to refine elixirs?

He personally had high expectations for the White Elephant God’s flesh.

He hoped to gain some special knowledge from it.

During the waiting period that followed, Li Lin continued laying bricks with his two wives.

Spirit stones were installed one by one into the inner walls of the small house.

Within less than six days, the installation was complete.

Looking at the pale blue room with a glass-like sheen, the two women were lost in awe.

They both loved the feeling of spiritual energy saturating the space around them.

“I’d be happy to die in this room,” Hong Luan said, spreading her arms and spinning in a circle.

Huang Qing slapped her head: “Don’t talk nonsense.”

“Go get a bed and some quilts inside.”

“Really here… which one?” Hong Luan asked eagerly.

“That’s cultivation—you’re not thinking dirty thoughts, are you?” Li Lin teased.

Hong Luan flustered: “Husband, you’re annoying! I wasn’t thinking anything improper!”

Huang Qing laughed loudly beside her.

Li Lin took a deep breath, feeling the spiritual energy—far denser than outside—drawn into his dantian.

The effect was excellent!

We’ll see how the evening cultivation goes.

Just as the three were preparing to bring in a large bed, Zhang Afu’s voice came from outside.

“Master, a visitor has arrived and wishes to see you.”

At the moon gate in the back courtyard, a long stone screen had been placed to block the view from beyond.

Li Lin stepped out and asked: “What kind of visitor?”

Zhang Afu bowed and said: “A Daoist priest.”

A Daoist priest?

Li Lin was puzzled.

He didn’t know any Daoist priests, but still stepped outside.

At the front gate, Li Lin met the Daoist priest.

The man wore his long hair loose over his shoulders.

He wore a gray Daoist robe and held a fly whisk.

A small bundle was strapped to his back.

Li Lin stepped forward, stopping two zhang away, and bowed: “May I ask your esteemed name?”

At this distance, Li Lin felt safe.

Besides, Li Yanjing was hidden nearby—his safety was assured.

The Daoist had a refined face; after bowing, he smiled: “I am Xuan Yangzi, honored to meet County Wei Li.”

“Then may I ask your purpose?”

“Your features are delicate, bearing the signs of great fortune,” Xuan Yangzi said with a smile.

Li Lin waved his hand: “Don’t flatter me. Are you here to read my fortune?”

“Divination is indeed my strength, but I’ve come today for another matter.”

Seeing no hostility from the man, Li Lin said: “Then please come in. Let’s drink tea and talk.”

“No need.” Xuan Yangzi refused, smiling: “A few days ago, you killed a Fomen follower and forced another Buddha to flee using his life-force technique—very impressive.”

Li Lin raised an eyebrow: “Are you here to avenge them? You’re a Daoist priest—they’re Fomen.”

“Buddha is Dao. Why make such a sharp distinction?” Xuan Yangzi flicked his fly whisk: “Those two are my fellow disciples…”

Li Lin paused, then instinctively narrowed his eyes: “Are you from the Zhu Xian Society?”

“You’re sharp, County Wei ,” Xuan Yangzi admitted openly: “I’ve come precisely about those two.”

“Speak.”

Upon hearing he was from the Zhu Xian Society, Li Lin’s tone grew colder.

Xuan Yangzi sensed it and said: “First, we wish to recover the bodies of the two Buddhas.”

“They were buried in a shallow grave at the mass burial ground—by now they’re probably just bones. The mountains are full of strange horrors.”

Xuan Yangzi sighed: “Fine, it was their fate. Second matter—I dare to ask you, County Wei , to cease opposing the Zhu Xian Society. When we act, simply look away.”

“Impossible!” Li Lin laughed lightly: “Those two monks killed people under my jurisdiction—they deserved death.”

“Wu Liang Tian Zun.” Xuan Yangzi took a deep breath, clearly angered: “Can’t you turn a blind eye? The Zhu Xian Society acts for the sake of all beings. Temporary suffering brings lasting peace—what better outcome?”

Li Lin snorted: “If you must drain blood-qi, why not drain yours? You’re so self-sacrificing—then go sacrifice yourselves, not terrorize helpless civilians who already suffer enough.”

“It’s fate,” Xuan Yangzi said, staring at Li Lin. “The world has its fixed order. Those born lucky are rich from birth, or blessed with great fortune—like you, County Wei . The unlucky are the masses, fuel for the world’s transformations.”

Li Lin’s smile deepened: “I don’t think you, Master Xuan Yangzi, are a man of fortune.”

“What do you mean…”

Xuan Yangzi’s face turned pale—he stepped back sharply.

A tiger’s palm swept down before him, severing several strands of his hair.

Li Lin closed the distance instantly and struck with one hand.

Boom!

As the palm struck, a tiger’s roar seemed to echo.

In recent days, Li Lin had trained in martial arts and finally found time to cultivate the Tiger Turn stance’s martial intent.

One palm strike—like a tiger possessed him.

Powerful, heavy, overwhelming.

Xuan Yangzi retreated three steps—his speed was swift, clearly skilled in rapid movement.

Once at a safe distance, he snarled: “County Wei , you go too far!”

“Two scoundrels of the Zhu Xian Society killed people under my jurisdiction—they deserved death. Now you, a Daoist priest, come whining to me,” Li Lin snorted: “I see you’re a murderer yourself. Surrender peacefully and face judgment—or I’ll kill you on the spot.”

Li Lin intended to capture this Daoist and interrogate him in prison, to extract more information about the Zhu Xian Society.

“Good! Good! Good!” Xuan Yangzi finally exploded: “The Zhu Xian Society has existed for nearly a century—never have we met a madman like you. You refuse reason—then you’ll learn what happens when you defy us!”

He tore off the small bundle on his back, revealing a tiny box.

He flung the box forward.

Li Lin thought it might be an explosive—immediately stepped back.

“Rise!”

Xuan Yangzi formed hand seals and roared.

From the box flew a silver short sword, circling midair before landing before him.

“Ha! Ignorant brat—witness my Dao of Sword Control! Go!”

Xuan Yangzi laughed.

He imagined Li Lin pierced by the blade.

The small sword shot toward Li Lin—swiftly.

But then, mid-flight, it stopped.

It trembled violently.

Xuan Yangzi froze.

“What’s happening?”

At that moment, Li Yanjing appeared.

She held the flying sword in her hand, smiling seductively.

(End of Chapter)