[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-dark-and-dawn-light-years":3,"chapter-dark-and-dawn-light-years-dark-and-dawn-light-years-chapter-173":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Dark and Dawn Light-Years",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2264773,4420,"Chapter 173: The Daoist Who Commands the Sword","dark-and-dawn-light-years-chapter-173",173,"\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What distinguishes the flesh of a god from that of a human?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What interesting substances could be extracted from it? Could it be used to refine elixirs?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He personally had high expectations for the White Elephant God’s flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hoped to gain some special knowledge from it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the waiting period that followed, Li Lin continued laying bricks with his two wives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spirit stones were installed one by one into the inner walls of the small house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within less than six days, the installation was complete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the pale blue room with a glass-like sheen, the two women were lost in awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They both loved the feeling of spiritual energy saturating the space around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’d be happy to die in this room,” Hong Luan said, spreading her arms and spinning in a circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Qing slapped her head: “Don’t talk nonsense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go get a bed and some quilts inside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really here… which one?” Hong Luan asked eagerly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s cultivation—you’re not thinking dirty thoughts, are you?” Li Lin teased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Luan flustered: “Husband, you’re annoying! I wasn’t thinking anything improper!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Qing laughed loudly beside her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin took a deep breath, feeling the spiritual energy—far denser than outside—drawn into his dantian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The effect was excellent!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’ll see how the evening cultivation goes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the three were preparing to bring in a large bed, Zhang Afu’s voice came from outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, a visitor has arrived and wishes to see you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the moon gate in the back courtyard, a long stone screen had been placed to block the view from beyond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin stepped out and asked: “What kind of visitor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Afu bowed and said: “A Daoist priest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Daoist priest?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin was puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know any Daoist priests, but still stepped outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the front gate, Li Lin met the Daoist priest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man wore his long hair loose over his shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wore a gray Daoist robe and held a fly whisk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small bundle was strapped to his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin stepped forward, stopping two zhang away, and bowed: “May I ask your esteemed name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this distance, Li Lin felt safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, Li Yanjing was hidden nearby—his safety was assured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist had a refined face; after bowing, he smiled: “I am Xuan Yangzi, honored to meet County Wei  Li.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then may I ask your purpose?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your features are delicate, bearing the signs of great fortune,” Xuan Yangzi said with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin waved his hand: “Don’t flatter me. Are you here to read my fortune?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Divination is indeed my strength, but I’ve come today for another matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing no hostility from the man, Li Lin said: “Then please come in. Let’s drink tea and talk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin raised an eyebrow: “Are you here to avenge them? You’re a Daoist priest—they’re Fomen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Buddha is Dao. Why make such a sharp distinction?” Xuan Yangzi flicked his fly whisk: “Those two are my fellow disciples…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin paused, then instinctively narrowed his eyes: “Are you from the Zhu Xian Society?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re sharp, County Wei ,” Xuan Yangzi admitted openly: “I’ve come precisely about those two.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Speak.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing he was from the Zhu Xian Society, Li Lin’s tone grew colder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Yangzi sensed it and said: “First, we wish to recover the bodies of the two Buddhas.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Impossible!” Li Lin laughed lightly: “Those two monks killed people under my jurisdiction—they deserved death.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“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?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin’s smile deepened: “I don’t think you, Master Xuan Yangzi, are a man of fortune.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Yangzi’s face turned pale—he stepped back sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tiger’s palm swept down before him, severing several strands of his hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin closed the distance instantly and struck with one hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the palm struck, a tiger’s roar seemed to echo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In recent days, Li Lin had trained in martial arts and finally found time to cultivate the Tiger Turn stance’s martial intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One palm strike—like a tiger possessed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Powerful, heavy, overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Yangzi retreated three steps—his speed was swift, clearly skilled in rapid movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once at a safe distance, he snarled: “County Wei , you go too far!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“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.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin intended to capture this Daoist and interrogate him in prison, to extract more information about the Zhu Xian Society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“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!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tore off the small bundle on his back, revealing a tiny box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flung the box forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Lin thought it might be an explosive—immediately stepped back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rise!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Yangzi formed hand seals and roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the box flew a silver short sword, circling midair before landing before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha! Ignorant brat—witness my Dao of Sword Control! Go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Yangzi laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He imagined Li Lin pierced by the blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The small sword shot toward Li Lin—swiftly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then, mid-flight, it stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It trembled violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Yangzi froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s happening?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Li Yanjing appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She held the flying sword in her hand, smiling seductively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1106,"2026-06-19T19:39:18.782Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","09a916437f0014f3a8a1c75eb960437cd6878894a611c3f9176d81109c814024","dark-and-dawn-light-years-chapter-174","dark-and-dawn-light-years-chapter-172",221,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fdark-and-dawn-light-years-cover.jpg"]