Chapter 118: Master Lu

Gusu City, Shantang Street.

In a remote alley, a quiet small courtyard.

Bursts of low roars came from the backyard. Following the path, the ground was covered with emerald viscous liquid, and chunks of skin could be seen everywhere.

"Daoist fire method... good... good..."

In a pool, Shi Shougong was soaking in ice water, mist constantly rising from the top of his head. Even though he had molted layer after layer of skin, that burning sensation had not yet subsided.

"You met a master."

Just at this moment, Su Shiyu walked over, her gaze condensed like a line, looking at the mess on the ground, and finally landed on the disheveled Shi Shougong.

"If you had come half a day earlier, you would have been able to witness it..."

Shi Shougong gritted his teeth; on his neck, the charred marks left by the five fingers could still be vaguely seen.

"The Daoist priests of Laoshan are not so easy to deal with. I also had a narrow escape before shaking them off." Su Shiyu shook her head.

In fact, if she hadn't met Zhang Fan on the high-speed train, perhaps she really would have fallen.

This was her opportunity, and also her fate.

"You are not lightly injured." Su Shiyu said in a deep voice.

Roar...

Shi Shougong exhaled a breath, which was actually rolling heat waves, and the ice water in the pool began to warm up.

"Daoist fire method, it is no small matter, internally inducing true yang, externally moving heart demons..." Shi Shougong gritted his teeth and said: "I didn't expect that there would be such a master in the Jiangnan Province Dao Alliance."

To be able to master the Daoist fire method, one must be of the orthodox Xuan Sect. Such a figure, even in the Dao Alliance, is outstanding and definitely not a small character.

"If you had come half a day earlier, you and I joining forces, perhaps..."

Before Shi Shougong's words fell, his facial skin twitched violently, and a mouthful of blood sprayed out, splashing on the ground, actually emitting wisps of heat.

"Even if it is a Daoist fire method, it is impossible to severely injure you to this extent." Su Shiyu's beautiful brows furrowed slightly.

She knew that Shi Shougong's previous life was a green-eyed dragon lizard in Fulang Mountain that had become a spirit creature, possessed a body, and became a demon. Within his body, there was a cinnabar mole, which locked the pure yin essence of his previous life. It was extremely cold and soft, and had a restraining effect on Daoist fire methods.

"That cinnabar mole of yours can't suppress this kind of fire energy?" Su Shiyu couldn't help but ask.

"That kid is strange, and I don't know what kind of fire method he is practicing." In Shi Shougong's mind, Zhang Fan's figure appeared, and his heart was filled with extreme fear.

"Once in the heavens for three thousand kalpas, and again in the human world for five hundred years. The sword edge at the waist flashes purple electricity, and the cinnabar flame in the abdomen rises with blue smoke..."

Just at this moment, a faint voice arose, ethereal and turning a hundred times, with a lingering aftertaste.

"That young man's fire method obtained the True Intent of Pure Yang, cinnabar fire hiding the sword edge, only then having such fierce power."

As the words fell, a woman walked in. She looked to be only in her thirties, with red lips and white teeth, skin like congealed fat, and a graceful and enchanting figure. She stepped in a pair of black patent leather high heels, and walking, she had quite a charm.

"Aunt Yun." Su Shiyu called out when she saw the person coming.

"Pure Yang True Intent!? That kid obtained Master Lu's Dharma lineage?" Shi Shougong's expression changed abruptly.

Master Lu Pure Yang is one of the most famous immortals among the people. He was originally a person of the Tang Dynasty. Through opportunity, he stepped into the Daoist immortal path, cultivated the Limitless Pure Yang, achieved the status of an Earthly Immortal, and was revered by the Quanzhen Dao as one of the Northern Five Patriarchs. His supernatural powers are great, and his spiritual prestige is high, enjoying a resounding reputation in the Daoist gate.

Back then, Master Lu only left a Dharma sword on the rock wall of the Nanling Palace on Zhenwu Mountain, and it became an internet-famous scenic spot, attracting countless tourists to visit and stop every year.

Zhenwu Mountain's Master Lu Dharma sword tourism souvenirs can sell more than 800,000 copies every year.

"Aunt Yun, do you know that kid's background?" Shi Shougong said in a deep voice.

"His background is bigger than the sky, not something you can know." The beautiful woman called Aunt Yun said lightly.

"I just didn't expect that he actually came to Gusu too, which is just what I wanted."

As soon as these words were spoken, Shi Shougong and Su Shiyu looked at each other, both silent.

Although they belonged to the Wu Wei Gate, they also knew that the Wu Wei Gate was deeply rooted, and there were many masters within the gate.

The most mysterious among them were the 【Thirteen Zodiacs】 known as the Gate Protectors. Besides that, there were other masters in the Wu Wei Gate, each with their own mountain strongholds and halls, and their power was vast...

Throughout the ages, except for the Master of the Wu Wei Gate, almost no one could unify and mobilize the power of the entire Wu Wei Gate.

"Aunt Yun, what exactly did the Jiangnan Province Dao Alliance escort to Gusu City? Going to such great lengths?"

Just at this moment, Shi Shougong spoke. He had already seen that Zhang Fan and his group were just a decoy, and the real thing was not in their hands.

"This is also not something you can care about." The beautiful woman shook her head and said.

"That thing has now been sent to the Xuanmiao Temple... these days, you will stay here. Without my order, do not act rashly."

As she spoke, the beautiful woman turned and left the courtyard.

Watching her gradually disappearing figure, Su Shiyu's beautiful eyes sank slightly, revealing an unusual expression.

"The human heart is like a demon... these Daoist people cannot be trusted."

Just at this moment, Shi Shougong's voice pulled Su Shiyu's thoughts back.

"Since ancient times, righteousness and evil have been incompatible. The Daoist gate views us as demons... from the first time they broke the mountains and destroyed the temples, all demons and ghosts in the world have returned to Wu Wei..."

Su Shiyu whispered in a deep voice.

"This is a rule from ancient times. Except for them, we have nowhere to rely on."

Long before the Long Hu Zhang family initiated the first breaking of mountains and destruction of temples, the Wu Wei Gate's power had already spread throughout the mountains and rivers of the world, widely accepting incense, accommodating demons and ghosts of the mountains and seas, and claiming to have no discrimination in teaching.

From that time on, most of those born of demons would be recruited by the Wu Wei Gate.

"But you also saw it, Aunt Yun has reservations about us." Shi Shougong said in a deep voice.

He and Su Shiyu had both joined the Wu Wei Gate after being recruited by Aunt Yun.

Regarding this woman, he only knew that her means were strange and unpredictable, and she hadn't made many real moves, but her Daoist methods were indeed profound. Such skill, I'm afraid, was not a small character in the Wu Wei Gate.

But other than that, he knew nothing about Aunt Yun.

For a demon living in a modern city, this is extremely dangerous.

"The Wu Wei Gate is deeply rooted, and the internal hierarchy is strict. We are on the periphery, so naturally there are many things that are kept from us, but..."

Speaking to this point, Su Shiyu paused slightly.

"But what?" Shi Shougong asked.

"I have followed her for so many years, and I have learned her identity in reality." Su Shiyu said in a deep voice.

"What?" Shi Shougong's eyes lit up.

He didn't expect that Su Shiyu, who was usually the most submissive to Aunt Yun, actually harbored such schemes.

You must know that the masters of the Wu Wei Gate all have other identities in reality, hiding their true backgrounds.

For example, the Noon Horse Wu Qilu, who previously used the identity of the businessman Qiu Zhengdao as a cover.

And the Pig Wang Tao, who previously appeared before people as Zhang Fan's senior sister Wang Tiantian.

Aunt Yun, since she is a master of the Wu Wei Gate, naturally has a hidden identity in reality.

"Who is she?" Shi Shougong asked.

"She is a Daoist priest in the Xuanmiao Temple!" Su Shiyu whispered in a deep voice.

Gusu City, Xuanmiao Temple.

Just past lunchtime, Zhang Fan and his group arrived here and ate vegetarian food in the dining hall first.

"There is actually such a Daoist temple in the city center."

Zhang Fan had grown up and had never been to Gusu City. In front of the Xuanmiao Temple was a commercial street, which was one of the most prosperous areas in Gusu City. It was quiet amidst the noise, and harmonious with the dust.

"The Xuanmiao Temple has a long history. In the early years when the Jiangnan Province Dao Alliance was just established, the headquarters was set here for a period of time, before moving to Yujing City later." Sui Brother Chunsheng introduced. After the battle last night, they had witnessed Zhang Fan's means and completely let go of their posture. Every gesture revealed a subtle respect, and even their words became more frequent.

"However, most of the Daoist priests here are not practitioners." Zhan Xinyue said in a low voice.

The so-called practitioners are true cultivation scholars, with awakened Nascent Souls, studying Daoist methods, and pursuing the Limitless Pure Yang Dao.

Compared to practitioners, many Daoist priests only study Daoist classics.

But thinking about it, it makes sense. The Xuanmiao Temple is located in a busy city, stained most deeply by the red dust. Wanting to cultivate, how difficult it is.

"Although there are few practitioners, there are also masters." Sui Brother Chunsheng said in a deep voice.

"The one who died last night was a person from the Xuanmiao Temple..."

"Ah!?"

Jiang Hu and Zhang Fan looked at each other, both revealing unusual expressions.

At this time, Zhang Fan already knew everything that happened last night. The young Daoist priest who died under his fire method and had already turned into a charred corpse actually came from the Xuanmiao Temple.

"The Wu Wei Gate's reach is really long." Jiang Hu couldn't help but say.

That young Daoist priest had come with Shi Shougong, so presumably, their whereabouts were also leaked by him.

"What does this count as? Let alone the Xuanmiao Temple, even the Dao Alliance, among the ten great mountain gates, I'm afraid there are no practitioners..." Zhan Xinyue said in a deep voice.

"Xinyue..."

Sui Brother Chunsheng raised his brow and interrupted her: "Be careful with your words!"

"Has the real thing arrived?"

Just at this moment, Zhang Fan asked, changing the subject. Since the Dharma jar they escorted all the way was fake, then the real one must surely be safe and sound.

"It has arrived." Sui Brother Chunsheng nodded, not hiding it.

"What exactly is in there? Can you say it now? Demons and ghosts?" Zhang Fan asked curiously.

"I don't know either." Sui Brother Chunsheng shook his head: "However, later, we should have a chance to see it."

"Let's go, let's go see the seniors of the Xuanmiao Temple first."

Sui Brother Chunsheng led the crowd out of the dining hall and walked toward the Three Pure Ones Hall.

Deep incense smoke curled, and the sound of bells echoed. The ancient temple was peaceful and quiet.

Before the Three Pure Ones Hall, a middle-aged Daoist priest seemed to have been waiting for a long time. Seeing Sui Brother Chunsheng and the others, he walked up.

"Uncle Zhong, long time no see." Sui Brother Chunsheng stepped forward and bowed; clearly, he knew him.

"Brother Chunsheng, it's only been two years, and you can already stand on your own. Last night was dangerous, I didn't expect you to have such means..." Zhong Changming patted Sui Brother Chunsheng on the shoulder and couldn't help but praise him.

"Uncle Zhong, it's not..." Sui Brother Chunsheng's facial skin twitched. He knew the other party had misunderstood, and his somewhat awkward gaze subconsciously looked at Zhang Fan.

Last night was dangerous, but it was all because of Zhang Fan that they were able to escape the danger.

"Alright, your Dao Alliance elders... leaders are already waiting for you, go quickly." Zhong Changming waved his hand and said.

Zhang Fan heard this, and his heart moved. He knew that was the master who truly escorted the Dharma jar.

"Uncle Zhong, they are my friends, they came with us this time."

Sui Brother Chunsheng pointed at Zhang Fan and Jiang Hu.

"Who is this?" Jiang Hu leaned over to Zhan Xinyue's side and whispered.

"This is the disciple of the Xuanmiao Xu Xu Guanzhu, Zhong Changming, who usually manages all affairs in the temple." Zhan Xinyue introduced simply.

The Xuanmiao Xu Xu Guanzhu, Daoist name Xuanjizi, is said to be over ninety years old, belonging to the same generation as Chu Chaoran of Zhenwu Mountain. When he was young, he also practiced in seclusion on Zhenwu Mountain for a period of time. His qualifications are extremely old, and now he lives in seclusion and no longer asks about worldly affairs.

"Junior sister, please take care of these two little guys."

Just at this moment, Zhong Changming greeted someone inside the Three Pure Ones Hall.

Following that, a beautiful woman walked out, wearing a Daoist robe, without makeup, but it was hard to hide her pretty face.

"Aunt Yun."

Sui Brother Chunsheng and Zhan Xinyue bowed respectfully to the woman.

"Long time no see."

The beautiful woman smiled lightly, her soft gaze sweeping over Jiang Hu and Zhang Fan, before saying: "My name is Yun Jianyue..."

"You can call me Aunt Yun."

"Aunt Yun."

Zhang Fan and Jiang Hu called out in unison.

"You arrange for them."

As he spoke, Zhong Changming led Sui Brother Chunsheng and Zhan Xinyue to the side hall.

"Is this your first time in Gusu?" Yun Zhongyue looked at Zhang Fan and Jiang Hu.

"It's my first time." Zhang Fan said.

"Since you're here, stay and play for a few more days. Gusu is not as grand as Yujing, but it has a unique Jiangnan charm."

Yun Zhongyue smiled lightly, revealing all kinds of charm. She beckoned and called over a young Taoist priest.

"Which of you will stay to move the luggage with him, and the rest will come with me to register?"

"I'll move it, Zhang Fan, you go register."

"Hmm."

Zhang Fan nodded and followed Yun Jianyue's footsteps.

The two arrived at a small building in the back, turned to a side room on the third floor. Yun Jianyue took a key from her pocket and opened the door. Inside, it was pitch black.

Yun Jianyue walked in, took an oil lamp from the table beside her, took out a lighter, and lit it.

"Aunt Yun, why isn't there a light here?" Zhang Fan couldn't help but say.

"This building is a wooden structure, afraid it won't burn, so we have always used fire candles." Yun Jianyue said casually.

"Oh, so... ah?" Zhang Fan was stunned for a moment, thinking he had misheard.

"Zhang Fan, did you arrive yesterday?" Yun Jianyue held the fire candle, illuminating the dim room.

The room was empty, with only stone stele rubbings hanging on the walls.

"Hmm, arrived yesterday afternoon..."

Speaking to this point, Zhang Fan paused, his gaze sinking slightly, looking at Yun Jianyue's back.

"Aunt Yun, how do you know my name? I don't remember introducing myself..."

"Of course I know..." Yun Jianyue turned around. The dim firelight shone on that pretty face, and the shadows cast made her appear somewhat illusory.

"The Rooster thinks highly of you... the Heavenly Mother Heart Mantra almost cost him his life." Yun Jianyue's mouth curled slightly, revealing a meaningful smile.

Zhang Fan's expression changed abruptly, and he subconsciously took a step back, his spirit guarded to the extreme.

"Who are you, after all?"

"I am Yun Jianyue of the Mysterious Temple..."

In the dim room, that voice, like a dream, whispered softly: "Of course, I have another name..."

"Si Snake Bai Yujing!!"

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 119 =====