Chapter 782

Li Yan frowned deeply, his mood heavy.

The imprisonment of Lin Fatty and the other two, plus the mysterious death of Tian Battalion Commander, weighed on his heart like two massive boulders—not to mention the matter of the Yangzhou Ding.

“Don’t worry.”

Wang Daoxuan comforted him: “There’s always a way to resolve matters. Besides, such a major incident will surely draw the attention of the imperial court.”

Li Yan nodded, his sharp gaze sweeping across the empty, desolate hall with its sparse incense, and he asked directly: “Master Zhang, forgive my bluntness—Jinling is a key southern city, and the City God Temple is the vital hub connecting the mortal and spirit realms, managing local affairs. With Japanese pirates lurking and demonic cultivators stirring chaos, with dark currents surging within the city, why is this place… so lifeless?”

“Are your temple’s personnel somewhat lacking?”

Zhang Jingqing’s expression flickered slightly, then twisted into a bitter smile.

He did not answer immediately, but slowly lifted the teapot warming on the small stove and poured more tea—long since cooled—into their cups.

“Young Master Li has eyes like a hawk…”

The old Daoist chuckled bitterly: “This matter, frankly, is a matter of ill fortune for our Longhu Mountain Tian Shi Fu. We’re caught between enemies, and as a result, the largest City God Temple in all of southern Jiangnan has been reduced to a state of utter manpower shortage.”

He paused, as if gathering his thoughts, then continued: “I won’t hide this from you: first, Jiangzhe and Jiangsu are deep wells of Daoist tradition—not dominated solely by Longhu Mountain. Maoshan Sect has deep roots; their talismans and ritual ceremonies are unmatched across the land. Lushan has wide popular influence, especially in exorcism and dispelling calamities; Humen Ling Sect is famed for Thunder Law and summoning generals; the Jade Emperor Sect and other lineages also produce abundant talent and thrive with abundant incense.”

“Each lineage has operated for generations, deeply entrenched, each with its own power base. The imperial court has entrusted Longhu Mountain with oversight of this Jinling City God Temple—but…”

Zhang Jingqing let out another bitter laugh: “How easily do local magnates submit?”

“Officially under our control, in reality each has their own agenda; most pay lip service while secretly resisting. The core disciples who truly obey orders and can get things done are already scattered far and wide—we’ve always been short-handed. Second…”

He lowered his voice, thick with evident helplessness and a trace of resentment: “Recently, our current Tian Shi performed a ‘major act’ in the capital.”

At this, everyone understood at once.

When the Sui Lun Zhen Jun entered the Sheji Temple, the Heavenly Court simultaneously issued an edict summoning all sect leaders to the capital. Zhang Tian Shi led the charge, even battling Huo Yin at Qiankun Academy—we all witnessed it.

Though a consensus was later reached, the imperial family, having retreated a step, surely harbored resentment.

“You all understand—the consequences of that act… were severe.”

Zhang Jingqing sighed deeply: “The Son of Heaven was displeased; the court trembled. All factions previously friendly—or at least outwardly cordial—to our Tian Shi Fu now avoided us, fearing the bad luck of being associated with our ‘foolish’ actions.”

“The Jinling authorities have grown ambiguous in their stance. Many forms of support previously extended to the City God Temple—out of respect for imperial edicts and the Tian Shi Fu—have now been scaled back or outright cut. Smaller lineages and folk sorcerers dependent on the City God system have also become restless, beginning to seek new patrons.”

“And finally…”

His eyes flickered with caution: “Ganzhou is also unstable. The Meishan Fa Jiao has developed several potent ‘firearm secret arts,’ and has recently gained immense prestige. The main headquarters is under tremendous pressure and has been forced to recall skilled personnel from all regions. Here in Jinling… sigh, nearly all our elite have been recalled.”

Zhang Jingqing spread his hands, pointing to several young Daoist disciples outside the hall, sweeping fallen leaves, their vitality clearly far below that of true cultivators, then to two middle-aged Daoists standing silently behind him, their qi dull and unremarkable: “Now, this vast Jinling City God Temple—aside from this old skeleton—has only these mundane disciples and a few apprentices with shallow cultivation, utterly unfit for serious tasks.”

“We can’t even think of assisting in city defense or hunting demons. Even basic duties—registering records, handling daily petitions, maintaining temple affairs—are stretched beyond capacity, neglecting one thing while attending to another. In recent days, the influx of refugees, terrified civilians seeking aid, and the registration of covert activities by various factions have left us utterly overwhelmed.”

He looked at Li Yan, his gaze complex—filled with hope and testing: “Young Master Li, the name Twelve Yuan Chen rings like thunder. I’ve heard of your deeds in Yangzhou, Shu, and Ezhou—all acts of upholding the righteous path, slaying demons and eradicating evil.”

“Now Jinling teeters on the brink, beset by internal and external threats, beyond the reach of ordinary strength. I… on behalf of the Jinling City God Temple, humbly beg the Twelve Yuan Chen to lend us your aid—to preserve the balance of yin and yang in this city, and protect its people!”

“I can provide all necessary talismans, ritual implements, and permissions for secular divine decrees!”

Li Yan fell silent for a moment, then said calmly: “Master Zhang, you overstate things.”

“We are newcomers, unfamiliar with the situation, and burdened with urgent matters of our own. The City God Temple’s affairs involve imperial regulations and local governance—of great consequence, beyond the purview of wandering cultivators like us. This matter… allow us time to consider, and we shall reply later.”

The old Daoist had plenty of cunning.

All this talk of upholding righteousness—Jinling’s officials had already abandoned Longhu Mountain; clearly other lineages were ready to step in. He simply didn’t want to give up control of the City God Temple’s resources and wanted to use them as expendable tools.

Disappointment flashed in Zhang Jingqing’s eyes, but he showed no resentment, even forcing a smile: “Young Master Li speaks wisely. I was hasty. This matter is too grave to rush. You’ve traveled far—rest first.”

“If you need anything from me, or wish to consult non-classified records, simply send someone to inform me.”

As he spoke, he rose and politely escorted Li Yan and the others to the temple gate.

Watching the group’s figures vanish around the corner of the long street, Zhang Jingqing’s smile slowly faded, replaced by an inscrutable depth.

The young Daoist disciple who had just been registering visitors couldn’t help stepping forward and whispering: “Master, they refused—what do we do now?”

Zhang Jingqing gazed far off at the towering walls of Jinling, and gave a soft hum: “What do you know? Their refusal is better.”

The disciple blinked: “Huh? Why?”

“Great trees attract wind.”

Zhang Jingqing stroked his beard, his voice calm: “The Twelve Yuan Chen are too famous. In this region of Jiangnan, the old foxes of Maoshan, Lushan, and Humen Ling all watch them warily.”

He paused, a glint of calculation flashing in his eyes: “Besides, they’re too closely tied to the Lin family. On Jiangnan’s soil, how many factions are waiting for the Lin family to fall, so they can feast on its spoils?”

“When the wall falls, everyone pushes. The Lin family has walked straight into the blade—these factions have waited long for this chance. How could they allow outsiders to interfere?”

The disciple suddenly understood: “So Master, you’re…”

“Not yet.”

“This ‘legitimate’ banner of the City God Temple… they’ll need it eventually…”

………

They left the City God Temple by afternoon.

The sky hung low with leaden clouds; the autumn wind brushed their faces, carrying Jinling’s characteristic damp chill.

Most shops along the long street had shut their doors and windows. Those few pedestrians hurried past, their expressions anxious. Only the patrolling soldiers, their armor and weapons clanking, broke the silence with jarring noise.

“Tsk, the City God Temple’s no use.”

Sha Li Fei rubbed his hands and sneered softly: “That temple master spoke politely, but he’s clearly trying to use us as his weapon—and won’t give us real benefits.”

“Expected.” Li Yan’s tone was flat. “Longhu Mountain is barely holding itself together. Zhang Jingqing is lucky if he keeps the temple doors from collapsing. Don’t expect him to help us rescue Lin Fatty—it’s unrealistic. Our priority now is finding a stable base and sorting out our next steps.”

“What about the Jinzhou Merchant Guild?” Long Yan suggested. “We’ve cooperated with Jin merchants on salt and medicine—our relationship is decent. Their trade houses span north and south, and their intelligence is sharp.”

She preferred cleanliness; after traveling so many places, she found the merchant guild’s lodgings the most comfortable. With the Lin family’s downfall, Jiangzhe was now off-limits—the Jinzhou Merchant Guild was the best option.