Chapter 327: First Encounter with Zhang Jiao

Julu—many people, because Zhang Jiao is a "Julu native," assume the uprising occurred in "Julu County."

Actually, the Yellow Turban uprising's origin and center are in Guangzong Xian and Xiaquyang of Julu Commandery.

At this moment, Guangzong Xian has become the Yellow Turban Army's main base.

It is worth noting that the eternal first emperor Qin Shi Huang also died here.

Looking back, banners fluttered, soldiers with yellow turbans came and went; though their clothes were tattered, most eyes burned with a desire and resolve to change fate.

In the county seat's center, in a relatively secluded corner, stands a wooden house that appears plain, even somewhat simple.

Compared with the surrounding noisy camp atmosphere, this place is unusually quiet.

In front of the wooden house's door stand several Huangjin Elite Warriors, their aura dense, temples bulging.

They are motionless like statues, eyes sharp as hawks, scanning every figure that tries to approach.

Without words, the half‑inch‑drawn, icy‑glint Ring‑Headed Great Swords at their waists silently proclaim the fate of any intruder—only a swift draw and strike!

"Report—!"

A hurried messenger's cry shattered the silence.

A dust‑covered Huangjin Messenger hurried to the wooden house, halted under the warriors' cold gazes, and, panting, reported loudly:

"Reporting General! Outside the camp a Immortal Master has arrived, seeking an audience with the Heavenly Duke General! Squad Leader Li Chang says, yesterday this Immortal Master used Immortal Method to dispel a county plague, saving countless lives!"

The guards' eyes flickered slightly, yet their stance remained as solid as a mountain.

One leader‑type warrior was about to step forward to take the report from the messenger for inspection when an anomaly erupted!

The crude report, which the messenger had held, seemed pulled by an invisible hand, suddenly slipping from his palm, drifting upward, soaring over the guards, straight toward the tightly shut wooden door, and at the moment it touched the panel, vanished like a water droplet merging into the sea!

The guards' expressions changed slightly; their hands instantly gripped the sword hilts, eyes scanning the surroundings more vigilantly.

After a moment of stillness, a "creak" sounded as the plain wooden door was pushed open from inside.

A figure stepped out slowly.

He was not tall, even somewhat thin, wearing a yellow Dao robe faded white from washing, his face lean with slightly protruding cheekbones; only his eyes, deep as an ancient well, seemed to hold centuries of suffering and compassion, yet burned with a steadfast, wildfire‑like flame.

It was the Taiping Dao Leader, Great Sage Benevolent Master, Heavenly Duke General—Zhang Jiao.

His gaze calmly swept over the guards as if facing a great enemy, settled on the messenger, and in a voice not loud but oddly penetrating, asked directly:

"Fellow Daoist, where are you now?"

The messenger, startled by Zhang Jiao's appearance, bowed quickly and replied with utmost respect: "Reporting General, that Immortal Master is presently waiting at the camp gate! I shall go now to guide him…"

Zhang Jiao raised his hand lightly, halting his further words.

He adjusted his simple Dao robe, his gaze seeming to pierce the layered camp walls, seeing beyond the gate.

Then, without further words, he stepped forward, walking briskly toward the camp gate, leaving only a sentence:

"No need to guide me; I will go myself."

Before the Yellow Turban Army's main camp gate, Yu Lin stood leisurely with hands behind his back, curiously observing this historically famed uprising's origin.

The camp, built according to the terrain, bore fluttering banners; though modest, it exuded a vigorous momentum.

In contrast, beside him Li Chang resembled an ant on a hot pan, pacing anxiously, fine beads of sweat seeping from his temples.

He was truly burning with impatience.

Now is the crucial moment of uprising preparation; all sides need strong reinforcements, especially a figure like Yu Lin who wields unfathomable Immortal Method!

He had personally witnessed Yu Lin, with a flick of his finger, dispel the plague and save countless lives! If, due to excessive waiting, this Immortal Master grew impatient and left in a huff, the loss would be enormous!

But he also knew the camp's protocols, especially that the Heavenly Duke General's residence is a sacred place; he dared not urge, only fidgeted anxiously nearby.

As Li Chang's anxiety peaked, nearly uncontainable, a distinct sound rose from within the gate, moving from distant to near, unlike any ordinary commotion.

It was the guards and disciples along the way bowing, whispering greetings, their tones filled with unprecedented reverence.

Immediately, a slender, upright yellow figure appeared at the end of the gate passage, observed by a crowd of shocked and reverent eyes.

Li Chang looked up, his whole body trembling, scarcely believing his eyes!

The one arriving… was none other than the Heavenly Duke General himself!

He was both startled and delighted, rushed forward, bowed deeply, his voice trembling with excitement: "Named Disciple Li Chang, I pay respects to the Master!"

Zhang Jiao did not halt his steps; reaching Li Chang, he lifted him with a hand, a gentle smile on his face, his gaze showing approval: "No need for ceremony. In this matter, you did well, very well."

The simple praise instantly sent Li Chang's blood boiling, his heart roiled, feeling that all the days of toil were finally worthwhile!

Overcome with emotion, he was momentarily speechless, even failing to notice Zhang Jiao had already passed him, walking straight toward Yu Lin.

Zhang Jiao stopped before Yu Lin, his gaze calmly assessing the extraordinary uninvited guest, then solemnly clasped his hands in a bow:

"I, the humble Zhang Jiao, have met you, fellow Daoist."

Yu Lin also restrained his previously leisurely expression, smiling, clasping his fists in return, neither servile nor arrogant:

"Yu Lin, pleased to meet you, Zhang fellow Daoist."

Zhang Jiao nodded slightly, without much small talk, and said directly: "The camp front is noisy, not a place for receiving guests, nor for discussing Dao. Fellow Daoist, may we move aside to converse?"

Yu Lin nodded: "The guest follows the host; please, Zhang fellow Daoist."

"Please."

Zhang Jiao immediately turned to lead the way, Yu Lin following closely; the two walked side by side toward the plain wooden house at the camp's core, leaving the stunned guards, disciples, and the now‑recovered Li Chang at the gate.

Only as they departed, Yu Lin handed Li Chang a pill:

"Please guide the way, keep it."

Li Chang looked at the pill in his hand, unsure whether to take it or not, until Zhang Jiao spoke:

"Keeping it is fine."

"Yes! Thank you, Immortal Master, for the treasure!" Li Chang accepted the pill.

Watching the two disappear toward the wooden house, the camp gate fell into an odd silence.

The crowd exchanged glances, each seeing deep astonishment and disbelief in the other's eyes.

Heavenly Duke General actually came out himself to greet!

And his attitude was so solemn!

"This person... truly is an extraordinary figure!" Someone, unknown, whispered softly, voicing the shock that everyone felt.

As the person concerned, Li Chang was surrounded, and someone pressed further:

"Li Wuzhang, what exactly is the background of this Immortal Master?"