Chapter 333: Kindness to Others

Zhang Rang is a treacherous, corrupt scoundrel, but the fact that he has clawed his way to his current position shows he is far from foolish.

He knows exactly what the Chi Xiao Sword signifies; it is not only a symbol of imperial authority but also a divine artifact tied to Destiny and celestial fate!

And the one who can casually wear such an artifact at his waist and walk among the common folk must be an unfathomably profound being.

Thus, when he heard that Yu Lin was surrounded by a group of skilled men, he was not frightened; instead, with a calm expression he asked, "Single duel or group beat‑down?" the notion of subduing him by official authority vanished in an instant, replaced by an inexplicable dread.

He immediately stepped forward, leapt over the hulking men, bowed to Yu Lin with a flattering smile, and lowered his voice to a whisper:

"Mistake! Sir, please do not lose your temper; a grave misunderstanding!"

His gaze involuntarily flicked to Yu Lin's waist where the Chi Xiao lay; though the blade was sheathed, the hilt's shape and pattern were strikingly similar—almost identical—to what he had seen in the Imperial Secret Archive Atlas!

He forced his excitement down and tentatively asked, "We mean no harm; we are merely… curious about the sword at your waist, a truly extraordinary item. Might you allow us to examine it up close?"

Yu Lin looked at the pale‑faced, flickering‑eyed eunuch and, knowing his intent, asked, "You've mustered a force just to see my sword?"

Zhang Rang quickly nodded, his smile even more obsequious: "Exactly, exactly! Rest assured, sir, we will not look without reward; we shall repay you handsomely afterward!"

He lowered his voice and offered an irresistible temptation, "Moreover… with your abilities, gaining rank, titles, wealth, and honor would be no trouble at all!"

Yet those alluring conditions sounded to Yu Lin like a passing breeze.

He gave a faint smile and shook his head plainly: "I'm not interested."

"I still intend to wander; if there's nothing else, please step aside and do not disturb my mood."

Having said that, he turned to leave.

However, just after taking two steps, a series of wind‑splitting sounds erupted ahead, and several figures clad in black with an even colder aura descended like phantoms, blocking the path.

Immediately, another thin, soft voice rang out:

"Brother Zhang, further words with this person are futile! The emperor's orders are urgent!"

It is well known that the Ten Constant Attendants number twelve.

Its core members include Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, Xia Yun, Guo Sheng, Sun Zhang, Bi Lan, Li Song, Duan Gui, Gao Wang, Zhang Gong, Han Kui, and Song Dian—twelve great eunuchs—all holding the position of Middle Constant Attendant.

The speaker at this moment is another powerful eunuch, Zhao Zhong, whose name rivals Zhang Rang's and whose influence dominates the court!

Liu Hong once said, "Court Attendant Zhang is my father," with the counterpart, "Court Attendant Zhao is my mother!"

The depth of their favor is evident.

Zhao Zhong stepped forward slowly, his expression stern, his eyes like vipers fixed on Yu Lin, and with a hint of threat said, "I advise you, young master, to be prudent—hand over the sword willingly so we may have a look and verify your identity."

"Otherwise…"

He did not finish the sentence, but the hulking men blocking Yu Lin—clearly cultivated and radiating fierce aura—and one who had already drawn his short blade a half‑inch, its cold light flashing—made their stance unmistakable: they would not let Yu Lin leave easily!

Yu Lin sighed lightly; he had only intended to wander the streets of Luoyang City and soak in the local customs, but trouble arrived in quick succession.

He, who has always been kind to others, would of course not choose such a ruthless, blood‑soaked course.

Thus, the instant Zhao Zhong's words fell—

"Hoo…"

A barely perceptible breeze brushed the scene.

Yu Lin's figure somehow slipped through the layers of encirclement and appeared behind the black‑clad hulks and Zhao Zhong.

The spot where he had stood was only just beginning to fade.

"Ugh!"

"Ho…"

A mournful wail and a painful groan rang out almost simultaneously! The black‑clad hulks blocking the way, along with Middle Constant Attendant Zhao Zhong himself, collapsed as if their bones had been pulled out, all slumping to the ground!

No blood or wounds were visible on them, yet each wore a deathly pallor, eyes filled with extreme terror and disbelief—they realized in horror that their limbs had entirely lost sensation, as if no longer their own, unable even to wiggle a finger!

Only Yu Lin's calm voice drifted from ahead, reaching each person's ears clearly:

"Today I sever the souls of your limbs as a lesson."

With those words, he walked forward slowly.

Only Zhang Rang and the others behind him were left dumbfounded, eyes wide and bewildered, finally scrambling to haul the fallen Zhao Zhong and the others up and sprint toward the Imperial Palace!

Zuo Ci and Ge Xuan, who had witnessed the scene, took it in.

Ge Xuan spoke, "Master, it seems this fellow Daoist is even stronger than you?"

"You only know how to run away and catch ghosts; when someone walks by… 'Soul Cutting'!"

"The killing techniques you speak of—do you not actually know them? Are you deceiving me?"

".........." Zuo Ci twitched his mouth, turned and walked forward, leaving a remark:

"What do you understand? For me, this is… uh, cultivating heart and nurturing nature, nurturing Dao heart! Killing techniques?"

"When the time comes, I'll show you a move."

"I'll let you see what Fierce God Descends looks like!"

Ge Xuan caught up, pursing his lips:

"You've always said you'd show me a move…."

The two walked and talked, moving farther until they vanished around a street corner.