Chapter 424: No One Said It Was Correct

National Master's Residence.

Sheep Strength Immortal pinched a few sparse strands of his own chin hair, squinted, and examined the gate clerk standing below with a flattering, ingratiating smile.

"Oh? Is what you say true? A cultivator whom even Yuan Daozhang respects with extraordinary bearing has arrived?" Sheep Strength Immortal's voice carried a hint of doubt.

The clerk bent his waist even lower, swearing an oath: "The National Master's words are absolutely true! I saw with my own eyes that Yuan Daozhang, upon seeing that Yu Lin, was… was as if he had met his master!"

"If I utter even a single false word, may my soul fly apart and I meet a bad death! I will never rise in rank or gain wealth in my lifetime!"

To this clerk, the latter oath was exceedingly vicious.

Sheep Strength Immortal saw his expression was not feigned, and after mentioning Yuan Tiangang's attitude, he believed him about seventy to eighty percent.

"Hmm, you wouldn't dare deceive me either."

He pondered briefly, fished a grayish pill with a faint spiritual energy ripple from his sleeve, tossed it casually, and said, "This pill is yours."

"In a few days, a transfer document will fall onto your head, giving you proper work."

The clerk clumsily caught the pill, unaware of its exact effect, but a gift from the National Master could not be ordinary. He immediately felt grateful and prepared a string of thanks.

However, as he lifted his head, the figure of Sheep Strength Immortal had already turned into a wisp of pale cyan smoke, "Puff" with a light sound, dissipating into the air without a trace.

"Such immortal tricks..." the clerk cradled the pill, eyes full of envy and longing, silently sighing at his own misfortune.

Having no chance to practice such Immortal Method, he shook his head, secured the pill, turned and hummed an off‑key tune, contentedly leaving the National Master's Residence.

The Sheep Strength Immortal, now a wisp of green smoke, reappeared the next moment in a Quiet Chamber deep within the National Master's Residence.

Tiger Strength Immortal and Deer Strength Immortal were seated here, discussing the Dao.

Sheep Strength quickly recounted the clerk's story, emphasizing Yuan Tiangang's attitude.

Tiger Strength's tiger eyes snapped open, a sharp glint flashing:

"Oh? Even Yuan Daozhang treats him so courteously? He must be a true cultivator! If we could receive his guidance, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Deer Strength nodded repeatedly: "Exactly! We've been stuck in this state for ages; if a master could point the way, a breakthrough might arise! No time to waste; we should go pay our respects at once!"

The three demons instantly agreed and decided to set out to find the person.

Fortunately, Yu Lin and Yuan Tiangang did not deliberately conceal their whereabouts; with their methods, locating the two in the capital city of Chechi was as easy as flipping a hand.

Before long, on the second floor of a pristine tavern in Chechi's capital, by a window seat.

Yu Lin and Yuan Tiangang sat opposite each other, a table set with plain tea and simple pastries, chatting leisurely.

Suddenly, as the light by the window dimmed, three figures appeared silently not far from the table.

They were the three Immortals—Tiger Strength, Deer Strength, and Sheep Strength—now taking the form of Daoist priests.

Seeing Yu Lin's composed bearing, youthful yet with an indescribable depth, the three did not dare to be lax; they jointly clasped their hands in a courteous bow:

"I, Tiger Strength, along with Deer Strength and Sheep Strength, have met this cultivator,"

"Having heard that this fellow immortal has arrived in our land, we came to pay respects; any abruptness, we ask for your forbearance,"

Though they did not know Yu Lin's depth, his ability to sit as an equal with Yuan Tiangang and converse freely indicated his background was certainly extraordinary.

Yu Lin did not rise, not even setting down his teacup; his gaze calmly swept over the three demons, then he raised his hand, pointing to the occasional expelled monk silhouettes still visible on the street outside, and bluntly asked:

"I've heard that in Chechi, capturing monks can earn promotion and wealth? Whether truly a monk or merely someone with sparse hair or a shaved head, are they all treated as monks to be seized and punished?"

"Is there any of the three National Masters' intention behind this?"

He paused, added another sentence, his voice still even, yet seeming to carry an unseen decree:

"Before me, you may not speak falsehoods."

【Words Follow Law】 trait, activated silently.

The three demons' bodies trembled in unison, their gazes briefly dazed, then they involuntarily blurted out:

"Yes… it is indeed our intention as indicated," Tiger Strength's voice was hoarse.

Deer Strength continued: "When we first arrived, we used Daoist methods to summon rain, ending the drought, earning the king's trust; then we thought… we thought to suppress the Buddhist Sect, promote Daoist methods, and consolidate our position…"

"Enough," Yu Lin said, cutting them off before they could continue.

He cared not for the explanations, seeing them as mere embellishment.

"Your past act of ending the drought and saving the people was a merit, offsetting the karmic debt accumulated by now harming a region and suppressing dissent,"

"Your destiny is sealed; I cannot save you, nor do I wish to,"

He waved his hand, as if shooing flies: "Leave. Forget that you saw me today, and also forget the fleeting delusions that arose in your hearts upon seeing me."

As his words fell silent.

The three demons' eyes instantly lost focus, becoming blank, like puppets on strings; they obediently turned, staggered down the stairs, crossed the street, and returned straight to the National Master's Residence.

Only upon stepping through the gate did the three demons' bodies shiver, their gazes clearing, and they stared at each other.

"Just now… why did we suddenly return to the residence?" Sheep Strength asked, bewildered.

"Perhaps… a sudden feeling compelled us to return for meditation?" Tiger Strength scratched his head, feeling as if he'd forgotten something but couldn't recall.

Second floor of the tavern, by the window.

Yuan Tiangang stroked his beard and smiled: "I thought, Yu Lin, upon seeing them, you might show a spark of benevolence, or, being of the same Daoist Sect, offer a few words, perhaps even act to rescue them and dissolve their karmic fate."

Yu Lin shook his head: "I already said that if their conduct pleased me, I might offer some guidance. But now, it seems unnecessary."

He glanced at Yuan Tiangang and asked: "What about you, knowing their destiny is imminent, yet staying here to preach the sutras, aren't you afraid of entangling yourself in cause and effect, burning yourself?"

Yuan Tiangang heard this, a mischievous grin like an old child appearing: "Hehe, Yu Lin, you don't know this part."

"I only promised to 'lecture' them on the sutras, not to 'lecture correctly'! The subtle meanings, profound keys, understanding—all rely on their own 'comprehension.'"

"I merely recite from the text, without any misdirection, so I cannot be tied to any great cause and effect. At most it's… 'fate' hasn't arrived; their insight is simply lacking."

He stroked his beard, looking smug as one well‑versed in self‑preservation.

This is probably one of the reasons he, despite loving excitement and peeking at heavenly secrets, can live so long.

Yu Lin heard this, his mouth twitched imperceptibly, a response.

He said no more, rose and said: "That concludes matters here. I plan to travel elsewhere and see. Yuan Lin, would you like to join?"

Yuan Tiangang shook his head, a hint of seriousness appearing on his face: "Thank you, fellow cultivator, for the invitation. However, I still have some unfinished matters here, so I will not accompany you. Um…"

Yuan Tiangang hesitated a moment and asked, "Fellow cultivator, on your travels, have you visited Old Qi on Zhongnan Mountain? And the family of Judge Zhong Kui? I've heard they often speak of you."

Yu Lin shook his head: "No, let's talk after some days."

"Since that is so," Yuan Tiangang rose, clasped his hands, "then I, the humble monk, wish you a smooth journey."

"If fate allows in the future, we shall again share wine and discuss the Dao!"

Yu Lin gave a slight nod: "Until we meet again."

When the words fell, Yuan Tiangang's silhouette, together with the Nine-Tailed White Fox in his arms, rippled like water and vanished silently.