Chapter 6 Going to the Mystery

The next day, the sun was bright and shining.

Yi Chen rose early to wash up, while Qing Yunzi and the others had prepared rice balls for his breakfast and to stave off hunger on the road.

Beyond that, at the strong insistence of Qing Yunzi, Yi Chen also carried the magic sword that Bai Yunzi had cultivated for many years—the Dragon-Slaying Sword.

This sword was about one meter and twenty-three centimeters long, resembling an octahedral Han sword, with dragon patterns on its eight facets and silver seal script inscribed upon it. It was a magic artifact that had been cultivated over the years by the masters of Hidden Dragon Temple and even an ordinary person wielding it could restrain common evil spirits to some extent.

In reality, what Qing Yunzi didn't know was that even if Yi Chen had been aware of last night's conversation, he would have most likely made the trip to Qingyuan Town anyway.

Ever since his master had passed away, a faint sense of crisis lingered in his heart. Only relying on training to accumulate Origin Points was far too slow, and as his body grew stronger, the rate at which he gained Origin Points by stimulating his body slowed down even more.

He feared that the hidden antagonist couldn't wait that long, and time wasn't on his side, so to become stronger quickly, he had no choice but to take some risks.

Only Deep Red Points could enable him to grow strong at an astonishing rate, quickly beyond everyone's expectations. Regardless of the hidden antagonist's schemes, as long as he became strong enough, he could ultimately break the game with power.

All sophisticated conspiracies are like paper tigers in the face of absolute power.

Once Qing Yunzi fully awakened his spirituality, Yi Chen could carry his master's ashes to the Royal City. The world was vast, and he wanted to see it.

After all, with the great opportunity of rebirth and the Golden Finger by his side, if he stayed cooped up in this small county instead of going out to see the higher scenery of the world, wouldn't that mean he had been reborn in vain?

Moreover, his master had said before his demise that the world was undergoing strange changes, with an increasing number of evil spirits, suggesting a great chaos was not far off.

What exactly were these strange changes? Why had his master said a great chaos was nearing?

Yi Chen knew that Da Yue Country, where he resided, was not thriving or completely harmonious, but it was far from being in the state of a dynasty's end.

The more Yi Chen thought about it, the more chaotic his thoughts became. If there were indeed great changes in the future, he would need to rapidly strengthen himself. He couldn't afford to act as the sword god of Ten Mile Slope.

Staying safe in one corner and arrogantly assuming peace might work temporarily, but only true strength can stand tall amidst real turmoil and take control of one's fate.

If future troubles were severe, the weak would be ruined while the strong could face the surging waves from all directions and remain seated in the Royal City.

However, simply surviving was not an option, but rash action was also unwise. Yi Chen had studied the Taoist scriptures thoroughly. Although he lacked "spirituality," he had a good understanding of the principles of activity and stillness, the mother of yin and yang.

He had his own thoughts on the wisdom and choices between action and stillness, survival and rashness.

Hidden Dragon Temple wasn't too far from Qingyuan Town. With Yi Chen's pace, it took roughly an hour before the grand archway of Qingyuan Town loomed on the horizon.

By that time, Chief Zhang and a stocky, strong man were already waiting at the archway.

"Sorry to have kept you both waiting," Yi Chen greeted them with a nod of his head.

"No worries, we've just arrived too. Yi Taoist, let me introduce you. This is Ji Bochang, the militia leader of Qingyuan Town. We'll rely on his strong support in our investigation of the evil spirit," said Chief Zhang.

"With Yi Taoist taking action, and Ji Bochang's familiarity with Qingyuan Town, this matter will be resolved quickly," Chief Zhang said, a man of the government hall, speaking flowery words that mildly flattered both Yi Chen and Ji Bochang.

The short and stout Ji Bochang had a sincere face and a glint of shrewdness in his eyes, appearing to be a capable and astute man.

He bowed politely to Yi Chen and said, "I am Ji Bochang, the militia leader of Qingyuan Town. We'll have to trouble you with the matter of the evil spirit in our town."

"This incident has caused quite a stir, affecting the trade routes of Qingyuan Town significantly. The townsfolk are in a state of panic, and the town chief, out of concern for the people, has used his own money to invite Master Lianhua from the Moon Wheel Temple to discuss countermeasures. You won't mind, will you?"

"Mind? Mind my ass. It's easier to slack off when there are more people," Yi Chen couldn't help but grumble internally.

Now that he had an astonishing physique, like a little Superman, if he really started running away, he would give others a bit of a shock.

And don't curse - if you can't beat them and still refuse to run, only a fool would just stand there and take it.

Was Yi Chen a fool? Clearly, he wasn't, so he didn't mind at all; in fact, he would prefer the more, the merrier.

Besides, referring to it as "running away" sounded so crude and lacked elegance.

Calling it a strategic withdrawal, a technical adjustment, preserving one's fighting force for the right moment—that instantly raised the tone, didn't it?

He indicated that it was no problem.

Compared to that prematurely arriving Master Lianhua, Yi Chen paid more attention to Ji Bochang's name, giving him several more glances.

Ji Bochang, that name had some substance; normal people's fate couldn't suppress it!

Wishing you safety!

"Taoist, is there something on my face?" Ji Bochang asked, his senses sharp enough to detect Yi Chen's subtle actions and asked out loud.

As Yi Chen observed him, Ji Bochang was also discreetly studying this expert summoned by the officials.

If the man before him hadn't been wearing a Taoist robe, he looked more like a fierce general than a Taoist.

He had seen tall Taoists before, but they just had large frames; this was the first time Ji Bochang had seen a Taoist with such developed and impressive muscles.

Indeed, he was unique.

Compared to the pomp of that Master Lianhua, this Taoist named Yi Chengzi simply carried a sword on his back and had a very young looking face. He didn't look reliable at all, but the shrewdness he developed over many years of experience kept him from showing any contempt.

In response to Ji Bochang's question, Yi Chen casually laughed it off and found an excuse to get past the issue.

The group passed under an archway and proceeded along the street.

All the way, Ji Bochang was introducing Yi Chen and Chief Zhang to various aspects of Qingyuan Town.

Qingyuan Town was a commercial hub in Fengyun County, bustling with traders coming and going daily to buy furs and herbs, while also bringing in novelties from the outside world.

But ever since unexplained corpses started appearing in the town, the traders became scared, and now Qingyuan Town had become much more desolate.

If this continued, the livelihoods of many townspeople would be affected.

At this point, Ji Bochang also showed a worried expression.

It wasn't long before the three of them arrived at a large mansion.

Yi Chen looked around and saw red walls, green tiles, and a stone-paved courtyard, all signs of a wealthy household.

At the moment, many withered corpses were laid out in the courtyard, both human and animal. Yi Chen noticed that Chief Zhang looked at the human bodies with a hint of sorrow—those must have been his colleagues.

A rabbit dies, a fox grieves; one feels sorrow for the misfortune of one's kind.

A monk dressed in moon-white robes was meticulously examining the bodies on the ground, unfazed even by some that were already giving off a faint odor.

The monk's brows were tightly furrowed as if contemplating something. Behind him stood two acolytes, around fifteen or sixteen years old, one holding an alms bowl and the other carrying a demon-subduing staff.

The two young acolytes were also dressed in moon-white robes and wore jade Buddha beads around their necks.

In comparison to Yi Chen, they certainly looked more impressive.

However, Yi Chen was not the sort to be outdone by others. He remained calm and confident, inwardly critiquing, "Clearly, they are not as adorable as Qing Feng and Ming Yue."

Ji Bochang, who was by Yi Chen's side, saw this and, despite not understanding why, felt the Taoist Yi Chengzi suddenly emanating 'pride and confidence.' He couldn't help but hold Yi Chen in higher regard than before.

In front of Master Lianhua of the Moon Wheel Temple, he still dared to stand tall and chest out—he must possess some real skills.

Ji Bochang silently praised in his heart.

If Yi Chen could read minds and knew what Ji Bochang was thinking at that moment, he would surely laugh out loud. Ji Bochang, you're getting happy too soon.

This is my first major mission, and my heart is also anxious.

Whether I can make it or not, only time and the fight will tell.

But don't worry, I'm really fast when it comes to running away, even when taking corners.

Before long, a chubby old man saw Yi Chen and his group arriving and hurried out to greet them, inviting Yi Chen and the monk in the courtyard to take a seat in the hall.

After exchanging pleasantries, Master Lianhua, upon hearing Yi Chen was from Hidden Dragon Temple, couldn't hide his delight:

"Brother Bai Yunzi from Hidden Dragon Temple is a true enlightened Taoist, whose Pure Yang power far surpasses my inferior methods. He is a well-known figure of righteousness in Fengyun County."

"I did not expect that Yi Taoist would be the head disciple of Brother Bai Yunzi. It seems that this matter will surely be resolved without issue."

Yi Chen: "..." Master, you're too optimistic. The master is the master, and I am myself.

Although he was inwardly criticizing, Yi Chen could not admit his shortcomings, as he was now the Sect Leader of Hidden Dragon Temple, representing its reputation. Thus, he could only respond modestly and strive to maintain a respectful image.

At this moment, he was already planning to slack off.

Slacking off, what a delightful thing it is!

If I could just swoop in at the last moment, stealing the final blow from Master Lianhua, that would be the ultimate kill. 233333

"Master, you came before me. Have you discovered any clues?" Yi Chen asked out of feigned curiosity, already strategizing how to 'steal the boss' quietly.

Upon hearing Yi Chen's inquiry, Master Lianhua furrowed his brows deeply and shared his thoughts.

"This evil event at Qingyuan Town is likely not as simple as it seems behind the scenes," he said.

"I have carefully examined all the wounds of the victims and the animals, and it can be basically determined that a zombie is at fault. However, there are several doubts that I have not been able to resolve."

"What doubts?" Yi Chen asked promptly.

"Firstly, such an evil entity like a zombie, when newly created, is muddled and acts only on instinct. So why is it that despite several searches by the young and strong around the town, no trace of the zombie has been found? This is unreasonable."

"Secondly, for such a long time, aside from a few officers from the yamen, not a single resident of Qingyuan Town has been harmed. It's almost as if the evil entity deliberately avoids the townspeople, which is highly unusual."

"So what does the Master mean?" Yi Chen tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table.

"What the poor monk is thinking is what the Taoist must also be considering," Master Lianhua said with his hands in prayer.

Yi Chen: "..." Master, so what exactly am I supposed to be thinking?