Chapter 527: Chapter 527: Warming the Wine to Slay the Strange (Part 1)

The soldiers on the city wall shouted loudly, but it couldn’t conceal their inner terror and panic.

It was as if Zhang Yuan was a terrifying force of nature.

This made Zhang Yuan clearly realize how dire the situation facing the county town was!

His mind raced as he responded in a deep voice, "Protector Zhang Yuan from the Upper Scenic Celestial Martial Pavilion, sent by the Sect to eliminate the supernatural threat. May I ask if Master Fang Hui of Yangjing Temple is here?"

With Gang Qi infused in his voice, Zhang Yuan’s shout echoed in all directions, unimpeded by the solid city walls. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Birds in the nearby forest were startled into flight!

Clang!

The soldier above was so shocked that he dropped his weapon to the ground.

In a flustered manner, he replied, "Oh, I see it’s a high-ranking master from Upper Scenic Celestial. Pardon my rudeness; I will quickly go and summon Master Fang. Please wait just a moment!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he withdrew his head.

Zhang Yuan did not mind, sitting quietly on the back of the Gray-toothed Lynx and waiting patiently.

The city’s defenders were like birds startled by a bowstring, probably frightened out of their wits by the supernatural threat, so not opening the gate immediately to let him in was understandable—they worried he might be possessed.

Zhang Yuan completely understood and thus was very patient.

He didn’t have to wait long; after just the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the heavy city gate gradually swung open. A middle-aged cultivator in a blue Daoist robe hurried out under the escort of several Daoists and Martial Artists.

Upon seeing Zhang Yuan riding the Gray-toothed Lynx, the cultivator’s eyes revealed surprise. He quickly saluted and said, "Fang Hui, Abbot of Yangjing Temple, greets Protector Zhang. I apologize for the wait."

He had received a hawk message from Upper Scenic Celestial at noon, notifying that a Martial Pavilion External Guardian was being dispatched for support.

Honestly, Fang Hui felt very disappointed.

He even harbored a trace of resentment.

What could a Martial Pavilion External Guardian accomplish?

Changye City was facing a terrifying supernatural threat, and as time passed, the entity would grow stronger by consuming more blood and souls.

In Fang Hui’s opinion, the Sect should have sent a high-tier mage to suppress it in one move.

Otherwise, if that entity advanced, even a Grand Mage might not control it.

Even if it could finally be eliminated, Changye County Town and its hundred thousand residents would inevitably become sacrifices.

Fang Hui and Yangjing Temple were also not spared.

In addition, his family was within the town.

Fang Hui’s dissatisfaction was understandable.

Nevertheless, he didn’t expect Zhang Yuan to arrive so swiftly.

Moreover, the beast Zhang Yuan rode was extraordinary, and the man himself was unfathomable!

The abbot suddenly felt a glimmer of hope.

Thus, his attitude was notably respectful and polite.

Zhang Yuan leaped down from the back of the Gray-toothed Lynx, clasping his hands in salute, "Senior Brother Fang, there’s no need for such formality."

Seeing Zhang Yuan’s courteous conduct, Fang Hui secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Martial Artists are often unruly, and those capable of being Martial Pavilion External Guardians are strong and powerful individuals. He feared meeting someone arrogant and domineering, which would make collaboration difficult.

But it was clear that Zhang Yuan was not such a person.

Fang Hui discreetly wiped the sweat from his forehead and quickly said, "Junior Brother Zhang, please come inside!"

Since Zhang Yuan referred to him as an equal, Fang Hui couldn’t act too distant.

With Fang Hui and others accompanying him, Zhang Yuan led the Gray-toothed Lynx through the city gate, entering the county town.

Like the outside, the city was also lifeless.

Though it was early evening, the shops lining the streets were all closed, and no pedestrians could be seen. Only a few beggars were huddled in the alleyways.

Fang Hui voluntarily explained, "The supernatural threat is troublesome..."

The entity taking Changye by storm is a White-robed Scholar, first appearing outside the city three months ago.

This entity enjoys walking at night. When it encounters someone, it asks questions about the Four Books and Five Classics. If the person can’t answer, they are drained of blood on the spot.

Only a human skin is left behind!

Even if answered correctly, one might save their life but would still be tainted with evil energy.

Fang Hui had personally treated two victims and thus understood the entity quite well.

But that was only the beginning.

As time went on, the entity grew stronger and began attacking villages around the county town.

Nearly all villagers in several villages were killed.

A few villagers who escaped into the county town eventually went into a frenzy, killing everyone in sight.

Even though the City God guards the county town and Yangjing Temple suppresses the threat, they couldn’t completely halt the entity’s onslaught.

Luckily, the White-robed Scholar didn’t dare enter the city, preventing even greater disaster.

But now, no one dares to leave the town.

Some wealthy townsfolk fled Changye City under the blazing sun, heavily guarded.

Yet they all vanished without a trace.

Currently, the entire county town has become the entity’s hunting ground. Despite Fang Hui’s constant pleas for help, they couldn’t eliminate the entity; instead, they suffered losses.

Even Fang Hui almost lost his life!

By the time Zhang Yuan followed Fang Hui to Yangjing Temple, the latter had nearly finished detailing the supernatural situation.

The abbot first arranged for Zhang Yuan to have a place to stay and ordered a simple meal as a reception.

Called a meal, it was merely three dishes, a soup, and a jug of old wine.

Fang Hui was quite apologetic about this, "Junior Brother Zhang, the county town is cut off inside out, and the temple’s supplies are limited. I’m sorry for the lackluster hospitality."

"It’s fine."

Zhang Yuan waved his hand, pointing to the wine pot heating on a small red stove, saying, "Senior Brother, please keep the wine warm. I’ll return after slaying that entity to drink!"

"Ah?"

Fang Hui was stunned, finding it utterly unbelievable!

He initially thought Zhang Yuan would rest and recover, then venture out the next day to track the entity and devise a plan for extermination.

The entity was extremely powerful, and Zhang Yuan might not be its match. If things got out of control, there should be a backup plan.

But Fang Hui never expected that the newly arrived Zhang Yuan would head out to slay the entity without even eating a meal!

What was this scene all about?

However, Zhang Yuan didn’t bother explaining, and in a flash, his figure slipped out the window, leaping over the temple walls.

Fang Hui, who had just sat down, was dumbfounded, not knowing what to say.

At that moment, Zhang Yuan fully unleashed the body technique, gliding over the county town’s rooftops under the cover of night, like a night hawk in flight.

Soon enough, he leapt over the towering city walls.

At this moment, above Zhang Yuan’s head, the Red-eyed Crow silently glided past.

Guiding the way for Zhang Yuan.

Ever since Zhang Yuan arrived at Changye County Town, the Red-eyed Crow had been circling high above, monitoring the tens of miles around.

As night fell, the intermediate Profound Spirit sensed the entity’s presence!