Chapter 1577: Chapter 802: The Wind Pauses, the Rain Subsides (Part 2)

"Now this is just great. The moment someone dies, Your Majesty is moved to kill."

As he spoke, he mused, "This Emperor is truly hard to deal with. Whether it’s the Mystical Sect or the aristocratic families, everyone treads on thin ice. His strategy of checks and balances has stirred up no end of turmoil. But I’ve heard His Majesty’s health is poor, he’s fainted several times, and the Crown Prince is on exceedingly good terms with the Sea Opening Sect..."

"Absolutely not!"

Before he could finish, Zhang Jingxuan’s gaze sharpened slightly as he said solemnly, "Since ancient times they’ve said: serving a ruler is like serving a tiger; a tiger in its twilight years is all the more suspicious. The Crown Prince is now heading to Min State to reorganize the Royal Fleet and salvage lost treasures—this might well be another test."

"If the Jiangmen Mysterious Sect and the aristocratic families go all out to assist, there will definitely be new ripples."

"I’ve already had someone offer counsel, advising the Crown Prince to request aid from the Twelve Primordial Spirits. They’re the most suitable."

"That they are."

The Lushan Law Sect Leader, Fire Cloud Taoist, also nodded. "Those little brats are viciously capable. Whether Zhao Changsheng or the others in the Jianmu Organization, they’ve all suffered heavy losses at their hands. Quite interesting."

"Then we’ll proceed as such."

Zhang Jingxuan turned his head to look toward Jinling City. "The key now is to see the Dragon Sacrifice Ceremony proceed smoothly. After that, we head to Tai Lake to encircle and wipe out the Lai Yin Demon Woman, reclaim the Yangzhou Tripod, and transport it to the Capital."

"Transport it to the Capital?"

The Lushan Law Sect Leader furrowed his brow. "This item bears great consequence. Placing it into the Earth Vein is the most secure. If it damages Jiangnan’s Fengshui..."

"This is about making our stance clear."

Zhang Jingxuan sighed. "Precisely because this item is important, we cannot dispose of it as we please."

"Don’t worry. Those State Preceptors in the Court and the old ghosts in the National Ancestral Temple all understand what’s at stake. They’ll remonstrate with His Majesty. Then we’ll have the Jiangnan aristocratic families jointly submit memorials admitting fault, soften their stance, and let the matter rest."

"The Human Dao is undergoing upheaval, the Divine State is in turmoil, demons are watching for their chance. At a time like this, internal strife is the last thing we need..."

......

The rain gradually slackened. Under the leaden sky, the walls of Jinling City loomed in the distance.

After a string of brutal battles, although Li Yan’s group was exhausted, they had not relaxed; the aura of slaughter still clung to them, yet to dissipate.

They had thought the only one coming to meet them would be Qiu Mingyuan.

Yet when their figures appeared on the official road outside the city, the scene before their eyes was unexpected.

The city gates stood wide open, ceremonial banners and escorts neatly arrayed.

The Jinling officials who usually paid lip service to the Captain Bureau while watching Mystical Sect disputes from the sidelines were, at this moment, all lined up in welcome.

The Magistrate wore a brand-new official robe, his face wreathed in smiles. Behind him stood the Prefect, the Deputy Magistrate, and a host of subordinates, their posture exceedingly deferential.

Even more eye-catching was that representatives of Jinling’s local Mystical Sect aristocratic families and Taoist Temples were all present, including elder figures who had previously been ambiguous in attitude or even faintly repelled outsiders. Now they all wore warm smiles, with an almost deliberate air of respect.

"We respectfully welcome Young Hero Li and all righteous heroes on your triumphant return!"

The Magistrate was the first to bow, voice booming, carrying far through the rainy night.

The other officials and Mystical Sect members all echoed him, cupping their hands in salute. The scene was grand—yet bizarre.

Li Yan’s steps paused for a moment. His sharp gaze swept over the overly enthusiastic faces before him, like a hawk sizing up its prey.

Qiu Mingyuan, who was also at the forefront, leading the way, had his brows knitted tightly. He gave Li Yan a slight shake of the head, indicating he didn’t know what was going on.

Sha Lifei’s lips curved into a mocking smirk; he was about to make a snide remark when Kuai Dayou at his side tugged at his sleeve.

The shift in these people’s attitude was too abrupt, somewhat uncanny.

Before this there was the Prince Mansion explosion shrouded in suspicion—officials and aristocrats dead or comatose, the investigation obstructed; then the Red Silk House crisis, with the Jianmu Organization and the Ghost Theater Troupe causing trouble right under their noses.

The local powers in Jinling had previously focused on self-preservation, perhaps even covertly throwing obstacles in the way.

Now, however, they put on such an ostentatious welcoming display. When something so abnormal occurs, there must be something sinister behind it!

Though riddled with doubts, Li Yan’s expression remained calm. He merely inclined his head slightly, his voice hoarse and weary from battle: "My lords, fellow Daoists, your concern is noted."

He deliberately did not pick up any of their lines, nor did he engage in further pleasantries.

Qiu Mingyuan immediately understood, stepping half a pace forward and saying in a deep voice, "Young Hero Li and these righteous heroes have fought through the night, turning the tide. Their primordial spirits are greatly depleted and they urgently need rest. As for the Prince Mansion explosion case and last night’s demon disturbance, the Captain Bureau will investigate in detail later. I must trouble all of you to maintain order within the city and soothe the populace."

The smiles on the faces of the Magistrate and others faltered. They seemed to want to say a few more polite words, but the lingering, razor‑sharp aura around the weary group made them think better of it. They hurriedly stepped aside and said repeatedly:

"As it should be, as it should be! Young Hero Li and all you righteous heroes have labored hard. Please, return to the government office and rest at once!"

Li Yan said nothing more and took the lead, walking forward.

The group moved in silence. Under the gaze of the officials and Mystical Sect members, they passed through the city gate and headed straight for the Captain’s Office.

Behind them, those people looked at one another, seeming to exhale in relief.

"Mr. Qiu, what happened?"

Back at the Captain’s Office, Li Yan asked directly.

"This official finds it strange as well."

Qiu Mingyuan frowned. "These blockheads—this official has already taken down quite a few of them, yet they were all still clinging to wishful thinking. Now their attitude has done a complete about‑face, so there must be some other reason."

As he spoke, he shook his head. "They’re like grasshoppers after autumn—not worth paying attention to. You’re all exhausted; get some rest early..."

"Report!"

Before he could finish, a Colonel arrived to report. "My lord, the City God Temple Priest requests an audience."

Everyone looked at each other in surprise.

The Jinling City God Temple was supposed to oversee the Law Enforcement Hall, but because it was rejected by the local Magic Veins, and with Dragon and Tiger Mountain retracting and consolidating their influence, they had been reduced to just a couple of nobodies, practically invisible in this whole affair.

For them to suddenly seek an audience, it likely wasn’t simple.

"Show him in!" Qiu Mingyuan nodded.

Before long, Zhang Jingqing, the old Daoist, entered the hall in a rain cape, bamboo hat in hand. Upon seeing them, he smiled and cupped his hands.

"Congratulations on your victorious return, everyone. My felicitations."

Li Yan’s expression remained calm. "Daoist, speak frankly. I truly don’t have the energy to guess."

"This... indeed."

The old Daoist Zhang Jingqing’s face stiffened for a moment, then he smiled again and said, "You must all have your doubts about the scene outside the city just now. I won’t waste words. It’s only because someone arrived ahead of schedule!"

"Ahead of schedule?"

Li Yan immediately understood. "That Jiangnan Mysterious Sect Leader, Zhang Jingxuan?"

"Precisely."

The old Daoist Zhang Jingqing smiled faintly. "I’m merely here to pass along a message. From now on, wherever the Twelve Primordial Spirits act in Jiangnan, all local Magic Veins will cooperate; there will be no more evasion. As for the Jinling crisis, Young Hero Li may set his mind at ease."

"Oh?"

Li Yan’s face remained impassive. "What happened today was nothing more than me rescuing my own companions. The Jiangnan Magic Veins guard their respective regions, partake of incense offerings, and have gained more than half the Grotto Heavens and blessed lands of the Divine State. This is merely the duty that falls to you."

The other side’s words sounded pleasant enough, but it was no more than their obligation. He had no intention of owing them a favor.

"Quite so, quite so..."

The old Daoist Zhang Jingqing took no offense. "The day after tomorrow the Dragon Sacrifice Ceremony will be held. I invite Young Hero Li to attend as an honored observer."

With that, he cupped his hands in farewell and turned to leave.

Li Yan let out a cold snort, then turned and said, "Mr. Qiu, I suspect those words were meant for you."

Qiu Mingyuan had come to his senses by now as well. Shaking his head, he said, "As for their intentions, this official will convey them. Whether His Majesty and the court are willing to listen—that is no concern of mine. Still, with Zhang Jingxuan sitting in town, at least Jinling should be a bit more stable..."

After such a fierce battle, Li Yan and the others had no desire to spend more effort thinking things through. They went straight back to their rooms to rest.

Once in his room, Li Yan took out the "Earth Official’s Absolution of Sins Treasure Decree" and examined it carefully.

What concerned him more was what to do next.

This time they had snatched victory from the jaws of death only because the enemy didn’t know about their hidden trump cards.

If those demons of Jianmu made another move, they would surely come prepared.

Continuing like this left them far too passive.

With that thought, Li Yan gazed out the window, lost in thought.

Improving one’s Dao is not the work of a day or a night, and one cannot always rely on Magic Artifacts.

Perhaps the only thing he could change was his strategy of action...

......

Unknowingly, another day passed with sunrises and moonsets.

Zhang Jingxuan’s arrival finally gave Jinling City a true backbone.

He directly issued orders and struck with Thunder methods. The local Mystical Sect, together with the Cultivators who had come to support them, swept through every place inside and outside the city where Silk Cocoon Sect Followers were suspected to be entrenched.

And the long‑prepared Dragon Sacrifice Ceremony had at last arrived...