ATPnovel Chapter 15 The Aftermath of the Celestial Master
Chapter 15 The Aftermath of the Celestial Master
For a moment, Zhong Xuan felt completely bewildered.
A sorcerer? Murdered members of the Zhang family? Usurped divine authority?
He pondered for a moment, then politely bowed to the two of them.
He asked curiously, "I am the mountain god of this place. You two are dressed like government officials, yet you are still steadfastly holding your posts despite your physical disabilities. I admire you, but—"
Zhong Xuan saw that the two people were three zhang apart, and their faces quickly turned red.
He continued politely, "Before questioning me, would you like to state your identity and purpose? If you don't mind, please descend from your ivory tower. There's a peach grove behind the temple; it was already quite lush when I arrived. Would you like to try some fresh peaches?"
This question, utterly challenging yet filled with unwavering spirit despite physical disability, is a devastating blow to the soul.
"Wow!"
"I'm so angry!"
Both the fat and thin clerks were as red as if they were about to bleed, and the fat one was so angry that he coughed up a mouthful of blood.
The old mountain god below quickly stepped back a few paces to avoid getting involved.
The thin clerk controlled the cloud and brought it down to the ground, about half a zhang above the ground, before impatiently shouting, "Quickly bring out the best healing pills! We are clerks from the Mountain Patrol Division of Xiniu Hezhou. If you dare to be disrespectful, you will surely learn your lesson!"
After saying that, the two looked at each other, their eyes and mouths filled with smug and wicked smiles!
They thought to themselves:
It's easier to see the King of Hell than to deal with his underlings!
They were just two lowly patrol officers, nothing more than the lowest-ranking unranked servants.
Nowhere else would anyone respect them.
But when they face the mountain gods of Xiniu Hezhou, they can stand tall and proud.
Whether it's the old Taoist priest with a powerful background who has connections to the Jade Emperor's close minister, the Celestial Master, and thus became the mountain god, or this strange old Taoist priest in front of us who just happened to have a stroke of good luck, it doesn't matter!
They only want benefits, they must get benefits, otherwise they will teach these mountain gods to behave.
Thinking this to himself, he was feeling quite pleased with himself.
They froze upon hearing the reply from below.
However, they completely overlooked one crucial point.
"You two,"
Even with a century of cultivation, Zhong Xuan's heart, as still as a mirror-like lake, was stirred by the sound.
However, it is still unknown what the relationship of control between the Mountain Patrol Officer and the Mountain God is within the system.
Moreover, he now has a family and a mischievous monkey whom he needs to guide and nurture into the Great Sage.
Therefore, one should think things through more carefully before acting, and avoid direct conflict; it is better to compromise first.
So Zhong Xuan spread his arms out and flicked his sleeves, displaying an empty expanse.
He lowered his eyes again, concealing a glint of cold light: "I have only just taken office today. Let alone elixirs, I have only a handful of honest and upright officials. If you truly do not mind, you may wait a moment. I will personally go to the peach grove behind the temple to pick fruit for you, and we can have a leisurely chat in the gentle breeze. What do you say?"
Zhong Xuanxin thought to himself, "You addressed me as 'Yu Daomou' just now out of politeness and courtesy."
He could naturally tell that these two officials, one fat and one thin, were not of high rank.
However, the desire for elixirs may seem small, but once this little devil's desire is satisfied...?
It is tantamount to admitting that they have the ability to interfere in internal affairs and that they can intrude into the boundaries of their own interests, thus forcing them to make concessions step by step and ultimately leading to their inevitable demise.
Even if they eventually manage to resolve the issue, it will be the bitter fruit of their own repeated concessions in the past.
On the contrary?
Choosing to reject them, leaving them disappointed and dissatisfied, but without any real punishment or warning?
Then they will take advantage of the system's rules and regulations to retaliate without any limits.
Zhong Xuan understood immediately, realizing he had fallen into a common trap set by petty thieves in the government.
No matter what choice you make, you'll only get into deeper trouble.
Wasn't the cultivation of one's Dao realm and Dao heart over a hundred years in the previous life honed in such a dilemma?
Thus, this was the first "battle" since joining the Heavenly Court system.
……
When Zhong Xuan finished speaking, even the sounds in the temple seemed to slow down.
The fat and thin clerks looked at each other, wondering whether the old Taoist priest was truly stupid or pretending.
But then he turned to look at the magic sword at the mountain god's waist.
The dark sword body was faintly covered with cloud patterns, and its spiritual energy was burning brightly. It was obviously a top-quality magic weapon!
Looking back, they saw greed in each other's eyes.
Even if this guy is dead, you can still squeeze some oil out of his bones.
After all, it's rare for a new mountain god to take office on such a famous mountain in Xiniu Hezhou. Those who dare to take office all have backgrounds, and those without backgrounds can't squeeze any benefits out of them—even if they could, it wouldn't be their turn.
"Stop talking nonsense!"
The skinny clencher brandished his fist and grinned, "We'll take your magic sword! If you know what's good for you, hand it over quickly, and we'll forgive your disrespect!"
The fat clerk wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, grinning maliciously as he chimed in, "This sword originally belonged to the people of Longhu Mountain! What right do you, a mere mountain spirit, have to claim it!"
Zhong Xuan was slightly taken aback, his gaze fixed on the two of them.
He didn't even notice or look down at the sword at his waist.
The little devil may be small, but he has a big appetite!
He pursed his lips, then smiled and said, "Gentlemen, this sword was a gift from a friend on his deathbed. Mount Cuiyun is surrounded by demons, and I rely on it for self-defense; I absolutely cannot give it away. However, I would like to discuss profound mysteries with you both, so why don't we descend from the clouds and chat?"
This kind of talk has been said three times already.
The two clerks assumed the other was unintentional and not mocking.
The second time, they also thought that the old mountain god didn't have many valuable things, really few.
The third time, the words had barely left his lips—
The fat clerk finally exploded. He had already been holding back blood, and now the veins around his temples were bulging. His finger trembled as he pointed downwards: "You heretic! You're asking for it! This sword of yours belongs to Master Zhang's father! Do you think we don't know?"
The skinny Cao threatened in a sinister tone, "If you can't offer us a satisfactory benefit, you'll have to immediately report your affairs to Master Zhang, and he'll bring people over to kill you. Besides, Master Zhang Daoling in heaven is an advisor to the Jade Emperor!"
"All memorials to the emperor from the mortal realm must pass through the hands of these four celestial masters—now you know how powerful they are!"
The smile on Zhong Xuan's face finally faded.
He stared at them intently for several seconds.
This made the two men feel a sudden chill run down their spines, and they unconsciously shrank their shoulders and bodies.
"So that's how it is. I've actually offended such a powerful force?"
Zhong Xuan's gentle, clear gaze had now transformed into a deep, dark pool capable of swallowing people whole.
Indeed: A century of Daoist cultivation is not in vain; thunder and rain are all of one mind.
"Regardless of whether it's true or not, if we've alarmed someone like Celestial Master Zhang Daoling, you should now realize the gravity of the situation—speak! Who are you? What's your background? What do you want? If you don't explain clearly, you won't leave today!"
He shouted sternly, his voice urgent, and by the end of his sentence, he had already made a hand seal.
Clang!
The magic sword at his waist suddenly drew from its sheath, ringing out with a clang, and in the blink of an eye, it split into two, then into four, stabbing towards the two men!
The fat and thin clerks were completely stunned on the spot; it was just too fast and too terrifying!
In an instant, killing intent and magical power surged forth in such a pure and terrifying way!
Clang!
The swords rang out, their light constantly shifting and merging, until they stopped just three inches from their throats.
A terrifying burst of magical power emanated from his body, causing the surrounding air to ripple and vibrate.
A unique, unified power fluctuation belonging to the realm of human immortals shook the fat and thin clerks.
Both of them suffered a complete mental breakdown.
"Why! You're clearly a mortal immortal! You're only one step away from becoming a true immortal!"
"How could someone choose a supernatural power system that only hopeless, ghostly spirits would choose!"
The fat and thin clerks were questioning their existence and were on the verge of tears.
This is a trap!
They're just here to freeload and take advantage of their minor positions to gain benefits.
How did I manage to provoke such a powerful tiger!
Zhong Xuan watched their reactions with a leisurely air, becoming even more certain that they had no powerful backers.
Then I remembered what the patriarch had said: after descending the mountain, one must not mention the patriarch's name.
So he teased, "Of course, you're playing a grand game. The evil Taoist who stole my Mountain God Seal was backed by the Celestial Master's Mansion, but surely I have a powerful backer?"
Both the fat and thin clerks were moved to tears, filled with deep regret.
They regretted it now! The woodcutter chopped off one of their hands and one of their feet, leaving them outside the temple.
They would have been content to admit defeat, but they were unwilling to give up and insisted on plotting to return and intimidate the newly appointed mountain god, thinking they had to get some benefits out of him...
Now I'm afraid I'll die here, keeping Zhang Zhenren's old father company!
Fear surged through his mind, and the fat sergeant's eyes bulged as he roared, "Killing me won't change anything! We're just nobody!"
The skinny clerk hurriedly added, but also guiltily, "That old Taoist's life lamp and soul fire have already been extinguished in the sect. You are already doomed! Cooperation is the only proper thing to do."
The atmosphere fell silent for a moment.
The sword light, which had been struggling and almost spiraling out of control, slowly receded.
The sword light merged into one, and the magic sword silently floated in front of the two.
Zhong Xuan regained his gentle, jade-like gaze, as if the dust had settled.
He asked with a smile, "Okay, shall we cooperate then?"
Both the fat and thin officials were stunned at the same time, and at the same time, a surge of hope and optimism arose within them.
The two men didn't consider themselves stupid; this mountain god dared to steal even the swords of the Celestial Master's Mansion.
So what if I kill a lowly clerk? Even if this old man smiles gently, I'm afraid his heart is even darker!
So the fat clerk immediately stretched out his only remaining right hand and shouted, "Me! I'm willing!"
Zhong Xuan listened for a moment and understood the general idea.
The Celestial Master's Mansion is a Taoist force that reveres the Three Pure Ones, and it contains factions such as Zhengyi and Lingbao.
The Four Celestial Masters of Heaven, with Zhang Daoling as their patriarch, represent the Celestial Master's Mansion at the highest level of Heaven.
The orthodox Taoist lineage in the human world is the Zhengyi School, which is hereditary by the Zhang family, whose ancestral home is in Longhu Mountain, and has produced many Zhang Tianshi (Celestial Masters) for generations.
The old Taoist priest who was killed was an unqualified outer sect cultivator, but his son is the current Dragon Tiger True Man of the Southern Continent. The other party is a legitimate direct descendant with power and connections, and can borrow the power of the Heavenly Court, so the revenge will come very quickly.
Zhong Xuan sorted through the various pieces of information and then led the official outside the temple.
About half an incense stick later, the two who had started "plowing" looked at each other in bewilderment.
Is this what you call cooperation?
They clearly explained what they knew!
"You should first properly analyze the earth's energy and spiritual energy, and work in a calm and peaceful state of mind."
Zhong Xuan manipulated his magic sword and gently poked at their backs.
"Let's cooperate and divide the work. I'll be in charge of the south, and you all will be in charge of the northwest. Don't go east, because that's the territory of the Banana Fairy, the big landlord of the whole mountain. It's not advisable to cause any trouble there for now."
Zhong Xuan turned his head to look east, then looked away.
"This Cuiyun Mountain Residence is not suitable. The two of you, the officials, must carefully inspect it and work together to expand the scope of the mountain god's authority. Otherwise, there will inevitably be many demons in the mountain, and my magic sword will not be able to provide timely assistance. I'm afraid there will be regrets."
Zhong Xuan smiled faintly, but he was in a good mood.
One person's labor can never equal the labor of three people.
We'll subdue and train some lesser demons and spirits later to speed up the process of illuminating the entire mountain's view.
The fat and thin clerks couldn't help but shout:
"Mountain God! Aren't you afraid of the Heavenly Master's Mansion? We're talking about the power behind you!"
"If you are truly skilled, please reveal a bit of your expertise so that my brother and I can work for you with peace of mind!"
"Oh? Then I have nothing to fear. In this world, the only thing this old Taoist fears is his own heart."
Zhong Xuan smiled slightly, immediately putting the two of them at ease.
The fat and thin clerks calmed down and diligently worked to regulate the earth's veins and energy, thinking that this was for the best.
They were previously just lowly patrol officers, now the worst...
It's just a matter of trading your life for your future!
However, this work of sorting out the earth's veins is too tiring.
He looks just like an ordinary old farmer now!
The fact that the old mountain god could do his job so comfortably only puzzled and impressed them.
The two clerks exchanged a glance, realizing that this was indeed the big shot who had orchestrated all those mysterious schemes. Just his composure alone was extraordinary.