Chen Ping’an’s forceful charge drew volley after volley of powerful and accurate shots from the archers. The guards General Ma had stationed at the prefectural office were elite soldiers, top-notch troops brought over from the border regions. Their arm strength was incredible, and their experience in war and battle was immense. Even against a mountain immortal, they would cooperate flawlessly.

Chen Ping’an dashed across the roof ridges, landing deep within the prefectural office. It took him only a few seconds, yet he had already deflected two incredibly ferocious and accurate shots.

“I am Liu Gaoxin, daughter of Prefect Liu! The old immortal has come to aid our allies! Please lower your bows!” the young girl with the silver bells cried out.

Chen Ping’an landed before the main hall door. He didn’t turn, taking two steps to the side as he caught an arrow that whistled past from behind. Ancient, simple cloud patterns were engraved on the arrow, and three small, dazzling grooves were carved into the arrowhead. Chen Ping’an casually tossed the arrow aside, where it embedded itself in the earth.

“Brother Xu, Zhang Shanfeng, are you in the main hall?” he asked in a solemn voice. “The culprit behind the incident at the City God Pavilion is the old immortal who performed on the tall stage in the middle of the lake that night!”

The big-bearded martial artist was the first to rush out, followed closely by Zhang Shanfeng and the armored general.

A nine-meter-tall copper-armored warrior, with a boom, charged forward, throwing a punch at Chen Ping’an. Chen Ping’an raised a hand to block the attack. This copper-armored warrior had been summoned by a carefully drawn talisman of Daoist Chong Miao. It was quite powerful.

Though not high-grade, its combat power rivaled peak second-tier martial artists. However, the copper-armored warrior’s joints groaned and shook violently after Chen Ping’an caught its fist. Loud creaks echoed, yet it couldn’t advance.

Prefect Liu also rushed out of the main hall. He looked up, seeing the young girl with silver bells atop the wall. “She’s my daughter! My daughter, Liu Gaoxin! Please don’t accidentally injure her!” he cried out.

The big-bearded martial artist quickly explained the situation to those around him. “He’s my friend, Chen Ping’an. He went to the City God Pavilion to investigate.”

The armored general nodded, giving a military signal. The archers, hidden around the prefectural office, didn’t immediately lower their bows, but instead, subtly shifted from full draw to half draw. Their actions were identical, even the curves of their bows almost perfectly matched.

Xu Yuanxia, having traveled to many nations, astutely noticed this detail. He was deeply impressed. He hadn’t imagined that a place as scholarly as Colorful Garment Nation would possess such disciplined and powerful soldiers. General Ma, guarding the east gate of the prefectural city, was indeed a talented general.

Daoist Chong Miao made a hand seal, commanding the copper-armored warrior to return. The warrior had failed to subdue the young boy, and a slight displeasure flickered across Daoist Chong Miao’s face as he sneered, “Old Immortal Huang is the culprit? Hahaha! You scheming little boy, I sense you are the one trying to exploit this situation!”

The old Daoist priest, in his brightly colored robes, turned to Prefect Liu and the general. “If the powerful Old Immortal Huang is truly the malicious culprit, why are we still discussing and planning? We might as well await death. And if Old Immortal Huang is the culprit, why did he actively warn us? Was that necessary?”

“It does seem illogical,” Prefect Liu agreed after a moment’s thought.

However, the general spoke up in the young boy’s defense. “Heretical and demonic cultivators are masters of risky maneuvers. They cannot be judged by ordinary standards. The best course is to be skeptical of everyone. Let’s hear this young boy out first.”

Liu Gaoxin leaped down from the wall, sprinting towards them. Her movements were filled with energy, the silver bells on her wrists and ankles chiming, releasing waves of golden ripples. Clearly, she was a legitimate cultivator. Prefect Liu had no time to consider how his youngest daughter had become an immortal.

Reaching him, he anxiously asked, “Are you hurt? Silly girl, why are you running around in this chaotic and dangerous prefectural city? How foolish!”

Liu Gaoxin pointed at Chen Ping’an, beginning, “The old immortal…”

But she realized her mistake. While rushing over, the skilled swordsman immortal had specifically instructed her to keep the City God Pavilion battle a secret. He was reluctant to reveal his true identity, fearing demons might be hidden within the prefectural office. He didn’t want to expose his abilities.

Liu Gaoxin quickly corrected herself. “Chen Ping’an and I encountered a female bone ghost in the City God Pavilion. She was the beautiful woman in colorful robes who performed on the lake stage that night, one of the demons troubling the prefectural city. Chen Ping’an and I subdued her, but the city god and his two subordinate gods unexpectedly succumbed to demonic influence. Black smoke billowed from their faces, and they were about to attack us. Fortunately, an old immortal wielding flying swords arrived and rescued us. However, the old immortal was severely wounded and told us to explain the situation. That old man, Huang, is scheming to obtain an immortal treasure with his allies. The immortal wanted me to tell you not to bring wolves into the prefectural office. He said he’d assist again once he recovers, to subdue demons and eliminate fiends.”

Chen Ping’an’s expression remained calm, admiring the young girl’s quick thinking.

Compared to Zhu Lu’s actions in Go Table Mountain, and the youths outside the dilapidated temple, Liu Gaoxin was truly impressive.

Everyone quickly returned to the main hall. Before they could sit, a blood-soaked elite soldier rushed in, reporting that commoners, seemingly corrupted by demons, had appeared in multiple locations within the prefectural city. They were violently attacking others, regardless of family ties or friendship.

These commoners, like corrupted martial artists, shared a common trait: blood seeping from their eyes. Incredibly agile, they were difficult to deal with. Many soldiers and law enforcers were wounded.

Not only that, but sanguine glows appeared simultaneously across the prefectural city. On stone bridges, in quiet alleys, everywhere. Plants withered, fish died.

The atmosphere in the main hall was solemn. Prefect Liu composed himself and began organizing his men. Besides ordering a rapid warning to General Ma about Old Immortal Huang’s potential identity, the men were divided into pairs to investigate the abnormalities and guard against further incidents. Demons or affected commoners were to be executed on the spot.

Petty officials were also ordered to leave the office, warning commoners to return home immediately. Those disobeying would face severe punishment, as if a night curfew had been imposed.

Xu Yuanxia was paired with Zhang Shanfeng (martial artist and Daoist priest), Daoist Chong Miao with the armored general, and at Liu Gaoxin’s request, she was paired with Chen Ping’an. Despite Prefect Liu’s concern, how could he allow his daughter to rush into danger?

Fortunately, a gallant cultivator offered to accompany Chen Ping’an and Liu Gaoxin to the Zhao Clan residence. Prefect Liu repeatedly warned Liu Gaoxin against recklessness. She had to listen to the powerful cultivators.

Liu Gaoxin was overjoyed, nodding and promising her father she would be careful. Prefect Liu, still worried, pulled her aside and warned her again.

The young girl, slightly impatient, was interrupted by the young-looking old immortal beside her. “Young Mistress Liu, do not trouble Prefect Liu.”

Liu Gaoxin hesitated, looking at Chen Ping’an. He wasn’t angry, wasn’t taking advantage of his seniority, but simply seemed to want to handle things better. Puzzled, but resolute, Liu Gaoxin bid farewell to her father, promising not to be reckless. Prefect Liu felt slightly more at ease, cupping his fists in thanks to Chen Ping’an and the martial artist.

“Then I leave my daughter to the two of you,” he said sincerely.

Chen Ping’an and the martial artist returned the gesture. The three of them rushed to the Zhao Clan residence, just two streets away.

The martial artist, Dou, looked up at the sky, shaking his head and sighing, “Whether immortals or demons, none care for mortal lives. It shouldn’t be this way.”

Chen Ping’an remained silent.

Arriving at the Zhao Clan residence, they found commoners, corrupted by demons, charging out, teeth bared, arms swinging. The archers and guards, primarily from the law enforcement and prefectural offices, were unprepared for such a sight. They were accustomed to petty theft, not this.

Most were deathly pale, and the archers’ accuracy was appalling. Even after being struck by arrows, Zhao Clan family members and servants continued to charge. Chen Ping’an witnessed a young boy, arrow protruding from his chest, struggling to his feet, vomiting blood, and continuing his assault.

The archers’ crude formation was shattered by the charging commoners. Close-quarters combat was unavoidable.

Without Chen Ping’an and the others, the demonic commoners would have spread throughout the prefectural city, like a plague of locusts.

Chen Ping’an, unsure of a cure, focused on pushing the demonic commoners back towards the Zhao Clan residence. Liu Gaoxin rang her silver bells, creating golden flowers that materialized and floated around. Demons who touched the flowers crumbled into pools of thick blood. A foul stench filled the air.

The saber-wielding martial artist, Dou, drew his saber, radiating blinding white light. Each slash cleaved a demon in two, regardless of age or gender. His saber skills were impressive, a grandmaster returning to natural simplicity. Direct and unadorned, lacking any unnecessary flourish.

Compared to Xu Yuanxia’s saber skills, however, Dou’s lacked the raw battlefield aura. A mystical aura hinted at a martial arts grandmaster at or above the fourth tier. He hadn’t revealed his full abilities in the main hall, adhering to the grandmaster’s principle of not flaunting strength.

After repelling the demonic commoners, Liu Gaoxin found the ground littered with blood and severed limbs. She knelt and vomited.

A flash of red light appeared and vanished from within the Zhao Clan residence, releasing a concentrated yin aura.

Chen Ping’an, seeing no immediate danger, nimbly leaped over the residence wall and headed towards the source of the red light.

Following the red light, he arrived at a tranquil courtyard with a three-story scripture library. A young man in white sat lazily on the steps, one hand on his cheek, the other holding an ancient book. He yawned.

The handsome young man looked sideways at Chen Ping’an, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Why the late arrival? An immortal from the mountains? A sect disciple?”

Straightening, the Zhao Clan young master moistened his finger, flipping through his book. Another flash of red light.

The red light formed a thick rope, like a contorting python, pausing near the courtyard wall before aiming to strike a commoner.

Chen Ping’an tapped his Sword Nurturing Gourd.

The bright red light was instantly sliced apart.

The young man in white raised an eyebrow. “Oh? A minor sword immortal? Impressive. I’ve heard lower-tier sword cultivators have immense destructive power, but their stamina is often low. After a few dazzling bursts of sword qi, they become exhausted. Are you the same?”

The young man flipped through his book.

Dozens of red, snake-like streaks, as thick as a thumb, soared towards the sky near the scripture library. About to disperse, the young man’s expression froze.

The banded red snakes were instantly sliced apart by bursts of crisscrossing white light.

A cold sensation spread across his forehead. His eyes widened in horror, as if he’d seen a ghost in broad daylight. He met a miserable end.

The flying sword had pierced his head, and sword qi had seeped into his body and soul, rapidly annihilating his vitality.

Chen Ping’an secured his wine gourd. First and Fifteenth returned to the Sword Nurturing Gourd.

Dou, on the courtyard wall, cupped his fists at Chen Ping’an.

A thought struck Chen Ping’an. “Tell Liu Gaoxin I’m heading to the Mountain Lord Temple. I’ll be back soon.”

Dou laughed heartily. “This place is secure. A few stragglers remain. Please be at ease.”

Chen Ping’an felt slightly exasperated. His swift killing had been witnessed. He nodded, tapping his feet and disappearing into the distance.

————

Chen Ping’an, following the voice in his mind’s lake, sprinted through the city, leaped over the city walls, and arrived at a deserted Mountain Lord Temple. An elegant scholar beckoned him from within. A smile graced his face, yet his body swayed like a flickering flame about to extinguish.

Chen Ping’an hesitated before approaching.

The deity stood behind the threshold of a dimly lit room, Chen Ping’an in a slightly brighter area.

The scholar clasped his hands, bowing in respect. Standing, he smiled faintly. “This is our second encounter. I am Shen Wen, City God of Blusher Prefecture. I have watched over this city for hundreds of years. Today’s outcome was predestined by past karma. My error led to this.

“Had you not prevented my complete corruption, perhaps the mighty golden City God of Colorful Garment Nation would have aided those sinister demons. Perhaps I would have become a god who slaughtered my own people. I thank you for your intervention.”

The scholar smiled, continuing, “I was unaware of my corruption, my actions likely comical to your eyes, young immortal. I thank you for your intervention, for preventing me from attacking my own people, for preserving my reputation in history, and for your honesty and trust. Your willingness to return the azure wooden box was truly extraordinary.”

Chen Ping’an had willingly returned the wooden box to City God Shen Wen upon entering the City God Hall. A good deed.

Chen Ping’an, possessing a pocket treasure, retrieved the azure wooden box from his sleeve, not his pocket treasure, signifying he viewed the box as the City God Hall’s possession.

A good heart.

Chen Ping’an carefully observed City God Shen Wen, no longer detecting demonic aura. He breathed a sigh of relief.

Hesitating, he cupped his fists. “I had to protect myself in the City God Hall, so I destroyed your golden statue…”

Shen Wen, no longer appearing as the golden City God, waved his sleeve, changing the subject. “Young immortal, are you a scholar?”

Chen Ping’an felt ashamed, shaking his head. “I am not a scholar. Currently, I only know how to read and make notes. I hope to learn more characters and moral principles.”

City God Shen Wen smiled. “Do you know the uses of gold statue shards?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head.

“You must protect those golden shards,” Shen Wen said softly. “Formal mountain and river gods, city gods, martial and scholarly temple gods—all deities who receive incense have a gold statue. We are appointed by the imperial court, and a statue is made of us. We nurture our spiritual nature and divine aura. However, gold statues have grades, like officials. Five Mountain gods have the highest grade, followed by major river gods, then the capital city god, and so on.

“The item in the azure wooden box is a seal personally carved by a Great Heavenly Master from Mount Longhu’s Heavenly Master Residence: the Colorful Garment Nation Blusher Prefecture City God Protection Seal. A supremely powerful immortal tool, but usable only with a five-lightning cultivation method.

“Even as the current city god, deities like me cannot wield Daoist lightning techniques. The Heavenly Master Residence bestowed this seal symbolically, to protect Blusher Prefecture’s feng shui, not to empower the city god or Colorful Garment Nation Qi refiners.

“Without this Heavenly Master Seal, the unmarked graveyards outside the city, filled with resentful auras, would have affected us long ago.”

Chen Ping’an pondered. “Should I give it to Prefect Liu for you? Or the Colorful Garment Nation emperor?”

City God Shen Wen looked intently into the young boy’s clear eyes, waving his sleeve and laughing heartily. “The sages say divine artifacts should only go to those with virtue!”