One Month Later...
[Ding! New check-in task released. Please proceed to the eastern region of Qilin State for check-in.]
While cultivating in his study, Ye Xuzhang was startled. At last! After such a long wait, you've finally issued another task!
But the eastern region of Qilin State?
That was Demon Cult territory!
There weren't many in the martial world who dared to venture there.
No matter. The Demon Cult, though infamous, was not the same as other demonic sects. As long as he didn't provoke them, he should be fine.
From past experience, Ye Xuzhang knew the farther the check-in location, the better the reward.
Even if the destination were a dragon's den or a tiger's lair, he would go!
With his mind made up, Ye Xuzhang left the study, informed his wife that he was heading out to negotiate a jade trade, and set off from the Ye estate.
Just as he approached the city gates, a familiar voice rang out.
"Well, if it isn't Young Master Ye?"
Turning, Ye Xuzhang spotted a woman who often gave him a headache: Li Mei'er (Mei Yu).
She approached with a seductive sway, followed by a burly man.
Suppressing his frustration, Ye Xuzhang cupped his hands politely. "Pavilion Master Li."
Li Mei'er laughed coquettishly. "No need to be so formal, Young Master Ye."
She stepped closer, took his hand, and gazed at him with a charming smile. "Young Master, it's so cold out. How about we warm up with a drink at Yunlai Inn? It's been two months since we last met, and I've missed you terribly."
Ye Xuzhang forced a smile. "Perhaps another day. I have pressing business and must leave the city."
Li Mei'er glanced at the sword he carried and asked in surprise, "Young Master Ye knows martial arts?"
"I dabbled in some basics when I was younger."
Gently pulling his hand away, Ye Xuzhang said, "Pavilion Master, I really must be going."
With that, he hurried off.
Watching him leave, Li Mei'er chuckled. "The Young Master is rather amusing, isn't he?"
The Great Evil King snorted. "You overdid it this time, grabbing his hand like that. If the Cult Leader finds out you've been taking liberties with her husband, you'll be in serious trouble."
Li Mei'er shrugged with a mischievous smile. "I couldn't help it. The Young Master is just too charming!"
"By the way, who's assigned to protect him on this trip?"
The Great Evil King replied, "The Seven-Finger Divine Lord."
Leaving Cangxi City, Ye Xuzhang breathed a sigh of relief. Li Mei'er was truly exhausting to deal with.
Still, at least she knew her limits, unlike that female bandit from years ago.
Suddenly, his expression darkened, and a chill flashed through his eyes.
He was being followed.
Could it be the Yin Yang Register?
No, that didn't seem likely. If it had been exposed, his pursuers would have confronted him directly.
More likely, he had aroused someone's suspicion.
That must be it.
Ye Xuzhang pretended not to notice and continued walking casually. However, he refrained from using his lightness skill to avoid revealing his martial arts abilities.
To maintain his cover, he purchased a horse from an outpost near the city and galloped away at high speed.
Despite his swift pace, the person tailing him managed to keep up for three days straight, staying close without losing sight of him.
This realization left Ye Xuzhang both impressed and concerned. Whoever this was, they were no amateur.
Determined to uncover their intentions, Ye Xuzhang decided to confront them in Dannan City, a town along his route.
Upon reaching Dannan City, Ye Xuzhang dismounted and strolled through the streets as if unaware of being followed. He stopped at a tailor's shop to purchase some clothes before heading toward a nearby inn.
As he approached the inn, a calm, elderly voice called out from behind.
"Amitabha, this benefactor, please wait."
Turning, Ye Xuzhang saw an old monk clad in a brocade cassock, holding a golden alms bowl in one hand and a monk's staff in the other. His face radiated a serene benevolence befitting a high monk.
"You called for me?"
To be honest, neither in this life nor his past life did Ye Xuzhang have a favorable impression of monks.
These foreign religious types, with their false reputations for virtue, were full of deceit.
They preached compassion while harboring selfish motives, exploiting others for wealth and influence without contributing anything meaningful.
And in this martial world, the monks were even more detestable to Ye Xuzhang.
The rise of the Buddhist Sect was a tale of filth and treachery.
Three thousand years ago, during the decline of the Great Xia Dynasty, foreign invaders had ravaged the land, plunging the people into suffering.
It was the martial sects, including even the Demon Cult, that united to resist the invaders.
And the Buddhist Sect?
They closed their gates, avoiding the conflict entirely.
After the dark times had passed, the Buddhist Sect emerged, claiming to "uphold justice and punish evil."
They ruthlessly targeted the Demon Cult, driving them to near extinction.
The Demon Cult, having lost many experts in the war against the invaders, was no match for the newly empowered Buddhist Sect. Forced to retreat, they were driven into the desolate eastern region of Qilin State, barely surviving.
For the past three millennia, the Demon Cult and the Buddhist Sect had been mortal enemies.
Worse still, the sect's sacred sites, spiritual resources, and precious plants had been seized by the Buddhist Sect.
These resources allowed the Buddhist Sect to cultivate generation after generation of powerful warriors, solidifying their dominance over the Nine Provinces.
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