After the defeat of the Demon Cult, the Buddhist Sect rapidly expanded its influence.
Temples and mountain gates were established across the Nine Provinces, and with the imperial court's support, the sect became a formidable force second only to the Daoist Sect.
Over the years, the Demon Cult gradually regained some of its former strength.
Though it seemed weaker than the Buddhist Sect on the surface, its hidden power was not to be underestimated.
It wasn't until the current Demon Cult Leader, an unparalleled genius, rose to power that the cult reached a stalemate with the Buddhist Sect.
This leader not only possessed unmatched cultivation but also commanded a group of monstrously talented followers, enabling the Demon Cult to stand toe-to-toe with their Buddhist rivals.
However, the Demon Cult's survival or demise was of no concern to Ye Xuzhang.
What disgusted him was the Buddhist Sect's despicable methods.
When the Nine Provinces were in peril, they closed their gates and preserved their strength.
Yet once the danger passed, they emerged under the guise of righteousness, mercilessly exterminating those who had defended the land.
Shameless!
The old monk ignored Ye Xuzhang's scorn and instead scrutinized him from head to toe, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.
"Amitabha, well said, well said. This benefactor is truly blessed with remarkable looks."
Ye Xuzhang sneered. "If you're here begging for alms, you've got the wrong person. I have no money for monks."
The old monk shook his head. "Benefactor, your appearance is extraordinary, and you possess great wisdom. If you were to renounce the world and cultivate, you would surely become a great monk."
"I, Monk Qian Ye, would gladly accept you as my disciple."
Renounce the world? Leave behind my beautiful wife to chant sutras with you? Dream on!
Ye Xuzhang coldly replied, "Sorry, I'm not interested in vegetarian meals and Buddhist chants. If you're trying to convert someone, find someone else."
"Amitabha. The sea of suffering is boundless, and all beings suffer. Benefactor, your attachment to the mortal world is regrettable."
"Be it wealth or the company of beautiful women, all is but fleeting smoke and clouds."
"Only by letting go of everything can one attain eternal bliss."
Shaking his head, Monk Qian Ye clasped his hands together, murmured a Buddhist chant, and walked away.
After a few steps, he suddenly turned back and said, "Benefactor, you are destined for the Buddha's path. We shall meet again."
Ye Xuzhang ignored him, bought his gifts, and headed to the inn.
Ever since the mysterious swordsman wiped out the Blood Cloud Bandits, Qi Yixuan had been uneasy about letting Ye Xuzhang travel alone.
Thus, the Demon Cult's Seven-Finger Divine Lord had been secretly assigned by the Cult Leader to protect him on this journey.
Watching the interaction between Ye Xuzhang and the monk, the Seven-Finger Divine Lord frowned.
"Qian Ye?"
"Why is that old monk targeting the Young Master?"
"No matter. Ensuring the Young Master's safety is what's most important."
When Ye Xuzhang entered the inn, the Seven-Finger Divine Lord stationed himself nearby, keeping watch.
Meanwhile, inside his room, Ye Xuzhang stuffed the clothes he had purchased into his outfit to alter his silhouette.
He tore one garment to fashion a simple mask.
Satisfied with his disguise, he sat cross-legged, channeling his inner energy, preparing to confront the person tailing him under the cover of night.
Nightfall...
The Seven-Finger Divine Lord sat atop a rooftop opposite the inn, drinking wine while keeping an eye on the Young Master's room.
Suddenly, a wave of unease surged through him. His expression shifted as he leapt to his feet, but before he could react, a streak of light flashed toward him at incredible speed!
In an instant, a slender branch was pressed against his throat.
Looking up, he saw a man with a slightly bulky build, his face obscured by a mask.
The Seven-Finger Divine Lord exclaimed, "Such speed! Are you the swordsman who appeared in Cangxi before?"
The Taihua State region lacked exceptional swordsmen. The only one capable of such a feat was the mysterious swordsman who had destroyed the Zhao Tian Sect.
Ye Xuzhang's heart skipped a beat but quickly realized that the Seven-Finger Divine Lord was referring to him during the Zhao Tian Sect incident.
Altering his voice with inner energy, he replied hoarsely, "Who are you, and why are you here?"
"I'm here under the orders of a certain individual to protect someone."
Protect?
He's been following me to protect me?
Who would arrange for someone to protect me?
Ye Xuzhang was puzzled but knew he didn't want someone tailing him indefinitely.
Snorting coldly, he demanded, "Who is this 'certain individual'?"
"I cannot say."
"Do you not fear that I'll kill you?"
"Do as you wish!" The Seven-Finger Divine Lord showed no trace of fear.
Since the man claimed to be protecting him, and though his origins were mysterious, Ye Xuzhang couldn't bring himself to kill him.
Retracting the branch, Ye Xuzhang coldly ordered, "Return to where you came from. Dannan City is no place for you."
He deliberately framed his words to make the Seven-Finger Divine Lord believe that his intervention stemmed from territorial displeasure rather than personal concern.
With that, Ye Xuzhang disappeared into the night.
Back atop the rooftop, the Seven-Finger Divine Lord felt cold sweat soaking his back.
What a terrifying swordsman!
Who is he?
Determined to report the incident, the Seven-Finger Divine Lord sped back to Cangxi City, using all his strength.
Dawn.
The Seven-Finger Divine Lord knelt in the southern courtyard of the Ye estate, recounting the events to Qi Yixuan.
Frowning slightly, Qi Yixuan muttered, "A top-tier swordsman? What's he doing in Dannan?"
"Old Witch, instruct Blood Child to investigate his identity."
Then, her expression turned icy as she snapped, "Seven-Finger Divine Lord, no matter what happens, you should know that my husband's safety is more important than anything!"
The Seven-Finger Divine Lord's face turned pale. He immediately fell to his knees, his body trembling as cold sweat poured down his face.
"Your subordinate only returned to report the matter because I knew the Cult Leader was concerned about the swordsman…"
"Hmph! For such a trivial matter, you abandoned your mission and left the Young Master unprotected."
"If anything happens to him, I'll have your head fed to the dogs!"
"Understood!" the Seven-Finger Divine Lord stammered, his face drained of color. "I'll return to guard the Young Master immediately!"
"No need!" Qi Yixuan said coldly.
"Your strength is insufficient. Have Mei Yu take your place."
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