Before his knees touched the ground, Jun Wu reached out and supported his elbow, preventing him from kneeling. He sighed, "Xianle."
Xie Lian stood up straight again, bowed his head and said, "I'm sorry."
Jun Wu looked at him and said, "Do you think you admit your mistake?"
Xie Lian said, “I know I’m wrong.”
Jun Wu said: "Then tell me, what is your fault?"
Xie Lian remained silent. Jun Wu shook his head and said, "You don't even know."
He tilted his head slightly, motioning for Xie Lian to follow him. Together, they slowly walked toward the back of the Shenwu Hall. Jun Wu walked ahead, hands behind his back, saying as they walked, "Xianle has grown up now."
Xie Lian naturally didn't dare respond after hearing what he said. Jun Wu continued, "You've been flying up here for so many days, and you haven't even once reported to the Divine Martial Hall. If anyone else had been so disrespectful, the Spiritual Literature Hall would have held them accountable."
After Xie Lian ascended for the third time, he hadn't dared to go to the Divine Martial Hall to meet Jun Wu. He simply didn't know what expression to adopt in front of the Emperor, so he simply put it off. However, his "I'm sorry" wasn't about that. Jun Wu, of course, knew exactly what he meant. "If your apology is just for something in the past, then forget it. I won't accept it. You said it yourself, so forget it."
Xie Lian smiled bitterly and said, “How could I forget this?”
Jun Wu said calmly, "Then look forward. There are still many things that require your help."
Xie Lian rubbed his brow and said, "Xianle is just a ragtag god right now, without any magical power. He's not needed by anyone. I just hope he doesn't cause any trouble."
Jun Wu said, "Why belittle yourself? Didn't you do well the last two times?"
Xie Lian said, “It’s just that I might have offended General Pei.”
Jun Wu said, "Everything's fine in Mingguang, don't worry." Speaking of General Pei, however, he couldn't help but mention Huacheng again. Jun Wu turned and said, "The curved sword is fatal, and the bloody rain is a flower. Tell me, who did you mess with this time?"
Xie Lian coughed lightly and said, "Emperor, I swear I really didn't do anything. I just happened to meet a very interesting kid on the road one day, spent some time with him, and didn't think much of it."
Jun Wu nodded and said, "It's an accidental encounter, little friend, the Ghost King of Despair. Xianle, do you know what the consequences would be if Mingguang had continued to ask questions and you had said these things in front of the other priests?"
Xie Lian said helplessly, "Xianle knows. But this is the truth. I'm telling the truth, and there's nothing I can do if others don't believe me. I wouldn't dare tell the truth to anyone, so I have to thank the Emperor for saving me in time."
Jun Wu said: "I naturally know that you will not deliberately collude with the ghost world."
Xie Lian said, “Thank you, Emperor, for your trust.”
Jun Wu said, "But if that's the case, I have an important matter on hand, so I'm afraid it's not appropriate to send you."
Xie Lian asked, “What’s the matter?”
By this time, the two had arrived at the back of the Shenwu Hall. The front and back halls were separated by a tall mural. The front of the mural depicted a golden palace towering atop a sea of clouds, ablaze with white light. The back of the mural was a vast expanse of mountains and rivers.
Xie Lian looked up. The vast map was studded with countless tiny pearls, resembling stars. These marked the location of the Divine Martial Temple on Earth. A pearl embedded in this spot indicated the presence of a Divine Martial Temple. Eight hundred years ago, when Jun Wu had led Xie Lian here during his first ascension, the starlight hadn't been this dense. Yet, the shimmering pearls on the map almost evenly covered the entire field of vision, a breathtaking sight.
Jun Wu stood before the mountain and river map and said, "Seven days ago, many people witnessed a fire dragon suddenly rising into the sky near a forest in the east."
Upon hearing this, Xie Lian’s expression grew serious.
Jun Wu put one hand behind his back and gently tapped a spot on the map with the other. He said, "The fire dragon burned for two incense sticks before it went out. Do you know what this means?"
Xie Lian said, "The Fire Dragon's Roaring Sky technique, while powerful, does not injure anyone. It's a cry for help."
Jun Wu said, "That's right. He's asking for help. Moreover, it's a priest from the Heavenly Court who's asking for help."
Xie Lian said, “Moreover, it was a cry for help from someone who was forced into a desperate situation.”
Because the Fire Dragon's Roaring Sky technique, with its powerful flames yet incapable of harming anyone, would inevitably deplete the priest's mana. If careless, their entire mana could be depleted, resulting in their immediate demise. Therefore, no one would resort to this method to seek help unless absolutely necessary. Since it had appeared, it meant that a priest was in dire straits.
Xie Lian asked, “Has any of the priests in the Upper Heaven Court been missing recently?”
Jun Wu said, "The reason we summoned all the priests back this time wasn't just for the Half Moon Pass incident. More importantly, we wanted to take this opportunity to investigate the whereabouts of all the priests. Aside from a few who haven't appeared in public for years, like the Rain Master and the Earth Master, all the other priests who weren't able to return have responded."
After pondering for a moment, Xie Lian said, "Is it possible that it's not this year's priest, but a retired priest from the past?"
Jun Wu said, "If that's the case, then the scope is huge. Many retired priests have been missing for years, so it's impossible to determine which one is in danger."
I'm afraid the civil servants of the Lingwen Hall have been so preoccupied with this matter lately, their eyes darkening and their feet trembling. No wonder they haven't been able to find the time to investigate the whereabouts of the plague-stricken youth on Junshan Mountain. Xie Lian said, "To force a priest to explode and beg for help, they must be quite powerful. Are there any demonic lairs or gathering places nearby?"
Jun Wu said, "Yes."
He turned to Xie Lian and said slowly, "Do you know about the Ghost Market?"
Xie Lian thought for a moment and said, “I’ve heard of it.”
The Ghost Market is the most bustling place in the ghost world, situated at the border between the human and ghost realms. Ghosts gather here to trade, and demons dance wildly. Some alchemists with some level of cultivation often enter to trade and gather information. Even some celestial priests, out of curiosity or for ulterior motives, disguise themselves and visit. Occasionally, an uninformed person stumbles in, and if they do, they're likely to be eaten alive or frightened half to death.
Ghost markets have existed since ancient times, and many legends about them circulate among the people. Xie Lian once heard a story about a man traveling at night who saw a bustling market ahead, decorated with large red lanterns and colorful lights. He happily entered, only to discover that everyone around him was either wearing a mask, had a turban, or was incredibly ugly. He found it very strange, but thought nothing of it. He bought a bowl of noodles, sat down to eat, and picked up the chopsticks to put it into his mouth. As he ate, he felt something was wrong. Looking again, he realized that it wasn't noodles at all, but a bowl of wriggling black hair!
Pulling his thoughts back, Jun Wu said, "After seeing the pillar of fire, I immediately sent priests to search the forest. However, it seems they were quickly diverted and no clues were found. I'm afraid the other party will be even more defensive. So, this time, I need someone to secretly go down to the mortal world and explore the ghost market."
Xie Lian said, “We can’t alert the enemy and force them to relocate. That’s why we can’t tell the priests in the Divine Martial Hall and let too many people know, right?”
Jun Wu said: "That's exactly it."
Xie Lian said, “Then, Your Majesty, Xianle requests your permission.”
Jun Wu said, "You were the first person I thought of. But I'm afraid it wouldn't be convenient for you to do this."
Xie Lian asked, “What’s the inconvenience?”
Jun Wu said, "First, the East is where Lang Qianqiu is stationed. If you want to go there, you will have to cooperate with him."
What's the big deal? Xie Lian said, "I have no problem with that. Don't worry."
Jun Wu said, "Secondly, do you know whose territory Ghost Market is now?"
Xie Lian was slightly startled and asked, "Could it be Huacheng?"
Jun Wu nodded slowly. Xie Lian's premonition came true. He rubbed his brows, and suddenly thought of something else.
The pillar of fire in the Eastern Forest started seven days ago. And Hua Cheng left Puqi Monastery exactly seven days ago. The timing is incredibly tight. Could there be a connection between these two events?
Jun Wu said, "It seems that you have a good relationship with him. If you accidentally bump into him there, you can get along peacefully. I am afraid that he is involved in this matter. If you are embarrassed, don't force it. If you have any other suggestions, please tell me."
After a moment's hesitation, Xie Lian said, "I'll go."
Jun Wu looked at him and said, "Xianle, I know you know your limits. But I also know that you always think the best of everyone."
Hearing him say this, Xie Lian smiled and said, “Please don’t make me sound like a little princess who’s never been out of the house, okay? That statement really doesn’t apply to me anymore.”
Jun Wu shook his head and said, "I shouldn't say much about your friends, but I'll say one more thing. Be careful Huacheng."
Hearing this, Xie Lian lowered his head slightly, lowered his eyes and remained silent.
He should have replied with a "yes," for he was already so used to saying "yes," but for some reason he didn't want to say this "yes."
Jun Wu added, "Be especially careful of his demonic sword, Evil Life. Don't let it leave any scars on your body."
Xie Lian asked curiously, "What happened to that knife?"
Jun Wu said, "The scars left by the demon sword E Ming are all curses. Even if they heal, Hua Cheng can make them bleed again at any time if he wants."
Xie Lian didn't know where this confidence came from, thinking that Sanlang wouldn't use his knife to cut him, but he still said, "Xianle understands."
Jun Wu nodded slightly and said, "I'm naturally most confident in leaving this matter to you. If you have no difficulties, that would be great. However, I'm afraid it would be difficult for you to do it alone. Which priest would you like to accompany you?"
After thinking for a moment, Xie Lian said, "Whatever. But, someone with a more approachable personality would be better. Also, someone with more mana would be better, so I can lend it to them whenever I want."
Jun Wu smiled and said, "For the first one, you should just ban Nanyang and Xuanzhen."
That was the case. Neither Feng Xin nor Mu Qing had the same personality traits as the others, so Xie Lian started laughing. Jun Wu asked again, "How are you with them? Haven't you spoken to them yet?"
Jun Wu had never been in any spiritual formation, so naturally he had no idea what they were talking about all day long. Xie Lian said, "They said a few words."
Jun Wu said, "It's been so many years, and you're still only saying a few words? By the way, I heard that when you ascended this time, you destroyed the golden palaces of many immortal officials, including the one in Nanyang."
Xie Lian coughed lightly and changed his tone, saying, "I've paid it back! 8.88 million merits, I've paid them all. And I also have to thank the Emperor for giving me the opportunity to go to Yujun Mountain."
Jun Wu said, "You must be thanking Nanyang in your heart. I heard from Lingwen that he later took the initiative to go to Lingwen Temple privately and said that he didn't need to repay him for the merits of rebuilding the Golden Temple."
Xie Lian was stunned and said, “This… I have no idea.”
No wonder the 8.88 million merits, which were supposedly repaid in full, were actually paid off with such a large sum of money. At the time, the Nanyang Palace suffered the most serious damage; it's said half of the golden roof collapsed. Jun Wu said, "Nanyang asked Lingwen not to tell you, so naturally you didn't know. Since he doesn't want you to know, you should continue to pretend you don't know."
Xie Lian didn't know what to feel either. All the bittersweet emotions melted into his heart, leaving him feeling like a pile of loose sand. In the end, he simply sighed silently and thought, "Those 'never tell anyone' things in this world are just empty words."
Jun Wu pondered for a moment and then said, "Nanyang and Xuanzhen are not suitable. Then, how about Feng Shi?"
Xie Lian thought for a moment and said, “Master Feng is very kind, but I wonder if she would be willing to go on patrol with me.”
Jun Wu said, "The Wind Master has great magical powers, a lively personality, and loves to make friends. He fits your description of being easy to get along with. He spoke well of you the last time you came to see me. In my opinion, it's possible. If you don't have any more questions, you can go down to the mortal world with the Wind Master this time and go to the Ghost Market to explore. And."
Xie Lian asked, “What’s the matter?”
Jun Wu said slowly: "You can try hard, but don't push yourself too hard."
Hearing this, Xie Lian was stunned for a moment before smiling and saying, "What are you talking about? I didn't force anything."
Jun Wu patted his shoulder and said no more.
The two briefly discussed some matters, and Jun Wu sent for the Wind Master. He told Xie Lian to leave first, and Xie Lian left the Shenwu Hall. He stood at the hall's entrance for a moment, looking back, before walking down Shenwu Avenue and out of the Heavenly Palace.
He came to the Heavenly Steps of the Lower Realm and wandered around, waiting for the person from the Divine Martial Hall to notify the Master of Wind. Unexpectedly, after waiting for a long time, the white-robed nun did not appear, but a white-robed Taoist priest appeared instead.
The Taoist looked radiant, his whole body radiating an immortal aura. He was none other than the Qing Xuan from the Shenwu Hall. He flicked his whisk and said with a smile, "Hello, Your Highness!"
Xie Lian also smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist, it's good too!"
In fact, he really wanted to ask who the other person was, but he felt that it would be rude to do so. He was just about to secretly flip through the scroll to see which priest's name was Qingxuan, when the Taoist in white came over and said, "Let's go! Let's go down together."
Xie Lian was startled and said, “Fellow Daoist, I’m waiting for someone here.”
After hearing this, the other party put his whisk into the back of his robe, turned around and asked curiously, "Who are you waiting for?"
Xie Lian said, “I’ll wait for Master Feng.”
The Taoist in white was even more puzzled and asked, "Am I not right here?"
“…”
Xie Lian's eyebrows twitched as he asked, "Are you a Wind Master?"
The other party unfolded his folding fan and shook it while saying, "I am a wind master. Is there any need to doubt this? Don't you know who I am? Haven't you heard of my name, Wind Master Qingxuan? "
His tone was matter-of-fact and self-assured, as if it were completely impossible for Xie Lian not to know him. The folding fan had the word "wind" written on the front and three flowing lines of a gentle breeze painted on the back. Wasn't it the same one the white-robed woman had waved that day?
Xie Lian suddenly remembered: Fu Yao had said that some priests in the Upper Heaven Court had special needs and were skilled in transformation. And back then at Half Moon Pass, Nanfeng had also said, “The Wind Master has clearly always been…”
Always? What is it?
A man?!
Xie Lian was dragged a few steps forward by the other party, but he still couldn't fully accept it. He said, "This... Master Feng, you, you, why did you disguise yourself as a nun last time? "
The Wind Master asked, "Why? Doesn't it look good?"
Xie Lian said, “Looks good? But…”
The Wind Master smiled broadly and said, "What else is there to say about beauty? As long as it looks good, that's all! Of course, I want to dress up because it looks good."
At this point, he seemed to suddenly remember something. He folded his folding fan and looked Xie Lian up and down. After a moment, he said, "Come to think of it, we're going to the Ghost Market this time to conceal our identities, right?"
“…”
Xie Lian: “???”
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