(Happy New Year to everyone, muah!)

Chen Pingan’s forceful entry was met with waves of precise arrow fire, designed to impede his progress. General Ma had placed his trusted personal guards within the Prefectural Manor, all elite soldiers brought back from the borderlands. Their strength was astonishing, and they were seasoned veterans of countless battles. Even facing a cultivator, their coordination was flawless. From the moment Chen Pingan launched himself from the rooftop until he landed deep within the Prefectural Manor, only a few blinks of an eye passed. In that brief span, he was forced to deflect two menacing and accurately aimed arrows.

The silver-bell girl shouted loudly, “I am Liu Gaoxin, daughter of the Prefect! This immortal is an ally here to help! I implore you all, lower your bows!”

Chen Pingan landed at the entrance of the main hall, without turning his head. He sidestepped two steps, reaching out to grasp an arrow fired from behind. Ancient cloud patterns were inscribed on the arrow shaft, and three subtle grooves were carved along its length, with a flowing brilliance within. Chen Pingan casually flicked his wrist, pinning the arrow to the ground. He said in a deep voice, “Hero Xu, Zhang Shan, are you in the hall? That elder who displayed divine powers at the lakeside platform that night is the mastermind behind the City God Pavilion’s misfortune!”

The bearded man was the first to leap forward, followed closely by the armored general and the Daoist Zhang Shanfeng.

A bronze golem, over ten feet tall, charged forward with booming footsteps, throwing a punch at Chen Pingan without a word. Chen Pingan had no choice but to raise his palm to block the fist. This bronze golem, meticulously crafted by Daoist Chongmiao using talisman techniques, possessed considerable strength. Although its quality wasn’t top-tier, its combat power was enough to rival a pure martial artist at the peak of the second realm. However, after Chen Pingan blocked its fist with his five fingers, the golem’s joints trembled violently, emitting a series of screeches, yet it couldn’t advance an inch.

Prefect Liu also hurried out of the gate, looking up to see the silver-bell girl standing on the wall. He immediately shouted, “That’s my daughter! That’s my daughter, Liu Gaoxin! Honorable warriors, do not accidentally injure her!”

The bearded swordsman also quickly explained to the others, “He is our friend, Chen Pingan. He went to investigate the City God Pavilion’s situation.”

The armored general nodded and raised his arm, making a military hand gesture. The archers hidden in various locations did not immediately lower their bows. Instead, they pressed the arrowheads downwards, the taut, full-moon arcs of their bows simultaneously relaxing, returning to their crescent shape, in perfect unison, with almost no difference in the degree of curvature.

Xu Yuanxia, who had traveled through many countries, was keenly observant. Upon witnessing this scene, he was greatly impressed. He had never imagined that Caiyi Country, a place permeated with scholarly atmosphere, would possess such a disciplined and fierce army. General Ma, currently responsible for guarding the eastern gate, must be a talented commander with exceptional leadership skills.

Daoist Chongmiao performed a hand seal to recall the bronze golem, which had suffered an initial setback. His face was not pleasant as he sneered, “The Yellow Immortal is the mastermind? Hahaha, you callow youth! I think you are the one who wants to fish in troubled waters!”

The Daoist, wearing bright robes, turned his head and said to Prefect Liu and the general, “If the Yellow Immortal, with his transcendent Daoist powers, is the insidious mastermind, then what are we still planning here for? We might as well just wait for death. Furthermore, if the Yellow Immortal is the culprit, why would he go to the trouble of warning us in the first place?”

Prefect Liu pondered, “The logic doesn’t hold up.”

The general, however, spoke fairly for the youth, “Devilish cults are masters of taking risks; we cannot judge them with common sense. It is best if we don’t trust anyone lightly at the moment. Let’s hear what the youth has to say first.”

The girl Liu Gaoxin jumped down from the wall and ran over, her movements filled with agility. Especially the tinkling of her silver bells, which created ripples of golden light around her. It was clear that she was a cultivator who had entered the hall of mastery. Prefect Liu couldn’t dwell on why his daughter had become a flying immortal. When his youngest daughter came to his side, he immediately asked anxiously, “Are you hurt anywhere? You foolish girl, the county is so chaotic right now, why are you running around causing trouble!”

Liu Gaoxin pointed at Chen Pingan, “Immortal Elder…”

She suddenly realized that she had spoken incorrectly, because the Immortal Elder, whose flying sword techniques were earth-shattering during their journey, had specifically told her not to talk too much about the battle at the City God Pavilion. He was unwilling to reveal his identity at this time, in case there were demonic accomplices within the Prefectural Manor, who would become wary.

Liu Gaoxin quickly corrected herself, “Chen Pingan, Young Hero Chen and I, encountered a skeletal female ghost at the City God Pavilion. She was the Caiyi talisman beauty who first appeared at the lakeside platform that night. She is one of the demons harming the county! Young Hero Chen and I managed to subdue her, but unexpectedly the City God and his two civil and military subordinate statues became possessed! Black smoke billowed from their orifices, and they were about to kill us! Fortunately, a flying sword immortal appeared out of nowhere and saved us! However, the Immortal Elder was also seriously injured. He asked us to report the news first. That guy surnamed Huang is conspiring with allies to plot a magic treasure! He wants me to tell you, Father, that we must never let the wolf in! The Immortal Elder also said that when necessary, after he has recovered his Qi Sea and natal flying sword, he will definitely take action again to help us slay demons and eliminate evil!”

Chen Pingan maintained a composed expression, inwardly praising the girl’s quick wit.

Compared to Zhu Lu of Chess Mound Mountain, and the group of richly dressed and spirited Jianghu children in front of the dilapidated temple, the silver-bell girl named Liu Gaoxin was indeed much stronger.

Everyone quickly returned to the main hall. Before they could sit down, an armored soldier covered in blood entered, saying that many people within the county had become possessed and were killing indiscriminately. Neither relatives, friends, nor neighbors were spared. These county residents, who seemed to be pure martial artists suffering from Qi deviation, had one thing in common: blood seeped from their eye sockets, and they were quite agile, making them extremely difficult to deal with. Many government soldiers and constables had already been injured.

Not only that, but in several places within the county, including a stone arch bridge crowded with tourists and secluded alleys, crimson light appeared almost simultaneously. Within a radius of several tens of feet, the grass and trees withered, and the swimming fish turned belly up.

The atmosphere in the main hall was heavy. Prefect Liu forced himself to remain calm and began to deploy his forces. In addition to sending people to the eastern gate to notify General Ma to be wary of the Yellow Immortal, everyone in the hall formed teams of two to investigate the strange occurrences, in case of unforeseen events. If they discovered possessed civilians or demonic entities, they were authorized to execute them on the spot.
Besides that, all the clerks and officials within the Prefect’s manor were ordered to vacate the premises. The townsfolk were to be notified immediately to return to their homes and remain indoors for the time being, under penalty of the night curfew laws. The bearded swordsman, Xu Yuanxia, and Zhang Shanfeng, a pure martial artist and a Taoist priest, respectively, made a fitting pair. Chongmiao Taoist and the armored general formed another group. At Liu Gaoxin’s vehement insistence, she followed Chen Pingan. No matter how impartial Prefect Liu was, he couldn’t bear to see his precious daughter venture into danger. Fortunately, a chivalrous martial artist volunteered to assist Chen Pingan at the Zhao residence’s entrance. Only then did Prefect Liu repeatedly urge Liu Gaoxin not to be impulsive and to heed the instructions of the two masters.

Of course, Liu Gaoxin was overjoyed and readily agreed. Prefect Liu, fearing she wasn’t taking it to heart, pulled her aside for another round of admonishments.

The young woman grew impatient, but the “old sword immortal” beside her casually remarked, “Miss Liu, do not worry the Prefect.”

Liu Gaoxin was taken aback, turning to see Chen Pingan neither angry nor presumptuous, but simply wanting her to handle the matter better. Though she didn’t fully understand, she patiently bid farewell to her father, assuring him she wouldn’t act rashly. Prefect Liu was slightly relieved and clasped his hands to Chen Pingan and the martial artist, sincerely saying, “I entrust my daughter to your care.”

The two returned the gesture.

The trio swiftly headed to the Zhao residence, just two streets away from the manor.

The martial artist named Dou looked up at the sky, shaking his head and sighing, “Be they celestial immortals or vile demons, they never truly value human life at heart. It shouldn’t be this way.”

Chen Pingan didn’t know how to respond and remained silent.

Upon reaching the Zhao residence, demonized men and women with bloodshot eyes were already charging out, claws bared, running with alarming speed. The swordsmen and archers outside were mostly constables and yamen runners from the city, who usually dealt with petty thieves and bandits. They were aghast at the sight, their faces pale. The archers’ aim was terrible, and the demonized Zhao family servants and maids continued forward even when struck by arrows. Chen Pingan saw a youth with a bloodied face struck in the chest by a powerful arrow from twenty paces. The force sent him flying backward, but he struggled to his feet, the arrow still lodged in his chest, vomiting blood as he charged onward.

The crude formation of archers and swordsmen was nearly routed at first impact. They were forced into close-quarters combat with the fearless fiends. Had Chen Pingan and his companions not arrived, the endless stream of Zhao family members would have likely spread throughout the land, becoming a calamity akin to a swarm of locusts. Chen Pingan didn’t know if there was a way to dispel the demonic possession. He primarily used his fists and feet to send the fiends flying back towards the gate. Liu Gaoxin shook her bell, scattering golden blossoms in all directions. The fiends who were touched by the golden flowers would decay entirely, turning into a pool of bloody pus with a sickening stench.

The warrior Dou drew his blade, which emitted a blinding white light. With each swing, he cleaved the possessed men, women, and children in two. This martial artist’s swordsmanship was extraordinary, clearly reaching the pinnacle of returning to simplicity. His moves were direct and decisive, without hesitation. However, compared to Xu Yuanxia’s, Dou’s swordsmanship lacked the ruggedness of the battlefield and possessed more of an ethereal quality. He was likely a martial arts grandmaster beyond the fourth realm. This showed that his unassuming demeanor in the manor’s hall was just a case of the “true masters hiding their abilities,” as they say in the pugilistic world.

After stopping a wave of Zhao family demons, Liu Gaoxin found herself surrounded by blood and severed limbs. She suddenly crouched down and began to vomit.

A flash of red light appeared within the Zhao residence, radiating a heavy, ominous aura.

Seeing that the Zhao residence’s entrance was temporarily safe, Chen Pingan tiptoed and swiftly leaped over the high wall, heading straight towards the origin of the red light.

Following the trail of the red glow, Chen Pingan arrived at a quiet courtyard with a private three-story library. A young master dressed in white sat languidly on the steps outside the library, his elbow resting on the armrest, one hand propping up his cheek, the other holding an ancient book, yawning.

The handsome young master glanced at Chen Pingan, smiling. “Why so late? This young gentleman has an extraordinary aura. Are you a celestial master from the mountains or a disciple of a grandmaster wandering the world?”

Sitting up straight, the Zhao family’s young master moistened his finger with saliva and gently turned a page of the book. A scarlet light flashed between the pages.

The red light coalesced into a thick rope, writhing like a serpent in the air. After lingering briefly near the high wall of the courtyard, it was about to surge into a certain part of the mansion, attempting to latch onto the residents.

Chen Pingan patted the sword-gourd at his waist.

The scarlet snake was severed with a single strike.

The white-clad young master raised an eyebrow. “Oh? A little sword immortal? Impressive, impressive. I’ve heard that sword cultivators below the fifth realm have immense killing power, but they easily exhaust themselves. They spew a few breaths of sword qi, dazzlingly bright, but then quickly run out of steam. I wonder if you’re any different?”

Holding the book in one hand, the young master flipped through it from beginning to end.

Dozens of scarlet snakes, thick as thumbs, shot into the sky from the library, ready to scatter in all directions. But the young master saw that the youth with the crimson gourd was actually taking the time to remove the gourd and take a swig of wine. Before the Zhao family’s noble son could sneer, his smile vanished.

Because those little red snakes, known as Red Vipers, were instantly annihilated by a crisscrossing white虹 sword light.

Then, he felt a chill between his brows, his eyes widening as if he had seen a ghost in broad daylight, and died with his eyes wide open.

Not only had the flying sword pierced his skull between his eyebrows, but the wisp of sword qi that had infiltrated his body and soul had instantly shattered all his life force with lightning speed.

By the time Chen Pingan had reattached his wine gourd, the flying swords, 初一 (Chuyi) and 十五 (Shishi), had leisurely returned to the sword gourd.

On the courtyard wall, the warrior Dou stood, watching the scene. He clasped his fist in a salute to Chen Pingan.

Chen Pingan’s mind stirred, and he said to him, “Tell Liu Gaoxin that I need to go to the Earth God Temple right away. I’ll be back soon.”

The swordsman Dou laughed heartily, “There’s no major danger here anymore, just a few small fries. Master Chen, feel free to go.”
Chen Ping’an felt somewhat helpless. He had intended for a swift resolution, but unexpectedly, someone had witnessed his flying sword slaying the enemy. He nodded towards the chivalrous hero and, with a tap of his toes, his figure quickly vanished.

Chen Ping’an ran swiftly, leaping over walls. Finally, following the intermittent ripples, the “voice,” in his mind, as directed by “that person,” he arrived at a deserted earth shrine. Looking up, he saw a refined scholar beckoning to him from inside. His face held a smile, but his figure flickered, like the last ember of a lamp, ready to be extinguished by the slightest breeze.

Chen Ping’an hesitated for a moment, then darted forward.

The deity stood within the dimly lit doorway, while Chen Ping’an remained outside, in the slightly brighter threshold.

The scholar first performed a respectful bow, then straightened up and smiled, “This is our second meeting. I am Shen Wen, the City God of Rouge County. I have watched over this city for hundreds of years. Today’s consequence stems from a past cause, from my initial dereliction of duty. If you hadn’t broken the restriction and successfully prevented me from falling into demonic depravity, the righteous Golden City God of the Colorful Garment Kingdom might have become a villain, a murderer harming the people within his jurisdiction. I must thank you.”

At this, the scholar laughed freely, “Before, being on the verge of demonic possession without realizing it, all my actions were laughable to you, young immortal master. This time, my gratitude is twofold: I thank you for helping me, preventing me from harming the common people and leaving a lasting infamy in the history books. I also thank you for your innocent heart, for willingly returning the azure wooden box.”

When he first entered the City God’s Hall, the youth’s return of the wooden box was a kindness, a virtuous act.

Despite possessing a spatial treasure, when handing over the wooden box, he did not retrieve it from within, but directly took it from his sleeve. This implied that the foreign youth had, from the very beginning, recognized the wooden box as belonging to the City God’s Hall.

This was another kindness, a virtuous heart.

Chen Ping’an carefully observed the City God Shen, seeing no remaining trace of demonic influence. He breathed a small sigh of relief.

He hesitated, then clasped his fist in salute, “Earlier, within the City God’s Hall, in order to protect myself, I had no choice but to…damage the City God’s golden statue…”

No longer appearing as the golden statue of the City God, Shen waved his hand, changing the subject. He asked, “Young Immortal Master, are you a scholar?”

Chen Ping’an felt a little ashamed, shaking his head, “Not quite a scholar. I merely flip through books and take notes, hoping to learn more characters and more of the principles of conduct from the books.”

City God Shen smiled and asked, “Do you know the use of the golden statue fragments?”

Chen Ping’an shook his head again, truly unaware.

City God Shen said softly, “Those golden statue fragments, you must keep them safe. All the gods in this world who enjoy the incense of worship, whether mountain and water deities or City Gods and the gods of the civil and military temples, all have a golden statue. First, there is imperial decree and the creation of the statue, then the god himself nourishes that little spark of spiritual divinity. However, golden statues also have different grades, similar to the officialdom. Generally, the golden statues of the Five Great Mountains are of the highest grade, followed by the River Gods of the great rivers, and City Gods of the capital, and so on.”

“That azure wooden box contained the ‘Colorful Garment Kingdom Rouge County City God Manifestation of Grace Marquis Seal,’ personally inscribed and bestowed by a Great Celestial Master of the Dragon Tiger Mountain of a certain generation. It is an extremely powerful magical artifact containing vast celestial might, but it can only be used in conjunction with the Five Thunders Heart Technique. Although I am the current City God of Rouge County, as a deity, I cannot use Daoist Thunder Arts. In fact, the original reward of this item by Dragon Tiger Mountain had more symbolic meaning, to help protect the county’s feng shui, and not to allow Colorful Garment Kingdom Qi cultivators or the City God to wield the seal for demonstration. If it were not for this small Celestial Master Seal invisibly deterring demons, the mass burial ground outside the city would have been filled with so much resentment in its early stages that it would have already surged into Rouge County.”

Chen Ping’an thought for a moment, and asked, “Do you need me to help you hand it over to Prefect Liu? Or to your Colorful Garment Kingdom Emperor?”

City God Shen Wen carefully looked into those clear eyes, waved his sleeve, and laughed loudly, “The Sage taught: Heaven and Earth’s treasures, only the virtuous shall possess them!”