Chapter 281: Blessing Qingyou's Shock, Where Is the God I Invited?

The deterrent effect of slaying the Eight-armed Yaksha was excellent. Zhao Xing carried its head, passing through more than a dozen temples consecutively, with no one daring to stop him.

There were, however, cries for help. As Zhao Xing passed a temple named “Haoguang Mountain Lord Temple,” he suddenly heard a faint plea for help: “Save, save me.”

A fifth-rank sacrificial priest lay half-bodied on the temple threshold. His face was contorted, tiger stripes appeared on his forehead, his cheeks were split open, and fine hair grew on his body. Zhao Xing glanced over; the latter half of the man’s body had vanished, swallowed by a black fissure resembling a tiger’s maw, complete with canine teeth, consuming the divine light from his body. If not for the robust life force of a fifth-rank Pure Essence Realm cultivator, he surely wouldn’t have survived with only half a body.

“Mountain Lord Temple, this is a monstrous Yin God,” Zhao Xing thought as he looked inside the hall. On the divine platform, a tiger-headed, human-bodied Yin God was enshrined. It held a long spear, its expression ferocious. Most divine statues were like this, appearing fierce and menacing. Even though it was a tiger’s head, it looked as if it had smudged makeup, making it quite bizarre.

“How should I save you?”

“All the halls of the Heavenly River Temple are sealed, and the divine spirits’ thoughts are in severe turmoil.” The man’s face showed pain. He seemed to have lost all his hair from excessive consumption. “Please, give me a drop of your essence blood, so I can suppress these evil thoughts.”

“No.” Zhao Xing turned and left.

“Temples like this usually receive no worship from ordinary people. Incense and faith are entirely supplied by the priests of the Great Zhou.”

“How could Haoguang Mountain Lord kill his own few followers?”

“Isn’t that cutting off his own lifeline?”

Without incense and forgotten, a Yin God would completely die, falling to the level of nothingness. Clearly, this scene defied common sense. Zhao Xing sneered and continued forward.

“He didn’t fall for it.” After Zhao Xing left, the painful expression on the half-bodied man’s face suddenly vanished. He became calm.

“Your acting is too poor; he didn’t fall for it.” A voice emerged from behind the man, and at the same time, a tiger-headed, human-bodied phantom appeared.

“It’s normal,” the bald fifth-rank priest chuckled. “He can’t distinguish right from wrong, so caution is naturally paramount.”

“Can you read his mind? What’s his background?”

“I can’t read it; his thoughts are completely locked.” The bald priest shook his head. “This fourth-rank official is a master. Unless he comes inside, onto my home ground, we have no chance. He killed the Eight-armed Yaksha.”

“The Eight-armed Yaksha finally managed to escape, and yet he died just like that,” the tiger-headed Yin God sighed. “I truly don’t know how he died.”

No one saw the fight between Zhao Xing and the Eight-armed Yaksha clearly. Due to Wu Xuanying, Zhu Qingyou, and the Yin Realm deities, many temples were sealed, and most Yin Gods and priests couldn’t get out. Not only couldn't they leave, but their visible range was also very limited. Beyond forty or fifty meters from the temple, there was a thick mist.

“What a pity—”

Zhao Xing continued walking. Soon, he heard more cries for help.

“My lord, save me.”

“Young brother, please stop and lend me a hand.”

“Quickly give me a drop of your blood, and after I escape, you will have performed a great service!”

“Fellow countryman, don’t leave—.”

Besides humans, there were also Yin Gods tempting Zhao Xing with their whispers:

“Come quickly! As long as you believe in me, and let me enter your body, you can possess third-rank strength!”

“Sacrifice your blood to me, and ascend to heaven in one step!”

“No medium needed, no incense required, just believe in me and think of me, and you can borrow my power, a hidden dragon rising to the sky!”

“Please, no one remembers me anymore; I’m about to dissipate. If you save me, you can command me—.”

“Mortal, stop! You are cursed, and only I, the Immortal Venerable, can save you. Otherwise, within three days, you will face a bloody disaster—.”

Innumerable Yin God whispers reached Zhao Xing’s ears. However, most of these couldn't emerge; they could only tempt Zhao Xing to enter first. They might be able to cast spells, affecting a radius of dozens of meters outside, but upon seeing the Eight-armed Yaksha’s head, they all abandoned their intentions. The Eight-armed Yaksha was a powerful Yin God capable of escaping the seal. Since it had been slain, it was clear that the person before them was not to be trifled with.

Zhao Xing also deduced a lot of information from these Yin God whispers.

“A drastic change has occurred in the Two Palaces of Heaven and Earth in the Yin Realm. Many long-sealed palaces have been opened, and many Yin Gods have lowered their status, even willingly allowing themselves to be commanded without compensation.”

“Among them, there are even beings stronger than the Eight-armed Yaksha.”

“Because they are about to dissipate, if they no longer receive sustenance from incense and faith, they will completely vanish,” Zhao Xing mused.

How many Yin Gods have been left behind through the ages? Even if 99% of them perished, the remaining accumulation would still be a terrifying number. During the time of Emperor Taizu, for the stability of the realm, these types of Yin Gods were not exterminated. Instead, the plan was to let them gradually wither away like frogs in warm water. Of course, some stubborn Yin Gods would not die as long as there was one person who remembered and worshipped them. They could only have their activity restricted. To demonstrate the benevolence of the Great Zhou, they were given a minor deity title, sealed within a Yin Palace, and monitored by a small group of sacrificial priests. This prevented them from dying, but also from descending into the human world. As time passed, other believers lost access to the deity’s power and gradually ceased their worship. Slowly, these Yin Gods could only rely on official Great Zhou rituals to survive.

“There are too many Yin Gods. Emperor Taizu lavishly bestowed titles, and by the time of Emperor Wen, although their numbers had decreased, their rate of birth far outpaced their demise.”

“During Emperor Jing’s reign, he found this policy too slow, so he began to reform the Yin God system. However, the abolition of the enfeoffment system, military reforms, and the war against the barbarians consumed much of his energy, so the final effect was only mediocre,” Zhao Xing mused.

There were many Yin Gods, but only a limited number of Great Zhou priests. The sustenance from ordinary people’s faith was too meager, so conflicts among the Yin Realm deities grew increasingly intense.

“King Liang’s rebellion this time also offers many Yin Gods a slim chance at survival. Content with the status quo, they would eventually face nothingness. Previously, they couldn't resist and had no opportunities. Now, they must seize this chance, as the cost of summoning deities has become lower.”

Of course, first-rank Yin Gods like Fu Tianyang and Wu Cheng had no such concerns. Those who joined King Liang’s rebellion were mostly obscure or soon-to-be-forgotten Yin Gods. After all, this was not the Great Zhou’s period of decline. If it were two thousand years later, true chaos would have erupted. Not only would control be greatly weakened, but the Yin Realm would also have opportunities for resurrection! The boundary between the Yin and Yang realms would also be significantly weakened. Even minor deities of town level would descend from their altars to wreak havoc in the human world.

“Emperor Jing was truly ruthless. King Liang’s rebellion not only allowed him to see the deeply hidden stubborn factions that previous reforms over two to three hundred years hadn’t revealed, but also conveniently allowed him to cut down the Yin God system he had long wanted to reform.”

“After this, who knows how many Yin Gods in the Yin Realm will be gone. Most of these eliminated Yin Gods are often the ancestors of powerful aristocratic families.”

“If King Liang succeeds in his campaign against the barbarians, that would naturally be best. He could then wield supreme celestial might to undertake this task. If he fails, he can still clear things up and lay a good foundation for the next generation.”

Wailing and crying echoed. Countless Yin Gods wailed and cried, their various thoughts echoing in Zhao Xing’s ears. These thoughts were not low-level, but they couldn't break through due to the barrier between the Yin and Yang realms and the temple seals. Anyone with slightly weaker willpower would likely be tempted, perhaps gaining immense power for a time, but later becoming ‘divine servants’ or ‘puppets.’

Of course, Yin Gods like Wu Cheng and Fu Tianyang were not among them. They didn’t need to compete at all, nor would they engage in such evil deeds. The Agricultural God had no lack of incense and faith, and thus no need to get involved in these troublesome affairs.

“Stop! Who are you!”

After walking for a quarter of an hour, Zhao Xing soon encountered another sacrificial priest who could move freely outside. He looked completely normal, like a human. Zhao Xing used his Heavenly Eye technique to examine him, finding no deity possessing him from behind.

“Have we reached the Community God Temple area?”

“This is a Community God priest.”

Through multiple observations, Zhao Xing immediately deduced the other party’s identity. He couldn’t discern the other’s depth but felt this person was somewhat dangerous.

“My name is Zhao Xing. I am the Hundred Paths Transport Commissioner of Heavenly River Prefecture, concurrently serving as the Third-Rank Inspector for the five eastern prefectures of Pinghai Province, and a Marquis by imperial decree!”

“I am here to retrieve the Golden Effigy of True Lord Tianyang!”

Hundred Paths Transport Commissioner was only fifth-rank, but Third-Rank Inspector for the five eastern prefectures was a full fourth-rank official position. Zhao Xing’s reason was sound, his identity legitimate; there was no issue with him appearing at the temple. The priest opposite, hearing this, immediately cupped his hands and introduced himself: “This humble official, Yao Yuanchun, is the Right Administrator of the Community God Temple.” He became courteous, not because of Zhao Xing’s status, as he was also a full fourth-rank official. The reason for his courtesy was primarily because Zhao Xing’s clone was holding the Eight-armed Yaksha’s head.

“Are you an Agricultural Official or a priest?” Zhao Xing asked.

“A priest. I believe in True Lord Haishan,” Yao Yuanchun replied.

True Lord Haishan was the fourth generation Grand Agricultural Official, Meng Haishan. He was also Meng Kun’s grandfather.

“I see. We are comrades then,” Zhao Xing said, exchanging pleasantries. In reality, he was diligently scanning Yao Yuanchun. A moment later, his top-tier Heavenly Eye technique finally discerned some clues.

“As a chief priest, Yao Yuanchun’s cultivation method should be the ‘Rhythm and Meaning of Hiding Deities,’ centered on the Divine Palace and Spirit Platform. It’s similar to the Agricultural Officials’ Seasonal Edicts and Hou Tu’s Gravel. When summoning deities, he can have them reside in his Divine Palace and Spirit Platform apertures. No wonder I couldn’t discern his depth just now. This fellow’s divine possession is quite extraordinary. Yin Gods don’t enter his sea of consciousness but reside in his various acupoints. Besides the Divine Palace and Spirit Platform, two Yin Gods are also hidden in his eyes. He has at least nine deities throughout his body, and they seem to include deities of different professions. I’ve met a master!” Zhao Xing mused.

Nine gods entering apertures, cultivating Divine Palace and Spirit Platform, and skilled in multiple professions... This person’s talent among priests was like his own: cultivating myriad Dharma clones and Pure Essence soil, while also mastering the laws of celestial timing and terrestrial advantage! Because he has nine deities, all of whom can be hidden in his acupoints, this means he can unleash great power. Of course, judging by his lifespan pulse wheel, Yao Yuanchun, a fourth-rank official, was at least 200 years old.

Yao Yuanchun looked at Zhao Xing and had the same feeling. Because Zhao Xing’s clones were not temporary talismanic or primal qi bodies, but genuine clones from the True Self school! Only eight clones were visibly present, but dozens more were invisible! Combined with the lightning spell fluctuations just now and the death of the Eight-armed Yaksha, Yao Yuanchun also knew he had encountered a master. He was now highly vigilant. Because he didn’t know if Zhao Xing was friend or foe. But he had to ask:

“Lord Zhao, why are you summoning True Lord Tianyang?”

Yao Yuanchun stepped forward, his gaze sharp. “Are you for King Liang, or against King Liang?!”

Zhao Xing placed his hand on the Primal Yin Scripture and closed his eyes. This action made Yao Yuanchun even more tense. He suspected Zhao Xing had seen the deity hidden in his eyes; this was a battle stance. It all depended on the next answer!

“King Liang is a rebel! I swear by my three souls, if I have the ability, I will certainly execute him!” After Zhao Xing spoke, his entire being vanished into the mist behind him.

Yao Yuanchun was about to strike but, upon hearing this, immediately shouted, “Wait, don’t move! We’re on the same side!”

“I also swear by my three souls to execute the rebels of King Liang’s faction!”

Eight clones shimmered out from the mist, their Heavenly Thunder Fingers, pointed at Yao Yuanchun, immediately extinguished. Yao Yuanchun scanned his surroundings, his forehead sweating slightly. Because the closest of these clones was only twenty meters away from him. While they were just talking, Zhao Xing had already set up his formation, and he hadn't even realized it. And the moment Zhao Xing vanished into the mist, he lost his full lock, and seven identical targets appeared in his sea of consciousness. If Zhao Xing truly were an enemy, Yao Yuanchun would have been at a disadvantage in this exchange.

“Lord Yao, my apologies.” Zhao Xing ordered his clones to retract their Heavenly Thunder Fingers and become invisible again.

“Lord Zhao, my apologies.” Yao Yuanchun also cupped his hands, the clarity in his eyes turning turbid.

“In these special times, we don’t need to be overly courteous,” Zhao Xing said. “Brother Yao, could you describe the situation inside the temple?”

Yao Yuanchun was a master. With the current lowered cost of summoning deities, he could certainly kill an early third-rank cultivator. Since he was against King Liang’s faction, he was a friend.

“The full third-rank Seer Priest Wu Xuanying and the subordinate third-rank Necromancer Priest Zhu Qingyou of the Heavenly River Temple have each occupied four temples and are currently contending for the Hall of Heroes. This is also the entrance channel between the Yin and Yang realms.”

“Normally, the heroic spirits would enter the Yang world through this very place to receive offerings.”

Zhao Xing nodded. It seemed the situation was as he had guessed. Both sides were in a standoff, with no mind for external matters.

“Brother Yao, what are your intentions?”

“The Yin Realm is currently in chaos, with various thoughts intertwined. The main hall is sealed, and I’ve only just escaped, so I haven’t made any further plans,” Yao Yuanchun said, his expression grim. This kind of situation was a major event rarely encountered in a lifetime. It was completely normal for Yao Yuanchun not to know what to do.

“If Brother Yao doesn’t know what to do, please come with me,” Zhao Xing said. “It would be good to have someone to look out for.”

“Brother Zhao, are you going to retrieve the Golden Effigy of True Lord Tianyang?” Yao Yuanchun asked. “That might be a bit difficult. Now that the halls are sealed, there are still many schemers present—”

“I’m here specifically for this,” Zhao Xing said. “We can’t let these people defile True Lord Tianyang’s purity and allow his divine power to be exploited by villains.”

“Very well, then I will lead the way for you,” Yao Yuanchun said.

“Thank you, Brother Yao.”

Inside True Lord Tianyang Hall, two priests led a group of people, continuously chanting before Fu Tianyang’s statue. Fu Tianyang, observing the scene in the misty vortex, couldn’t help but feel a little surprised.

“This kid, his luck is good! He went all around and still managed to meet Yao Yuanchun?”

“There are seven paths leading to the True Lord Hall, and on six of them, third-rank Yin Gods have broken free and possessed priests.”

“And he chose Yao Yuanchun’s path, of all of them?”

“No wonder my disciple asked me to look after him. Not only is he exceptionally talented, but he also carries heavenly luck, able to turn peril into safety even in a place like this.”

Fu Tianyang’s previous manifestation was, of course, not a casual whim. It had been planned since the 33rd year of the Jingxin calendar. At that time, Li Boqian had asked him to manifest and told him about Zhao Xing, and pleaded with him to look after Zhao Xing during the turmoil. This meant that wherever Zhao Xing was in Pinghai Province, he could activate the “Rescue Ancestor’s Golden Effigy” mission.

As for why Fu Tianyang and not other Grand Agricultural Officials of the Celestial Timing School, it mainly involved the characteristics of the Yin God system: First, deities of the current dynasty are usually stronger than those from previous dynasties, which is determined by the Mandate of Heaven dynasty system. Second, if they are deities of the current dynasty, those closer to the present historical period are more powerful. This is because they died more recently, so more people know them, and their influence is greater compared to older deities. Third, deities closer to the current era possess more human empathy.

Looking after Zhao Xing carried a somewhat personal nature. Li Boqian could not summon the Agricultural Gods who preceded Fu Tianyang. Official matters were, of course, a different story. This also led to True Lord Tianyang Hall having the most priests among the six Grand Agricultural God Temples. Because he was the strongest, and also the easiest to be “defiled.” Having empathy meant that the seven emotions and six desires were still present. Being easily moved meant that for rebels, it was easier to “defile the divine thoughts,” acquire divine power, and the risk was lower. Conversely, deities from more distant dynasties were harder to summon and more prone to problems. For instance, with the Eight-armed Yaksha, after being summoned, the one in control was no longer the priest himself, but more like a body snatching.

“Brother Zhao, we’ve arrived.”

Yao Yuanchun leading the way saved a lot of trouble. Along the way, no one disturbed them, nor did any deity dare to spy. Before long, Zhao Xing followed him to the front of True Lord Tianyang Hall. Zhao Xing sensed dozens of auras inside and immediately looked at Yao Yuanchun, who said:

“The chief priest here is Tianyang Priest, Ai Tianming.”

“He is also a full fourth-rank official, over 500 years old, and the most powerful.”

“The others are not worth mentioning.”

Yao Yuanchun said, “What I can confirm is that he has defected.”

“Why?” Zhao Xing asked.

“The moment the turmoil erupted, all priests were forced to expend ten to fifty years of their lifespan to resist the Yin Realm’s erosion,” Yao Yuanchun said. “The only reason Ai Tianming is still alive is that he accepted King Liang’s investiture and gained additional lifespan.”

“This man rebelled in an instant and killed many priests from the five surrounding halls. He is truly hateful and deserves execution!”

Zhao Xing nodded. A top-tier full fourth-rank official could live for a maximum of just over 500 years, certainly not exceeding the theoretical limit of 600. The theoretical limit is called a limit precisely because ninety percent of people cannot reach it. Therefore, Ai Tianming, being over 500 years old, could not have survived this wave of turmoil. Unless he rebelled.

“Yao Yuanchun, you are noble, you are remarkable!” Just then, a voice emerged, and simultaneously, a square-faced old man in a green Dharma robe appeared in Tianyang Hall. “You can certainly stand on the moral high ground and attack this official. You are only two hundred years old and have already been promoted to a full fourth-rank official.”

“You have a great future ahead, a great amount of lifespan—but what about this official?” Ai Tianming said faintly, “This official has served in many prefectures but was never promoted.”

“I have been stuck in the fourth-rank position for 153 years.”

“In terms of spells, I have also mastered top-tier magic.”

“In terms of experience, I’ve endured for 153 years, moving through sixteen prefectures.”

“Why can’t the imperial court promote me to third-rank?”

“What am I lacking compared to those who merely fill their positions without contributing?”

Yao Yuanchun retorted, “There are reasons why you were not promoted. Is that your justification for murder and rebellion? That’s absurd!”

“Are all those who aren’t promoted supposed to rebel? You harbor such evil thoughts, no wonder you weren’t promoted!”

Ai Tianming countered, “What’s wrong with this official wanting to climb higher? If this is also an evil thought, why don’t you resign all your official positions?” A mocking smile appeared on Ai Tianming’s face: “Right, your promotions have been smooth sailing, and you’re from an aristocratic family. You have connections not only in the Yang world but also in the Yin Realm. Of course, you can say you don’t care about official positions, because you’ll get promoted anyway.”

“Nonsense!” Yao Yuanchun’s emotions flared. “Is a battlefield prefecture like Heavenly River Prefecture some kind of cushy job?”

“Have I ever enjoyed wealth and luxury? Have I ever embezzled even a tiny bit?”

“The reason I wasn’t promoted is nothing more than my background,” Ai Tianming said calmly, without a hint of indignation. Zhao Xing understood that this man had passed the stage of anger and was completely disheartened with the Great Zhou.

“I won’t argue with you about whether King Liang’s actions constitute rebellion. Even if it’s true rebellion, what then?”

“I only regret that this day didn’t come sooner!”

“Don’t talk to me about righteousness or laws.”

“Your suppression of rebellion, my rebellion – both are merely struggles for survival!”

“No matter how you spin it, it’s still rebellion,” Yao Yuanchun said coldly, watching him. “Rebels naturally construct a plausible narrative for themselves. The imperial court supported you for five hundred years, yet you lack even the courage to die. You are a disgrace to priests!”

“More words are useless. I see you’re ready, and I am too.” Ai Tianming looked at Yao Yuanchun, his eyes suddenly turning inky black: “Then let’s see who can walk out of this temple alive!”

“Die!” Yao Yuanchun’s eyes burst forth with golden light. From his left eye flew the Earth Profound General, clad in golden dragon armor, wielding a Hegemon Halberd, six zhang tall. Upon emerging, it immediately overlapped with Yao Yuanchun’s form. Yao Yuanchun’s body surged, also becoming three zhang tall! The Hegemon Halberd in his hand became tangible. From his right eye flew five figures: the Five-Directional Sorcerer Generals, enshrined during Emperor Taizu’s era. Their forms were blue, green, red, azure, and yellow, corresponding to the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Yao Yuanchun’s main body charged forward, while the five sorcerer generals cast spells from behind. At the same time, the Sun and Moon appeared on Yao Yuanchun’s shoulders respectively. The Yang governed soul attack, the Yin governed soul defense.

“Yin and Yang transform into Sun and Moon, divine generals divide into Five Elements, eight divine arts in one thought, both offense and defense. What a genius priest!” Zhao Xing thought, his eyes lighting up as he watched from the side.

Ai Tianming was clearly under immense pressure. His previous rambling was to buy time, and though he claimed readiness, he was actually not fully prepared. In the same amount of time, he had only cast five divine arts: Namely, ‘Azure Ripple True Lord’s Essence Severing Method,’ ‘Spirit Cloud True Lord’s Spirit Concealing Art,’ ‘Vast Light Immortal,’ ‘Wind Control God Striking General,’ and ‘Spirit Illusion True Round Art.’ Moreover, after witnessing Yao Yuanchun’s spellcasting, he immediately shifted from offense to defense, reinforcing illusion spells to interfere with Yao Yuanchun himself, only daring to entangle, not to engage head-on. Even so, Ai Tianming was at a disadvantage from the start, instantly forced back into a corner. If not for seven subordinate fourth-rank priests emerging as aid at a crucial moment, the outcome would likely have been decided within a few moves.

“Even among fourth-rank priests, there are differences,” Zhao Xing mused, watching this internal conflict of divine offices. Yao Yuanchun’s earlier statement, ‘apart from Ai Tianming, the rest are nothing to fear,’ was certainly humble, considering his enhanced strength after the turmoil. Zhao Xing estimated that if Ai Tianming hadn’t received reinforcement, he would probably only last three rounds against Yao Yuanchun. First round: defense broken. Second round: severely wounded. Third round: on the verge of death. The others were not even a match for a single blow, let alone a sustained fight. Even combined, they couldn’t.

“My luck is too good; I find such a good fighter while on a mission.”

Seeing Yao Yuanchun in absolute control and no one guarding True Lord Tianyang Hall, Zhao Xing immediately flew towards the main entrance. There were still over twenty people inside the hall. They were greatly surprised to see over a dozen Zhao Xings burst in. Zhao Xing swept his Qi-gazing technique over them and immediately sneered, “All rebels! Die!” Because the remaining ones were only fifth-rank, their cultivation too low, he could discern them.

Clang! The Soul-Slaying Bell vibrated, its chime echoing. Behind these individuals, phantoms were shaken out.

“No, I don’t want to go back! Come here!”

“Die! Argh!”

“How dare you attack me, a deity!”

“You desecrate me, a deity! You are guilty of a capital crime, a capital crime!”

About forty to fifty Yin Gods roared, baring fangs and claws, attempting to pounce on Zhao Xing.

Clang! Another chime of the bell rang out. Half of these forty to fifty Yin Gods completely dissipated, while the other half, as if losing gravity, were instantly dragged away by the surrounding mist. Turbid Yin energy descended heavily, retreating into the Yin Realm. Having lost their possessed priests, these Yin Gods were automatically pulled back by the Yin Realm.

In an instant, only a group of empty priest shells remained in the grand hall. Their souls had all perished.

“Ancestor, excuse me.” Zhao Xing reached out and immediately moved True Lord Tianyang’s Golden Effigy down. Agricultural God statues were not as exaggerated as other deities, often seven or eight meters tall. Agricultural God statues were generally made life-sized. Zhao Xing ordered two clones to carry the Tianyang Golden Effigy and flee without the slightest delay, because the Yin Realm’s pull was equally effective on him. The clones had to retreat quickly, otherwise their split soul bodies would also be pulled out of the straw figures and dragged into the Yin Realm.

“Mission complete!” Outside the hall, Zhao Xing’s main body snapped his fingers. The clones brought the Golden Effigy to his side.

“What?” Catching sight of this scene from the corner of their eyes, both Ai Tianming and Yao Yuanchun were surprised, even briefly slowing their combat.

“How could he so easily carry out the Golden Effigy?”

“Impossible! We’ve been casting spells for so long, and we could only move the Tianyang Golden Effigy by an inch.”

“Who exactly is this person?”

The Golden Effigy wasn’t something you could just pick up and carry. How could summoning a deity down from its altar be so simple? But Zhao Xing just ran straight in and immediately brought True Lord Tianyang out.

“Ancestor.” While the clones guarded outside, Zhao Xing’s main body respectfully kowtowed to True Lord Tianyang.

“Rise, our Agricultural Officials don’t fancy such grand ceremonies,” True Lord Tianyang’s statue suddenly came to life, smiling. Though he said not to, it was clear he was very pleased.

“Ancestor, what should we do with these people?” Zhao Xing asked after standing up, pointing at Ai Tianming and his group. It was likely True Lord Tianyang had heard Ai Tianming’s words just now. He hadn’t yet figured out this ancestor’s temperament, so he didn’t know whether to intervene.

True Lord Tianyang put away his smile and said faintly, “King Liang’s rebellion also has many reasons.”

“My grand-disciple, you must remember. Before rebellion, there can be right and wrong; after rebellion, there is only position, life or death, not right or wrong.”

“Yes, thank you for your guidance, Ancestor,” Zhao Xing bowed.

“Minor fourth-rank rebels are not worth my Golden Effigy’s intervention. Grand-disciple, go help Yao Yuanchun eliminate them,” True Lord Tianyang said. “After you’ve eliminated them, go to the Hall of Heroes to suppress the rebellion.”

“Yes,” Zhao Xing nodded. However, just as he was about to make a move, he realized the outcome had already been decided. In the plaza ahead, where night and day intertwined, Ai Tianming and the other seven priests were already decapitated. Even their Yin God bodies were annihilated.

“Yin-Yang Realm God-Slaying Art... tch, this kid isn’t bad. Just a bit hot-headed; a few words from Ai Tianming made him flare up,” True Lord Tianyang commented.

Yao Yuanchun stood amidst a pile of corpses, his chest heaving violently. He was indeed enraged because Ai Tianming had been attacking his mind before his death: “You’re truly lucky. If you didn’t have a family background, your fate would be the same as mine, hehe, hehehe—.” All of Yao Yuanchun’s efforts were attributed to his family background; how could he not be angry?

“Brother Yao, don’t take such nonsense to heart,” Zhao Xing said, running over and instructing his clones to search the corpses. Fourth-rank priests surely mastered Divine Talisman Art; the talismans they crafted were excellent, it would be a waste to leave them here. “How could I take their words to heart? But why were you able to retrieve the True Lord’s Golden Effigy so quickly?” Yao Yuanchun asked, voicing his confusion.

“That is classified information; it’s better not to say,” Zhao Xing replied. His connection with Li Boqian couldn’t be revealed yet. Also, to prevent Yao Yuanchun from speculating further. Yao Yuanchun saw Zhao Xing didn’t elaborate and didn’t press the issue, understanding that he also had the status of an Inspector. It was normal for it to involve secrets.

“What’s next?”

“To the Hall of Heroes,” Zhao Xing said after finishing his search of the corpses, then ordered his clones to become invisible again.

“Alright.” Yao Yuanchun immediately generated clouds beneath his feet and took flight with Zhao Xing. He easily cast the Cloud Soaring Art again, and his speed was not slow. He truly was a versatile talent.

As the Hall of Heroes was not far from here, the two quickly flew above the plaza outside the Hall of Heroes. Zhao Xing, carrying True Lord Tianyang’s Golden Effigy, also became invisible. Though the plaza was quiet at this moment, there was no Yin energy at all; instead, it was filled with peace.

“Not simple,” Zhao Xing remarked after a glance, knowing the situation here was quite tricky.

“Oh? What’s not simple about it?” Fu Tianyang asked with interest.

“Among all the temple halls, only here does the divine nature hold the upper hand, proving that the