The next day, under the bright sunshine, Yi Chen got up early, washed up, and Qing Yunzi and the others prepared rice balls for him as breakfast and to stave off hunger on the road.

In addition, at Qing Yunzi’s insistence, Yi Chen also carried with him the Zhan Long Sword, a magical sword cultivated by Bai Yunzi for many years.

This sword, about 1.23 meters long and resembling an octagonal Han sword with dragon patterns and inscribed with silver seal script, had been a magical weapon cultivated by successive heads of Hidden Dragon Temple. Even if held by ordinary people, it had a certain restraining effect on common ghosts.

What Qing Yunzi didn’t know was that even if Yi Chen was aware of the previous night’s conversation beforehand, he would likely still make the trip to Qingyuan Town.

Since the Master’s passing, Yi Chen had been harboring a subtle sense of crisis. Relying solely on physical training to accumulate origin points was too slow, and as his body strengthened, the rate at which this method stimulated the body to gain origin points decreased.

Fearing that the hidden adversary might grow impatient, and time was not on his side, Yi Chen believed taking some risks was unavoidable to quickly become stronger.

Only deep red points could enhance his strength rapidly, surprising everyone. No matter what schemes the hidden adversary had, as long as he became strong enough, he could eventually overpower them.

All sophisticated conspiracies would be mere paper tigers in the face of absolute power.

Once Qing Yunzi fully awakened his Spiritual Awareness, Yi Chen could carry the Master’s ashes to the capital. The world was vast, and he wanted to see it.

After all, with the great opportunity of rebirth and a golden finger at his side, if he stayed in this small county without exploring the wider world, wouldn’t his transmigration be wasted?

Moreover, the Master mentioned that the world was undergoing changes, with demons becoming more prevalent, and a great chaos looming.

What exactly were these changes? And why did the Master say a great chaos was near?

After all, the state of the Great Yue, where Yi Chen resided, although not thriving, was far from the decline of a dynasty’s end.

The more Yi Chen thought about it, the more troubled he became. If indeed a major upheaval was on the horizon, then he needed to strengthen himself quickly. He didn’t want to be stuck farming in the starter area.

Staying isolated and overly proud might ensure temporary safety, but only the truly strong could remain unshaken and control their destiny when real turmoil strikes.

Weaklings would be shattered by the storm, while the strong could withstand waves from all directions and reign supreme.

However, merely surviving was not enough, but recklessly charging forward without a plan was also unwise. Though Yi Chen diligently studied the Taoist scriptures and lacked “Spiritual Awareness,” he had a deep understanding of the principles of movement and stillness, of aggression and caution.

He had his own thoughts on the balance between action and inaction, between rashness and caution.

Hidden Dragon Temple wasn’t too far from Qingyuan Town. With Yi Chen’s pace, it took about an hour before the large archway of Qingyuan Town appeared on the horizon.

By then, Constable Zhang and a stocky, strong man were already waiting at the archway.

“My apologies for making you two wait,” Yi Chen greeted them with a bow.

“No problem, we just arrived not long ago. Taoist Master Yi, let me introduce you. This is Coach Ji, the militia leader of Qingyuan Town. We will rely on his assistance in investigating the demonic incident.”

“I believe with Taoist Master Yi taking action, combined with Coach Ji’s familiarity with Qingyuan Town, we can resolve this issue quickly.”

Constable Zhang, a seasoned official, spoke eloquently, praising both Yi Chen and Coach Ji.

Coach Ji, with a stocky figure and intelligent eyes, seemed like a capable and shrewd man.

He politely said to Yi Chen, “I am Ji Baochang, the militia leader of Qingyuan Town. We will be relying on you, Taoist Master, for this issue regarding the demon.”

“The matter has caused quite a stir, affecting the town’s trade routes significantly. The townspeople are panicking. The town mayor, out of concern for the townspeople, has even hired Master Lianhua from Moon Wheel Temple to consult on a strategy. You don’t mind, do you, Taoist Master?”

“Mind? Why would I mind? It’s easier to slack off when there are more people.” Yi Chen couldn’t help but sarcastically think to himself.

With his current extraordinary physique, almost like a small Superman, if he really had to make a run for it, he could certainly give the others a bit of a shock.

After all, it’s not as though he would fight instead of choosing to flee; that would be foolish.

Is Yi Chen foolish? Clearly not, so he didn’t mind at all, even wishing for more people to be involved.

Besides, calling it fleeing sounded too harsh, not elegant enough.

Referring to it as a strategic retreat, a technical adjustment, or preserving vital strength for a better opportunity instantly elevated the tone.

He immediately expressed no objections.

Compared to the already present Master Lianhua, Yi Chen paid more attention to Coach Ji’s name, giving him a few extra glances.

Ji Baochang, that name was quite something, not a name an ordinary person could bear to have!

“May you be safe!”

“Taoist Master, is there something on my face?” Coach Ji, quite perceptive, noticed Yi Chen’s subtle actions and couldn’t help but ask.

As Yi Chen observed him, Coach Ji was also discreetly studying this high-ranking official-invited expert.

If it weren’t for his Taoist robe, he looked more like a fierce general than a Taoist.

Tall Taoist Masters were not uncommon to Coach Ji, but it was his first time seeing one with such massive and formidable muscles. He was truly unique.

Compared to the grandeur of Master Lianhua, this Taoist Master Yi, carrying only a sword and appearing quite young and unreliable, didn’t impress him much. However, years of experience had taught him to conceal any disdain.

Yi Chen, naturally, did not directly answer Coach Ji’s query, instead deflecting it with a casual excuse as they walked through the archway and along the street.

Coach Ji introduced the situation in Qingyuan Town to Yi Chen and Constable Zhang as they walked. Qingyuan Town was a commercial hub of Fengyun County, bustling with merchants trading furs and herbs and bringing in novelties from the outside world. However, the town had significantly declined since the mysterious appearance of desiccated corpses, with merchants growing fearful. If the situation persisted, many townspeople’s livelihoods would be affected, Coach Ji noted with a worried expression.

Soon, they arrived at a large mansion. Yi Chen observed the red walls, green tiles, and paved courtyard, which was characteristic of a wealthy household. Numerous desiccated corpses, both human and animal, were laid out in the courtyard. Yi Chen noted Constable Zhang’s sadness when looking at the human corpses,which are likely his colleagues’ .

A monk in moon-white robes meticulously examined the corpses, unbothered by the faint smell some emitted. He seemed deeply contemplative, followed by two young acolytes around fifteen or sixteen, one holding a begging bowl and the other a demon-subduing staff, both also dressed in moon-white robes and wearing jade Buddha beads around their necks.

Compared to Yi Chen, they seemed quite impressive. However, Yi Chen remained unfazed, inwardly commenting on their lack of cuteness compared to Qingfeng and Mingyue.

Seeing this, Coach Ji, though unsure why Yi Chen suddenly appeared ‘proud and confident,’ raised his estimation of the Taoist Master, appreciating his self confidence even in the presence of Master Lianhua.

If Yi Chen could read Coach Ji’s thoughts, he would undoubtedly laugh heartily. This was his first significant mission, and he was indeed nervous about its success.

A portly elder soon greeted Yi Chen and the monk, inviting them into the hall for a discussion. After exchanging pleasantries, Master Lianhua, upon learning Yi Chen was from Hidden Dragon Temple, expressed delight:

“Taoist Master Bai Yun was a true high monk, far surpassing me with his Pure Yang True Power, and also a renowned righteous figure in Fengyun County.”

“I didn’t expect Taoist Master Yi to be his premier disciple; this should ensure our safety.”

Yi Chen: “……” Master, you’re too optimistic. My master is my master, and I am me.

Despite his internal scoffing, Yi Chen couldn’t expose his shortcomings as he now represented Hidden Dragon Temple. He modestly declined the praise, aiming to maintain a respectable image.

He was ready to coast through the investigation.

Slacking off is, after all, an enjoyable affair.

If he could snatch the final blow before Master Lianhua, it would be a perfect ending.

“Master, since you arrived earlier, have you discovered any clues?” Yi Chen asked, feigning eagerness while planning his ‘kill steal.’

Master Lianhua frowned deeply, revealing his thoughts:

“The demonic event in Qingyuan Town may not be as straightforward as it seems.”

“After closely examining the wounds of all victims and those of the dead livestock, I’m fairly certain a jiangshi (Editor’s Note: Jiangshi are similar to zombies, being the Chinese counterparts, with different strengths and weaknesses. They usually are not contagious and do not infect people.) is responsible. However, several points have puzzled me.”

“What points?” Yi Chen inquired promptly.

“Firstly, jiangshi, being mindless creatures at birth, act purely on instinct. Why haven’t the townspeople’s searches in the surrounding areas found any trace of the jiangshi? This is illogical.”

“Secondly, besides the constables from the yamen (Editor’s Note: Somewhat of a combination of a police station and a court of law, as they arrest and judge), no townspeople have been harmed for quite some time. It’s as if the entity intentionally avoids them, which is highly unusual.”

“So, Master, you mean to say?” Yi Chen tapped the table rhythmically.

“What the poor monk is thinking, is also what Taoist Master is thinking,” Master Lianhua clasped his hands together.

Yi Chen: “……” Master, what exactly am I thinking?

(End of the chapter)