Cyber ​​Daming

Chapter 549: The Demonic Might (I)

The decree to exchange immortal essence for treasure notes has been issued for five days.

The people of Yongfeng County did not feel any major changes. They worked, ate, studied scriptures, and slept, their lives continued as usual.

The only abnormal thing is that in the middle of the night, one can often hear bursts of clear bells ringing from the former Yongfeng County Government Office, now the Yongfeng Taoist Palace, as if welcoming the arrival of some important person.

The young Taoist priests in charge of patrolling the city were not as amiable as Yuan, and there was always an unusual sense of vigilance and tension on their faces.

It is said that this is related to an invasion of evil spirits that occurred in Shangrao County a few days ago. The immortals on the mountain have issued an order to kill the escaped evil spirits in Guangxin Prefecture to uphold the majesty of the Dragon and Tiger Taoism.

However, Cai Qiudao, who is now over 50 years old, has no interest in this kind of gossip. All he can think about now is how to seize this rare and precious opportunity and strive to become a Taoist master of Longhu Mountain.

Even if I can only become Daojiu's disciple in this life, I will be satisfied. After all, this can be regarded as the beginning of the journey to becoming an immortal.

For this reason, Cai Qiudao even took a precious day off from the talisman factory where he worked, but his salary of 120 cents was deducted.

"Dear believers, in accordance with the order of Zhang Tianshi, Yongfeng Taoist Temple is holding a disciple recruitment ceremony here today. All believers who are proficient in the classics of Zhengyi Taoism, such as "Laozi Xianger Zhu", "Zhengyi Fawen Tianshi Teachings and Precepts", "Zhengyi Mengwei Lu", "Tianguan Zhangben", etc., can come forward to sign up for the cave heaven assessment."

"Once you pass, Yongfeng Dao Palace will grant you a high-quality ninth-grade Dao foundation and three opportunities for ten-year cave reincarnations free of charge based on your five elements."

"Those with excellent qualifications are more likely to become the reserve heavenly masters of the Dragon and Tiger Nine Divisions and be qualified to practice in Mount Longhu."

On a temporary high platform, a Taoist priest in a red robe looked down at the densely packed heads below the platform and said in a loud voice: "This is the first time in a hundred years that Longhu Mountain has opened its gates to all believers. This is a rare opportunity, and I hope all believers will seize it."

As soon as the Taoist priest finished speaking, exclamations arose from the audience.

"A custom-made ninth-grade Dao foundation, most likely produced by the Law and Seal Bureau of the Heavenly Master's Mansion, how much treasure money is this worth? No, it's immortal essence?!"

"There are still three more chances to reincarnate in the cave, and they will last for ten years. What a big deal!"

"Master, please have mercy on me! Master, please have mercy on me!"

Cai Qiudao, who tried his best but still couldn't squeeze into the crowd, could only stand helplessly on the periphery. Although the voice of the Taoist official on the stage was barely audible here, from the discussions of the Taoist friends around him, he probably understood the astonishingly generous conditions offered at this Dharma Assembly.

In contrast, the recruitment threshold is incredibly low.

Is being proficient in the classics of the Zhengyi School a requirement? Anyone who aspires to become a follower of the Dao School must be able to memorize these classics by heart.
"Master, please have mercy on us! We, the faithful ones, will never let down Master Zhang's kindness!"

Cai Qiudao was so excited that he couldn't help but shout loudly.

"Longhu Mountain is preparing to start recruiting soldiers and horses."

At this moment, a slightly sarcastic voice sounded to the right of Cai Qiudao.

Cai Qiudao couldn't help but turn his head to look. What he saw was a young man whose profile was barely handsome, but with an annoying smile on his lips. He said angrily, "My fellow Taoist, how can you talk like that?"

As a devout believer of dragons and tigers, although Cai Qiudao's own qualifications are terrible, he came to Yongfeng County at the age of fifteen, working and studying Taoism at the same time, and he is still single today, which shows how devout and determined he is in pursuing Taoism.

"It's obvious that Tianshi Zhang is grateful for our devout faith, so he gave us the opportunity to learn Taoism and seek immortality. How can it be recruiting troops?!"

"Master, please don't blame me. I was just talking nonsense."

Zou Sijiu pursed his lips and bowed to Cai Qiudao, saying, "It's true that this opportunity came so suddenly, and the conditions were so generous, so I lost my mind for a moment and spoke without thinking."

Cai Qiudao felt relieved when he heard the word "Master". He looked Zou Sijiu up and down and saw that Zou Sijiu was wearing a grey Taoist robe made of crude material and a turban with rough stitching on his head. He didn't look like he had any outstanding aptitude for practicing Taoism. He immediately put on an arrogant look of an experienced person.

"Humph."

Standing on tiptoe, he saw that the cushions in front of the altar in the distance were already occupied. It would probably take a long time before his turn came. Cai Qiudao simply cleared his throat and said to Zou Sijiu, "My little Taoist friend, you have regular facial features. I think you haven't had any plastic surgery, right? Well, even if you haven't had any, you are still a good-looking person. You should have some potential for cultivation, but!"

This pause was so powerful that Cai Qiudao's eyes suddenly sparkled.

"For those of us who seek the Tao, talent and potential are only the most insignificant of all the conditions that need to be met. The real key lies in whether your faith is devout and firm enough. If you lose your mind and behave improperly every time you encounter such a small matter, how can you complete a reincarnation in Huangliang Cave Heaven, meet the requirements of the ritual, and become a disciple?"

"The Taoist priest taught me what I meant. The Taoist priest taught me what I meant."

Zou Sijiu nodded repeatedly, his attitude was simply inappropriate.

"But Taoist priest, I have some doubts in my mind that I cannot solve. I hope you can give me some advice."

Cai Qiudao wiped the saliva from the corner of his mouth and said, "Let me hear your story."

"The Taoist priest just said that this is the first time that the gates of Longhu Mountain have been opened in a hundred years. Is this true?"

"How dare you speculate on what the Taoist priest said?" Cai Qiudao frowned and looked coldly.

Zou Sijiu chuckled and said, "I'm just curious."

"Looking like you, you must have been in Yongfeng County not long ago, right?"

Cai Qiudao put his hands behind his back and looked hopefully at the group of believers who were sitting cross-legged on the cushions to accept the trial, and only glanced at Zou Sijiu beside him.

"Master, you have a keen eye. You have only been here for less than ten days. You studied Taoism in the southwest before."

"Southwest, that's the base of Qingcheng Mountain?"

Cai Qiudao said contemptuously: "Qingcheng Mountain cannot compare with our Longhu Mountain. It is the right choice for you to come here. What is our Longhu Mountain? The ancestral home of Taoism! It is a rich heritage that can only be formed by thousands of years of long history!"

"Not to mention the Heavenly Master's Mansion, the chief officers of the nine outer sects of Dragon and Tiger are all immortals who can be called 'earth immortals'. With just a wave of their hands and feet, they can change the world. Therefore, the threshold for recruiting disciples in Longhu Mountain has always been very high. Ordinary believers are not qualified to enter the mountain gate to practice Taoism. Only true geniuses can receive the Dragon and Tiger seal and become Taoist disciples on the mountain."

Zou Sijiu then asked: "If that's the case, then why is such a large-scale Dharma Assembly being held suddenly this time?"

Suddenly, there were continuous groans from the crowd. They were the believers who had occupied the cushion first but failed in the trial. After the cave was disconnected, they beat their chests and stamped their feet in regret.

Cai Qiudao couldn't help but show a mocking look on his face when he saw this, but when he retracted his gaze and turned to look at Zou Sijiu, his expression suddenly became extremely serious.

"Your heart is not right again."

"I just arrived here and encountered such a heaven-sent opportunity. It is inevitable that I will be worried about gains and losses. Taoist priest, please forgive me."

"That's why I said that coming to Longhu Mountain was the right choice for you. How could you expand your horizons and vision if you stayed in a remote place like Qingcheng Mountain?"

Cai Qiudao said proudly: "The rewards for this ceremony you are seeing are indeed generous, but for Longhu Mountain, it is just a drop in the bucket. As long as Master Zhang is willing, there will be no problem even if it is held every day and recruits every day."

Cai Qiudao couldn't help but speak a little louder as he was excited, which immediately attracted the people around him to turn their heads and look at him strangely.

"Why, fellow Taoists, do you think there is something wrong with what I said?"

Cai Qiudao raised his head and asked loudly, and of course he received a chorus of responses.

After all, this is Yongfeng County, and almost everyone present is a believer of Longhu Mountain.

Even if there are clear-minded people among them, they would not choose to be foolish and refute in public on such occasions.

"So, fellow Daoist, you can rest assured to participate in the trial. Although I think your chances of success are not high, you can't be discouraged. Even if you fail, you can still enter the Huangliang Cave Heaven to experience it. At least you can accumulate a lot of valuable reincarnation experience."

"So that's how it is. Thank you, Taoist Priest, for clearing up my confusion. Otherwise, I would have thought..." Zou Sijiu hesitated to speak.

Cai Qiudao frowned and asked, "What do you think?"

Zou Sijiu moved closer to the other party and said in a low voice: "I thought the Taoist temple held a ceremony to recruit us to destroy the evil demon. Taoist priest, have you heard that not long ago in Shangrao County, all the Taoist officials of the entire Taoist temple were killed by an extremely cruel evil demon. Even the immortals on the mountain could not destroy the demon by sending down thunderbolts."

"Of course I know this news."

Cai Qiudao snorted coldly, "But you, a little Taoist priest from another place, really underestimate our Longhu Mountain. It's just a small evil demon. If you dare to enter Guangxin Prefecture, you will be courting death. It won't be long before the Taoist Palace announces the destruction of the evil demon. Why would they need to send us into battle?"

"But I heard that the evil demon is quite powerful. He seems to be from Wuxu, and he is the only one who works in Wuxu."

"What happened to Wu Xu? He's a defeated general!"

Cai Qiudao turned around and looked at Zou Sijiu with a serious face, and said in a heavy voice: "You really should temper your Dao heart. Daoxu is one of the three religions, and Longhu Mountain is the ancestral home of Daoxu. In other words, we are the leader of Daoxu in the world. Can a Wuxu compete with Longhu Mountain?!"

"And I tell you, the immortals on the mountain have already made preparations. Have you heard the bells ringing in the Taoist Palace these past few nights? That is the etiquette that only occurs when an immortal of the level of the Fourth Nether Sea Feathered Guest arrives. There are at least three immortals in the Taoist Palace in Yongfeng County right now. Does the evil demon you mentioned dare to show up?"

"Master Taoist, you actually know such a secret?" Zou Sijiu was shocked and exclaimed.

"Why should we, as Taoists, hide our heads and show our tails when we act?"

Cai Qiudao held his head high and said, "The immortals are clearly telling those rats hiding in the dark that the way of heaven is broad and there is no loophole, and there are no evil spirits under Longhu Mountain!"

"Did you hear that, Old Shen? You have a tough mission ahead of you! There are at least three Dao Si. Can you handle them? You won't be killed as soon as you show your head, will you? It's fine if you can escape. Come out and say hello to them!"

Looking at the young Taoist priest from another country who was talking to himself and speaking nonsense, Cai Qiudao had a look of confusion on his face and a bad premonition arose in his heart for no reason.

"What are you mumbling about?"

"Nothing, just tipping off."

Zou Sijiu smiled and said, "Thank you for clearing up my doubts, Taoist priest."

What does that mean?! There is something wrong with this person!
Cai Qiudao was filled with panic and quickly turned around to squeeze into the crowd, shouting, "Master Daoist, Master Daoist!"

At this moment, the originally clear sky suddenly turned dark, and large dark clouds hovered in the western sky.

The sudden strange phenomenon plunged the entire Dharma Assembly into chaos.

"Sky Track Stars? The evil demon has appeared?!"

The red-robed Taoist on the high platform was startled. Before he could shout to the rioting crowd below, he heard a deafening thunder in the sky.

Boom!

Countless pairs of eyes suddenly looked over, and saw a green figure the size of a grain of rice floating in the air under the black clouds that overlapped like a building in the distance. The pale white lightning that was struck by lightning spread out, as if two pairs of huge wings were intertwined behind the figure.

"Wu Xu and Shen Li are here, little Longhu thief, come out and fight!"

The roar rolled into Yongfeng County and exploded in the ears of all the people in the city.

"You bold evil demon, you are seeking death!"

Angry shouts were heard in the Taoist Palace, and three figures rose into the sky one after another, heading straight for the armored madman standing in the air.

"Come on, I'm going to challenge you guys today! Come on!"

The wild shouting and cursing was overwhelming. Just when everyone thought that the immortals were about to engage in a bloody battle with this daring evil demon, they saw the green figure suddenly turn around and flee frantically into the distance.

"Don't let the evil demon escape!!"

During the Dharma Assembly, everyone shouted angrily.

Cai Qiudao jumped up and down, pointing to the sky and roaring, with a ferocious expression, as if he wanted to ride on his sword and fly into the air to chase down demons and eliminate monsters.

But no one noticed that the dark clouds that were originally hovering in the western sky had quietly floated over their heads.

The cold wind penetrated into Cai Qiudao's thin Taoist robe. Although his body had not undergone much mechanical transformation, he could still feel the change in the weather. He shuddered violently and subconsciously turned his head to look behind him.

The foreign Taoist was still standing there, but the upper half of his face was covered with a scary mask with red eyes, angry glares, green face and fangs.

A pair of exposed lips opened and closed silently towards him, but Cai Qiudao clearly understood what the other party meant.

"Master, it's going to thunder."

"Yin Yang Taoist, Master of Yellow Millet. My name is Zou Sijiu. I use the name of the Yin Yang Sequence Four Zhuang Zhou Butterfly to borrow authority, open the back door, and regain control of the stars in the sky!"

Zou Sijiu's robe fluttered, his hands clasped in front of his chest, and a cold face with icy eyebrows and eyes appeared behind his head. His red hair was like fire, and was particularly eye-catching in the dim light.

boom! boom! boom!
Countless thunders fell like rain, and the target was the former Yongfeng County Government Office, now the Yongfeng Taoist Palace. All the buildings were completely submerged by the thunder and rain.

The terrifying pressure as huge as a mountain made Cai Qiudao unable to stand at all. He knelt on the ground with his head in his hands, trembling all over.

It was unknown how long it had been, but when the roar of thunder completely dissipated, Cai Qiudao finally dared to raise his head.

The evil demon had disappeared without a trace, and behind him, the Yongfeng Taoist Palace was also nowhere to be found.

All that was left was a dark pit a hundred feet deep, with wisps of pale smoke rising out of it.

"The devil's might is overwhelming. The devil's might is overwhelming."

Cai Qiudao's eyes were empty and unfocused, and he kept muttering to himself.

"Sister Yuan, Zou Sijiu and the others have already taken action."

Xie Bian spoke in the 'He Jing' chain of temples in Shangrao County.

"how is the situation?"

With a pair of long legs folded on the stool, Yuan Mingfei, who had hurried over from Hanshan Temple, now held her thighs with both hands, her slender waist straight. Fan Wujiu, with a ferocious face, stood obediently behind her, massaging her shoulders attentively.

"What are you looking at? Have you never seen a wise man who knows the current situation?"

Fan Wujiu noticed Xie Bian's strange look and snorted, "Sister Yuan said that if I perform well, she will go back to the foreign land and get me a top-grade mechanical heart. Xiaobai, you must be envious."

“I do envy you.”

Xie Bian rubbed his brows helplessly, and continued to look at Yuan Mingfei and said, "Sister Yuan, your prediction is correct. There is indeed an ambush in the Taoist Palace in Yongfeng County, but it is not an ambush. According to Master Zou, they entered openly and had no intention of hiding their whereabouts to fish."

"It seems that these Taoist masters in Longhu Mountain don't take us seriously."

Concubine Yuan Ming smiled and asked, "How many people are there?"

"The three Dao Si should all be earthly immortals at the level of chief officers of the Nine Dragon and Tiger Divisions."

"Are the charlatans injured?"

"Mr. Zou ran fast and was not attacked. Only Shen Li was hit by a few flying swords, but it was not a big problem."

Yuan Mingfei nodded: "It seems that the concealment effect of the ink weapon provided by Tianque is quite good, and it can hide from the stars in the sky."

"But the price they are asking is not low. They used a Wuliu ritual from Jun Ge for a few of the ink weapons."

"This is all money that should be spent and cannot be saved. Besides, things like rituals, whether they exist or not is one thing, and whether they can be completed is another."

Yuan Mingfei said in a relaxed tone: "Such harsh and outrageous conditions, I'm afraid only that freak Li Jun can do it."

"Then what do we do now?"

Xie Bian glanced at Chen Qisheng, who was sitting next to him in silence, and said, "According to the information provided by Master Zou, if there is a sound of magic bells in the Taoist Palace, it means that people from Longhu Mountain have moved in. But there is no such movement in the Taoist Palace of Shangrao County, so it is impossible to judge how many people are hiding inside."

"Things like the magic bell are not reliable in themselves. Only a face-conscious person like Zou Sijiu would believe it. Not everyone is as fond of these ritualistic things as he is."

Yuan Mingfei said calmly: "We are in the dark now, and the enemy is in the light, so there is no need to rush. Old Chen, can you bear it?"

"good."

Chen Qisheng spoke in a stiff tone, but his left thumb kept rubbing the base of his right hand.

Seeing this, Concubine Yuan Ming sighed suddenly and was about to say something when Taoist Wu's respectful voice suddenly rang out.

"Buddha, someone is sending me an invitation to the Huangliang Dream."

In the corner, the fat Taoist Wu, the owner of the temple, pressed his back against the wall, with the 'wanzi' symbol belonging to the Buddhist order appearing in his eyes.

"The other party said he was Zhao Yanlong."

(End of this chapter)