Seeing Zhang Kui's surprise, Elder Huayan smiled slightly, "Don't overthink, it has nothing to do with you, it is merely a coincidence."

Zhang Kui nodded, followed Elder Huayan to sit at a seat, and unobtrusively observed the people present.

The most familiar, of course, were those staying behind in the Capital City: Elder Huayan, Imperial Uncle Li Xuanji, Huo Yu with Double Pupils, Yellow Eyebrow Monk, and the rather notorious Xiao Qianchou...

As for those from the provinces, he only knew Helian Boxiong. The rest included monks and Daoists, scholars and women, and even a corpulent man dressed as a commoner.

These were most of the National Guardian True Men in the Qian Dynasty. State Preceptors rarely showed up, so these were the highest visible forces.

Zhang Kui furrowed his brows and soon made another observation.

Although there were only about twenty people, they were divided clearly, forming small groups and lone adventurers, with some exchanging cold glares and sneers.

Darn it...

Zhang Kui wasn't surprised, just found it amusing.

People say in a small temple there are great demon winds, but even in the Western Heaven Spirit Mountain, there is no shortage of scheming. Naturally, it's the same here.

Wherever there are people, there's the Jianghu. Zhang Kui always saw this clearly. But with the Qian Dynasty surrounded by demons and catastrophe imminent, such a scene inevitably weighed heavily on his heart.

Just then, Imperial Uncle Li Xuanji suddenly spoke: "Since everyone is here, let's begin."

"His Majesty the Emperor does not have much time left. If the new monarch ascends, the State Preceptors are to retreat for a year by tradition to stabilize the nation's fate. I have been entrusted to preside over this gathering..."

This Imperial Uncle was a collateral branch of the royal family, a prodigy in his youth who reached the Celestial Tribulation Realm early on and became a National Guardian True Man known for his fairness, earning widespread respect.

It's said the Emperor was initially suspicious of him, but the Imperial Uncle explicitly expressed disinterest in the throne and had no offspring, quelling such doubts.

"There are three primary matters..."

As the gathered paid close attention, Li Xuanji continued with a calm expression: "Firstly, a new Daoist friend is joining us. You may have heard, Taoist Friend Zhang Kui, although only in the Grain Avoidance Realm, possesses remarkable combat prowess, which even State Preceptor Cui praises."

As the crowd focused their gaze on him, Zhang Kui smiled slightly, stood up, and cupped his fists, saying, "Zhang Kui greets fellow Daoists."

The gazes held goodwill, doubt, disdain, and indifference, but Zhang Kui remained unfazed and faced them calmly.

Of course, no one stepped forward to provoke; they were all sly foxes, knowing actions have consequences, and wouldn't engage in childish disputes.

Imperial Uncle Li Xuanji nodded.

"The second matter is the battle death of Taoist Friend Qiu Canzi of Bozhou. Currently, no one is overseeing it, and there are the nuisances of the Drought Fiend Divine Statue and Dragon Bone Stage."

"Several State Preceptors wish to deal with it, but these two demonic artifacts are unpredictable, requiring someone to investigate, ideally before the State Preceptors retreat."

"I wonder which Daoist friend is willing to undertake this responsibility?"

The room fell silent as many turned away, pretending not to hear, while some bowed their heads, smirking coldly.

Zhang Kui was speechless, glancing at the dull-eyed Elder Huayan. Just as he was about to stand up, Huo Yu with Double Pupils lazily said, "I'll go, I'm tired of staying in the Capital City anyway."

Li Xuanji seemed unsurprised, nodding at Huo Yu with Double Pupils, "Daoist friend, be cautious."

Then, the Imperial Uncle's gaze became stern, "The next matter is the most crucial. As everyone might know, a locust plague is impending. When it arrives, the State Preceptors need to stabilize the nation's fate. To prevent demons from seizing the opportunity to cause chaos, everyone is responsible for their territory, and aside from the Four Caves and Five Water Mansions, all demons and evil spirits must be cleansed."

"You enjoy the esteemed status of National Guardian True Men, revered by tens of thousands, and now is the time to hold up the sky. The State Preceptors specifically conveyed a message: do not err!"

Zhang Kui nodded, seeing the wisdom in this approach.

With the locust plague, there would be famine nationwide. If demons and ghosts joined in, it would truly be catastrophic.

It seems the State Preceptors saw the potential for trouble, even issuing threats. Although the National Guardian True Men are strong, they are insignificant compared to divine artifacts.

Many below showed difficult expressions.

One Daoist quickly stood up and cupped his fists, "What Imperial Uncle said is not wrong, but as everyone knows, Shazhou is vast and sparsely populated. With the Golden Light Cave and Stone Man Tomb, simply protecting humankind is already challenging. How can we manage the wild demons in the remote mountains and wilderness?"

Many immediately clamored.

"Indeed, what if we provoke trouble..."

"This matter is indeed too reckless!"

Elder Huayan, Li Xuanji, and Huo Yu's expressions turned angry, while Zhang Kui watched in astonishment.

Having roamed the Jianghu extensively, apart from the Four Caves and Five Water Mansions, even the threatening demons could be suppressed by the power of the Qian Dynasty.

These people were clearly too lazy to take responsibility yet afraid of the State Preceptors punishing them if something went wrong, thus bargaining early.

The National Guardian True Man of Lai State, Helian Boxiong, squinted his eyes and coldly said, "In Lai State, the wilderness is vast and mountains numerous, yet demons and ghosts do not run amok."

Someone below immediately rebutted, "Your Helian Family commands the Flying Bear Army, numerous and powerful, naturally having the leisure."

"Fourth Yao, what do you mean!"

"Hehe, how would I dare mean anything..."

"Enough!"

Li Xuanji's face darkened, "If there are difficulties, speak out now to find help. Everyone must know that when the nest is overturned, no egg is left intact. This matter cannot be avoided."

The crowd exchanged glances, all falling silent.

Just then, the corpulent man dressed as a commoner stood up with a smile, "Everyone, Imperial Uncle Li is right. If it truly comes to that, no one will fare well."

"You all know that the General's Tomb is in Jiangzhou. Not wanting trouble, several Ghost Acupoints have formed a scale. A Celestial Tribulation Realm old ghost troubles me. I wonder if any Daoist friend is willing to lend a helping hand?"

Jiangzhou, General's Tomb!

A trace of killing intent flashed in Zhang Kui's eyes. Without a word, he stood up, "I am willing to go!"

The corpulent man was startled at first, then smiled, "I've long heard of Taoist Friend Zhang's reputation, no problem for me."

With this man's lead, others no longer avoided the topic, seeking assistance or exchanging information in discussions.

Li Xuanji exhaled a sigh of relief, glancing at the silent, always seemingly absent Yellow Eyebrow Monk, frowning in thought...

This meeting continued into the night, as the National Guardian True Men began to leave one by one.

"Taoist Friend Zhang, I'll go ahead."

The corpulent man smiled and cupped his hands, "When you reach Jiangzhou, feel free to visit the Wang Family."

Zhang Kui chuckled, "Sure, Old Zhang will arrive soon."

He had already learned that the corpulent man was Wang Chaoxian, the patriarch of the prestigious Wang Family in Jiangzhou, a significant wealthy family in the Qian Dynasty.

The reason Zhang Kui decided to go was not only to slay demons for skill points but also to investigate the General Temple's reality.

After glancing at the Grand Profound Lake Heart Island one last time, Zhang Kui rode Fatty Tiger away without looking back.

To be honest, today left him somewhat disappointed.

These National Guardian True Men, who stood high and mighty in the Qian Dynasty, were nothing more than ordinary mortals.

The bright moon hung high, the mountains and forests were eerie.

Fatty Tiger ran as he spoke, "Taoist, today should be a grand day, why do you seem unhappy?"

Zhang Kui uncorked a wine gourd and took two gulps, "Old Zhang was just thinking, what do these people cultivate for?"

"Obviously for longevity."

"But if one's mind is not clear, constantly calculating, what does living long even mean?"

"Taoist, not everyone is like you."

"True, don't need to rely on them, silly chap. Once the locust plague is resolved, let's roam the mountains and forests freely, leaving this heartless, loveless ghost place."

"Taoist, you're jesting. This world is rife with evil, even Fatty Tiger lives in fear, where is the tranquility and liberty."

"Then let's kill, kill them all, and bring forth a clear and bright world!"

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