This world once had Incense Fire Divine Path.

Whether it's the Three-eyed Giant Corpse from the Secret Realm of Ting Mountain, or the words of the Half-Demon girl Fu Yu from the Celestial River Water Mansion, both can prove this point.

Since rescuing Lu City from the corpse calamity, a certain power has been gathering on the Divine Strange Pearl, consisting of gratitude from the rescued people and curses from those who detest him.

This power is a mixed bag, and Zhang Kui doesn't hold it in high regard, yet the Divine Strange Pearl is extraordinarily miraculous—it can shield Tianji Zi from Thunder Tribulation and can also grant access to the Underworld.

Many things seem unrelated, but if thought over carefully, one can find a faintly visible thread.

The Underworld is definitely related to the Divine Path!

Also, the cultivation of the Divine Path likely does not involve forming a Divine Strange Pearl, but rather requires one.

In other words, there's a Divine Strange Pearl here!

Holding the Divine Strange Pearl, right under the nose of the General's Tomb?

Zhang Kui sneered inwardly, yet remained expressionless, lifting his chin slightly, "Which family's Divine Statue is that?"

Luo Jizu glanced over and respectfully replied:

"Reporting to True Man Zhang, that is the troop from the Divine Void Temple, worshiping the Divine Void True Man. It has been in this locality for over a hundred years, and due to the miraculous nature of the Talismanic Water, it has numerous followers."

"The Court does not prohibit Incense Fire Temples across the regions, and given its good reputation among the people, I did not pay attention. Why, does True Man Zhang find something amiss?"

Zhang Kui did not speak, lost in thought.

Over a hundred years...

Suddenly, an inspiration flashed in his mind, and he turned abruptly towards Luo Jizu, speaking with a heavy tone:

"I'll give you a task: immediately compile the statistics of these ancient, particularly efficacious temples for me. Remember, it must be all within the Qian territory!"

Luo Jizu's breath hitched, though puzzled, he still replied with cupped hands: "I will do my utmost!"

Inwardly, he grumbled, recalling how this Zhang wasn't known to have single-handedly quelled the Qingzhou demon turmoil?

He had hoped for a scourge to arrive and relieve him somewhat, yet now a major task had been assigned instead.

Zhang Kui naturally wasn't aware of Luo Jizu's thoughts, but rather felt a heavy burden.

Let's hope it isn't as he suspected...

The large boat carrying the Divine Statue had docked, and over a dozen bare-chested muscular men lifted the statue, accompanied by maidens scattering flowers, as the townsfolk knelt along the way...

A trace of evil qi flickered in Zhang Kui's eyes, then he turned away, remembering something, and casually told Luo Jizu:

"This matter must be kept secret, do not tell anyone, including... True Man Wang."

Luo Jizu's pupils contracted, and he bowed deeply,

"Understood!"

Zhang Kui nodded, staying silent.

He didn't mind alerting enemies—in case of a leak, he'd at least discern what kind of person Luo Jizu was.

Zhang Kui always judged someone not by what they said, but by what they did.

For a while, the atmosphere on the boat was tense, everyone lost in their thoughts, staring silently at the approaching dock.

Suddenly, a majestic aura emanated from the Wang Family Castle area, and a figure appeared amid a long laugh:

"Haha, Taoist Friend Zhang, I've been longing for your arrival!"

The National Guardian True Man Wang Chaoxian of Jiangzhou was burly and portly, beaming with joy. With his bushy eyebrows and big eyes, clad in a green silk robe, he appeared like a wealthy and friendly country squire.

Yet this fat squire, soaring over a kilometer, landed gently on the deck like a bird, without causing the slightest ripple.

Zhang Kui chuckled and bowed,

"Got sidetracked by some trivial matters, apologies for making you wait, Old Zhang truly feels apologetic."

"Oh, don't mention it..."

The National Guardian True Man Wang Chaoxian feigned a frown before laughing, "I heard Taoist Friend Zhang has quite a culinary expertise; my home is ready for a feast, let's go and indulge today."

Saying this, he nodded slightly at Luo Jizu, "Captain Luo, thanks for welcoming him, you may go."

Luo Jizu kept a straight face, bowed,

"Understood."

This duo seems to have a complicated relationship...

Zhang Kui's eyes showed a slight movement, but he didn't say much.

By now, the ship had docked, and under Wang Chaoxian's guidance, Zhang Kui and Fatty Tiger floated away.

Watching them leave, Luo Jizu narrowed his eyes slightly, then turned to the other Black-clothed Profound Guards, smiling, "Come, my brothers from the Capital City, Luo has prepared a banquet for you..."

......

The Wang Family Castle was built grandly and solemnly, more like a city than just a family residence. Everywhere, there were Wang family members in green robes standing guard, yet merchants and travelers could come and go freely.

Walking among the broad streets, one could see clean pavements, taverns and teahouses lining the roadsides, and in the distance, pavilions and towers were elegantly scattered, resplendent and magnificent.

Seeing their family's patriarch walking with a fierce tiger beside an Evil Taoist, the warned Wang family members kept a respectful distance, not daring to disturb them.

Zhang Kui laughed, "I've long heard the Wang family is a centennial noble, truly well-deserved."

"Taoist Friend Zhang jests..."

Wang Chaoxian shook his head with a smile, "Burdened by the family, I indeed lack the carefree life of my Taoist Friend."

The place for entertaining Zhang Kui was in a small pavilion within the Wang family's inner garden; considering their status, no one else dared share the table. The table was laden with exquisite delicacies, giving Fatty Tiger a pleasant treat.

However, Zhang Kui ate rather unsatisfactorily because a group of Wang family juniors came to pay respects.

There were two women and three men, either with imposing auras or outstanding looks, the women were beautiful and noble.

More commendably, all these individuals had impressive cultivation; among them, a stern-faced young man had already advanced to the Grain Avoidance Realm.

"Paying respects to Ancestor, and to True Man Zhang!"

The Wang family juniors bowed in unison, observing Zhang Kui with curiosity but adhering strictly to decorum.

Wang Chaoxian beamed with satisfaction, "Taoist Friend Zhang, these are the outstanding children of my family; please look out for them in the future."

This is normal human courtesy, just as when he first arrived at the Capital City, introduced by Elder Hua Yan to the National Guardian True Men, Wang Chaoxian, as the family patriarch, naturally cared for his family's juniors.

"Not bad, not bad, all of them are remarkable,"

Zhang Kui responded with a slight smile.

After the juniors left, Zhang Kui took a sip of wine and finally began inquiring.

"Taoist Friend Wang, what on earth is that Celestial Tribulation Realm ghost daring to wreak havoc in Jiangzhou?"

"I only caught a glimpse, but it seems to have cultivated the Ghost Path with a Demon Soul, ultimately becoming formidable."

Wang Chaoxian shook his head with a bitter smile, "Not to hide from Taoist Friend Zhang, though that ghost creature is formidable, I have my means to handle it, yet it has rallied a large number of Demon Ghosts, wandering throughout the eastern mountainous areas."

"Taoist Friend Zhang knows what kind of place that is; if it disturbs the General's Tomb, that would be a catastrophic disaster, so this matter requires thorough consideration."

Zhang Kui nodded in agreement.

This point he did agree with the other; one Celestial Tribulation Realm National Guardian True Man was indeed not enough to regard the General's Tomb, and considering the prominent family surrounding him, and the numerous mortals, this ire had to be endured.

"I heard something about a Demon causing chaos in Yingshui City?"

Zhang Kui took a bite of eel, eating casually as he inquired.

Wang Chaoxian's expression immediately turned sour, "Was that Luo Jizu who told you? Yes, indeed, there have been consecutive disappearances of women, and someone is practicing Evil Skill."

"Hmph, this bunch of good-for-nothings haven't caught anyone after so long—if it weren't for Luo Jizu being Imperial Uncle Li's student's grandson, I would've dealt with him already!"

"The Astronomical Bureau's local offices indeed fall short."

Zhang Kui smiled slightly, changing the subject, "I heard there's a Martial Arts Competition nearby?"

Wang Chaoxian laughed immediately, "That's my daughter causing mischief, falsely claiming my intentions, saying there's to be a Jianghu sword discussion, all mere mortal Martial Arts, not worthy of Taoist Friend Zhang's Dharma Eye."

"Yet the plethora of sects and traveling merchants make for a lively scene."

Zhang Kui also nodded with a smile, "I see, old Zhang loves excitement; I'll have to go take a look then..."

The banquet carried on until late at night.

The Wang family, being immensely wealthy, and given Zhang Kui's distinguished status, naturally had a dozen beauties brought to attend him, each with a gaze brimming with affection.

Zhang Kui declined courteously, chose a secluded courtyard to dwell, sitting cross-legged on the bed to meditate and restore his spirit.

In the dead of night, Zhang Kui suddenly opened his eyes, with a cold smile on his lips.

"This Wang family indeed has issues!"

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