That's right, starting from Qingzhou, Zhang Kui has finally unraveled the series of events triggered by the Divine Strange Pearl.

Since obtaining the Divine Strange Pearl from the Three-eyed Giant Corpse, and after the Lu City corpse disaster, Zhang Kui discovered its ability to gather the power of faith.

Later, in a battle in the southwestern mountains, he learned that the greatest function of the Divine Strange Pearl is to access the Underworld.

However, the Incense Fire Divine Path has long declined, and the Qian Dynasty is filled with dilapidated and destroyed temples, with the Demon Forbidden Land controlling these Divine Temples without much enthusiasm, only maintaining basic belief.

They are clearly not cultivating the Divine Path,

but charging the Divine Strange Pearl!

This explains why the mortal cities around the Forbidden Lands are not destroyed, and why the powers of these lands are so divided.

Everything is for the Underworld,

Everything is for the Immortal Path and Longevity!

They will not completely destroy mankind, nor do they care about human life and death. The remnants of the Qian Dynasty only ensure they don't go too far.

These Demon Forbidden Lands are like aloof Divine Spirits. Whether humans fall into darkness or establish a millennia-old dynasty, they don't care, as long as a few humans remain to continue providing faith for the Divine Strange Pearl.

Of course, if the Divine Strange Pearl suddenly needs a large amount of faith, Zhang Kui believes these Forbidden Lands wouldn't mind plunging mankind into complete darkness.

Because war, despair, and fear often give birth to more fervent faith.

Sad... or perhaps fortunate.

A sense of anger inexplicably rose in Zhang Kui's heart, but his face remained expressionless as he silently stored the map into his personal space.

Seeing Zhang Kui's demeanor, Luo Jizu was somewhat stunned, "Sir, this..."

"I know."

Zhang Kui said in a deep voice, "Let this matter die in your gut, and don't tell anyone about it."

Luo Jizu's eyes suddenly reddened, and he gritted his teeth and clasped his fist, "I beg for True Man's guidance!"

Zhang Kui took a deep breath, his expression still stern, "Unless you can confidently overthrow all the Forbidden Lands, otherwise just endure it. If you touch one of their temples, who knows if they'll destroy a human city in return?"

Luo Jizu fell silent.

Zhang Kui squinted slightly, "Rest assured, one day, Old Zhang will eliminate this burden!"

Luo Jizu felt a sense of confusion in his heart,

"True Man, what should we do next?"

"Simple, just do what needs to be done."

Zhang Kui took out a wine jug and took a sip, "The biggest issue now is the locust plague. With the great calamity approaching, to prevent chaos, first sweep away those vermin and demons."

Luo Jizu immediately took his orders and left, returning to gather clues and reorganize the troops.

As for Zhang Kui, he leisurely went off to find Wang Chaoxian.

...

"Taoist Friend Zhang, why don't you rest a bit after such a tiresome journey?"

Wang Chaoxian still displayed a face of enthusiasm, "Come, serve the dishes. Taoist Friend Zhang must try our Jiangzhou's special morning snacks."

Zhang Kui laughed heartily, "Indeed, as it should be."

Soon, a variety of dishes were served by the maidservants. They resembled the Guangdong dim sum of the previous life, but were more exquisite and delicious, with many varieties.

After just a couple of bites, Wang Chaoxian nonchalantly asked, "Taoist Friend Zhang, I heard that boy Luo came to see you early in the morning. Did something major happen in the Capital City?"

"Just trifling matters..."

Zhang Kui feigned displeasure and snorted, "It's nothing but the Emperor not only wanting to clean up the fourth prince, but also impatiently reaching into the Astronomical Bureau."

Wang Chaoxian, having inquired around, knew that Zhang Kui and Emperor Li Shuo were at odds, and with a slight smile, advised, "Taoist Friend Zhang, although we're not controlled by the Emperor, we still need to show some respect."

As he spoke, he casually chatted about amusing stories from the Capital City.

Zhang Kui raised an eyebrow, "Taoist Friend Wang, Jiangzhou is ultimately your territory, and this time the State Preceptor is really ruthless. Why do I sense you're not worried at all?"

"How can I not be worried..."

Wang Chaoxian smiled bitterly, "I have already dispatched my family members into the mountains, but finding the Ghost Acupoint is incredibly difficult. It must be approached gradually to avoid alerting the enemy."

Zhang Kui nodded in agreement, "That's right, then we'll wait for Taoist Friend Wang's news. As for Old Zhang, having nothing better to do, I'll first take a stroll through Yingshui City."

"Feel free, Taoist Friend Zhang."

After Zhang Kui finished his breakfast and left, Wang Chaoxian remained silent, rubbing the large emerald ring on his hand, as his expression gradually turned gloomy.

"Qi!"

With a loud shout, a piece of pitch-black wood on the beam slowly changed color, revealing a slender human head. The eyes stretched to the sides of the head, with the neck continuously elongating, twisting and turning as it came down.

"Master, what's the matter?"

"Keep that unfilial son locked up tight, and also, send someone quickly to find the old ghost. I always feel something's wrong with this killer. It's better to send him off sooner..."

...

Yingshui City is a typical southern water town.

Old streets lie by the water, with rows of old houses closely packed together. The whitewashed walls, gray-tiled roofs, and cobblestone roads, along with exquisite old shops, line the streets, while stone arch bridges span the small rivers.

Zhang Kui walked among them. Even though he didn't bring Fatty Tiger, his tall figure and menacing aura forced everyone to avoid him.

After walking through a narrow street, he saw in the distance a delicate Taoist Temple with incense smoke swirling and a continuous stream of believers entering and leaving.

Zhang Kui slightly squinted his eyes, his pupils gleaming darkly. The Taoist Temple immediately transformed in his vision.

Incense smoke wrapped around miscellaneous specks of light, rolling and tumbling, forming a cloud-like shape over the temple. Vaguely a human figure sat cross-legged within, emitting a faint green light.

Suddenly, that figure seemed to notice something and looked this way.

Zhang Kui immediately withdrew his gaze, slipped into a small alley, and simultaneously used Eclipse, releasing a faint mist around him.

A Divine Thought scanned around but found nothing, then withdrew quickly.

Zhang Kui leaned against the wall, his eyes thoughtful.

Indeed, it was this guy last night.

To be precise, someone was using the power of this Incense Fire God to spy on him.

Zhang Kui could feel that this Incense Fire God wasn't very strong. It might possess some magical abilities, but once he unleashed his Geng Metal Evil Qi Flying Sword, it would reduce the thing to ashes.

But it was just a pawn. If he directly destroyed it, the General's Tomb would certainly blow up, bringing about a great disaster.

The question is, who was controlling this thing to spy on him last night, and for what purpose?

Zhang Kui glanced at the Taoist Temple again and then left, planning to return at night for further investigation.

After inquiring with the city patrol soldiers, Zhang Kui crossed a few streets and found the Astronomical Bureau of Yingshui City.

Just as he was about to enter, he saw Luo Jizu leading a large group of Black-clothed Profound Guards, all mobilized.

The elite dozen or so, who had come from the Capital City with him, were also there. Upon seeing him, everyone immediately bowed and cupped their hands:

"Greetings, National Guardian True Man!"

"No need for such formalities."

Zhang Kui waved his hand carelessly, seeing everyone armed with swords, bows, and crossbows. He frowned, "Where are you going?"

"Reporting to True Man Zhang..."

Luo Jizu stepped forward and whispered, "Last night, another girl vanished without a trace. This is the thirteenth case this month, and that's excluding those not reported. We don't know how many there are."

"Originally, this case should have been reported to the Ministry of Justice, but we discovered someone used Demon Skill, so it's been handed over to us, the Astronomical Bureau, to investigate."

Zhang Kui squinted his eyes slightly, "Let's go; I'll go with you."

Luo Jizu was immediately overjoyed, "Thank you, True Man Zhang."

The National Guardian True Man in various places was like a huge weapon. They normally wouldn't bother with such trivial cases, but Zhang Kui was an exception.

Soon, they arrived at the residence of the victim.

It was a small vendor family running a sugar pastry business. The elderly couple lived with their daughter, who was now missing. They were tearfully lamenting, grief-stricken.

A Black-clothed Profound Guard inquired and then reported with cupped hands, "Reporting to the lord, just like the previous times, their daughter dressed herself in the middle of the night and left, never to be seen again."

Luo Jizu whispered to Zhang Kui, "True Man, it seems to be Enchanting Skill. Victims appear normal during the day but leave as if possessed at night."

"Many Jianghu demons excel at this skill; I've captured a few myself, but I've never seen such audacity before."

Luo Jizu looked troubled, "It's just that this demon is very cautious, acting only at night and concealing all traces, so much so that even our Spiritual Dogs can't catch any scent."

Zhang Kui waved his hand, "No worries, go find something personal belonging to the girl, and I'll see which scoundrel has the nerve."

Soon, Luo Jizu brought a wooden comb. Zhang Kui performed the Moon-taking Skill, creating an enchanting scene that amazed everyone.

This was a dim space. A girl was bound with hands and gagged, already unconscious. The wooden planks beneath her swayed slightly, with water sounds vaguely heard.

"Xing'Er... it's my Xing'Er!"

The elderly woman beside them burst into tears, trying to lunge forward, but was held back by a Black-clothed Profound Guard.

Zhang Kui squinted his eyes, continuing to control the skill. The indoor scene shrank, first revealing a small boat, followed by the sounds of people and numerous varied vessels.

Beside him, Luo Jizu furrowed his brows and turned to his subordinates, angrily commanding, "To the docks, follow me. Don't let the demon escape!"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.