CHAPTER 287: A STANDOFF, THE GRAND MARSHAL OF FEIYUN PREFECTURE, BORN EXTRAORDINARY

I do look pretty good...

Li Yanchu kept his composure. “Master, you flatter me.”

He simply took it as a compliment.

However, Master Zhisheng gave a cold snort. “I heard you declared last night that you would climb Qingfeng Ridge alone to slay the Mountain Lord, without needing our assistance. You must then be a true grand adept with the power to subdue dragons and tame tigers. I wonder, where might this Mountain Lord be now?”

Hearing this, Wang Wen frowned. At this time, the tension was thick.

Li Yanchu said with a smile, “The Mountain Lord has already been slain by me, together with all the heterodox followers under him, they’ve all been eradicated!”

Wang Wen turned his head, delight and surprise flashing across his face as he looked at Li Yanchu. “Daoist Master Li, is this true?”

Li Yanchu nodded slightly. “Naturally. The Mountain Lord has been executed, and Qingfeng Ridge’s calamity removed. I came especially to bid farewell.”

Wang Wen was overjoyed, and he couldn't help glancing at the young colonel behind him. That colonel’s face, too, was full of astonishment.

That was the Mountain Lord. And just like that... he was dead!?

Master Zhisheng sneered. “Young men are indeed arrogant and overbearing. You just learned a little trifling Daoist art, yet you dare to boast wildly? That Mountain Lord was said to possess five hundred years of cultivation. How could the likes of you have dealt with him? Daoist Master Li, did you perhaps go up the mountain for a nap, and return only to deceive us?”

Those words were harsh.

Hearing this, Li Yanchu raised his brows and said in a deep voice, “Old monk, your temper is rather fiery!”

Zhisheng’s eyes narrowed, and he said icily, “Insolence! Did your teacher never instruct you on the respect due between young and old, that you dare address me in such a manner?”

Wang Wen said calmly, “Both of you have come from afar for the sake of sharing the court’s burdens, to slay demons and exterminate fiends. If you continue this quarrel, you disregard this official’s intentions.”

He was an Inspector Censor, who was upright and unyielding. He bore the authority of the imperial court, protected by official qi.

At those words, even Master Zhisheng fell silent. The Inspector Censor of the Kingdom of Qian held vast power, traveling under the Emperor’s command to inspect the provinces. Zhisheng’s purpose here was to glorify the Dharma lineage of Chanzhi Temple. He could not risk spoiling such a great matter for the sake of momentary anger.

Daoist Master Wumu laughed lightly. “Lord Wang, you’re right. Though Daoist Master Li is young, his Daoist arts must be profound. Since you say you slew the Mountain Lord, might there be some proof for us to behold, so we may admire a fellow Daoist’s methods?”

His tone was mild, carrying a smile. But his words were no favor to Li Yanchu, as they were a subtle challenge.

Li Yanchu shook his head. “The Mountain Lord and all the demons and heretics under him were burned to ash. No remains were left as evidence.”

Master Zhisheng couldn’t suppress a derisive laugh, while Daoist Master Wumu remained calm.

“However... I refined the Mountain Lord’s corpse and obtained a Demon Core. I can present it for the two of you to examine.”

He drew from his robes a pill; it was streaked in green and red, radiating a surging, majestic power.

At this time, Daoist Master Wumu’s face darkened despite himself, his eyes turning shadowed. Meanwhile, Master Zhisheng’s eyes widened, and his face flushed red then pale, looking rather unpleasant.

“Well then, old monk, tell me, is this Demon Core false or not? I would like to hear your opinion.” Li Yanchu smiled as he spoke.

Zhisheng’s face turned scarlet, and his eyes glared in fury. He was so furious that he could hardly speak.

After a long moment, he let out a deep sigh.

“Amitabha. This Demon Core is indeed genuine. Just now, I spoke rashly, underestimating the heroes of the world. Daoist Master Li, I ask you not to take offense.”

This old monk had a fiery temper and a sharp tongue, but at least he was forthright.

Li Yanchu smiled faintly. “Master, you exaggerate. Your earlier doubt of me was only natural.”

Zhisheng had thought that after admitting fault, this young and headstrong Daoist would seize the chance to press the matter. Yet unexpectedly, the other simply brushed it off lightly. That did surprise him somewhat.

“Amitabha. Today you've truly opened my eyes; indeed, the younger generation is to be feared!”

Wang Wen burst out laughing.

“So long as demons are slain and the people blessed, that is of merit to the world. Daoist Master Li has certainly rendered great service. But Master Zhisheng, Daoist Master Wumu, you two also came from afar to eliminate demons and protect the people, you too are lofty masters. I will surely memorialize the court, so that each of you will be handsomely rewarded!”

At these words, Master Zhisheng’s expression eased somewhat. Daoist Master Wumu also revealed a smile.

But, Li Yanchu cast a deep look at this Daoist Master Wumu.

Wumu was startled, then laughed. “What are you looking at, fellow Daoist?”

“Daoist Master Wumu,” Li Yanchu said with a grin, “your face really is dark.”

Daoist Master Wumu was speechless at his words. What the hell?

Master Zhisheng and Censor Wang Wen both chuckled knowingly, and for good reason. Daoist Master Wumu’s face was naturally pitch-black, like charcoal. Born with such a striking appearance, he was clearly no ordinary man.

***

In the Zhao family’s grand courtyard, Old Madam Zhao came forward to express her gratitude to Li Yanchu, presenting him with a hundred taels of gold. Li Yanchu accepted with a smile, not bothering to decline. After a cultivator slayed demons and drove away ghosts, earning some payment was only right and proper. One couldn’t expect everyone to act out of sheer righteousness, upholding Heaven’s will without thought of recompense. Some ghosts and demons were truly vicious, and they’d have to risk their lives to fight these ghosts and demons.

At this time, Luzhu’s eyes sparkled, and her entire heart was focused on Li Yanchu. Old Madam Zhao even stated that, if he did not mind, she would give Luzhu to him, to serve him in daily life.

But Li Yanchu declined politely. Taking money was within the norms of the trade; taking a woman, however, was another matter altogether.

Luzhu was deeply disappointed. This young girl, with her graceful curves and fair, delicate face, could not hide the sense of loss that welled up within her. It was as if she had missed out on the entire world.

When only Wang Wen and Li Yanchu remained in the room, Wang Wen said softly, “Daoist Master Li, is there some important matter you wish to discuss with me?”

Li Yanchu nodded. “My lord, have you heard of the Xinyi Dao?”

Wang Wen’s hand shook as he lifted his tea, nearly spilling it onto his official robes. His face grew grave. “Daoist Master Li... you know of Xinyi Dao!?”

Li Yanchu inclined his head slightly. He then recounted in detail everything he had learned earlier from capturing that old beggar, concerning the Xinyi Dao.

Joy lit Wang Wen’s eyes, and he clapped his hands in delight. “Excellent! With this, we can wipe out the Xinyi Dao heretics hiding in Xuzhou City in one fell swoop!”

The old beggar had revealed one of the sect’s strongholds in Xuzhou.

Li Yanchu asked, “Lord Wang, do you know who this Lu Ying is and what her background might be?”

Wang Wen glanced at Li Yanchu, pondering for a moment. “I don’t mind telling you, Daoist Master Li, but you must not spread it further, else you’ll put me in a difficult position.”

“That goes without saying.”

“If your description is correct, Lu Ying should be none other than Lu Li[1], the legitimate daughter of Lu Changsheng[2], Grand Marshal of Feiyun Prefecture[3].”

Both Xuzhou or Jingou Official Village lay within the borders of Feiyun Prefecture.

At these words, Li Yanchu gave a slight nod. “This Grand Marshal Lu, does he have some extraordinary qualities?”

In the Kingdom of Qian, the realm was divided into seven prefectures in the south and sixty-three in the north. The prefect was the highest administrative official of a prefecture, in charge of all affairs, including judicial matters.

The Grand Marshal, however, was the supreme military commander of a prefecture, holding command of the troops.

It was somewhat akin to the Ming dynasty’s administrative commissioner and commander-in-chief.

“This Grand Marshal Lu is a man born extraordinary, possessing powerful magic. On the battlefield, he alone counts as an army. He is highly favored by His Majesty, and at only forty years of age, he was appointed Grand Marshal. Lu Li is his only daughter.”

1. Lu 陆 is the 61st most common surname in China, shared by 4.2 million people, while the given name 漓 (Lí) evokes imagery of flowing water, as it references the 漓江 (Lijiang River) in southern China, known for its clear waters and scenic beauty. To me, names containing 漓 often suggest elegance, grace, and a refined character. ☜

2. The given name 长生 (Chángshēng) literally means “long life” or “immortality.” This reflects a traditional aspiration in Chinese culture for longevity, vitality, and enduring success. To me, a name like Lu Changsheng may suggest a character with a strong, enduring presence. ☜