Chapter 3: Four Palaces Council Meeting and Terrifying Cheng Huang!_1

When Chen Chang’an arrived in the main hall, three of the four seats already had occupants.

These three individuals were all adorned in black robes, wearing bronze masks, making it impossible to discern their genders or even their physical appearances.

Behind each of them, a nameplate hung.

On the nameplates, three large characters were written.

Yanluo,

[Meng Po],

[Reincarnation King]!

Upon arrival, Chen Chang’an didn’t hesitate. He went straight to his seat.

Emperor Song

There was a row of characters behind his seat as well.

"Emperor Song, this time you have arrived early."

The one who spoke was Yanluo.

Because of Yanluo’s mask, no one could see any expression on his face.

However, Chen Chang’an could guess that Yanluo’s expression was definitely not a smile.

Chen Chang’an calmly replied, "The emperor has summoned. It cannot be disobeyed."

"Enough, the two of you are wasting time. Since we are all here, let’s get down to business."

At this point, [Meng Po] spoke up.

Her voice echoed throughout the hall, low and hoarse.

[Meng Po] glanced at the three of them, saying:

"We all have limited time, let’s discuss how best to carry out the emperor’s task."

"No need for discussion, isn’t it just the Dari Rulai Sect? My Reincarnation Hall alone could take it down."

Following [Meng Po]’s words, a robust voice arose.

It was [Reincarnation King].

Judging by voices, [Reincarnation King]’s rugged voice would instinctively make one think of a bold and rough man behind the mask.

But that was not the case.

Chen Chang’an had heard many past stories about [Reincarnation King],

Underneath that rugged exterior was, supposedly, a woman’s face.

On the other hand, [Yanluo], whose voice sounded so soft and feminine, wore a man’s face behind his bronze mask!

In a place like the Hall of Reincarnation, judging by voice was usually a huge mistake!

Upon hearing [Reincarnation King]’s words, [Yanluo] shook his head, saying:

"It’s not that simple. After all, the Dari Rulai Sect is one of the ten esteemed sects of our time."

"It’s said that within the sect, there exists a Wangu Buddha of the eighth domain."

"Moreover, the Dari Rulai Sect and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Sect have always maintained a close and mutually supportive relationship."

"If we target the Dari Rulai Sect, there’s a high chance the Ten Thousand Buddhas Sect will intervene."

"At that time, I am afraid it will be too much for just your Reincarnation Hall to handle."

Upon saying this, [Yanluo] glanced at [Reincarnation King], making his meaning clear.

"So [Yanluo], what are you suggesting?" [Reincarnation King] asked.

"My suggestion is to have [Meng Po] and Emperor Song accompany you on this journey. All three of us together should be sufficient for the emperor’s task."

"If necessary, I will join you as well."

[Yanluo] typically wouldn’t get involved in such matters, considering his explicit duty in the Hall of Reincarnation.

But this time, the gravity of the matter was revealed by his willingness to step in, demonstrating the emperor’s concern.

[Reincarnation King] considered the suggestion before responding: "Agreeable."

Seeing this, [Yanluo] nodded, "Good, let’s settle on this."

They then turned his gaze to Chen Chang’an and [Meng Po],

saying: "What do both of you think?"

"I agree." [Meng Po] nodded in approval.

Chen Chang’an also nodded:

"I think it’s feasible."

However, he then shook his head:

"Although the method is feasible, it cannot be carried out. I have other engagements in the next few days and will not be able to accompany you."

Upon hearing Chen Chang’an’s response, [Meng Po] voiced her curiosity:

"Is Emperor Song not going? That’s a bit of a pity."

But she didn’t question further, choosing to continue speaking.

"However, could we borrow a few of your men, Emperor Song?"

"Whom does Elder Meng wish to borrow?" Chen Chang’an asked.

[Meng Po] answered:

"The City God, the Black and White Impermanence, Zhong Kui!"

"Agreed!"

Chen Chang’an did not refuse, but instead nodded in approval.

"Good!"

Upon hearing Chen Chang’an’s words, [Meng Po] and the rest nodded.

The Four Great Halls of Reincarnation, besides their headquarters, the most powerful is undoubtedly Emperor Song’s hall.

Not only is Emperor Song a mighty figure of the eighth domain, but he also has four formidable divine demons worthy of the seventh domain under his command.

Namely, the City God, the Black and White Impermanence, and Zhong Kui!

Among them, the Black and White Impermanence are siblings.

However, they are inseparably close and share a common cultivation technique.

Therefore, outsiders always refer to them as one entity.

With these four,

even if Emperor Song himself cannot attend!

The impact will not be significantly different!

"All right, the meeting ends here. Everyone may leave."

Once the decision was made, [Yanluo] ended the meeting,

and dismissed everyone.

Afterward, all of them disengaged, disappearing into the void.

.....

Emperor Song’s Hall.

When Chen Chang’an reappeared, he was already seated at the head of the hall.

"We pay our respects to Emperor Song!"

The hall below was already filled with people.

A total of tens of yin bureaucrats.

Standing at the front,

was a man with a soft and feminine appearance.

This man was none other than the City God that [Meng Po] and the others had mentioned before!

"City God, how is the investigation I assigned you progressing?"

As he sat in his seat, Chen Chang’an asked the City God.

"Reporting back to Emperor Song, the investigation has been completed."

"Speak."

"Yes."

The City God respectfully bowed, then spoke:

"After verification, we can confirm that the sole copy of "The Grand Daoist Secrets" does indeed still exist in the world."

"It was last seen in a sect called Hidden Gate."

"I understand."

Upon hearing the City God’s words, Chen Chang’an nodded his understanding.

"You’ve done well, you may leave now."

"Yes, thank you, my lord."

With Chen Chang’an’s praise, the City God’s face lit up in delight.

After that, he respectfully bowed, then continued speaking to Chen Chang’an:

"My lord, there is one thing that I don’t understand,"

"The Grand Daoist Secrets is just a collection of Daoist essays, it’s not even a cultivation method."

"Why is my lord so keen on acquiring it?"

"Huh?"

No sooner had the City God finished speaking than Chen Chang’an’s eyes bore into him.

In an instant, the sprawling Emperor Song’s Hall was encompassed by an almost tangible aura of murder.

It was so majestic and cold.

Sensing this killing intent, the City God’s face turned white instantly.

"Spare me, my lord! Spare me!"

"I will never dare again, I will never dare again!"

He fell to his knees in panic, kowtowing while begging for mercy.

The City God immediately realized that he had committed a taboo.

The four great lords of the Hall of Reincarnation,

behind their bronze masks,

all had their own identities in the outside world.

Some were elders of a sect,

some were God Masters of an era,

others were old men by the river.

What they detested the most was having their identities investigated!

Nobody was permitted to do so!

Unfortunately,

he had just committed this taboo!