Again Yan Wenzhong sighed,
"Thanks to the Kingâs great favor, I was once appointed as the Three Masters of the Eastern Palace, assisting the Princely Heir, and with Tai Fuâs guidance, I should have the opportunity to retrieve this cauldron.
I have always served the country with all my heart and naturally do not care about those rumors. I ask everyone to assist me. If we can successfully guard the Nine Cauldrons and return them to the Three Constellations, it might aid the Great General, bringing peace to the world sooner."
The four of them exchanged glances upon hearing this.
Actually, the four of them were originally ordered to hunt down the Immortal Thief Liu Xiaoliu. Unexpectedly, they were terrified by a Sword Immortal who appeared out of nowhere and fled back into the pass, unsure how to report back.
This time, hearing some Heavenly Materials Treasures had surfaced, they came to try their luck, hoping for some Immortal Fate, and unexpectedly ran into good fortune, recognizing the famous Yan Pingyuan from afar, so they followed along, planning to capture him and redeem themselves.
Now that they found the person, most of the task was complete, but who would have thought the other side still had clues to the Genzhou Cauldron. If they could find the Nine Cauldrons along the way, wouldnât it be a great achievement, Enfeoffment and Ennoblement would be within reach, wealth and honor easily obtainable!
So they quickly exchanged opinions and nodded in agreement, bowing,
"The loyalty and dedication of Pingyuan Guard to the country is peerless. We are willing to guard and assist, at your command."
"Thank you, noble heroes, for your assistance."
"Alas, as the fate of Ziwei declines, incompetent officials are made Three Ministers. Several times loyal advice was ignored, itâs inevitable the palace will face the sword blade."
Everyone turned their heads and saw someone lying on the beam, humming.
"Who is it!" "Pingyuan Guard, be careful!"
The four Tributes quickly protected Pingyuan Guard in the center.
The Monk Liang with his legs crossed said,
"Yan Pingyuan, even eighty thousand pigs couldnât be caught in three days and nights. Your Great General sent eighty thousand troops to their doom in a mere day. In my opinion, itâs simply worse than pigs and dogs, and you still want to send the Genzhou Cauldron to him? Even pigs would shake their heads."
The Samurai were on high alert, but Junâer looked closely and wasnât afraid, bowing,
"Yan Jun, outer disciple of Magu Mountain, pays respect to senior."
Monk Liang chuckled,
"Magu Mountain acts swiftly indeed. With dual cultivation of Confucian and Daoist paths, itâs advantageous to associate with noble families. Who is your master?"
Yan Jun replied,
"My master calls himself Qingluo Hermit."
"Wow, Boss Cai teaches you personally, thatâs quite an investment!"
Hearing this, Monk Liang sat up,
"It seems Magu Mountain is determined to have Genzhou! You better advise your father not to ruin the masterâs plan!"
Realizing this person was dressed like a half-daoist half-beggar, and hearing his son interact with him, Yan Wenzhong knew he was of the Mystic Sect, so he greeted politely,
"This True Man must also be here to advise me to establish independence. My Yan family has always been loyal to the royal favor. Such thoughts do not cross my mind, thereâs no need to advise further."
Monk Liang shook his head,
"I am not here for you. But if you remain stubborn, your end is near."
Yan Wenzhong smiled lightly,
"Thank you for the reminder. When my brothers and I rose up, we were already prepared in our hearts."
Seeing him ready to face death, the beggar-like old daoist didnât argue further, settling by the campfire for a bowl of medicinal stew.
The other Samurai dared not offend such a high man. But Yan Jun, smiling, approached and said,
"True Man must be a high master from the mountains, capable of divination to stop us.
Since youâve had a bowl of our soup, wouldnât it be appropriate to divine the outcome, to resolve this consequence?"
The Beggar Tao also laughed,
"I have clearly told you all, you are facing a calamity. Continue on this path, and certain death awaits.
Even immortals descending cannot save you, let alone that pig of a Great General. I advise planning early and seeking other protection."
No one argued whether the Great General was a pig, possibly due to the Mountain Manâs power or it being an undeniable truth.
However, Yan Jun, being shrewd, took a pear from his sleeve, polished it, and offered it,
"This pear was found on the road, my father finds it too cold, and I find it too sweet. Please accept it to quench your thirst, senior."
The Beggar Tao laughed,
"You donât need to bribe me. Iâm not here for your family. They are."
Everyone was stunned, turning to see a man and woman, two cultivators, standing at the temple entrance.
The pair of cultivators dressed brightly, surrounded by Treasure Light, leaned close as Daoist companions.
The Six Gates constables exchanged glances, and one stepped forward,
"May I ask what business brings the two True Immortals?"
The pair did not respond, continuing to stand at the door, whispering intimately, heedless of others.
Yan Junâs expression turned cold, drawing a sword talisman from his robe.
The Beggar Tao glanced at him, accepting the offered pear,
"Boy, for the sake of the pear, I advise you not to embarrass yourself with trifling skills.
If you remain indifferent and still, you might find a way out. Otherwise, you might fall into the calamity of Soldier Disintegration."
Just as Yan Jun was about to speak, Yan Wenzhong said,
"Junâer, the True Man is right, you are part of the Mystic Sect, a cultivator, the Mountain People wonât trouble you. Leave now."
"Hehaha! Mountain People may not trouble you, but we from the Divine Sect wonât spare you!"
Suddenly, a blood line flashed across the sky, red light burst forth, the Sky Dome seemed draped in sunset glow.
The Daoist couple at the entrance raised their cold faces, casting sidelong glances at the sky, their eyes revealing murderous intent.
The Beggar Tao continued munching his pear, squatting still.