Not only Zhou Ming, but the other members of the Spirit Suppression Bureau also showed angry expressions.
They didn’t know much about the Daoist!
But after hearing about the situation here, he came to help without hesitation. Just for this reason alone, the Daoist deserves their respect!
Not to mention that the Daoist is now led by Yan Tong to help the Spirit Suppression Bureau eliminate various evil spirits!
How could such a kind-hearted Daoist not be admired by them?
"Sorry, I must refuse this request!"
Zhou Ming immediately refused with a cold gaze.
He certainly understood the other party’s intentions.
It was merely to prevent the Daoist from gaining a good reputation among ordinary people.
In recent years, the online negative opinions about Daoism, the real masterminds behind it, are well understood by the Spirit Suppression Bureau.
It’s just that the Buddhist Sect is flourishing these days, and their powers are intertwined, making it difficult to speak openly.
But regarding the Daoist Sect.
In fact, the Empire feels guilty towards them.
After all, if it weren’t for the Cherry Blossom Incident decades ago, when the people of the Daoist Sect carried their swords down the mountain, leaving nine out of ten Daoist Temples empty, the sect would not have declined to this state today...
Now, the video of the Daoist vanquishing the Evil Spirit City God in Chang City has spread, and it was a hard-won opportunity to restore the tarnished name of Daoism.
But the bald monks of the Zen Spirit Temple rushed over, eager to have the Spirit Suppression Bureau use its power to remove the video from the internet.
This made Zhou Ming and others furious!
"Isn’t this a simple matter for you? Why refuse?"
"Do you intend to let the crematorium’s issues continue to worsen?"
At this moment, Kong Xuan was somewhat bewildered.
He originally thought that compared to building a temple, this was already a minimal request.
The Spirit Suppression Bureau should be grateful and agree immediately!
But what’s happening now?
Zhou Ming refused outright, appearing furious, and several members behind him even quietly clenched their fists.
This left Kong Xuan utterly confused.
He didn’t understand why these people were angry!
"Our Abbot only decided to take action after hearing about your Spirit Suppression Bureau’s heavy losses, despite the enormous risk!"
"Aren’t you even willing to agree to this minor request?"
Kong Xuan frowned, his tone somewhat serious.
In the past, the Spirit Suppression Bureau would meekly ask for the Zen Spirit Temple’s help, always with a smile.
Now, Zhou Ming and others’ reactions left Kong Xuan extremely angry!
But Zhou Ming didn’t care at all and straightforwardly replied:
"Sorry, the crematorium issues have been resolved, so there’s no trouble for your temple!"
"We have duties to attend to, excuse us!"
After speaking, Zhou Ming got into the car directly.
"You!"
Kong Xuan was furious, but the Spirit Suppression Bureau ignored him and drove away.
"How could this happen?"
The disciple beside Kong Xuan looked perplexed; it was his first time seeing people from the Spirit Suppression Bureau showing such disrespect to an Elder.
"These damn guys!" Kong Xuan clenched his teeth in anger.
Having lost face, he was extremely angry, and the previously confident face was now full of rage and gloom.
However, being an Elder of the temple, he quickly calmed down, got back into the car, and instructed in a deep voice:
"Continue to the crematorium, check what’s going on!"
"Yes, sir!"
...
...
On the other side, about an hour later.
"What did you say?"
"That Observatory Master with a simple gesture summoned countless thunderbolts from the sky?"
In the meeting room of the Spirit Suppression Bureau in Chang City, after listening to Zhou Ming’s report, all the members were shocked and began discussing.
"The Thunder Skill isn’t something an ordinary Daoist can master. Even during Qingfeng Temple’s peak a hundred years ago, no one had such skills!"
"And as Captain Zhou said, it wasn’t just any Thunder Skill, but hundreds of thunderbolts descending. This...this...this already goes beyond techniques, it’s truly a Great Divine Technique of Daoism!"
"Isn’t this Daoist Lin Heng a disciple of Master Qingxu? This shouldn’t be the case..."
Everyone looked shocked and found it unbelievable.
But a few noted that when Observatory Master Lin vanquished the Evil Spirit City God, the golden light surrounding him was also a Great Divine Technique.
Having another Thunder Skill wouldn’t be that hard to believe!
"The previous display seemed like the Golden Light Spell of Dragon and Tiger Mountain!"
"This time, the countless thunderbolts, could they be related to the rumored Five Thunders Righteous Method?"
"If these are true, could this Observatory Master be related to the Celestial Master’s Mansion...?"
Everyone speculated, both curious and doubtful.
Zhou Ming replied with a wry smile: "We thought the same, but Observatory Master Lin claimed to be a disciple of Master Qingxu from Qingfeng Temple and asked us not to speculate..."
"This..."
Everyone’s expressions were complicated.
Although Master Qingxu was honored by the local villagers with the title of Master, everyone knew his actual capabilities.
The idea that he could train a disciple like Observatory Master Lin was unbelievable.
"Perhaps he wants to keep something hidden..."
Everyone pondered.
Guardian Lu Guoshuang, after a moment of thought, said: "In the future, do not speculate about this Observatory Master’s identity, and no one is allowed to investigate privately!"
Everyone present looked at each other and then nodded in agreement.
"Understood!"
Lu Guoshuang turned to Zhou Ming: "By the way, where’s Yan Tong? Considering the great help the other side provided our Spirit Suppression Bureau this time, we should prepare a generous gift."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Ming smiled strangely.
Under the questioning gaze of everyone, Zhou Ming said with emotion:
"Yan Tong is now leading Observatory Master Lin to other places where demons are causing trouble."
Everyone was stunned: "Oh?"
Zhou Ming laughed: "Observatory Master, with his warm-hearted nature, wants Yan Tong to lead the way to deal with all the troublesome evil spirits!"
Hearing this, everyone present was dumbfounded.
After a while, someone remarked with a wry smile:
"So this is a Daoist..."
Everyone felt emotional.
Since the decline of Daoism, Daoists had become synonymous with charlatans and frauds.
Daoism nearly became a target for ridicule wherever it went.
Yet, even so.
When demons wreak havoc in the Human World, the Observatory Master still chooses to eliminate demons and uphold justice.
This righteousness is touching and makes people feel guilty.
"Daoism should not have declined..."
Everyone sighed softly, their expressions complex.
At this moment, Zhou Ming suddenly remembered something and said to Lu Guoshuang:
"Oh right, Guardian, something else happened on our way back!"
"What?" Lu Guoshuang inquired, puzzled.
Zhou Ming hesitated for a moment, then detailed the visit from Kong Xuan.
Upon hearing that the other wanted the Spirit Suppression Bureau to use its power to take down the video of the Daoist subduing demons, everyone showed displeasure.
Lu Guoshuang frowned and asked: "How did you respond?"
Zhou Ming awkwardly scratched his head: "In a fit of anger, I directly said ’Sorry, I must refuse.’ I guess I’ve offended Kong Xuan, I erred, please punish me!"
He admitted his mistake, head down.
To his surprise, Lu Guoshuang, after hearing it, responded in a not very pleased tone:
"All you said was ’Sorry, I must refuse’?"
"Why didn’t you dare give him a couple of slaps?"