"Small secret realm?"
"Evil Buddha relics?"
Du Huanzhen and Madam Tang looked at each other, surprised that the matter was resolved by three juniors before they even took action.
From their description, these three juniors didn't seem like juniors at all...
Guangyue is a disciple from Rizhao Temple, qualified to travel the world alone. Although Yuan Jing is slightly behind, he is the only direct disciple of the White Cloud Sub-temple and ranks high within the main temple.
Even more surprising is Lu Zheng, an outer disciple. From their words, in the two critical moments of the battle, Lu Zheng was the one who broke the stalemate.
"The new generation truly surpasses the old..."
"I feel like I'm getting old..."
"Where are you old? Your skin is still so delicate and smooth. I have always been envious!"
"Hehe, really? You're quite good too; it feels a bit bouncy there!"
"Really? Hehe, that's good then."
Lu Zheng and the others, "..."
"Ahem!" Du Huanzhen coughed lightly, "Even though you said the matter is resolved, to be safe, I still need to investigate the secret realm to ensure everything is taken care of."
"Of course!" Lu Zheng nodded, pointing to the abbot's chamber, "It's right there. You only need to excite it with magical power to trigger the passage and enter the secret realm."
Du Huanzhen nodded, a flash of light in her eyes as a gentle spiritual wave swept by.
A ripple resembling water waves appeared out of thin air.
"It's indeed a passage between realms." Madam Tang nodded, then slowly walked to the ripple and frowned, "Such heavy demonic energy."
Yuan Jing chimed in, "More than ten creatures had refined this secret realm, infecting its origin. It's almost transformed into a Demon Realm."
Madam Tang nodded, took a step forward, and disappeared in the ripple, then Du Huanzhen nodded to the three and stepped inside too.
Lu Zheng and the others waited outside, and after half an hour, Du Huanzhen and Madam Tang returned from the secret realm.
"Indeed, nothing was overlooked; all the creatures are dead. However, the origin of this secret realm has been thoroughly corrupted by demonic energy." Madam Tang shook her head with a touch of regret.
"How do you plan to handle this secret realm?" Du Huanzhen asked, "As you dealt with the matter, this realm rightfully belongs to you. But since its origin is corrupted, if you don't have a solution, I'll seal it."
"Without sealing it, unsuspecting creatures might enter, possibly spawning one or two aberrations, which would be undesirable." Madam Tang remarked.
Lu Zheng and Yuan Jing both looked at Guangyue, who wished to reconstruct Jiming Temple. He held the most authority regarding the secret realm's handling.
Guangyue pondered briefly, then nodded, "I intend to purify the evil Buddha relic and transform it into a glazed relic. I might as well purify the secret realm together."
Madam Tang raised an eyebrow, surprised, "The origin of this realm is deeply corrupted. Purifying it is more troublesome than starting from scratch; it will consume considerable energy and slow your cultivation."
Guangyue solemnly declared, "Sealing the secret realm only postpones its reopening. It's better to thoroughly cleanse it and eliminate future troubles."
Du Huanzhen gave a thumbs up, "Impressive, worthy of a master from Rizhao Temple; admirable!"
Yuan Jing mused while stroking his chin, "Monk, if you don't mind, I'll request a Taiqing Cloud Talisman from the temple to assist you. But afterwards, half of the secret realm's Cloud Qi will belong to the White Cloud Temple."
"Amitabha, Buddha is the Dao!" Guangyue clasped his hands and smiled, "Besides, Brother Dao and Brother Lu contributed more than this humble monk. If Brother Dao can bring a Cloud Purification Talisman, it's indeed a support for me. Why would I mind?"
In just a few words, the small secret realm was divided between the White Cloud Temple and Rizhao Temple.
"Alright then." Du Huanzhen nodded. It's just a small-sized secret realm the size of a mountain peak, neither a large one nor a Grotto Heaven, and its origin was corrupted by demonic energy, so it's nothing noteworthy except for being secretive.
"Then the matter is resolved!" Madam Tang nodded, addressing Du Huanzhen, "Should we head back?"
Before Du Huanzhen could reply, Lu Zheng grinned, "Since it's nearly noon, why don't we go to the county for lunch before leaving?"
Though Lu Zheng wasn't experienced in the workplace, suggesting a meal near lunchtime is basic etiquette, right?
Du Huanzhen chuckled, poking fun at Lu Zheng, "Young Master Lu, you're a fake scholar, true Daoist, how come you've picked up the tricks of the officialdom?"
"Just trying to build a good relationship with you two elder sisters." Lu Zheng grinned, speaking candidly.
"Your words are sweet!"
"Let's go then, I happen to be hungry too~"
Du Huanzhen and Madam Tang didn't refuse, so the five returned to Pingtan County together, found a clean tavern, ordered a vegetarian feast, and enjoyed themselves.
After the meal, Du Huanzhen and Madam Tang left, while Lu Zheng and the others went to visit the household that had previously invited Yuan Jing for exorcism and blessings.
In principle, their visit to Pingtan County prioritized exorcism and blessings; investigating Jiming Temple was secondary. But somehow, upon their arrival last night, the three headed straight to Jiming Temple in tacit agreement.
If not for meeting one of the worshippers from Shaotong Mountain at the tavern entrance after their meal, Yuan Jing nearly returned to the White Cloud Temple for talismans.
They visited each household of the worshippers, casting a Cloud Purification Curse on each victim, then opened the altar to activate the curse's power at home for ten days, aiding the victims' swift recovery, and then collecting payment to leave.
As for the hundreds who didn't pay, Yuan Jing asked the County Government Office to gather them all, then he and Guangyue collectively cast spells to aid their gradual recovery.
Upon learning Master Guangyue, who saved lives, planned to rebuild Jiming Temple at the original site, many wealthy families generously contributed funds, quickly raising enough for the temple's reconstruction.
Of course, the previously offered reward for Jiming Temple couldn't be overlooked.
Guangyue stayed behind to organize the temple's reconstruction, while Lu Zheng and Yuan Jing prepared to return to Tonglin County.
"Brother Lu, once Jiming Temple is reconstructed, Guangyue will visit for further discussions," Guangyue said.
"Sure, I'll wait for you."
Lu Zheng smiled, "Let's learn from each other and improve together."
With Guangyue's considerable strength, frequent interactions and gaining insights could secure his identity as the provider of Light of Fortune, couldn't it?
Guangyue had the feeling Lu Zheng's gaze was slightly off, almost like the way similar to how he had previously looked at Lu Zheng? ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ NoveI[F]ire.net
Today is New Year's Eve, and Xigua is here to wish everyone a Happy New Year!
May prosperity be abundant!
May you have good health!
May your career be successful!
May all things go smoothly!