Chapter 990: Slaying Demons at Zixiao Temple

On the green-mist mountains, along a wild path, Qin Qingxuan pointed at a building hidden in the woods and said, “That is Zixiao Temple.”

Wang Chen nodded but remained silent.

The green-mist mountain lies thirty miles southwest of Daye City. It is a mountain adorned with dense forests and breathtaking scenery. It is said that many enlightened beings reside there, practicing in seclusion.

There are hundreds of Daoist temples and caves scattered across the mountain, and Zixiao Temple is one of them.

This temple is not well-known among the common people in the imperial capital; very few are aware of its existence. However, according to Qin Qingxuan, many nobles from the city visit each year to offer sacrifices and listen to teachings.

Zixiao Temple has stood for over a century. Although its power pales in comparison to the great Dao Palace, it boasts deep and influential connections.

The help Qin Qingxuan sought from Wang Chen was to deal with the temple’s master, the Grand Celestial Master Zhang Shuocheng!

Excluding loose cultivators, recognized cultivators are ranked as young disciples, Daoists, Celestial Masters, Grand Celestial Masters, and Dao Ancestors.

Zhang Shuocheng, bearing the title of Grand Celestial Master, is undoubtedly a formidable figure.

However, Qin Qingxuan suspected that he might very well be a powerful demon!

Celestial Demons often inhabit bodies as their most common method of integrating into the Cangqing realm. Throughout history, countless individuals have had their bodies seized by demons, causing widespread havoc, many of whom were once heroes.

Despite the humans of the Cangqing realm exhausting every effort to eliminate demons, these creatures seem to be an ever-present threat, making them humanity’s greatest adversary.

As the Grand General of Demon Suppression in the Blood Guard, slaying demons is both Wang Chen’s duty and obligation.

He found it peculiar that Qin Qingxuan did not report Zhang Shuocheng but instead went to great lengths to ask for his help in dealing with the matter discreetly.

“I have no evidence.”

In response to Wang Chen’s inquiry, Qin Qingxuan forced a smile and said, “Zhang Shuocheng practices dual cultivation in both law and martial arts and has previously defeated a fifth-level martial sect master. Moreover, he is well-connected with the powerful in Daye City…”

Pausing, this true disciple of the Yuhua Sword Sect added, “The current Empress also bears the surname Zhang!”

He is connected to the Empress?!

Wang Chen finally understood why Qin Qingxuan was so wary of Zhang Shuocheng, knowing he could very well be a demon and not daring to act rashly.

“This demon has many minions…”

Qin Qingxuan said in a deep voice, “I will distract his followers later, and it will be up to you, Qiandu, to slay this great demon!”

“Understood.”

Wang Chen reached for the Taihao Exterminating Demon Spear. “Leave it to me.”

“Tricks of storage?”

Qin Qingxuan’s eyes brightened. “Is this the divine weapon for slaying demons stored in the Yiluan Directorate’s secret vault?”

She had not seen Wang Chen carry the Exterminating Demon Spear before and, trusting him, had not inquired. Now she felt a surge of shock, and her confidence in him grew immensely.

“I brought the spearhead!”

As she spoke, she reached to take out the spearhead she had brought.

Wang Chen smiled and said, “No need; this spearhead is the original one.”

Qin Qingxuan was even more astonished, her eyes widening as she asked, “Wang Qiandu, where did you get the original spearhead?”

“Let’s not talk about that now,” Wang Chen replied, waving his hand dismissively. “First, we need to deal with the demon.”

Qin Qingxuan’s cheeks flushed as she realized she had acted somewhat impulsively. She quickly nodded and said, “Alright.”

The two of them moved swiftly toward Zixiao Temple, one following the other.

The temple was not open to the public, so there were no worshippers in sight. The massive gates were tightly shut, and the buildings within were encircled by high walls, giving the impression of a heavily fortified stronghold.

However, these high walls were no obstacle for Wang Chen and Qin Qingxuan. The latter drew her long sword and surged forward with sudden speed, transforming into a blur of white as she vaulted onto the wall in an instant.

“Zhang Shuocheng!” she shouted, her sharp voice echoing in all directions. “You’ve colluded with demons and committed unspeakable crimes! Surrender now!”

Her voice carried through the entire temple, reaching every corner. No one inside could have missed it.

Though Qin Qingxuan’s actions appeared reckless, they were part of a deliberate plan she had discussed with Wang Chen. Her role was to provoke and draw attention, while Wang Chen would take advantage of the distraction to infiltrate the back courtyard from another direction.

Zhang Shuocheng was known for his reclusive nature, rarely appearing in public. Most of the time, he remained hidden in his residence within the back courtyard, engaged in hidden cultivating.

As soon as Wang Chen landed, a cold, oppressive aura locked onto him.

“Ha!” he laughed, his body shooting forward like an arrow released from a bow. He crashed into a wall with tremendous force.

The impact was deafening, and the thick wall crumbled into pieces, sending shards of stone flying in all directions. Dust filled the air, obscuring vision, but Wang Chen’s focus remained sharp. Despite the chaos, he quickly pinpointed his target.

Qin Qingxuan’s plan was straightforward—simple yet highly effective.

Her provocation had not immediately drawn Zhang Shuocheng out, but when Wang Chen infiltrated the back courtyard, the suspected demon could no longer remain passive.

The moment Zhang Shuocheng’s aura locked onto Wang Chen, he revealed his presence.

Wang Chen, in turn, locked onto him as well.

This subtle exchange of auras was a hallmark of true masters, a prelude to a decisive confrontation.

Qin Qingxuan had instructed Wang Chen to strike with lethal precision. If the attack failed, he was to retreat immediately, avoiding any prolonged engagement. Both of them were disguised, ensuring their true identities remained concealed.

So far, the plan had unfolded flawlessly.

“Kill!” Wang Chen growled under his breath, thrusting the Taihao Exterminating Demon Spear toward his target.

Ten paces away, in a dimly lit room, stood a stern-faced figure clad in a purple robe—the Grand Celestial Master. Though his expression was one of anger, his eyes were icy and calculating.

The temperature in the room plummeted, and a faint layer of frost began to form, accompanied by drifting snowflakes.

Yet, as the glowing Taihao Exterminating Demon Spear surged forward, the Grand Celestial Master’s composure faltered. His dark pupils contracted sharply, standing upright in a moment of shock.

Black scales erupted across his face and hands, and his aura became wild and chaotic, tinged with a hint of fear.

Zhang Shuocheng’s transformation confirmed Qin Qingxuan’s suspicions. Wang Chen poured all his strength into the spear, and the spearhead erupted with a fiery glow that extended several feet.

An invisible oppressive force locked onto Zhang Shuocheng, binding him in place.

There was no escape. Zhang Shuocheng let out a guttural roar, unlike anything human, and spat out a purple orb the size of a fist. It hurtled toward the spear’s flames.

The moment the orb collided with the spear, it exploded, releasing a surge of demonic energy that twisted into a swirling black mist, rushing back toward Wang Chen.

At the same time, Zhang Shuocheng’s body contorted, transforming into a monstrous form. His body curled into a ball, sharp scales bristling as he leapt into the air.

But Wang Chen was relentless. With a flick of his wrist, the Taihao Exterminating Demon Spear dispersed the black mist, leaving no trace behind.

In an instant, Wang Chen closed the distance, driving the spear upward with devastating force. It pierced through Zhang Shuocheng’s body, and a rain of purple-black blood cascaded down.