Chapter 48: 48. This also counts as mutual rushing towards each other.
Yes, this fellow has quite the nerve, descending the mountain with seven or eight Protectors to attack me.
And none of them are lesser than my master, the Heartless Old Man!
Inside the Supervising Sword Daojiang Hall, Tan Shuchang wrote down today’s diary entry. If it weren’t for this fellow bringing so many Protectors, not to mention the lifesaving treasures he had on him, this Son of the Heavenly Mandate would have been ready to return to the mountain as soon as he descended.
In the Jiawu Realm, if a Cultivator falls outside, they also need to return to their roots. Loose Cultivators are sent back to their hometowns, while Immortal Sect disciples are brought back to the mountain for burial.
Having secured his diary, Tan Shuchang, who had somewhat alleviated the frustration in his heart, finally couldn’t help but mutter softly, "Twenty-seven years of cultivation, yet still so easily constrained.
Although if I were to reveal my true form here in Qitian Pavilion, aside from Qiu Junlin’s father, under the premise of one-on-one, there shouldn’t be many who could concern me, but if they join forces and carry some treasures with them…"
At this thought, Tan Shuchang started to feel a headache.
Such treasures are undoubtedly cherished and rare, but no matter how cherished or rare, for a power like Mount Driftsword, they just require some time and effort to obtain.
Therefore, the Guardians accompanying this Son of the Heavenly Mandate definitely still possess similar lifesaving treasures.
Thus, feeling disgruntled, Tan Shuchang, when an outside Pavilion attendant came in to report that someone wanted to see him alone about an urgent matter, dismissed the request without a second thought.
"Sir, is this really appropriate? What if it’s something urgent…" the attendant who came to report hesitated in saying.
"If it really were urgent, then it shouldn’t be discussed with me."
Tan Shuchang said.
He had already submitted his resignation letter; were they still expecting him to handle matters?
Besides, based on the experiences he had accumulated from observations and hearsay in his early years and past life, what urgent matter necessitates a private meeting?
Usually, such circumstances involve either bribery or sharing stolen goods.
Although he is a Demon Cultivator, he is one who dislikes accepting bribes.
After all, what compares to writing a letter and earning quick and easy money as a transport worker for the Grand Seal of Xuan?
Yet, this action by Tan Shuchang undoubtedly infuriated Shi Changkong greatly.
Having left the banquet early, Tan Shuchang was already gone by the time Shi Changkong, who was waiting outside, rushed over. Fortunately, being well-connected within Qitian Pavilion, Shi Changkong was immediately informed when Tan Shuchang returned to the Daojiang Hall.
So Shi Changkong hurried back.
Who would have thought, he couldn’t even get through the door and was directly sent away.
"Brother Chu, did you just come out from there? Then Tan Shuchang should be inside, right?" At that moment, a voice came, belonging to Zhang Dongzhi, the official from the Magical Treasure Pavilion.
"Official Zhang, I wouldn’t know, as I was sent away before I could see Commander Tan." Shi Changkong suppressed his anger, feigning helplessness.
Seeing this, Zhang Dongzhi immediately snorted coldly, "That Tan Shuchang really lacks sense! This way, I also need to see Tan Shuchang about a matter concerning the Magical Treasure Pavilion; let’s go in together!"
"Thank you, Official Zhang!" Shi Changkong quickly said.
Zhang Dongzhi nodded, then walked straight to the entrance of the Daojiang Hall, telling the two guarding attendants, "No need to make things difficult for you two, just step aside, I’ll handle this!"
"Thank you, Official Zhang!" The two attendants, relieved, quickly moved aside.
Zhang Dongzhi then walked in, with Shi Changkong following closely behind, but upon reaching the main hall of the Daojiang Hall, they were both taken aback.
Because there was no trace of Tan Shuchang here.
"Where did Tan Shuchang go?" Zhang Dongzhi immediately brought over the two guards from the pavilion, and both guards were stunned upon entering.
Especially the one who had come in to report earlier, he had clearly seen Tan Shuchang there.
"Commander Zhang, I don’t know. When I came in to report to Master Chu earlier, Commander Tan was right there," the guard hurriedly pointed to the spot where Tan Shuchang’s chair had been.
...
Meanwhile, Tan Shuchang, who had again entered the instance, directly took out the Impermanence Order and sent himself to Langshou Ghost City.
"I pay my respects to you, Sir."
The dog-headed strategist was the first to greet him.
However, unlike his usual flattery, this ghost scholar’s deathly pale face showed some panic.
"City Lord Sir, why not go to Di Mie King to ask for some reinforcements?" the ghost scholar said somewhat frantically.
"What trouble has arisen in the city?" Tan Shuchang asked.
"Sir, you sliced one incarnation of General Huai, and somehow, not long ago, General Huai found out about it. So, during this period, General Huai has been clamoring for an explanation from you! Otherwise, he will not let this matter rest!"
The ghost scholar briefly explained the situation.
Coming from this dog-headed strategist, the story was naturally edited somewhat. For example, he mentioned only that General Huai was clamoring for an explanation, omitting any swear words that might legitimately appear, which the strategist did not mention at all.
After all, mentioning them could increase Tan Shuchang’s anger towards General Huai but could also make the City Lord displeased with him as a strategist!
"An explanation? He wants me to give an explanation? Then I will give it. Where is he now?" Tan Shuchang asked with a smile. He had actually anticipated this scenario.
Previously, merely avoiding General Huai had provoked the latter’s fierce anger.
What more, now that he had sliced his incarnation?
As for how this ghost knew his identity, it was naturally because Tan Shuchang had intentionally let this "pseudo-Yin God" class ghost know.
"General Huai is currently leading some ghost enforcers and surrounding the City Lord’s mansion."
"Hmm?" Upon hearing that not just General Huai, but others too were involved, Tan Shuchang’s mood lightened, and he hurried over.
He then saw in the ever-present gloomy mist of Langshou Ghost City, an ancient locust tree as massive as a towering tree, entwining the entire City Lord’s mansion.
And on this old locust tree, several mummified corpses were hanging.
At first glance, they looked like decorations.
However, in reality, these dried corpses were all ghost enforcers.
When Tan Shuchang saw this old locust tree, the tree also noticed him. Immediately, the limbs and branches of the tree burst open.
Some of these openings transformed into gaping maws, while others formed eyes emitting a sinister green glow.
"You flesh player, I have been tolerating you just because I respect Di Mie King. But you kept overstepping, slicing my incarnation—how could I tolerate you further? I will kill you now, and Di Mie King won’t say a thing!"
"General, you are confused. If you cannot tolerate me, how can I possibly tolerate you? It seems we are both heading towards the same fate," Tan Shuchang said calmly and then, with a surge of blood behind him, four bloody sword shadows instantly slashed out.