Barking Like a Pack of Hounds

Brilliant fireworks lit up the long night, while incessant dog barks echoed through the streets and alleys.

"Boom!" "Boom!" "Boom!"

Dazzling fireworks bloomed across the sky above Changlan City, like a scorching sun hanging in the air, illuminating heaven and earth, leaving no corner for sinister spirits to hide!

If one only looked at these brilliant fireworks, Changlan City tonight was as lively as a spring night.

However, beneath those magnificent fireworks lay an ultimate feast of slaughter!

The zombies that escaped from the west of the city were quickly discovered by the soldiers patrolling the city, guided by the fireworks.

Obscured by the night, their black fur resembled wild bears, which not only failed to intimidate the soldiers but instead fueled their greed.

"Brothers, the chance to make a name for yourselves is right here!"

Driven by the promise of wealth and family, they shouted encouragement to each other, drawing their ox-tail sabers and charging in for a pincer attack.

Yet, though this zombie appeared to be fleeing in panic, its actual situation depended on its opponent.

When facing these ordinary mortals, a legend that struck fear into people's hearts and could silence crying children began to brew.

One could only see the bear-like zombie charging directly at the dazzling ox-tail sabers without even attempting to dodge.

In an instant, there was no sight of flesh and blood flying, only overturned men and horses.

The zombie, not yet satisfied, cruelly grabbed a soldier, tore off his head, and then bit into his neck, drinking blood greedily to replenish its vitality!

The night concealed the horror.

When the surviving soldiers struggled to their feet, the zombie had already broken through the encirclement and vanished once more.

Helpless, they could only fire a single firework to call for reinforcements.

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

Fireworks shot into the sky!

Tracing the zombie's escape route.

The swift died, the slow were left behind.

There were also clever individuals who, from the trajectory of the fireworks, discerned the direction of the beast's escape and set up an ambush, waiting to strike.

Even more so, true Buddhist and Daoist cultivators intercepted it midway.

For a time, the entire city was in an uproar.

Some residents who were sound asleep were suddenly awakened by the sound of tiles being stepped on. Before they could even react, the sound had faded, like a fleeting dream.

Others, unlucky souls, were in the midst of intimate moments when a wall suddenly shattered, and a group of people rushed through noisily.

No one even stopped to take another look, leaving their shame and anger to the night wind.

"Mere walking dead dare to devour humans for cultivation?"

Just as the zombie fled into a deep alley, an angry shout struck, followed closely by a flash of sword light illuminating the bluestone alley.

Instantly, blazing light illuminated the night sky, and a severed limb fell to the ground.

"Roar—"

The zombie roared in pain and anger. Having already lost a leg, it now lost an arm, its body staggering.

Strike while the iron is hot!

The cultivators hiding in the dark saw this and their eyes lit up.

All sorts of techniques rained down upon it.

For a time, there were fierce cries and shooting blades.

When the dazzling light dispersed, the zombie had already been reduced to a state of utter ruin.

A wisp of specter struggled to emerge from the zombie's body. A blood-stained long sword swept past, and the specter instantly vanished into thin air.

"I never expected the spirit monster that stirred up chaos throughout the city to be a malevolent spirit possessing it!"

Daoist priest Yi Qian, who had just slain the specter, exclaimed with a sigh.

The surrounding Buddhist and Daoist cultivators looked at the scene with regret.

What a shame, all the great merit went to Yi Qian!

Not long after, soldiers arrived with torches to clean up the aftermath.

It was only when they started cleaning that they realized the zombie's ferocity!

Along the way, there were countless broken walls and remnants. The number of soldiers and even martial arts experts who died under the zombie's poisonous claws and green smoke was immeasurable.

Moreover, their deaths were extremely brutal, with insides ripped open or organs ruptured.

Even worse, some, after having the green smoke splashed on their faces, were burned like evil spirits, their faces covered in pustules, flesh torn and gaping, a horrifying sight!

And yet, they couldn't die immediately, only lying on the ground and wailing endlessly.

A general's triumph is built on ten thousand bones!

This tragic scene, while making the faint-hearted tremble, only served to highlight Daoist priest Yi Qian's incredible divine abilities!

Upon hearing the news, the Prefect of Changlan summoned Daoist priest Yi Qian that very night and treated him as an honored guest.

The next morning.

The news that the spirit monster that had plagued Changlan City for over a month had been slain sent shockwaves through the entire city.

The officials organized a procession, parading the zombie through the streets as a public spectacle.

Even though the zombie had been almost dismembered, it had been pieced back together overnight. It was now a vaguely humanoid figure, covered in black fur, hanging from a wooden cross, drawing a barrage of rotten eggs and spoiled vegetables.

"Wow, is that the monster that caused all the trouble? It looks terrifying."

"Indeed, not only does it look terrifying, but its abilities are even more frightening. The commotion last night was enough to scare children into silence!"

"Heavens, several buildings on East Street were even knocked down!"

The residents of Changlan, upon hearing the news, rushed out to follow the parade, discussing the events animatedly.

Cries of grief echoed incessantly.

Heartbroken wails!

"A monstrous fiend! Give me back my husband, give me back my husband!"

"My son, open your eyes and look!"

As the parade carriage slowly passed by, amidst the grieving families, a black-faced man leaning on a cane seemed out of place.

He stooped, his eyes bloodshot as he stared at the black-furred zombie being paraded, his heart twisting in agony.

The monster, so despised and reviled by the public, was not only the cause of his son's death but also his son's corpse!

"Daoist priest, Luo has a request. I hope you will help me, considering our past acquaintance!"

Luo Feibai looked at Mo Chuan, his face filled with grief.

"Escort Captain Luo, please speak freely."

Mo Chuan sighed inwardly, thinking that Luo Feibai probably wanted him to help his deceased son's spirit.

"Daoist priest, it is said that fallen leaves return to their roots. You see, the parade has been held, and the body has been displayed. Could you please help me retrieve my son's remains?"

Luo Feibai's voice was filled with sorrow and pleading.

"Escort Captain Luo, it's not that I'm unwilling to help you. Your son's body was possessed by a fierce ghost and reanimated. Even after purification, there might be residual evil energy... Alas, in such a situation, they won't release the body."

Mo Chuan consoled him.

"I cannot just stand by and watch my son suffer such humiliation! Daoist priest, Daoist priest Yi Qian has become a favored guest of the Prefect. I've tried every connection, but I can't even get an audience with him. You are a close friend of Daoist priest Yi Qian, so it shouldn't be difficult for you to meet him. I only ask to see him."

As he spoke, Luo Feibai handed over a piece of silver, which looked to be about eight or nine taels.

Mo Chuan sighed, refused the money, but said, "Fine, fine, I'll try!"

The two, one old and weak, the other frail, intended to find a carriage.

However, the entire city was celebrating, and no carriages could be found.

Where had the usually helpful guards gone today?

The two could only walk and search for a carriage.

Fortunately, their luck was good, and halfway there, they found an old carriage pulled by a skinny horse, heading towards Yongqing Alley.

Upon arriving at Daoist priest Yi Qian's residence, they saw that the narrow three-foot bluestone alley was filled with carriages.

Relying on their age and frailty, the two spent a long time struggling to get to the entrance, only to see the young doorkeeper's chin practically in the air.

After Luo Feibai slipped him some silver and Mo Chuan announced Yan Zhen's name, the doorkeeper finally looked down and said:

"So you are Daoist priest Yan Zhen. Wait here, I'll be right back."

With that, he ducked into the small courtyard, closed the door, and the sound of a bolt being shot could faintly be heard.

Mo Chuan's expression was calm as he waited patiently.

After a while, the doorkeeper opened the door and poked his head out: "Come in!"

Luo Feibai quickly said politely, "Thank you, immortal child, for guiding us."

Mo Chuan remained silent, cupped his fists, and stepped into the small courtyard.

Daoist priest Yi Qian's residence was beautifully purchased, with three courtyards and three entrances, exuding immense grandeur.

Upon entering, there was a screen wall, possessing a dignified air of nobility.

Guided by the doorkeeper, the two passed through the flower-adorned gate. As they entered the inner courtyard, they saw that the courtyard was already filled with people.

Mo Chuan even spotted an old acquaintance – Abbot Tianbao!

It turned out that with too many visitors, the study could no longer accommodate them, so they had gathered in the inner courtyard to drink tea and chat.

It was said that Daoist priest Yi Qian also intended to establish a temple and sect. Taking advantage of the Prefect's current favor, he was actively seeking good karma and building connections.

Looking up, Daoist priest Yi Qian, surrounded by the crowd, was beaming, looking exceptionally dashing!

Mo Chuan led Luo Feibai closer, cupped his fists, and said, "Congratulations, fellow Daoist, for your renowned feat of slaying the fierce ghost!"

Daoist priest Yi Qian glanced over his shoulder upon hearing the sound, then turned back, cupping his fists. "The same to you, the same to you. Saving people and guiding them is our duty!"

As the two spoke, the clamor in the courtyard subsided somewhat, and many eyes turned to scrutinize them.

Some were even whispering, subtly inquiring about Mo Chuan's background.

Luo Feibai, leaning on his cane, hobbled closer and cupped his fists.

"Luo Feibai, captain of the Changlong Escort Agency, greets the immortal. I've heard you intend to establish a temple and a sect, which is a blessing for Changlan! I am overjoyed to hear this news and wish to donate fifty taels of silver to support the Three Pure Ones."

Daoist priest Yi Qian narrowed his eyes at the words. "One does not accept rewards without merit. May I ask if you have something to discuss, benefactor?"

Luo Feibai sighed. "To be frank, immortal, the zombie paraded through the streets was my son's body! As the ancient saying goes: 'The body, hair, and skin are received from parents, and one dares not injure them; this is the beginning of filial piety!' As parents, we do not wish to see our children's bodies left exposed. Immortal, since it has already been paraded through the streets, could you allow this humble one to bury his son, to fulfill a parent's loving heart?"

As his words fell, the courtyard, which had been filled with whispers, fell into sudden silence.

Many eyes held a strange glint.

"It is truly unfortunate and regrettable that your son's body has become the vessel of a vengeful spirit! However, that body has already been transformed into a demonic form by the vengeful spirit, and has nothing to do with your son. I hope that Captain Luo will not cling to vain thoughts and attachments."

Daoist priest Yi Qian cupped his fists, politely refusing.

It wasn't that he was unwilling to give the demonic body; it had already been requisitioned by the prefect, who intended to present it to His Majesty the Emperor as a rare treasure.

"This... I still hope the immortal will grant this to me!"

Luo Feibai wanted to plead further, but the troubles of the past few days had already left him exhausted. Hearing this, he was on the verge of collapse. His knees buckled, and with a thud, he knelt down.

Mo Chuan could not bear it. "Fellow Daoist, even if it is a demonic body, it was ultimately Captain Luo's son. It would be better to fulfill his wish."

Daoist priest Yi Qian's expression turned cold. "Fellow Daoist, he doesn't understand, but do you not understand either? That is a demonic body, capable of reanimating at any moment!"

Mo Chuan retorted, "With a courtyard full of Taoist priests, can you not even save one demonic body?"

"Yanzhen, that's enough!"

Just then, a Taoist priest stepped forward, pointing at Mo Chuan's nose and shouting.

"Old Daoist Priest Yanzhen, I heard you were involved in luring and killing the vengeful spirit last night! Yet, you were the only one who didn't make a move, allowing the zombie to break through the trap and flood the city, killing who knows how many citizens of Changlan City. How dare you come here demanding the demonic body? What are your intentions?"

The entire courtyard erupted in an uproar!

"Hmph? In my opinion, demanding the demonic body is a pretense. The real intention is to take it back and claim to have killed it himself! Once it's outside Changlan City, who would know if he actually killed it? With the strangeness of that demonic body, wouldn't it be perfect for swindling people?"

Another old Taoist priest jumped out, sneering sarcastically.

"That makes sense!"

"I heard you once slew a white fox with your sword on Huayin Mountain! Why didn't you draw your sword yesterday? If your cultivation was shallow, that would be understandable! At your age, living like a dog, one could understand. But I fear you are shameless and prone to boasting!"

Well, now everyone was kicking him while he was down.

Seeing Daoist priest Yi Qian refuse, a group of people knew which way the wind was blowing.

As for Mo Chuan, a renegade from the Taoist sect, at his advanced age, what waves could he possibly stir up?

"So, he was also involved in the luring and killing?"

"Abbot Tianbao truly misjudged him; this fellow is nothing but a charlatan! Abbot Tianbao believed the rumors, what a pity!"

"Exactly, if they had invited me, perhaps I could have stopped the zombie within the courtyard, and there wouldn't have been such bloodshed throughout the city."

These accusations plunged Mo Chuan into a whirlpool of public opinion.

Many people felt a sense of resentment towards Mo Chuan, which arose inexplicably.

Abbot Tianbao stood to the side, his eyes slightly closed, chanting Buddhist scriptures with an air of compassion.

He offered no explanation whatsoever for Mo Chuan, who was being subjected to everyone's questioning.

Mo Chuan, facing the condemnation of all, coldly watched the crowd's accusations and criticisms. He glanced at Daoist priest Yi Qian, seeing that he also remained silent, allowing the crowd to continue. A surge of malice welled up within him.

"Since everyone believes I am a charlatan, why don't we make a wager and have a little contest?"

As he spoke, his right hand, hidden in his sleeve, moved slightly, and the Three Pure Ones Bell suddenly landed in his palm.