Four Symbols Holy Guards, Flower God's Night Wander

Dozens of Holy Demon God Sect members trembled uncontrollably.

An old man at the peak of the eighth-rank Grandmaster realm stood at the very front, his disguise having completely faded away.

He revealed a dark red sect robe, the lapels embroidered with twisted demon runes.

He possessed the highest cultivation among this group and served as the commander-in-chief for this blood sacrifice operation.

At this moment, only one thought occupied his mind.

It was over.

Completely over.

They had hidden so deeply and disguised themselves so well that even the Demon Suppressing Division had failed to track them down after months of investigation.

Yet this Prince Wu'an... in less than a day, from last night to tonight.

First, he wiped out the Capital City branch overseen by the Red Python Sect Leader, and now he had rounded up those of them lurking on the outskirts in one fell swoop.

Every plan and every arrangement was like paper before this man!

But the instinct to survive still forced him to speak.

"Evergreen Saint Venerable! Wait!"

His voice shook, and cold sweat streamed down his forehead.

"We admit defeat! We truly admit defeat!"

He dropped to his knees with a thud, and the dozens of sect members behind him followed suit, kneeling across the ground.

"I beg the Saint Venerable to show mercy! We swear that from this day forward, we will never step foot in the Capital City again! No, we will never step foot in the Great Yu Dynasty again!"

"We will hide our names and live in obscurity; we will stay out of your way! Saint Venerable, you are a magnanimous person, please spare our lives!"

Lin Changqing couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth after hearing this.

Then, he laughed out loud.

"Are you making a wish here?"

He looked down at the old man kowtowing like a pestle hitting garlic, his eyes filled with mockery.

"If I let you go, you won't step foot in the Capital City again?"

"If I kill you, won't you be unable to step foot in the Capital City anyway?"

"Why would I go through the extra trouble?"

As his words fell.

A majestic, suffocating Saintly Might erupted from his body.

Purple Gold light illuminated the entire wilderness, scattering the dark clouds in the night sky as moonlight and golden radiance intertwined.

Before those dozens of sect members could utter another word.

Lin Changqing raised his right hand and waved it gently.

An invisible force swept across the wilderness like an autumn wind scattering fallen leaves.

The bodies of dozens of people exploded into blood mist in the same instant.

There were no screams and no struggles.

Flesh and blood evaporated cleanly in the Purple Gold light, leaving not even a scrap of bone behind.

Only a faint scent of blood remained in the air, which was blown away by the night breeze in an instant.

The people who had been kneeling on the ground just a moment ago left not even a shadow behind.

Lin Changqing withdrew his hand and stood with his hands behind his back.

"A group of ants dares to negotiate terms with This Seat."

The wilderness returned to silence, with only the rustling of wind through the grass.

Meanwhile.

Inside the Capital City, the six nodes of the blood sacrifice formation were destroyed at almost the same time.

The figure of the Sixth Ancestor, Su Tianheng, flickered continuously through the night, each appearance accompanied by the collapse of an altar.

Blood-colored runes shattered under his silver-white Saintly Might, and the artifacts emitting evil glows were smashed into fragments with a single palm strike.

The martial artists imprisoned near the altars were rescued one by one.

The moment the final formation node was destroyed.

A system notification rang in Lin Changqing's mind.

["Ding! Random mission complete: Prevent the conspiracy plotted by the Holy Demon God Sect and demons during the Flower Deity Festival, thwart the blood sacrifice plan, and prevent the descent of the Demon Saint's avatar (1/1)."]

["Reward obtained: Four Symbols Holy Guards—Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise."]

["Does the host wish to claim them immediately?"]

Lin Changqing's lips curled upward slightly.

This was the moment he had been waiting for.

"Claim immediately."

The instant the thought fell.

Four spatial rifts tore open simultaneously across the wilderness before him, each one several zhang high.

The light emanating from the rifts varied in color—cyan, gold, crimson, and blue.

The four beams of light intertwined, illuminating the entire wilderness as if it were broad daylight.

A majestic Saintly Might surged from the four rifts at once, the pressure so intense that the surrounding air trembled violently.

Immediately following.

Four figures stepped out from the rifts in unison.

On the far left was a cyan figure, their armor layered like dragon scales, with cyan wood-attribute Spiritual Power faintly circulating between the plates.

On the far right was a white figure, their armor sharp-edged like tiger stripes, with a fierce aura of metal and blades permeating their body.

To the center-left was a crimson figure, their armor etched with flame-like patterns, the scorching heat causing the surrounding air to distort.

To the center-right was a deep blue figure, their armor as heavy as a mountain, the surface covered in tortoise-shell patterns, steady as the earth.

The aura radiating from all four of them was that of an early Ninth-tier Martial Saint!

As they stepped out of the rifts simultaneously.

The majestic Saintly Might surrounding them caused the spirit beasts within a radius of dozens of miles to lie on the ground, shivering in fear!

But the next second.

The aura on the four of them vanished simultaneously, retracted so cleanly that not a trace leaked out.

With uniform precision, they knelt on one knee, right hands clenched into fists against their chests.

"Greetings, Master!"

The voice was synchronized and powerful, carrying awe and loyalty from the depths of their souls.

Lin Changqing examined the four people before him.

Three men and one woman.

Azure Dragon was a slender man with a handsome face, his long hair tied up with a cyan jade crown, his eyes as calm as a deep pool.

White Tiger was a burly man with a broad back and thick waist, his face resolute, his short white hair standing on end.

Vermilion Bird was the only woman among the four, with a tall figure, long crimson hair cascading to her waist like flames, and a face that was beautiful yet heroic.

Black Tortoise was a stocky man with broad shoulders, a simple and steady appearance, and bronze-colored skin.

Lin Changqing nodded in satisfaction.

He could feel four new connections in his soul, identical to the feeling Golden Radiance gave him.

Absolute loyalty, unshakable!

"Rise, all of you."

The four stood up in unison, their movements still perfectly synchronized.

Lin Changqing thought for a moment and added another sentence.

"There is no need to call me Master in the future; it sounds rather awkward. Just call me Venerable."

The four responded in unison once more, without a hint of hesitation.

"Yes, Venerable!"

Lin Changqing asked again.

"Do you have names?"

Azure Dragon cupped his hands, answering on behalf of the four.

"Reporting to Venerable, we only possessed the Four Symbols titles at the moment of our birth and have no names. Please bestow names upon us, Venerable."

Lin Changqing nodded, his gaze sweeping over each of them one by one.

"Then let's keep it simple; take my surname, Lin."

He first pointed to Azure Dragon.

"You wield the power of the Azure Dragon, so you shall be called Lin Long."

He then pointed to White Tiger.

"You wield the power of the White Tiger, so you shall be called Lin Hu."

He then pointed to Vermilion Bird.

"You wield the power of the Vermilion Bird, so you shall be called Lin Que."

Finally, he pointed to Black Tortoise.

"You wield the power of the Black Tortoise, so you shall be called Lin Wu."

"The names are simple and easy to remember. What do you think?"

A glimmer of light flashed through the eyes of the four simultaneously, and they knelt on one knee once more.

"We thank the Venerable for bestowing these names!"

Their voices were even more powerful than before, clearly very satisfied with the names.

Lin Changqing nodded and swept his gaze over the four of them.

Although the Four Symbols Armor on their bodies was mighty and imposing, it would be far too conspicuous if they appeared in the Capital City like that.

"Can you retract the armor you are wearing?"

"We can."

The four responded in unison, their thoughts shifting simultaneously.

The Four Symbols Armor on their bodies transformed into four streaks of light and retracted into their bodies.

In their place were four sets of simple, casual attire.

Lin Long wore a green shirt, Lin Hu a white robe, Lin Que a red dress, and Lin Wu a black garment.

They looked just like four ordinary martial artists with extraordinary temperaments.

Lin Changqing nodded in satisfaction.

"Remember, from now on, your public identity is that of followers from my days of seclusion."

"Yes, Venerable."

The four replied in unison.

Lin Changqing raised his hand and slashed at the void before him, tearing space asunder.

"Let's go. Follow me back to the Capital City."

He stepped into the rift.

The Four Symbols Holy Guards followed closely behind, and the five figures vanished above the wilderness.

Inside the Capital City, at the abandoned City God temple in the North District.

The Sixth Ancestor, Su Tianheng, had just destroyed the final blood sacrifice altar and was directing several Demon Suppression Guards to carry the rescued martial artists out of the cellar.

Most of these martial artists were pale and weak, their bodies still bearing the marks of having their essence blood drained by the blood sacrifice formation.

A few who were more severely injured had already fallen into a coma.

But at the very least, they were all still alive.

Just then, a spatial rift tore open beside him.

Lin Changqing stepped out from the rift, followed by four strangers of extraordinary bearing.

When the Sixth Ancestor saw Lin Changqing, a smile appeared on his face.

"Prince Wu'an."

He cupped his hands, his tone relaxing slightly.

"Judging by your expression, those rats must have been dealt with completely."

Lin Changqing nodded.

"Not a single one left."

Hearing this, the Sixth Ancestor showed no sign of surprise.

With Lin Changqing's strength, a few dozen seventh or eighth-rank cultists were no different from a few dozen ants before him.

They could be wiped out with a flip of his hand.

His gaze fell upon the four strangers behind Lin Changqing, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes.

"And these are?"

Lin Changqing turned slightly and introduced them briefly.

"Lin Long, Lin Hu, Lin Que, and Lin Wu. They are followers from my days of seclusion, having just arrived in the Capital City today."

The four cupped their hands simultaneously, their movements perfectly synchronized.

"Greetings, Boundless Saint Emperor."

The Sixth Ancestor studied the four, nodding inwardly.

Although the aura on the four was well-concealed, judging by their steady, mountain-like demeanor, they were certainly no ordinary people.

At the very least, they were top-tier experts among the eighth-rank Grandmasters!

However, given Lin Changqing's status and strength, it was perfectly normal for him to have a few followers.

He withdrew his gaze and pointed toward the martial artists being carried out.

"The blood sacrifice arrays have all been destroyed, not a single one of the six nodes was missed. The martial artists captured as sacrifices have also been rescued; there are twenty-three in total."

He paused and sighed.

"Eleven of them are elite disciples or elders from various sects who were abducted while out training or on missions. Their injuries aren't severe, and they should recover after a period of rest."

"The other twelve were forcibly catalyzed by their evil arts, resulting in severe damage to their meridians. Although a few had already passed away by the time I arrived, most can still be saved."

Lin Changqing glanced at the stretchers being carried out, his brow furrowing slightly.

These martial artists still bore the lingering evil aura of the blood sacrifice arrays, their vital essence having been drained in large quantities.

The aura of a few individuals was so faint it was almost imperceptible.

Lin Changqing stepped forward and raised his right hand.

A soft, Purple Gold radiance spilled from his palm, transforming into a gentle Light Rain.

The Light Rain fell upon the injured martial artists, seeping into their bodies.

The color returned to the faces of those who had been pale and weak at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Several of the unconscious martial artists even opened their eyes directly.

"This... this is..."

"My injuries are healed? My meridians don't hurt anymore!"

"The power of a Martial Saint! A Martial Saint is healing us!"

The rescued martial artists struggled to sit up.

When they saw the person standing before them, their eyes instantly turned red.

"Is, is that Prince Wu'an?!"

A middle-aged martial artist who looked like a rogue cultivator trembled with excitement.

"Prince Wu'an saved us! Thank you, Prince Wu'an, for saving our lives!"

He knelt directly on the ground and kowtowed heavily.

The other martial artists followed suit, their voices hoarse.

"Thank you, Prince Wu'an, for saving our lives!"

"We will never forget the great kindness of Prince Wu'an!"

Lin Changqing withdrew his hand, his tone indifferent.

"Rise, all of you, and focus on recovering."

Sixth Ancestor watched this scene, a look of deep emotion on his face.

He cupped his hands toward Lin Changqing.

"Prince Wu'an, leave the placement of these martial artists to me. As for the follow-up investigation into the Holy Demon God Sect, the Demon Suppressing Division will continue to pursue it."

Lin Changqing nodded.

"Then I shall leave it to the Boundless Saint Emperor."

He then looked at Lin Long and the other three.

"You all stay here and assist the Sixth Ancestor; lend a hand wherever help is needed."

He paused, lowering his voice to add a final instruction to the four.

"Once you are finished, return directly to the Prince's Mansion."

A flash of understanding crossed their eyes, and they bowed in unison.

"Understood, My Lord."

After giving these instructions, Lin Changqing raised his hand to tear open the space and stepped inside.

In the Imperial Garden, before the lantern stage.

The Flower Deity Lantern Festival had just reached its most lively segment, and Su Wanqing stood on the stage, personally lighting the final prayer lantern.

The massive lotus lantern rose slowly into the air, illuminating the entire Imperial Garden.

The commoners below erupted in cheers.

"Long live Princess Yunshu!"

"May the Flower Deity bless us with a prosperous and peaceful nation!"

Su Wanqing smiled and waved to the crowd before stepping down from the stage.

Just as she reached the final step, she saw a familiar figure waiting for her at the end of the stairs.

Dressed in black robes with black hair, the Green Peak Sword hung at his waist.

The moonlight and the glow of the lanterns intertwined upon him, highlighting his clear, handsome face.

A smile blossomed on Su Wanqing's face, though a trace of lingering worry remained in her eyes.

She hurried forward to meet him and asked in a low voice.

"Saint Venerable! How did... how did things go on your end?"

Lin Changqing looked at her expectant yet nervous expression and smiled.

"Everything is resolved."

Su Wanqing's eyes lit up instantly.

"Really?! Those people..."

"Those who needed to be killed have been killed, and those who needed to be saved have been rescued."

Lin Changqing's tone was indifferent.

"The Sixth Ancestor is handling the aftermath. The Flower Deity Festival can continue, so there is no need to worry."

Su Wanqing let out a long sigh of relief, a truly relaxed smile finally appearing on her face.

"That's wonderful!"

She looked at Lin Changqing, the admiration and gratitude in her eyes undisguised.

"Saint Venerable, you are amazing! They were hidden so deeply, yet you knew exactly how many of them there were, where they were, and what they were planning!"

Her eyes sparkled, and her voice was filled with the excitement characteristic of a young girl.

"I'm telling you, I was actually terrified on the stage earlier. Even though I knew in my heart that everything would be fine with you here, I couldn't help but be nervous. Now it's finally over, and we can properly enjoy the festival!"

Lin Changqing watched her excitement, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.

"The Flower Deity Festival isn't over yet. Would you like to keep strolling?"

Su Wanqing nodded vigorously.

"Yes!"

Just as she was about to leave, she suddenly noticed four unfamiliar figures standing at the entrance of the Imperial Garden behind Lin Changqing.

Three men and one woman, dressed simply yet possessing an extraordinary air.

They were none other than Lin Long, Lin Hu, Lin Que, and Lin Wu.

After finishing their tasks with the Sixth Ancestor, they had quietly returned to the Imperial Garden.

The four stood there, neither speaking nor looking around, simply waiting in silence.

Their presence was kept very low, but Su Wanqing noticed them at a glance.

"Saint Venerable, who are they?"

Su Wanqing asked curiously.

Lin Changqing glanced back at the four of them, his tone casual.

"Followers from when I lived in seclusion."

"They just arrived in the Capital City today and will be following me from now on."

Su Wanqing did not ask further upon hearing this, simply nodding.

She had a near-blind trust in Lin Changqing; if he said they were followers, then they were followers.

Lin Changqing turned to the four and waved his hand.

"It's the Flower Deity Festival today, so you should go look around too. No need to follow me constantly. It's rare to visit the Capital City, so go have some fun."

The four exchanged glances for a moment.

Lin Long and Lin Hu traded a look, the corner of Lin Que's mouth twitched slightly, and Lin Wu scratched his head in a simple-minded manner.

Is the Venerable... picking up girls?

Following him the whole way was indeed a bit of an obstruction.

The four cupped their fists in unison, their tones remaining respectful.

"Understood, Venerable."

Then, the four turned and consciously disappeared into the crowd.

Seeing the knowing expressions on their faces, Su Wanqing's cheeks flushed slightly.

But she said nothing, merely smiling with her lips pursed.

The two walked side by side out of the Imperial Garden, strolling leisurely along the long street decorated with lanterns.

The lanterns on both sides of the street were even brighter than they had been at dusk, with various shapes and designs that were dazzling to behold.

Lin Changqing stopped at a stall selling lanterns and glanced at the various ones hanging on the rack.

He picked up a rabbit lantern and handed it to Su Wanqing.

"This one is quite cute; it looks a bit like you."

Su Wanqing took the rabbit lantern and looked down at the charming, simple-looking little rabbit.

Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she couldn't suppress the curve of her lips.

"Does it?"

She looked up at Lin Changqing, her eyes shimmering in the glow of the lanterns.

"How is it similar? I'm clearly much better looking than it is."

Lin Changqing let out a laugh.

"Fine, if you say it's better looking, then it is."

The two walked side by side, continuing toward the most bustling area of the Flower Deity Festival.

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