Bearing both the True Martial Demon-Slaying and Patriarch Lü's Pure Yang Dao Lineages, Cheng Xinzhan knew the weight of those words. If word got out, who knew how many people's eyes would pop from their sockets?
He took back the flying sword Daoist Tianzhen handed him, thinking, No wonder Peach Capital is so close to Abbott Wen. No wonder this Abbott's fearsome reputation resounds throughout Mount Wuling. He cultivates quietly in his temple and slays demons whenever he leaves, yet still lives perfectly well.
Cheng Xinzhan put away his flying sword, but another question remained in his mind. He had never met this Daoist before, and Soul-Losing Ravine was hardly close to the True Martial Temple. How had Daoist Tianzhen come to be there and lend them a hand?
He opened his mouth to ask.
After hearing him, Daoist Tianzhen explained,
"I was sitting quietly in the temple, contemplating the Dao, when I suddenly heard a rooster crowing to the south. Its voice shook the countryside, its magic held Pure Yang, and its intent was to suppress demons. Greatly intrigued, I rose to investigate, and by that chance encounter, saved you both."
Only then did Cheng Xinzhan and Shen Zhaoming understand, and they bowed with cupped hands to thank him again.
"That's the trouble with people from great sects-far too much ceremony. No good, no good. You're not to bow and thank me again."
Daoist Tianzhen waved his hands repeatedly, displeasure showing on his face.
The two could only agree.
Only then did Daoist Tianzhen smile again. Seemingly seized by a sudden impulse, he looked toward the statue of the True Martial Emperor, then back at them, and said,
"You both have fine root bone and comprehension, and our meeting itself is a sign of affinity. Would you be willing