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Chapter 330 The Return of the Holy Master!

It was noon.

The sun was high in the sky, but since it was spring, it was not too hot, and the craftsmen were still working as quickly as possible to expand the new city.

There are many warriors among them, including many strong men, and even warriors in the realm of refining spirit, who are moving stone pillars and digging soil.

Most of them were criminals who had previously participated in embezzling materials for city expansion, but their crimes were not punishable by death, so they were sentenced to hard labor and allowed to make meritorious contributions in order to seek forgiveness.

And today, the top leaders of the Heavenly Monitoring Department are waiting here.

Soon afterward, the new Grand City Commandant of the City Defense Office and the second and third temple priests of the Liuzun Temple arrived one after another.

Many of the laborers working there were from the inner city and were able to identify the identities of these high-ranking figures.

"These big shots seem to be waiting to greet someone?"

"The last time I saw such a scene was when the former Grand Temple Priest Lu Gong returned from Qifeng City."

"Could it be that another important person has come from the prefectural city? But last time, even when the deputy city governor of the prefectural city came, it didn't seem to be such a big scene."

Everyone looked at each other, and suddenly someone thought of something and said, "The small flags of the Jiantian Division branch in Linjiangfang are also here. Could it be to welcome the Fifth Master?"

Before Lin Yan left the city, he asked Yang Zhubu to declare that he was in seclusion.

But it has been too long and he has not appeared yet. People from all sides have speculated that the Fifth Master is no longer in Gaoliu City.

"Fifth Master is a genius, and he is already one of the top figures in Gaoliu City in terms of his abilities. However, he has only been out of the city for a few months, so it is not necessary for the City Guard House, Liuzun Temple, and the Heavenly Supervisory Department to come together to welcome him."

"If you say that the Fifth Master has been away from Gaoliu City for ten years and finally returned with such a big fanfare, then it's understandable... It's only been a few days, at most it can be considered a long journey."

"Even the city garrison and the commander-in-chief sometimes go to the capital city and take several months to go back and forth, but there has never been such a grand welcome. This kind of scene must be the arrival of the high-ranking officials of the capital city."

"Is it the city guard of the prefectural city? Or the chief priest of the Wutong Temple? Or is it the highest commander of the Tianjian Division of the prefectural city? Could it be the great general Li Shenzong?"

"I once heard the ancestor mention that there is a legendary holy land above the city..." A martial artist in the Refining Essence Realm whispered, "My Yue family ancestor once practiced in the holy land with the Liu family ancestor. Could it be that the high-level officials of the holy land have come to Gaoliu City?"

"I heard that the new deputy city keeper Fu Shi and the new deputy commander of the Heavenly Monitoring Department Xu Jie are both big figures from the Holy Land."

"It seems that they are probably high-ranking officials of the Holy Land."

As everyone discussed secretly.

At this moment, the others beside Han Zheng all had solemn expressions.

For example, the newly appointed Dacheng Wei, Deputy Commander Zhou Yuan, and the two people who were born in the two holy places, Fu Shi and Xu Jie, all couldn't help but look at Han Zheng a few more times.

Han Zheng has already cultivated to the Qi Refining Realm and has received attention and cultivation from the city government, but to this day, his true Qi is still less than 300, and he is still in the category of just entering the Qi Refining Realm and has not yet reached the middle level.

But in today's welcoming ceremony, Han Zheng was at the forefront.

Just because he is the guide of impermanence and the original protector of the path.

The name of him and Wuchang as master and disciple had already spread far and wide.

In their eyes, Wuchang of the past was a young genius who was unrivaled in the world. He came from behind and had an extraordinary level of cultivation and a strong record of battles. He could be called another Li Shenzong.

But now, Wuchang has become the founder of a new law and a holy master whose name will be passed down through the ages.

Today's Han Zheng is the teacher of the Saint Master!

Today, Han Zheng's status in the human race is no longer based on his cultivation level and official rank!
Han Zheng's protection of Wuchang when he was in humble circumstances and his teaching of martial arts have become his indelible contribution to the human race!

"I, Han, used to be proud of being a martial arts genius in my early years, but as I grew up and encountered people like Li Shenzong, I realized that there are always people better than you."

Han Zheng secretly sighed: "In my life, I have a little talent, and I am proficient in both civil and military affairs. In this area, I can be considered good. But if we look at the human race in the world, I am actually mediocre! One day, I will be recorded in the history books and respected by all parties for my support of the younger generation. It seems like a dream..."

He looked into the distance and thought of the letter he received from Li Shenzong a month ago.

He couldn't help but show a bit of pride on his face, thinking to himself: "Thousands of years will pass, and the reputation of Li Shenzong in the future may not be as stable as mine! In the first half of my life, I relied on myself, and I am not as good as Li Shenzong. In the second half of my life, I rely on my disciples, and Li Shenzong is not as good as me!"

Thinking of this, he realized that everyone's eyes were looking at him, as if they were a little surprised that he suddenly smiled so brightly.

Seeing this, Han Zheng quickly restrained his expression and straightened his clothes, thinking: "I have to pay attention to my posture and appearance in the future, and I shouldn't appear to be too mean. Now I am a person of great reputation. My every move is watched by all parties, so I have to be more careful."

As he adjusted his clothes, he heard Deputy Commander Zhou Yuan beside him say, "You're back!"

At the end of the road ahead, there was a silver-white horse with scales all over its body, which was very dazzling under the sun.

The man on the horse, wearing a black robe with gold thread, carrying a longbow on his back and a long sword on his waist, was Wuchang!
Behind him was a carriage, and the driver was the "Lin Yan" flag that the little white ape transformed into.

Lin Lei sat in the car, accompanied by a pile of classics.

"Greetings to the Holy Master!"

Everyone came forward and bowed to greet him.

The craftsmen and the people who were doing hard labor were all shocked and looked at each other in bewilderment.

The Yue family's Jing Lian realm warrior whispered, "Could it be that this is the important person that Fifth Master is welcoming? How much weight does the word Saint Master carry?"

Just as he was thinking this, he saw Wuchang on the Jiao-Scale Horse raise his hand and say, "No need to be polite. We are all doing our best for the future of the human race. There is no distinction between high and low. Let's enter the city."

These words made all the high-level people in the city breathe a sigh of relief. It was obvious that the Holy Master was quite satisfied with the recent progress of the new city's construction.

The other warriors who were sentenced to hard labor were all filled with disbelief when they saw the high-ranking officials of Gaoliu Castle behave in this manner.

They knew that although Wuchang was only an inspector, his status and cultivation had already reached the top level in Gaoliu City.

However, he did not expect that the Wuchang who returned today had already become a figure that was extremely respected by all the high-ranking officials in Gaoliu City.

They didn't know how important the title of Holy Master was, but they knew that to be honored with the word Holy Master, this Fifth Master... must have done something even more shocking to the world than in the past!

"My cousin came to visit me yesterday and mentioned that the ancestor had come out of seclusion..."

The warriors of the Yue family had changing expressions, thinking to themselves, "Could it be that the ancestor came out of retreat just to welcome the Fifth Master?"

If that is the case, why didn’t the ancestor come today?

As he thought about this, an extremely absurd idea suddenly arose in his mind.

As the only five remaining families in the inner city, the ancestor of his Yue family is not qualified to come and welcome the return of the Fifth Master?

This thought came to my mind like a spring and I couldn't suppress it.

Even though he felt it was absurd and the idea was ridiculous, the thought could not be shaken off his mind.

This Fifth Master caused many bloody incidents in Gaoliu City.

He beheaded three of the ancestors of the six major families in the inner city.

Now even the Liu family has been uprooted, and the remaining members of the clan are protected by the Fifth Master and have avoided being implicated, and are therefore very grateful to him.

"What kind of great thing did he accomplish that could cause all the high-ranking officials in Gaoliu City to be alarmed just by returning from the outside world?"

——After entering the city, there was a welcoming banquet.

Because Wuchang is currently also serving as the head of Linjiang Division, this banquet was held in Linjiangfang.

After eating and drinking, everyone was extremely respectful, and the banquet was not ended until Lin Yan took the initiative to say that they would enter the inner city tonight.

The two priests of Liuzun Temple, the Grand City Captain and the Deputy City Guard of the City Guard Office, as well as other high-ranking officials of the Heavenly Supervision Office, all returned to the inner city.

At the banquet, the ones left were Han Zheng, Yang Zhubu, Meng Lu and other closer people.

"Fifth Master, Fifth Master..." Yang Zhubu pointed at his head, wanting to cry but unable to, and said, "You clearly said that you would be back in ten days or half a month. This time I was away from the beginning of winter to the beginning of spring. This year there was a snowstorm, and Fengcheng had a poor harvest, so there was a shortage of food. Can you please count how many of my hairs have turned white?"

"..."

Lin Yan glanced at him and found him indeed a bit pitiful.

When I first met him, Yang Zhubu was still a middle-aged scholar in his prime, with jet-black hair.

The last time I left the city, I left all the affairs to Yang Zhubu to handle. When I returned, Yang Zhubu's hair was three parts gray and his face looked five parts haggard.

When he returned from the city this time, Yang Zhubu's hair was already seven-tenths gray and his face looked extremely haggard.

He looked almost twenty years older than when I first met him. At first glance, I thought he was a man in his sixties.

"I am just a small clerk in the Linjiangfang branch. I only get a salary of a few taels of silver per month. How much is that?"

Yang Zhubu said with a sad face: "In the past few months, you have been away from Gaoliu City for a long time. There have been all kinds of rumors from the outside world, and there have been all kinds of temptations... Those greedy dogs, some of them are not afraid of death and are ready to make a move..."

He looked at Lin Yan and said in a trembling voice: "During this snowstorm, we barely had enough clothes and food. Fortunately, there were no large numbers of people dying of hunger and cold, otherwise I would be deeply sinful..."

"You have indeed worked hard and made great contributions. I have written a letter personally to promote you to the position of Chief Clerk of the Southern Region of Xincheng Jiantian Division."

Lin Yan laughed and said, "How about giving you the scroll with Li Shenzong's true qi as a family heirloom?"

Yang Zhubu's face suddenly lit up, his back straightened, and he said proudly: "Fifth Master, why are you so polite? We are like brothers. In this life, Yang can follow you, help you solve problems, and handle miscellaneous affairs. It is really a great honor... Look, I will drink three cups as punishment!"

"Stop cheating here for food and drink."

The little white ape glanced at him and sneered.

Meng Lu and Feng Hui raised their glasses silently and drank them all.

The elixir that Fifth Master bestowed upon me just now was brought back from the city. It was produced by the Alchemy Pavilion in the holy land and can replenish one's essence and increase one's Qi and blood.

Both of them were seriously injured earlier. Although they have recovered almost completely under the care of Master Wu, there are still some hidden dangers.

Now that I have obtained this elixir, I believe that my cultivation will have a breakthrough soon.

At this moment, Lin Yan's gaze fell on Yang Zhubu, as if asking a question.

Yang Zhubu knew what he meant and immediately responded, "Every month, I will allocate five taels of silver from the Linjiang Division's public account and hand it over to Zou Jin's family for household expenses."

Then, I heard Yang Zhubu say: "Zou Jin's child is currently working as a handyman in our Linjiang Division. In his spare time, he follows me to learn to read and write, and helps to process files..."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yan nodded slightly.

Yang Zhubu continued, "Zheng Liu's mother passed away in the early spring. He had a broken leg before that. General Han personally arranged for him to be transferred to the Wai Nan Division to be in charge of the warehouse's income and expenditure accounts."

Han Zheng sighed and said, "He wanted to come to greet me today, but he had difficulty walking, so I didn't agree."

"Just make sure it's arranged."

Lin Yan raised his glass, drank it all, and said, "Before I left the city to do business, the burden was handed over to you. You fulfilled my duties for me. If there are casualties and you cannot make proper arrangements, I will feel uneasy."

He said this, patted Yang Zhubu on the shoulder, and said, "Thank you for your trouble."

Yang Zhubu said sternly, "Fifth Master, you are too kind."

Meng Lu stood up and bowed, saying, "Fifth Master treats us like brothers. Today, I can arrange Zou Jin's funeral and Zheng Liu's remaining life... From now on, serving Fifth Master, even if you die, you will have no worries!"

He looked at the other small flags with a solemn expression.

These small flags were originally his subordinates in the city defense. After losing their positions in the city defense army, they became timid and cowardly in everything. Today he could use them to inspire people.

"Let's all go and do our work."

Han Zheng waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave.

Then, he came to Lin Yan's side and said with a smile: "I didn't expect that you have achieved such great achievements in just a few months. It is enough to benefit the world for generations to come. It is really unimaginable!"

"You are too kind. If I hadn't had the support of the General Envoy, who protected me in every way and taught me many times, I would have encountered disasters when my cultivation was weak."

Lin Yan toasted him and said with a smile: "When a person is insignificant, he is usually most likely to die young. You are both my teacher and my father. You have protected me through my weak years, and I am where I am today!"

"Good good..."

Han Zheng laughed loudly: "You have such achievements, and you are called a Saint Master. You still remember our old friendship. I didn't make a mistake in choosing you! However, you are wrong about one thing..."

"What?" Lin Yan asked in surprise.

"I'm going to get a promotion." Han Zheng said proudly, "I've been the general commander for so many years, so I'm going to get promoted three levels this time, right?"

"Has the commander agreed?" Lin Yan couldn't help but smile.

"Of course I have obtained his consent. I will be promoted to the position of deputy commander of Gaoliu City." Han Zheng said this with a complicated expression.

"How is the commander these days?" Seeing this, Lin Yan said solemnly, "The reason why I rushed back to Gaoliu City as soon as possible was because I wanted to see him."

"Some time ago, things were not going well, but an old friend of his came to Gaoliu City and helped him suppress the signs of losing control."

Han Zheng said, "Before he went into seclusion this time, he also notified Liuzun Temple and asked Guantian Tower to adjust a magic mirror to keep a special eye on his retreat. If there are any signs of losing control and turning into a physical evil spirit, then there will be movement in Guantian Tower."

He glanced outside and said, "However, there is no movement in the Guantian Tower at the moment. The commander is doing well and should be out of isolation tomorrow. You can go to the inner city to see him tomorrow morning."

"That's not bad. He is also at the peak of the Qi Refining Realm. If he can use the new method to create an inner scene, he can eliminate the hidden danger of losing control."

Lin Yan said: "It's just that this Kaiyuan Landscaping Divine Art still has many minor drawbacks and has not yet been completely perfected... I was able to master it for another reason. For the commander, it is still more difficult."

He seemed to have thought of something and frowned, "What means are used to help others suppress the hidden dangers of losing control? There are very few such methods in the Holy Land. What is the origin of the old friend of the commander?"

"I heard that it came from a blessed land in Canyu Mansion. The owner of that blessed land was not of human origin, but in order to obtain incense, he agreed to the request of the previous owner of Canyu Mansion and moved more than 10,000 people to the blessed land. Today, it has multiplied and has a population of more than 60,000."

Han Zheng thought for a moment and said, "I heard that this person is one of the high-ranking human leaders in the blessed land. Before winter, he was ordered to go to Fengcheng to buy food. On the way, he detoured to Gaoliu City and met with the commander. He taught him a method to suppress hidden dangers, and then left."

After hesitating for a moment, Han Zheng said, "However, Deputy Commander Zhou Yuan mentioned this morning that this person entered Gaoliu City from the west gate from the direction of Dayin River three days ago alone. He should be in the inner city now... He is not within my jurisdiction, so I don't know the details of his situation."

"Ask the Heavenly Supervisor to find this person. I want to meet him."

Lin Yan pondered and said, "Also, I will stay in the main building of the Tianjian Division in the inner city tonight and wait for the commander to come out of seclusion."

(End of this chapter)