The Blade-Wielding Legend

Chapter 1532 783: Oar Songs and Lantern Shadows, Qinhuai Romance

Li Yan frowned deeply, feeling somber.

The imprisonment of Fatty Lin and his two companions, along with the mysterious death of Tian Qianhu, weighed heavily on his heart, not to mention the matter of the Yangzhou Tripod.

"Rest assured."

Wang Daoxuan comforted him upon seeing this, "Every problem has a solution, and the court will definitely send someone regarding such a major issue."

Li Yan nodded, his sharp gaze sweeping over the spacious and sparsely populated hall, where incense was barely burning. A thought crossed his mind, and he directly asked, "Forgive my bluntness, Senior Zhang. Jinling is an important town in Jiangnan, and the City God Temple is pivotal in managing local mundane affairs and communicating between the Yin and Yang. Yet why is this place… so deserted amidst the lurk of pirates and the chaos caused by demons?"

"Is there a shortage of staff at your temple?"

Zhang Jingqing's face momentarily stiffened before turning slightly bitter.

He did not answer immediately, instead slowly lifting a teapot warming on a small stove and refilling the teacups of Li Yan and others with lukewarm tea.

"Young Hero Li has a discerning eye…"

The old Taoist chuckled bitterly, "The situation can be attributed to the poor fortunes of our Heavenly Master Mansion and being besieged on all sides, leaving such a large City God Temple of Jiangnan's capital without anyone to rely on."

After a pause, seemingly to gather his thoughts, he continued, "I won't conceal the details from you. First, Jiangsu and Zhejiang are rich in Daoist skills and cultures, not solely dominated by our Dragon and Tiger Mountain. The Mao Mountain Sect has deep roots, their talismanic offerings are unparalleled nationwide. Lushan has great influence among the people and excels in exorcism and evil dispelling, Tiger Gate Order is renowned for Thunder Technique and Summoning General, and the Jade Emperor Sect, among others, are talent-filled and flourishing with incense."

"Each Magic Vein has been established for years, deeply rooted with its own leadership. While the court conferred upon Dragon and Tiger Mountain the management of this Jinling City God Temple, however…"

Zhang Jingqing chuckled bitterly, "How could local powers submit so easily?"

"In name, it's under our charge, but in practice, most comply superficially while harboring their own agendas. The core disciples who truly obey and work are scattered everywhere, already short-handed. Second…"

His voice dropped, loaded with apparent helplessness and a hint of resentment, "a while back, our current Heavenly Master at the Heavenly Master Mansion did something 'big' in the Capital."

Hearing this, everyone understood immediately.

At that time, Sui Lun True Monarch entered the National Ancestral Temple, and as the Heavenly Court issued a decree, Sect Leaders were summoned to the Capital. Heavenly Master Zhang was at the forefront, even engaging in a battle with Huo Yin at Qiankun Academy, all of them witnesses.

Though a consensus was reached later, how could the Imperial Family, who stepped back, not feel disgruntled?

"You all must realize, this action… bears heavy consequences."

Zhang Jingqing sighed deeply, "The Saint is displeased, causing a stir in the court. Forces originally befriending our Heavenly Master Mansion or at least maintaining surface harmony distanced themselves, fearing contamination by our 'untimely' misfortune."

"The attitude of Jinling's government has also become ambiguous, and much of the support initially extended to the City God Temple in light of our court conferment and Heavenly Master Mansion credentials has been reduced, or even withdrawn completely. Some minor Magic Veins and magicians dependent on the City God system are restless, beginning to seek other patrons."

"Lastly…"

A flicker of apprehension crossed his eyes, "Even in Ganzhou, unrest looms. Mei Mountain Taoist has developed several sharp 'Fire Gun Secret Techniques', momentarily putting them in the spotlight. Their central headquarters is under immense pressure, forcing them to pull elite forces from all sides for reinforcement. Here in Jinling... alas, all the competent has been called back."

Zhang Jingqing spread his hands, pointing to a few young Taoists outside the hall who were sweeping up fallen leaves, looking far less spirited than actual cultivators. He also gestured to two middle-aged Taoists standing quietly behind him, their aura unremarkable. "Now, in this enormous Jinling City God Temple, apart from my old bones, only these mundane disciples and a few undertrained apprentices remain."

"Let alone assisting in defending the city or tracking down demons, even the basic registration, handling of daily grievances, and temple maintenance are already falling short, barely managing multiple tasks at once. The influx of refugees into the city, the panic-stricken populace seeking help, and the covert activities of various factions' registrations have left us exhausted."

He looked at Li Yan with a complex gaze, a mix of hope and probing, "Young Hero Li, the name of the Twelve Primordial Spirits is renowned. I've heard of your feats in Yangzhou, Shu, and Ezhou, all grand actions of upholding justice and eradicating demons."

"With Jinling amidst storms, internally and externally threatened, it's truly beyond our ordinary strength. I… on behalf of Jinling City God Temple, earnestly plead for the Twelve Primordial Spirits to extend a helping hand and aid us! Safeguard the Yin Yang order of this city and ensure the peace of the people!"

"All required talismans, Magic Artifacts, and permissions of Mortal God decrees, I will do my utmost to facilitate!"

Li Yan was silent for a moment, then calmly replied, "Senior Zhang, your words are overstated."

"We've just arrived and are unfamiliar with the situation, also having pressing matters on hand. The City God Temple affairs involve court regulations and local mundane issues, significant matters that we free-roaming people of the pugilistic world cannot comment on lightly. Allow us to consider this a bit further before responding."

This old Taoist is indeed full of tricks.

Sustaining the righteous path, and with Jinling's government bold enough to set aside the Dragon and Tiger Mountain, naturally, there are other Magic Veins stepping up, clearly reluctant to lose this City God Temple's sphere, wanting to enlist them as strongmen.

Disappointment flashed in Zhang Jingqing's eyes, yet he did not show any discontent and even managed a smile, "Young Hero Li is right, I was presumptuous. This matter is significant and requires careful consideration. You've traveled a long way, please first settle and rest."

"If there's anything you need from me or need to consult any non-confidential archives, feel free to notify us."