Ze Province · Jade Void Palace.

Inside Bishui Pool.

Zhang Rongfang and Ding Rui sat facing each other in a separate small stone chamber.

Between them was a black stone table with several plates of home-cooked dishes that were visually appealing, aromatic, and flavorful.

Shredded pork with garlic sauce, fried chicken cubes, five-color vegetable soup, spiced pig trotters, black rice.

The various colors combined to look very appetizing.

However, despite the aromatic dishes, Zhang Rongfang didn’t have much of an appetite at the moment.

He was still recalling the conversation he had earlier with the Granduncle Master at Lingxiao Palace.

Two paths.

One is to gain the Granduncle Master’s approval and become a Dao Child.

The other is to sever ties with family, eliminate blood ties, and then defeat all peers in Jade Void Palace in martial arts.

“Sigh…” He sighed deeply. “It seems getting the Granduncle Master’s acknowledgment is truly difficult.”

“Naturally,” Ding Rui replied with a smile. “In the entire Jade Void Palace, among the thousands combined from the Twelve Sect Mansions and the Twelve Veins, not one has received the Palace Master’s recognition.”

“The Palace Master… what’s the situation exactly?” Zhang Rongfang simply followed his manner of address.

“When she was young, her martial arts practice encountered some issues, leading to failure just before success. However, compared to those Extreme Realm grandmasters who are madmen, she’s much better off, so she’s just managing as is.” Ding Rui sighed.

“Practicing martial arts to the Extreme Realm…?” Zhang Rongfang caught the underlying meaning.

“Yes, many rumors say that back then, the Palace Master killed her entire family, over a hundred people, leaving only one sister who luckily escaped.

But in fact, that wasn’t the case.” Ding Rui sighed. “In terms of Extreme Realm practice, we don’t know much, but back then, my Ding family ancestor personally saw the Palace Master find her sister and was about to strike.

But at the last moment, the Palace Master stopped herself.”

“She stopped herself?”

“Yes, at the time, she shared the deepest bond with her sister in the family, as the two were oppressed by the family together. So, her sister was the only one she didn’t hate. Not being able to bring herself to strike in the end is normal. But because of that, her Extreme Realm wasn’t fully achieved…” Ding Rui explained.

“By the way, the last day of each week is Lingxiao Palace’s complete closure day, so you mustn’t go up there,” Ding Rui suddenly reminded him.

“Why?” Zhang Rongfang asked.

“Well… that day is when the Palace Master fully connects with nature. So…” Ding Rui’s expression was peculiar, mixed with a hint of helplessness.

“…..” Zhang Rongfang instantly understood.

Recalling the Granduncle Master’s shocking remarks earlier, it seems this big figure is genuinely putting philosophy into practice…

Both of them sighed deeply, knowingly.

“Speaking of which, after seeing the sect mentor, how many days do you plan to stay here?” Ding Rui asked, “so I can accompany you down the mountain.”

“Is Senior Brother Ding going to be assigned with me?” Zhang Rongfang asked in surprise.

“Yes, I’ll be escorting you for the last stretch. I have other important matters here, but you needn’t worry; everything is under our control. Safety is absolutely ensured.”

“What about Zhenyi and the Western Sect?”

“They’re still engaged in battle, but they’re on the other side. We’ve specifically designated a small area for them to fight in,” Ding Rui explained with a smile. “If either group dares to impact other areas, they’re just courting death.”

Now, the various sides have essentially torn apart their facades.

The Great Dao Teaching has instigated a scheme, and Zhenyi and the Western Sect have become bitter enemies. Everyone is openly setting the rules.

“This is indeed quite good,” Zhang Rongfang marveled inwardly. Since the Great Dao Teaching stopped completely hiding, its gradually emerging domineerance seemed even more extraordinary compared to the other major sects.

“By the way, when does the Granduncle Master usually descend?” Zhang Rongfang suddenly asked.

“He generally doesn’t descend, just moves back and forth among a few permanent Dao Palaces,” Ding Rui replied. “Years ago, the Palace Master was like this, and I don’t know the reason.”

“With the Palace Master’s strength, there shouldn’t be anyone able to restrain her, right?” Zhang Rongfang asked in shock.

“Of course,” Ding Rui nodded, “The only one who can restrain her is herself.”

When he said this, there was an implicit meaning in his expression.

But Zhang Rongfang didn’t probe further.

The Granduncle Master is a person with deep secrets and many mysteries.

After understanding the conditions for becoming the Jade Void Palace Dao Child, he decided to let things take their course.

Anyway, his purpose for coming here is not to become a Dao Child. Becoming one is just something his mentor Chongxuan hoped he could achieve.

His visit here is for concealment and to explore the secrets of the Blood God Statue, Spirit Generals, and Grandmasters.

Moreover, to establish a foundation entirely his own here.

Therefore, becoming a Dao Child? If it’s not possible, then so be it!

As long as he continues accumulating steadily, he is bound to reach terrifying heights that ordinary people can’t imagine.

Next, he should assume his post properly and then look for opportunities to find supplements that enhance blood and flesh to complete this innate talent.

At the mention of this, Zhang Rongfang couldn’t help but recall the intoxicating scent of blood and flesh emanating from the Granduncle Master.

That aroma… it’s like a supreme temptation, constantly challenging his willpower.

But Zhang Rongfang is also aware that the talent he’s shown is already astonishingly extraordinary.

Only in his thirties, no… those in the higher echelons of the Great Dao Teaching should know his true age.

He is now twenty years old, and in October, he will soon be twenty-one. At this age, if he exposes his terrifying strength.

He would probably instantly become the focus of everyone across the world.

Before he can resist all threats and dangers, Zhang Rongfang cannot truly reveal his strength.

All matters related to martial arts are done by his twin brother, another mysterious man in a black mask.

They have nothing to do with his persona as Zhang Ying the Daoist.

After having a meal with Ding Rui, Zhang Rongfang was arranged to stay in a separate courtyard.

The courtyard is not on top of any mountain peak; the buildings atop the peaks are the Daoist palaces and temples, where only the core higher-ups can reside long-term.

Meanwhile, most other people live in the vast forest below the mountain peaks.

The Tianhe Mountain Range is vast, and with thousands of people living and prospering there, they seem like a small spot, hardly noticeable.

After staying in the Jade Void Palace for a few days, the people there all treated him warmly. Most people who approached him mostly mentioned Yue Dewen, the Sect Leader of Celestial Treasure Palace.

Evidently, Yue Dewen once came here and left a good impression on everyone.

Of course, they seemed just curious onlookers without any concerns that the identity and position of the Daoist of Jade Void Palace might be taken away.

After all, by Zhang Rongfang’s superficial external medicine strength, he’s indeed considered good outside, able even to suppress an entire region in remote areas.

But in a hidden Daoist wonderland like Jade Void Palace, it’s just average.

Zhang Rongfang didn’t stay there for long; on the morning of the fourth day, he left there, guided by Ding Rui, heading to the capital of Ze Province—Qingchuan.

Jade Void Palace is not too far from Qingchuan Prefecture; with Zhang Rongfang’s normal external medicine stamina, a round trip would only take two days.

Therefore, he could frequently travel between the two in the future.

On the official road to Qingchuan Prefecture.

The carriage shook from time to time as it was bumped by the uneven ground.

The poor suspension design made the ride awkward for Zhang Rongfang and Ding Rui sitting inside.

Ding Rui was genuinely embarrassed since Jade Void Palace is his hometown. He had excitedly arranged to find an old long-distance carriage from his home to send Zhang Ying to his post.

However, most people from Jade Void Palace are used to walking, and the carriage hadn’t been updated in many years, remaining a model from over a decade ago.

This resulted in the current situation.

“There are more than three hours until we’ll reach the destination. Let me tell you about the general situation of Ze Province,” Ding Rui decisively changed the topic.

“That sounds good. Thank you, senior brother,” Zhang Rongfang solemnly nodded.

“Most areas in Ze Province are now under the control of people we support. But don’t think that this implies complete safety,” Ding Rui cautioned.

“The Twelve Sect Mansions are not a united front; the First Mansion Lord, Shangguan Feihua, is ambitious and has attempted to seize the position of Palace Master several times, though all efforts have been in vain. Even Sect Leader Yue was troubled by him when he came to Jade Void Palace. So be cautious, junior brother.”

“The First Mansion Lord Shangguan Feihua, is it? I’ll remember,” Zhang Rongfang nodded.

“Additionally, there’s the Seventh Mansion Lord, Zhu Xingxiu, who is an ally in Shangguan Feihua’s camp, known for his treacherous methods. He once secretly hurt Sect Leader Yue, so he might take out his frustrations on you here,” Ding Rui continued.

“Apart from our internal matters, Ze Province has four sects and one faction, five power groups, all having Super Grade masters as their trump cards. But those are manageable; given your methods in Citong, you should handle them with ease.”

“Thank you, senior brother,” Zhang Rongfang nodded solemnly.

“These aren’t the key issues,” Ding Rui’s expression became serious as he said this. “The real trouble isn’t these few points, but the rebel army.”

“The rebel army??” Zhang Rongfang was stunned.

“Yes, although Ze Province is under our Jade Void Palace’s control, we prefer to stay out of worldly affairs, mostly researching within ourselves. We don’t govern externally much.

There are now uprisings throughout Ze Province, and the Spirit Court sent you here to handle this matter for sure.

After all, the place’s geographical position is sensitive; having someone from our Great Dao Teaching handle it is best. Otherwise, any official sent from outside would first have to deal with us, risking humiliation if careless.”

How troublesome indeed…

Zhang Rongfang frowned slightly.

The rebel army, it’s a sensitive topic.

“Senior Brother Ding, I don’t quite understand something.”

“Go ahead,” Ding Rui sat upright.

“What attitude does Jade Void Palace have toward these rebels?” Zhang Rongfang asked earnestly.

“The leaders must be killed without mercy! As for the rest, treat them as drives: men as slaves, women as whores, in accordance with the laws of the Great Spirit,” Ding Rui replied sternly, “Don’t hesitate, junior brother. These rebels aren’t just wildfires but are backed by a massive secretive organization. After years of investigation, we’ve found that this organization is called the Righteous Alliance.”

“The Righteous Alliance?”

“Yes, the Righteous Alliance has significant infiltration within our Great Dao Teaching; they aim to entirely overthrow the current order. Before you came, they had already caused casualties among the experts in our controlled territories. After over a decade of conflict, now both sides are already like fire and water.”

Ding Rui sighed.

“Remember, do not harbor any pity. Some people, from the start, just aim to rob our interests and slaughter our kin. The masses are ignorant, unable to discern right from wrong, and only follow the agitators recklessly, venting everything.

Thus, your first task upon taking office is to eliminate the rebel army. On this point, Jade Void Palace has already arranged personnel to handle things with you. You only need to coordinate, and in time, you should achieve a peaceful and stable Qingchuan Prefecture.”

Zhang Rongfang nodded. Everything was already arranged for him, what more could he say?

For some reason, he suddenly and inexplicably thought of his second master—Zhang Xuan.

And the bold senior brother Zhang Xintai, who endlessly provoked Xiao Qingying.

His master Zhang Xuan and senior brother Zhang Xintai, father and son, were the former leaders of the rebel army.

Afterward, they mysteriously disappeared; could it be related to this Righteous Alliance?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep