CHAPTER 359: CHAPTER 237: DRAGON TIGER MOUNTAIN, KONGTONG SECT, AND THE MASTER DAOISTS

The incident with Zhu Dagui did not cause much chaos in Zhu Family Town.

Strange events continued happening for several days, leaving the town’s residents numbed. If it weren’t for the war zone near Beiyang City, making escape a dead end, the town’s residents would have long fled with their families.

At noon the next day, a group of carriages arrived outside Zhu Family Town.

Leading the group were two white-bearded elderly Daoists, each dressed in a Daoist robe, stepping down from the carriage and entering Zhu Family Town.

The Daoist on the left exuded an air of immortality, with slender eyes and long eyebrows, resembling a master of the Dao.

The Daoist on the right exuded righteousness, with thick eyebrows and large eyes, resembling Zhong Kui descended to the mortal realm.

"Daoist Chen, the demonic aura here is indeed dense."

"Indeed, although the invasion of the Jiuzhou Land by the Wokou has shaken the Divine Land, it’s rare to see such a heavy demonic aura. Could it be that demons are gathering strength here to harm the Human World?"

"Previously, Master Zhu from Zhu Family Town went to Beiyang City to seek help, but in these times, traveling is slow and communication is difficult, which delayed us. We hope that the situation in Zhu Family Town has not turned into a disaster yet."

The two elderly Daoists, with their entourage, entered Zhu Family Town, and soon Zhu Honggao’s figure appeared at the corner of the street. He stepped forward respectfully to greet them, "Honorable Daoists, welcome. I, Zhu Honggao, apologize for being late."

"You must be Master Zhu. There’s no need for formalities. Slaying demons and vanquishing devils is the duty of Dragon Tiger Mountain and the Kongtong Sect. May I ask, Master Zhu, how are the strange events and creatures you mentioned before? Are they under control?" Daoist Chen from Dragon Tiger Mountain immediately asked with concern.

Zhu Honggao quickly nodded and said, "Rest assured, Daoists, it’s manageable for now. However, those creatures are appearing more frequently and are difficult to kill. Once targeted, the townspeople transform into hanging people by night, causing panic among the townsfolk. If this continues, we won’t be able to survive. You two must be tired from your journey, please come to my manor to rest, so I can welcome you properly."

Led by Zhu Honggao, these experts from Dragon Tiger Mountain and the Kongtong Sect arrived at his residence.

"Yesterday, a master from Beiyang City came to assist us significantly. However, Mr. Sun mentioned that the matter is too complex for him to handle fully. With the arrival of you two Daoists today, perhaps the three of you together can rescue the townspeople of Zhu Family Town from calamity," Zhu Honggao said joyfully.

"A master?"

"Mr. Sun?"

The two elderly Daoists exchanged glances, seeing confusion in each other’s eyes.

When they came from Beiyang City, the local police did not mention this matter, nor that other forces were joining in.

The group arrived at the Guest Hall, where they saw Sun Yan sitting at the table, enjoying pastries and tea.

Though it was wartime, Zhu Honggao’s compound still appeared peaceful and undisturbed in enjoying life.

"Mr. Sun, the two Daoists are here. Let me introduce you. This is Daoist Chen from Dragon Tiger Mountain, and this is Daoist Li from the Kongtong Sect. They are renowned demon-slaying Zhenrens, often sought out to resolve demonic problems everywhere," Zhu Honggao hurriedly introduced.

"Greetings, Daoists." Sun Yan nodded without rising, exhibiting the demeanor of a master.

Seeing this, Daoist Chen from Dragon Tiger Mountain immediately frowned in displeasure.

They had spent years slaying demons and building a great reputation, being highly respected figures.

Even a county magistrate would respectfully address them, yet this youngster showed such disrespect.

Daoist Chen could only snort coldly, sitting down without responding.

However, Daoist Li, having a better temperament, mediated the situation and asked with a smile, "What is the young brother’s name and sect?"

"Both of you can just call me Sun Yan. I am without affiliation, but I follow the Daoist techniques of the True Monarch of Pure Origin and Mysterious Dao," Sun Yan replied.

"Oh, so it’s the dao lineage of True Monarch Erlang the Saint."

Hearing Sun Yan’s background, Daoist Chen’s demeanor softened a bit. The True Monarch of Pure Origin and Mysterious Dao is a Dharma Protector in Daoism, holding a high position, implying that Sun Yan and the two of them all belonged to the Daoist school.

"Brother Sun arrived earlier than we did. You should know the exact situation in Zhu Family Town. Could you tell us?" Daoist Li asked.

"The situation is not to be underestimated," Sun Yan sighed. "Someone seems to have released a kind of evil spirit in Zhu Family Town. This spirit can infect ordinary people like zombies. The townspeople injured by the evil spirit become creatures that enjoy hanging from beams, and as time passes, their transformation into these creatures worsens. What they will ultimately become, I do not know."

Since both were esteemed Daoist experts, Sun Yan unhesitatingly relayed what he had encountered the previous day.

Perhaps these two elders could provide him with information he was unaware of.

"Thousand-Year Bird?"

Upon hearing Sun Yan mention this name, both Daoist Chen and Daoist Li froze.

"Do you Daoists know the origin of this thing?" Sun Yan asked.

Daoist Chen stroked his beard and sighed, "I didn’t expect to hear this name here. It seems this is a major issue."

"The Thousand-Year Bird symbolizes longevity but also portends misfortune. Whenever it has appeared in history, a bizarre catastrophe followed. These hanging people must be eliminated promptly, or else a disaster will ensue," Daoist Li said firmly, tapping the table.

"Are you suggesting direct action?" Sun Yan asked, surprised.

There were dozens of hanging people locked in the old granary. The townsfolk hoped for a chance to revert them to normal.

But if they’re eradicated now, any plans for salvation are abandoned.

"Yes, we must act quickly. Given that these hanging people can spread the infection, once they are fully demonized, the whole of Zhu Family Town will become a hell on Earth, and no townspeople will be spared. We cannot allow this to happen."

Daoist Chen spoke earnestly and seriously, "The three of us must prepare quickly and act tonight. Delays will bring change, and we cannot wait any longer."

Daoist Li could only sigh helplessly, "We must do this. Let’s lay down an array in Zhu Family Town to prevent those hanging people from escaping. Tonight, Daoist Chen and I will lead, and we ask Brother Sun to oversee the situation. If anything unexpected happens, especially with that Thousand-Year Bird, please step in to help."

Sun Yan nodded, "Alright, I will not let you Daoists down."

...

Sun Yan and the two Daoists discussed the plan to eliminate all the hanging people in the granary.

Zhu Honggao immediately agreed to their proposal.

Though he was a resident of Zhu Family Town, his heart was already filled with fear towards those beings that could no longer be considered human.

Ordinary people struggling to survive could still run, as those with nothing to lose fear nothing.

But Zhu Honggao’s extensive properties were in Zhu Family Town, and he was unwilling to leave easily. Any threat to his life needed to be preemptively eradicated.

Regarding the proposal to eliminate the hanging people in the granary, Zhu Honggao was entirely in favor of it.

With his support, Daoist Chen and Daoist Li quickly set up an array around the old granary before nightfall.