Stop it, Taoist, Your Fight almost Ruins the DAO!

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The night was late, with lights casting a glow against the window, birds on branches unfazed by the moon's ascent.

It was already the third watch, yet the silhouette in the western window persisted.

Yi Chen entered the room, led by a young servant.

Behind the desk, King Jing looked up from a mountain of documents, his face lighting up with a hint of surprise.

"Taoist, you've finally come."

"I'm at my wits' end, truly out of options."

King Jing clapped his hands, and a squad of efficient troops immediately stepped out to clear the desk, replacing it with a long table made of fragrant purple sandalwood.

Then came a procession of maids carrying a variety of exquisite dishes, the most eye-catching of which was Yi Chen's favorite, 'Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix.'

"Crown Prince, you are too kind. The 'Kirin Sacred Armor' has been of great assistance to me; I keep your kindness in mind. If there's anything difficult you need my help with, just ask, and if it's within my abilities, I shall not refuse."

Yi Chen glanced at the 'Hundred Bird Tongues' on the table, pushed back his chair, and sat down, his words seamless.

I recognize the favor of the 'Kirin Sacred Armor,' but once it's used, that's the end of it.

And I don't do suicide missions; it must be something within my capabilities.

The same meaning, but a different expression—such is the charm of the art of language.

King Jing stood up with a wry smile, took out two opened reports sealed with fire lacquer, and handed them over to Yi Chen.

"It's a time of many troubles; Taoist, please take a look."

Yi Chen unfolded them for a look.

The first reported an unusual phenomenon near the wellspring at Qian You City in the Eastern Region of Great Qin: geysers erupting, birds dying en masse, and barren red earth for miles—an omen, the report suggested, of one of the five vile resurrection fiend's emergence.

The second reported... an unnatural phenomenon near Sea Dragon City; clouds sweeping across the sky, displaying all the colors of the rainbow for the duration of about one or two cups of tea—possibly the birth of a malignant being. It was signed by the lord of Sea Dragon City, Tie Shan, with respect.

Yi Chen: "...My deepest sympathies for your horse. You're the evil spawn, your whole family is evil spawn."

Yi Chen never expected his breakthrough to cause such a blunder and couldn't help but feel a bit of relief. Thankfully, he had been cautious and chose to advance in a location far away from Sea Dragon City.

"Eh, if the second incident is baseless, then so be it, but the first matter is urgent. Given the current situation, which you're aware of, Taoist, my resources are stretched thin. The Eastern Region is my foundation, and now I can only look to you."

"Should it indeed be one of the vile resurrection fiends, this sinister being's strength is unpredictable with each emergence. Taoist, your vital energy is 'pure yang' and naturally restrains this dark creature. I must trouble you to slay it before it fully awakens."

"If this creature proves ferocious and you cannot defeat it completely, prioritize your own safety. I will then report the matter to my father for resolution."

"Of course, if the phenomenon at Qian You City is an unrelated matter, you may execute first and report later, acting as you see fit!" As he spoke, a fierce glint sparked in the Crown Prince's eyes.

[Your Highness, you overthink it. If truly overpowered, I can escape faster than you imagine.] Yi Chen mused internally, yet his expression reflected fervor as he fiercely slapped the table!

"Is there no law left?"

"All plots and strange practices, aberrant powers and wicked beings, are the bane of the world. Rest assured, Your Highness, for the sake of the common people, I shall set out tomorrow morning!"

Yi Chen's enthusiasm surged at the thought of the possible 'Deep Red Points,' and without further ado, he briskly agreed to King Jing's request.

"Excellent! Hidden Dragon Taoist, you truly are as refreshing as a clear sky after rain. If all cultivators were like you, why would there be any unrest in the world?"

King Jing stood up and personally poured a cup of wine for Yi Chen. With a thought, he took off a gold command medallion he carried and handed it to Yi Chen, "This is my command. All offices and military forces in the Eastern Region, on seeing this, shall regard it as my presence. Perhaps it can aid you in investigating the true nature of this phenomenon and in settling this catastrophe."

Yi Chen accepted graciously.

As he took the command medallion, King Jing added:

"How do you perceive the phenomenon at Sea Dragon City? Could it be the work of an evil spawn?"

"Sea Dragon City is too close to the Front Line of the Fallen Realm—if it truly is an evil spawn, that's a colossal trouble."

Yi Chen: "..."

"You may rest easy on that account, Your Highness. I have some understanding of these malignant beings. They are elusive and possess strong abilities to hide. If the Sea Dragon City phenomenon isn't the emergence of a profound treasure, then someone is likely casting a smokescreen. If you're concerned, simply increase security. Let Lord Tie Shan of Sea Dragon City patrol the area more frequently."

"Your words are very apt." King Jing pondered for a moment, a slight smile finally appearing on his face. He repeatedly invited Yi Chen to drink and dine, and elucidated the complex relations between Great Qin, the sects near Qian You City, and the Eastern Region.

An hour passed with the stream of delicious dishes. By the time Yi Chen departed, the moon was full above the western tower.

At that moment, a fragrant breeze fluttered by, and King Jing's wife, 'Little Koala,' floated in. Watching her husband gazing in the direction of Yi Chen's departure, she couldn't help but smile and ask, "My lord, what's on your mind?"

"Did your talk with the Taoist not go well?"

"No, it went too well, my lady."

"Hidden Dragon Taoist is indeed a sage!"

"Many have misunderstood the Taoist, and you thought the same, my lady. Just watch." King Jing flipped his hand over, and a piece of jade exuding heat appeared in his grasp, "I had just made my request but had yet to bring out the 'Fire Suppression Jade,' and the Taoist readily agreed to leave at dawn tomorrow."

"Really?" The Queen wrinkled her pretty nose slightly, her eyes revealing a trace of skepticism as she looked in the direction Yi Chen had left. She sensed there was more to the story, yet the facts before her left her little choice but to believe.

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