This is not how immortals cultivate

Chapter 536 This is why you didn't go home for two days and two nights and got promoted so quickly.
"I am the one who is known as 'timely rain' for delivering the syrup."

"Timely Rain" is a perfect description. Xiang Yuan debuted as a young swordsman, known as "Fengxian Hubaoyi" and "Dezhou Timely Rain," grabbing a wave of attention. "Delivering Powder" is also a perfect description. As a walking, human-shaped medicine, he has an excellent reputation in a certain small circle, with top-notch professional skills. Those who have used him all want to bring him back to their sect as a family heirloom.

If anyone misheard it as "Timely Rain" Song Jiang, Xiang Yuan stated that he would not be responsible. He did not intentionally mislead or confuse anyone; it was simply a coincidence of names.

Lu Zhishen and Lin Chong were clearly misled.

The two reacted differently.

Song Jiang was known in the Jianghu as "Timely Rain" because he often generously helped heroes in distress. He put righteousness first, and his personal charm and influence created a powerful appeal.

Lin Chong, whose family was destroyed and who had become an outlaw, was completely subservient to Song Jiang. He would do whatever Song Jiang asked him to do. But now, Song Jiang really couldn't command Lin Chong.

The two are not in the same circle and have nothing in common.

Lin Chong was a government official in the capital, and he was not one of the heroes of the Jianghu. They didn't have much contact on a daily basis. No matter how famous Song Jiang was, to Lin Chong, they would just have tea and a meal, and then go back to their own homes and continue doing what they were doing.

Therefore, when Lin Chong heard the name "Timely Rain," he only showed a hint of admiration on his face.

Lu Zhishen was different. Before becoming a monk, he was a military officer in Weizhou, responsible for maintaining public order, supervising soldier training, and assisting in border defense. His duties included maintaining public order, which was further divided into specific tasks such as apprehending thieves and patrolling market areas to ensure social stability.

Lu Zhishen often came into contact with heroes of the Jianghu (江湖, the martial arts world), and had long admired the name of "Timely Rain" (及时雨), a figure widely recognized as a leader in the Jianghu.

Of course, no matter how much these two admire Song Jiang now or in the future, they will eventually part ways with him due to disagreements.

When Lu Zhishen heard that Gao Yanei was actually Song Jiang in disguise, he was overjoyed. However, this joy was quickly overshadowed by Song Jiang's overwhelming strength.

That's not right. I've only ever heard of Song Jiang's chivalrous reputation. When people in the martial arts world mention this brother, they usually talk about his generosity and willingness to help others. I've never heard anyone admire Song Jiang's martial prowess.

Lu Zhishen was tall and strong. When the semi-trailer truck rushed up, it gave people the feeling that it would be torn to pieces in the next second. But in reality, Master Lu was brave and resourceful, bold and meticulous. He was never lacking in wisdom and Zen mind. His wisdom was outstanding and his vision was far-sighted. He could often point directly to the essence of the truth.

After a moment's thought, Lu Zhishen realized that the 'Young Master Gao' in front of him was lying.

“Benefactor, you are not Song Jiang, the ‘Timely Rain’. Please tell me your real name.” Lu Zhishen stared intently at Xiang Yuan, trying to see through the mask to his true face.

"It's not 'Timely Rain' Song Jiang, but 'Timely Rain' Song Jiang..."

Xiang Yuan muttered under his breath, and seeing that no one believed him when he told the truth, he turned to another truth: "Master Lu is quite wise. Although he has a demonic body, he has an extraordinary Zen mind. Since you have passed the test, it is not unreasonable for me to reveal my identity and show my true face."

He swayed, revealing his true form, and smiled slightly, saying, "I come from beyond the realm, my name is the Great Emperor of the Eastern Azure Flower, and my title is the Great Venerable of Taiyi Salvation from Suffering."

"..." x2
Lu Zhishen and Lin Chong were both taken aback. The former's eyes gleamed even brighter, and he said that an opportunity had come.

"Decades ago, I fought against a demon from beyond the realm. That old demon possessed great supernatural powers and commanded hundreds of millions of demon generals and soldiers. Even I could not easily defeat him, only severely wounding him. Before dying, he escaped to this realm..."

Looking up at the sky at a 45-degree angle, he raised his hand and pointed at the air, tearing apart the accumulated rain clouds, so that part of the Grand Commandant's mansion was dry and not a single drop of rain could fall into the small courtyard.

After demonstrating his abilities, Xiang Yuan continued, "A day in heaven is a year on earth. By the time I arrived in this realm, the extraterrestrial demons had already been there for decades. They used their methods to alter the very fabric of life, corrupting all living beings into demons. The world was filled with filth and demonic thoughts, and everyone was fierce and warlike..."

"Since I couldn't find the extraterrestrial demons for the time being, I came to Kaifeng, the most prosperous and wealthy city in the human world, to try my luck. Meeting Instructor Lin at the Dongyue Temple was a coincidence, but also a matter of fate."

At this point, Xiang Yuan gave a mysterious, faint smile.

Quickly ask what the reason is, so that I can continue to deceive you!
Lin Chong: (一`一;)
To his shame, his first thought was not to inquire about fate, but to refute Xiang Yuan, who was impersonating Gao Yanei.

I was at the Dongyue Temple and saw it with my own eyes; the "Gao Yanei" that day didn't seem like an act!
"What makes you doubt me? Don't you even realize that if I hadn't stalled for time, would you have been able to arrive in time to save Lady Lin?"

Xiang Yuan saw through Lin Chong's thoughts and rolled his eyes in annoyance: "People say husband and wife are one, you know your wife's temperament. She thinks Gao Yanei is a great injustice and wants to seduce me to change your future..."

"Cough, cough, cough!"

Seeing Lu Zhishen's increasingly strange expression, Lin Chong coughed repeatedly, quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have already believed you. I hope you will shut your mouth and not say anything more."

Stop talking, there were so many people at Dongyue Temple that day, I'll kneel down for you.

Guang~~~
The lingering sound was auspicious, but before Lin Chong could kneel down, he bumped into the spatial restriction.

Xiang Yuan waved his hand to dispel the spatial restriction, allowing Lu Zhishen and Lin Chong to speak under the corridor.

The moment the three stepped into the corridor, dark clouds and rain gathered, and the rain poured down, draping the eaves like a curtain and bringing a touch of coolness.

Outside the corridor, a misty rain shrouded the area.

Inside the corridor, three cups of green tea were served.

Xiang Yuan invited the two to sit down. Seeing Lin Chong's embarrassed expression, he stopped making things difficult for him and told him the truth: "Instructor Lin, rest assured, this Gao Yanei of mine has no evil intentions of taking what belongs to others, nor does he have the malice of ruining families to achieve his goals. You only need to keep an eye on Madam Lin, and you can rest easy from now on."

Lin Chong: "..."

Why do you, a deity, keep harping on other people's embarrassing sore spots?

"Whether it's Lu Qian or Fu An, it was all my deliberate arrangement to let Instructor Lin vent his anger. Master Lu saw it clearly. I didn't go anywhere today. Even if Instructor Lin wasn't in a hurry to go home, Madam Lin wouldn't be able to wait for Gao Yanei."

Xiang Yuan rambled on, holding the honest man down and rubbing him hard for a while, having had his fill of amusement before saying, "As for locking you up for two days, it's actually the same principle: waiting for the villains to show themselves so that Instructor Lin can see people's true colors."

Lin Chong didn't speak, he kept his head down and kept drinking tea, and didn't look up even after he finished his tea.

Two days ago, when Fu An sought an audience with "Gao Yanei," it was in this very courtyard. He had already seen through Lu Qian. If the Heavenly Venerable truly meant this, there was no need to imprison him for another two days.

They insist on doing so...

Forgive me for daring, but it is he and Lu Zhishen who broke into this place late at night, offending the Heavenly Venerable's tranquility, and thus incurred this minor punishment.

"Speaking of which, if Master Lu hadn't pointed it out today, I was prepared to continue testing Instructor Lin!"

Xiang Yuan chuckled, picked up the teapot, and poured a cup for the flattered Lin Chong. He continued, "Instructor Lin is honest, kind, upright, and law-abiding. In this world rife with demonic thoughts, there are not many honest people like Instructor Lin who are so law-abiding. But the problem is that you are too good at enduring humiliation and hardship. You are too good at enduring."

Lin Chong is labeled as an honest man too many times. Others endure humiliation and hardship because they have ambitions to rise to prominence. For example, Yang Zhi, whose family has fallen on hard times, is full of ambition. If given a chance, he would be more patient and hardworking than anyone else.

Yang Zhi, burdened with the important mission of bringing glory to his ancestors, genuinely longed for an opportunity.

Lin Chong's forbearance had nothing to do with his ambition for a higher official career. He just wanted to maintain a comfortable life. Because he was too honest and easy to bully, not only his superiors but also his brothers and friends wanted to take advantage of him.

Xiang Yuan pointed out Lin Chong's character flaws, and seeing him sweating profusely and seemingly wanting to refute, he picked up his teacup and said, "I've already planned everything. First, I'll have someone sell Gao Qiu's treasured sword in the street, and Lin Chong will happen to buy it. Then, I'll use Gao Qiu's name to lure you into the Grand Commandant's mansion and lead you into the White Tiger Hall..."

"The White Tiger Hall is a place for discussing important military matters. You were not summoned and you were carrying a knife. You're being framed for forcibly entering the hall with a sharp weapon, intending to assassinate the Grand Commandant. Do you think you can turn black into white with your mouth?"

"After this verdict, the best outcome for you is exile to a harsh, desolate place. Not wanting to delay Lady Lin's life, I have no choice but to issue a letter of divorce..."

"Then, he caught a cold and died far from home."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chong immediately broke out in a cold sweat.

"Of course, it's just a test; I won't actually let you die out there."

Xiang Yuan shrugged and sighed, "It's a pity that the test was cut short because Master Lu pointed it out, preventing you from achieving your goal."

Senior brother made a good choice! That's exactly how it should be ordered!

Lin Chong was not interested in the so-called test; his heart was filled with gratitude for Lu Zhishen.

Lu Zhishen did not think so. He possessed a Zen-like mind and his wisdom determined that his future achievements would far surpass those of Lin Chong. He immediately asked, "We hope that Heavenly Venerable will enlighten us. What virtue or ability do we have to be fortunate enough to receive Heavenly Venerable's guidance?"

That's a good question, and I'll answer it even better!

Xiang Yuan nodded in satisfaction. If Lu Zhishen had asked whether he could continue the test, his wisdom would only be one level higher than Lin Chong's. But he went straight to the point and asked why there was a test. This shows that Master Lu's wisdom was two levels higher than Lin Chong's.

Xiang Yuan advised Lin Chong that if he ever encountered a problem, he should consult the bald man and never think that he could just endure it and it would pass.

“The test I am testing is not just the two of you, but a total of one hundred and eight people.”

Xiang Yuan spoke without hesitation, chuckling and shaking his head, seemingly profound and unfathomable, a complete charlatan... a complete deity descending: "The extraterrestrial demon altered the heavens and changed fate, polluting this world and creating mystique. Although he disappeared without a trace, he left behind 108 chaotic demon stars in the human world."

"Are we two the demons of a chaotic world?"

"Of course."

Xiang Yuan nodded and waved his hand to retrieve five Reincarnation Relics: "These past few days I have tested five Demon Stars, but they are all scoundrels who disregard human life and are not worthy of being tested. So I have refined them into relics."

"Although I don't know where the extraterrestrial demons have escaped to, I guess that the 108 demon stars must be related to their return. I originally intended to refine them all directly, but since they are called demon stars, there are also kind and righteous people among them. I am unwilling to kill innocent people indiscriminately, so I had the idea of ​​testing them one by one."

"The Heavenly Venerable has great compassion."

Lu Zhishen's thick eyebrows furrowed: "If the Heavenly Venerable encounters an honest and upright person, how does he intend to deal with them?"

"Good deeds will be rewarded, and you deserve a fulfilling life. Your body will be taken away and refined after a hundred years."

"The extraterrestrial demons are wreaking havoc on the world. How can we wait until a hundred years later? I am willing to become a relic to prevent their return," Lu Zhishen said readily.

"There are still hundreds of demon stars yet to be tested, Master Lu, there's no need to rush. Besides, I'm also seeking a way to achieve the best of both worlds..."

Xiang Yuan explained the method of painless separation, but due to insufficient clinical experience, there was no solution at present: "I wish to travel the world. If the demon star does evil, I will refine it; if the demon star does good, I will be rewarded. However, this journey is fraught with difficulties and dangers, with countless demons and monsters. I am also missing two protectors, so I have not set off yet."

At this point, he sighed repeatedly, lamenting his weak magical power and inadequate skills.

Without a second thought, Lu Zhishen agreed to become a protector of the Dharma. Lin Chong, standing to the side, was conflicted. He knew that his test and opportunity had arrived, but what about traveling the world? Would he be able to make ends meet at home? Would he still be able to continue his promising job as an instructor?

Lu Zhishen saw through Lin Chong's thoughts and knew that he couldn't let go. He put his hands together and silently recited a Buddhist chant without saying anything more.

The key to saving people in Buddhism lies not in the Buddha, but in the Dharma itself, and in the person themselves. If one cannot understand things, even the Buddha's arrival would be useless. Xiang Yuan looked at the honest Lin Chong with great interest and said cheerfully, "Instructor Lin, have you ever thought that this trip is both a test and a chance to gain experience? After you return from this trip, you should be promoted."

Lin Chong stammered, showing little interest in promotions or anything like that.

"Then forget it. I am not one to force people. We can find another protector along the way."

Xiang Yuan stood up and said, "However, the worst thing in life is to give up halfway. As for the test for Instructor Lin... I've thought about it. He should still join the White Tiger Hall, and he should still divorce. The tattoo on Instructor Lin's face should not be removed!"

Bang!

Lin Chong knelt down in response: "I am willing to be a protector of the Dharma and serve as a henchman by the side of the Heavenly Venerable."

"That's inappropriate, isn't it? It makes it sound like I'm forcing you."

"Lin Chong did it voluntarily."

Lin Chong raised his head, his leopard-like head and piercing eyes filled with joy.

Lu Zhishen patted Lin Chong on the shoulder with a smile. Although he had been forcibly brought here, he was still worried about Lin Chong's unambitious nature.

Don't you even realize that the Celestial Venerable needs two more protectors?
This was a free opportunity that many people would beg for on their knees, but Lin Chong found it because he was nearby and didn't cherish it. He deserves to be so happy now.

Lu Zhishen slapped Lin Chong hard a few times, making the latter wince in pain, while marveling at how similar the Heavenly Venerable's methods of saving people from suffering were to the compassionate Buddhist teachings.

That's how it should be!
That day, Xiang Yuan didn't invite the two to stay for dinner. Lin Chong returned to the Zhang residence in a daze, just in time to find his wife doing her makeup.

She wasn't getting ready because she was thinking about the culprit again; rather, she was still dizzy from being knocked unconscious by Lin Chong. She was just washing and dressing normally when she saw the culprit appear. She then complained and scolded him a few times.

Don't you know your own body type? Why are you using so much force? Are you thinking of getting a new wife?
Madam Lin spoke so quickly that Lin Chong didn't even have a chance to interrupt. He was feeling frustrated because he was going on a business trip for a while to protect Gao Yanei, and he didn't know how to explain it to his wife.

The idea of ​​Taiyi Jiuku Tianzun battling extraterrestrial demons to the edge of the universe is too fantastical. Lin Chong figured that no one would believe him if he told the truth, and lying would be even more unreliable.

How exactly do you fabricate a story to make the wife of the slanderous scoundrel believe that the aggrieved party has now cleared up the misunderstanding with the scoundrel and has even become the scoundrel's bodyguard?

The cow is too big; no matter how you write it, it's just weird!
While Lin Chong was still pondering, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the courtyard. His father-in-law, Instructor Zhang, rushed into the house with a look of wild joy on his face, shouting, "He's been promoted! He's been promoted! Lin Chong has been promoted!"

"Father, what are you talking about?"

Madam Lin rolled her eyes at her father. They had been married for three years without children, and she had been depressed about it. How could she rub salt in someone's wounds like that?

Besides, even if she were to give birth, it would be her who gives birth, what does it have to do with Lin Chong?

After some inquiry, they learned that Lin Chong had been promoted.

Lin Chong followed the path of a military officer. In his rank, the instructor was the lowest level. There were at least 800,000 instructors among the 800,000 Imperial Guards in the capital. Above him were the chief instructor, the lieutenant, the lieutenant commander, the commander, and the commander-in-chief.

Different government offices each have their own set of personnel. The most prestigious commander is the commander of the palace guards. However, because the court's military system is so deeply flawed and has meticulously set up a power game, no matter how prestigious a military officer is, he must report to a civil official who is not an expert in such matters for any major issues.

These things are irrelevant to Lin Chong, so I won't go into detail. Right now, with a transfer order from the Grand Commandant's office, Lin Chong has been promoted four ranks in a row, leaping out from among thousands of instructors to become the commander of the Imperial Guards, a mid-level officer within the system, with four hundred cavalry and five hundred infantry under his command. With a little manipulation, he can embezzle a salary and send gifts to the Grand Commandant.

Unlike her father, who was stunned by the unexpected windfall, Madam Lin was quick-witted and soon calmed down. She nudged the silent Lin Chong and said, "Speak up! Why are you keeping your head down and not saying a word?"

Lin Chong didn't know where to begin, and spoke vaguely for a long time without getting to the point.

Madam Lin frowned and lowered her voice, saying, "Tell me honestly, did you make a deal with Gao Yanei to offer me to him?"

As she spoke, tears welled in her eyes, and she felt extremely wronged.

The outcome is the same: willingly sacrificing oneself for one's husband's bright future and being betrayed by one's husband for the same future. However, the process and intentions involved are completely different. Madam Lin sobbed and angrily denounced Lin Chong for selling his wife for personal gain.

What a mess!

Lin Chong was completely dumbfounded. After a long pause, he said tactfully, "My lady, do you think it's possible that Gao Yanei wasn't stopping you at the Dongyue Temple that day, but was waiting for me?"

Madam Lin was quick-witted and, after a little thought, she realized that it made sense. She had also been puzzled at the time. In broad daylight, with a huge crowd, and such a good opportunity, Gao Yanei was just talking big without making any moves. It was indeed very suspicious.

"My wife, don't think about it. Gao Yanei was flirting with you to lure me out..."

Lin Chong truthfully replied, "From the very beginning, he wasn't interested in you, but in me!"

"..." x2
Coach Zhang fell silent, turned his head, and quietly walked out of the house, standing in the courtyard leaning against a tree, remaining still.

No wonder he remained just an instructor until retirement; he simply didn't understand the minds of those in power.

If you don't understand, you don't understand. You don't even dare to fart loudly. You can only spend the rest of your life wielding weapons. If you can't wield weapons, you might as well not have this immense wealth!

Madam Lin stopped crying and stared at Lin Chong in horror. A thousand words were stuck in her throat, and she didn't know where to begin. After a long while, she finally said, "Is this the reason why you didn't go home for two days and two nights and yet got promoted?"

Lin Chong nodded and sighed, "My senior brother said this is a great opportunity, that many people kneel down and beg for help but can't get in. He even said I don't know what's good for me. But I think this is clearly a bad fate. If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have let my wife go to the Dongyue Temple to fulfill her vow that day."

"W-what? The senior monk did it too?"

Madam Lin gasped in surprise. She had seen Lu Zhishen before, with his face full of thick, muscular jowls and a huge beard. Was Gao Yanei's taste too... too unique?

"Unique" is a euphemism; if Gao Yanei were to slander Lu Zhishen, this kind of taste would be considered too advanced even a thousand years later.

“My senior brother said that the Buddha’s teachings have arrived, and this is how it should be. He also comforted me and told me to be more open-minded.”

Lin Chong looked dejected, his eyes filled with reluctance as he gazed at his wife: "Tomorrow there will be an official document allowing me, the commander of the Imperial Guards, to return home to visit my family. The time is uncertain, but my official position will remain unchanged."

"What do you mean? You want to move into the Grand Commandant's mansion and stay there for a long time?" Madam Lin's voice rose, tinged with anger.

It was already an insult that Gao Yanei didn't even fancy her, but now he's brazenly abusing his power to forcibly abduct a married woman in broad daylight, taking her to his home and preventing the couple from seeing each other.

This is outrageous! I'd rather not have this career!
According to the law of conservation of all things, the number of victims is also constant, so the label of victim for Lin Chong has been transferred to Lin's wife.

She sensed Lin Chong's dissatisfaction and was furious. She immediately went to the Grand Commandant's mansion to confront Gao Yanei: "It's one thing to look down on people, but what kind of skill is it to separate loving couples? If you can join the Grand Commandant's mansion, so can I!"

Madam Lin refused to comply, demanding either that she resign from her official career or that she be allowed to move into the Grand Commandant's mansion.

"My lady, please don't misunderstand. I'm not moving into the Grand Commandant's mansion. I'm just going out with Gao Yanei. He... wants to see the beautiful scenery. My senior brother and I are responsible for protecting his safety." Lin Chong gave what he thought was a reliable explanation.

Clearly, Coach Lin's thought process was completely out of sync with his wife's; all his words were interpreted in a completely different way by his wife's imagination.

"I will go on a trip with you. It would be good to have more servants to take care of my food and clothing along the way."

Lin Niangzi felt a wave of dizziness, as if Lin Chong would never return. She gripped his arm tightly and said, "Since Gao Yanei is not interested in women, he should be fine. Go and talk to him and ask him to take me with him."

"I'm afraid that won't work. Although Gao Yanei is indeed not fond of women, having a wife along the way will inevitably cause some inconvenience."

Lin Chong shook his head. This trip was to test hundreds of demon stars, not to really travel around: "The journey is arduous and difficult. My senior brother and I could not even withstand the test. How much more so you, who have never even left Kaifeng. I'm afraid this is not a good idea."

Madam Lin felt as if the sky had fallen, and tears streamed down her face: "I didn't even despise you, and you've started to despise me? Fine, you've climbed up to Gao Yanei's high position, and now you think I'm in your way and want to kick me out to show your loyalty, is that it!"

What a nonsensical complaint! Lin Chong, not knowing where he had gone wrong, went over it in his mind and realized there was nothing wrong with it.

On second thought, he realized that it must be a separation between husband and wife, and his wife was reluctant to part with him. So he held him in his arms and comforted him with kind words, saying that he should go and come back quickly so as not to waste too much time on the road.

Lin Niangzi refused to believe any of this, saying that once Lin Chong left, he would be free to roam the world and would probably never return to his nest.

Lin Chong was helpless, feeling that his wife was being unreasonable today. He resorted to his old trick of hard work and coaxed his wife to sleep.

It wasn't even dark yet, and Madam Lin had already taken two naps, which shows that Instructor Lin, no, Commander Lin, is indeed a tough and capable fighter.

After coaxing his wife, it was already dark. Lin Chong stood in the courtyard, feeling a mix of joy and worry, as the clouds parted and the moon shone through. A smile unconsciously crept onto his lips.

However, Commander Lin has finally managed to regain his standing at home.

"Wait a minute..."

Lin Chong was enjoying himself when he suddenly felt something was wrong. After thinking it over carefully, his expression changed drastically and he rushed back into the house: "Wife, let me explain. It's a legitimate promotion. Gao Yanei took a liking to my skills, not those kinds of skills."

The next day, early morning.

Looking dejected, Lin Chong left his house, but before he had taken two steps, Lu Qian and Fu An knelt down and blocked his way.

There was no other reason than that the Grand Commandant's office had issued a transfer order, and Lu Qian, the former Yuhou, was reassigned to a new post. Now he was working under Commander Lin, and Fu An was in the same situation, having gained an additional military rank and serving under Commander Lin.

Lin Chong kicked it away with one foot each.

"Get out of my way, don't block my way to the Grand Commandant's mansion to pay my respects to the young master."

Reversing the Heavenly Gang, power is truly something that makes one unable to see the future, yet can see the outcome at a glance.

In front of the Grand Commandant's residence.

A carriage was already prepared. Xiang Yuan entered the carriage, remarking that it had been a long time since he had ridden in such a down-to-earth mode of transportation. He snapped his fingers, signaling the coachman, Commander Lin, to set off.

There was also a semi-trailer truck traveling with us, which was taller than the horse-drawn carriage when standing. Due to its size, it could only be boarded by walking on its legs.

First stop, Yoonseong, Jeju Island.

Let's first examine whether this "Timely Rain," who bears a resemblance to Liu Bei, is truly the same person as He Hua Zi Zai Tian!

(End of this chapter)