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Chapter 442 Dreams Come True (Part 3)

Only when one reaches the upper echelons will one gradually become aware of the existence of "Lingxiao".

Only then can we find ways to intervene.

However, the cultivators from the seven major sects unanimously believed that the discovery of "Lingxiao" had nothing to do with martial arts cultivation.

Even Wu Xiu himself admits this.

Later, there were occasionally some cultivators who were not top-tier cultivators, but who were able to intervene in Lingxiao through special treasures or some kind of "method". However, those who were able to interfere and influence were very few.

But Xu Yuan did it.

The white fox understands Xu Yuan and would never think that Xu Yuan is bragging.

If he says it's solved, then it must be solved.

The white fox bid farewell with a heavy heart and left the Champa government office with the fox sisters.

Xu Yuan politely saw the person out this time.

Speaking frankly before doing anything is a way to control this demon and make her work wholeheartedly for you.

However, we should remember this favor afterward, since the white fox did contribute and played an important role.

Miao Dashao, Zhu Zhanmei, Xu Miaozhi, and Zhu Zhanlei did not leave.

The case doesn't end here.

Many criminals have been arrested, and they all need to be interrogated.

Only after the trial did we realize just how serious the case was.

Only then can we know how much credit everyone can get.

The group got along very well and didn't care who got more or less.

But everyone wants to know exactly how much credit was given to him.

It felt like we were all following a treasure map and had dug up a clay pot.

To find out exactly how much gold and silver treasure is inside the earthenware jar, it has to be broken open.

Everyone was filled with anticipation.

In the prison of the Bureau of Purification, three key criminals from the Pingtian Society met.

The two leaders, the Master of Craftsmanship and the Master of the Sixth Rank, were captured first, and Xu Yuan handed them over to Miao Dashao and others to be escorted back.

Then they went to hunt down Qiao Jin.

Qiao Jin was brought in last. When the two leaders saw that he hadn't broken a single patch of skin, they both snorted and turned their faces away in disdain.

They're using a clever trick to lure us into their deaths.

Not only did you not escape, but you, a fifth-rate player, surrendered without a fight to the death when facing an opponent of equal rank.

Do they still have any integrity left?

Qiao Jin felt utter contempt for these two ignorant fools: You have no idea how terrifying a fifth-rate sword pellet, entwined with a fifth-rate internal fire, can be!
Why don't other alchemists use the sword pellet and the fire in their abdomen together?
Don't they understand that the sword pellet can pierce armor and the fire inside the abdomen can burst out, almost defeating any opponent?
It's not that they don't want to, but that they can't.

Because the fire in the abdomen couldn't keep up with the speed of the sword pellet.

The speed difference between the two will become increasingly larger as the skill level improves.

If the fire in the abdomen is attached to the sword pellet, the fire in the abdomen will not be able to keep up and will detach when the sword pellet moves.

The fact that this alchemist could keep the fire in his abdomen wrapped around the sword pellet and fly at high speed without breaking free shows that his control over the sword pellet and the fire in his abdomen has far exceeded his normal level!

For a divine cultivator, an enemy with a sword pellet stacked on top of fire in his abdomen is simply no match for him!

Qiao Jin felt no shame. Instead, he mentally stared at the two leaders: "These good-for-nothings can't even see how skilled their opponents are."

It's like trying to talk about ice with a summer insect!

The interrogation was naturally left to someone in his subordinates who was good at it.

Xu Yuan listened in along with everyone else.

The situation was quickly clarified.

Dozens of lower-ranking henchmen were also arrested, but they didn't know much about the inside story.

Qiao Jin and the two leaders knew a lot.

They despised each other, and the brother in charge of the interrogation cleverly guided them a few times, causing them to undermine each other. Then, he successfully learned the whole inside story of the Pingtianhui's operation from them.

Finally, Qiao Jin said loudly, "Sir, I am the vice leader of the Pingtian Society, and I know more inside information."

The Repentance Sect will never let this go. My lord, you spare my life. If they come again, I can offer you advice!

The sixth-rate leader immediately replied, "Sir, the leader is my uncle."

Xu Yuan smiled.

The congregation below was incredibly devout and fearless.

They even considered "sacrificing themselves" an honor.

But the higher-ups are all afraid of death, and they will kneel down and grab any glimmer of hope they can get away with.

Most so-called secret societies and gangs are like this.

It may not be limited to secret societies.

"And imprison them, so that they may atone for their crimes through meritorious service."

Xu Yuan agreed with one point they made: the Repentance Sect would not give up easily.

Not only the Repentance Sect, but also the Pingtian Society does not.

The purpose of the Pingtian Society was to lure the Great Sage Equaling Heaven.

The opportunity to use bait has presented itself; we would gladly sacrifice the entire Pingtian Society for it.

Xu Yuan felt that he should prepare as soon as possible.

After everyone came out of the cell, Xu Yuan first instructed his men to strengthen the cell patrols to prevent anyone from breaking in.

After he finished making the arrangements, Zhu Zhanlei said excitedly, "This is a huge achievement!"

There was still half a sentence left unsaid, so I followed along, hoping to level up as well.

Everyone laughed.

Indeed, he deserves a great deal of credit.

Especially since it involves the Great Sage Equaling Heaven and the secular gods of the Repentance Sect!

The Pingtian Association in southern Jiaozhi is considered a gray-area force.

However, the Repentance School was banned by order of the imperial court in Zhengzhou!

However, over the years, the Repentance Teachings have continued to exist intact.

The number of mortal gods has steadily increased to thirty-four!

This sect is powerful and well-organized, making its eradication virtually impossible.

If a breach can be made at Jiaozhi in the south, the imperial court will certainly reward us handsomely.

Xu Yuan said, "I will write a report for the commander right away. You should also inform the yamen when you get back."

The follow-up to this case will likely require joint handling by two government departments.

The Bureau of Purification and the Bureau of Mountains and Rivers were at odds with each other, but unexpectedly they joined forces multiple times in southern Jiaozhi.

But would the higher-ups in both government departments be willing to see this alliance?
The three secret police departments of the imperial court have been competing with each other since their inception.

Over the past two hundred years, numerous contradictions have arisen from top to bottom.

But if the upper echelons really have no intention of easing tensions, why don't the elders of the Miao, Zhu, and even Xu families give some advice to the younger generation?
Who suffers the most when the Exorcism Bureau and the Mountain and River Bureau join forces?
Of course, it's the demon-slaying army!

Among the younger generation, only Xu Miaozhi truly understood the key to this matter.

Xu Miaozhi even thought that if the Exorcism Division and the Mountain and River Division joined forces, along with the River Management Camp, they could completely take over all the duties of the Demon Exorcism Camp!
Xu Miaozhi's beautiful eyes darted around, and she smiled, "Xu Yuan, I'm going to benefit from your success this time."

Xu Yuan was a little confused: "The credit was earned by everyone, so naturally you deserve a share."

Xu Miaozhi shook her head and said, "I will explain to you in a few days."

A hint of coldness immediately appeared on Zhu Zhanmei's pretty face. She waved to her younger brother and said, "Let's go back first. They have something to say privately, and it's not convenient for us to stay here."

Saying "a few days later" is just a euphemism; they just think we're in their way!

Zhu Zhanmei walked away with her head held high.

She was a valiant female general, tall and slender with long, straight legs. When she walked past Xu Miaozhi, she was more than half a head taller than her.

Xu Miaozhi has a great figure, with a full bust, but she is indeed a bit short.

Zhu Zhanlei hurriedly chased after her, saying, "Sister, wait for me!"

Zhu Zhanmei was initially quite proud that she was taller than Xu Miaozhi, but after coming out, she lowered her head and frowned.

For a woman, this doesn't seem like... an advantage.

The emperors of the Ming dynasty always had some strange aesthetic tastes.

For example, I like petite and delicate girls.

His earlier pride vanished, and he appeared somewhat dejected.

She regretted being too "direct" just now, feeling quite embarrassed.

Seeing two red blushes appear on his third sister's face, Zhu Zhanlei stupidly reached out to touch her forehead: "Sister, what's wrong? Are you sick?"

Zhu Zhanmei slapped his hand away and put on a stern face: "I'm fine!"

Although Young Master Miao felt that Xu Miaozhi might not have meant it that way, he was pursuing his older sister and needed to maintain consistency with Zhu Zhanmei in his actions.

So he told Xu Yuan, "I'm going back first," and hurriedly chased after him.

This only applies to Xu Yuan and Xu Miaozhi.

Xu Miaozhi was somewhat puzzled: Why did Sister Zhu, who was always well-educated and reasonable, suddenly become so irrational?

But Xu Miaozhi did have something to say to Xu Yuan privately.

Then I took this opportunity to say, "Xu Shoushen is an elder in my family."

Xu Yuan hurriedly clasped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for saving my life..."

Xu Miaozhi smiled and helped him up, waving her hand and saying, "I happened to be there when Lord Ma came to our house. This matter is beneficial to both of us."

In the battle against Bai Huahun, Bian Lü summoned the fourth-rate Yuan Tongshen to help him at the last moment.

It was Xu Shoushen who lured Yuan Tongshen away; otherwise, it would have been difficult for Xu Yuan to escape.

Xu Miaozhi explained in detail, and Xu Yuan suddenly understood why the old man went to the Xu family to invite people, and why he was able to invite them.

To put it bluntly, it's a conflict between the River Management Camp and the Demon Extermination Army.

The Xu family's roots are in Hedaoying.

The Xu family is different from the Zhu and Miao families, who are powerful families in charge of mountains and rivers.

In recent years, the demon-slaying army has been suppressing rebellions in Siam and has also attempted to advance into India.

They really reaped a lot of benefits.

Some of these originally belonged to the River Management Office.

The river embassy did not want Bian Lü's power to continue to expand.

Xu Yuan killing Bai Huahun was exactly what the Xu family wanted to see.

Although Xu Miaozhi explained the reason, Xu Yuan still said, "I will never forget Senior Xu's life-saving grace."

Xu Miaozhi waved her hand again: "Then consider this your way of repaying this favor. I said earlier that I would tell you in a few days—not what Sister Zhu understood, but just that I felt it was inappropriate to say it in advance."

The imperial court deployed a battalion of river soldiers at the Champa wharf, originally numbering only five hundred.

But we've ruined the Pingtian Society's big plan this time, and it's also involved the Chan Sect. I'm afraid the imperial court will send more troops; I guess it might reach 1,500.

These troops are all under the command of our Xu family.

Xu Yuan suddenly realized: "I see."

"It will take a few days to confirm, and I didn't want to say it so soon."

His troops have tripled in number; no wonder he has to thank himself.

Xu Miaozhi is a woman and is not suitable to be the commander-in-chief, but the commander-in-chief must also be a member of the Xu family.

After saying this, Xu Miaozhi didn't want to stay any longer, so she got up to say goodbye and left. Xu Yuan saw her out.

When they arrived at the door, Richard saw them.

“Lord Xu…” Richard rushed forward and grabbed Xu Yuan’s sleeve tightly, refusing to let go.

Xu Miaozhi saw Richard and asked in surprise, "Why haven't you left yet?"

Richard looked resentful. "Is it that I don't want to leave? It's the Champa people who won't let me go." But Richard was from Anelia and was very familiar with certain "tricks."

Seeing that Xu Yuan had specially escorted Xu Miaozhi out, he subconsciously assumed that this Miss Xu was Xu Yuan's mistress.

In Elijah, powerful and influential people always have many lovers.

If you want to ask Lord Xu for help, you must of course please his mistress.

Richard immediately took a jewelry box out of his pocket: "My beautiful lady, I have a precious gift for you. Please accept it."

The jewelry box was opened, revealing a pair of earrings with a distinctly Western style.

The sapphire on the earring is as big as a soybean!

For the noblewomen of the Western Regions, the beauty of the jewelry's design was secondary.

The key is that the gemstones in the jewelry must be large.

Bigger is better!

Xu Miaozhi waved her hands repeatedly: "I can't accept it."

Richard forced it on her, and cleverly used a phrase from the Ming Dynasty: "If you don't want it, you're looking down on me!"

Xu Miaozhi was speechless.

It must be said that Richard's "applying what he learned" was somewhat not "when in Rome, do as the Romans do".

Xu Miaozhi fled in panic; she really shouldn't be taken.

In front of everyone, officials from the canal administration accepted bribes from blue-eyed barbarians?!
Richard may be insane, but Xu Miaozhi is not.

"Hey hey..." Richard wanted to chase after Xu Miaozhi, but he couldn't let go of Xu Yuan, so he was caught in a dilemma.

Xu Yuan, his face grim, snapped, "That's enough!"

Richard felt deeply wronged, holding the expensive gift in his hands, at a loss for what to do.

"Come in with me!"

Richard was truly driven to desperation.

He came to the government office early in the morning to wait.

It wasn't Old Qin's turn to be on duty today, but the captain at the gate still wouldn't let him in. He was still waiting in the gatehouse, and still not even offered a cup of tea.

But Richard was clever; he brought his own large water bottle today!

I'll drink my own, and I won't spend another copper coin!
The reason is simply that... the mission was genuinely poor.

A wave of bloodshed occurred in Luocheng.

Upon arriving in Champa—that damned Champa inn actually wanted to charge money!

The inns I stayed at before, including those in Luocheng, were all free.

Richard argued with the innkeeper, but the manager just rolled his eyes and said, "If you don't pay, then ask them to move out."

"I don't care what you did before, this is the rule in Champa!"

"If you don't have money, why are you pretending to be a big shot at Huangming?"

Richard was so angry that he even considered going out to find an inn to stay in.

But after thinking about it, he felt that the post station was more suitable, since he was using the guise of a "mission".

I had no choice but to reluctantly pay.

To reiterate, if it weren't for the defeat at Luocheng, given the nature of the Anelians, they would definitely have started a fight with the post station on the spot.

But if the Champa post station charges money, will the subsequent post stations also charge money?
The journey to the Northern Capital of the Ming Dynasty is long and arduous, and the cost of food and lodging along the way will be a huge expense.

The mission's originally ample funds immediately became insufficient.

Richard had to be very careful with his money.

This was, of course, secretly orchestrated by Lord Xu: "We cannot let those poor devils from the Western Regions take advantage of my Ming Dynasty!"

Richard followed Xu Yuan into the government office. Just as he sat down in Xu's office, he suddenly saw a strange beam of light appear above Xu's head.

It shimmers with seven colors, yet its hue is cool and somber.

First, it was only as thick as a little finger, then it spread out like countless silk threads.

But it only lasted for a brief moment before disappearing.

Lord Xu's expression changed, while Richard was completely stunned.

Xu Yuan glared fiercely at Richard.

That jinx!
As soon as you arrived, the bloodline connection between the Great Sage's offspring, controlled by the lice in Lingxiao, and the Great Sage Pingtian's power was suddenly severed!
The one who advocated repentance actually made a mistake in his estimation.

After Xu Yuan controlled the lice to devour all the Great Sage's offspring in the Lingxiao Palace of Zhancheng, he further expanded the "bloodline connection".

The theft of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven's power has reached five or six out of ten.

Lord Xu was enjoying his drug use when it suddenly stopped for some unknown reason.

It certainly wasn't Richard's fault, but he happened to be there, and Master Xu decided to make him take the blame.

Richard, however, recognized that the cold, dark light that flashed above Lord Xu's head was the power of the "Dream Realm" in the legends of the Western warriors!

The Great Sage Equaling Heaven suddenly severed the bloodline connection, catching both the lice and Xu Yuan off guard. A trace of the power in the Heavenly Palace leaked into the mortal realm through the connection.

The research on the "dream world" by professionals from the Western Regions is just beginning.

They were filled with awe for this mysterious "world".

Legend has it that only professionals of the seventh rank or higher are qualified to enter the Dream Realm.

Only those at the eighth rank or above can borrow the power of the dream realm.

Richard clearly saw the power of the dream world in the fifth-rate Master Xu!

Lord Xu, his expression unfriendly, pounded the table and asked, "Speak, what is it that you keep harassing me about?"

Richard's attitude became even more submissive: "I only ask that you grant us permission to travel to the Northern Capital to pay tribute."

Xu Yuan frowned: "Are you really going to pay tribute? I'm afraid you're harboring malicious intentions."

Richard's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly waved his hand, saying, "We are all law-abiding businessmen and have absolutely no evil intentions."

Xu Yuan sneered inwardly. See, he let it slip. They really were a group of merchants, but they were using the name of the government to impersonate a tribute mission.

Xu Yuan said, "If you have no other intentions... then I will inspect your troops and you can be released tomorrow."

"A search?" Richard had a bad feeling. "We weren't questioned when we came from Luo City..."

"You dare not accept inspection because you have a guilty conscience!"

Richard spread his hands and said, "Sir, this is unreasonable. We came from Luo City, and Lord Ma Tianshou of Luo City is your superior. He let us pass through, but you want to search us?"

Richard, who traveled west and ventured into Southeast Asia, was not so easily fooled.

Xu Yuan nodded and picked up his teacup: "Then how about... Your Excellency send someone to Luo City to request a letter from the Commander, ordering me to let you pass?"

Before Richard could speak again, Yu Yunhang at the door shouted in a drawn-out voice, "Show—the guest out!"

Richard was kicked out.

He was furious and cursed inwardly: This damn bastard is so hard to deal with!
When he was in India, he used all sorts of methods and was always successful.

Coming from India to Jiaozhi, they put on a little show along the way and passed through smoothly.

Ever since I met this guy surnamed Xu, everything has gone wrong.

Regardless of Richard's inner rage, Xu Yuan was not thinking about Richard's affairs.

A group of blue-eyed barbarians live on the land of Huangming, and they have plenty of ways to control them.

Xu Yuan was thinking about the Monkey King.

The Great Sage's offspring, bound by blood, secretly steal the Great Sage's power.

This could be interpreted as the Great Sage Equaling Heaven being severely injured and falling into a deep sleep in the depths of the Heavenly Palace.

But why did this blood connection suddenly break?

It seems that... the Great Sage Equaling Heaven only allows you to steal if he wants you to.

If they don't want you to steal, then that's the end of the road.

It doesn't seem like it's "asleep".

Moreover, if he were truly asleep, how could the Great Sage Equaling Heaven have revealed a flaw that would have led the Great Sage to occupy the city and lay out his plans?

Xu Yuan stroked his chin, pondering to himself, "It looks a lot like... the Monkey King fishing."

The one from the Repentance Sect wanted to absorb the power of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven and ascend to the thirty-fifth mortal god.

The Great Sage Equaling Heaven probably also wants to devour that person from the Repentance Sect, hoping to use his power to make a comeback!

"Who will emerge victorious?" Xu Yuan was itching to make his move.

Then he realized he had been too audacious; these two were probably both third-rate.

“I can’t cover this up…” Xu Yuan stroked his chin again: “Then find my backer.”

Xu Yuan quickly wrote a letter and summoned Yu Yunhang, instructing him to deliver it to Luo Cheng as soon as possible: "Personally deliver it to the Commander!"

Even the commander can't cover this up; we need to find the commander's backer.

But this was an incredible stroke of luck!

……

After sending the letter, Xu Yuan finally had time to deal with Richard.

That afternoon, someone from the inn came to inform Richard that all the supplies would be more expensive.

When I asked about the price, it had tripled compared to before!
Richard was furious and sent men out to ask about prices at several inns.

The inn's price was twice as high as the post station's!
With Lord Xu's current prestige in the city, if he were to give an order to bid high on any blue-eyed barbarian he sees, who wouldn't cooperate?
Xu Yuan's methods struck precisely at the Achilles' heel.

Letting their wealth slip away is more painful than killing them.

But they weren't actually killed, so that they wouldn't develop the determination to fight to the death.

That evening, differing opinions emerged within the delegation:

"Let them search; they won't find anything."

"We have to get out of here. I don't want to die in this godforsaken place called Jiaozhi."

"If we don't agree to his conditions, are we supposed to fight our way out of Champa and then march all the way into the northern capital of the Ming Dynasty?"

Several fifth-tier professionals in the group expressed their opinions.

Their eyes darted around, and they all understood why Richard was unwilling to allow the Ming imperial guards to search the premises.

In the end, they were all very certain: "He can't find anything!"

Richard had no other choice: "Fine."

So the next morning, Richard went to the Champa office of the Exorcism Department and asked Lord Xu to come and search the place.

One hundred and twenty officers from the Exorcism Bureau searched the entire residence of the delegation inside and outside the post station.

Finally, everyone stood in front of the carriage, which was completely covered inside and out.

"what is this?"

Richard bowed respectfully: "This is a gift from our great Anelia to your emperor."

Xu Yuan knocked on the carriage: "Open it and submit to inspection."

“Okay.” Richard stepped forward, took out the key, and unlocked the car door.

The moment the carriage door opened, the entire carriage loosened and unfolded.

Amidst the clattering of wooden planks and metal components, the carriage transformed into a small stage.

There are various props for the scenery, dozens of puppets, and a complete set of Western musical instruments.

In the very center of the stage, there is a stand with a notebook on it.

Xu Yuan frowned: "What is this?"

Richard laughed and said, "This is the greatest prop created by our Anelian 'craftsmen'!"
Its name is: Dreams Come True!

Richard pointed to the notebook in the center of the stage and said, "Do you see that notebook? Write any story in it, and this stage will automatically perform that story."

The members of the Exorcism Division behind Xu Yuan all hissed in unison. So miraculous?

Richard said, "During the performance, everything is exactly the same as the real people and the real scenery. Shall I demonstrate for you, adults?"

Xu Yuan looked intrigued and nodded, saying, "Okay, let's begin."

From the moment this "dream come true" was opened, Xu Yuan's "unrestrained" nature began to tremble incessantly!

(End of this chapter)