Please call me Dadaozu

Chapter 375 Zhang Yuanzhu, are you a demon, a righteous path, or a heretic? (4000 words)

"Underground City!"

Fa Yan gazed at the Daoist patterns engraved above the city gate, her red lips slightly parted.

"I have heard of this city's prosperity in the Southern Desert, where cultivators gather and spiritual treasures abound."

Zhang Yuanzhu's eyes flashed. This city was located in an excellent position, and most cultivators who climbed the mountain would visit it.

Even though he hesitated, wanting to enter the city to search for lightning-attribute treasure liquid to prepare resources for the next body tempering.

Fa Yan turned slightly, seemingly sensing the young man's thoughts, and smiled.
"The city is bustling and I long to be a part of it. I might as well stay here for a few days before setting off again."

"I need to gather some cultivation resources, but I won't waste too much time."

Zhang Yuanzhu placed his palm on the long, white ruler.

“That’s perfect, fellow Daoist, come with me.”

Fayan clasped his hands together and spoke in a gentle voice.

The official standing to the side frowned, scrutinizing the two of them.

At that moment, she felt like an outsider. After a few words, the two of them had already agreed on their itinerary.

“Junior sister, the city is a mix of various forces and is not safe. We should stay outside the city and wait for our brother to return.”

"Senior sister is overthinking it. Simply concealing one's appearance and hiding one's aura is enough."

"With you here, neither of us will be harmed."

Fa Yan's smile faded, replaced by a peaceful expression, and he explained softly.

He paused, then changed the subject:
“However, if Senior Sister wishes to stay outside the city, that is certainly possible. My Daoist brother and I will be out soon.”

“I will go with you.”

Fazhi uttered a soft Buddhist chant, then fell silent, taking a step forward to follow beside Fayan.

Zhang Yuanzhu's deep, dark eyes gazed at the two women, sensing something amiss.

The relationship between the two Buddhist disciples, Fayan and Fading, was more complicated than he had imagined, and could not be explained solely by Fayan's noble status.

Call ~
He exhaled a soft breath and chuckled.

"Let's go. A few petty scoundrels, not worth mentioning."

A thought came to my mind.

The imperial sword swept across the sky, following the rainbow lights of various colors, penetrating deep into the heavens, and falling from above the city.

The sword energy concealed itself, the sword light dissipated, and three figures landed in the city.

At this moment, the surrounding area was filled with cultivators, who all consciously put away their magical artifacts and spiritual weapons, and slowly left under the guidance of cultivators wearing blue Taoist robes.

The moment Zhang Yuanzhu and his two companions landed, a young man stepped forward.

"I wonder where the three seniors come from. If possible, please tell me so I can record the information and make it easier for me to travel in Dao City."

The young man was handsome and polite, and he clasped his hands in a respectful greeting.

Zhang Yuanzhu extended his palm.

Crackling~
A wisp of cyan-gold lightning flashed, and the aura of righteousness and pure yang spread out.

"Qingyangzhai!"

In an instant, the young man became even more respectful and took out three jade slips from his pocket and handed them over.

The surrounding cultivators immediately looked at him with reverence and bowed in greeting.

"So it's Fellow Daoist Qingyangzhai. I wonder what the situation is like atop the green wall?"

"If Fellow Daoist Qingyangzhai has some free time, why don't we have a drink together and discuss the scriptures?"

"Having heard that the Demonic Calamity is raging in the Divine Realm, our sect has come from the Holy City to eliminate the demons, even at the cost of a hundred lives."

In an instant, invitations and inquiries came from all around, leaving Zhang Yuanzhu silent.

This was different from what he had imagined. When faced with a powerful opponent, the first thing unorthodox and demonic sects should do is to stay away, not to strike up a conversation.

However, the young man quickly realized what was happening, dispelled the mist around him, and revealed his changed appearance.

He cupped his hands in a gesture of greeting.

Talk to and respond to each one.

They might explain the battle situation at the pass, inform you of important matters, or recount that the demonic calamity had subsided, and suggest that the demon-slaying sects leave.

He smiled, spoke gently, and was neither hurried nor slow.

As he walked forward, he talked with many righteous people, discussing scriptures and asking for their opinions.

Her red robes fluttered, her black hair flowed over her shoulders, and she possessed a unique charm that captivated all who beheld her.

At this moment, not only the many righteous cultivators around, but even Fayan and Fading were somewhat stunned.

They had witnessed firsthand the youth's ferocity in slaughtering mountains and rivers and conquering millions of miles.

At this moment, what appeared before them was undoubtedly a righteous and virtuous cultivator.

He explains the scriptures with gentleness, sincerity, and openness.

It was unclear how much time had passed before the cultivators finally took their leave.

The three walked side by side on the cobblestone street. Fa Yan looked at Chi Ying beside him with a complicated expression.

"Brother Dao, is it demonic, righteous, unorthodox, or even Buddhist?"

Zhang Yuanzhu paused slightly, sensing the throngs of people around him and listening to the noisy hawking. A smile appeared on his lips as he lightly tapped his long ruler with his five fingers.

"In Jiangshui City, in the alley under the wind and snow, if it weren't for that person and that bowl of porridge, I would probably be a demon."

"A truly mad and unrestrained demon who believes only in himself and the Tao."

The paused steps resumed, and a calm voice flowed between the three.

"But now."

"Whether it's demonic cultivation, the righteous path, or even unorthodox sects, what difference does it make? I am merely a seeker of the Dao who possesses something precious within myself."

The words drifted on the wind and reached the ears of the two women.

At this moment, both legal words and legal provisions felt a sense of relief from the bottom of their hearts.

Fayan put his hands together in prayer, softly chanted a Buddha's name, and spoke:
"If I were to encounter someone who could help my fellow Daoist out of his predicament, I would personally recite the Fude Sutra and offer my praise to him."

After a pause, the nun's eyes became serious, and her tone became solemn:
"If one day, Brother Dao ascends to the end of the Great Dao and becomes invincible in the world, all the billions of living beings in the world should erect a longevity tablet for that person to repay his kindness."

"Ah!"

Young people laughed, their red robes fluttering like a blazing fire.

"That day will come!"

Confident and determined.

After a few words, the three arrived at a pavilion. Zhang Yuanzhu looked up at the two characters "Seeking Truth" above the door and stepped into the pavilion.

This is the shop recommended by many righteous cultivators, who said it contains all kinds of rare spiritual items and will not disappoint.

"Three seniors, may I ask what you require? The Seeking Truth Treasure Pavilion will certainly not disappoint you."

A female cultivator, dressed in a green dress, with a curvaceous figure and long black hair reaching her waist, approached with a respectful expression.

Zhang Yuanzhu's gaze swept across the interior of the pavilion, taking in the various spiritual items displayed on the counter. Compared to the resource-scarce Ancient Cliff Mountain, it was far better:
"Does your shop possess lightning-attribute elixir?"

"Lightning-attribute elixir?"

The female cultivator, dressed in a green dress, froze, then shook her head.

"The precious liquids are rare, and the lightning-attribute precious liquids are even more valuable. However, the shop still has precious liquids of other attributes."

"Is that so?"

Zhang Yuanzhu was helpless.

He only lacks a lightning-attribute elixir to temper his eyes; he can forget about the other elixirs.

But since we're here, let's do some shopping.

"A precious medicine that can enhance Foundation Establishment cultivation without damaging the foundation."

Upon hearing this, the woman in the green dress's eyes lit up. Regardless of its efficacy, the precious medicine was a valuable item, and this was definitely a big business opportunity.

Without hesitation, he spoke directly:
“I naturally possess it. Please follow me, fellow Daoists.”

She walked gracefully forward, leading the three up to the second floor and into an elegant room.

“The three distinguished guests are waiting here. I will go and fetch the precious medicine and will be back soon.”

Then he turned and left.

Zhang Yuanzhu sat down at the carved wooden table, his face expressionless, and waited patiently. Fayan and Fading were the same; they sat quietly beside the young man, waiting as well.

It only takes the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

Crunch!

The door opened, and a woman dressed in a green dress walked in, carrying three stone boxes.

She walked up to the wooden table, put down the stone box, and gently stroked it with her delicate hand.

Click~
The stone box was opened, and a three-colored radiance, accompanied by the fragrance of medicine, rushed out, illuminating everyone's faces.

Zhang Yuanzhu narrowed his double pupils and saw the spiritual object in the stone box through the light.

A crimson fruit, a greenish-white peach, and a golden-white liquid.

Each of these spiritual objects exudes a rich medicinal fragrance, invigorating one's magical power and containing pure energy.

The woman in the green dress parted her red lips slightly, pointed to the crimson fruit on the far right, and spoke:
"The three-thousand-year-old Vermilion Fruit greatly enhances the cultivation of the Foundation Establishment Realm. However, its medicinal power is extremely strong, and it cannot be consumed by those who are not determined and have pure magical power."

Then, pointing her palm to the stone box in the center, a hint of pride appeared on her beautiful face:
"The Green Peaches are a precious fruit formed from the spiritual roots unique to our Seeking Truth Merchant Guild. They can purify magical power, cleanse the body, and enhance cultivation."

Finally, she pointed to the stone box on the left.

"Stalactite Elixir is a precious medicine nurtured from the depths of the earth where spiritual energy is abundant. It can enhance cultivation, and its effect is best for cultivators who practice earth-attribute techniques."

As Zhang Yuanzhu listened to the woman's explanation, his face showed interest.

These spiritual objects are indeed precious.

He had only seen it in ancient books during the time of Guyashan; he had never actually seen it in real life.

"What's the price?"

The woman in the green dress smiled and sat down. She picked up the teapot, poured four cups of tea, and pushed them in front of the three young men one by one.

“Senior, the precious medicine is too valuable to be measured by spirit stones. The Seeking Truth Merchant Guild only accepts barter for these three spiritual items.”

"And the value of the items traded must exceed that of the precious medicine."

Zhang Yuanzhu frowned slightly.

His storage bag was piled high with high-grade spirit stones, but he didn't have many spiritual items that could surpass the three precious medicines.

He extended his hand, knuckles slightly bent, and tapped the table lightly, his eyes filled with thought.

A moment later, a streak of light flew out from his arms and landed in front of the woman in the green dress.

This is a crystal-clear flower, surrounded by a faint chill, radiant and beautiful.

"Snow Crystal Ice Flower!"

The woman in the green dress reached out, took the flower, examined it carefully, and then made a judgment.

This is a primary material for casting a talisman, and it is extremely precious.

"I wonder if this item can be exchanged for precious medicine?"

Zhang Yuanzhu spoke.

The Snow Crystal Ice Flower was obtained by killing Qingyangzhai Zhenren, and it is currently useless to him, so he might as well exchange it directly.

"The value of the Snow Crystal Ice Flower surpasses that of precious medicines. Fellow Daoist, you may choose one from the stone box."

Without hesitation, Zhang Yuanzhu reached out and closed the rightmost stone box, taking the three-thousand-year-old Vermilion Fruit.

This precious medicine contains the most abundant energy and will have the greatest effect on him.

As for the explosive effects of the medicine, that's nothing special.

After the young man placed the Vermilion Fruit, a stream of light flew out of the storage bag again and landed beside the wooden table.

Boom~
A fierce yet noble aura permeated the room.

A brown 'dragon head' skeleton appeared on the floor.

In an instant, the woman in the green dress stood up and exclaimed in surprise:

"A real dragon skull!"

"No! The aura is wrong, it's too weak."

He stepped forward and came to the 'dragon head' to examine it carefully, occasionally reaching out his hand to touch it.

A moment later, a look of disappointment appeared on the woman's beautiful face:
"It's a pity. This is the skull of a Thunder Spirit in the Condensation Realm. The most precious Thunder Core and the treasure that was conceived not long ago have all disappeared and are no longer of much value."

He paused, then turned to look at the young man, his expression serious:
"If you take it out, senior, the treasure that this Thunder Spirit nurtured after its death can be exchanged for the remaining two kinds of precious medicines."

Zhang Yuanzhu chuckled, the precious liquid having already tempered his eyes.

With a flick of his sleeve, a crimson light burst forth and hovered in front of the woman.

It was a bright red bead the size of an egg.

"In addition to the Qi Refining Level 9 Fire Core, could we exchange it for a precious medicine?"

This is something I obtained from slaying the Fire Spirit in the Tai Ri Secret Realm; only this one remains.

Upon hearing this, the woman stretched out her hand, grasped the fire core, and gently touched it with her forehead.

"Although the Fire Core is only at the Qi Refining stage, it is extremely precious and has extraordinary effects. Coupled with the Thunder Spirit Skull at the Qi Condensation stage, its value has surpassed that of precious medicines."

"Senior, please!"

Without hesitation, Zhang Yuanzhu stretched out his arm, grasped the central stone box, and accepted the green peach.

He then stood up, draping his arm over the long ruler:
"It was a pleasant transaction with the Truth-Seeking Merchant Guild, but unfortunately I'm short of funds, so this is where it ends."

He certainly has spiritual items that he can exchange for precious medicines.

However, these spiritual items were all useful to him and not worth exchanging for precious medicine.

Moreover, the vermilion fruit and the green peaches were already enough for him.

The woman in the green dress carefully stored the dragon's head and the fire core.

He then went to the wooden table but did not put away the stalactite liquid.

Instead, he pushed the object in front of the young man, his expression sincere and earnest.

"When I was preparing the precious medicine, the shopkeeper specifically instructed me that I could give you a certain kind of precious medicine."

In an instant, a pair of deep, dark eyes fixed upon me, taking over my entire being.

As indifferent as the sky, as lofty as a god.

The woman in the green dress was stiff and trembling, as if she would die at any moment.

Zhang Yuanzhu withdrew his gaze from the woman and looked towards the door, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"I'm curious how you figured it out."

He concealed and changed his appearance and cause and effect, yet his identity was seen through.

Crunch!

The door opened, and a stout Taoist priest came out, bowing apologetically.

"I am the manager of the Seeking Truth Merchant Guild. Please do not overthink this matter, fellow Daoist. We have no ill intentions."

Then, he spoke to the trembling woman beside him:
"Green Pearl, you go out first. I need to speak with three distinguished guests."

"Yes, shopkeeper."

The woman snapped out of her daze and quickly walked out of the room.

From beginning to end, Zhang Yuanzhu did not stop him, but just stared expressionlessly at the fat Taoist.

Crunch!

As the door closed, the corpulent Taoist priest spoke again to explain:

“I once saw your unparalleled prowess in conquering enemies on the photo stone. Your sharpness was fully revealed and your aura was overwhelming.”

"I have traveled through the Plains of Passing River and seen thousands upon thousands of living beings, but I have never seen a person with such a magnanimous spirit as you, so much so that you had some guesses after entering the pavilion."

"guess?"

Zhang Yuanzhu lightly tapped the long ruler with his five fingers, tilting his head slightly to the side.

"That's quite interesting."

"However, regardless of whether the guess is right or wrong, giving away the precious medicine does not seem to be the right thing to do."

The young man chuckled, his eyes cold, his fierce and violent aura pressing down upon him.

"Such recklessness! Aren't you afraid I'll slaughter everyone in Qiandao City and seize all the treasures?"

"I still believe that the few Nascent Soul Realm cultivators stationed in this city can stop me!"

(End of this chapter)