Gentlemen, it's time to enter the Banner of Ten Thousand Souls.

Chapter 396 Join forces to fight against the enemy
Tonight's literary banquet at Ya Rong Pavilion is destined to be the most special one in Yunzhou's history.

Chen Ye's appearance brought everyone several exquisite poems that would be passed down through the ages, and the banquet was filled with flattery and sycophancy.

Those scholars who were usually aloof and proud were now vying to flatter Chen Ye, wishing they could treat him as an honored guest, just to hear a few more lines of his exquisite poetry.

However, no matter how much praise and guidance people gave him, Chen Ye never recited any more poems.

He copied poems before only to attract attention. Now that he has achieved his goal and is sitting at the same table with this group of "talented scholars" from Yunzhou, why should he bother copying poems again?

However, Chen Ye was not entirely silent. On the contrary, he skillfully dealt with these ordinary people, displaying a sophisticated and worldly demeanor.

This demeanor gave the assembled celebrities of Yunzhou the impression that this poet, who had descended to earth, was far too adept at understanding human relationships. Was his previous unyielding attitude merely an act?
Chen Ye wasn't reminiscing about the days of toasting others in his past life; he was simply using this social gathering to gather information. He casually struck up conversations with people, but in reality, every word he uttered was a subtle probing, trying to understand why so many people's actual ages didn't match their appearances.

This seemingly ordinary exchange actually made Chen Ye sense something unusual.

Rumors have been circulating in the imperial court that they intend to hold more special imperial examinations. This news has spread among the scholars, causing considerable anxiety.

The imperial examination system of the Central Plains dynasties was originally held annually, with a rigorous process from the provincial examination to the prefectural examination and then to the palace examination, rarely changing. Every year, a new top scholar was born, and the various arrangements for the imperial examination had long been established as a routine. However, this year, His Majesty the Emperor suddenly had a whim, not only wanting to hold an additional special examination but also bringing forward all the original examinations.

This led to great chaos.

Ordinary scholars, after ten years of arduous study, would typically dedicate the year before the provincial examination to studying for it, then the following year to prepare for the prefectural examination, and finally the third year to preparing for the palace examination. Now, the emperor's capricious actions—not only adding special examinations but also disrupting the original schedule—have drastically reduced the study time for scholars who have just taken an exam, potentially leading to failure in subsequent examinations.

Of course, if it's truly too late, it's not impossible to take the exam again next year. A scholar who passed the county-level exam had three years to pass the provincial-level exam; a provincial-level graduate who passed the provincial-level exam also had three years to pass the imperial examination.

The problem is that for most people with connections and influence, vacant official positions in the imperial court cannot wait three years. The top scholars (Zhuangyuan), Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), and even the replacements for officials at all levels are basically decided in advance. If one doesn't take the exam this year, and waits until next year, the arrangements will no longer be the same.

In officialdom, one wrong move can potentially ruin one's career for life.

The emperor's actions disrupted almost all the plans of scholars across the land, especially the sons of high-ranking officials and nobles, who were filled with resentment. Although no one dared to openly criticize the emperor, Chen Ye still heard many veiled complaints, all feeling that the emperor had acted out of madness, causing chaos both inside and outside the court.

Having gathered enough information, Chen Ye felt he had enough clues. He made up an excuse and quietly left with Su Chunyi.

Chen Ye's actions were very impolite.

Previously, he was an unwelcome guest who barged in, and now he has left his seat at will, showing no respect for the host. However, even after Chen Ye left Ya Rong Pavilion, the Governor of Yunzhou did not utter a single complaint. Instead, he raised his cup with a joyful expression and congratulated everyone present, saying, "The opportunity to be remembered for eternity is right before us! Everyone, drink this cup to the brim, and then we can discuss how to record tonight's events in the history books!"

Everyone burst into laughter upon hearing this.

Indeed, the dozen or so poems I heard tonight are enough to be remembered for generations. No matter how unceremonious Chen Ye was, they all pale in comparison to the treasures he left behind. On the contrary, the more talented a person is, the more arrogant they should be. They might even wish Chen Ye were more arrogant, so that his status as a "Poet Immortal" would be more credible when written into history.

The feast continued, but these mundane matters were no longer of any concern to Chen Ye.

After leaving Ya Rong Pavilion, the cool night breeze dispelled the lingering smell of smoke from the two of them.

Before they had gone far, Su Chunyi couldn't help but ask, "Sir, have you found any clues?"

Chen Ye nodded, his gaze deep, and explained, "I've guessed some of it. The emperor suddenly added a special imperial examination, disrupting the career plans of these scholars and casting a shadow over the future of many. So, someone somehow obtained the Soulfire Boy's 'Time Arrow.' This supernatural power can even enhance the cultivation of cultivators, let alone ordinary scholars. With one arrow, ten years of time can be added out of thin air, which is equivalent to ten more years of hard study. Dealing with the special imperial examination will naturally be a piece of cake."

Su Chunyi frowned slightly and pondered, "It's understandable that Scholar Zhang risked his life for talent in order to pass the imperial examination. But Scholar Chen already holds a high position, so why would he risk his life? Does he really love learning that much?"

Chen Ye gave her an approving look and smiled, "Smart, you grasped the key point right away."

Su Chun smiled slightly, her eyes curving into crescents, as if she was enjoying Chen Ye's praise.

"I've learned a little bit from being around people who are close to them. But I would appreciate it if you could enlighten me on the reasons why."

Chen Ye laughed, but did not answer directly. Instead, he said to Su Chunyi, "No rush. I'm just guessing, and I can't be completely sure yet. But if I'm right, someone will come looking for me soon."

No sooner had Chen Ye finished speaking than an urgent cry came from behind them: "Old Immortal! Please wait!"

Su Chun turned her head and saw that Scholar Chen was chasing after her, sweating profusely, panting, and looking anxious.

Seeing this, Chen Ye clapped his hands and laughed, saying to Su Chunyi, "It seems I guessed right."

Before Chen Ye could explain, the top scholar Chen Xueshi had already caught up with him. He hurriedly handed over a crumpled note and asked in a trembling voice, "Old Immortal, is this...is this true?"

Su Chun glanced at the note and saw a sentence written on it: "To exchange one's life for talent will surely lead to disaster."

She hadn't even noticed when Chen Ye slipped the note into Chen Xueshi's hand during the banquet, yet he rushed out so hurriedly. It seemed Chen Ye's guess was pretty much right.

Chen Ye's expression turned serious, and he said sternly to Scholar Chen, "Trying to take shortcuts in scholarship will naturally backfire. Do you really think there's such a thing as getting something for nothing, that it will just come to you for no reason?"

Upon hearing this, Scholar Chen turned pale and immediately bowed deeply, almost kneeling down: "Please, old immortal, save us!" In his eyes, Chen Ye was already an immortal descended from heaven, perhaps because of what they had done, he had specially come down to the mortal world.

Chen Ye's tone became even sterner: "Tell me the whole story first. If you conceal even the slightest thing, even a god can't save you!"

Scholar Chen dared not conceal anything and immediately recounted the whole story to Chen Ye.

In fact, this matter was not far from Chen Ye's guess. The emperor's sudden change to the imperial examination system disrupted the study rhythm of scholars across the land, making many feel that their future was bleak, as if shrouded in dark clouds.

The same was true of that young master Zhang, the top scholar. He had originally planned to achieve the highest honors in all three levels of the imperial examinations, and with his mentor's help, rise smoothly through the ranks to a promising official career. Who would have thought that His Majesty the Emperor would pull such a stunt, making his chances of passing the special examinations uncertain?

He studied anxiously for half a month, but couldn't concentrate on anything, and was extremely frustrated. Just when he was feeling disheartened, he heard that there was a temple that was extremely efficacious, so he went there to draw lots and ask about his future, just to give it a try.

The result of the divination that day was a very bad omen. The divination slip said that not only would he fail to pass the imperial examination, but missing this opportunity would also bring about a disaster, and even the tragic death of his whole family.

This fortune slip terrified Zhang Jieyuan, leaving him completely bewildered. Just as he was in despair, someone quietly appeared and told him that if he was willing to exchange his lifespan for it, he could have ten extra years of life, guaranteeing him a high score in the imperial examination.

Hearing this, Chen Ye interrupted Chen Xueshi, looking at him with piercing eyes: "That Zhang Jieyuan did not agree, but returned to report to you, his teacher. Then you went with him to investigate the truth, and you yourself used ten years of your lifespan to exchange for ten years of memories, confirming that there was no other danger, before letting that Zhang Jieyuan go to exchange. Am I right?"

Upon hearing this, Scholar Chen stared at Chen Ye in astonishment, his eyes filled with disbelief. Indeed, nothing could escape the notice of this old sage; his words were perfectly accurate, as if he had witnessed it himself!
Upon hearing this, Su Chun exclaimed, "You treat him even better than your own son."

Scholar Chen gave a bitter smile, his eyes revealing a mixture of affection and helplessness: "I have only one daughter in my life, no sons, and no one to inherit the family business. My disciple is exceptionally talented and deeply in love with my daughter. He will marry my daughter once he achieves the highest rank in the imperial examination. He is my disciple, my son-in-law, and almost like my own son."

Su Chunyi suddenly realized why Scholar Chen, already in a high position, would risk his life for scholarship. It turned out he was worried about the danger and its impact on his son-in-law, so he risked his life to try it first. Such parental love is truly touching.

Chen Ye chose to slip the note to this scholar because he understood this point. Concern can cloud judgment, and finding a breakthrough through this person was much simpler than directly approaching Zhang Jieyuan.

However, it wasn't that Chen Ye was precognitive to that extent. He was able to guess these things because he secretly used the "Great Transformation Technique" at the banquet. As long as he focused his attention on the suspects, he could sense their general emotional fluctuations and thoughts.

After all, they were just ordinary people, and their thoughts were almost completely exposed in front of Chen Ye's level of cultivation.

In this way, everything becomes clear.

Chen Ye's smile faded, and he asked seriously, "Where is that temple? What's its name?"

Once we find this temple, we should be able to find traces of the Demonic Sect. Then, we can interrogate one of the demons and learn the details of that Soul Lord's plan.

"The temple is on a mountain ten miles outside the city, called the Temple of Longevity, and it is dedicated to an unnamed wild god. As for the one who told us the method to change our lives, it was the temple keeper." Scholar Chen told Chen Ye everything he knew, and after speaking, he looked anxiously at Chen Ye, waiting for this "old immortal" to use his magic to save him from his suffering.

Chen Ye simply took out a green gourd and handed it to the anxious Hanlin scholar, instructing him, "This medicine can strengthen your foundation and nourish your vital energy. Although it cannot restore your youth, it can extend your life by a few years. If you encounter other people who have had their lives replaced, they can also take this pill. Remember, each person can only take one; taking more will be harmful."

What he took out was just a gourd of ordinary blood pills.

Chen Ye didn't possess the ability to reverse aging. For mortals, the Blood Pill could strengthen the body, but trying to regain the ten years of life lost out of nowhere was wishful thinking. However, it was better than nothing; consuming the Blood Pill would allow him to live a few more years, which could be considered extending his life.

Chen Ye didn't have time to find all the victims one by one. He stuffed the pills into Chen Xueshi's hand and then gave Su Chunyi a look.

Without a word, Su Chunyi naturally understood Chen Ye's thoughts. Instantly, a sharp sword aura erupted from her body, swirling like frost and snow. In the blink of an eye, a dazzling sword light shot into the sky, carrying the two of them straight into the night sky.

Chen Xueshi on the ground looked up and saw a white light rising in the night sky, as if another bright moon had appeared in the sky, but it disappeared into the distance in an instant.

Seeing this, he gripped the gourd in his hand even tighter, disregarding his shock, and quickly turned and ran towards Ya Rong Pavilion.

Chen Ye and Su Chunyi rode on the light of their swords, flying towards the outskirts of Yunzhou City at lightning speed. According to Scholar Chen, the Temple of Longevity was not far away, and with the speed of Su Chunyi's sword light, they arrived at their destination in almost a "whoosh".

Chen Ye felt a pang of regret. It had been a long time since he had flown hand in hand with Su Chunyi. The sword light was still too fast. He should have let Su Chunyi ride the clouds and mist, so they could enjoy it for a little longer.

However, this was just a moment of regret in his heart. Chen Ye also knew that he should seize every second to prevent those demons from fleeing at the mere mention of his name.

The Temple of Longevity was small, hidden deep in the dense forest, shrouded in night and shadows, but it did not escape Chen Ye's spiritual eyes. At a glance, he could clearly see a distinct flow of spiritual energy around the temple, carrying a hint of ominous darkness.

Most likely, someone was murdered here, leaving behind a lingering resentment and malice.

Chen Ye didn't stand on ceremony. With a thought, he unleashed a surge of immense magical power, summoning the true form of the Fengdu Emperor.

In an instant, the world changed color, and a ghostly aura filled the air.

A colossal phantom of a deity, as massive as a mountain, appeared, towering to the heavens and standing majestically.

The Emperor of Fengdu raised his palm and slammed it down on the Temple of Longevity below. Five layers of illusory shadows instantly enveloped the entire temple and the surrounding dense forest.

Although it's unclear what's hidden in this temple, going all out to ensure everything goes perfectly is definitely the right thing to do.

Chen Ye wouldn't normally be so reckless. After all, he knew his own abilities well, and when fighting to the death, he often became too impulsive, rendering him unable to use even half of his skills. But today was different. With Su Chunyi by his side, Chen Ye felt at ease and could act freely.

The Emperor of Fengdu unleashed five layers of hell, trapping the entire temple within to ensure that no demon could escape.

This palm strike was earth-shattering, its immense pressure almost tangible, naturally drawing out all the demons in the temple.

"Who dares to provoke us, you scoundrels!"

A roar came from the depths of the temple, accompanied by billowing demonic energy soaring into the sky, attempting to break through the suppression of the Fengdu Emperor.

However, the demonic energy vanished instantly upon touching the shadow, like a clay ox sinking into the sea.

Immediately afterwards, several figures rushed out of the temple in a disheveled state. They were of different shapes and sizes, some with dark blue faces and others with bloodshot eyes, and without exception, they all exuded billowing black energy.

Only a demon who has killed countless people would be surrounded by such a strong aura of resentment, and the more people a demon has killed, the higher his cultivation level usually is.

"It's the Fengdu Emperor of the Yellow Springs Sect!" one of them exclaimed in terror, clearly recognizing the origin of this supernatural power.

"And the sword intent of the Qinghe Sword Sect!" Another person also sensed Su Chunyi's invisible yet sharp sword energy, and his face turned pale.

They never expected that a small mortal stronghold would attract such a killing god!
The leading demonic cultivator, his face sinister, suddenly waved his hand, and a jet-black banner fluttered in the wind, instantly expanding to several meters in height. Countless twisted ghostly faces appeared on the banner, emitting shrill screams, and an extremely chilling aura of resentment soared into the sky—it was the Banner of Ten Thousand Souls!

As soon as the Banner of Ten Thousand Souls was unleashed, countless wronged souls and vengeful ghosts surged out from it, transforming into streaks of black shadows that roared towards the shadowy figure of the Emperor of Fengdu, accompanied by a biting, eerie wind.

At the same time, other demonic cultivators also made their moves. Some spewed foul-smelling black mist of corpse poison, corroding the surrounding vegetation; others formed hand seals, summoning blood-red bone claws that, carrying a chilling ghostly aura, grabbed at Chen Ye and Su Chunyi; still others used soul-capturing techniques, sending invisible mental shocks straight at them, attempting to disrupt their minds.

However, faced with this overwhelming barrage of malevolent magic, Chen Ye merely sneered.

The Emperor of Fengdu pressed down with his giant hand once more, instantly amplifying the suppressive power of the five levels of hell several times over.

The vengeful spirits that surged out from the Banner of Ten Thousand Souls let out even more shrill screams the moment they came into contact with the shadowy figures, and were instantly sucked into hell.

Using the Ten Thousand Souls Banner in front of Chen Ye today is equivalent to using a sword in front of Zhang Qi.

Chen Ye collected all the vengeful spirits into hell, and the Ten Thousand Souls Banner trembled violently, trying its best to pull those vengeful spirits back.

But the next moment, a sharp aura swept past, and the Myriad Soul Banner, which had been forged over countless years, was sliced ​​into several pieces as easily as cutting a radish.

Moreover, the various vicious spells cast by those demons failed to get close to him.

Su Chun didn't move a finger, yet the invisible sword energy transformed into a wall, blocking the two of them.

The black mist of corpse poison was silently shredded upon touching the barrier; the blood-red bone claws that reached out were like hitting an impenetrable wall, crumbling inch by inch.

As for the soul-capturing technique, it was as useless as a gentle breeze.

Su Chun's heart was pure and flawless, and Chen Ye had endured the tortures of hell; neither of their wills could be shaken by such a minor spell.

Chen Ye once again activated his spiritual energy, and the giant hand of the Fengdu Emperor suddenly closed, unleashing the full power of the five layers of hell.

"what--!"

A series of shrill screams rose and fell as several demons were pinned to the ground by the shadows of hell. Fire snakes devoured their bodies, bronze bells suppressed their souls, and countless phantoms disturbed their minds. Heavenly lightning struck them, causing them to tremble violently.

Among these demons, there seemed to be one at the Nascent Soul stage. Seeing that the situation was not good, he tried to escape by breaking out of his body, but it was too late. Under the cover of the Hellish Divine Power, ordinary methods of possession and life-saving could not break through.

Chen Ye took out his Ten Thousand Souls Banner, shook it gently, and countless Yin soldiers surged out, capturing the souls of these demons.

The demons were dumbfounded. Who was the demon? How could Chen Ye's Ten Thousand Soul Banner be more powerful than theirs?

Is that guy from the Qinghe Sword Sect blind? He pretends not to see this?

But no matter what these villains thought, they were ultimately brought before Chen Ye.

Chen Ye asked coldly, "Speak, what exactly is your Soul Master plotting?"

But before these demons could speak, the dilapidated temple suddenly trembled, as if something was about to burst out of it.

(End of this chapter)