Who taught him to practice swordsmanship like this?

The prefect of Linxian Prefecture, named Wang Zhishui, has been very melancholy lately.

He was desperate, believing he was doomed. He desperately wanted to change things, but he didn't know how, or what hope lay ahead...

In this situation, he desperately hoped that someone could enlighten him.

So, in his distress, he naturally thought of 'religion'... Coincidentally, there was a 'Shanmiao Temple' outside Linxian City. Perhaps he could go there to inquire about his future and relieve his mood.

Of course, Su Baichen, who was already familiar with the "Mysterious Yin Heart Mirror", promptly informed Xuan Ding Zhenren of this news, so that they could make preparations... As long as they cooperated well, they might be able to achieve remarkable results.

"What did you say? The Prefect wants to come to Shanmiao Temple to draw lots?"

Xuan Ding Zhenren was somewhat bewildered. After all, this place had now become the main base for fighting against the demonic path, so how could he care about these things?

So he said, "You need to find a way to keep him out of our way. We are planning a full-scale attack on all demonic forces within the territory of Linxian Prefecture."

Su Baichen was somewhat surprised. Was his sect going to make such a big fuss this time?

For some reason, he now vaguely felt that Yu Xiangke's assessment of Xuan Ding Zhenren was correct: he was just a brute!

However, he still suggested, "But Master Uncle, I think it would be helpful for us if you could take some time out of your busy schedule to properly receive us."

Master Xuanding didn't care: "He's just a court official; it's good enough if he doesn't cause us trouble. What help could he possibly be?"

But at that moment, Xuan Yin Zhenren's voice suddenly entered through the spiritual communication copper finger: "Bai Chen, tell us your thoughts, they might be able to inspire us."

Su Baichen felt relieved, realizing that his master was still the one who suited him best.

So he explained, "We all know that this time the demonic path came with the help of the human path. Otherwise, how could they dare to invade Linxian Mansion, which is right next to our Changchun Palace?"

"So I'm thinking, could we use Magistrate Wang's power to break this momentum? Then, even if the entire Yuan Demon Cavern pours out, what then?"

Master Xuan Yin praised, "That's interesting, but how exactly do you plan to use Magistrate Wang's power to break this deadlock?"

Su Baichen said, "This disciple is just offering a preliminary suggestion, like this...like this...in this way..."

As dawn broke, Wang Zhishui, the prefect of Linxian Prefecture, with dark circles under his eyes, set off incognito towards Shanmiao Temple outside the city.

He didn't actually have any of his own ideas; he was just going on the trip to put his mind at ease.

As soon as Magistrate Wang left the government office, he was already being watched by the guards of Changchun Palace.

Worried about how things were going, Su Baichen also quietly followed behind, carrying the Soul-Suppressing Sword on his back.

Just then, his senior brother Feng Linzi found him: "Junior brother, you really came out too. Master was worried about your safety, so he specially sent me to accompany you."

Su Baichen was grateful, but he had more questions: "Senior brother, how were you able to find me so easily...?"

He felt that his current illusion magic skills should be no weaker than Feng Linzi's.

Feng Linzi pointed to the sword behind him and said, "To me, the yin energy on this sword is too obvious and has interfered with the normal operation of your illusion magic."

Su Baichen said helplessly, "I have no choice. If I don't suppress it with Xuan Yin spiritual energy, the demonic energy on this sword will be even more conspicuous."

Feng Linzi patted him on the shoulder and said, "Then you should be more careful in the future. If you can hide in a place like the government office, don't go out... It's very uncomfortable for us, but it's very safe for you."

Su Baichen responded, but for the time being, they still followed the prefect out of the city together.

On the way, Feng Linzi sighed, "I don't know how you came up with this idea. If it really works, it would be a great thing."

Su Baichen sighed, "I just don't want to see my hometown and family suffer any more."

Feng Linzi nodded: "Who says otherwise?"

During their casual conversation, they arrived outside the Shanmiao Temple.

The prefect, who was about to seek divination, was very low-key. Dressed in simple clothes, he stepped forward and knocked on the temple gate.

A moment later, the gate was opened.

Su Baichen looked at the person who opened the door and asked in surprise, "Why is it Master who came to greet me?"

He had thought that it would be Master Xuanding who would receive him.

Feng Linzi said softly, "Master Xuanding is quite direct in his speech and actions, so he may not be suitable for this kind of matter."

Su Baichen was stunned for a moment, thinking to himself, could his senior uncle really be a brute?

Feng Linzi continued, "Moreover, Master also cultivates the 'Mysterious Yin Heart Insight,' which makes it easier to guide his mind during conversations."

Su Baichen was relieved to hear this.

Thinking about it this way, it does seem that Master Xuanyin is indeed more suitable for such a role.

"The arrival of Prefect Wang is indeed a rare and distinguished guest."

"However, our temple has some troubles to resolve recently, so we regret that we cannot receive you."

The Xuan Yin Master surprised everyone by first sending the guest away, a rather unusual tactic.

The prefect, who had only intended to relax, was taken aback and asked, "What trouble could you possibly have? Can your troubles be as bad as mine?"

Master Xuanyin chuckled and said, "What trouble could a mere fifty-year-old man possibly encounter?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhishui was initially annoyed, but then became interested: "From what you're saying, Daoist Master, you've lived for a very long time?"

The Mysterious Yin Master said tactfully, "It's not that long, only six Jiazi."

Wang Zhishui was instantly moved: "Really?"

Master Xuanyin said calmly, "Why would I lie to you? Three hundred years ago, the world was in chaos, and I even entered the world to seek a way to save it... Unfortunately, the once prosperous Great Yu was ultimately torn apart."

Wang Zhishui was momentarily dazed, then quickly said, "Where is the Daoist's immortal abode? You don't seem to be the abbot of this Shanmiao Temple, do you?"

Master Xuan Yin said, "I am Master Xuan Yin. I have only come here to slay demons and eliminate evil... As for the original abbot, I have sent him back to the mountains to cultivate in seclusion. His cultivation is not enough, and there is a risk of accidents if he stays."

"If the layperson has a past relationship with him, he will come back to preside over the abbotship after some time."

After saying that, he made a gesture as if to close the door and go back.

Upon seeing this, Wang Zhishui quickly reached out and pressed down on the gate. He lowered his head and pondered for a moment before looking up and saying, "Master, please wait. I have a very close personal relationship with the abbot Qingzhuzi. Whenever I have any questions, I come to ask him to cast a divination, and it is always accurate."

"Now that Abbot Qingzhu is absent, could we ask the True Man to take over? Otherwise, I cannot rest easy..."

The way he said it actually sounded a bit like a plea towards the end.

Seeing this, Master Xuanyin could only feign helplessness and sighed, "Fine, fine, I'll grant Lord Wang's request this time, but this will not be a repeat of the previous instance."

Wang Zhishui was pleased and immediately said, "Rest assured, Master, I know what's good for me."

So Master Xuanyin led Wang Zhishui into the temple.

Su Baichen, who was watching from the doorway, chuckled: "Master's feigned indifference is truly masterful. We can probably handle the matter of Prefect Wang with confidence now."

Feng Linzi, however, was not optimistic. He said, "With Wang Zhishui's influence, I'm afraid he won't be able to change the young emperor's mind, will he?"

Su Baichen calmly replied, "Indeed, but as long as we can delay it, that's fine."

"After all, someone has to do the work of the imperial court. With the experience of dealing with this Prefect Wang, I can find a way to intimidate the next prefect."

Feng Linzi thought that this made sense.

They both shared the same stance: they absolutely could not allow these officials to harm their hometown.