Journey to the West: Starting with the True Lord of the Pure Land

Song Yan bowed and withdrew, and the hall returned to silence, with only the faint sound of pine trees rustling outside the window.

Master Shouyue sat alone behind his desk, his delicate brows slightly furrowed, deep in thought.

Demons plunder people for food, to refine magic, to concoct evil artifacts, or to enslave them as laborers.

Such a large-scale, premeditated disappearance is far beyond what ordinary, scattered demonic disturbances can achieve.

The other party acted meticulously, leaving no trace, making it difficult even for the patrolling disciples of the Songyue Sword Sect to catch them. Their ambitions must be considerable.

However, there were no clues whatsoever, and the enemy was in the dark while we were in the light. Even if we wanted to investigate deeply, it would be like the blind men touching an elephant.

She felt vaguely uneasy, but couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Just as he was pondering this, another series of footsteps came from outside the hall, this time more hurried.

"Uncle-Master! Uncle-Master!"

But then Song An led a woman inside in a hurry.

Song An stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Uncle-Master, this is Chief Yao from the Spiritual Investigation Division of the Women's Kingdom. He has important matters to report."

Master Shouyue's gaze fell on the woman, and his heart stirred slightly.

She came from the Kingdom of Women, so she naturally recognized this female official's attire.

Judging from his expression, it was clear that this was no small matter.

The female official was about thirty years old, with a dignified appearance, but her brows were furrowed at the moment.

The female official hurried to the hall and, upon seeing Master Shouyue, felt as if she had seen a savior. Before she could even complete the full bow, her voice was already choked with emotion.

"Your humble servant Yao Wenjun, Chief Clerk of the Lingcha Division, pays respects to the True Man Shouyue."

"I apologize for bothering you, but a series of bizarre cases have recently occurred at our school, causing widespread panic. I have no choice but to earnestly request your assistance."

Master Shouyue's gaze fell on the blue phoenix pattern on the front of Yao Wenjun's official robe, which was the symbol of the Spirit Observation Division of the Women's Kingdom.

She raised her hand in a gesture of support and said softly:

"Steward Yao, there's no need for such formalities. Please sit down and let's talk. What has happened in the country that has caused you such alarm?"

Yao Wenjun composed herself, suppressing her panic, and said:

"I dare not lie to the truth. In the past three months, the number of people going missing in our country has been escalating."

"At first, it was just a few small villages where people occasionally got lost, and they thought it was just ordinary mountain spirits abducting them."

However, in the past half month, the number of missing persons has suddenly increased, and even in towns, some people have disappeared without a trace.

A month ago, my Lingcha Division was ordered to select skilled personnel to form three teams to conduct separate investigations.

Unexpectedly, half a month later, all three teams disappeared without a trace, without even sending out a distress signal!

Master Shouyue's expression hardened.

Although the Kingdom of Women has no major sects of cultivation, it has many cultivators who make offerings to it, yet it still suffers silent loss just like ordinary people.

Yao Wenjun took a deep breath and continued:

"Now the people in the middle school are in a state of panic, and rumors are spreading everywhere."

His Majesty was filled with worry day and night, and the officials consulted various divination methods to investigate, but they were as if lost in a fog, unable to find the root cause.

All that is known is that this is by no means a natural disaster, but rather the work of an extremely powerful demon, whose intentions are far from small.

"I have been ordered to come here, and I earnestly request that you, sir, consider my hometown and lend a helping hand to investigate the matter and save my people from this suffering!"

As she spoke, she knelt down on the ground, her voice pleading.

Master Shouyue stood up, offering a helping hand, his usually cold expression replaced by a solemn one.

She was originally from the Women's Kingdom, born and raised there. Although she had been away from home for a long time after joining the Songyue Sword Sect, how could she easily sever the bond of blood?

Furthermore, the sect and the Women's Kingdom have always been on good terms, and many of the sect's female disciples come from there.

Moreover, this case is similar in time and method to the disappearance case near Songyue Sword Sect, both of which are strange and cannot be a coincidence.

only……

Master Shouyue's gaze swept across the sea of ​​clouds outside the hall and landed on the back mountain.

The sect leader is in seclusion and must not be disturbed. Most of the sect's elites must be on his side to ensure his safety.

The remaining disciples may be able to maintain the status quo, but they may not be able to cope with the unknown dangers that have caused the elite of the Women's Kingdom's Spirit Observation Division to disappear one after another.

Furthermore, the area around the sect is not peaceful, so it is necessary to divide forces to guard against it.

Master Shouyue glanced at Song An, who was standing to the side, and then thought of Song Yan, who had just left.

Song Yan and Song An, the two sons, returned from the Netherworld City and each refined a pure Yin-attribute spiritual energy, making their foundations even more solid.

Song Yan had already reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment, with a calm and steady Dao heart. Furthermore, by chance, he obtained a rather magical Qinglu Guanshui inkstone from the Qingfu Pavilion.

His study of talismans has greatly benefited him, and the prospect of achieving the Golden Core stage is now within reach.

Although Song An was a bit unconventional, he was also quick-witted and decisive, and his mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation was among the best of his generation.

In a flash, Master Shouyue made her decision. She looked at Steward Shen and said slowly:

"Please rest assured, Master Yao. I am already aware of this matter, and the Songyue Sword Sect will not stand idly by."

The Songyue Sword Sect lives next to the Women's Kingdom, and it is their duty to help and support each other.

However, since the sect leader is currently in seclusion, the elders are not in a position to act rashly.

Upon hearing this, Yao Wenjun's face lost some color, and her lips trembled slightly.

After a moment's thought, Master Shouyue turned to Song'an and instructed him:

"Song An, go find your senior brother Song Yan immediately and tell him about this."

You two are to gather ten inner disciples skilled in tracking, reconnaissance, and formations, and get them ready to accompany Master Yao to the Women's Kingdom.

All actions must be discussed with the Spirit Observer; caution is paramount, and self-preservation is of utmost importance.

If discovered, immediately send a message back to the mountain using the sword talisman; there must be no delay.

She then said to Yao Wenjun, "Master Yao, Songyan and Song'an are outstanding talents in our clan, with rich experience. They can certainly lend a helping hand to your country."

She then said to Yao Wenjun, "Master Yao, Songyan and Song'an are outstanding talents in our clan, with rich experience. They can certainly lend a helping hand to your country."

However, this matter is strange; the enemy is in the dark while we are in the light. We hope your country will cooperate more and exchange information.

Having received a personal promise from Master Shouyue that he would send someone and provide follow-up support, Yao Wenjun immediately bowed and said:

"Your Excellency is truly virtuous and kind. On behalf of Your Majesty and the people of the country, I would like to express my sincere gratitude!"

This assistance is already a timely help. The specific course of action is entirely up to the Master.

Upon hearing this, Song An's spirits lifted, and his eyes showed no fear, but rather a hint of eagerness and ambition.

He and his senior brother Youming gained experience and knowledge during their journey together, and he needed this kind of training.

He immediately clasped his hands in obeisance and said, "Disciple obeys! I will certainly investigate the truth with my senior brother and live up to the trust placed in me by my master!"

Master Shouyue nodded slightly, watching Song An lead Master Yao away in a hurry.

The hall returned to silence.

Master Shouyue got up, walked slowly to the window, and gazed in the direction of the Women's Kingdom.

Clouds drifted across the sky, and the mountain breeze whispered in her ears, carrying the scent of distant vegetation, yet it could not dispel the gloom in her heart.

The Moon Guardian looked at the statue of the deity enshrined in the hall.

Before the jade cup offering, a jade statue of a female immortal stands quietly, her face veiled in a light gauze, her eyes lowered; this is none other than Taiyin Yuanjun.

Master Shouyue stood quietly for a moment, silently praying, the worry between his brows slightly lessening.

…………

Song Yan and Song An led ten inner disciples and, following Master Yao, left Qingxu Mountain, riding on their swords and heading towards the Women's Kingdom.

In just over half a day, the mountains and rivers beneath our feet gradually became more beautiful, and the network of waterways became denser, indicating that we had entered the territory of the Women's Kingdom.

The scenery of the Western Liang Women's Kingdom was quite different from other places; the mountains were graceful and lush, less rugged and more gentle.

After walking for a while, Song Yan and the others saw the terrain gradually widen ahead, and in the distance they could see a clear wave, like a jade ribbon, winding across the plains.