Moreover, it is necessary to use the hands of the natives of this world to kill the demons and ghosts, so that when the "one that escaped" finally devours the Heavenly Dao, no accidents will happen.
"So you're Commander Zuo?" Jiang Liu asked, looking at the burly man carrying several large swords on his back.
"Master, it is indeed me. I was far away in Jiangnan and just returned yesterday. I heard that the Azure Emperor killed Abbot Cihang, that wicked demon who brought disaster to the country and the people, and used his magic to bring about a bumper harvest and build a strong army to resist the demons... I have come to pay my respects today!"
This Commander Zuo is arguably the only general in the court with any real strength, capable of slaying minor demons. Since ancient times, martial artists have cultivated both inner and outer strength, possessing abundant masculine energy, making them unafraid of external evils. Those who have fought on the battlefield are imbued with a bloodthirsty, murderous aura, and will not flinch in the face of a powerful or terrifying opponent; even gods and ghosts cannot approach them.
Jiang Liu recalled this Left Commander in his memory.
He clearly rose to his position through sheer hard work and dedication. While somewhat blindly loyal, he was a good official who could distinguish right from wrong and was quick to admit and correct his mistakes. This is evident in the film when, after learning the truth, he tried to help Lord Fu clear his name. However, he never imagined that the Abbot Cihang he trusted was a treacherous and wicked figure, and that those who trusted him, like Zhi Qiu Yi Ye, nearly fell victim to his treachery. His subsequent raid on Cihang Palace revealed the true nature of this imperial advisor, and his burning anger and passion erupted on that moonless night. For his friends, for the people, for the emperor, for the country, for the world, he uttered the most powerful cry of his life—"If I don't go to hell, who will?"
He's quite the tough hero!
Chapter 373 Zhang Sheng of Jiangdu
At first glance, Jiang Liu took a liking to this general who wasn't particularly skilled in martial arts; everyone likes a loyal person.
"Reclaiming the capital is only a small first step. There are countless demons in this world. Wherever there are people, there are demons and ghosts. Demons and ghosts cannot cultivate without people. They need to absorb yang energy and devour flesh and blood in order to grow and survive. General Zuo, when you went to Jiangnan this time, did you find any demons? Did you eliminate any of them?"
Left Commander, his face full of shame, blushed as Jiang Liu questioned him. He shook his head and said, "Master, I am truly ashamed. Apart from killing seven lesser demons, if I led my troops to those old demons in the deep mountains and forests, it would only be suicide..."
He was very self-aware; even if a hundred more of the old demons from the deep mountains were sent by Commander Zuo, they would still die.
"Some demons are very good at hiding, like the centipede demon who disguised himself as the Imperial Advisor, whose golden Buddha image was so convincing it was indistinguishable from the real thing. I believe that in the cities outside the capital, there must be a large number of demons wearing human skin, secretly absorbing yang energy, devouring flesh and blood, and wreaking havoc on the human world. These hidden demons may not be very strong, but their methods of concealment are so superb that even cultivators would find it difficult to detect them. I am preparing to pacify the world and bring peace and prosperity to the human realm. Are you willing to help me?"
Jiang Liu decided to take this person in; after all, he was an important supporting character in A Chinese Ghost Story.
"With such a great aspiration from the Abbot, how could I not be willing to die for him!" Commander Zuo immediately bowed and said.
"With the Azure Emperor residing in the capital, the world still needs us to restore it! As the saying goes, the rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every citizen; let us strive together!"
Zuo Qianhu agreed with Jiang Liu's words: "Cultivate oneself, manage one's family, govern the country, and bring peace to the world." Even as a mere warrior, born in a chaotic world, he was willing to sacrifice his life to create a paradise for the people of the world.
Clenching his fist, feeling his blood surging, he said, "Today, upon meeting the Abbot, I realize that the Azure Emperor's descent to the mortal realm is truly a blessing for all the people. I am willing to be the vanguard for the Abbot's aspirations, to overcome all obstacles and slay demons for the Abbot, for the Emperor, for the Azure Emperor, and for all the people, until I shed my last drop of blood."
"Good! If there were more true heroes like General Zuo in the world, where would demons and monsters have a place to hide!"
After a moment's thought, Zuo Qianhu said, "Master, I have a good friend who served on the western frontier for eight years. He was transferred to Jiangdu before the new year. He has great ambitions and is skilled in leading troops. If the court is to reorganize the army and train new recruits, he would be an excellent choice. I know that His Majesty has now entrusted military and political affairs to the Qing Emperor. As the saying goes, one should not avoid recommending relatives to the worthy. I dare to recommend him to the Master and the Qing Emperor. His name is Wang Sheng. His family has been military officers for generations. He has an upright background and has now risen to the rank of Commandant, guarding Jiangdu."
"Wang Sheng?" Jiang Liu frowned, recalling films and television series related to Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, and immediately realized that he was the protagonist of the story.
The plot kept flashing through Jiang Liu's mind: Commander Wang Sheng led the Wang family army in a fierce battle against bandits in the Western Regions, rescuing a stunningly beautiful woman and bringing her back to the Jiangdu Royal Palace. Unbeknownst to him, this woman was actually Xiao Wei, the "Nine-Tailed Fox," in human skin. Her skin required the nourishment of human hearts, so Xiao Wei's invisible assistant, Xiao Yi—a demon transformed from a desert lizard—killed people every few days to extract their hearts as offerings to Xiao Wei, expressing his love for her. Jiangdu City was thus plunged into terror. Xiao Wei, captivated by the bravery and handsomeness of Wang Sheng, the leader of the Wang family army, developed feelings for him and constantly used her magic to seduce him, hoping to replace Wang Sheng's wife, Pei Rong.
"Wang Sheng, Pei Rong, Pang Yong, Xia Bing, the fox demon Xiao Wei, and the lizard Xiao Yi—these four humans and two demons are considered important main and supporting characters!" Jiang Liu pondered to himself, clarifying the relationships between them.
Pang Yong, the former commander of the Wang Family Army, was a highly skilled martial artist. He was once like brothers to Wang Sheng and Pei Rong, and secretly loved Pei Rong. Later, Pei Rong married Wang Sheng, and Pang Yong, heartbroken, resigned from his post and became a wandering swordsman. Pei Rong discovered that Xiao Wei loved her husband and realized she was no ordinary person, so she secretly sought Pang Yong's help to save Wang Sheng. Pang Yong encountered the pure and innocent demon slayer Xia Bing at a tavern, and sparks flew between them…
Pang Yong, outwardly carefree and unrestrained, inwardly possesses a magnanimous heart; he is a true hero hidden in the martial world. His arrival disrupts the "Nine-Tailed Fox's" plans, plunging her into deep unease. Through Pang Yong's discreet investigations, the "Nine-Tailed Fox's" true identity is gradually revealed.
From this point on, a complex web of temptations, struggles, passions, and life-or-death battles unfolds beneath a seemingly calm surface, involving humans and demons, human relationships, innocent lovers, brothers, and monsters. Led by Pang Yong, the forces of justice, at a phoenix-like rebirth, perform a magnificent and moving ode to life.
Jiang Liu originally intended to go to Lanruo Temple to eliminate the tree demon, but the fox demon Xiao Wei in "Painted Skin" was equally important, and it just so happened to be on the way.
"In that case, let's go and see what kind of person this Wang Sheng really is!"
Zuo Qianhu was somewhat surprised; he hadn't expected Jiang Liu to go in person.
With the Azure Emperor residing in the capital Chang'an, absorbing faith while expanding outwards, he cannot easily leave. He is the most crucial link in the important task of devouring the Heavenly Dao, and he must not make any mistakes.
Jiang Liu did not fly on the clouds, but instead rode with Zuo Qianhu at full speed straight to Jiangdu City.
Along the way, Jiang Liu also taught Zuo Qianhu some sword techniques, methods to slay ghosts and monsters. Zuo Qianhu's martial arts were not bad either; his blood and energy were vigorous, barely reaching the Innate Realm. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to withstand the centipede demon's deadly chanting in the movie.
With Jiang Liu's guidance and his becoming a follower of the Azure Emperor, he obtained supernatural powers such as Seven Kills and Thunder, and his strength increased by leaps and bounds.
Jiangdu City is located in Jiangnan, not too far from Lanruo Temple in Guobei County, Jinhua.
Wang Sheng was a man of loyalty and righteousness. He never married a second woman in his life, nor did he linger in brothels. Compared to fighting on the battlefield, he actually preferred an ordinary life; being with his wife, Pei Rong, was enough for him.
Unfortunately, he was born in a chaotic era and was also targeted by a fox demon.
As the Commandant of Jiangdu City, Wang Sheng was in charge of the city's troops, making him, in this chaotic world, the guardian of all the people in the city.
As soon as Jiang Liu and Commander Zuo entered Jiangdu City, they sensed the widespread panic. However, from the guards at the city gates, it was clear that the soldiers trained by Wang Sheng were highly elite.
"Brother Zuo, you've only been gone for three months, why are you back again? Has something happened in the court?" Wang Sheng glanced at Jiang Liu, then looked at Commander Zuo and asked.
Left Commander was clearly on good terms with Wang Sheng, patting him on the shoulder and saying, "The imperial court... it's too complicated to explain in a few words. Let me introduce you. This is Jiang Liu, Abbot Jiang, the Abbot of Qianlong Temple. This is Wang Sheng, Commandant Wang..."
Wang Sheng was very handsome; if he were to remove his armor and don a blue robe, he could easily be mistaken for a scholar. However, he had a slender waist and a muscular build, clearly indicating that he possessed considerable strength.
However, in Jiang Liu's opinion, this person's strength was not as good as the previous Zuo Qianhu, but he was extremely skilled in leading troops and arranging formations, and was called a scholar-general by Zuo Qianhu.
Chapter 374 Little Fox Demon Wei
Zuo Qianhu recounted in detail the recent events in the capital, the various changes of which were too numerous to describe in a short time.
Wang Sheng was shocked and incredulous: "...The Imperial Preceptor was a demon in disguise, and he has been killed by the Azure Emperor. The capital has undergone a great transformation, and the Hidden Dragon Temple has wiped out all demons within a hundred miles of the capital!"
He knew perfectly well that the imperial court was rotten to the core; the army was corrupt, demons roamed freely, and the people were suffering terribly. How many generals like him, commanding the troops of a single city, would actually obey the court's orders? Probably no more than a handful. Moreover, he truly lacked the energy and strength; even defending one region was a struggle. Demons frequently entered the city to devour people; how could he possibly uphold humanity and pacify the world?
"I've come here for two reasons. First, I have important business to attend to, and second, I want to deliver a message to you, brother. The court is undergoing reforms, and I have already recommended you to the Emperor. Soon, a high-ranking official will be coming..." Commander Zuo looked at Wang Sheng, his eyes gleaming.
“Brother Zuo, the demonic scourge in Jiangdu City has not yet been eradicated. If I leave now, what will become of the people of this city… Alas! We warriors, though we may have mastered both martial and literary arts, and be able to sell our skills to the emperor and gain official positions and wealth, who wouldn’t want that? But…” Wang Sheng sighed, his face full of weariness and anger, and even his eyes were bloodshot.
“There’s a demon in the city!” Commander Zuo glanced at Jiang Liu and then said.
Wang Sheng nodded and said, "There is a demon. It's been like this for three months, and every three days someone has had their heart ripped out—more than thirty lives lost. Now the whole city is in a state of panic, everyone is afraid. I've ordered the entire city to be patrolled day and night, but there's not a single clue... As the city's commander, to be toyed with by this demon, I..."
Thinking of the centipede demon disguised as a human, and recalling what Jiang Liu had told him, Zuo Qianhu said in a deep voice, "When a demon wears human skin, it can conceal its aura, so naturally you can't find it... Not to mention you, even I, if I encountered a truly powerful demon, might not be able to detect it!"
"Brother Zuo, I won't say any more. I'll have Pei Rong cook a few dishes to welcome you both!"
"A dignified captain, yet you are still so frugal. Aren't you afraid of burdening your younger siblings?"
"People suffer in chaotic times, I'd better not cause any more trouble... Come on, let's have a drink tonight!"
Pei Rong is an excellent cook, steady, virtuous, and understanding; she is a typical good wife and mother.
But the woman who greeted them was a beautiful young girl, who walked gracefully, charming and captivating, exceptionally pretty, with a long, fair neck and exposed collarbone, exuding a natural allure.
Left Commander was slightly surprised. With his cultivation level, he naturally couldn't see anything unusual about the girl. But knowing Wang Sheng's character, and knowing that he and Pei Rong were deeply in love, it was hard to believe he had taken another concubine. He forced a smile and said, "Wang Sheng, you're not behaving properly. Pei Rong, aren't you going to keep an eye on him?"
A slightly weathered young woman stepped forward and smiled, “Brother Zuo, this is Xiao Wei. Wang Sheng rescued her from the Western Regions. She has no parents. Wang Sheng took pity on her orphanhood and let her stay in the General’s Mansion. Xiao Wei is a good girl. Many soldiers in Wang’s army secretly like her. I also like her very much and sincerely treat her as my younger sister.”
"Sister..." Xiao Wei blushed slightly, then secretly glanced at Jiang Liu.
Jiang Liu has a handsome appearance and the body of an immortal. Even when he suppresses all his strength, he still appears to have fair skin and jade bones. He is as attractive to demons as Tang Sanzang's flesh, making them want to devour him alive.
A pot of light wine and a few simple dishes, nothing fancy, but Pei Rong's cooking was quite good. After a few rounds of drinks, Jiang Liu was slightly drunk, but of course, he was just pretending. With his immortal physique, a mere low-alcohol rice wine was hardly enough to make him drunk.
"I wonder what brings Brother Zuo and the Abbot to Jiangdu?" Wang Sheng asked, slightly drunk.
Jiang Liu immediately noticed that Xiao Wei, who had been serving him wine, had perked up her ears. Taking advantage of the alcohol, Jiang Liu laughed and said, "It was just on the way. I was preparing to head south to Jiangnan... General Zuo speaks highly of Commander Wang, so I stopped by to take a look. General, you are indeed extraordinary. With your strong and capable troops, you are able to protect this land in this chaotic world. It is truly a blessing for the people of Jiangdu!"
"Alas! Shame, shame! Now demons have appeared in Jiangdu, devouring human hearts. Dozens have been killed in just three months. I, the captain, am already overwhelmed with worry. If this continues, I will have no face to face the elders of Jiangdu." Wang Sheng thought of the man-eating demons in the city, and his anger surged. The alcohol made his eyes bloodshot.
"Brother Wang, I've learned some skills now, which will be perfect for helping you vanquish the demons..." Commander Zuo finished his drink, slung several swords over his back, and began to wield them. He was a three-sword style swordsman, and even without the Azure Emperor's divine seed, his combat prowess was formidable. Now, having reached an even higher level, he was even more adept at dealing with demons.
"I'll be right back!" With that, he leaped onto the roof, looked around, and then jumped off in one direction.
Under the hazy moonlight, Zuo Qianhu, like a large bird, glided and leaped across the rooftops, disappearing from Wang Sheng's sight.
"Judging from Brother Zuo's movements, his martial arts have improved again..." Wang Sheng was about to follow him to take a look, but Commander Zuo had obtained the divine power seed of the Azure Emperor, and his strength had greatly increased. How could he possibly catch up with him?
“Master, I am worried about Brother Zuo. You are drinking alone. I will lead troops to help you…” Wang Sheng immediately took his weapon, led a horse out of the stable in the backyard, and galloped away.
The small building fell silent instantly, leaving only Jiang Liu and Xiao Wei, along with Pei Rong who was downstairs seeing Wang Sheng off.
"Young master, drinking alone is no fun. Let me keep you company for a drink..."
As she spoke, Xiao Wei stretched out her jade-like wrist, revealing her fair collarbone. She leaned forward slightly, her chest gently brushing against Jiang Liu's arm, and then slowly filled the wine glass in front of Jiang Liu.
"The woman by the wine shop is like the moon, her fair wrists like frost and snow. Such a beauty and such fine wine, we should drink!" Jiang Liu tilted his head back and drank a cup, his eyes becoming even more dreamy.
One glass after another, Jiang Liu grew increasingly tipsy. As the saying goes, alcohol can cloud judgment, and naturally, he was about to take some action. Xiao Wei was also clearly very interested in Jiang Liu; through his bleary eyes, he could see her constantly swallowing.
A thousand-year-old fox demon, a beautiful nine-tailed fox, though far removed from the nine-tailed fox, still possessed formidable magical power and alluring charm. Ordinary people, or even martial artists like Wang Sheng, would find it utterly difficult to resist her allure. He felt an almost frantic urge to tear her clothes to shreds.
"Gurgle!"
Jiang Liu sneered inwardly, his playful side stirring within him. He pretended to swallow, then lowered his gaze to his chest.
When the fox spirits unleash their full allure, only eminent monks, virtuous masters, and Taoist priests can truly resist them.
Just as Jiang Liu was about to make a move, the sound of horses' hooves thundered in the street, and footsteps sounded overhead...
Chapter 375 The Demon's Love
"Splash!"
Amidst a loud laugh, Commander Zuo leaped from the window into the small building, carrying a burly, badly wounded man who was on the verge of death.
This person had a hideous face, resembling a large lizard, or rather, a human with lizard skin! His exposed skin was as rough as tree bark, with clearly defined patches, and his head was a grotesque combination of human and lizard features! The sharp teeth on his upper and lower jaws were arranged tightly like upright short blades, leaving no doubt that it could easily tear a person to shreds. A strong, powerful tail hung behind him, but it was broken off!
He looked quite disheveled, covered in wounds, and his skin appeared to be extremely resilient; even if he were struck head-on by a knife, it wouldn't cause serious injury.
However, Zuo Qianhu's swordsmanship was no longer purely martial arts; it contained the power of thunder, which Zuo Qianhu could not withstand. It was precisely the power of thunder and the Seven Kills that allowed Zuo Qianhu to easily capture this lizard demon.
The lizard's vertical pupils glared at Commander Zuo, emitting a chilling rage that sent shivers down Wang Sheng's spine as he climbed the stairs.
The lizard demon finally saw Xiaowei, and its eyes softened instantly. But after a second of eye contact, its vertical pupils were filled with determination, and it was already resigned to death.
"Is this the demon that eats people in the city?" Wang Sheng was furious, drawing his sword and wanting to kill the lizard with his own hands.
"Wang Sheng, don't kill him yet!" Commander Zuo pressed down on Wang Sheng's hand and sheathed his sword.
Wang Sheng stared blankly at the sword that Zuo Qianhu had sheathed in an instant; the difference in strength was simply too great.
"Master, what should we do with this demon?" Commander Zuo asked Jiang Liu.
As the abbot of Qianlong Temple, Zuo Qianhu didn't know the exact relationship between Jiang Liu and the Azure Emperor, but he was aware of Jiang Liu's status. Many of the Azure Emperor's followers, even the goddesses as beautiful as celestial beings, trembled in his presence.
Left Commander naturally obeyed Jiang Liu!
"Tell me the real mastermind behind the Heart-Eating Demon, and I'll spare your life!" Jiang Liu looked at the lizard demon with bleary eyes, holding Xiao Wei's soft, delicate hand and rubbing it repeatedly.