Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, but Thunderbolt Taoist Sect

"One gold and one silver? Ha."

In a dilapidated, abandoned temple, there were three people, one of whom stood out. His blood-red robes, exaggerated long ears, and hairstyle made him seem completely out of place with the other two.

Upon hearing the description of "one gold and one silver, two Taoist priests," the exaggerated-looking man seemed to have thought of something and let out a soft chuckle.

He leaned casually against the dilapidated wall. The three of them should have been equals, but his excessive composure made the two beside him look more like servants.

"...Do you know him?"

Noticing the other person's unusual expression, the sorcerer-dressed man frowned. This guy, who called himself the Asura King, had an unknown identity and such an arrogant appearance. In the past, they wouldn't have cooperated with such a person. There was always suspicion among illegal transmigrators, and even if they formed an alliance, they would only choose someone of similar strength.

But the current situation has completely deviated from the plan. Faced with the enemy's unreasonable combat strength and numbers, they have to accept the collaborator even if he is a ticking time bomb.

The man who always maintained the sorcerer's attire was named Yi Yang, and the other woman was named Lan Ying. These were just code names. Everyone did things that were not for public consumption, so naturally they would not use their real names. Shou Wanjie only called himself Asura King, which was even less like his real name than theirs.

Yi Yang and Lan Ying had always believed that this Asura King was a dangerous being just by looking at him. If it weren't for the fact that he had helped them and that he didn't seem like a righteous person at first glance, they wouldn't have told him this information.

Revealing the information was intended as a test, but the other party's reaction seemed to connect the description to certain people. Recalling the two white-robed swordsmen who had stormed the capital, who also appeared to be cultivators, the two suspected that the two who helped Xi Fangping were connected to them.

Originally, they planned to take advantage of the moment when Xi Fangping was tricked by Yama into reincarnating, kidnap the baby, and destroy Xi Fangping's soul. This would ruin the whole story and prevent the Ninth Prince and Erlang Shen from making any more appearances.

Xi Fangping is going to sue Yama, the King of Hell. If he succeeds, not only the Underworld but the entire Netherworld may have to undergo "rectification." If Erlang Shen investigates others, his two companions in the Netherworld will be in danger.

Now that they see it, Shou Wanjie seems to know him, and his suspicion level in their eyes is quietly rising.

"I know him, but I don't know him either."

Shou Wanjie sensed the suspicious looks from the other two, but he didn't care. The essence of Liu Qingyuan's plan was to take advantage of the information gap between the two sides and make fun of the enemy. Even if his true identity was discovered, it wouldn't matter. In terms of combat strength, these two were no match for him.

Moreover, in the end, he wasn't the real person, so no matter what happened, he wouldn't be at a disadvantage. At least now he knew that there were indeed accomplices in the underworld.

Seeing the anxious expressions on their faces because of his words, Shou Wanjie completely ignored them and even opened a bottle of wine to start tasting it.

"Do you know them or not? You'd better be clear! Who were those two who helped Xi Fangping? Are they connected to the other side?"

The person in front of her was still in the mood to drink, which made Lan Ying inexplicably irritated. At first, she thought this guy was good-looking and could tolerate his strange way of speaking. She could even speak to him politely. But after spending more time with him, she realized that he didn't respect them. They needed this guy's incredible fighting power, so it was really hard for her to be in a good mood.

Even with suspicion, they didn't consider the possibility that Shou Wanjie was a spy. Shou Wanjie's overall appearance was that of an unruly and rebellious person, and it was impossible to tell that he was also a member of the Daoist sect.

Moreover, he himself said that he came from Japan, his weapon Blood Luo Danqing was based on a samurai sword, he always carried sake, and he had a pair of exaggeratedly long ears that didn't look human. None of these characteristics had anything to do with Taoism. In fact, because of Liu Qingyuan and Jian Feidao, the two of them already had a preconceived impression, so compared with them, Shou Wanjie's style was naturally even more out of place.

Although he didn't explicitly say which part of Japan he came from, Yi Yang and Lan Ying still felt that the place where this Asura King was born was probably some old-fashioned, aesthetically pleasing comic. Whether it was the title "Asura King," which sounded both Buddhist and somewhat childish, or his exaggeratedly long ears and flamboyant attire, it all fit the stereotype.

"If it really is those two people, my advice is to leave the underworld as soon as possible."

"what?"

“We have already bribed many underworld officials and even cooperated with others. We can no longer go to the capital. If you want us to abandon another important place, you should at least give us a reason.”

Shou Wanjie acted too casually, as if he were treating them as a pastime, but Yi Yang dared not relax.

"Asura King, if you really know those two guys who helped Xi Fangping, please tell me in more detail. If you want to cooperate with us, you should at least show some sincerity."

The other party has not yet clearly explained what the cooperation will entail or how it will proceed, only saying that they saw something interesting in the two individuals, and that what makes them most special is the contract they signed with the system.

“Our system always likes to hide behind a bunch of cover. If you want to be like us, you have to show sincerity.”

The person tasting the wine glanced at Yi Yang, seemingly persuaded.

"The Twin Beauties of the North and South, or perhaps the Twin Beauties of Gold and Silver according to your impression, are indeed members of the Taoist sect."

Shou Wanjie put away the wine bottle, and several blue butterflies began to flutter around him.

"As for the reason for letting them leave the underworld..."

"boom!"

The person who had been lounging around suddenly drew his sword and slashed between Yi Yang and Lan Ying. A gust of wind swept through, and blue butterflies fluttered. By the time the two reacted, a long sword mark had appeared between them.

"Are you crazy? We're allies now!"

All of this happened too fast. If the target of this slash had not been the ground, the consequences would have been unimaginable. Lan Ying couldn't understand why this person would suddenly draw his sword.

"That's the reason."

"...Go prepare things and make contact with the underworld."

Because of the unique nature of the world of Liaozhai, and the fact that the two are on opposite sides of the Yin and Yang realms, many methods of communication are ineffective and unreliable. In the end, the most reliable method was considered to be to imitate the living worshipping the dead, burning paper money and incense, which would also create a reliable identity for the two in the underworld.

Looking at the cracks on the ground, Yi Yang recalled being chased by two white-robed sword immortals in the capital. Those two could use similar moves, and they were about to hit them. If it weren't for Shou Wanjie blocking the attack at the last moment, they might have been split in two.

The other party has already made their reasoning clear: those planted in the underworld can choose not to leave, but they must have the strength to withstand this attack. If they cannot, when Xi Fangping leads those two newly appeared Taoists into the underworld, similar attacks will no longer be directed at the surface.

"Where did they find these people? Those from the cultivation world are not to be trifled with."

Choosing a host in a world with high military strength is something both parties do, but all contracted hosts have a prerequisite: they must be already dead. Once dead, their connection with this world weakens, their soul is easier to take away, and they won't cause any disturbance.

However, high combat power means that the person is also strong and has many powerful methods. Many people have unique abilities and don't care about the benefits given by the system.

Shou Wanjie's initial show of sincerity in cooperation consisted of two parts: first, rescuing the two of them and demonstrating his strength; and second, informing them that the legal system had made changes to address the enemy's tendency to band together, thus proving that he knew about the system and transmigration.

However, due to some preconceived notions and changes in the enemy's understanding, the legitimate systems have begun to increase the strength of their hosts, or they have also begun to band together. They cannot think of such an unconventional approach as using multiple identities.

"Are we just going to keep running like this? Who exactly is here to destroy the world?"

Lan Ying was dissatisfied. Her previous cursed insects had been destroyed. These things were a combination of magic and Gu magic, and they had consumed a lot of energy. Originally, she wanted to use the scholar to set up spies, but now she had failed miserably and had to flee like a stray dog. This made her feel restless and irritable.

The only advantage they still have is that Shou Wanjie's intervention to save them was timely enough that they didn't come face to face with the enemy when they ran away, and the distance at the time wasn't enough to see their faces clearly. As a result, they weren't marked by the enemy, and their whereabouts wouldn't be exposed to all the gods.

Shou Wanjie: Oh, really?

Those who came to disrupt world peace were beaten and fled in terror, while the righteous ones who came to carry out the mission of eliminating evil cut through everything with ease. So who looks more like the villain?

"Isn't there even the slightest chance to resist?"

"To deal with them, either stay hidden like a mouse, or call everyone out."

She sheathed her sword and the blue butterflies around her disappeared along with the weapon. Despite being dressed in vibrant red, she wielded a blue weapon.

"Those who choose you, despite having such a special opportunity, are pitifully weak. Those who choose you have poor judgment."

"If we gather everyone together, can we fight against it?"

They were used to such sarcastic and belittling remarks. It was a fact that they couldn't beat the other party and that they were being chased and beaten. These were facts that they couldn't refute. Given the other party's strength, it was more believable that they were simply interested in the system rather than in them.

If such a powerful individual wants to join, the best option is to agree. However, it seems that the system cannot sign a contract with this Asura King. Either he already has a host identity, or he has other things similar to a soul contract.

"They are just passing through and cannot stay for long."

Shou Wanjie walked up to the broken statue. This place resembled an abandoned local temple. Although dilapidated, its overall scale still hinted at the once bustling activity of its incense offerings.

"The brave win every battle, the wise win every time, so why do those who are both brave and wise suffer endless calamities?"

"Then let's..."

"None of you."

"Hey!"

This Asura King definitely has chuunibyou (middle school syndrome)!

……

"Excuse my boldness, but regarding your esteemed sect..."

Upon seeing Liu Qingyuan, who was disguised as Jianzi Xianji, the Third Prince couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

Is gray hair a standard feature?

This is already the third person with white hair. Although the styles are all different, isn't the frequency of this "white hair and youthful face" feature a bit too high? Among so many gods in heaven, even the Third Prince of the Dragon King hasn't seen many who like this style.

"There's me too!"

Ling Ziling raised her hand. Just because she has white hair frequently and is shorter than them doesn't mean they can ignore her. She's a beautiful girl with black hair.

"The seniors have just reached a certain age, which is why their hair has turned white. Our Taoist sect has no shortage of black hair, like Nephew Azhen."

“Lingling, your junior disciple Azhen also has white hair in his true form.”

Not only is her hair white, but she also has dark skin.

"Ah Zhen's is natural, what about you seniors?"

"..."

Master Lingling delivered a critical blow; their hair had indeed turned from black to white due to their later cultivation and age, not from birth.

"Sigh, the child has grown up and become mischievous."

"Now that the person has arrived, I shall take my leave..."

"and many more."

In an instant, Liu Qingyuan snapped out of his dejected state, straightened up, and held a piece of blue silk in his hand. Tian Shanzi, who had already taken a few steps, paused, as the decorative ribbon on his clothes had been pulled.

"What do you want to do?"

Given the other party's past record, Tian Shanzi turned around to ask questions with obvious wariness.

"It's rare for us to get out, let's go together."

"I refuse."

Tian Shengzi answered decisively, as if afraid that if he hesitated even a second, the other party would assume that he agreed.

"You're just lacking in social interaction, which is bad for your physical and mental health. Go out with everyone, make more friends, and you'll grow."

"This is not a spring outing, and I have no interest in making friends, let alone being friends with you, Sword Immortal."

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingyuan clutched his chest, looking devastated once again. Despite his heartbreak, he didn't loosen his grip on the sash of his fan.

"It's so sad. I thought we were friends all along."

"It is a person's virtue to know his own limitations. It seems that you, Sword Immortal, have not yet mastered it."

Tian Shanzi wanted to leave, but his belt was being pulled, and the other person skillfully used the length of the belt to limit the contact distance he could tolerate.

"I am very self-aware. For example, I know I am not as rich as my friend Long Su, but he is not as handsome as me either. Tian Shanzi, at your age, you need to make more friends. Look at you, you have no experience, even Little Treasure doesn't want to play with you. As the saying goes, listen to the elders, or you will suffer the consequences... Bah, I mean, don't listen to the elders, or you will suffer the consequences."

Ling Ziling felt that there was something strange about what he said, but she couldn't figure out why, so she asked Jian Feidao in a low voice.

"Don't you think what Senior Jianzi said sounds a bit strange?"

"That's how you always are, senior."

Jian Feidao also sensed something was wrong, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what was strange. Perhaps it was because the other party was advising Tian Shanzi to come along in a tone that sounded like an elder, but Tian Shanzi was actually quite old.

In fact, even Ling Ziling, who appears to be the youngest among them, had stopped growing for some reason and remained a child for a long time. It's hard to calculate the age of any of them.

"You're not a fairy, why should I listen to you?"

"What if there's something right now that forces you to communicate, discuss, and collaborate with many people over a long period of time..."

"I will take my own life."

"……All right."

Liu Qingyuan sighed, released the sash in her hand, and Tian Shanzi immediately moved several steps away. Anyone who didn't know better would think that someone on the other side was carrying a bomb.

"Sword Immortal Traces, your words and actions are dangerous, this..."

This trend must not be allowed to continue.

"...Farewell!"

Because there were other people around, Tian Shanzi didn't use the Dao Feng Tian Shan to blow away Liu Qingyuan who was stealing his lines. Instead, he turned into a beam of light and left, faster than ever before. This made the Third Prince feel a growing admiration for Liu Qingyuan.

He wouldn't dare do that. That fan could send someone flying 108,000 miles away with a single wave. Even a dragon that could ride the clouds would have to think twice.

However, they managed to refrain from slapping each other in the end, which shows they are indeed good friends.