Xie Lian stayed silent. Jun Wu shook his head and said, "I suppose you don't know either."
He slightly tilted his head, signaling Xie Lian to follow him. The two of them slowly walked towards the back of the Divine Martial Hall.
Jun Wu walked ahead with his hands behind his back, saying, "Celestial Music has grown up now."
Hearing this, Xie Lian naturally didn't dare to respond.
Jun Wu continued, "Eight hundred years ago, I told you to keep in touch after you went down. Don't roll around in the mud alone, but you disappeared for eight hundred years, torturing yourself down there. This time, you've been back for so many days and haven't reported to the Divine Martial Hall even once. If it were someone else being so neglectful, the True Lord Ling Wen could have directly held them accountable."
Xie Lian's earlier "I'm sorry" was not just for this. Jun Wu knew it well and added, "If that 'sorry' is still for those few stabs, then forget it. You said it yourself, once you stabbed, you forgot everything."
Xie Lian smiled bitterly, "…How could I forget?"
Jun Wu said calmly, "Then look ahead, there's still a lot that needs you."
Xie Lian rubbed his forehead and said, "Celestial Music is now just a broken immortal without spiritual power, not needed at all. Just trying not to cause trouble is enough."
Jun Wu said, "Why belittle yourself? The two things you've done since coming back were done quite well."
Xie Lian sighed, "But I might have offended General Pei just after coming back."
Jun Wu said, "No worries about Bright Light, I'll keep an eye on him, you don't need to worry. But," Jun Wu turned around, "tell me, did you provoke someone significant when you went down this time?"
Xie Lian raised his hand and said, "Emperor, I swear I didn't do anything. I just happened to meet an interesting young friend on the road one day and spent some time with him, nothing more."
Jun Wu nodded and said, "Met by chance, young friend, ghost king. Celestial Music, do you know, if General Pei pursued the matter further and you said that in front of the other officials, what would happen? No one would believe you."
Xie Lian helplessly said, "Celestial Music knows. So I must thank the Emperor for helping me out. You won't really interrogate me, right? I'm not colluding with the ghost realm. It's all unnecessary worry."
Jun Wu said, "I know you wouldn't collude with the ghost realm."
Xie Lian said, "Thank you for trusting me, Emperor."
Jun Wu replied, "However, there's an important task at hand that might not be suitable for you."
Xie Lian asked, "What task?"
By this time, the two had reached the back of the Divine Martial Hall.
The front and back halls were separated by a large mural.
The front of the mural depicted a golden hall standing at the peak of the sea of clouds, shining brilliantly, while the back was a map of mountains and rivers. Looking up, the giant map was embedded with many small bright pearls, resembling stars.
These pearls marked the locations of the Divine Martial Halls in the human world.
A pearl embedded here indicated a Divine Martial Hall was present. Eight hundred years ago, when Jun Wu first brought Xie Lian here, the stars weren't as dense. Now, the map was almost entirely covered with shimmering pearls, beautiful and awe-inspiring.
Jun Wu stood before the map of mountains and rivers, pointing to a place in the east, and said, "Seven days ago, many people saw a fire dragon suddenly rise into the sky from the deep mountains nearby."
Xie Lian's expression grew serious.
Jun Wu, with one hand behind his back and the other gently tapping a spot on the map, said, "The fire dragon burned for the time it takes two incense sticks to burn before extinguishing. Many people saw it, but no one was hurt. Do you know what this means?"
Xie Lian said, "The Fire Dragon Sky Roar Technique. The flames are strong but don't harm people, only showing a huge form. This is a call for help."
Jun Wu said, "Correct. A call for help, and it's from a god official from the Heavenly Court."
Xie Lian said, "Moreover, it's a call for help from someone cornered."
Because the Fire Dragon Sky Roar Technique's flames are extremely strong yet non-harmful, it must have exploded some of that god official's spiritual power. One careless move, and it might have blown up all their spiritual power, leading to their downfall.
So unless absolutely necessary, no one would use this method to call for help. Since it appeared, it indicates that a god official is in a dire crisis.
Xie Lian asked, "Is there any god official from the Heavenly Court whose whereabouts are unknown recently?"
Jun Wu replied, "This time, I gathered all the god officials back, not just for the Half Moon Pass matter, but mainly to take this opportunity to check everyone's whereabouts. Except for a few who rarely show themselves, like the Rain Master and Earth Master, all other god officials, even if they couldn't return, have responded."
After pondering for a moment, Xie Lian said, "Could it be a god official from a previous term who has retired?"
Jun Wu said, "That broadens the scope. Many retired god officials have been out of touch for years, making it impossible to determine which one is in trouble."
The officials at True Lord Ling Wen's hall must be overwhelmed with this matter, which explains why they can't spare time to investigate the whereabouts of the boy with the human face plague at Yu Jun Mountain.
Xie Lian asked, "To force a god official to explode their body to call for help, the threat must be significant. Are there any lairs or gathering places of demons or ghosts nearby?"
Jun Wu said, "Yes. Very close. Do you know the Ghost Market?"
Xie Lian thought for a moment and said, "I've heard of it."
The Ghost Market is the most prosperous place in the ghost realm, located at the border between the human and ghost realms.
Many ghosts gather there to trade, and it's a place of chaos.
Some practitioners with a bit of cultivation often go there to do business or gather information.
Even some god officials from the Heavenly Court, out of curiosity or for unspeakable reasons, disguise themselves to visit. Occasionally, some clueless living people wander in, only to be either devoured or scared half to death.
The Ghost Market has existed since ancient times—though not as ancient as Xie Lian.
Many ghost stories about it circulate among humans, like this classic tale:
A person traveling at night sees a bustling market ahead, with red lanterns and festive decorations.
They happily enter, but find everyone around either wearing masks, covering their heads, or looking extremely ugly. It's odd, but they don't think much of it.
They buy a bowl of noodles, sit down to eat, and as they eat, something feels off. They look again and realize it's not noodles at all, but a bowl of wriggling black hair!
Bringing his thoughts back, Jun Wu said, "After seeing that pillar of fire, I immediately sent god officials to search the area but found no clues.
It's highly likely that the person was moved into the Ghost Market. But the Heavenly Court and the ghost realm have always been distinct. Without sufficient evidence, we cannot forcefully enter the Ghost Market. So, I need someone to secretly investigate."
Xie Lian said, "We can't alert them, so you couldn't mention it openly in the Divine Martial Hall and leak the information, right?"
Jun Wu said, "Exactly."
Xie Lian said, "Then, Emperor, I volunteer."
Jun Wu said, "You were the first person I thought of. But this task might not be convenient for you."
Xie Lian asked, "What's inconvenient about it?"
Jun Wu said, "First, the east is where Lang Qianqiu oversees. If you go, you'll have to cooperate with him."
Xie Lian said, "I have no problem with that. Rest assured."
Jun Wu said, "Second, do you know whose territory the Ghost Market is now?"
Xie Lian was slightly taken aback and said, "Could it be Hua Cheng?"
Jun Wu nodded slowly. Xie Lian's hunch was confirmed, and he suddenly thought of something.
The fire pillar for help appeared seven days ago. Coincidentally, Hua Cheng also left the Pugilistic Shrine seven days ago.
The timing is too close. Could there be a connection between the two events?
Jun Wu said, "It seems you have a good relationship with him, which is fine. The only concern is if he's involved in this matter.
If you're troubled, you don't have to force yourself. But if you have other suggestions or recommendations, feel free to say so."
Xie Lian still said, "I'll go. I believe that Blood Rain Seeking Flower is not someone with ill intentions."
Jun Wu looked at him and said, "Celestial Music, I know you have your own judgment. But I also know you always see the best in everyone."
Hearing this, Xie Lian smiled and said, "Please don't make me sound like a sheltered princess. That description doesn't suit me anymore."
Jun Wu shook his head and said, "I shouldn't interfere with your friendships, but I must say, be cautious of Hua Cheng."
Upon hearing this, Xie Lian lowered his head slightly, not speaking. He should have instinctively replied "yes," a response he was used to. However, for some reason, he didn't feel like saying "yes" this time.
Jun Wu continued, "Especially be wary of his demonic blade."
Xie Lian asked, "Why?"
Jun Wu said, "The curved blade, E'ming, is a cursed sword, an ominous weapon. Such evil weapons require extremely cruel sacrifices and a bloody determination to forge. Don't touch it, and don't get hurt by it. The consequences are unpredictable."
Xie Lian, with a confidence he couldn't quite place, thought that San Lang wouldn't use the blade on him, but he still said, "Celestial Music understands."
Jun Wu nodded slightly and said, "Entrusting this matter to you, I am most assured. If you have no difficulties, that's even better, but you might find it challenging alone. Which god official would you like to accompany you?"
After thinking for a moment, Xie Lian said, "Anyone is fine. However, someone easy to get along with would be preferable. Someone with more spiritual power would be good, so I can borrow some when needed."
Jun Wu laughed, "With that first condition, you've ruled out Southern Sun and Xuan Zhen."
Indeed, the current Feng Xin and Mu Qing weren't exactly easygoing. Xie Lian also laughed. Jun Wu continued, "How are things with them? Still not speaking?"
Jun Wu never joins any Spirit Communication Array, so he doesn't know what they shout about all day. Xie Lian said, "We've exchanged a few words."
Jun Wu said, "After all these years, still just a few words? By the way, I heard you crashed into many celestial halls during your ascension, including Southern Sun's."
Xie Lian defended, "I paid it back! Eight million eight hundred eighty-eight thousand merits, all paid back. I must also thank the Emperor for giving me the chance to go to Yu Jun Mountain."
Jun Wu said, "You should thank Southern Sun. I heard from Ling Wen that he later privately told the True Lord Ling Wen not to make you repay the merits for rebuilding his hall."
Xie Lian was stunned, "I had no idea."
No wonder the eight million eight hundred eighty-eight thousand merits were settled so quickly. It turns out such a large amount was forgiven. At the time, Southern Sun Hall was the most severely damaged, with half the golden roof collapsing. Jun Wu said, "Southern Sun asked Ling Wen not to tell you, so you naturally didn't know. Since he doesn't want you to know, continue pretending you don't."
Xie Lian didn't know what to feel, a mix of emotions swirling inside him, finally just letting out a silent sigh, thinking, "In this world, 'don't tell anyone' is always empty talk."
Jun Wu pondered for a moment and said, "If Southern Sun and Xuan Zhen won't do, how about the Wind Master?"
Xie Lian said, "The Wind Master is great, but I don't know if she'd be willing to go with me."
Jun Wu said, "The Wind Master is powerful, lively, and loves making friends, fitting your description of easygoing. Last time she came to see me, she spoke well of you. I think it's possible. If you have no more questions, go with the Wind Master to the Ghost Market to investigate. Also."
Xie Lian asked, "What is it?"
Jun Wu said slowly, "You can try hard, but don't push yourself too much."
Hearing this, Xie Lian was stunned for a moment, then smiled, "What are you saying? I'm not pushing myself."
Jun Wu patted his shoulder and said, "Go back to the Divine Joy Palace to rest. I'll have someone inform the Wind Master."
Xie Lian was taken aback, "I don't have enough merits to have a palace. The old Divine Joy Palace was demolished long ago. Where is this Divine Joy Palace coming from?"
Jun Wu said, "I've approved a new one for you. You can't really squeeze into that small broken shrine."
Xie Lian left the Divine Martial Hall, led by a young god official from Jun Wu's hall to the new "Divine Joy Palace."
This Divine Joy Palace was almost identical to his old one, with glazed red walls, luxurious and elegant. But he stood at the palace gate for a long time, not wanting to enter. A broken immortal is better off in a broken shrine; such a grand and proud palace is no longer suitable for him.
He wandered at the entrance, waiting for the Wind Master to come find him. Unexpectedly, he waited for a long time and didn't see the white-robed priestess but instead saw a white-robed Taoist.
This Taoist was full of spirit, exuding an immortal aura, the same "Qing Xuan" who had just been bickering with Pei Ming in the Divine Martial Hall. He flicked his dust whisk and smiled, "Greetings, Crown Prince!"
Xie Lian also smiled, "Greetings, fellow Taoist!"
In truth, he wanted to ask who this person really was, but felt it might be rude. Just as he was about to secretly check the scroll to see which god official was named Qing Xuan, the white-robed Taoist walked over and said, "Let's go! Let's take a stroll."
Xie Lian was taken aback, "Fellow Taoist, I'm waiting for someone here."
The other listened, inserted the dust whisk into the collar of his Taoist robe, turned around, and curiously asked, "Who else are you waiting for?"
Xie Lian said, "I'm waiting for the Wind Master."
The white-robed Taoist looked even more puzzled and said, "Aren't I right here?"
"…"
Xie Lian's eyebrow twitched, "You're the Wind Master?"
The other opened a folding fan, waving it as he said, "I'm the Wind Master, is there any doubt? Don't you know who I am? Haven't you heard of me, the Wind Master Qing Xuan?"
His tone was so matter-of-fact, as if it were impossible for Xie Lian not to know him. The front of the fan had the word "Wind" on it, and the back had three lines representing a breeze, just like the fan the white-robed priestess had been waving that day.
Suddenly, Xie Lian remembered: Fu Yao had mentioned that some god officials in the Heavenly Court, due to special needs, were adept at transformation; and back at Half Moon Pass, Nan Feng had half-said, "The Wind Master has always been…"
Always been? What?
A man?!
Being pulled along by the other, Xie Lian took a few steps but still couldn't fully accept it. He said, "This… Wind Master, why did you disguise yourself as a priestess last time?"
The Wind Master said, "Why? Wasn't it good-looking?"
Xie Lian said, "Good-looking? But…"
The Wind Master beamed, "If it's good-looking, what else matters? Isn't good-looking enough? Of course, it's because it looks good, so I disguised myself."
At this point, he seemed to remember something, snapped the fan shut, and looked Xie Lian up and down. After a moment, he said, "Speaking of which, this time we're going to the Ghost Market, we also need to hide our identities, right?"
"…"
Xie Lian: "???"