I Am Your Natural Enemy

With Wen Yan’s summoning, the earthenware pot shook wildly, clattered to the floor from the table, and shattered to pieces.

A swirl of golden light appeared, and a Nether Soul, caught within it, was pulled before Wen Yan.

Wen Yan wouldn’t dare summon those of high standing. But a Taoist’s Nether Soul, one who had committed suicide out of fear of punishment? He had no qualms about that.

He was about to perform Soul Summoning right there beneath Mount Zhongnan to confront it and demand the truth.

Did it really think suicide would be the end of it? Wrong, this was just the beginning.

The Taoist’s Nether Soul, forcefully summoned, had just begun to speak when Wen Yan seized its neck with one hand and lifted it.

Wen Yan looked up ahead. He saw a Taoist striding several meters in a single step, descending the long staircase with an immortal bearing. In just a few seconds, the Taoist was already standing not far away.

The Taoist flicked his horsetail whisk.

”Eternal Blessing Heavenly Master, I am unaware of what brings my fellow Taoists to Mount Zhongnan in the dead of night,” he said.

”Taoist priest, you are mistaken; we have not set foot on Mount Zhongnan,” Wen Yan corrected.

The Taoist’s expression was calm as he observed the shadow beneath Wen Yan’s feet and the Nether Soul in his grasp.

”Such capabilities at such a young age. Fuyu Mountain has indeed produced a remarkable young talent,” the Taoist remarked.

”Taoist priest, you flatter me. This matter is unrelated to Mount Zhongnan. Please step back a bit to avoid any misunderstandings,” Wen Yan replied.

At that moment, a Taoist who had arrived from behind saw the Nether Soul and loudly exclaimed, ”Release my Martial Uncle at once!”

The leading Taoist’s expression changed, but before he could speak, Wen Yan let out a cold laugh. ”Is this a Taoist from your Taiyi Observatory?”

The Taoist shook his head. ”He committed a grave error and has been expelled from the order. He is no longer a Taoist of our Taiyi Observatory,” he explained.

”Since he is neither an inducted Taoist of Mount Zhongnan nor a living person, and I have not stepped onto your Mount Zhongnan, logically speaking, this has nothing to do with any of you. What exactly are you all trying to do here? That Taoist priest in the back, covertly forming hand seals—planning a sneak attack, are we? How convenient. I’ve been ambushed several times these past few days; I’m quite used to it. I don’t mind another round,” Wen Yan taunted.

The leading Taoist, his face grim, reached out and stopped the person behind him. After a respectful gesture, he turned to address the three elders from Fuyu Mountain. ”Fellow Taoists, all will be explained within three days. There is no need for such an abrupt visit.”

The Fourth Great-uncle Master shook his head solemnly. ”You are mistaken, Taoist friend. This matter is not about personal grudges. Today, a Taoist from Mount Zhongnan, whose Yin Spirit had left his body, entered the Huai River to bewitch the Water Monarch. Ultimately, he enraged the Water Monarch, who then imprisoned his Yin Spirit on a large rock on the riverbank. And the condition he offered for bewitching the Water Monarch was to kill my Fuyu Sect Disciples. Unfortunately, a number of my Fuyu Sect Disciples have indeed encountered stealth attacks. Now, this incident relates to the safety of civilians across several commanderies along the Huai River and the overall stability of the Divine Land. The founder of Fuyu Mountain once had dealings, both good and ill, with the Water Monarch. With such an incident arising that involves the Water Monarch, Fuyu Mountain is duty-bound to act. It is imperative for us to understand and clarify the situation. This matter...”

The Fourth Great-uncle Master maintained a serious expression, paused briefly, looked at the circle of Taoists, and calmly stated, ”...is unrelated to all of you.”

SMACK!

While holding the Nether Soul in one hand, Wen Yan struck it with a forceful slap from his other hand, which was infused with Yang Energy.

”Speak! Besides the one sent to cause trouble in the Huai River, who else is there? What other schemes do you have? Did you think it was over just because you died? How naive. If only your soul had been scattered completely, there wouldn’t be so much trouble. Did you suppose death would absolve you? Ghosts have no human rights! And you, a Ghost expelled from the Taoist order during your life, with unresolved crimes still pending—you have absolutely no human rights whatsoever! If you won’t speak, then don’t blame me for being harsh. Who knows what other devious plots and schemes you wretched things still have up your sleeves? You even dared to scheme against the Huai River! The very thought that you wretched things are so depraved makes me tremble with anger, my hands and feet turning ice-cold! So you refuse to speak? You intend to stubbornly resist, is that it?!”

Wen Yan held it with one hand, while the other, brimming with Yang Energy, delivered slap after slap.

The Taoists opposite clenched their jaws, their faces grim, but none dared to interrupt further. They knew any interference would surely implicate them all.