Chapter 182: Seriously, You’re Playing a Horror Movie This Late at Night?
Some veteran practitioners believed that with Zhang Yangqing’s abilities, setting out now shouldn’t be a problem. In fact, no matter when he decided to go, it likely wouldn’t be an issue.
However, the situation was different for the other Longhu Mountain disciples. The journey was long, they hadn’t had time to adjust since arriving, nor had they rested. Moreover, many were relatively new disciples. Under normal circumstances, the standard procedure would involve providing psychological counseling for these disciples, waiting until they were fully rested and prepared before setting out—that was the safer approach.
Of course, this was the advice from the older generation in the cultivation world.
But when it came to Zhang Yangqing, no one dared claim seniority over him. No one could place themselves above Zhang Yangqing. In the face of absolute strength, all hierarchies became clearly defined. That was reality.
If anyone else had spoken up, Zhang Yangqing might not have even bothered to respond. Recognizing that these elders meant well, Zhang Yangqing casually explained, “When real danger strikes, the supernatural entities won’t give anyone time to prepare. For cultivators, the ability to react on the spot is what truly matters.”
What Zhang Yangqing meant was that being able to utilize one’s strength in harsh environments was a true measure of capability. Going into a supernatural world wasn’t like entering a martial arts arena—who there would talk about martial virtue? Supernatural beings attack when they want to; would they ever notify you in advance to let you prepare? What you learn is skill; what you can deploy is true ability.
Zhang Yangqing’s perspective was indeed unique, but it garnered agreement from many present.
Hearing this, some young supernaturals considered joining Longhu Mountain’s team to gain experience. After all, with a top-tier expert like Zhang Yangqing overseeing things, they probably wouldn’t encounter much danger.
However, those familiar with Zhang Yangqing knew he would definitely refuse. Taking care of his own disciples was his responsibility, and he would fulfill that. But asking him to look after disciples from other sects? He would find that troublesome. In his view, such efforts were thankless tasks.
So, he refused outright, simply stating, “No.” He didn’t leave any room for the other supernaturals to negotiate. If he had given an excuse or been slightly more diplomatic, they might have tried to persuade him. But by shutting it down so definitively, the others could only wish him a swift victory.
Some supernaturals from other sects present felt that Celestial Master Zhang might be disregarding the face of his fellow Daoists, given that many present were from Daoist sects. Is it normal not to give us face, but not even your own fellow disciples?
Zhang Yangqing’s interpretation was different. Given his status and position, who did he need to give face to? Even if the Pope himself came, it would depend on Zhang Yangqing’s mood. One must be clear about who held the most authority here. It was the other supernaturals who needed to curry favor with Zhang Yangqing, not the other way around.
Expert Hu Qiliu had already started getting used to Zhang Yangqing’s manner of speaking. In his understanding, despite Zhang Yangqing’s youth, he was decisive and wielded immense authority. Once Zhang Yangqing made a decision, Hu Qiliu just needed to execute it.
The Longhu Mountain disciples were already eager. Hearing their Celestial Master’s words, they were more than ready to go deal with the supernatural entities, wanting to test their own capabilities.
Outside the hotel, many reporters and spectators had assumed the Longhu Mountain group would rest for a day and set out the next morning, so most had gone back to rest. However, some diligent media personnel waited overnight at the entrance and were rewarded with major news.
“Look, Celestial Master Zhang is coming out! And so many Daoists! Where are they going?”
“Judging by the direction, it seems like Huaiyin City. Is Celestial Master Zhang going to deal with the supernatural entities this late?”
Unaware of the full story, cameramen zoomed in, recording the scene of Zhang Yangqing leading everyone towards Huaiyin City. As soon as the news broke, the entire nation was abuzz.
Viewers flooded the TV station’s comments section:
“No way, are the Daoists working overtime late at night?”
“Maybe something happened around Huaiyin City that requires Celestial Master Zhang’s urgent attention.”
“I think so too. Otherwise, why would the Daoists take such a big risk? Supernatural entities are twice as powerful at night!”
“You’re all wrong! Based on Celestial Master Zhang’s way of thinking, he’s probably worried the entities will hide during the day and be hard to find. He’s going to settle it all at once tonight!”
“Now that you mention it, it sounds outrageous, but Celestial Master Zhang would totally do that.”
“All I can say is, the Daoists are working hard!”
The audience requested that the TV station’s cameramen follow them, but the cameramen didn’t have permission to enter the restricted zone. They urgently applied for access from the expert team.
The expert team initially wasn’t going to agree, but Master Huikong of Yunhai Temple suggested that sending someone to record it could be valuable—it was a rare opportunity for everyone to learn. In Master Huikong’s view, Zhang Yangqing must have unique insights, or experience, in dealing with the supernatural. While Zhang Yangqing was tackling the supernatural world, other supernaturals could learn from his methods for handling mutated entities. This would enhance their understanding of the supernatural.
The expert team nodded, agreeing that Master Huikong made a good point. But they weren’t foolish. Sending reporters or going themselves might offend Celestial Master Zhang. Anyone could see that Zhang Yangqing disliked trouble. He always maintained a calm, unfazed demeanor, which gave him an aura of imposing authority—a powerful presence. This naturally made people wary and respectful. When issues arose, everyone instinctively watched Zhang Yangqing’s expression and considered his feelings.
However, Master Huikong’s proposal had merit. Finally, the expert team concluded: Since Master Huikong of Yunhai Temple came up with the idea, he should go! They weren’t stopping him. With his abilities, he wouldn’t be a burden to Celestial Master Zhang. If Celestial Master Zhang got angry, he wouldn’t blame them!
The expert team’s cunning nearly made Master Huikong curse. These old foxes were truly shrewd. But it couldn’t be helped. Since he raised the idea and all eyes were on him, he shouldered the camera to document the event. Master Huikong also wanted to see how the legendary Celestial Master performed in real combat.
By this time, led by a ‘guide’, Zhang Yangqing had arrived at Huaiyin City. The so-called guide was Jiang Xun, who claimed to be familiar with Zhang Yangqing (though Zhang Yangqing didn’t seem to recognize him). Jiang Xun had organized a team of supernaturals to enter Huaiyin City the previous day and had some understanding of the situation inside.
Jiang Xun was eager to strike up a conversation with Zhang Yangqing, but Zhang Yangqing paid him little attention. So, he settled for briefing Zhang Xuanjing instead. Zhang Xuanjing felt somewhat slighted. Then again, Zhang Yangqing didn’t need the intel, and Zhang Xuanjing was the one leading this mission. Zhang Yangqing was just there to facilitate their experience; the methods they used for training weren’t really his concern. He was the safety net—however they chose to fight, he would handle any fallout.
Soon, the group reached the outskirts of Huaiyin City. The night sky was pitch black, and a damp, cold air emanated from the city. Fog was everywhere, shrouding the area in mist. The ground was soaked, buildings were waterlogged, and shadows could be seen moving in the distance, like creatures swimming through the misty vapor.
According to Jiang Xun, these were the supernatural entities from the aquarium in the supernatural world. There were patterns to dealing with them, and answers could be found in recordings of previous survivors. However, they didn’t know how to handle the hidden entities, the bosses, from the aquarium. These creatures were numerous and reproducing; even though the supernatural team had done some cleanup early on, it hadn’t been enough to curb their growth.
Here, Jiang Xun provided a key piece of intel: Huaiyin City itself had an aquarium. When they had approached it before, they sensed a powerful presence inside. Perhaps the real boss was there. It was unclear if it followed certain rules.
“Need any help? I’m somewhat familiar with the inside,” Jiang Xun said to Zhang Xuanjing. He had been stationed here for a while and had encountered some entities. It wasn’t just about currying favor with Longhu Mountain; he simply wanted to impress Zhang Yangqing, so he could later boast about fighting alongside him. That would surely boost his status in the nation.
Jiang Xun had some skills and could assist if necessary. If he couldn’t help Zhang Yangqing, he could at least aid the ordinary disciples.
“No need, Fellow Daoist Jiang. We’ll handle it,” Zhang Xuanjing politely declined.
Just as Jiang Xun was about to say more, Master Huikong arrived, carrying a camera. He explained his idea and asked Zhang Yangqing to consider it. After all, discussing this with Zhang Xuanjing was pointless; Zhang Yangqing was the decision-maker here.
Hearing this, Zhang Yangqing nodded in silent agreement. This Master Huikong seemed capable enough and wouldn’t be much trouble. Since he wanted to record it, he could. It would also help promote and spread awareness of the Daoist tradition, showing people what Daoists were capable of in the real world.
Seizing the opportunity, Jiang Xun offered to assist Master Huikong and managed to join the group.
On camera, before entering Huaiyin City, the Longhu Mountain disciples began reciting the Heart-Calming Incantation:
“The Great Supreme Star, adapting without cease.”
“Driving out evil and binding aberrations, protecting life and guarding the body.”
“Wisdom bright and pure, heart and spirit tranquil.”
“The three eternal souls, the corporeal soul will not perish”
After the recitation, subtle changes occurred around them. They also used other protective incantations based on individual needs. This was akin to casting defensive and support buffs on themselves to reduce the risks of entering a supernatural zone.
Zhang Xuanjing and a few other senior Daoists were instructing the disciples on adjustments. From beginning to end, Zhang Yangqing didn’t say a word, merely watching quietly. Yet, his silence only increased the pressure on Zhang Xuanjing and the others, making them strive to prepare thoroughly.
Meanwhile, Master Huikong recorded everything with his camera—a veritable war correspondent.
Late at night, viewers were still awake, intently watching the Longhu Mountain Daoists’ battle against the supernatural.
“Huh? Why don’t I see Celestial Master Zhang reciting any incantations?”
“You overestimate these entities. What level are they? Why would Celestial Master Zhang need protective incantations?”
“I feel like Celestial Master Zhang could wipe them out with a wave of his hand. He’s just bringing the Daoists for experience.”
“I’m right outside, but I can’t get in. I wish I could see Celestial Master Zhang’s demeanor in person.”
“Aren’t you afraid? daring to go near a supernatural hotspot this late at night?”
“Why be afraid? Just seeing Celestial Master Zhang’s back gives me an immense sense of security.”
The public’s enthusiasm gave headaches to the personnel and supernaturals maintaining order outside. Aren’t you people going to sleep?
Once the Longhu Mountain Daoists were prepared, they formally entered Huaiyin City. Zhang Xuanjing went first, as the commander of this operation. Upon entering, he detected a faint fishy smell. In the misty, obscured environment, he proceeded with extreme caution, constantly using perception spells to scout the surroundings.
Originally, if this were just his sect’s mission to eliminate entities, any mistakes would only earn them a scolding from the Celestial Master. But now, with Zhang Yangqing having Master Huikong record everything, Zhang Xuanjing was truly afraid of making errors. Surely Senior Brother Su Muyu is watching too. If I make any mistakes, the consequences when we return are unthinkable! The thought alone stressed him out.
Even if Zhang Yangqing knew his actions were causing pressure, he didn’t care. If they couldn’t handle this much pressure, how would they cope with greater challenges in the future?
As for Zhang Yangqing himself, he wasn’t part of the operation plan. He acted as he pleased. He wouldn’t intervene easily because if he did, it wouldn’t be training for them—it would be him carrying them through the instance. Training meant letting the disciples act on their own, showcasing their abilities.
As the Longhu Mountain group entered, they seemed to attract the attention of some supernatural entities. Master Huikong, being highly skilled, had excellent capture skills. Through his lens, he caught a suspicious shadow rushing towards them.
The mermaid entity was a fearsome creature from the supernatural world. It could live both in water and on land. A powerful mermaid entity resided in the park’s pond. It was utterly unrestrained, eating anything—it had mutated and grown stronger by devouring other species. Having nearly exhausted the nearby food sources, even its own kind, it was currently hungry and sensed human presence approaching. It was ecstatic.
It leaped out of the water and charged towards the human scent. Seeing something approach, the viewers’ heart rates spiked. They remembered from the supernatural aquarium recordings how ferocious these mermaid entities were. Their faces alone could terrify people out of their wits. Many chosen ones had died at their hands.
Comments cheering for the Daoists and urging caution flooded the screen. The atmosphere grew tense.
Yet, in the next second, the previously drooling, ferocious mermaid entity, ready to give everyone a scare, was instead startled by the scene before it. It wasn’t afraid of numbers, but numbers combined with strength greater than its own? It was stunned.
Mermaid Entity: Can you believe this? I just stepped out for a snack and found dozens of golden-glowing Daoists blocking my path!
For the mermaid entity, seeing this group of Daoists at night was like watching a horror movie. While the mermaid was startled, the Daoists wore faint smiles.
What followed was too gruesome; even cameraman Master Huikong chanted a Buddhist mantra. But his “Amitābha” sounded to the viewers like “Well done!” The Buddha pities sentient beings, not supernatural entities.
The Longhu Mountain Daoists largely emulated Zhang Yangqing’s combat style—ruthless and relentless. Their moves were aimed squarely at killing the mermaid entity. In less than ten seconds, the mermaid was pierced by dozens of golden lights and lightning spells. Describing it as riddled with holes was no exaggeration.
Looking at the scattered fragments on the ground, some of the less skilled disciples hadn’t even had time to act. The decisiveness and ferocity of the Longhu Mountain Daoists left a deep impression on the viewers.
“The Daoists really don’t hold back against supernatural entities.”
“I thought only Celestial Master Zhang was this fierce. Who knew the other Daoists were equally vicious? But I love their intensity! The fiercer the Daoists, the safer we are!”
“Watching this makes me want to learn Daoism, but there are no spots available!”
“Didn’t Celestial Master Zhang say? If your heart is towards the Dao, that is cultivation. If you can’t join Longhu Mountain, you can still practice on your own. Excellent Daoists don’t complain about the environment!”
“Thank you for the guidance, Master! I understand now!”
Watching this, Su Muyu was very pleased. It seemed everyone held the Daoist tradition in high esteem. The initial goal of Zhang Yangqing leading the team to eliminate entities had been achieved. When people saw Zhang Yangqing’s transcendent skills, they felt awe. After all, few could reach his level. But when they witnessed the performance of other disciples, it sparked a genuine desire to learn.
In Huaiyin City, the battle had commenced. The Longhu Mountain disciples began splitting into teams, each with around twenty members. The teams were well-balanced, led by more experienced disciples. Only a few chose to fight alone, as their overall abilities were stronger, with special talents in certain areas. Since this was for experience, everyone’s approach differed.
Golden light and thunder resounded through the city, with bursts of energy impacts rising and falling.
In an underground bar, shrouded in mist and thick with humidity—a gathering spot for supernatural entities—they were enjoying fine stored wines. This was their pleasure in occupying the city. Once the alcohol ran out, they planned to invade other cities. But they would never get the chance.
While the entities were drinking, a dozen-plus golden-glowing Daoists burst through the entrance. The lead Daoist shouted, “The divine master executes slaughter, not avoiding the strong and powerful! First kill the evil spirits, then behead the luminous ones!”
The fastest Daoist unleashed a sword technique, slashing at the neck of a humanoid entity! Before it could react, its head flew into the air, blood spraying. The other Daoists proceeded to eliminate the remaining entities in the bar! The place echoed with wails and screams. The terrifying entities were utterly wiped out, leaving none alive.
And it wasn’t just this location. Other entity gathering spots in Huaiyin City were also being raided by Longhu Mountain Daoists. It seemed the entire city was engulfed in battle!
