Chapter 892: Five Tigers and Hidden Dragons in Kuinancheng

When King Du got angry, the monsters in his cave didn't dare to breathe too loudly. Even the ones delivering wine quickly brought it and left, leaving King Du alone on his beast-skin-covered stone bed, drinking in silence, feeling both covetous and uneasy about the Ruyi Coins.

"Gurgle... gurgle... gurgle... Ahh... *burp*..."

King Du emptied another jar of wine, let out a long, loud burp, and sat on the bed holding the empty jar, seemingly in a daze. However, his mind was constantly working.

"How did that old Earth God get twelve Qiankun Ruyi Coins, which even the people from the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion covet? Why would a master give them to him, and so many at that? Is it virtue accumulated from his cultivation? Or did he help with something?"

"Even the City God Temple in Kuinan County City is empty, and there are no masters there. Could something have happened that attracted a master to pass through, something I don't know about?"

King Du's face was flushed. Slightly intoxicated, some wild boar bristles also appeared on his face.

"Mountain Dog, get over here—"

"Yes, yes, yes, my King, I'm coming, I'm coming..."

The one King Du called Mountain Dog was the subordinate he had driven away earlier. As he entered, he still had a plaster patch on his face, and half of his face was still greatly swollen. He cautiously approached King Du, hunching his body as he asked,

"My King, did you call for me?"

Of course, the injury on Mountain Dog's face wasn't so severe that a shapeshifting demon couldn't reduce the swelling. However, maintaining the swelling was a protective measure he had learned over time, which, to some extent, reduced the chance of being beaten again.

King Du was drawn to the swollen part of his subordinate's face and the plaster patch. He examined it for a moment before asking,

"Have there been any notable events in Kuinan County City in recent years?"

"Uh, nothing particularly noteworthy. Perhaps the recent preparations to build the Temples of Literature and Martial Arts?"

King Du frowned upon hearing his subordinate's words.

"The Temples of Literature and Martial Arts aren't just being built in Kuinan County City; rumor has it they're being constructed everywhere in the human world, and construction only began recently. When did that Earth God get the Ruyi Coins? Was anything significant happening then?"

Mountain Dog forced a smile, but it pulled on his facial muscles and caused pain, making his face twitch a few times. Still, it was his own fault for not letting the swelling go down.

"This humble one wouldn't know. There shouldn't have been anything significant..."

"Hmm? Think carefully!"

King Du raised his hand again, scaring Mountain Dog, whose face changed color. Feeling that the other half of his face might also be in danger, he frantically racked his brain to recall. However, Kuinan County City was just a mortal city, and so far away; there wasn't much news he would know.

"Nothing?"

King Du asked again, and Mountain Dog quickly exclaimed,

"My King, Kuinan County City is quite far from us. If it were at the foot of the mountain, I might know about trivial matters, but for such a distant place, please allow me to inquire at the market!"

Only then did King Du lower his hand.

"Very well. Go inquire and return quickly."

"Yes, yes, yes! This humble one takes his leave now. I'll return as soon as I find out anything!"

As if granted a great pardon, Mountain Dog quickly left the cave chamber and headed straight for the mountain market outside. Once there, breathing the fresh air and spiritual energy carried by the mountain wind, he felt much better.

This mountain market was a mixed bag, and there were no immortal ports or similar places nearby, making Du Kuifeng a well-known market far and wide. With established rules, it attracted visitors from all sides, occasionally even mortals. Of course, few mortals dared to come here, and those unfamiliar with the area often found it difficult to leave Du Kuifeng and descend the mountain again.

At this moment, Mountain Dog was looking for such mortals in the Du Kuifeng market, as well as demons closer to Kuinan County City. This naturally startled some people, but fortunately, after two *ke*, he had gained a better understanding of Kuinan County City.

King Du sat in his cave, no longer drinking, but gnawing on a large basin of meat.

"My King, my King, I'm back..."

Mountain Dog's voice came from outside, and his figure soon trotted in.

"Did you find anything?"

"I found out, I found out! There hasn't been anything major in Kuinan County City these past few years..."

"Hmm?"

"Uh, but there have been a few minor noteworthy events among mortals. First, the construction of the Temples of Literature and Martial Arts. Second, a few years ago, there was a headless injustice case where an unlucky fellow named Zhao was persecuted and forced to be a scapegoat. His family sought justice everywhere to no avail and was eventually persecuted to death..."

King Du looked thoughtful, about to ask for details, but Mountain Dog continued,

"There's another interesting matter. In Kuinan County City, there's a prominent Li family. The head of the family was originally a high-ranking official in the current court but was later demoted. Then, his principal wife was pregnant for three years before giving birth to a son, almost killing his old mother..."

"Hiss... This is quite interesting. Three years, and it wasn't a stillbirth... What else?"

King Du looked at Mountain Dog, who forced a cautious smile and said,

"No, there's nothing else worth mentioning. For more details, one would have to go to Kuinan City..."

"Good. Go to Kuinan City!"

Mountain Dog froze for a moment, pointing to himself.

"Me?"

"Nonsense! Do you expect me, the King, to go?"

As King Du spoke, he grabbed Mountain Dog by the scruff of his neck, pulling him close until their faces were almost touching, and slowly but sternly instructed him.

"Be sharp. You're going there to buy Ruyi Coins from that old Earth God, but you mustn't force the purchase. If he's truly lost his mind and wants to sell them, that's ideal. If he refuses, then let it go. And, you must leave something as compensation. I'll tell you exactly how to handle it. Remember clearly, like this... and like that..."

King Du whispered many instructions into Mountain Dog's ear. The latter nodded repeatedly. Only after King Du had explained everything clearly and tested Mountain Dog to ensure he remembered correctly did he let him go.

A distance of nearly a thousand *li* was not too far for a demon like Mountain Dog, who could fly on demon wind. He had already landed outside Kuinan County City before dawn.

Ji Yuan, who was sound asleep in bed, had his eyelashes twitch slightly at this moment, but he didn't open his eyes.

At dawn, the gates of Kuinan County City opened around the same time. Mountain Dog entered the city with the flow of people. Once inside, instead of immediately seeking out the Earth God, he joined the crowd at the city gate where public notices were posted, as if just curious.

The most talked-about event was, of course, the construction of the Temples of Literature and Martial Arts. Other notices included wanted criminals, but these didn't pique Mountain Dog's interest.

After wandering around the city, Mountain Dog eventually went to the Earth God Temple.

It wasn't that the Earth God Temple had little incense, but recently, the Temples of Literature and Martial Arts had stolen its thunder. Someone had spread the word that if you prayed often from the start of the construction, a scholar would emerge from your family in the future. This led to many people visiting the Temple of Literature daily, leaving the construction site of the Temple of Martial Arts and the Earth God Temple quieter.

When Mountain Dog entered the Earth God Temple, only the temple keeper was sunbathing in the courtyard and didn't notice Mountain Dog slip into the temple.

Mountain Dog still had a plaster patch on his face. He took out a few incense sticks he carried, lit them, and placed them into the censer in front of the Earth God's statue. He then bowed several times to the statue.

"Earth God, Earth God, please show yourself quickly! I have come on my King's orders to offer you an apology!"

Ji Yuan, who was already standing outside the Earth God Temple, slightly frowned, a thoughtful expression on his face. The Earth God beside him looked up at him.

"Mr. Ji, this..."

"Go on. I'm here."

"Yes!"

After responding, the Earth God vanished underground. Then, the statue in the temple seemed to blink, which Mountain Dog, currently bowing, noticed. He cursed silently, 'The old geezer finally showed up,' while a look of delight appeared on his face.

"Earth God, you've finally come!"

"Cough, cough... What do you need me for?"

Seeing that the Earth God didn't appear in person, Mountain Dog could only continue speaking to the statue.

"Earth God, it was my fault earlier for uttering such threatening words. When my King found out, he even beat me. Look, my face is still swollen! My King also admitted he took too much advantage, but it was a consensual deal, a fair trade. Although the advantage this time was significant, my King has his rules, and there's no way he can return it. So, he ordered me to bring some compensation, which is all here!"

As he spoke, Mountain Dog placed the package he was carrying onto the altar. Untying it, he revealed its contents: all earth-element stones, varying in size and quality.

The Earth God remained silent for a while before finally saying,

"That's very thoughtful of you."

Seeing that the other party didn't even offer a thank you, Mountain Dog's face turned cold, and his demonic aura became slightly agitated. Still, he controlled himself and continued,

"I heard you still have six magic coins. My King means to say..."

"No, no, I don't have any!"

"Uh, Earth God, please hear me out. My King means that if you are willing to sell them, we will certainly offer the utmost sincerity this time. As long as you agree, he will find a way to obtain extremely swift Mountain God Stones. If you are unwilling to sell, then we won't force you!"

The Earth God paused, surprised by how accommodating this demon was today. Hearing "Mountain God Stones," he instinctively asked,

"Not Mountain God Jade?"

Even Mountain Dog was stunned. 'Good heavens, that old geezer actually dared to ask! Even my King hasn't seen what Mountain God Jade looks like.'

"Earth God, while these magic coins are good, they probably aren't worth Mountain God Jade, and besides, we can't get any... If you insist on Mountain God Jade, then this deal will have to be called off!"

"I don't have any left to begin with. Even if you had Mountain God Jade, I wouldn't have any magic coins to offer."

"Oh, then may I ask where you obtained these magic coins, Earth God? My King would also like to try and acquire some. Could you please enlighten me?"

"A passing immortal saw my diligent cultivation and gave them to me."

The Earth God said this, and then stopped responding. After Mountain Dog spoke a few more words and saw that the other party wasn't engaging him, he took his leave.

A moment later, Ji Yuan stood outside the Earth God Temple, gazing thoughtfully in the direction the demon had departed. The Earth God also appeared beside him.

"Sir, it seems the previous incident had nothing to do with King Du; it was just one of his unruly subordinates. Now the matter is resolved!"

The Earth God sighed in relief, holding the package and sifting through the earth-element stones. His mood had significantly improved.

"Is that so?"

Ji Yuan said this and turned to leave the Earth God Temple. Meanwhile, Mountain Dog had not yet left Kuinan City. Instead, he wandered around the city, exploring, and eventually visited the Li residence, but he couldn't find Li Feng.

But Mountain Dog didn't give up. He waited in a teahouse on a street near the Li family's residence. Around dusk, he finally encountered Li Feng, who was holding a small wooden stick, running home excitedly and swinging it wildly. Li Feng was eager to check on the dinner preparations, as he had specially invited Mr. Ji and Grand Master Zuo to dine at his home that evening, requesting a large spread from the kitchen.

Mountain Dog was initially unsure if the child was Li Feng, until he saw the child enter the Li residence. The Li family's second young master was only a week old, so only the eldest young master, Li Feng, was that size.

"Nothing unusual. Just an ordinary child..."

Just as Mountain Dog frowned, a man in a gray cloak with a wolf skin draped over his shoulders slowly walked down the street. He glanced towards the teahouse, his eyes seemingly ablaze with a fiery gaze that felt like a steel spear piercing him.

"Gulp..."

Mountain Dog swallowed his tea, his whole body stiffening. He tried to stand but realized the man was approaching.

Who was this? A mortal? Impossible! An immortal cultivator concealing his aura? Doesn't seem like it!

There was no spiritual cultivation aura emanating from him, yet his gaze held a powerful oppressive force. At this moment, it even caused Mountain Dog to experience a hallucination, as if a heavy, menacing aura writhed above the man's shoulders and back, though upon closer inspection, it vanished.

'Is this person of the righteous path or the evil path? Why is he more sinister than a demon...'

Seeing the man drawing near, Mountain Dog quickly stood up and bowed.

"This, esteemed master, this humble one was merely having tea. I haven't done anything wrong..."

Zuo Wuji nodded.

"It seems as you say, but how can I, Zuo, trust you?"

"I, I, wait, the Earth God can testify! I came on someone's behalf to apologize to him... If you don't believe me, esteemed master, we can go to the Earth God Temple together!"

Zuo Wuji stared at Mountain Dog, then smiled only when he saw sweat forming on the demon's forehead.

"No need. You may leave. You are not permitted to stay in the city."

"Yes, yes, I'm leaving now, leaving now!"

Mountain Dog quickly got up, not forgetting to leave money for the tea. As he exited the teahouse, he turned back and asked,

"May I be so bold as to ask for your esteemed name, master? This humble one..."

"Scram."

"Yes, yes, yes!"

Mountain Dog dared not linger for another moment. After running through several streets, he conjured a dark demon wind in a secluded spot and soared into the sky, heading straight for Du Kuifeng.

On a quiet street in the distance, Ji Yuan looked up at the departing demon wind. After a moment of thought, he patted his chest.

"Chirp!"

The small paper crane emerged from the brocade pouch, flapped its wings, and Ji Yuan pointed skyward. The crane looked, nodded, and then transformed into a streak of white light, vanishing into the air.