Liaozhai: Immortality Begins with Becoming Yan Chixia's Apprentice

Chapter 196 Righteous Path Alliance

Although the turmoil at Baima Temple had subsided, Yu Zhenzi's words were like a thorn stuck in Zhou Ning's heart.

"All the major righteous sects are searching for the whereabouts of the 'Wine and Meat Bodhisattva'."

This means that he is no longer fighting alone, but it also means that his actions will receive more and more attention and questioning.

Will those so-called "righteous people" also regard him as an enemy, just like Yu Zhenzi?

"Young Master Zhou, what are you worried about?" Ashu walked beside him and asked softly.

Zhou Ning shook his head: "It's nothing. I just feel that sometimes the line between good and evil isn't as clear as people imagine."

Ashu was silent for a moment, then said, "I grew up in the Demon Realm and have seen many so-called 'righteous cultivators' who, under the guise of slaying demons and eliminating evil, actually committed acts of burning, killing, and looting."

"I have also seen many 'evil spirits'. Although they came from humble backgrounds, they were kind-hearted."

"Good and evil are never determined by one's birth."

Zhou Ning nodded: "You're right. So, I won't change my path because of other people's doubts."

The two quickened their pace and continued north.

After traveling for two days, they arrived at a small town on the banks of the Yellow River.

Mengjin.

Mengjin is the northern gateway to Luoyang, a ferry crossing on the Yellow River, and a gathering place for merchants.

Zhou Ning originally intended to rest in the city and replenish some dry food and water, but he unexpectedly discovered that a large number of cultivators had gathered in the city.

They were dressed in various Taoist robes, some carrying swords, some holding whisks, and some riding spirit beasts, chatting in small groups.

A tense atmosphere filled the air.

"What happened?" Zhou Ning stopped a young cultivator who was passing by.

The young cultivator sized him up and said, "You don't know? The Righteous Path Alliance is gathering cultivators from various sects in Mengjin to discuss how to deal with the 'Wine and Meat Bodhisattva.' Hmm? Which sect are you from?"

Zhou Ning said, "A rogue cultivator."

The young cultivator nodded, asked no further questions, and hurriedly left.

Zhou Ning and Ashu exchanged a glance and decided to go and take a look.

The temporary headquarters of the Righteous Alliance was located in a large mansion in the city.

Two disciples from Qingcheng Mountain stood guard at the entrance of the house, holding long swords and looking wary.

Upon seeing Zhou Ning, their expressions changed, and they hurriedly went inside to report.

A short while later, Yu Zhenzi emerged from the house. His face was grim as he looked at Zhou Ning and coldly asked, "What are you doing here?"

Zhou Ning said, "I heard that the Righteous Path Alliance is gathering cultivators from various sects, so I've come to take a look."

Yu Zhenzi sneered, "Look? Are you here to laugh at us, or to tip off the wine-and-meat bodhisattvas?"

Zhou Ning frowned.

"Sect Leader Yu Zhenzi, I have already explained that I have no collusion with the Wine and Meat Bodhisattva. Whether you believe me or not, I will not change my actions because of your doubts."

Just as Yu Zhenzi was about to speak again, an old voice came from inside the house.

"Yu Zhenzi, let him in."

Zhou Ning looked in the direction of the sound and saw an old man with white hair and beard walking out of the house.

He wore a blue Taoist robe, held a whisk in his hand, had a kind face, and his eyes were full of wisdom.

It was Xuanzhenzi of Qingfeng Temple.

"Master Xuanzhenzi," Zhou Ning said, bowing.

Xuanzhenzi walked up to him, looked him up and down, and nodded, saying, "You've lost weight. And you're stronger too."

Zhou Ning said, "You flatter me, Daoist Master."

Xuanzhenzi led him into the house, with Ashu following behind.

The main hall of the house was already full of people.

Zhou Ning glanced around and recognized many familiar faces.

Zhang Tianshi of Longhu Mountain, Liu Zhenren of Maoshan Mountain, Jingxin Shitai of Emei Mountain, Yuxuzi of Kunlun Mountain...

They were all leaders or elders of their respective sects. When they saw Zhou Ning, some nodded in greeting, while others looked displeased.

"Everyone, this is Zhou Ning, Yan Chixia's disciple, and also the hero who defeated the extraterrestrial demons," Xuanzhenzi introduced.

Everyone bowed with their hands clasped in greeting.

Zhou Ning returned the greetings one by one and sat down next to Xuanzhenzi.

Yu Zhenzi returned to her seat, her expression still unpleasant.

"Now that everyone is here, let's begin," said Xuanzhenzi.

"I'm sure you all know about the reappearance of the 'wine-and-meat bodhisattva' in the mortal world. Her actions at the Great Compassion Temple in the Western Regions and the Drunken Immortal Pavilion in Jinling have already proven that she has ulterior motives."

"We must find her as soon as possible, either reseal her or destroy her completely."

Zhang Tianshi of Longhu Mountain asked, "Master Xuanzhenzi, do you know her current whereabouts?"

Xuanzhenzi shook his head: "I don't know. She acts mysteriously and never leaves a trace. But as far as I know, she is looking for something—'Phoenix Feather'."

"That was a relic of her master, Cihang Bodhisattva, which contained Cihang Bodhisattva's lifelong cultivation."

"If she obtains the Phoenix Feather, her strength will increase greatly, and she may even break through to the Tribulation Transcending stage."

"By then, all of us combined wouldn't be a match for her."

Everyone's expression changed drastically.

Yu Zhenzi said, "Therefore, we must find the 'Phoenix Feather' before she does."

Xuanzhenzi nodded: "That's right. But only Zhou Ning knows the whereabouts of the 'Phoenix Feather'."

All eyes were on Zhou Ning.

Zhou Ning said, "I don't know the exact location of the 'Phoenix Feather.' But the Wine and Meat Bodhisattva gave me a method of sensing, which allows me to detect its aura within a hundred miles."

"These past few days, Ashu and I have been searching all over the Central Plains, but we haven't found it yet."

Yu Zhenzi sneered, "Of course you won't find it. Because you're not looking for the 'Phoenix Feather' at all, but rather buying time for the wine-and-meat bodhisattva."

Zhou Ning looked at Yu Zhenzi and calmly said, "Sect Leader Yu Zhenzi, you keep questioning me, what evidence do you have?"

Yu Zhenzi said, "Evidence? The people at Jinling Zuixianlou saw you and her sitting together drinking."

"The monks at Baima Temple saw you sneaking around the temple, investigating suspiciously. Isn't that enough?"

Zhou Ning said, "I met with her to persuade her to repent and reform. I investigated at Baima Temple in search of the 'Phoenix Feather'."

"If you don't believe me, I can leave. But please remember, I am not your enemy."

Just as Yu Zhenzi was about to speak again, Xuan Zhenzi interrupted him.

"Enough. Yu Zhenzi, Zhou Ning is a friend of my Qingfeng Temple, a hero who defeated the Heavenly Demon and saved the common people. He is also a Protector of the Nation bestowed by the imperial court. I believe he would not collude with the wine and meat bodhisattva."

Zhang Tianshi also said, "I also believe in Young Master Zhou. Without him, the people of the world would have been slaughtered by the Heavenly Demons long ago."

Master Liu, Abbess Jingxin, and Master Yuxu also expressed their support for Zhou Ning.

Yu Zhenzi's face turned ashen. He snorted coldly and said nothing more.

Xuanzhenzi said, "Since everyone trusts Zhou Ning, then let's cooperate. Each sect will send disciples to search for the whereabouts of the 'Phoenix Feather' throughout the Central Plains."

"Once found, immediately notify Zhou Ning, who will be responsible for retrieving it. At the same time, we must guard against any remnants of the Blissful Cult causing trouble."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

After the meeting, the monks from various factions left one after another.

Xuanzhenzi pulled Zhou Ning aside and whispered, "Young Master Zhou, you must be careful of Yuzhenzi. His master, Old Yuzhenzi, spoke ill of you to him before he passed away."

"He said you were ambitious and intended to replace the leader of the righteous path. He believed it, so he's targeting you at every turn."

Zhou Ning smiled wryly: "I never thought about replacing anyone. I just wanted to protect what I should protect."

Xuanzhenzi nodded: "I know. But people's hearts are unpredictable. If you block someone's way, you will become a thorn in their side."

He took out a jade talisman from his sleeve and handed it to Zhou Ning.

"This is the communication jade talisman of my Qingfeng Temple. You can contact me anytime if you encounter any trouble."

Zhou Ning accepted the jade talisman and solemnly said, "Thank you, Daoist Master."

He bid farewell to Xuanzhenzi and left Mengjin with Ashu.

Walking along the road, A-Ju suddenly said, "Young Master Zhou, I think there's something wrong with that Yu Zhenzi."

Zhou Ning asked, "What's the problem?"

Ashu said, "He's targeting you too much. Even if his master said bad things about you, it doesn't warrant this aggressive behavior. I suspect he might have been infiltrated by the Blissful Cult."

Zhou Ning's heart skipped a beat: "Do you have any evidence?"

Ashu shook his head: "No. But my intuition tells me he's not simple."

Zhou Ning was silent for a moment, then said, "I will keep an eye on it."

The two continued north.