The Lord of Void and Real
Chapter 433

Chapter 433: Chapter 429: Invitation from the Government Official Chapter 433: Chapter 429: Invitation from the Government Official The Duke Cheng in front of him emanated an immense aura, surpassing the likes of General Jin Kui and Immortal Qinghua, whom Shen Luo encountered at the auction earlier.

However, Cheng Yaojin did not carry the aloof and superior attitude of those individuals. His amiable and friendly mannerisms made him quite likable.

“Serving the government of the Great Tang Dynasty and its people is a wish of mine, so there's no need for any reward,” Shen Luo calmly replied.

“Well said! We cultivators might seem detached from mundane affairs, but we are also the citizens of the Great Tang Dynasty and should be loyal to our country. It's a pity there are so few in the Cultivation World today who understand this!” Shen Luo's words genuinely struck a chord with Cheng Yaojin, who immediately responded with hearty approval.

Shen Luo and Lu Huaming quickly echoed his sentiment.

“Shen Luo, the Great Tang Dynasty needs patriotic men like you. Do you have any intention of joining the government? Stand alongside me to protect our homes and maintain peace in the Human World?” Cheng Yaojin observed Shen Luo with growing admiration and suddenly proposed.

Shen Luo was somewhat moved by his words.

Currently, although he was free and unaffiliated, his cultivation suffered from lack of guidance. Joining the government of the Great Tang Dynasty did seem like a great option.

However, with the numerous problems entangling him and the issues concerning his lifespan, he would need to resolve those first.

“Master Cheng, Brother Shen already has his own mentor. We should not force him into doing something he might not want to,” Lu Huaming noticing Shen Luo's hesitation, chimed in.

“What a pity. But Shen Luo, remember that the doors of the Great Tang Dynasty government are always open to you should you decide to change your mind,” Cheng Yaojin let out a regretful sigh before adding the last sentence.

“Thank you very much for your kindness, Duke Cheng. I am eternally grateful,” Shen Luo thanked him, moved by his good intentions.

“Enough casual talk. Hua Ming, why have you and Brother Shen come to see me? Has something gone wrong with your task?” Cheng Yaojin asked seriously, sitting down in the seat of honor.

“Indeed, this mission from the Underworld is rather fishy…” Lu Huaming, with a serious expression, began to explain all the details of their mission.

The events that occurred prior to their arrival were relayed to Lu Huaming by Shen Luo, as he wasn't privy to all the details.

“Ah, the fact that the men from the Refining Body Altar plan to tamper with Jing River Dragon King's seal is definitely a grave matter! I am aware of the Refining Body Altar. They've harbored many down-and-out freelance cultivators and have been infamous for their ruthless and nefarious actions. They have evaded the full force of the Great Tang Dynasty Government and other righteous sects on multiple occasions, and I did not expect them to have a presence in the Treasure Hall too. It seems their powers are more widespread than we thought.” Cheng Yaojin's face turned solemn and he spoke slowly.

“Master, can you tell us more about this Jing River Dragon King? Why is his ghost sealed in the Underworld?” Lu Huaming asked.

Shen Luo was also extremely curious about this and looked at Cheng Yaojin for answers.

“This matter has to do with an ancient secret, and even Emperor Taizong is involved. You don't need to concern yourselves with this for now,” Cheng Yaojin said after a pause.

Shen Luo was taken aback. He didn't expect that the ghost of the Jing River Dragon King was related to Emperor Taizong. Although curious, he dared not ask further.

“Master, how should we proceed with this matter?” Lu Huaming nodded in agreement before posing the question.

“Shen Luo, what do you think we should do about this situation?” Cheng Yaojin sat in silent thought for a moment before unexpectedly turning to Shen Luo with his question.

“I am a mere junior, unfit to meddle in the matters of the Great Tang Dynasty Government. Duke Cheng, you would be the best person to handle this,” Shen Luo replied hurriedly, taken aback by the question.

“No, you were the primary victim in this mission apart from those four unfortunate cultivators who lost their lives. It's only natural to include your opinion on how this should be resolved,” Cheng Yaojin waved his hand and said.

Shen Luo looked at Cheng Yaojin in stunned silence.

Although governments are supposed to be representative of the people, how many actually uphold this principle since time immemorial?

“Although I encountered several dangers during this task, I managed to survive without holding any grudges. Duke Cheng, you are free to make a decision that you deem best,” Shen Luo said after a moment of silence.

“Since you say so, Shen Luo, I will take charge of this matter. Rest assured, I will provide a satisfactory answer in the end,” Cheng Yaojin nodded and replied.

“Yes, your decision will definitely be the best,” Shen Luo remarked.

“Alright, you two may leave now,” Cheng Yaojin waved his hand.

Both of them stood up, bowed to Cheng Yaojin, and left the room.

“Brother Lu, I have some matters that need attention so I'll take my leave,” Shen Luo said to Lu Huaming immediately after leaving the great hall.

“You're leaving already, Brother Shen? Why not stay for half a day more? I still have some fine wine in my place. Since we have reported everything about our mission, we can drink without any worries,” Lu Huaming suggested.

“There's no need for that. I indeed have something important to attend to. When I get the chance, I'll come over and we'll drink,” Shen Luo gently shook his head and replied.

“Three cups wouldn't be enough, we must drink at least three big jars!” Lu Huaming chuckled aloud.

“Alright, if you insist, Brother Lu,” Shen Luo laughed along.

Afterward, Lu Huaming accompanied Shen Luo to the entrance of the government office of the Great Tang Dynasty, and they said their goodbyes.

Upon leaving the Great Tang Dynasty Government, Shen Luo didn't linger around. He quickly returned to his dwelling at Changping Alley.

Xie Yuxin still hadn't returned. Shen Luo asked Zhou Tie to stay alert to the happenings in the city and report anything unusual immediately. He then returned to his dwelling and crashed on his bed.

Throughout this mission, he was constantly on alert without taking a moment off. The fatigue took a toll on him and as soon as he hit the bed, he drifted into sleep.

Shen Luo slept continuously for two days and nights. By the third day, he was fully energetic and awake.

After two days of resting, his external injuries were almost healed, and his internal injuries considerably improved. After two more days of rest, he should be able to recover fully.

First, he went outside to look around, both inside and outside his courtyard, checking for any signs of encroachment. Assured that no one had entered during his slumber, he finally relaxed.

Shen Luo then returned to his room, sat down at the table, and waved his hand.

A small pile of things appeared out of nowhere on the table, which were the rewards earned from his Underworld task.

Two hundred immortal jades, a yellow crystal about the size of a fist, two medicine vials, one white and the other black, and three arm-thick luminous white skeletons.

The yellow crystal was the Yellow Springs Crystal, which was semi-transparent and emanated faint yellow halos.

Picking up the Yellow Springs Crystal, Shen Luo focused his thoughts and injected mana into it. As a result, the yellow halo around the crystal instantly brightened by tenfold.

The moment Shen Luo's eyes were illuminated by the yellow halo, he lost sight of everything else. All he could see was the endlessly revolving yellow halo, like a kaleidoscope, which made him feel dizzy.

Startled, he quickly closed his eyes and silently ran his internal energy.

After a while, the dizziness subsided and when he opened his eyes again, his vision was back to normal.

“What a treasure!” Shen Luo admired the crystal in his hand and praised in his heart.

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