Chapter 318: Sacred Light

Inside the hotel lobby, with several security guards uneasily observing them, Shi Qianzhang removed the headscarf of the shadow dweller slumped on the sofa. He clicked his tongue in mild surprise.

"He looks rather peculiar, but he does have some features to him."

The others gathered around, likewise letting out murmurs of amazement.

The ninja was a young man who seemed worn by hardship. Judging from his bone age, he could not be more than twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old. However, his forehead was darkened, his eyes sunken, and his face had turned deathly pale. He seemed drained of energy, too.

"He must have practiced corrupt arts," Zhou Yinglong muttered. "His essence, spirit, and vitality have all been wasted away. These Sakura Island cultivators truly do not cherish themselves."

Shi Qianzhang chuckled. "It's not that unusual, though. While Daoist sects have commandments to keep us in check, the cultivators of Sakura Island do not trouble themselves with purity. Such things are common here."

"

Amitabha.

Why did he insist on contacting us in such a weird manner?"

Zhou Yinglong mused aloud, "Maybe he was just trying to act cool by blocking cars, but got hit head-on instead? Feeling ashamed, he then tried several times to prove himself."

Wang Sheng shook his head. "Perhaps this is simply Sakura Island's unique way of receiving guests. Set him down here. We shouldn't crowd around him; it could cause another disturbance. Leave him a note as well so he can reach out to us once he wakes up. I have already checked his injuries. They're all just scrapes. Since he has decent cultivation, an hour or two of rest should be enough for him to recover."

Shi Qianzhang immediately volunteered. "Leave it to me, Brother Sheng. I'll handle it."

"Daoist Master Wang, Dao Master Shi, we'll stand guard here," said the liaisons, making their presence known. It was a reminder to the young Daoists that official personnel accompanied them, and they didn't have to worry about follow-up arrangements.

"I'll leave it to you two, then."

The petite young woman softly replied, "You're too polite, Daoist Master Wang. Here are the room card chips and the keys to each of your suites. If you find anything unsatisfactory, please don't hesitate to contact us."

Wang Sheng accepted the small pouch and thanked her. The two liaisons insisted that there was no need for courtesy.

Comparing the efficiency and attitude of the two sides, it was clear that although the Special Investigation Unit members were not cultivators, they far surpassed their counterparts in competence.

It was unclear whether the Special Investigation Unit had arranged it intentionally or if the Hua Republic had truly reached such prosperity, but the rooms of Wang Sheng's group were on the very top floor of the hotel. Each had been assigned a luxurious suite.

Wang Sheng's suite, which was adjacent to those of Mu Wanxuan and Xi Lian, was especially grand. Not only was it as lavish as it could get, but it also shared a balcony pool with Xi Lian and Mu Wanxuan's suites, allowing them to soak while gazing over the cityscape. It was an elegant enjoyment in its own right.

Their rooms were, admittedly, rather extravagant.

"We are clearly basking in the light of Brother Sheng and Senior Xi Lian," Shi Qianzhang joked. "Hey, this pool looks good. How about a barbecue tonight?"

Mu Wanxuan's eyes lit up. She raised both hands in approval.

Xi Lian waved her small hand. "You men can go out tonight. This pool does not welcome male guests. Remember to call that young woman from the Special Investigation Unit to join us. We will hold a barbecue party here tonight!"

Wang Sheng looked at his senior sister. He was about to offer to stay behind and stand guard for them, but she had already defected to the barbecue-party faction.

The half-immortal fox quickly commanded, "We'll rest for half an hour, then we'll go shopping for swimsuits. The bathing robes here on Sakura Island do have traces of our Tang-era clothing. We can pick out some fine ones while we are at it."

Mu Wanxuan and Hao Ling spoke in unison.

"Barbecue!"

"Fine swimsuits!"

The men were promptly driven away.

As cultivators, they had little to pack. Most of their belongings were stored in their storage artifacts.

Soon, the men gathered in Wang Sheng's suite.

Shi Qianzhang clasped his hands behind his back. With a knowing look, he winked at the others.

"Brothers, let me arrange things tonight. Any requests? Hm?"

Zhou Yinglong thought for a moment and laughed. "I heard there are unique bars here. Why don't we go have a look?"

Huai Jing chimed in, "

Amitabha.

I have heard that the largest gaming hall in the East is located here. After the bar, we could spend some time there."

"I am fine with anything," Wang Sheng said. "As long as it is quiet."

Shi Qianzhang's mouth twitched. "Is that really all you guys are after? Many of the shops here are perfectly legal, you know. Legal!"

Zhou Yinglong looked baffled. "Legal? What do you mean?"

Shi Qianzhang scratched his head and sighed. "Never mind. Since Little Liu didn't come along, I thought I could finally indulge. But now..."

Xi Lian coldly snorted from next door. A streak of white light shot through the window and struck Shi Qianzhang squarely on the forehead. As if struck by lightning, he trembled violently and then slowly collapsed onto the carpet.

Through the wall, Xi Lian warned, "If you dare corrupt Little Fei Yu, you two will end up just like him."

Like him? What does she mean by that?

The three looked down. Shi Qianzhang had already begun to get up. He now had a serene expression and a sacred glow. His face was filled with newfound "comprehension."

He slowly pressed his palms together and murmured, "When desire deludes the heart, one fails to see impermanence. The wise can sever and let go, and thereby free themselves from all suffering. The flesh is false. Beauty is but appearance. Rouge and powder conceal skulls. Relations between men and women are excesses upon the Dao. To find one truly worthy of love is far too rare. Women, yin and yang...

Hehe...

"

Zhou Yinglong and Huai Jing instinctively took half a step back, placing Wang Sheng between themselves and Shi Qianzhang.

Wang Sheng smiled. "Don't worry, Big sister. I'm usually the one who leads them astray."

"

Tch.

You?"

Despite the wall between them, he could almost see Xi Lian rolling her eyes. Soon after, they heard Hao Ling and Mu Wanxuan's playful voices.

Wang Sheng decided it was not worth arguing.

***

Wang Sheng spent the next thirty minutes sitting in his suite, half-dozing on the sofa. He then heard the three women leaving together to shop.

Soon after, the male liaison went to their floor with the "shadow dweller" and knocked on Wang Sheng's door. Xi Lian and Mu Wanxuan had clearly pulled the female liaison along with them.

"Come in, the door is open."

Wang Sheng humbly rose to greet them.

The liaison pushed open the door. "Daoist Master Wang, Sakura Island officials have sent someone to ask about your purpose here. Though we already gave him an explanation, he still wishes to hear it from you directly. In his words, only a promise from a strong cultivator can set their nation's mind at ease. Should I let him in?"

Wang Sheng clasped his hands behind his back and smiled. "Sure."

The investigator stepped aside. The shadow dweller braced himself against the wall and made his way to the doorway with difficulty. The investigator nearby could not help but reach out to steady him.

"It's okay, I'm fine. Thank you," the ninja said in fluent Hua language.

He then straightened up and bowed slightly to Wang Sheng. However, his legs gave out, dropping him to his knees. With quick reflexes, he braced his hands at his waist, bowed his head, and smoothly transformed it into a formal bow.

"Esteemed Heavenly Tribulation Executor, I am Akiu Masayo, a senior officer of Sakura Island's Ministry of Special Affairs. It is an honor to meet you."

Wang Sheng gestured for him to enter. "There is no need to be so formal. Please, come in."

He then used his enchanted power to lift the man and set him down on the sofa by the door.

"Thank you. Forgive my disgraceful behavior." Akiu Masayo sounded embarrassed. Nevertheless, after a deep sigh, he went straight to the point. "I should not intrude, especially since we have already approved your entry.

"Unfortunately, due to our negligence and delayed intelligence, we failed to recognize you as the hero who killed the vampire prince. Please forgive me for asking, but what is the true purpose of your visit?"

"As everyone knows, I am but a young cultivator from the Hua Republic," Wang Sheng replied seriously. "I came here under orders from the Special Investigation Unit to escort our scientists."

Akiu Masayo jolted and nearly fell off the sofa.

Is this humility, or is he boasting? He's a cunning strategist and an expert in combat, yet the Hua Republic still sent him on an escort mission?

"I understand. Then your route will be the same as the scientists', yes?"

"Not entirely. I also wish to take this chance to relax and see the customs of Sakura Island. I may wander about."

Masayo sighed in relief.

So he has merely come to sightsee.

That reason was far easier to accept.

Akiu Masayo cleared his throat. "

Ahem.

Because of your unique identity and some historical complications, you may encounter trouble during your stay. We will make preparations in advance while also making sure not to disturb you. You'll be guarded against extremists who could try to trouble you.

"Please believe me when I say that Sakura Island cherishes peace and hopes to grow together with the Hua Republic. If any unforeseen incident occurs, it does not mean we bear you ill will. On the contrary, we come with utmost sincerity—"

"Do not worry. Even if someone attacks me, I will not harm innocent civilians," Wang Sheng interjected, having grown weary of the ninja's long speech.

He didn't intend to go back on his word. On the other hand, he specifically said that the only ones he wouldn't harm were the innocent.

Smirking, he added, "I will not summon the heavenly tribulation either."

Akiu Masayo bowed in deep relief. "Thank you for your understanding! Our superiors can finally relax. I will not disturb you any further, Heavenly Tribulation Executor. Should you need anything, please let us know immediately. Allow us to fulfill our duty as your host."

Wang Sheng simply waved his hand. At the doorway, the staff member gestured politely.

Akiu Masayo wobbled as he turned away. He steadied himself against the wall and slowly walked off. Just half a day ago, he had still been a young shadow dweller full of national pride and dignity. After what he had just gone through, though... It was better left unspoken.

After sending off the envoy, Wang Sheng lay on his bed and scrolled on his phone. At nightfall, Xi Lian returned from shopping and started shooing them out.

"Why are you guys still here? Hurry along. We have to change into swimsuits and prepare the barbecue!"

Swimsuits... Senior Sister...

Wang Sheng wanted to make excuses, but when he saw Mu Wanxuan faintly blushing, he felt as though his feet had been planted to the ground. At that moment, a monk whose head shone with Buddhist light walked past with a tranquil expression.

Wang Sheng rubbed his nose, shouldered his sword case, and left to wander the city with the others.