Lingfeng followed Tong Yu through many twists and turns, crossing numerous streets and alleys, until they finally arrived at a large gate. The gate bore the words State Government, marking it as the residence of the State Government.
On either side of the gate stood two fierce-looking stone beasts, which made the already grand State Government residence appear even more imposing.
"This is the Governor's residence. Let's go inside first, and then I'll go report to the Governor. Please wait for him to meet you!" Tong Yu led Lingfeng to a single-story building and asked Lingfeng to rest inside.
Lingfeng nodded, and once Tong Yu left the room, he eagerly looked around. Although this was a guest room, the furniture and facilities inside were made of high-quality materials, seemingly meant to showcase its opulence.
After observing for a while, Lingfeng sat down on the soft bed, which immediately made him feel drowsy.
Having walked for such a long time without proper rest, he could no longer resist the temptation of the warm and comfortable bed. He lay down and soon fell into a deep sleep.
When Tong Yu arrived at the study of the State Government, he gently knocked on the door, and a middle-aged man's voice immediately came from inside, saying, "Come in!"
Tong Yu quickly pushed the door open and saw the State Government sitting in a chair reading. He bowed slightly and said, "Sir, there is a cultivator who wishes to see you!"
The State Government lazily lifted his head and murmured lightly, "A cultivator?"
"Indeed!" replied Tong Yu. "He possesses a weapon that can freely change its length and wishes for you to take a look!"
The State Government set down his book without showing any signs of surprise. He paced back and forth in the room for a moment before saying, "What kind of person is he?"
"I don't know much about him, but he appears to be a cultivator from Xuan Zhao Shang Qi!"
The State Government nodded slightly and said softly, "Bring him in!"
Seeing that things were progressing well, Tong Yu felt a bit pleased. Not only could he help Lingfeng fulfill his long-held wish, but perhaps by winning over Lingfeng, he could also improve his own prospects in the future.
Lingfeng lay on the bed and soon fell into a deep sleep.
While sleeping soundly, he felt someone shaking him. Lingfeng gently pushed the hand aside and impatiently said, “Monkey Head, stop it, I’m tired!”
In fact, it was Tong Yu who was pushing Lingfeng. Hearing such nonsensical words from Lingfeng, Tong Yu couldn't help but feel amused and thought that the child must be too exhausted. However, since the Governor had summoned him, he couldn't delay any longer, so he pushed Lingfeng again and said, “Brother, the Governor is calling for you!”
Just as Lingfeng was about to lose his temper, he suddenly opened his eyes, quickly turned over to sit up, and shook his head to clear his mind. It was then that he realized he was already at the State Government.
Feeling homesick, Lingfeng mistakenly thought he was still at the Demon Suppression Daoist Temple, and felt a bit apologetic. He said, “Oh, Brother Tong, I’m really sorry, I just had a dream!”
Tong Yu smiled understandingly, turned around to wet a towel, and handed it to Lingfeng. He said, “Wipe your face and wake up a bit. The State Government is very friendly; you don’t need to be nervous. Just speak your mind!”
After wiping his face, Lingfeng nodded gratefully at Tong Yu, then followed him into the study of the State Government.
The State Government was staring out the window in a daze. All Lingfeng could see was his back. Although he couldn't see his face, he could tell from his broad shoulders and tall stature that he was someone who practiced martial arts.
“Sir, Lingfeng the young hero has arrived!” Tong Yu signaled to Lingfeng with his eyes and cupped his fists in greeting.
The State Government responded casually and slowly turned around to say to Tong Yu, “You may leave now.”
Although there was a window behind the State Government, Lingfeng could still vaguely make out his features. He saw that the man had kind eyes; while not particularly graceful, he exuded a sense of peace.
Lingfeng had expected the Governor to be an elderly man nearing sixty but was surprised to find that the man before him was actually in his forties. This immediately filled him with respect.
“Is your name Lingfeng?” The State Government picked up a teacup, personally poured a cup of tea, and placed it on a nearby table, gesturing for Lingfeng to sit down.
Not wanting to be polite anymore and feeling drowsy from just waking up, Lingfeng sat down in a chair and replied, “Yes, my name is Lingfeng!
State Government nodded, looking at Lingfeng as he took a sip of tea and asked, "What brings you to me?"
"Of course I have something to discuss!" Lingfeng hurriedly put down his teacup, glanced towards the door, and stood up to close it.
State Government looked puzzled, staring at Lingfeng in confusion.
After closing the door, Lingfeng felt a bit safer and took out the Phoenix Pearl from Xuanji, placing it in front of State Government.
Upon seeing the Phoenix Pearl, State Government was quite surprised. First, the Phoenix Pearl shone brightly in Lingfeng's hands, indicating a connection between them. Second, some of Ziren's subordinates had reported back to State Government, stating that Ziren was searching for the Phoenix Pearl in Bai Family Town. However, after such a long time without any news from Ziren, it was unexpected that the Phoenix Pearl was actually in Lingfeng's possession.
After a moment of silence, State Government quietly held the Phoenix Pearl, feeling a familiar sensation arise. However, the Phoenix Pearl did not shine in his hands; it appeared just as ordinary as before.
As State Government played with the Phoenix Pearl, he remained silent, his eyes filled with surprise at having regained something lost.
Lingfeng sat there dazed, pouring himself several cups of tea. Feeling somewhat uncomfortable in his stomach, he tentatively asked, "Governor, don't you have any questions?"
Taking a long breath, State Government finally turned to look at Lingfeng, smiled kindly, and asked, "Where did you obtain this Phoenix Pearl?"
This question was indeed lengthy; it would be impossible to detail everything at once. So, Lingfeng selected the important points to recount. Although somewhat vague, State Government managed to grasp the gist of it.
"What about Ziren? Where has he gone?" State Government asked again.
Feeling some bloating in his abdomen but still holding on, Lingfeng replied, "Ziren was injured by a mysterious figure. I saved him later; he is currently recuperating at Herb Hall! Although Ziren's injuries had long since healed, out of loyalty, Lingfeng still told a little lie for him.
Throughout the conversation, State Government remained exceptionally calm, giving off an impression that he had transcended worldly emotions and viewed everything with detachment.
After listening to Lingfeng, State Government merely nodded slightly. He then placed the Phoenix Pearl into Lingfeng's hands and said, "The Phoenix Pearl is destined for you; keep it."
Lingfeng was taken aback when he saw that the State Government showed no signs of reluctance, and he admired him even more, realizing that the State Government was indeed a person of detachment and elegance.
Having a slight understanding of the State Government, Lingfeng became somewhat reserved, not out of fear, but out of respect for him. He stood up, slightly bowed his head, and said, "I have one request for you, my lord!"
"What is it?" the State Government asked directly.
Lingfeng felt that he had made some progress regarding his matter and replied, "The Demon Lord Reincarnation from the Mandala Demon Continent has appeared. According to the information I received, the Demon Lord Reincarnation is currently in the Demon Subduing Continent!"
"Oh~~!" The State Government raised an eyebrow, seemingly realizing that Lingfeng's request was related to his words. He smiled deliberately and said, "Are you asking me to help you find someone?"
"Yes!" Lingfeng answered straightforwardly but lowered his head even more.
The State Government seemed somewhat surprised and looked at Lingfeng with amusement, arrogantly asking, "How do you know whether I will help you or not?"
Lingfeng did not hesitate; he seemed to have realized what the State Government wanted and said, "Because the Governor cares for the people as if they were his own children and is concerned about all beings in the three realms. I believe the Governor knows that the gods of the demon realm are very interested in ruling over the three realms and are particularly eager regarding the Underworld."
"With the appearance of the Demon Lord Reincarnation, they will surely send a large number of people to search for him. Although I have the belief to save Sentient Beings, I am powerless and lack sufficient strength. However, I know that the Governor will not allow the gods of the demon realm to act recklessly nor let the human world become hell!"
Lingfeng had actually thought out this speech long ago. If the State Government was truly as clear-headed as rumored, then his words would not be in vain. If the State Government were a foolish and tyrannical person, then even these flowery words would not put Lingfeng in danger!
Upon hearing Lingfeng's words, the State Government indeed smiled broadly. He patted Lingfeng on the shoulder approvingly and sighed deeply, saying, "I have lived for over a hundred years but have never encountered a true confidant. Meeting a brother today is truly a great joy!"
"Over a hundred years!" Lingfeng was secretly astonished; he did not expect that there would be so many people over a hundred years old in this Cultivation Realm. He seemed to encounter several wherever he went.
The State Government slowly lifted Lingfeng's head and saw that he was just a young child. He was somewhat moved by his courage to come alone to the State Government.
"Which sect are you from?" the State Government asked.
"People come from the Demon Suppression Sect!" Lingfeng replied truthfully.
The State Government nodded and said, "From now on, you don't need to refer to yourself as a person, nor do you need to call me Governor. My original name has been forgotten. For so long, people have only called me Governor, and I have forgotten my true name. However, you can call me Uncle Yuan!"
Lingfeng hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit proud. He narcissistically thought, "Why am I so popular wherever I go? Am I a reincarnation of a lucky star?"
Seeing the smile on Lingfeng's face, the State Government felt a bit dazed and gently patted his head.
Lingfeng came back to his senses and noticed the State Government's puzzled expression. Not feeling restrained anymore, he simply held his stomach and said, "Uncle Yuan, I just drank too much tea and need to go to the restroom!"
The State Government was taken aback for a moment before bursting into laughter. He called in a guard to take Lingfeng to the restroom.
Watching Lingfeng's retreating figure, the State Government nodded with a smile. Lingfeng's genuine sincerity and lack of pretense gave the State Government a sense of something lost being found again.
He vaguely remembered that he was once like this in his youth. It was precisely because of his carefree and kind nature that he achieved what he had today.
Now seeing Lingfeng reminded him of his younger self. Although time had not taken away his youthful appearance, his heart and soul had long since weathered like a stone blown by the wind for a thousand years, eroded beyond recognition. He had long seen through the hypocrisy of the world and found it utterly unoriginal.
Lingfeng's arrival was like a ray of sunshine in the darkness, allowing the State Government to see the existence of light in the world.
Comment 0 Comment Count