There were several other rogue cultivators lurking in the shadows, entertaining thoughts of murder and robbery.
At this moment, their faces were ashen, and they didn't even dare to breathe too loudly.
What kind of monster was that?
Li Miao, the green-robed scholar, was well-known for his hypocrisy and his sinister bone-eroding technique. He had built quite a fearsome reputation, having lured and killed countless wealthy marks.
Yet now, he couldn't even withstand a single move? Half his body had simply... melted?
That terrifying aura...
Even a third-stage Inner Demon stage expert was killed instantly. Could he be at the peak of the fourth-stage?
Hiss—
"Quick, move! Get away from them!"
"Damn it, thank god some idiot went before me. Otherwise, I would've been the one kicking a steel plate... no, I would've kicked the doors of the King of Hell's palace."
In an instant, all those ill-intentioned gazes were withdrawn.
The rogue cultivators in the vicinity scattered like they were avoiding a plague, taking a wide berth around Shitou and his group.
They were terrified that the horrific existence would notice them and that they would follow in the footsteps of the green-robed scholar.
Lord Rat glanced at Shitou, who was still a bit dazed.
"Kid, did you see clearly?
"This is the first lesson Lord Rat is giving you: when you're out in the world, don't fucking believe the lies of strangers."
Shitou was slightly shaken, but his gaze quickly regained its steadiness.
He faced Lord Rat and solemnly cupped his fists in a respectful salute.
"Thank you for the teaching, Lord Rat. Shitou will remember it."
Lord Rat seemed satisfied with his attitude and gave a grunt.
Ku Chan nimbly picked up the storage bag left on the ground. He took a casual peek inside and immediately frowned.
He had seen the divine pills and medicines of the Bone God; the pittance in a rogue cultivator's pocket wasn't even worth a dog's glance.
He put on a smile and said to Shitou.
"Lord Rat just gave you a lesson, teaching you not to trust people easily.
"Then this monk shall humble himself and teach you another lesson.
"The human heart cannot be trusted, but sometimes, it can be utilized."
After saying that, he actively emitted a pure, golden Buddhist light.
Although Ku Chan only had a fourth-stage cultivation, among this crowd of rogue cultivators where most were first or second-stage—and even a third-stage was considered a top expert—he was an absolute powerhouse.
In an instant, he drew countless gazes filled with fear and awe.
He deliberately channeled his spiritual energy to make his voice carry far and wide.
"Amitabha, how virtuous, how virtuous!
"You black-hearted scholars! My lord saw how difficult your cultivation has been and how you were displaced. Out of the kindness of his heart, he permitted you to travel with us to temporarily avoid disaster.
"How dare you harbor evil intentions and attempt to disrespect my lord?
"Hmph, meeting such an end is truly your own doing!"
With the reinforcement of spiritual energy, his voice rolled out across the area.
Sure enough, the sound of people gasping in shock echoed through the crowd.
"A high monk of the Buddhist sect? A fourth-stage Buddha Lord?"
"The green-robed scholar was taken out by the 'lord' this Buddha Lord mentioned?"
"To be addressed as 'lord' by a Buddha Lord and treated with such respect, just what kind of existence is that?"
"Tch, how could there be an idiot kind enough to take in rogue cultivators? Who are they kidding?"
The rogue cultivators were all cunning and suspicious. Most stayed still, observing from a distance while calculating the risks and rewards.
However, there were always a few who possessed low strength and would find it difficult to survive without protection.
Furthermore, the Buddhist sect usually presented an image of compassion.
Sure enough, before long, a man and a woman steeled themselves and walked over cautiously from the edge of the crowd.
The man was a short, thin fellow with rat-like features. Several cloth bags of different colors hung from his waist, making him look like a peddler of miscellaneous goods.
With a fawning smile plastered on his face, he bowed first. "Junior Sun Facai pays his respects to the Buddha Lord! The Buddha Lord's dharma is boundless; punishing the treacherous is truly heartening!"
The woman had a seductive figure and wore a peach-pink dress that looked slightly gaudy, though her expression carried a hint of shrewdness.
She covered her mouth and chuckled, her voice carrying a trace of allure. "This little woman is Mei Sanniang. I greet the Buddha Lord. The Buddha Lord is compassionate to be willing to protect us miserable people. It is truly moving."
Although she was speaking to Ku Chan, her eyes were drifting toward Shitou.
Mei Sanniang was secretly astonished, guessing that this might be the 'lord' the Buddha Lord had mentioned.
She wondered which family's prodigy he was. He was so young; she couldn't tell what his cultivation was.
Ku Chan saw that Lord Rat was still perched on his head, looking like he couldn't be bothered to respond, so he took the initiative.
Maintaining the air of a high monk, he nodded slightly. "Amitabha, our Buddha is compassionate.
"Lord Rat cares for all living beings and wishes to know why there are so many fellow daoists on the road today."
Mei Sanniang immediately replied, "Answering the Buddha Lord, in these times, there is simply no other way. The primary reason is that damned copper poison."
Sun Facai chimed in from the side, "Indeed, it's spreading too fast. I've heard that several counties have already been ruined. If you drink the river water, your body becomes covered in copper spots, and the death is horrific.
"Everyone is helpless. Many rogue cultivator abodes that were once safe have now become death traps.
"Everyone has no choice but to run toward the commandery, hoping that the commandery's array and the lords there can block that ghostly thing."
Mei Sanniang continued, "I also heard that a while ago, the commandery mobilized a group of Blackwater Guards for some secret mission. As a result, they suffered heavy losses, and barely anyone returned. This has also left people in a state of panic."
Seeing that Ku Chan showed no expression, Mei Sanniang gritted her teeth and revealed news she had heard from her patrons, regardless of whether it was true or false.
"There are also rumors that the commandery's treasury is overflowing. To deal with the crisis, they might open up some resources or recruit rogue cultivators into the army. This is a rare opportunity."
"Lantao City is currently one of the few stable large cities left in Thousand Isles County. Rogue cultivators and small families from all directions—anyone who can still move—are rushing there."
In just a few sentences, she clearly analyzed the reasons why the rogue cultivators were gathering here.
Ku Chan then nodded in satisfaction. "So that is how it is. Truly, fate toys with us; all living beings suffer."
He feigned a sigh and casually tossed the storage bag he had scavenged from the ground to Mei Sanniang.
"Since you two are sincere, and Lord Rat possesses the virtue of loving all life, this object shall be your reward from the lord. You are also permitted to travel with us for the time being."
Mei Sanniang and Sun Facai caught the storage bag. Upon checking inside with their divine sense, looks of surprise and joy immediately appeared on their faces.
There were quite a few low-grade spirit stones inside. For low-level rogue cultivators like them, it was a significant windfall.
"Thank you for the lord's gift!" The two hurried to bow and thank them, their attitudes becoming several degrees more respectful.
The other rogue cultivators who were still watching saw that the two had actually received benefits.
Furthermore, the Buddha Lord and that mysterious 'lord' didn't seem to turn hostile immediately. The minds of several others began to race.
An opportunity! This might be a perfect opportunity!
Being able to follow a powerhouse, especially for rogue cultivators like them, meant protection and resources. The path of cultivation would be much easier.
Although taking the initiative to ask to follow was a bit presumptuous and carried great risk, wealth is found within danger.
Several more people couldn't hold back. They stepped out quickly from the crowd, approached the group, and knelt directly on the ground, performing a grand salute.
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