446: Master No. 438: In this world, even Buddha has to use a gun to save people.

Chapter 438: Great Master, in this world, even the Buddha must use a gun to convert Prodigies!

Kushi Town, located about twenty li southeast of Linjiagang, is situated in a barren hilly area.

Most of the townspeople make a living by quarrying limestone. Although not wealthy, it is one of the main routes to the northern mountains.

At this moment, the roar of military vehicles broke the afternoon silence of Kushi Town.

A convoy of twenty trucks, kicking up dry yellow earth, came to a steady stop beneath the slightly dilapidated archway at the town entrance.

Deputy Officer Mo was the first to leap from the lead vehicle. He wore a crisp officer's uniform, shiny riding boots, a pistol at his waist, and eyes as sharp as an eagle's.

Behind him, over a thousand elite soldiers quickly disembarked, silently forming a alert formation (security formation).

Their uniform military attire, high-quality standard rifles, and the Aura of killing intent forged through rigorous training instantly brought the scene under control.

The local gentry and respected elders, who had already received notice and had been waiting at the town entrance for a long time, immediately came forward to greet them.

Leading them was an old man with a silk gown and white hair and beard, who was the mayor of Kushi Town.

With a humble yet warm smile on his face, he quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply to Deputy Officer Mo.

"Zhao Deming, Mayor of Kushi Town, along with the local gentry, respectfully welcomes Military Officer Mo and the arrival of the Dingnan Army's righteous forces!"

Behind Zhao Deming were more than a dozen well-dressed gentry and wealthy households, who also bowed in unison, their attitudes exceedingly respectful.

In each person's eyes, there was a deep sense of awe and apprehension.

The renown of the Dingnan Army was now known to all; they were the very heavens of northern Qingzhou.

This was a time when they dominated six counties, their military might at its peak.

This Military Officer Mo was even the number one confidant and fierce general under the command of “Dingnan King Lu Xuan,” so they dared not be anything but cautious.

"You are the mayor here?" Deputy Officer Mo casually glanced at Zhao Deming.

The next moment, his voice resounded throughout the area, "The Great Marshal heard that Kushi Town was also disturbed by the corpse plague, and specifically ordered us to come and patrol, eradicate the remaining evil, stabilize the area, and ensure that under the rule of our Dingnan Army, there will be no place for Prodigies to hide!"

After speaking, Deputy Officer Mo's gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on Zhao Deming's face: "How is the situation in the town? Are there any abnormalities?"

At this, Zhao Deming quickly replied, "Thanks to Great Marshal Lu’s immense fortune and Military Officer Mo’s formidable might!

Since the incidents at Linjiagang and Heishui Town the day before yesterday, this old man organized a civilian militia to patrol day and night, and kept the town gates tightly shut. Fortunately, with Heaven's blessing, no strange signs have been found within the town yet.

It’s just that people are in a panic, and quite a few have already left. Now that we see Military Officer Mo leading the heavenly soldiers here, we... we can finally rest assured!"

His words were full of flattery, and the surrounding gentry, seeing this, also chimed in, "Yes, indeed."

"With Military Officer Mo here, our hearts are at ease!"

"With the Dingnan Army here, Kushi Town will be peaceful!"

"With the Dingnan Army here, a clear sky has arrived!"

"Long live the Dingnan Army! Long live Great Marshal Lu!"

Deputy Officer Mo looked down at the group of bowing gentry, a hint of unconcealed arrogance curving his lips.

"Hmph, you people are quite sensible, all of you are understanding people."

These condescending compliments were as if Deputy Officer Mo was bestowing favor upon them, "Well said! Great Marshal Lu is the Heaven of our Qingzhou! He is our great benevolent official!"

Immediately after, the arrogant curve on his face instantly vanished, and Deputy Officer Mo's expression darkened. His gaze quickly swept over the hills outside the town, and his orders came crashing down.

"Listen, our army will immediately take over all main roads within the town and blockade all surrounding passes.

Zhao Deming, you are to immediately find me the most familiar local guides, and the entire town must prepare and supply three days' worth of provisions. There must be no delay!"

"By the Great Marshal's order! Tomorrow, after dawn, our Dingnan Army will advance, vowing to annihilate all those specters and demons in Heishui Town and Linjiagang!"

After a pause, Deputy Officer Mo almost gnashed his teeth, proclaiming each word distinctly.

"All of you listen carefully—on Great Marshal Lu's territory, under the might of the Dingnan Army..."

"No damn demons or ghosts are allowed to become spirits!"

The last sentence exploded like thunder, making the hearts of the gentry in Kushi Town tremble, and they nodded repeatedly.

"It should be! It should be!" Mayor Zhao repeatedly agreed, stepping aside to clear the way and bowing in a gesture of "please."

"Military Officer Mo, please enter the town! A banquet has already been prepared. Although it's a small place with simple dishes, it's our heartfelt gesture. We hope the General will grace us with his presence."

Deputy Officer Mo pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Alright."

He needed to learn more about the situation in Heishui Town and Linjiagang from these people.

Then, Deputy Officer Mo turned to his deputy and ordered, "First company, garrison the town entrance and control the high ground. Second and third companies, follow me into town and maintain vigilance."

"Yes!"

With the order given, the soldiers moved in perfect unison.

Deputy Officer Mo then, surrounded by Mayor Zhao and others, stepped into Kushi Town.

Along both sides of the street, some brave townspeople secretly peered through door cracks and window gaps, observing this well-equipped and extraordinary army, their eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of hope.

Mayor Zhao's mansion was indeed grand, a small fortress in this barren land.

The banquet was set in the spacious main hall, which possessed the elegance of a Jiangnan garden.

Inside, the tables and chairs gleamed, exuding the practical and ostentatious style of a local gentry.

Deputy Officer Mo sat in the place of honor, while Mayor Zhao and several gentry sat below, carefully accompanying him with smiles.

After a round of drinks, Deputy Officer Mo's gaze swept across the hall and he raised an eyebrow slightly.

Several other tables set up in the hall were quite eye-catching.

At the table to the east sat several individuals from outside the mundane world.

Three monks in bright yellow cassocks and two young monks sat alone at one table, with only vegetarian dishes before them.

The Old Monk at the head of the table lowered his gaze, his withered fingers slowly twirling deep brown prayer beads, seemingly oblivious to the meat and wine fumes filling the table.

The adjacent table, however, presented a different scene.

Several Daoists in green robes, with their whisk brushes leaning against their arms, were raising cups and savoring the locally brewed rice wine.

One long-bearded old Daoist met Deputy Officer Mo's gaze and nodded slightly in greeting.

In the furthest corner, several men dressed in common clothes were particularly striking.

Though dressed in ordinary cloth, their waists were bulging, and their eyes gleamed with inner light. Among them, a burly man whose tiger's mouth was covered in thick calluses was leisurely slicing roasted lamb with a dagger, the knife's edge producing meat slices as thin as cicada wings.

Deputy Officer Mo took a sip of wine without changing his expression. These “talented individuals” from all walks of life must have come to slay demons and eradicate evil.

Just as the atmosphere in the hall became subtle, Zhao Deming quickly raised his cup and stood up, bowing and smiling apologetically to Deputy Officer Mo.

"Military Officer Mo, these are all enlightened masters who care for the common people. They happened to be traveling through our humble town yesterday and, hearing that Military Officer Mo was leading the righteous army to eradicate the corpse plague, they all wish to contribute their meager strength."

He spoke cautiously. In these chaotic times, warlords were local emperors, and they most disliked others stealing their thunder.

If Military Officer Mo were to think that these people were invited to compete with the Dingnan Army, disaster would likely strike instantly.

However, what Zhao Deming never expected was that Deputy Officer Mo not only didn't get angry, but instead let out a hearty laugh and abruptly stood up, raising his cup.

"Hahahahaha! Good! What perfect timing!"

"To be gathered here today with all you enlightened masters to discuss the great plan of demon eradication is truly a blessing for our Dingnan Army!

I, Mo, toast all of you here, wishing us a resounding victory tomorrow and the eradication of all evil!"

He tilted his head back and drank it all in a clean, swift motion. Zhao Deming stood stunned, and the gentry exchanged bewildered glances.

Deputy Officer Mo looked around at the extraordinary individuals present, his gaze very sincere.

He had always respected these truly enlightened masters, and moreover, the Great Marshal had long given a clear order—to gather talented individuals from all over the world to achieve a great cause.

"After we clear the troubles in Heishui Town and Linjiagang tomorrow, I, Mo, will personally host another banquet to properly converse with all of you.

In this chaotic world, the Great Marshal truly needs talented individuals like you to join hands and restore order."

Deputy Officer Mo's meaning was clear.

Today's shared drink was fate; after fighting side by side tomorrow, he would recruit all these talented individuals into the Dingnan Army for the Great Marshal.

Just as the banquet atmosphere grew lively, the Old Monk, who had been chanting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them and clasped his hands in greeting to Deputy Officer Mo: "Military Officer Mo, this Old Monk has something to report."

His voice was not loud, but it instantly silenced the entire hall.

"The corpse plague in Heishui Town and Linjiagang is far more dangerous than rumored.

Those zombies have consumed a large amount of living human essence and blood, giving birth to several Silver Armored Corpse Kings, and countless vengeful spirits still linger in both places."

"Now, that place is a living hell."

At this point, the Old Monk's gaze fell upon the pistol at Deputy Officer Mo's waist.

"Mortal firearms, no matter how sharp the guns and cannons, I fear they can hardly harm these Prodigies in the slightest.

This Old Monk dares to humbly request that the General quickly report to Great Marshal Lu, issue a hero's summons, and gather all the Righteous Path in the world to jointly attack the evil demons, otherwise..."

He sighed deeply and resumed twirling his prayer beads: "Amitabha. Goodness gracious."

Mayor Zhao's wine cup froze halfway to his lips. He stared at the Old Monk, tears threatening to fall, lamenting bitterly in his heart.

"Oh, Great Master, Great Master! You are a monk who has left home, but you haven't left the world!

Those words weren't advice; they were clearly pointing at Commander Mo's nose in front of all the guests and calling his Dingnan Army useless trash! Saying they were good for nothing except dragging everyone down!"

The several Daoists and Jianghu specialists present at the banquet also felt a sense of dread.

A Daoist in green robes couldn't help but curse inwardly: "This old bald donkey has a wooden head!

Perhaps chanting scriptures and praying all day has made him stupid, not understanding even the slightest bit of social etiquette!"

Just at this moment of intense tension, Deputy Officer Mo did not get angry; instead, he burst into hearty laughter.

"Hahahaha! The Great Master is compassionate and cares for the common people; what he said makes sense!"

He raised his cup and calmly surveyed the crowd: "However, since our Dingnan Army dared to come here, we naturally came prepared. Eliminating the wicked Prodigy is something the Great Master does not need to worry about."

"Come!" Commander Mo raised his wine cup high: "This cup is to wish us swift victory and to restore a bright and peaceful world for the people of Qingzhou!"

If this were the Deputy Officer Mo of the past, being openly challenged like this by the Old Monk would certainly have led him to draw his gun and assert his authority.

However, ever since he witnessed Commander Lu Xuan's heaven-defying methods of summoning wind and rain, and using Talismans to subdue mountains and rivers, his perspective had changed completely.

Although the words of these Righteous Path individuals were harsh, they were sincere people devoted to serving the populace.

In this chaotic era plagued by demons, people who uphold their original intentions are exactly what is needed.

"Hahaha, Commander Mo is wise, mighty, and truly understands righteousness!"

Mayor Zhao, seeing which way the wind blew, immediately stood up and cheered loudly, his plump face instantly plastered with a flattering smile.

With him taking the lead, the gentry in the hall immediately realized what to do and stood up one after another to flatter him.

"Commander Mo's breadth of mind is as vast as the sea; he is truly a hero of this age!"

"With a figure like the General in the Dingnan Army, why should we worry about demons not being eliminated!"

"Commander Mo's words just now truly make us feel ashamed of our inferiority!"

For a time, flattery echoed back and forth at the banquet, and the tense atmosphere instantly vanished.

Several clever gentry even proactively stepped forward to offer toasts, wishing they could exhaust every flattering word they had ever learned.

In the early morning, twenty military vehicles, loaded with soldiers and accompanying experts, set off toward Linjiagang.

Before the convoy even approached its destination, the sights along the way were shocking.

Tattered clothing was scattered on both sides of the road, and several starved corpses lay in the weeds, left for wild dogs to gnaw onthis was the norm in a chaotic world, where human life was cheap and death was commonplace.

The convoy came to an abrupt halt a kilometer away from Linjiagang.

Deputy Officer Mo raised his binoculars. The outline of the town gate in the distance was faintly visible in the morning light, and through the lenses, he could see clearly.

Bare white bones were scattered on the ground, and the soil was covered with crisscrossing drag marks, as if something had pulled the corpses all the way into the town.

Dark brown bloodstains deeply saturated the land, yet bizarrely, not a single complete corpse was visible.

"Immeasurable Heavenly Venerable."

A Daoist flicked his horsetail whisk, his expression solemn. "These skeletons retain strong corpse Qi. It seems all the victims have undergone corpse transformation. I fear... all the walking corpses of the entire town are gathered inside."

Another elderly Daoist beside him added: "Observing the terrain, the Yin Qi converges here. It seems to have become a Corpse Nurturing Ground."

At this moment, Deputy Officer Mo lowered his binoculars. "All troops, listen upload your bullets, prepare your Talismans, and prepare for battle!"

As soon as the order was given, the soldiers quickly formed a battle formation.

"Two hundred men are to stay and construct a defense line on the periphery. We must not allow any evil entity to escape."

Following this, Deputy Officer Mo waved his hand: "The rest of you, follow me into the town!"

Upon receiving the order, two hundred soldiers immediately jumped down from the back of the military vehicles, quickly set up machine gun positions on the periphery, forming a tight blockade.

The remaining eight hundred soldiers lined up neatly, their rifles gleaming from good maintenance, and bright red Talismans were already affixed to the barrels.

Inside the town!

The doors and windows of the mud houses lining the streets were tightly shut, resembling airtight coffins, preventing even a sliver of sunlight from penetrating.

Yellow Talismans scattered everywhere had long lost their spiritual light, swirling in the cold wind.

"Amitabha." The Old Monk couldn't help but sigh mournfully, his withered fingers slowly taking the prayer beads from his neck. "It seems fellow practitioners have already perished here."

As soon as he finished speaking, the prayer beads in his hand suddenly burst forth with brilliant golden light, and the sound of chanting echoed continuously like a massive bell throughout the silent street.

Several Daoists in green robes simultaneously made their move. The Talismans on their peachwood swords spontaneously combusted without wind, transforming into streaks of flowing fire.

The Jianghu specialists displayed their Divine Abilities, with copper coin swords, ink lines, and soul-capturing bells all appearing at once.

The figures flickered, instantly closing in on the mud houses along the road.

The Old Monk pressed his prayer beads onto a door panel; the golden light burned the wooden door like a branding iron.

A Daoist lightly tapped his sword tip, and the Talisman fire shot through the door crack, while a Jianghu specialist's copper coin sword shattered the window directly.

"Awoo—!!"

Inside the door, a mournful roar instantly erupted, accompanied by sounds of frantic pounding.

The entire mud house shook violently, as if some horrifying creature was about to smash its way out.

But after the door was smashed open from the inside, several Copper-Armored Hairy Zombies that had reached a certain stage were immediately struck by the sunlight, causing white smoke to erupt from their bodies.

In an instant, the roars from inside the mud houses ceased abruptly.

Just as everyone slightly relaxed, the sky darkened without any warning.

The sun, which had been bright moments ago, now seemed to be swallowed by an invisible giant maw. A cold wind suddenly rose, whipping up dust and sand everywhere.

"The Heavenly Dog devours the Moon! Evil Qi surges to the heavens!" A Daoist cried out in alarm, the needle on his compass spinning wildly.

The Old Monk's expression changed: "This is bad! A Golden-Armored Flying Zombie has appeared."

"No, wait!" A Jianghu mystic suddenly threw out a copper coin divination. "It hasn't fully formed yet, but it can already trigger celestial abnormalities!"

Everyone looked up and saw a column of bloody light shooting up into the sky from deep within Linjiagang.

Fierce winds erupted, carrying flying sand and rolling stones!

The sky rapidly darkened at a visible speed, becoming pitch black in the blink of an eye, so dark that one could not see their own hand.

However, facing such a massive celestial anomaly, Deputy Officer Mo and the eight hundred soldiers remained stern-faced, showing no sign of panic.

"Light the torches!"

Upon this command, one hundred soldiers in the front row moved uniformly, neatly lighting the torches in their hands.

What was even more astonishing was that the handle of every torch was tightly wrapped with a crimson Talisman.

The fierce wind roared, attempting to devour the light, but the hundred flames remained perfectly still, as if fixed in another dimension, illuminating the surrounding dozen feet as brightly as day.

"This... this is..." The Old Monk's pupils constricted violently; he even forgot to chant the Buddha's name.

"Watch out—!!"

The next second, the Old Monk's warning tore through the night sky.

His withered figure leaped into the air, holding his prayer beads high with both hands, the true words from his mouth sounding like thunder.

The string of prayer beads immediately burst forth with ten thousand rays of golden light, transforming into a barrier that met the threat from above.

"Boom!"

With a dull thud, the golden light violently collided with a mass of Yin Evil Qi as thick as ink.

The Old Monk fell like a kite with a broken string, hastily caught by two young monks.

He felt a sweetness in his throat, and blood seeped from the corner of his mouth. The golden light on the prayer beads in his hand slowly dimmed, and several fine cracks appeared on their surface.

In mid-air, a black shadow slowly materialized.

It wore tattered black funeral robes, its face was dark green and distorted, its features frozen, and the chilling Aura emanating from its body caused white frost to condense on the ground for several yards around.

"Amitabha..." The Old Monk managed to stand steadily with the support of his Disciple. "What a fierce malevolent spirit! It has reached its potential!"

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Just as the Old Monk finished speaking, over a dozen gunshots ripped through the darkness, and the muzzle flashes instantly illuminated the night sky.

Bullets trailing faint light pierced the long sky, accurately hitting the malevolent spirit in mid-air.

The malevolent spirit, which had been overwhelmingly fierce moments earlier, instantly became riddled with holes, and thick white smoke surged out from the bullet holes in its body.

The malevolent spirit let out extremely mournful wails, twisting frantically in the air, and finally completely dissipated into smoke and ash under everyone's gaze.

The entire scene fell into dead silence.

All the experts stared blankly at the soldiers who had fired the shots.

They saw that the rifles in their hands were clearly affixed with the same crimson Talismans as those on the torches.

"Great Master, catch this!"

Deputy Officer Mo's expression did not change as he casually tossed a rifle, already affixed with a Talisman, toward the Old Monk.

"In this world, even the Buddha must learn to use a gun to transcend demons."

The Old Monk subconsciously caught the cold firearm. He looked down at the rifle in his arms, then looked up at the soldiers holding guns.

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What the hell is this!!!!!