Dropped!
Ji Xin and the 300 bandits surrendered to Chen Chong.
The Erlangshen could not help but sigh.
The attendants of King Chujiang and the Seven Sages of Meishan Temple, along with the gods of Guanjing Temple, were all extremely depressed and somewhat puzzled.
In terms of cultivation, Chen Chong's abilities demonstrated by the cultivation level are indeed very good.
For example, the method of lightning, this is not who can learn.
It's impressive that a Seven-Rank Magician can master it; they truly possess extraordinary talent.
However, despite the high level of talent demonstrated by Chen Chongyong, he can only be considered a Seven-Rank Magician. From the perspective of pure power, he is not as strong as Ji Xin and some rather formidable bandits.
Guajing Temple?
The Erlang God is an authentic immortal.
Moreover, although Erlang God is an immortal, his combat strength is comparable to a divine being.
Is it not better to have such a "big god" as the master than a Seven-Rank Magician?
Let alone that the Erlang God is an immortal; even the lesser deities in Guanjing Temple have the cultivation of ghost immortals. The more powerful ones, like the Seven Sages of Meishan, are at the peak of earth immortals. Pulling out any subordinate deity would be capable of serving as a local land god or mountain god.
Alright, if not about cultivation, let's talk about treatment.
The treatment offered by Guanjing Temple is to assist Ji Xin and the bandits in achieving divinity.
What are the conditions offered by Master Chen Chongyong?
However, whether they can obtain the position of a yin chai will depend on Ji Xin and the bandits' own efforts in striving for it during the Battle of God Seeking.
Everyone knows that becoming a god and self-seeking positions of yinchai are different.
It seems from any perspective, Ji Xin and the three hundred bandits should not have chosen to join under Chen Yun's command.
However, ironically, this is exactly what happened. Ji Xin and the three hundred bandits did not choose the better treatment offered by Guanjing Temple, but instead chose Chen Yun.
That is why Erlangshen and the attendants of Chujiang, the Seven Sages of Meishan Temple, and the other deities were all perplexed as to why Ji Xin did not choose them.
Taking advantage of Chen Yun's return to his physical body, the Yin God took away the eight-gate Golden Lock Array and the moment when he sent the spirit away, Erlangshen actively walked towards Ji Xin and sincerely bowed his hand, saying, "Congratulations Ji family brothers, you have become the spiritual soldiers of Ningyang Cave Daoist Temple."
Ji Xin quickly reciprocated the gesture and said, "Thank you, King Chi City."
After the Erlang God had congratulated them, he blinked and asked, "Brother Ji, allow me to ask you a question. Why did you choose Chen Chongyong instead of me, Guanjing Temple?"
Ji Xin was stunned and couldn't directly say that Guanjing Temple was making big promises. He could only respond vaguely, "Our brothers only seek positions in the underworld. We have never thought about becoming gods."
Upon hearing this, Erlangshen seemed to have a hint of understanding, but he still couldn't be completely certain.
He nodded to Ji Xin slightly and didn't say anything else, then transformed into golden light and came to the mortal world.
...
The mortal world.
Chen Yun had just sent the yin soldiers away.
It might seem simple to summon yin soldiers, but in reality, it requires paying "borrowing fees."
It can't be called "borrowing fees" exactly. It's mainly because during the process of setting up altars and communicating with deities, a great deal of spiritual power is needed.
Although he only communicated with the land god this time and summoned yin soldiers, the amount of spiritual power consumed was not small, almost using up half of his abilities.
For a Taoist sacrifice like Luotian Grand Solemnity, even if Chen Yun's spiritual power is completely drained, it is impossible to set up the altar and communicate with deities.
Chen Yun is tidying up the altar.
Suddenly, a handsome young general wearing yellow clothes appeared by his side.
This young general was full of grace and composure, his actions were graceful and calm, and he immediately made a bow and said, "Greetings to the Daoist Chen! I am Zhuo Yur, I am a disciple of Li Jue, the Expulsion Deity from Huayang Cave. I belong to the Maoshan lineage."
The Erlang God was polite and did not use his own divine position to establish connections.
On the contrary, he introduced his teacher and doorway, clearly indicating that he was forging connections among those with similar beliefs.
Chen Yun quickly returned the greeting and said, "It seems that I just didn't recognize Mount Tai before. I hope that King Chi City will forgive me."
Zhang Jiwén also hurriedly bowed and said, "Zhang Jiwén from the Dragon and Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Tao, paying respects to King Chi City."
"Zhang Dao Friend, your courtesy is appreciated. We cultivators do not need to be addressed by our divine titles. If you two are willing, you can call me Erlang Ergou like the brothers of Guanjing Temple."
The Erlangshen also returned a bow.
His behavior and approach to things seem completely different from that of other deities.
Ordinary deities, no matter how "amiable", generally have a sense of divine superiority.
Erlangshen doesn't have any airs, acting as if he's a neighbor.
As for why he volunteered to let Chen Yun and Zhang Jiwen address him as Erlang Ergou instead of Erlang Daotang, the main reason is that he is the second son and has not forgotten about earthly matters.
Chen Yun hadn't expected Erlangshen to be so straightforward and generous, he naturally liked to make friends with someone of such character. He immediately corrected his address: "Second Brother."
If it were other older people, perhaps they wouldn't dare to address him like that. However, Zhang Jiwen is still a child, and he changed his address quickly as well: "Second Brother."
"Greetings to the two brothers." The Erlangshen smiled and said, "Congratulations, Chen brother, on recruiting such a talented general in the Ji family."
Chen Yun said, "Thank you, Second Brother."
Erlangshen explained his purpose, "Chen Brother, please forgive my impoliteness. We at Guanjing Temple have been trying to recruit the Ji family brothers for several years, but they have never given in. How did you manage to persuade them to join today?"
In fact, he had a hint of the answer in his heart, but he wanted to confirm it.
Chen Yun, however, was unaware that Guanjing Temple had been trying to recruit Ji Xin for several years, and asked, "I wonder what conditions did you, Second Brother, offer to recruit General Ji?"
Erlangshen then recited the conditions.
After speaking, he seemed a bit puzzled and said, "I have promised to fight for their divine status. Why didn't the Ji family brothers feel moved by it?"
Chen Yun laughed and said, "Second Brother, what I'm about to say might not sound very nice. Would you like to hear it?"
Erlangshen said, "Say it, there's nothing I can't hear."
Chen Yun said, "Have you heard of the story of 'He Who Will Not Eat Meat Soup'?"
"He Who Will Not Eat Meat Soup" is a term from the period of Emperor Huai of the Jin Dynasty.
The word "meat soup" refers to congee made with meat. The saying "He Who Will Not Eat Meat Soup" means "why don't people eat meat soup?"
This idiom is often used in later generations to describe the lack of comprehensive understanding of things, or the inappropriate comments or advice made by those who have not experienced something themselves on others' hardships or actions.
Erlangshen said, "I've heard of it. Chen brother, what do you mean by this?"
Chen Yun explained in detail, "General Ji and many of the other brothers are all malicious bandits in the underworld. For them, becoming a god is like someone who can't afford to eat meat soup. If you tell them to eat meat soup, it's unrealistic. Or, if you, Second Brother, truly meant well and sincerely wanted to help them, they might hear it as 'He Who Will Not Eat Meat Soup'. Can you ask someone who is starving to beg for a steamed bun, but the person tells you that he won't give you the steamed bun now, but will take you to eat delicious food in a few days? Second Brother, how would you feel if that happened?"
Right, I just want a meal.
You tell me to wait for some time to eat delicacies?
Even if you were to do it with the most sincerity, no one would believe it!
After listening to Chen Yun's explanation, Erlangshen had no response. He finally knew where he went wrong. He was too concerned about his sense of righteousness and was determined to secure good positions for everyone.
To put it simply, just offer what Ji Xin wants and make promises that are feasible. Don't even mention commitments that might make Ji Xin feel unrealistic.
Erlangshen smiled bitterly and bowed his hand ceremoniously, saying, "I'm enlightened."
Chen Yun quickly said, "I can't."
Erlangshen looked at Chen Yun and said, "Today's conversation has opened my eyes. Brother Chen, if you have time, I, Zhuo Yu, would like to invite you to Guanjing Temple for a small drink and some light entertainment. Would you be willing to grace the occasion?"
Chen Yun and Erlangshen didn't have a close relationship, so when he suddenly heard the invitation, he was a bit confused for a moment.
However, he quickly replied, "I cannot refuse an invitation from Second Brother. I will lead General Ji and all our fellow bandits to see our master, and then go to Guanjing Temple for the banquet. How about that?"
Erlangshen said, "Very well. I, Zhuo Yu, will await your arrival at Guanjing Temple."
After speaking, his body shattered and disappeared into a cloud of golden light.
Chen Yun was a bit confused and looked at Zhang Jiwén beside him, "Younger Brother Qiwen, do you know why King Chi City invited me to the banquet?"
Zhang Jiwen yawned and said, "King Chi City is usually very straightforward. He makes friends with anyone who catches his eye, whether it's from the fringes of the Taoist path or ordinary people. That's why so many minor deities are willing to follow him at Guanjing Temple without any title or status. I imagine he invited you because he recognizes you. Look, he didn't invite me."
Oh, so that's how it is.
Chen Yun roughly understood why Erlangshen invited him, just as Zhang Jiwen said, Erlangshen was extremely loyal and liked to make friends with people he liked. Chen Yun just happened to catch the eye of the other party, which is why he was invited.
As to why he found Chen Yun pleasing, it's probably because of Chen Yun's actions in recruiting Ji Xin and the three hundred bandits, which made Erlangshen think that he had some skills.
Chen Yun really didn't expect that he would not only be able to recruit Ji Xin and the three hundred bandits today, but also make an unexpected gain in being able to get to know Erlangshen.
...
It's just after lunchtime.
Chen Yun led the divine general Qin Liang and Ji Xin, along with the three hundred bandits, back to his cave.
As soon as they arrived at the entrance, Chen Yun saw Zhen Lijun waiting in front of the Daoist temple.
Chen Yun hurried forward to greet, "Greetings, Master."
"Greetings, Lord Zhengyang."
"Greetings, Lord Zhengyang."
Qin Liang, Ji Xin, and the three hundred shadow soldiers all knelt down on the ground and bowed to Zhong Lique.
"Greetings, everyone. Make way for Lord Zhong Lique. He will lead us." Zhong Lique nodded to them in greeting.
After speaking, he looked at Chen Yun and laughed bitterly, "I thought you would spend some time recruiting divine troops. I was considering whether to bypass the military strategy for now and teach you something else first. I never expected that it would only take half a day to recruit divine troops."
Chen Yun has been interacting with Zhong Lique for a long time, and he's not as nervous as he was at first.
He smiled and said, "Master wants to teach me skills, how can I not be concerned? Fortunately, I didn't disappoint him. With the help of General Ji Xin and the three hundred brothers who are wise and willing to work with me, I was able to recruit divine troops."
Zhong Lique laughed, "Now that the troops have been recruited, to save time, I'll help you consecrate them into divine soldiers later on, so as not to delay tomorrow's practice."
Chen Yun was overjoyed and said, "Thank you, Master."
If he consecrates the divine troops himself, it might take a long time.
After all, Chen Yun's cultivation is limited, and at most he can consecrate one divine soldier per day. Consecrating all three hundred bandits into divine soldiers might take half a year or more.
Now that he has his master's help, he doesn't need so much time. He can become divine soldiers soon.
By the way, he could also take advantage of the time when his master consecrates divine troops to him, and go to the Guanjing Temple for a banquet.
Of course, the premise is to inform Master Zhong Lique first.
Chen Yun's heart was very eager to make friends with Erlangshen.
Why?
Because any Chinese man knows about the Erlang God?
Particularly because this Zhao Erlang is the original prototype of the Erlang God in "Journey to the West" and "Gods and Demons," Chen Yun wants to make friends with him even more.
Thinking about it, Chen Yun mentioned the invitation to his master.
After hearing the explanation, Zhong Lique said with a hint of meaning, "Since King Chi City has invited you, you should go. But you shouldn't visit without a gift. Here, I have a pill of elixir for you to take along."
As he spoke, he reached out and a yellow elixir appeared.
(End of this chapter)
