Baiyu had no intention of helping, and the old monk, seemingly believing Baiyu would lift the bucket for him, so for a mont, the two were stuck.
At that mont.
The scene beca quite awkward.
Finally, seeing Baiyu maintaining a calm deanor with no indication of helping, the old monk had to lift it himself.
After that.
They both walked into the temple, and the old monk said, "You're not from this city, and you've co to find to inquire about so matters, haven't you?"
"Master, you truly have a discerning eye," Baiyu replied without much sincerity.
"Hehe, young man, no need for pleasantries. Over the years, I've seen all kinds of people in this city. And with that strong aura of a living person emanating from you, anyone can tell."
The old monk said, "You're already proving your strength just by reaching the mountain's peak. Whatever you want to ask, go ahead."
Baiyu said, "I want to know about last night's events."
Matters have their priorities.
Though Baiyu wants to know ancient secrets, everything should be done one step at a ti. If one's life can't be safeguarded, knowing those things would be useless.
Last night's events.
Evidently involved the entire city's nerves, a matter of life and death.
"Last night? I went to bed early and didn't know what happened, nor do I know what you're asking about. I only know the city hasn't been peaceful lately; if you could leave early, you'd stay away from this vortex."
The old monk's words were vague.
As for the reason he ntioned, no one would believe it.
After contemplating for a while, Baiyu changed his approach: "Master, I'd like to understand the power distribution within the city. I know you've refrained from worldly matters for a long ti, but a general understanding would help avoid danger as I move around the city."
This ti, the old monk didn't avoid the topic, he chuckled and said, "This city has so fierce people you shouldn't provoke. For instance, Bao Yue girl, when she first entered the city, she was still a naïve and ignorant girl, but now, she kills without batting an eye…"
Bao Yue.
Was indeed the woman who married last night.
Truly a demon who kills without hesitation, claiming dozens of lives at once.
"In this city, the main power lies in three factions. Over the years, Bao Yue girl has been persistently advancing, her strength has soared, becoming the strongest force outside the three factions. But the city's rule is that only three major factions exist.
If one wants to join in.
They must topple one of the three. One faction is already in opposition to Bao Yue, leading both sides to engage in battle."
Humans have human rules.
Ghosts, too, have ghost rules.
Only then did Baiyu understand; in such a massive city, how could there not be rulers, not have hierarchies?
Soon.
The old monk told Baiyu which three factions they were.
Guide.
Mada Wushan.
Nether River.
These nas were not only the leaders of the three factions but also the nas of the factions themselves. Evidently, the faction in conflict with Bao Yue last night was Mada Wushan's side.
"The leaders of these three factions are figures of heritage. Legend has it Madam Wushan is a mountain spirit, but for unknown reasons, she is trapped within this city. Over the years, after nourishnt and growth, Madam Wushan has beco increasingly terrifying, commanding a hundred ghosts under her."
The old monk described the city's situation to Baiyu as if it were a comic dialogue.
Baiyu listened.
Still retaining a trace of doubt.
Three major factions within the city, each founded by the strongest individuals, but who stipulated there could only be three factions, not four or five?
Thus.
It seed Bao Yue and Madam Wushan didn't truly need to fight to the death.
"Hehehe, the rule of three factions was established by Shadow Emperor. It's the guardian of the entire city, also the rulemaker of the city. Of course, I've never seen it, never have.
It seems.
It's the city's original presence.
This city has many peculiar places, and for outsiders, my advice would be to leave early. This isn't a good place to seek fortune; in Blessed Land, there are much better places. Why are you so eager to choose this piece instead?"
Baiyu said, "I entered with a thumping person, my companion seems captivated by him, following him all the way. I couldn't stop them."
The old monk mused, "Ah, in that case, your friend probably can't be rescued. The thumping person works for Shadow Emperor; even the three major factions dare not make plans against him within the city.
However, besides bringing people in from outside, the thumping person shows no interest in doing anything else. Whether battling for territories or resources, he has never engaged, so the three major factions wouldn't provoke him."
Baiyu nodded. That thumping person was related to Shadow Emperor, which suggested that the temple was probably associated with Shadow Emperor too, perhaps established by the latter.
"Then Withered Zen master, regarding the spirits in the city, enduring endless tornt, hasn't anyone wished to end their life for a reprieve from this painful existence?"
Baiyu asked again.
This is a very realistic matter; even in the real world, people commit suicide, let alone this ghostly place.
"Of course, many have."
Withered Zen master said, "But it's useless because Shadow Emperor won't allow them to die, they can't die. Even if you commit suicide, in a few days, you'll resurrect, with each death's pain multiplying.
As ti passes, no one dares to die easily.
Thus, the city increasingly flourished; when I first entered, the population was far less than half of what it is now."
Baiyu was slightly stunned, finding this surprising. Doesn't this an the city's population will never decrease, only grow? Moreover, if resurrections are possible, won't the mad monk he killed revive?
Wouldn't he cause trouble then...
Just as Baiyu wanted to ask more about the city's circumstances, Withered Zen master waved his hand, "I've said enough, if you want to know more, you should speak to others."
After speaking.
He pointed outside the window.
The sun set, a red glow in the sky.
It would be dark soon.
Baiyu's gaze shifted, asking, "Master, could it be you also..."
"Hehe, I'm not crazy, but at night, Withered Zen Mountain hosts many crazy people I need to calm. If you wish to stay and watch, I don't mind."
Withered Zen master smiled.
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