The Lord of Void and Real
Chapter 431

Chapter 431: 427 Chapter 431: 427 When the two returned to the Netherworld, Zhong Kui was waiting for them. Seeing them appear at the same time, he was quite surprised.

However, after listening to Shen Luo and the other party's report on what they had seen and heard, his expression became increasingly serious.

“These evil factions dare to target the Jing River Dragon King, they are simply courting death,” said Zhong Kui, clapping his folding fan together and speaking angrily.

“Elder, this matter concerns both the Yin and Yang realms. Neither the Netherworld nor our Great Tang Dynasty Government can afford to underestimate it,” said Lu Huaming, making a fist and bowing.

“Recently, the Netherworld is not peaceful either, causing unease within the ghosts. It's time for a thorough purge,” Zhong Kui said, his gaze slightly focused, and nodded.

Finally, he swept his gaze over Shen Luo and the other, his eyes filled with admiration, and spoke again:

“The two of you have made significant contributions in resolving the seal crisis and slaying the ghost general. The rewards mentioned before will be doubled as an additional reward from the Yin Bureau.”

“Thank you, elder.” Shen Luo and Lu Huaming looked at each other and smiled, expressing their thanks.

After receiving the rewards, they were sent out of the Netherworld by Zhong Kui.

…

At the entrance of the City God Temple, the mid-day sun was in the sky. It was already noon the next day.

As Shen Luo and Lu Huaming walked out of the temple gate together, both had expressions of fatigue.

“Brother Jia Cheng, when did you arrive in Chang'an and why didn't you come find me?” asked Lu Huaming, stretching lazily.

“Brother Lu, to be honest, my name is not Shen Jia Cheng, but Shen Luo,” Shen Luo replied with a hint of apology.

Upon hearing this, Lu Huaming raised his eyebrow in surprise and looked at Shen Luo.

Shen Luo had no choice but to explain to Lu Huaming why he had used a pseudonym that day.

“Brother Shen, you are truly interesting, hahaha…” Lu Huaming laughed heartily, seemingly unbothered by Shen Luo's deception.

“Brother Lu, what about your name?” Shen Luo asked with a teasing smile.

“My name was painstakingly chosen by my father, implying that I would one day rise like a dragon and astound everybody. It's not a pseudonym,” Lu Huaming explained, waving his hand.

Shen Luo stroked his chin and laughed without saying a word.

“Brother Shen, joking aside, this trip to the Underworld is a major event. I need to report it to Duke Cheng. As you are involved, I would like to ask you to accompany me on this visit,” Lu Huaming said seriously.

“Okay, who is Duke Cheng?” Shen Luo, who had anticipated this situation, did not refuse. Instead, he asked with curiosity.

“Has Brother Shen not heard of the famous General Cheng Yaojin? He followed the late Emperor on his military campaigns, establishing the golden age of the Tang Dynasty. Now, in the peaceful times, he has been assigned by His Majesty to oversee the Great Tang Dynasty Government,” Lu Huaming explained with surprise.

“Duplex Halberd Cheng Yaojin! Of course, I have heard of him. Many storytellers tell tales of his adventures. So, he is currently in charge of the Great Tang Dynasty Government,” Shen Luo said, clapping his hands together.

“Exactly, although Duke Cheng holds a high position and wields great power, he is humble and jovial, a very admirable person. You will know when you meet him, let's go,” Lu Huaming said with a smile. Then, he led Shen Luo in the direction of the Imperial City.

“Are we heading towards the Imperial City?” Shen Luo asked.

Although he was a cultivator now, as a citizen of the Great Tang, he still held deep-rooted respect for the concept of “Heaven, Earth, Monarch, Parents, and Teachers”, and still had some reservations about the court.

“No, we are off to the Great Tang Dynasty Government, not the Imperial City,” Lu Huaming shook his head, changing direction, heading west of the Imperial Palace.

Hearing this, Shen Luo didn't say anything more. He had been curious about the Great Tang Dynasty Government for a while but never had the opportunity to visit. Today, he could finally fulfill his wish.

Soon, the two arrived at a grand manor near the Imperial City.

Though referred to as a mansion, it looked more like a massive manor. The many buildings inside stretched far into the distance, covering what seemed like hundreds of acres.

At the entrance of the manor, nearly a hundred armored warriors stood on both sides, carrying large spears and swords. Every soldier bore a fierce, murderous aura – clearly battle-hardened warriors.

“Is this the Great Tang Dynasty Government?” Shen Luo was surprised at the sight of the magnificence in front of him.

This place was quite imposing, but it was not what he had imagined for a large sect of Immortal Cultivation.

“Although the Great Tang Dynasty Government could be categorized as a sect of Immortal Cultivation, it is also one of the government establishments of the court, strictly speaking, under the Ministry of War. Hence, there are soldiers guarding the entrance,” explained Lu Huaming.

“I see,” responded Shen Luo, catching on.

Lu Huaming led Shen Luo forward, producing a golden token and casually waving it in front of the guards.

The guards at the entrance of the Great Tang Dynasty Government immediately made way, allowing the two to enter.

Once inside the manor, Shen Luo became aware of several powerful spiritual pressures from all directions converging on him.

He could sense that these auras were quite strong, likely belonging to cultivators at the Soul Condensation Stage. The rhythm and intensity of these auras were in sync, like that of strictly trained soldiers.

This sent a shiver through Shen Luo. He stayed closely behind Lu Huaming, keeping his gaze straight ahead and refraining from glancing around.

They passed the front hall of the manor and ascended onto a gallery.

Upon reaching here, those intense auras suddenly vanished, prompting Shen Luo to breathe a sigh of relief.

“Those were the guards stationed at the gate. As long as you behave, you won't have any trouble,” Lu Huaming informed him.

Shen Luo nodded slightly with awe at the strength of the Great Tang Dynasty Government. One could obtain the status of an Elder by merely joining any sect as a cultivator at the Soul Condensation Stage, yet here they were merely guards.

The surroundings of the gallery were full of flowers and trees, and the gallery itself was covered with verdant vines. The vibrant greenery was pleasing to the eyes and refreshing to the mind.

In the surroundings of the gallery, amidst the flower gardens, pools, and pavilions that resembled a landscaped garden, there were occasionally a few cultivators leisurely strolling or enjoying a game or playing a musical instrument, akin to living like immortals.

Upon a closer look at these individuals, Shen Luo noticed that their demeanor and countenance were not inferior to those of General Jin Kui or Immortal Qinghua. They were all eminent figures at the Nascent Soul Stage, which left him even more astounded.

“Those are the esteemed Guest Elders of our Great Tang Dynasty Government. The court spared no expenses to invite them here. Each one of them is extraordinary, and many have peculiar personalities. It is best not to offend them unnecessarily,” Lu Huaming whispered to Shen Luo.

Upon hearing this, Shen Luo hastily averted his gaze.

They continued forward and soon passed through the gallery. In front of them appeared a series of elegant buildings.

“These are the Guest Hall, Tranquil Hall, Renowned Hall, which are all places to receive distinguished guests,” Lu Huaming explained to Shen Luo as they walked.

Normally, visitors are required to first report to these places, then someone is assigned to go in and pass on the message. Only after gaining permission can they enter.

Since Shen Luo was with Lu Huaming, he was spared these formalities and was directly allowed inside.

As they walked past these places, the ambiance of the buildings ahead changed again, becoming more grand and solemn.

They had reached the central area of the Great Tang Dynasty Government. Lu Huamning explained that the headquarters was divided into different halls, such as the Heavenly Palace, Earthly Palace, Four Seas Hall, Thunderbolt Hall, and so on, and each hall had a different function.