Chapter 120: Reflections on Experience

In the previous chapter, it was mentioned that Master Weizi would also join the battle.

Chen Yao explained, “Uncle Weizi is entering the fight this time because of my request. When we were discussing the Tomb of Eternal Life, we came to a bold conclusion: there must be other secrets within the ancient tomb. These secrets might be spells even more valuable than the ‘Soul Binding Immortality’ technique.”

“What!?”

Chen Yao’s words immediately caused a stir among everyone present. Except for Officer Li and Ye Dong, who were already aware, all others were visibly shocked.

“After the Guangqi incident, now that we know Huang Wuchang went to great lengths to obtain the heinous and body-snatching forbidden spell ‘Dragon Theft Phoenix Exchange,’ it only strengthened my earlier suspicion,” Chen Yao said, looking at Ye Dong. “Luckily, Ye Dong was able to defeat Guangqi at a critical moment. Otherwise, we would have lost almost the most important leverage against Huang Wuchang.”

“Yes, I was fortunate to escape safely. Huiyan and Nianxue are unharmed; otherwise, the plans laid out by Master and Officer Li would have been in vain.” Ye Dong smiled bitterly and looked at Chen Yao apologetically.

Chen Yao smiled faintly and continued, “Huang Wuchang’s ambition is truly rare and vast. The greater the ambition, the more reckless the evil deeds. The incidents thirty years ago involving Yu Menglan and the recent ‘Prankster Ghost’ case were undoubtedly orchestrated by his team. I suspect they have committed many other murders and tomb robberies unknown to us.”

“That’s right. It seems like old and new crimes are all being counted together now,” Ye Dong said through gritted teeth. “These people kill without blinking; who knows how many lives they have ruined in the shadows.”

“Yes, their methods are extremely vicious, which forces us to be extra vigilant. The ‘Suffering of Life’ dilemma is particularly thorny. Each of its components—the ‘Prison of the Womb,’ the ‘Filth of Blood,’ the ‘Crushing Weight,’ the ‘Needle Pricks on Skin,’ and the ‘Labyrinth of Chaos’—is guarded by powerful vengeful spirits. Having a top-tier expert like Uncle Weizi on our side will surely provide a crucial shield for the ‘Rat Capture’ operation.”

After finishing, Chen Yao turned his gaze to Officer Li.

“We cannot rule out that Huang Wuchang has recruited strong reinforcements to ensure his plans go smoothly,” Officer Li nodded and took up the conversation, looking over the documents in his hands. “According to intelligence, several mercenaries—some former, some current—have secretly infiltrated our city. Some individuals skilled in magic have also had frequent contact with Lord Wei Yelecheng. To face this sudden challenge, I followed Brother Chen’s suggestion to divide everyone into two groups. Please review the roster in your hands.”

“Dividing into groups?” Ye Dong glanced at the list. The first squad, led by Chen Yao, included Dachun, Xiaobao, Hengxing, Wenxing, Xiaoli, and Xiaomo, plus eight special police officers who participated in the ‘Snake Eradication Operation.’

The second squad, led by Master Weizi, consisted of Zilong, Liang Lingzhi, Xiaowang, and Xiaoyang, with Officer Li serving as the overall commander. This group was also reinforced by six elite special police officers who took part in the ‘Snake Eradication Operation.’

“The first squad’s overall strength seems slightly weaker than the second,” Ye Dong thought. “Nianxue’s unexpected absence is regrettable. It’s unfortunate I can’t fight alongside Master this time.”

“The fourteen special police officers sitting over there will accompany us into battle. I believe you have met them before,” Officer Li said with a big wave of his hand. The fourteen stood up in unison, stomping their feet and saluting the group with a commanding military gesture.

Officer Li’s group returned the salute instantly. Ye Dong felt a surge of emotion: “If the police standing on the streets to uphold the law are the light and the sun, then these special police fighting alongside us are the warriors defending justice in the darkness—unsung heroes of the underground.”

Compared to the inexperienced ‘Snake Eradication Operation,’ those involved in the ‘Rat Capture Operation’ felt more confident. Their increased strength and tacit cooperation had deepened their trust in one another and strengthened their resolve to eliminate demons and uphold righteousness.

Once the squads were organized, Officer Li continued detailing the plan.

After the operational meeting, Officer Li, Chen Yao, and Ye Dong had a private conversation about a specialized plan.

Earlier, Ye Dong had shared with Officer Li and Chen Yao the crucial intelligence he found in Guangqi’s memories—a plan carefully devised by Guangqi to assassinate Huang Wuchang. For the safety of all, Officer Li deliberately kept this plan secret. If any team member were captured by Huang Wuchang, this plan would be compromised. Hence, the fewer who knew, the better. It was not that team members would betray their principles, but Huang Wuchang’s ruthless methods and dark magic were exceedingly difficult to guard against.

In a familiar room, the three did not assume formal roles but first sipped tea around a small table.

“Disciple, you know how dangerous this mission is without me saying much more, don’t you?” Chen Yao gently patted Ye Dong’s shoulder.

Hearing this, Ye Dong’s gaze shifted to the red banner hanging on the wall, inscribed with the words “Punish Evil and Punish the Wicked, Protect the People.”

He did not rush to answer Chen Yao’s question but smiled and said, “Master, look how well these eight characters are written—uniting cultivators and police officers together.”

Chen Yao was slightly startled by Ye Dong’s calm demeanor. “It seems he has grown much after the Guangqi incident,” he thought.

“This is our duty as cultivators,” Chen Yao said, looking at Officer Li with a smile. “It is our honor to fight alongside the people’s protectors who represent justice and light.”

Officer Li nodded with a smile but remained silent, gently placing his hand on Chen Yao’s shoulder in agreement.

“I will now return the Prison Flame to its rightful owner,” Chen Yao said, taking the sword from his waist and handing it to Ye Dong. “I kept this sword for you because the Prison Flame is a demonic blade. Its hellfire can incinerate evil spirits, yet it can also resurrect vengeful souls. It all depends on the heart of its wielder.”

“What? The Prison Flame...” Ye Dong slowly took the sword, his voice low, “Master, this is a demonic blade?”

“Yes, it’s a magic sword that amplifies according to the wielder’s intentions. If the user harbors righteous spirit, it becomes an unparalleled weapon to slay demons and eradicate evil. But if the wielder harbors malicious intent, the sword becomes a tool of chaos and bloodshed.”

As Chen Yao explained, Ye Dong gripped the Prison Flame tightly, his brows furrowed deeply, filled with remorse.

“Master, I...” Ye Dong sighed softly, shaking his head to himself.

Seeing that Ye Dong seemed to understand the meaning behind his words, Chen Yao nodded. “Disciple, you have grown in mind and wisdom after experiencing Yayi’s passing and the ‘Snake Eradication Operation.’”

Ye Dong knew that Chen Yao’s approach was to praise first and then admonish, so he braced himself for the main point.

“But you are still young. After gaining the Samadhi True Fire, extraordinary physique, and the divine eye, your increased power has unknowingly inflated your confidence. Your excessive pride and purposefulness have clouded your vision. It was your arrogance and underestimation that nearly caused your downfall at Guangqi’s hands. Not only did you suffer a heavy blow, but Huiyan almost lost her life as well. These incidents nearly ruined the months of careful planning by Officer Li and others. This is a grave lesson.”

“Master, Officer Li, I...” Chen Yao’s words were incisive and precise. Ye Dong felt a deep sense of guilt, tears welling up in his eyes. “In the hospital morgue, I repeatedly reflected on my mistakes and know I was at fault. Fortunately, you did not give up on me and pulled me back from the brink of death.”

Hearing Ye Dong’s confession, Chen Yao and Officer Li exchanged a smile.

Chen Yao then said, “Good disciple, fortunately, thanks to your quick thinking, the situation did not spiral into catastrophe. Instead, you gained a rare trial. After your body-swapping ordeal, I know you have truly matured. You now possess the strength to wield the Prison Flame!”

“Master!” Ye Dong’s eyes overflowed with tears at Chen Yao’s esteem.

“All right, that’s all I have to say. Go get a good rest. Tonight, we have a big battle ahead,” Chen Yao said, patting Ye Dong’s shoulder. “For now, please leave. I have some matters to discuss with Officer Li.”

Ye Dong nodded repeatedly, embracing Chen Yao and Officer Li tightly before stepping outside.

After the door closed, Officer Li chuckled, “Brother Chen, it seems your image in Ye Dong’s heart has grown even more sacred!”

“Children must be coaxed,” Chen Yao smiled wryly. “At critical moments, it’s necessary to reinforce their resolve and faith in the path.”

Officer Li knew Chen Yao’s words to Ye Dong were heartfelt and sincere, not mere empty flattery. He teased Chen Yao to help him relax, knowing how much Chen Yao had worried over Ye Dong in recent days, which had aged him considerably.

Less than twelve hours remained until Ye Dong would enter the Tomb of Eternal Life with Huang Wuchang and the others. After twelve hours, the latter half of the story involving the “Suffering of Life” would unfold. Stay tuned!