Chapter 104: Consecutive Awakenings

Before this, when the monk Yuanjue appeared, the system had already indicated that he was also a demonic star. In other words, it is now certain that Lu Zhishen and Lin Chong are both warrior stars.

Under the explosive surge of star power, the aura emanating from Lin Zhong filled the room, instilling fear in the prefect of Kaifeng, while Gao Yanei beside him had already fainted in terror.

“Lin Zhong, what do you intend to do? This is the Kaifeng prefecture office. Intimidating me is already a crime; if you lay a hand on me, I can sentence you to death on the spot!” The prefect trembled, clutching the judge’s gavel tightly, finding solace only in this small comfort.

“Hahaha! The Lin family has always been loyal to the Great Song dynasty. Though we have yet to achieve great feats, training the imperial guards is no small effort! Yet even the son of a mere theatrical grand marshal dares to bully us brothers!” In an instant, Lin Zhong grabbed the prefect by the collar and lifted him up. “Tell me! What favors has that scoundrel Gao Qiu given you? How dare you betray your conscience like this? Although I am a warrior, I recognize the trick you just used—stealing the heavens and exchanging the earth!”

“You, you, you...” The prefect trembled all over, and under Lin Zhong’s threat, he fainted outright.

“Hmph! Such audacity and cunning, yet you can sit as the prefect of Kaifeng. This court is truly rotten; why should I pledge loyalty to such a regime?” Holding the prefect, Lin Zhong then kicked Gao Yanei to death and approached the monk Yuanjue.

“I’ve brought trouble upon you, Master,” Lin Zhong said with slight apology. “I must now go rescue my brother. What is your plan?”

“Bold Lin Zhong, you won’t be going anywhere today!” A fierce shout rang out, and the crowd outside scattered immediately.

One person noticed Gao Yanei at Lin Zhong’s feet, his expression changing. “My son!” He glanced at the soldiers on either side. “Quick! Capture those two rebels!”

“Gao Qiu!” Enemies glare red when they meet. Lin Zhong shouted and charged at Gao Qiu.

“You were all taught by my brother! If you still remember any loyalty, let me kill this traitor!” Lin Zhong shielded himself with internal energy, and the soldiers did not fight at full strength, retreating to protect Gao Qiu.

“Brother Lin, I’m here to help!” A voice came, and the soldiers immediately turned their spears toward the newcomer.

However, Yang Zhi’s skills had already reached early second stage. His treasured blade was no ordinary weapon that these soldiers could contend with. A flash of silver cut through the spear tips, severing them all. With a sweeping kick, Yang Zhi sent the spearheads flying back, piercing several soldiers and leaving them chilled to the bone.

“You! You! Are you rebelling?” Gao Qiu shouted angrily, holding a jade pendant that radiated light, unleashing a tremendous pressure toward Yang Zhi.

“Amitabha, a grand marshal resorting to such means, I as a monk cannot stand by!” Monk Yuanjue stepped forward, centering his qi in his dantian.

In the next moment, a mighty roar erupted from his mouth. The ground’s bricks and stones turned to ash, swirling toward the soldiers. The gates on both sides shattered, transforming into a flurry of needles aimed at Gao Qiu.

Seeing this, Gao Qiu dared not continue suppressing Yang Zhi. Hastily, he used the jade pendant to form a protective shield around himself, then produced a talisman that ignited on its own. “Just wait!” he shouted, and in the next instant, his figure vanished before them.

Yuanjue stepped forward, appearing amidst the soldiers. Wrapped in golden internal energy, he resembled a great Buddha, effortlessly blocking all sand and needles.

Lin Zhong had recovered from his breakthrough’s explosive state and, witnessing the scene, knew he had completely severed his own retreat.

“Sorry for dragging you into this, Master! Brother Yang, thank you.” Lin Zhong said. “That scoundrel Gao Qiu must have gone to my brother. I have to rescue him!” He was about to leave but was grabbed by Yang Zhi.

“Brother Lin, if you go now, it’s a dead end! We should get out of the city quickly; this commotion is too great!” Yang Zhi looked toward Yuanjue. He was the strongest among them. As long as they reached the city gate before it was fully locked, they still had a chance to escape.

“Brother Lin, Brother Yang is right. Right now, preserving ourselves will make Gao Qiu afraid. Brother Lin Chong may suffer, but his life might still be spared,” Yuanjue said.

Lin Zhong hesitated briefly. “Then we’ll follow your advice, Master. Let’s go immediately!”

Yang Zhi added, “My sister is waiting for me at the west gate. Let’s go together.”

Lin Zhong looked at Yuanjue, who chanted a Buddhist mantra. “By fate, my junior brother is also at the west gate.” The three swiftly took flight. The city had protective formations; flying too high would trigger attacks. Without a court-issued talisman, even someone as strong as Yuanjue could not force their way out.

Sun Meng, watching them leave, sensed the mark he had left on Gao Qiu and quickly tracked him down.

Inside the White Tiger Hall, Gao Qiu sat on the floor in a sorry state. Glancing around and seeing no one, he quickly stood. “Send someone to bring me to Lin Chong!” Fear gripped his heart—he was terrified that Lin Zhong and the others would storm in to rescue Lin Chong. At this moment, Lin Chong was his bargaining chip for survival.

In the prison, several jailers were humiliating Lin Chong. Although Lin Chong’s internal energy was sealed, his physical conditioning was beyond what these petty jailers could overcome. Yet, with thoughts of his wife and brother weighing on him, his spirit was low, and he paid no attention to their abuse.

“The grand marshal has arrived!” someone called out, and the jailers quickly lowered their heads and stood aside.

A squad of soldiers followed Gao Qiu to Lin Chong’s cell.

“What’s this? The grand marshal is eager to take my life?” Lin Chong said as he leaned against the wall with his head down. “If my death can spare my wife and brother, then take my head.”

“I do want your life!” Gao Qiu pointed at Lin Chong. “Do you know my son died at your brother’s hands? Your brother even tried to attack me! Were it not for the emperor’s favor and my talisman, I’d be dead already!”

“So you’re holding me hostage to save your own skin?” Lin Chong raised his head slightly, meeting Gao Qiu’s panicked gaze.

“Hah! Even Grand Marshal Gao is afraid!” Lin Chong smiled. “But with all the restrictions, formations, and royal experts in Kaifeng, why be afraid? Your man has probably already escaped the city! So much for the Lin family’s loyal reputation.” Lin Chong then stood.

Gao Qiu quickly retreated, fearing Lin Chong might break through and kill him.

“May I know who plotted against me?” Lin Chong asked calmly.

“Lu Qian. It was his idea concerning my son!” Gao Qiu didn’t hesitate to betray the lowly Lu Qian; after all, many sought to join him, so losing one wasn’t a concern.

“Lu Qian...” Lin Chong looked up at the ceiling, a tear trailing from the corner of his eye before he sat back down. “Since I’m to be exiled to Cangzhou, please, Grand Marshal, act according to the law. If my brother comes to rescue me, you’ll have some explanation, won’t you?”

Gao Qiu watched Lin Chong. “Are you sure your brother won’t storm in?” He still found it hard to believe.

Lin Chong leaned against the wall. “No. He’s different from me. He won’t exert great effort for a minor cause.” After speaking, Lin Chong closed his eyes, and at that moment, starlight descended from the sky, falling gently upon him.

Frightened, Gao Qiu hurried back to the door. “Prepare good wine and food! Treat Instructor Lin well, understand?” With that, he swiftly left the cell.

The jailers exchanged glances, their faces bitter. How had the situation changed so quickly? But they were mere pawns and could only obey orders.

The three immediately divided tasks: one to buy wine and food, another to buy clothes, and the last to boil water.

Meanwhile, the hidden Sun Meng watched Lin Chong with deep curiosity. For just moments ago, Lin Chong had awakened as a warrior star!

Turning away from the cell, Sun Meng returned to the inn.

That night, the four gathered.

“I’ve discovered both warrior stars and demonic stars,” Mu Xingye said. “We have completed the awakening of three warrior stars. However, I only have two warrior stars awakened; the other is a demonic star.”

Sun Meng said, “The last one I found is Lin Chong, originally a spear and staff instructor of the 800,000-strong imperial guards, nicknamed Leopard Head. Now it’s clear that all these warrior and demonic stars share one trait.”

“Exceptional martial skills but stuck at early second stage!” Mu Xingye and Sun Meng said together.