Chapter 22: The City God’s Summons

After leaving the pawnshop, Wang Liang wandered the streets for a while. This was a habit he had developed in his dreams; whether as a civil official or a military officer, Wang Liang always paid close attention to local information. Seeing that it was still early, he strolled leisurely through the town.

He might not possess the abilities of certain novel protagonists who could memorize every shop in a single day, but Wang Liang rarely forgot the places he passed through and never got lost. He also remembered several side alleys, so if necessary, he could swiftly reach any location via these shortcuts.

Along the way, Wang Liang saw many small vendors. Although the county seat appeared to have numerous storefronts, few shopkeepers actually owned proper premises. Most of the street-facing buildings were residential, typically two stories high. Instead, many merchants pushed carts or carried baskets, selling their goods on the street. From this, it was clear that something was amiss with the town. Of course, Wang Liang was not here to take charge of Yanggu County, and its problems were of little concern to him.

He sampled the town’s renowned duck pears, found them quite palatable, and bought several more to stave off hunger during the night. By the time Wang Liang returned to the Lion Pavilion, dusk had fallen. The Lion Pavilion was brightly lit, bustling with people on the first floor, lively and energetic. There were some guests going in and out on the second floor, but as the innkeeper had said, the third floor was nearly deserted—a clear indication that few possessed the status to venture up there.

After a busy day, Wang Liang felt exhausted. He entered his room, collapsed onto his bed without even removing his clothes, and drifted off to sleep. Following the inn boy’s advice, he lowered the mosquito net and positioned the paperweight to face the window. He also hung the newly acquired warning bell by the bedside, seeking a bit of reassurance.

Too tired to practice cultivation, Wang Liang fell asleep immediately. As he slept, the Tai Xuan Classic's techniques automatically operated within him, strengthening his internal magic. The upgraded Innate Heaven and Earth Art, now at level two, stimulated his muscles and enhanced his physical constitution. For Wang Liang, this was a natural means of self-improvement—though progress was imperceptible in just a day or two, over time the benefits would inevitably accrue.

Wang Liang had also researched which attributes he needed to enhance. He understood that being a jack-of-all-trades, perfectly balanced like a hexagon, was impractical; he needed to excel in at least one area. Yet he was uncertain which attribute to prioritize, so his newly gained upgrade points remained unassigned. Tonight, as always, his two techniques gradually reformed his body as he slept, optimizing his physique.

But just as Wang Liang fell into deep slumber, a sudden ringing pierced his ears—a chaotic sound that stabbed at his mind and shattered his sleep. He sprang to his feet, the Life-Slaying Blade instantly in hand, ready to strike. At that moment, a voice called out, "Sir, please do not attack."

Wang Liang looked carefully and saw, to his surprise, a semi-transparent figure in the room. The figure wore official black robes, reminiscent of a magistrate’s attire, but its feet did not touch the ground and its eye sockets seemed hollow and dark.

"A ghost messenger?"

"Yes, sir. I serve under the Night Wanderer at the City God Temple. The City God has learned of your arrival and has specially sent me to invite you to the temple for a discussion."

"The City God?" Wang Liang hesitated. The concept of the City God dated back to the Tang dynasty, considered local officials of the underworld, their authority akin to that of a county magistrate in the mortal realm. Typically, each county had its own City God, presiding over civil and military judges, various deities, Generals Gan and Liu, Generals Fan and Xie, Generals Ox and Horse, Day and Night Patrol Gods, General Shackles, and others. Depending on the city’s size, there might be three, six, twenty-four, or even thirty-six divisions.

Yanggu County was a small town, thus it had only three subordinate divisions. Yet even the smallest City God held considerable rank, receiving the title of Manifesting Lord, far above ordinary folk. Though Wang Liang had been a high official in his dreams, his current status was merely that of a commoner. With the City God’s invitation, he could hardly refuse.

He straightened his clothes and sheathed the Life-Slaying Blade. "Very well, shall we depart now?"

The ghost messenger hurried to lead Wang Liang toward the window. Wang Liang noticed some incense ash had appeared by the window.

"Travel through the underworld?"

"Yes, sir. It is now midnight; outside, only the Night Wanderer and patrolling ghost soldiers remain. There are some roaming heroes in the mortal realm, and while it is convenient to travel through the living world, it is not entirely safe. Passing through the underworld is faster."

Wang Liang sized up the ghost messenger. Judging by his aura, the messenger was about level twenty; Wang Liang was confident he could dispatch him with a single blow, so he felt no fear. Stepping onto the incense ash by the window, he was immediately seized by an invisible force, dragging him swiftly forward.

The speed accelerated with dizzying velocity, so fast the surroundings blurred. Nevertheless, Wang Liang strained to observe below. Under the night sky, Yanggu County seemed swallowed by a giant black beast. Only near the Lion Pavilion, the county office at the town’s center, and the City God Temple in the southeast did any lights shine.

Looking closer, Wang Liang realized these were not ordinary lights, but a peculiar spiritual radiance. This glow was not particularly strong, nor did it envelop the whole city; it merely protected specific areas. Locations outside this protective aura relied on door gods or other means for safety; others were left to darkness.

Darkness, in turn, attracted monsters. Wang Liang saw strange shadowy figures drifting through the streets—whenever they appeared, ghost soldiers would promptly strike them down and drag them into the areas bathed in spiritual light. From their practiced movements, it was clear this was routine for them, part of their nightly duties.

Suddenly, Wang Liang uttered a sound of surprise, for among those fighting the monsters, he spotted several players.