A few days later.
On the flying vessel.
Zhai Ge looked confident and spirited. These five missions had all been completed in just ten days. He could soon return to Mingxin Hall. These demons and heretics were indeed cunning. But unfortunately.
He was not fighting alone. After he reported Yun Jin's actions in Mingxin Hall, the nearby sects immediately sided with him. For this purge, six Mahayana cultivators had been dispatched to assist.
Several more sects were farther away, but they were already on the way. By the time they reached Mingxin Hall, Yun Jin would see for herself the consequences of acting against the tide.
This time.
Of the six Mahayana cultivators from allied sects, four assisted him, while two went to help Shi Li. With Mahayana support, the missions were completed much faster.
The disciples he left at Mingxin Hall had also sent messages confirming that everything went smoothly. Yun Jin had not returned, and the big-character posters had been successfully distributed.
The initial momentum had been set. mOnce he returned, all eyes would be on him. This Yun Jin constantly claimed to act for the welfare of the people.
Then let her see.
Who would the common people truly support, him or Yun Jin?
These ignorant people could easily be led by the nose. Yun Jin's expression would be priceless when the day was over. This publicity campaign involved not only big-character posters but also the nearby sects. By now, the heroic deeds of Vice Hall Master Zhai Ge killing demons were spreading everywhere.
The sects' inaction over the years had been portrayed as deliberate hibernation, intended to lure out all the demons and eliminate them in one strike.
The citizens felt a pang of guilt. They had even complained about the Demon-Slaying Alliance's inaction. Now they realized it had all been to draw out the snakes!
Nearby sects had even guided the citizens personally. On this day, as Zhai Ge's flying vessel passed by. The largest city in the area, Huayin City, was packed with people.
Representatives from all nearby sects had come as well. Sect disciples led the citizens to form an enormous formation. From afar, Zhai Ge saw the crowd below, a subtle smile appearing at the corner of his lips.
See that?
Yun Jin said he had no popular support, right?
And yet.
The people's hearts were completely in his hands.
After today.
The ones who most wanted Yun Jin to step down would ironically be the very people she claimed to serve!
"Vice Hall Master Zhai Ge!" An elder from a sect stepped forward. "We heard of your victorious return. The people of the city are overjoyed and have gathered here to personally express their gratitude. Please allow us to pay our respects."
Zhai Ge did not step off the vessel. His voice carried clearly from above.
"I have merely done what should be done. No need to trouble yourselves."
The elder spoke again: "Vice Hall Master led the team to purge the demons, saving countless lives! Please allow us to see you in person."
Zhai Ge still refused: "No need. Mingxin Hall's affairs are pressing. I must return immediately."
"We only wish to see you and hear a few words. That alone will satisfy us," the elder pleaded again.
Zhai Ge seemed unable to resist the request any longer. He finally left the flying vessel and appeared in the sky.
Below, the cheers erupted like thunder.
A subtle smile appeared on Zhai Ge's lips.
He spoke slowly, his voice spreading across the city.
"The rapid completion of this demon purge is not the work of a single day. Mingxin Hall may have appeared inactive over the years, but we have conducted extensive investigations in secret. Combined with the full effort of several sects, this great victory has been achieved."
Another wave of cheers followed.
Zhai Ge's tone shifted, accompanied by a sigh: "This should ensure ten years of peace. Beyond that, I cannot say what will come."
"Ten years?"
"Why only ten years?"
"Does Vice Hall Master no longer care for us?"
Panic spread below.
Zhai Ge raised a hand to calm the crowd and spoke gently: "I naturally hope to protect you for a long time. But as everyone knows, Mingxin Hall has a new Hall Master. This Yun Jin is young and impetuous…"
Zhai Ge smiled wryly: "We have lain low for decades, yet she sees only our supposed negligence and seeks to punish us. After this mission, I may face reprimand and even lose my position as Vice Hall Master. But do not worry. Hall Master Yun Jin will surely protect you all."
Yun Jin's reputation was mostly concentrated in the Canglan Kingdom. There, her status was almost divine.
But here.
Other than knowing she killed the Blood Daoist and had Mahayana-level strength, few knew much about her.
Seeing Zhai Ge looking so dejected, people panicked.
Yun Jin?
Although said to have Mahayana-level strength, she was still only at Unity level. Her only Mahayana achievement was killing Xue Daoren. This could not compare to veteran Mahayana cultivator Zhai Ge.
An elder hurriedly said, anxious: "Vice Hall Master Zhai Ge, you cannot be so disheartened. Yun Jin may be a genius, but her recklessness is dangerous. All the sect disciples have been forcibly suppressed! She seeks to make Mingxin Hall her personal rule!"
"Right. The main forces of the Demon-Slaying Alliance have always come from the sects. With Yun Jin acting so recklessly, how could she resist future demonic invasions?"
The crowd chattered among themselves.
Zhai Ge smiled wryly: "I am aware of this. But she is Hall Master, and I am powerless. Cooperation is vital, and this time, we completed the five missions in such a short span because of our joint efforts. Yet Hall Master Yun… sigh, she prefers to fight alone. No reports have come in, so her situation remains unknown."
Someone below blurted out: "With only one Mahayana-level cultivator, how could she complete such difficult missions? Perhaps she failed completely!"
"She refused sect help, seeking personal glory, disregarding the safety of the people. How could such a Hall Master compare to Zhai Ge?"
"Exactly! She cannot compare!"
Zhai Ge's smile grew more bitter: "Enough. The Alliance Leader has already made decisions. I hope everyone will cooperate with Hall Master Yun in the future."
"No! Vice Hall Master Zhai Ge, you may endure, but we cannot!"
"The Hall Master of Mingxin Hall is such a selfish person. We cannot tolerate this!"
"Even the Alliance Leader should hear the voice of the people."
"We will petition together to make the Alliance Leader change their mind."
"Yes. We are willing to go to Mingxin Hall with Vice Hall Master Zhai Ge and confront Yun Jin in person!"
Everyone was filled with righteous indignation.
Zhai Ge's smile grew subtly sharper. He raised an eyebrow, about to speak.
Suddenly, a curious voice rang out:
"Come. If you want to speak to Yun Jin in person, say it now."