I Became the Devil Queen's Heart Demon-Chapter 1027 - 381: Princess’s Purge Plan! No More Acting! (Part 3)

Yu Zhe smiled and explained, "The Princess had already instructed in advance and dispatched a team of Xuan Armor Guards to secretly monitor the Purple Cloud Temple, to prevent the Gu God Sect from sneaking away after getting wind of this."

Chen Mo understood, "Her Highness really thinks things through."

As the two continued their conversation, they had already reached the foot of the mountain.

Just as they settled, Ye Zi'e and Li Yuan quickly came up to meet them.

"Mr. Chen."

"And this is...?"

Ye Zi'e looked at Yu Zhe in his black armor.

"Yu Commander of the Xuanjia Army, who came with the Princess, one of our own." Chen Mo glanced around and frowned, "What's the situation here?"

At the foot of the mountain, people were milling about, creating a bustling and lively atmosphere.

Looking up along the winding mountain path, there were heads bobbing and shoulders rubbing, almost forming a dragon-like line of people.

Li Yuan said, "Commander Ye and I have been keeping watch here since morning, and originally there was nothing unusual. But then, just at 11 a.m., the gates of the Daoist Temple suddenly opened, and people started coming in droves..."

Ye Zi'e added, "I asked Lu Shuyuan to investigate, and it turns out someone has been going from household to household posting notices, claiming that today is the Purple Cloud Temple's fasting and ritual day, offering free prayers for blessings and disaster prevention for the city's people."

"Prayers for blessings?"

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow.

He had heard from Little Butterfly that the Purple Cloud Temple holds an unparalleled position in the city.

It was said that years ago, when the Barbarian Tribe invaded Nantu, Bailu City fell in just three days.

The Barbarian soldiers rushed into the city, committing arson, killing, and looting, while the citizens were like lambs led to the slaughter, unable to resist. Only a small group managed to escape to the mountain and were spared under the protection of the Purple Cloud Temple.

Moreover, the "True Martial God" worshipped in the temple was exceedingly efficacious, not only quelling floods and fires but also curing diseases and dispelling disasters.

Now that the temple gates were wide open, accepting all — not surprisingly, a large crowd of people had been attracted, seeking True Monarch's blessings.

"It seems they sensed danger and want to use the people as amulets to make us wary." Chen Mo narrowed his eyes, quickly grasping the essence of the situation.

This indeed was an effective measure. If they directly assaulted the temple, these citizens might be endangered.

If forcibly dispersed, it would be difficult to ensure that no members of the Gu God Sect were among them.

It was an open and aboveboard strategem.

"Perhaps we should first seal off the mountain gate to prevent anyone from slipping away amidst the chaos," Yu Zhe suggested.

"No need. If they were to flee, they would have done so long ago." Chen Mo smirked coldly, "This is merely drinking poison to quench thirst. They, too, are aware of that. The only purpose for doing so is to buy time..."

"Sir, what should we do now?" Li Yuan asked.

Chen Mo replied, "I'll head in to have a look first. You and Households Commander Ye go to the State Mansion and report this to the Princess."

"Alright." Li Yuan nodded.

Given their abilities, staying by Chen Mo's side would only be a distraction. It would be better to do what they can handle.

Watching them leave until they disappeared into the horizon, Chen Mo finally withdrew his gaze.

Just then, Yu Zhe said, "I'll accompany Mr. Chen. We can look out for each other."

"That's fine, but isn't your armor a bit too conspicuous?" Chen Mo looked him over.

"Simple."

Yu Zhe pressed his hand to his chest, and the beast pattern on his chestplate lit up with brilliance. The once rigid armor softened and transformed into a long black robe.

Aside from his rather burly frame, he now looked no different from the other townspeople.

Noticing Chen Mo's surprised gaze, Yu Zhe smiled and said, "The Xuan Armor's guards' armor differs from ordinary standard armor. Crafted by the Artifact Refiners of the Workshop, it can transform in a dozen or more ways to adapt to different situations." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"Ah, elite is elite. Its rank must be at least an Earth Rank, right?" Chen Mo shook his head admiringly.

"Mr. Chen jests."

"Enough, time's of the essence, let's move."

Donning a bone mask, Chen Mo blurred his features and blended into the crowd with Yu Zhe, making their way along the mountain path toward the Daoist Temple.

As they entered through the crowded main gate, they found that the temple hall, destroyed the previous night, had already been restored to its original condition.

In the open space before the hall stood a three-tiered ritual altar, with a large bronze incense burner placed at the front. Hundreds of sticks of incense were inserted into it, with fine smoke rising and intertwining in the air above.

A group of Taoists sat cross-legged, chanting sutras and playing instruments in a solemn and reverent atmosphere.

Standing on the altar was an elderly Taoist with a white beard, draped in a crimson cloak. Holding a magic sword, he moved with a flowing step, muttering:

"May the Three Pure Ones above, the Myriad Qi as the foundation, radiant and mighty, protect all beings..."

Though not loud, the old Taoist's voice reached everyone's ears clearly.

All around, the devotees stood silently, eyes cast down, their demeanor profoundly devout.

"With the radiant sun essence, we invite the True Martial God to sweep away the impurities, clarify the myriad qi, and shower sweet dew, benefiting all beings..."

The old Taoist's form was graceful, his robe fluttering audibly in the wind.

He stepped forward, thrust the long sword into the incense burner, and suddenly flicked it upward, causing the incense ash to dance through the air and envelop the crowd.

After inhaling, the devotees' complexions quickly became rosy, each appearing rejuvenated.

"My chronic leg pain is gone?"

"My chest isn't tight anymore, I feel full of energy!"

"It's the True Martial God! The Divine Monarch has manifested!"

"Infinite Heavenly Venerate! I pay my respects to the Divine Monarch!"

The worshippers were overwhelmingly excited, immediately falling to their knees, bowing to the ground.

Among the crowd, Chen Mo and Yu Zhe stood out like a crane among chickens, extremely out of place.

Chen Mo's eyes shimmered with a purple-golden light, watching the gu poison worms fluttering amidst the incense ash, a cold smile curling at his lips.

"Damn it all..."

"Not even bothering to pretend anymore, huh?"