Perfected Master Changqing walked out of the War Temple without expression.

For a Great Qian in such decline, calling upon the golden dharma forms of fallen Spirit-Transformation cultivators was very nearly their most severe warning — second only to awakening their one remaining Spirit-Transformation Ancestor.

These golden dharma forms might not be a match for a true Spirit-Transformation cultivator.

But they were more than capable of crushing a Mixed Origin Grandmaster.

How long could Wu Dao'an, at his cultivation level, sustain a dharma form — one stick of incense, or two hours? The Perfected Master didn't know, and didn't dare gamble on finding out.

He bit down on his anger and quietly consoled himself.

These insufferable people could only throw their weight around in this crumbling imperial city.

Nothing but watchdogs in the end.

"Shen Yi of Qingzhou..."

Once he'd settled his nerves, Perfected Master Changqing turned the name over inwardly, a flicker of puzzlement rising in his eyes.

He'd originally only come to ask on someone else's behalf, as a casual favor.

But the War Temple disciples' reaction had set off a small alarm in his chest.

Qingqiu's foxes had been investigating for quite some time, and still hadn't managed to get a clear picture of Shen Yi. The entire Qingzhou Demon Suppression Division seemed to have collectively taken a vow of silence — through whatever connections were tried, through however many oblique inquiries, the moment that name came up, everyone turned mute.

Even those few willing to open their mouths couldn't piece together anything coherent. Master, technique, cultivation level — not a single one was known for certain.

The stories they could spin, mind you, were another matter — the exploits described were frankly laughable.

A few months ago still dealing with a Threshold-realm dog demon; and then suddenly slaying a Core-Nurturing-at-Perfection flood dragon — the two halves didn't fit together at all.

"No matter. Report what there is to report."

Perfected Master Changqing straightened his robes. This information was obviously something the War Temple had prepared in advance and was now releasing to throw people off the…