Chapter 1757: Chapter 1757: The Swaggering Pretentious Old Man
It is precisely for this reason that the priests of Huayu Temple have become increasingly respectful towards Han Yan. The resistance in their hearts about her seizing the position of Main Priest has naturally diminished over time.
"Come on, let’s spar a bit." Han Yan said eagerly.
Actual combat is the quickest and most effective shortcut for improvement. Although she didn’t think much of Ling Baobao’s flashy god-man tactics, Han Yan wholeheartedly agreed with this statement, so she would spar with everyone whenever she had the chance.
This was also because the priests had behaved too weak and easy to bully last time Long Wudang came to cause trouble. It seemed that as Huayu Temple declined, their will had also been worn away, turning them despondent.
As the Main Priest, Han Yan didn’t want her priests to be a bunch of wimps.
All the priests’ expressions changed slightly, and they collectively took a step back.
As a priest, being able to spar with the Main Priest, regardless of which temple, is a great honor and beneficial for improving one’s strength. Huayu Temple is no exception. However, honor aside, improvement aside, no matter who it is, it’s inevitable that they’d be anxious if they’re beaten black and blue all the time.
This Main Priest isn’t just hard on others, she’s even harsher on her own people.
Of course, they also knew that this was for their own good. They could feel the improvement in their combat experience and power, but getting beaten is still not a pleasant experience.
Seeing their anxious and fearful expressions, Han Yan felt a bit helpless. She thought to herself, if only Huayu and Zirong were here, with them around, she wouldn’t have to worry about such matters.
As the saying goes, one is influenced by close associations. Even someone as well-behaved as Han Yunyun would turn into a Little Witch after associating with them, let alone these priests who are full of youthful vigor.
She didn’t know if they were doing alright or if they’d encountered any accidents. Glancing at the distant sky, a hint of worry flickered in Han Yan’s heart. But soon, she buried this worry, because her top priority was still to improve her own strength. Otherwise, worrying would be pointless.
"Shen Yuhe, let’s go." Han Yan waved over to Shen Yuhe.
"Sister Han Yan, really? Again, me?" Shen Yuhe said with a bitter expression.
After spending much time together, or to put it more accurately, after being tormented for so long, they became more familiar with each other. There were only a few people in Huayu Temple, and often, they didn’t refer to each other by their divine positions but interacted as friends in a friendly and casual manner.
"You’re the strongest, who else would it be if not you? Quickly make a move, or I’ll get started first." Han Yan said.
"Alright then, but you’d better be careful. I’ve improved a lot over the past couple of days. Don’t blame me if you get hurt for defying your superior." Shen Yuhe said, eager to try.
This was what Han Yan admired most about her: undaunted, repeatedly defeating and fighting back perseverance. No matter how many times she was abused, she continued facing her with the same determination as the first meeting. Once the swelling subsided, she was always full of fighting spirit when talking about sparring again.
With a light shout from Shen Yuhe, two figures rushed towards each other, and the muffled sounds of fists and palms colliding reached their ears.
Watching their graceful, swift movements and exquisite combat skills, the priests couldn’t help but feel delighted once more.
"Go, Master Priest!"
"Go, Right Priest!" As they got to know each other more over time, everyone realized that Han Yan was quite approachable. Interacting with her was just like being with friends. While watching, some even loudly cheered for the two.
"Slap," Although Shen Yuhe had indeed improved a lot and gave her all, she still couldn’t match Han Yan’s understanding of Eight Desolate God Fall. Slightly exposing a flaw, she was sent flying by Han Yan.
Fortunately, this time Han Yan went easy on the Right Priest. This slap landed on her shoulder instead of her face; otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to show her face for a couple of days yet again.
Once again witnessing the exquisite combat skills of the Main Priest and the Right Priest, applause rang out around them.
"What is this disgraceful conduct, disgraceful conduct indeed? As dignified priests of the temple, using the skills of commoners for fighting and amusement. Has Huayu Temple, one of the oldest on the Divine Continent, truly fallen to such a state?" At this moment, a discordant voice rang out.
The applause and cheers abruptly ceased, and everyone angrily looked toward the direction of the voice. Even though Huayu Temple was in decline, it wasn’t up to outsiders to criticize. Besides, since practicing the combat skills taught by the Main Priest, they’ve already felt the strength within them. How could they be deemed skills of commoners? Everyone felt greatly insulted.
Down the desolate long street, a group of five to six young priests surrounded an old priest with graying hair as they walked towards the temple. With each step, the old priest sighed incessantly: "It’s just been a few years, yet Huayu City has declined to this state? As temple priests, instead of diligently cultivating to restore the temple’s honor, they use the skills of commoners for fighting and amusement? Simply absurd, absurd!"
Hearing the old priest’s unbridled criticism, the priests were even more indignant.
"Lord Wen, please do not take offense. Since the most senior priest passed away, Huayu Temple has been deteriorating day by day. Cultivation resources are limited, and the priests’ cultivation has reached a bottleneck. Practicing martial arts can somewhat improve their strength in preparation for future cultivation to become a Tenth Rank Divine Priest." Just as the young priests were about to lose their temper, a cold-faced female priest quickly stepped forward to explain. It was An Xiaxin.
"Left Priest, you have returned." Upon seeing An Xiaxin, everyone set aside their anger and hurriedly went forward to greet her.
"This is Master Wen Gaoren, the top Array Master of Lingyu Divine Hall. Everyone, come and meet Master Wen." An Xiaxin said to the crowd.
"Greetings, Master Wen." So this was the top Array Master of Lingyu Divine Hall, Wen Gaoren. An Xiaxin had finally brought him back, knowing they had to rely on him to repair the array. How could they dare show any displeasure or slackness? One by one, they stepped forward to pay their respects.
"No need for formalities. Where is your newly appointed Main Priest? Let her come out and meet me." Wen Gaoren, seeing their respectfulness, didn’t continue to reprimand further but lifted his head arrogantly and spoke with an air of pride.
Despite his arrogance, with his thin face, hair white as snow, and robes flowing with the wind yet not touching the ground, he indeed carried the demeanor of an esteemed person, living up to his name.
With five or six servants and attendants accompanying him, the imposing aura was significant, ensuring no one would dare underestimate him.
"Such a show-off, god-man!" Ling Baobao muttered, seeing Wen Gaoren’s arrogant demeanor.
Han Yan smiled slightly. I have to admit, this old man’s stance indeed resembles that of a god-man, even more so than the likes of the old god Qu Shanling.
However, Lingyu Divine Hall is recognized worldwide for its arrays, and Wen Gaoren is renowned as the top Array Master of Lingyu Divine Hall. Han Yan dared not take him lightly.
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