Chapter Thirty-Five: Secrets

Xiao Yang, alone in his room, enjoyed a rare hot shower. For the first time in his life, he found happiness without relying on anyone else. Staring at his steady legs, he felt a newfound sense of stability. The gift from Wu Jue was nearly impossible to repay.

Deep inside, Xiao Yang began to sense he could trust others, yet a lingering unease remained. That unease stemmed from his fear of the town. Accustomed to loneliness and distrust, he couldn't believe such a peaceful sanctuary could really exist in this world. He was certain the town held secrets, and his innate curiosity began stirring.

Quickly finishing his shower, Xiao Yang changed clothes and started planning how he might investigate the town tonight. He thought it best to start with the female mayor—she seemed the most suspicious.

He was about to pull out his laptop and try connecting to a nearby network when someone knocked. Wu Jue entered, seeking conversation.

“Xiao Yang, you haven’t gone to bed yet? I was hoping to talk to you.” Wu Jue was still dressed in his monk’s robe, which had grown ragged after several battles.

Xiao Yang frowned and said, “Master, you really ought to change your attire. Though you’re devoted to your faith, it’s good to blend in.”

Wu Jue scratched his head, unable to refuse as Xiao Yang opened his suitcase. He’d shipped it ahead with Xiao Han’s help, and now he laid out several pieces of clothing for Wu Jue to choose from—business suits, casual pants, and various hippie outfits. Considering Wu Jue’s leadership qualities, Xiao Yang picked out jeans, a light gray T-shirt, and a pair of sunglasses. With Wu Jue’s shaved head, the look suited him well.

Just then, Xiao Han entered and was stunned at the sight. He joked, “Master, are you going to join the street gang?”

Wu Jue quickly removed the sunglasses and recited a mantra, “Blessed be, blessed be, such a sin.”

Xiao Yang laughed, “Xiao Han’s not wrong. Weren’t the monks of Da Lin Temple the biggest gang in the martial world once? After their downfall, they became the Hong Sect.”

After some banter, the three gathered to discuss their current situation. Clearly, Xiao Han was very satisfied with the town and urged Wu Jue and Xiao Yang to consider staying longer to enjoy this rare peace.

Wu Jue and Xiao Yang exchanged uneasy glances, sensing something was amiss. It seemed Xiao Han too had been indoctrinated by these people, making it all the more urgent to investigate tonight.

Evening arrived swiftly. The female mayor warmly invited everyone to a simple dinner. Wu Jue, keeping to his vegetarian diet, ate only vegetables and drank water.

After dinner, he and Xiao Yang, as if sharing a silent understanding, returned to their rooms early to rest, planning to sneak out at midnight to uncover the town’s secrets.

Shortly after eight, Wu Jue received Xiao Yang’s signal—three knocks on the wall. He stepped out and met Xiao Yang as planned. Together, they crept downstairs and slipped outside. Though it was only eight o’clock, the town was nearly deserted.

Xiao Yang remarked, “It was bustling during the day. How did it turn into a ghost town at night? It’s too strange.”

Wu Jue scanned their surroundings and replied, “Our suspicions are justified. There really is something wrong here. We must be cautious.”

They stealthily made their way toward the female mayor’s residence. Halfway there, they saw a figure ahead, seemingly Xun’er.

Xiao Yang’s eyes lit up. He whispered, “Why is she out here? Where is she going?”

Wu Jue said, “She was missing all day—something is off. You follow her, and I’ll continue to the mayor’s place.”

They split up. Wu Jue reached the mayor’s residence and sensed a faint glow inside, with several people gathered. So late, yet activity persisted—a truly eerie sign. Wu Jue suppressed his presence and carefully approached, pressing himself against the wall to eavesdrop.

He heard women chanting spells inside, in a language he didn’t understand, which unsettled him greatly.

Huron explained in his mind, “These are likely priestesses forming a ritual. They seem to be absorbing people’s energy to increase their own power. Be careful—you’re no match for them right now.”

Wu Jue realized the women inside were probably witches like Xun’er, which caught him off guard. Listening further, unable to comprehend their language, he peeked through a crack in the window.

He saw a dozen women of various ages sitting cross-legged in a circle, hands raised, seemingly channeling some energy.

Wisps of invisible energy were being absorbed into a central white crystal ball, revealing countless images—memories of many people. Wu Jue overheard a woman say, “I sense a powerful presence nearby, but it isn’t affected by us. Could it be that new monk, resisting our influence?”

“Impossible,” another replied. “Before the spells of the priestesses of the Shadow Moon tribe, no one can resist. Besides, he’s just a martial artist—how could he withstand sacred witchcraft?”

The female mayor interrupted, “Enough doubting. I’ve sent Xun’er to help her friend. I hope we can successfully rid these people of violence and free them from war.”

With this, Wu Jue understood—the witches were absorbing everyone’s courage and fighting spirit. No wonder newcomers grew so peaceful; their will to fight had been sapped.

Thankfully, he and Xiao Yang possessed strong willpower. Now, Wu Jue felt hostility arise—it was time to lead everyone out of here.

As he turned to leave, a strange sound echoed from inside, followed by more chanting. Wu Jue knew trouble was brewing—they’d likely noticed him.

He bolted, sprinting five meters away, but a mysterious force wrapped around his waist. His body twisted, and he was forced to face the mayor as she stepped outside.

“You’ve discovered our secret.”

“It seems we must settle some private matters now.”

***

Meanwhile, Xiao Yang, following Xun’er, discovered she was heading for Princess An Yi’s room.

Xun’er, furtively, stopped outside An Yi’s door, muttered a spell, and a pink mist spread from her hands, drifting through the window into An Yi’s room.

Xiao Yang put on his infrared glasses and watched closely, noticing the mist contained a calming drug.

Soon, many different energies drifted out of the room. Xiao Yang, well-versed in Xun’er’s witchcraft from their previous encounters, suspected these energies were harming An Yi.

Unable to bear it, he stepped forward, aimed his gun at Xun’er, and said, “Stop. Don’t do this. Is this how you treat your friends?”

Xun’er trembled, looked back at Xiao Yang, and showed no remorse. She replied, “You’re wrong. I’m helping you. I want everyone to escape violence—join us.”

As she spoke, several familiar figures emerged—led by Xiao Han and their companions from the prison. They surrounded Xiao Yang, restraining him.

Xun’er approached, chanting as pink mist gathered in her palm and entered Xiao Yang’s mouth and nose.

Instantly, Xiao Yang felt a soothing warmth throughout his body, a desire to surrender and obey. Just before losing consciousness, he realized Xun’er was using witchcraft to erase their fighting spirit and courage.

No wonder the town was so peaceful—that explained everything.

This revelation filled him with rage.

He, Xiao Yang, would never let anyone control him.

With a roar, his armor erupted with immense power, pushing everyone back. He lunged at Xun’er, dispersing her pink mist, and shouted angrily, “You’re harming everyone! If this were a peaceful age, I might not object. But with foreign invaders at our doorstep, you’re making people abandon resistance—they’ll die. The Heaven Punishing Clan will attack soon. Do you really think peace and love can defeat everything?”

“Why not?” Xun’er wiped her hands and retreated to the wall. “As long as the priestesses are here, no strongman can resist. Look, Princess An Yi is proof.”

Suddenly, a furious cry burst from the room. Someone smashed through the door and stormed up to Xiao Yang.

It was Princess An Yi herself.

The End Times Divine Warrior 35—End Times Divine Warrior, full text free to read, Chapter Thirty-Five: Secrets Updated!