Chapter 30: I Can Borrow Provisions from Beyond the Heavens!

Along the way, Shen Yu the Martial Artist had been puzzled. Although Moonstone City was not small and possessed significant strength, its reputation was merely that of a typical resource-based power. There had never been any exaggerated tales of benevolence associated with it. It seemed impossible that the disaster victims would not know this, so what was the point of gathering here? Even ignoring the fact that they were all withered and gaunt, not even healthy men could possibly conquer such a formidable city. Now, he finally understood. Moonstone City might lack a reputation for benevolence, but the Holy Maiden of West Mountain did not. This title alone was enough to make these victims flock here in hopes of finding a chance to survive.

Shen Yu’s mind raced with frantic thoughts, but he had already reached a decision. "I did not come to borrow grain," he declared, leaving those words behind as he rode toward the East Gate. His Dragon-Scaled Beast trampled past countless victims, whose green, hollow eyes stared fixedly at the creature. The raw, naked hunger in their gaze caused even the beast to feel an instinctive panic, which Shen Yu had to exert all his efforts to soothe.

Within moments, the East Gate appeared before him. With his keen eyesight, he took one look and grasped the situation. Two parties were locked in a standoff. One side was led by his father-in-law, the Lord of Moonstone City—a renowned powerhouse in his own right—backed by many familiar faces, including the elites of the city and his brother-in-law, the "Eldest Son-in-Law" mentioned by the guards: Jian Yi, the top disciple of Sword God Peak. "Jian Yi" was not a birth name but a rule of the sect; the strongest disciple always took this name when wandering the martial world.

Looking at the other party, aside from the veiled Holy Maiden of West Mountain, the others caused a slight tremor in Shen Yu’s heart. They were all leaders of influential powers in the vicinity! The spiritual pressure between the two groups was rising constantly, the formidable willpower of martial experts manifesting to the point of distorting reality and forming a domain. It was a sign that they were about to unleash their true strength—the situation was on the verge of exploding.

"Everyone, please hold!" Shen Yu took a deep breath, leaped from his mount, and charged directly into the space between the two sides. This move shocked both parties. They had noticed his arrival, of course, but given his unremarkable martial prowess, neither side had paid him any mind. Now that their primordial spirits and wills were clashing and escalating, his intrusion was tantamount to suicide. The Lord of Moonstone City moved to pull him back, but it was too late, and the other side was certainly not going to break off their engagement.

However, just as everyone expected his soul to shatter and his life to end, the terrifying spiritual collision slammed into Shen Yu, only to vanish like a stone sinking into the ocean—silent and undisturbed. This was even more shocking than his charge! Especially to the Moonstone City faction, who recognized this "Son-in-Law Yu" as a man who had merely used honeyed words to deceive the young princess, possessing only mediocre skill.

Yet, not only was Shen Yu unharmed, but he spoke in a deep, steady voice: "Everyone, please stop." His words seemed to carry a unique power, as if attempting to forcibly suppress both parties' auras. The Lord of Moonstone City narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing his son-in-law. The more he looked, the more astonished he became. It was true; his strength remained unchanged, and his cultivation had seen no breakthrough. What had just happened?

The other side was even more guarded.

"Father-in-law," Shen Yu bowed, then glanced at the Holy Maiden of West Mountain. "I intended to inform you privately, but since things have reached this point, speaking openly is fine."

The Lord of Moonstone City frowned. He had noticed that while his youngest son-in-law’s strength hadn't changed, his temperament had undergone a profound transformation. His speech and mannerisms were as if he were a different person entirely. He had never been this composed in his presence before. But he was soon stunned by what followed.

"To tell you the truth, everyone, I observed the changes in the heavens and the catastrophe of the world a few days ago, and suddenly, I awakened memories of my past life," Shen Yu said, looking at everyone with a solemn expression. "I am an Immortal descended to the world, a born Saint, reincarnated specifically to save the masses and accumulate merit!"

Silence. Not only was the Lord of Moonstone City stunned, but the Holy Maiden of West Mountain and her followers were equally dumbfounded. An Immortal descended? A born Saint? What nonsense was this?

"Hahahaha!" A leader of a small faction on the Holy Maiden's side burst into laughter. "Lord of the City, how did you marry your daughter to a lunatic? Accumulate merit, hahahaha!"

"Indeed, it’s hilarious." The followers of the Holy Maiden seized the chance to mock them. "I thought he was an expert, but he’s just a fool."

"He must have found some treasure that protects against spiritual impact and gone mad with joy."

"Open your eyes—there are no Immortals in this world!"

"Exactly. If we talk about merit, our Holy Maiden would have become an immortal long ago."

"Moonstone Lord, take your mad son-in-law away before he embarrasses you further."

The jeers continued, causing the faces of those from Moonstone City to flush with anger. Even if he was crazy, he was still their son-in-law! Yet, they felt a deep sorrow. This world truly could drive a man insane. Even the Lord of Moonstone City was silent. He had never been satisfied with this son-in-law, but his daughter loved him, and he had never stood in their way, hoping only for her happiness. But now... *Fine*, he thought, *I will take my daughter and grandchildren away first, and then see if his illness can be treated.*

"Son-in-law," the Lord said, his voice softening, "come here. Let us discuss these things in private."

Shen Yu remained unmoved by the ridicule. These people were laughing now, but soon, it would be their turn to panic. However, feeling a flicker of warmth toward his father-in-law—who, if not quite treating him as his own son, had always been kind—he softened his tone. "Holy Maiden of West Mountain," he said, turning to her calmly, "you have gathered these people here for the victims and for grain. As for me, I have the ability to borrow grain from beyond the heavens!"