Chapter 107: Fox Worshiping the Moon at the Desolate Grave

Li Yan had the nose-connection, and his sense of smell was very keen.

During Zhou Pan's gold-washing-hands assembly, he had met Han Kun once and had been introduced by Zhang Yuanshang, speaking two sentences.

Although they weren't familiar, the scent had already been recorded.

Li Yan's heart moved, and he stepped forward quickly.

According to the information, that Lu San also lived in the Cao Gang of Manchuan Pass. If he had his introduction, maybe he could find him very quickly.

"Stop!"

Hearing the footsteps, Han Kun's two subordinates immediately became alert, turned around suddenly, and blocked Li Yan.

Their temples were slightly bulging, and their eyes revealed essence, clearly also experts.

Just as Han Kun also turned around, Li Yan hurriedly arched his hands: "Junior Li Yan, greets Leader Han."

"Li Yan?"

Han Kun was stunned for a moment, then quickly remembered, nodded slightly: "That's quite a coincidence, you also came to Manchuan Pass to attend the festival?"

Li Yan was surprised, "What festival?"

Han Kun smiled: "Manchuan Pass sacrifices to Zhuge Wu Hou on the seventh day of the tenth month every year, and it is also the time for our Cao Gang brothers to gather. What is Little Brother Li doing in this place?"

He didn't really care.

The Cao Gang wasn't an ordinary gang. Not to mention that Li Yan was just a junior who rose in Xianyang, even Zhou Pan had to be polite when seeing him.

For this kind of martial world junior, just responding once was enough.

However, Han Kun suddenly remembered something.

The small actions Guan Wanche made at the gold-washing-hands assembly couldn't be hidden from an old martial world hand like him.

And this Guan Wanche entered the Commandant's Office and beheaded the Maitreya Sect Incense Master with Li Yan at the mass grave, which made him have to pay attention.

The Cao Gang ate food on the water and couldn't avoid having a good relationship with the imperial court, so he was a bit more polite when speaking to Li Yan.

"Junior came to Manchuan Pass, is..."

Li Yan was about to speak, but Han Kun waved his hand, "No rush, there are too many people here, I happen to be meeting an old acquaintance, it's quiet over there, let's go and talk slowly."

"Thank you, Senior."

Li Yan was helpless and had to follow behind him.

The group walked all the way, passed through Qin Street, entered Chu Street, walked a few steps, turned right, and entered an alley.

The alley was much quieter, and the houses were all high-walled courtyards, with huge red lanterns hanging at the doors, looking very festive.

"Leader Han is here!"

Outside the second courtyard, two strong guards stood, and there was also a young man in a white shirt. Seeing Han Kun, he immediately nodded and bowed, fawning: "Aunt Fang guessed you would come and has been waiting for a long time."

"Hahaha..."

Han Kun's mood seemed quite good, "Delayed a bit on the road."

Li Yan's expression was a bit strange.

Across the courtyard, he could also smell the scent of powder inside.

What old acquaintance, it was clearly an old lover.

The group bypassed the screen wall under the guidance of the turtle-pimp and entered the courtyard. Li Yan took one look, and sure enough, it was a brothel, and a brothel of quite a high grade.

The architectural style was also interesting.

It seemed because of connecting north and south, this house had both the majesty of a large northern mansion and the exquisiteness of a southern courtyard.

The front courtyard was clearly holding a banquet, and the left and right side rooms and the main hall were all full of people. Looking at them, they were all heads of car and horse firms, drinking and gambling, their shouts covering the girl's little tune next door.

They entered the back courtyard through the side door, where it was even more complex, with corridors, archways, pebble paths, bamboo forests... separating each small courtyard, making it both secret and making the space appear larger.

Han Kun seemed to walk without stopping, but actually glanced at Li Yan a few times secretly. Seeing his expression as usual, neither humble nor arrogant

Last time he brought a nephew here, the other party had been looking around, even appearing a bit timid.

No wonder he made a name for himself at such a young age; this level of composure alone is something ordinary youths cannot compare to.

Soon, the group arrived at a quiet and elegant courtyard.

Inside the small pavilion in the courtyard, a banquet had long been prepared; there were screens to block the wind, rows of lanterns, and night breezes blowing through the light gauze.

In this atmosphere, a beautiful woman playing the pipa would be fitting, yet there was an old man, holding a fish drum and clappers, sitting by the pavilion and singing indifferently: "In the world, loyalty and filial piety are the most virtuous; how many virtuous people are there in the human realm? At home, one only thinks the martial world is good; only when traveling abroad does one know how difficult it is to be a guest..."

The tone was weathered, the face full of the hardships of life, and it was in the soft dialect of the Wu region.

Li Yan could only vaguely understand it, knowing this was called "fish drum storytelling," and what was being sung was likely a type of didactic literature.

However, Han Kun's body stiffened; after a long while, his eyes reddened, and he sighed faintly, "Qin Fang has put her heart into this."

"It's good that you know."

A soft voice sounded, and from the side room of the courtyard, a woman dressed in white slowly walked out; she was not tall, and not young, but she was a mature beauty with a unique charm.

Han Kun shook his head and smiled, "I haven't heard the hometown tune for twenty years. Hearing it suddenly now, I am filled with emotion. I've let you laugh at me, Qin Fang."

The woman also sighed, "Back then when we fled our hometown, I was just a singing girl and you were just a boat hand. Who could have imagined that you are now the leader of a gang?"

Impressive!

Li Yan's expression remained normal, but he secretly praised her in his heart.

Although he didn't know the true relationship between these two, he had his guesses.

Even if this woman was an old flame, Han Kun stayed in Xianyang year-round and couldn't possibly visit often, so their relationship would inevitably have grown distant.

A tune of hometown music and a segment of memories were enough to soften a person's heart.

Discussing any matter afterward would become easier.

Han Kun was an old hand and naturally saw through the woman's tactics; he smiled slightly and changed the subject, "Qin Fang, let me introduce you. This is a rising talent in Xianyang, surnamed Li, given name Yan..."

"I know."

The woman covered her mouth with a round fan and smiled, "When there are no tigers in the mountains, monkeys call themselves kings. The young tiger's first roar has startled the monkey nest; he is quite imposing on Niubei Ridge."

This woman is trouble!

Li Yan was startled in his heart, but his expression remained calm as he cupped his hands, "You flatter me, senior."

Han Kun laughed dumbfoundedly, "Qin Fang, don't scare the junior."

After saying this, he explained, "Li Yan, this is Chu Chu Qin Fang, an elder of the Yanmen. No one knows the news on the martial world paths of Shanzhou better than them."

So that's how it is...

Li Yan cupped his hands again, using martial world etiquette, "Greetings, senior."

The Yanmen, among the Eight Dark Sects, consists entirely of women.

Since they belong to the Dark Sects, they certainly don't do legitimate business, but within this Yanmen, there are many classifications, such as those who specialize in swindling using female charms, called "Demon Blacks," as well as "Wind-Fire Blacks," and so on.

The white-clad concubine who harmed Squire Lu was a "Demon Black."

And the woman before him belonged to the "Golden Swallows," who often use brothels to trade information or act as matchmakers.

Places like the "Wind-Hearing Hall" in Fengyang County generally do local business, serving mostly desperate outlaws and suffering people.

But the Golden Swallows mostly do business with martial world heroes, officials, and wealthy gentry, charging higher prices, hence the name Golden Swallows.

"Sit down and talk."

Han Kun's relationship with Chu Chu Qin Fang was clearly unusual; he spoke as if he were in his own home. After the three sat down, he turned his head to look at Li Yan, "I haven't asked yet, what important business brings you to Manchuan Town?" Li Yan hesitated, but thinking this matter was upright and he needed help from others, he told the whole story.

Of course, he didn't mention anything involving the Mystic Sect.

"Oh?"

After listening, Han Kun's eyes held a hint of appreciation; he nodded and said, "Not bad. One should do their best when entrusted with a task. Sending a coffin a thousand miles is also a fine story; young people should have some chivalry after all."

As he spoke, he turned his head to look at the woman opposite him and smiled, "Qin Fang, this young man is much more principled than we were back then. You shouldn't just think about money for this matter."

Chu Chu Qin Fang rolled her eyes at Han Kun, containing a hint of charm, "You certainly know how to play the good guy, but why belittle me?"

It seemed like a rebuke, but it was actually a bit of flirting.

After she finished speaking, she looked at Li Yan again and said seriously, "It's just a piece of news, nothing major, but this matter has some complications."

"First is Qiao Sanhu. He only has the cultivation of the Dark Force. The reason he can run rampant without anyone stepping on him is entirely because of his cousin, Yue Fachong."

"Listen to my advice: you cannot afford to offend that person. Just finish your business and absolutely do not get involved in the grudge between Lu San and him."

"Also, regarding Gang Leader Zhang of the Manchuan Pass Boat Gang, Han Kun, you should also send a letter to explain the reason. Lu San is under their protection, so avoid any misunderstandings."

!

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Han Kun also became interested and laughed, "Zhang Baijiao is the type who only takes advantage and never suffers a loss. What ability does Lu San have to be so highly valued by him?"

Chu Chu Qin Fang whispered, "I only heard about this matter. That Lu San is skilled in taming beasts, and his methods are miraculous. Whenever the Boat Gang encounters water pythons or giant turtles causing trouble, they will ask him to intervene."

Han Kun was slightly stunned, "He actually has this ability? What a Zhang Baijiao. I nearly capsized in the Luo River, and he didn't even make a sound, yet he calls me brother all day long."

"He would like to."

Chu Chu Qin Fang laughed, "Everyone knows what Lu San wants to do, but Zhang Baijiao doesn't want to offend Yue Fachong, so the matter is at a stalemate."

"Nowadays, Lu San is barely considered a consultant, the kind that is very hard to talk to."

Hearing this, Li Yan was already impatient and quickly cupped his hands, "Senior, where exactly is Lu San hiding?"

Chu Chu Qin Fang smiled, "He has enemies and has always had no fixed abode, but I do know that every night at the Zi hour, he practices in Black Wind Gully on the back mountain outside the town."

Han Kun asked curiously, "What is special about that place?"

Chu Chu Qin Fang said meaningfully, "It is an ancient battlefield of Qin Chu, filled with desolate graves and swarms of snakes and foxes. If you are not a practitioner, you probably wouldn't even be able to find a person if you went."

"Many thanks, senior."

Li Yan quickly stood up and cupped his hands, "To avoid missing the time, I will take my leave first. I hope you will forgive me."

Seeing the two nod, he turned and left.

After he left, Han Kun first picked up a pen and wrote a note, handing it to his subordinate beside him, "Deliver this to Zhang Baijiao for me."

"Yes, Gang Leader!"

The subordinate immediately cupped his hands and turned to leave.

Han Kun waved his hand again, signaling everyone around to leave. After the small courtyard was empty, his expression grew solemn, and he said in a low voice, "Qin Fang, has there been any progress on that matter?"

"Difficult!"

Chu Chu Qin Fang smiled bitterly, "Over in Chang'an, there was a big commotion. After the Commandant of the Wei Si, Chang Xuan, returned, he plotted to capture and kill the Battalion Commander Yu Chen and obtained evidence of his collusion with the Maitreya Sect."

"Right now, Chang Xuan has been promoted to Battalion Commander, specifically responsible for the secrecy of firearms. That person is deep in schemes; there is no chance of getting news from Chang'an anymore."

After listening, Han Kun frowned, "I have seen the power of this thing with my own eyes. If the Pai Sect gets it..."

"You can rest assured about that."

Chu Chu Qin Fang shook her head, "Over in the capital, many people are also inquiring about news. Currently, the only things that are clear are two points."

"First, this new type of gunpowder might require a special rare treasure as an ingredient, and the formula is complex. I'm afraid it cannot be mass-produced by people in the martial world."

Han Kun's expression eased slightly, "That's more like it. Without it, many things won't change."

"You are wrong."

Chu Chu Qin Fang said meaningfully, "Just two days ago, I heard that the Emperor had issued an edict ordering the Wei Offices of the Commandant's Office to select elite talents to go to the capital, and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, Han Mo, was suddenly promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Works."

Han Kun was stunned and remained silent for a long time, then sighed:

"The martial world, I fear, will be full of trouble from now on..."

Coo-coo!

In the darkness, a night owl suddenly cried out.

Swish!

Li Yan swung his staff, flicking a venomous snake in the grass away.

He looked at the sky, his heart easing slightly.

After leaving the Manchuan Pass town, he ran all the way, climbing toward the back mountain, and finally arrived at Black Wind Gully before the Zi hour.

In front was a gully on the mountain, not small in area, with large, mottled blue bricks on the ground, ancient in age, most of which were already shattered.

By the looks of it, a military fort had once been built above, but perhaps due to the Qin Chu war, even the broken walls and ruins had disappeared, and the road leading down the mountain had been destroyed by mudslides, leaving only climbing.

This place was indeed a good place to hide.

But what was Lu San practicing by hiding here?

Just as Li Yan was puzzled, his expression suddenly changed slightly. He immediately took out the yarrow stalks, pinched a seal to wrap them, and at the same time chanted the incantation: "Command, open alone, great-grandson Wang Jia..."

He was already very familiar with the Baopu Dengshan Technique, and soon he concealed his aura, so much so that even when birds fell from the tree above his head, they didn't notice him.

Of course, his sense of smell was still very keen.

Li Yan could smell the appearance of quite a few fox odors.

Unlike ordinary wild beasts, it carried a cold, baleful aura.

His left hand pinched the hand seal and yarrow stalks tightly, while his right hand pinched the Yang seal, and his olfactory supernatural ability was immediately activated.

When performing the Baopu Dengshan Technique, one cannot use other techniques, and using Dark Force would also disturb the technique, but using supernatural abilities was not included in this.

In an instant, the scents on the mountaintop flooded into his nasal cavity.

Li Yan narrowed his eyes, walked forward slowly without making any sound, and then hid in the grass to observe forward.

He saw that the terrain in Black Wind Gully was relatively flat, with many broken walls, leaving only rows of adobe.

Foxes of all sizes, either lying on the ground or standing on the earthen walls, were all staring at a grave.

The grave was very ordinary, just that kind of battlefield grave.

Sometimes soldiers' bodies were not easy to handle, and there were many severed limbs and broken arms, so they would dig a large pit and bury them together.

Many times, they were nameless mounds.

Those who were more particular might set up a monument to explain.

This kind of mound basically had no value, and the Yin baleful aura was thick, so very few grave robbers visited.

However, at this moment, sounds were constantly coming from the mound.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, something flew out and rolled on the ground; it was shockingly a human skull.

Afterward, a black shadow slowly crawled out of the grave and said in a low voice, "This one will do, make do with it."

A white-browed old fox heard this and immediately stepped forward, standing on its hind legs, carefully lifting the skull with its forelimbs and putting it on its own head.

Squeak, squeak, squeak!

The surrounding foxes kept crying out.

And the old fox, wearing the skull, began to worship the moon...

(End of chapter)