Chapter 188

"Finally opened!"

Even though Li Yan's temperament was steady, he was somewhat excited at this moment.

Following that Daoist's loud shout, dozens of young Pure Yang Palace Daoists flew out instantly.

They all carried ropes on their bodies, leaping and jumping on that smooth cliff. The mountain wind whistled, blowing everyone's Daoist robes, like black butterflies, flying on the steep mountain wall.

This scene made people's hearts tremble with fear.

Soon, they arrived above that cliff, under the pines and cypresses at the top, where many iron spikes had already been nailed.

These Daoists were proficient in their movements. They tied one end of the thick hemp rope to the iron spike and the other end around their waists, sliding down along the cliff.

Arriving at the first hole, a Daoist first peeled off the yellow talismans on it one by one, then waved his palm to shatter the sealing mud.

Li Yan's eyes blurred, and he seemed to see a faint golden light emerge from the hole, but it disappeared in a flash and was not obvious.

And as the hole opened, he also saw the situation inside clearly.

He saw that inside the hole, a large black glazed jar was placed horizontally. Its volume was clearly larger than the hole, but he didn't know how it had been put in, which was simply unimaginable.

Inside the jar at the hole, there was actually another hole.

On the jar, there was a seal.

The Daoist peeled off the seal again, pulled out the huge wooden plug on it, and then crawled into the jar.

Not long after, the Daoist brought out large and small bags, tied them to the hemp rope, and waved his hand to let the people above pull them up.

Li Yan looked up and was even more surprised.

From just the first hole, one after another, hundreds of bags of things were taken out. The hemp rope was pulled straight, obviously extremely heavy.

And this was just one stone cave.

On the cliff, it was densely packed, with at least a hundred.

No wonder the orthodox Mystic Sects assist the imperial court. Legend has it that the world's cave heavens and blessed lands, as well as those treasure lands not listed among them but no less inferior, many contain Dharma artifacts and spiritual materials buried by predecessors, borrowed to be warmed by the innate Gang Sha Qi.

This place before his eyes is just Mount Huashan.

Thinking about it slightly, one can know what a huge treasure this is.

However, the people around still had solemn expressions.

Li Yan was puzzled in his heart. Could there still be twists and turns?

Sure enough, when the Daoists carried the large and small bags into the Pure Yang Palace, after about half an incense stick of time, Master Jingxu walked out with a smile and cupped his hands, saying loudly:

"Fellow Daoists, please rest assured, there are no mistakes with this batch of spiritual materials!"

"Congratulations, congratulations!"

Many people finally let out a sigh of relief and cupped their hands to offer congratulations.

Li Yan suddenly realized that this vault opening might be the same principle as subduing heavenly spiritual treasures. If something goes wrong when opening, or if there is a twist in the middle, they will all become waste.

In a hundred years, there are simply too many accidents.

The vault opening was successful, and the cultivators on the mountain relaxed and chatted with each other.

Of course, they were also clearly divided among themselves.

People from the orthodox Mystic Sects talked to each other, Dharma lineages probed each other, while those from the side-door sects were busy building relationships.

Shopkeeper Wan and Quan Wanzhong found Li Yan for the first time.

Seeing their anxious faces and sweating foreheads, Li Yan smiled slightly and cupped his hands: "You two, rest assured. As long as there is an opportunity, I will definitely be able to get the things you want."

Last night, Shopkeeper Wan and this person came again and handed the silver money to him.

With this connection of his, Shopkeeper Wan naturally wouldn't miss out. After all, those people from the orthodox Mystic Sects wouldn't help them purchase things.

Just at this moment, another person walked over and laughed from afar: "Little Brother Li, how have you been?"

Li Yan looked up and saw that the visitor was wearing a white Daoist robe, with a white Eight Trigrams band tied around his head. His face was dark, he had a long beard, and his figure was tall.

"Senior Zhao."

A smile appeared on Li Yan's face, and he cupped his hands in response.

The visitor was Zhao Facheng of the Lishan Jiuyuan Sect. When dealing with Chen Fagui, who used evil methods to sacrifice in Xianyang City, the two had fought side by side.

Zhao Facheng came to his side, looked Li Yan up and down, and sighed: "I felt Little Brother Li was extraordinary from the start. I didn't expect you to have achieved such fame in such a short time."

"Even on Lishan, I have heard of it."

"Senior is joking." Li Yan said politely.

To this day, he already knew many things.

For example, the Lishan Jiuyuan Sect where Zhao Facheng is located is specifically responsible for guarding those Qin and Han dynasty tombs in the Guanzhong region.

It is precisely because of their existence that many disasters have been avoided.

People in the Guanzhong Mystic Sects mention them and never fail to give a thumbs up.

Even that traitor Chen Fagui was once praised by everyone.

Practicing for a lifetime just to guard a tomb—at least Li Yan felt he didn't have this realization.

After some pleasantries, Li Yan's heart moved, and he said: "Senior Zhao, I have shallow knowledge. With so many Mystic Sect experts present today, could you introduce them to me so I can broaden my knowledge?"

To tell the truth, he had this intention early on.

But Shopkeeper Wan and Quan Wanzhong were both local side-door sect members. Although they had some knowledge, their level was not high, and they didn't know many people.

Master Yufeng was willing, but he was busy at the moment, so he couldn't keep bothering him.

After counting, Zhao Facheng was the most suitable.

After all, he was a Dharma lineage recognized by the imperial court, so he must have more knowledge than them.

Zhao Facheng was stunned, then nodded and smiled: "Of course, it's nothing."

Saying this, he looked to the left: "See that? Those are all orthodox sect members. According to the planning of the imperial court's Mystic Sacrifice Division, they are divided into four families: Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist, and Miscellaneous."

"The Daoist gate naturally doesn't need to be mentioned. Since the end of the Song Dynasty, the Grand Void Gate has integrated all Daoist traditions and can be called the leader of the Mystic Sects..."

"The Buddhist gate is mainly the four sects: Chan, Mi, Lian, and Lu. But the people of the Lian sect haven't participated for a long time due to some reasons..."

Li Yan was somewhat puzzled: "Do Confucianists also have Mystic Sect cultivators?"

Zhao Facheng said meaningfully: "That is natural. Their situation is somewhat special... you will understand later."

"As for the Miscellaneous family, they are the Military School, Legalist School, Mohist School, etc. They are basically all in the imperial court and also represent the imperial court here."

"Those over there are the local Dharma lineages."

"Those two are both Yuhuang Dharma Sects. One is the Southern Transmission Yuhuang, and the other is the Northern Transmission Yuhuang. The Southern Transmission Yuhuang uses the Talisman Gall to issue orders, and the Northern Transmission Yuhuang uses the Taboo Order to cast spells. They are called 'The Law within the Law, the Supreme Law', which is quite extraordinary..."

"That one is a devotee of the Huaguang Sect, worshiping the Huaguang Great Emperor as the main deity, specializing in witchcraft, God-Striking, Five-Thunder Striking and Descending, and other methods. It is fierce and sharp, very ferocious..."

"That one is a Daoist of the Maoshan Dharma Sect, originating from the Daoist Talisman Sect, worshiping the Three Mao True Lords, good at talisman spells and Feng Shui, and famous..."

"That one is an elder of the Lushan Sect. You should have heard of it. 'The Supreme in Heaven is the Jade Emperor, the most noble in the human world is the Monarch. All ghosts and gods in the world respect it, only Lushan makes the decisions.' It is very domineering..."

Zhao Facheng's introduction opened Li Yan's eyes.

The Shenzhou is vast, with a long history. Whether it is the orthodox sects or the Dharma lineage inheritances, they are all quite extraordinary.

By comparison, although the Shangshan Sect rose rapidly in Shanzhou, it was ultimately limited to one place.

And many Dharma lineages with longer inheritances had long since spread their branches and leaves to all parts of the Shenzhou.

Just as Shopkeeper Wan said, this world is truly too big.

If he always stayed in Guanzhong, I fear he would sooner or later become a frog in a well.

Thinking of this, Li Yan's determination to leave became even firmer.

The process of opening the vault was quite time-consuming, just because there were many spiritual materials stored. From just before dawn, even though the Pure Yang Palace Daoists were agile, it was nearly noon before all the treasures were taken out.

At this time, everyone couldn't care about eating.

He saw Pure Yang Palace Supervisor Master Jingxu walk out with broad strides and cup his hands, saying loudly:

"Fellow Daoists, time is tight, please enter the Pure Yang Palace in order."

"Fellow Daoists who came later don't need to worry. There are many treasures hidden this time, and we definitely won't let everyone return empty-handed."

After saying this, he raised his hand and said: "Everyone, please."

Everyone knows that this first batch is to enter the orthodox Mystic Sects.

What is the orthodox Mystic Sect?

It is the one that manages the rites of national sacrifice.

Li Yan didn't quite understand before, but after listening to Yan Jiuling's account of the changes in national sacrifices yesterday, he already had a guess in his heart.

Orthodox legitimacy is likely related to the rise and fall of dynasties and the struggle for national destiny.

Sure enough, that batch of orthodox sect people set off first.

!.

Including people from the three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism, as well as the Miscellaneous School of the imperial court.

Li Yan nodded slightly to Shopkeeper Wan and Quan Wanzhong, then, under Zhao Facheng's astonished gaze, walked toward the Pure Yang Palace with broad strides.

Zhao Facheng was stunned, then smiled and waved his hand: "This was decided by the Pure Yang Palace; I don't know either."

There were others who also raised questions.

"Senior Master Jingxu."

A middle-aged man with a sinister gaze, wearing a black robe and a red belt, suddenly cupped his hands, frowned, and asked: "May I ask who he is? I am quite familiar with the fellow Daoists here. What qualification does he have to enter ahead of time!"

Master Jingxu naturally wouldn't say it was because he helped Mount Huashan with a great disaster, but he already had a response in his heart, and said calmly: "This is a Living Yin Messenger, worshiping the Northern Yin Fengdu Great Emperor."

Everyone suddenly realized, and the expressions on their faces then became strange.

The status of a Living Yin Messenger is truly special.

If you say they have no backing, they act directly on the orders of the Netherworld, which is the orthodoxy of heaven and earth. No one present dares to say anything wrong.

But if you say they are a major orthodox sect, that's not the case either.

Because Living Yin Messengers have never had an organization. They are scattered in various places, and some are even ordinary people who accidentally obtained the hook-order and will never be known by others in their lifetime.

Master Jingxu saw this, stroked his beard and smiled: "Every sect and Dharma lineage has rules, and they must not interfere with the actions of Living Yin Messengers. In the end, it is to maintain the orthodoxy of heaven and earth, so we must always provide convenience. This move of mine is not wrong."

"Senior is right."

That person had nothing to say and had to retreat resentfully.

Li Yan naturally had already heard the arguing behind him.

Seeing that there was no trouble, he was too lazy to pay attention and entered the Pure Yang Palace.

There are three halls in the Pure Yang Palace: one enshrines Lu Zu, one enshrines Chen Tuan, and the other enshrines the West Peak Great Emperor.

Speaking of this batch of Dharma artifacts, they also received the grace of the Shaohao Great Emperor, so the venue for the assembly was in the West Peak Great Emperor Hall.

Li Yan could hear the previous words, and there were countless orthodox sect experts who could naturally hear them too, but they mostly went about their own business and didn't pay attention to Li Yan.

After everyone entered the main hall, Master Jingxu followed in and closed the hall door. Li Yan instantly felt that the entire Pure Yang Palace was shrouded in a certain innate Gang Qi situation, and his supernatural abilities were also suppressed.

Seeing that the others' expressions didn't change, he suddenly understood. This should be the rule of the assembly.

He only saw Master Jingxu cup his hands and say: "Fellow Daoists, there is one more thing. Everyone knows the situation on the imperial court's side, so this poor Daoist won't say much."

Several orthodox sect elders had solemn expressions and nodded: "This is His Majesty's decision, so we naturally must support it with all our strength."

"Let's stick to the old rules, putting national affairs first."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Those present were all profound in cultivation, and Li Yan was just a small transparent person among them, so naturally he wouldn't say anything more.

He only saw the Mohist and Military School elders walk forward, cupping their hands and whispering in unison: "Thank you, fellow Daoists."

Saying this, they walked forward quickly and took a stack of booklets from their bosoms.

Master Jingxu took them and looked, his face seeming somewhat troubled, and he asked: "So many?"

That Mohist elder, an old man wearing a hemp robe and a black robe, shook his head upon hearing this: "This is the list set by the Ministry of Works. If it weren't for my bitter persuasion, I fear this vault opening would have been packed up."

"After all, the West Peak Geng Metal Qi is gathering, and the vault is full of metal Dharma artifacts, which is exactly what is needed now."

Master Jingxu nodded, handed the list to the Daoist beside him, and then led the two away.

"Ministry of Works?"

Li Yan heard this, and a guess suddenly arose in his heart.

Could it be new-style firearms...

He became more and more certain of his judgment.

That kind of new-style gunpowder was obviously obtained from alchemy, and it was also mixed with coal essence. Its power was so fierce that it was simply terrifying.

Only firearms forged from spiritual materials could withstand it.

His heart moved, and he kept an eye on it.

There was a list set before the assembly, and many people already knew it. Perhaps by judging which spiritual materials were reduced in quantity, one could judge what was needed to make new-style Dharma artifact firearms.

Purchasing a small amount mixed in wouldn't attract attention either.

After the two went in, that Legalist elder cupped his hands again: "Daoist Master Jingxu, I have also come under His Majesty's order. The prison needs to be expanded."

Everyone present heard this, and their faces were somewhat ugly.

The prison he spoke of was certainly not an ordinary prison; it was likely used to detain Mystic Sect members who had committed crimes.

The Great Xuan Emperor wants to strictly manage the Mystic Sects. Once a crime is committed, he doesn't care if you are an orthodox sect or a Dharma lineage.

Those present were all Mystic Sect cultivators. Even if they were orthodox sects, I fear they were unhappy in their hearts.

"That is natural."

Master Jingxu took the list and looked at it, his face slightly relaxed, and he asked the Daoist to lead the person away.

Li Yan saw this and secretly pondered.

It seems that among the orthodox Mystic Sects, there is also a first-come, first-served order.

Don't look at the Miscellaneous School's influence being inferior to the three religions of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, but they serve the Great Xuan imperial court directly, so naturally they have to pick first in the first batch.

It seems that in this Great Xuan Dynasty, imperial power still firmly suppresses divine power.

The imperial court people had targets for their selection. After entering, they came out in less than half an incense stick of time, cupped their hands to everyone, and floated away.

This is the rule of the vault-opening assembly. After the transaction, naturally someone will deliver it to your door. But if the journey is long, they will only deliver it to the foot of Mount Huashan, and you will have to find someone to transport it yourself.

After the imperial court people left, the atmosphere suddenly eased slightly.

Master Jingxu also smiled and raised his hand: "Everyone, please follow me."

Everyone had smiles on their faces and entered the back hall one after another.

And Li Yan at this time couldn't care about any courtesy, and followed the crowd and rushed in.

He remembered what the old man said—both the Head Mountain Copper Essence and the Twelve Yuan Chen were rare items.

If they were snatched away by others, that would be a great misfortune.

Entering the back hall, he saw that on the incense table, layer upon layer, were all kinds of spiritual materials and Dharma artifacts, dazzling the eyes...

(End of chapter)