Chapter 200: Deep Mountain Fox Sacrifice

"Quick, the Company Commander is still inside!"

Although afraid in their hearts, the soldiers still rushed in holding torches.

The firelight was raging, dispelling the darkness and mystery.

The scene before their eyes made them breathe a sigh of relief.

Company Commander Huang was not in serious trouble and had already slowly stood up from the ground; except for the soldier whose heart was dug out, most of the others were still alive.

It was just that several people had been hit by the Vajra Palm and were unconscious, still spitting blood; even if they survived, they probably couldn't eat the government's rice anymore.

Only Li Yan was walking toward the monk's corpse.

"Little Brother Li, just now... what was that?"

Company Commander Huang asked with suspicion and trembling voice.

Although it was pitch black just now, impossible to see one's fingers, the strange sound of chains, the woman's scream, and the coldness that seeped into his heart all made him hair-raising.

Li Yan turned around and glanced, "Lord, you catch imperial criminals, I catch Yin Office criminals; this involves Yin Office secrets, so I dare not talk nonsense."

He said this completely to fool people.

After that night in Chang'an City, he discovered that this Yin Office signboard was quite useful, saving a lot of trouble; why not use it.

Anyway, no one dared to run to the Yin Office to verify.

Sure enough, when Company Commander Huang heard this, he was full of shock, and his expression toward Li Yan also had a trace of fear.

The authority of the imperial court was certainly heavy, and the laws were strict.

But involving the Yin Office after death, everyone was afraid in their hearts.

Seeing his appearance, Li Yan was happy in his heart, but still full of solemnity, came to the monk's corpse, pinched the Yang Seal to investigate.

Sure enough, the monk's divine soul had already dissipated; it was estimated that it was taken away on the way and caught into the Yin Office.

As for what the other party would encounter, Li Yan had no way of knowing.

Can only blame this guy for being unlucky...

He picked up the fox immortal heart on the ground; he could still smell a cold evil aura flowing inside, and it should have become some kind of special Dharma artifact.

Li Yan turned his head and said in a deep voice: "Company Commander Huang, this thing, including the monk's corpse, must be handed over to the foxes."

"Foxes are small things that hold grudges; if you don't want trouble in the mountains in the future, it's best to keep your promise."

"This... that's natural."

Company Commander Huang originally habitually wanted to refuse, but thinking of the previous events, he felt a sudden thud in his heart and hurriedly agreed.

Although he often dealt with people from the Mystic Sect, he believed in sorcery but was not afraid of ghosts and gods, especially since many of the demon people he dealt with used the talk of ghosts and gods to bewitch the common people.

But this time, he had seen the real thing, so he couldn't help but feel terrified in his heart.

Worried about whether some things he had done would be settled after death.

Li Yan naturally didn't know what he was thinking, saw that Sha Lifei, Wang Daoxuan, and the others had all rushed in, so he directly threw the heart to Lu San, then said: "Old Uncle Sha, you guys drag this monk's corpse out first."

After saying that, he came to the pillar where the monk was hiding.

This pillar had already been hollowed out, just enough to accommodate one person.

The gaps in the wooden boards were treated and covered, and as long as they were closed from the inside, it was seamless and couldn't be seen.

This was also using the blind spot of vision; everyone looked in the corners, who could have thought that the person was hiding right in front of their eyes.

But what made Li Yan even more curious was what method the monk used to actually avoid the investigation of supernatural powers.

Soon, he discovered the suspicion.

Inside the pillar, there was also a monk's robe.

It was tattered, woven from ordinary mulberry and hemp cloth, not short of years, and already somewhat faded, looking very much like a tattered fishing net.

However, no smell could be smelled on the monk's robe.

A heavenly treasure that can isolate investigation!

Li Yan's eyes lit up, and without a word, he directly took it and stuffed it into his bosom.

The good fortune of the monk's robe had long settled, so it naturally wouldn't be absorbed.

Company Commander Huang naturally saw this scene clearly.

He vaguely had some guesses, but having just been saved by the other party, he couldn't say much.

Looking around again, Li Yan smiled with satisfaction, stood up, cupped his hands, and said: "Company Commander Huang, we have done what we promised you, I hope you keep your word."

He originally wanted to find the blueprint for the Nether Fire Gun, but seeing the old copper tube on the ground, he knew it was the same as the one he had obtained, which was an antique.

With the craftsmanship of this village, they couldn't make this thing.

Plus there were so many people watching, he didn't look for it anymore.

"That's natural."

Company Commander Huang nodded solemnly, "After this matter is arranged and we return to Yunyang Prefecture, this official will handle it immediately. Little Brother Li, you guys..."

He had seen the skills of Li Yan and Lu San and caught such an important lead, so he naturally wanted to ask them for help.

Who knew, Li Yan directly blocked him with his words, "Company Commander Huang, we have some other things to do, so we'll say goodbye here."

Saying this, he cupped his hands and walked out of the ancestral hall with broad strides.

A trace of regret flashed in Company Commander Huang's eyes, but he didn't stop them again.

The merit of this time was too great, so great that he couldn't eat it alone; how to arrange the subsequent matters was more important.

Li Yan and the others dragged the monk's corpse out, and the three Daoists of the Taixuan Orthodox Sect naturally saw them and stepped forward to meet them.

The leading Daoist cupped his hands and said: "This poor Daoist is Gu Hanzi, I have met a few fellow Daoists."

"I have met the Daoist." Li Yan nodded and smiled: "I am good friends with Daoist Gu Chenzi of the Chang'an Law Enforcement Hall; does the Daoist know him?"

"Same generation but different sects, haven't met yet."

"Fellow Daoist, was that the Yin Office arresting people just now?" A young Daoist on the side couldn't help but ask.

Unlike Company Commander Huang, they knew more.

But this kind of scene was also the first time they had seen it.

"That's right, the matter has been handled."

Li Yan nodded with a smile: "Three Daoists, we will go to the Yunyang City God Temple to register later; this time it was the Commandant's Office forcing us to take action, so it doesn't count as violating the imperial court's regulations, right?"

"Fellow Daoist is joking."

The three Daoists were all happy.

Different strength, naturally different treatment.

Li Yan could clearly perceive that after Lu San and he took action one after another, whether it was the Commandant's Office or these three Daoists of the Taixuan Orthodox Sect, their attitudes were much better.

After some pleasantries, the four of them dragged the corpse and left the mountain village.

Looking at their departing backs, Gu Hanzi's expression was solemn, "These few people possess strange arts and are definitely not ordinary traveling sorcerers; after returning, check with Chang'an and register them."

"Yes, Senior Brother."

…………

After leaving the stronghold, the few of them breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.

They looked at each other and shook their heads slightly.

Wang Daoxuan sighed: "Refugees and the imperial court, a mess; this poor Daoist thought about it and felt it was a dead knot, not knowing how to untie it."

"Why does the Daoist think so much?"

Sha Lifei laughed and shook his head: "In this world, there are too many rights and wrongs that are hard to distinguish. Throughout the dynasties, so many powerful figures haven't untied it; aren't we asking for trouble by thinking about this?"

"Just do what you should do!"

"That's true." Wang Daoxuan nodded slightly, then looked at Lu San, "Brother Lu San, where are we going to find foxes?"

"No need, they are here!"

Li Yan suddenly felt something and looked into the distance.

Only to see in the mountains and forests, cold winds and black mists, and ghost fires rising again.

Except for that powerful ghost fox, there were also large and small foxes, mountain wolves, leopards, and other wild beasts around.

Under the ghost fox's deterrence, these wild beasts were all safe and sound. Sha Lifei was startled, "So many, could it be that they have ill intentions?"

"You guys don't mess around!"

Lu San gave a low instruction, then carried the monk's corpse, took the fox immortal heart in the other hand, and walked to a place ten meters outside the forest.

He clucked and clattered in his mouth, speaking Upper Language again.

Before long, he retreated.

Immediately, several wild beasts dragged the monk's corpse away, and an old fox with a skull on its head darted out, picked up the fox immortal heart on the ground, and ran toward the forest.

But halfway through, the skull on its head rolled to the ground with a clatter, making it squeak in anxiety; after returning the heart, it turned back and brought the skull with it.

"Ha ha ha..."

Sha Lifei was amused and couldn't help laughing out loud.

Just then, that ghost fox, which was visible and invisible, also clucked and clattered in Upper Language.

!.

Lu San was taken aback and hurriedly responded.

After muttering for a while, his eyes were somewhat surprised, and he turned his head: "The spirits in the nearby mountains want to sacrifice to the old fox immortal, and this ghost fox invites us to go."

They had originally thought that after the deal was completed, the foxes would disperse.

They didn't expect this to happen.

Foxes inviting people to attend a funeral was truly rare.

Li Yan was surprised: "Wild beasts also have funerals."

Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard and smiled: "Of course they have; all things in heaven and earth are equal in life and death. Crows see dead companions, leaders cry out, carry the corpse to the pond, circle and mourn to say goodbye..."

"Birds meet dead friends, carry petals and green leaves, lightly cover the corpse to express sorrow..."

"Macaques meet dead companions, strong monkeys carry the corpse, small monkeys follow with crying, leave the tail to watch after burial, the wind moves the tail as if alive, dig and stroke and bury again, repeat until they leave..."

"Badgers see dead companions, drag the corpse into the river, stand on the bank and mourn, heartbroken..."

Lu San scratched his head: "Animals are also afraid of life and death, but they have different thoughts; in our eyes, it can be considered a funeral."

Sha Lifei on the side was somewhat worried and whispered: "Little Brother Lu San, you said they are sending off the dead..."

"The sacrifice won't be us, right?"

"Don't worry, that won't happen."

Lu San laughed dumbly, "After the old fox immortal died, this ghost fox is the leader in the nearby mountains; it has extraordinary intelligence, and we didn't break our promise, so they won't mess around."

Li Yan was full of interest and nodded: "In that case, let's go and see; such an opportunity doesn't come often!"

…………

The bright moon hung high, and the mountains and forests were deep and quiet.

Li Yan and the others followed the animals through the mountains.

They had already walked for an hour, passing through dense forests, wading through small streams, and climbing winding hills...

This place was already far from human habitation, let alone any roads.

Wild beasts of all kinds ran under the bright moon, whether fox, badger, wolf, or deer, none of them attacked each other.

Even on the way, several bears and tigers joined in, all following silently without even a hum.

The scene before their eyes made everyone marvel.

Finally, they arrived at a mountain valley.

"Eh?"

After climbing the mountain ridge, Wang Daoxuan was suddenly surprised, looked in all directions, but saw silver radiance falling, mountains and forests rising and falling, and couldn't help but whisper: "This is a geomantic treasure land of a returning dragon cave; if I'm not mistaken, there must be a big tomb in the mountain!"

He was right, and everyone soon saw some stone buildings, but after years of mottling, only broken walls remained, some entangled by vines, and covered in bird droppings.

"This... is not a tomb!"

Wang Daoxuan was full of surprise, looked around, "This is the specification of a temple sacrificial place; look at the stone pillars over there, representing heaven, earth, sun, moon, and stars, and the central altar; this is an ancient Chu sacrificial place."

Saying this, a smile appeared on his face, stroking his beard: "Riding a red leopard and following a patterned civet, the magnolia carriage is tied with cassia flags; this is the place where ancient Chu sacrificed to the mountain ghosts!"

Li Yan was thoughtful, "Ten Gods of Chu?"

"Hmm."

Wang Daoxuan nodded, whispering: "The sacrifice to mountain ghosts is the spirits in the mountains; even in the time of ancient Chu, there were few such scales, unless it was a special witchcraft sacrifice..."

Li Yan understood instantly, "The Daoist means, this place was once a Dharma path?"

Wang Daoxuan replied: "There is this possibility."

Li Yan's heart stirred, and he touched the phoenix gold ornament in his bosom.

According to Yan Jiuling, this thing is the Chu Witchcraft Order; devouring the mysterious good fortune inside can enhance supernatural powers, which is very rare.

He came to Ezhou this time, also with the intention of looking for similar items.

I wonder if there will be any clues in this place?

Of course, he didn't dare to act rashly.

At this moment, in the mountain valley, more and more animals were gathering.

Birds of all colors perched on branches, large and small wild beasts hid in the grass, all motionless, quietly watching the center of the mountain valley.

Large and small foxes gathered in the center of the ruins.

They waved their front hooves, constantly digging the soil on the ground.

Subsequently, they dragged out a snow-white fox corpse.

Seeing this, Li Yan and the others widened their eyes.

This white fox corpse was truly not small, comparable to an ordinary mule or horse; the night wind blew, and the short silver fur swayed slightly.

Its chest was broken with a crack, and the surrounding filthy blood had long turned black. More importantly, its head was shattered, with only half left.

Wang Daoxuan was somewhat surprised, "This... this fox immortal is definitely not an ordinary product; it must be a natural alien species, maybe it had the opportunity to become a heavenly fox."

Sha Lifei frowned and looked for a long time, "This injury... looks like it was hit by a new-style musket."

A sharp glint flashed in Li Yan's eyes, "Are you sure?"

Sha Lifei nodded and said in a deep voice: "Ordinary muskets don't have this power; at most, they leave a bloody hole, and this is a fox immortal, with a sensitive sense of smell; it's impossible to be hit at close range."

"Only new-style muskets have such power!"

A figure suddenly appeared in Li Yan's mind.

Bai Ruoxu, the hall master of the Chang'an tooth agency!

This guy cheated the Mile Sect in Shaanxi, and also snatched a new-style musket from the Commandant's Office, escaping without a trace.

Could it be in this place?

In the center of this ruin, there was also a stone platform similar to an altar, ancient, and overgrown with weeds.

Just as everyone was discussing in low voices, the ghost fox also finally revealed itself.

It crawled slowly out of the forest, the surrounding cold wind and ghost fires dissipated, the bright moon shone, and it was actually an old fox with white hair and beard.

The old fox climbed onto the high platform, holding the fox immortal heart, stuffed it into its abdomen, and occasionally used its head to arch the corpse, seemingly hoping to wake up this fox immortal.

Seeing this, Li Yan understood instantly.

The old fox might think that this way,

The old fox climbed onto the high platform, held that fox immortal's heart in its mouth, and stuffed it into the corpse's abdomen, occasionally nudging the body with its head as if hoping to awaken this fox immortal.

Li Yan saw this, and immediately understood.

The old fox perhaps thought that by doing this, it could make the fox immortal's yin soul appear.

By inviting them to come, perhaps they could find a shaman disciple to follow along, share in the incense offerings, and continue cultivating.

This old fox certainly knows quite a lot.

But unfortunately, when the Fox Heart Art was being cultivated, the fox immortal's essence and soul had already been sacrificed to that demon god, Yuan Zimei.

"Woo~"

After busying itself for a long time with no response, the old fox suddenly let out a mournful cry.

"Woo~"

In the mountain valley, under the bright moon, the group of foxes all raised their heads, their mournful cries continuing incessantly...

(End of chapter)