Chapter 259: The Rat Immortal Patrols the City

Night blanketed the forest, moonlight dappled across the ground.

Wind rustled through leaves, thick branches swaying slowly under the moonlight; in the deathly stillness and darkness, the occasional hoot of an owl echoed.

Rustle-rustle!

Birds startled into flight, hooves clattered.

A dragon of fire approached from afar—it was Li Yan and his party.

Besides the troops of the Commandant's Office, four Daoists accompanied the group: two from Zhushan Sect, the other two from Zhenwu Palace.

With insufficient personnel at Zigai Mountain Cave, a large-scale mobilization was impossible; all they could do was open the altar ground to summon reinforcements at any moment.

These four Daoists were assigned specifically to accompany them, performing rituals to locate targets so the yin troops could arrive instantly.

In addition, they each possessed unique supernatural abilities.

One had yin-yang eyes, one could hear the speech of ghosts and gods, one excelled in observing qi, and the last had an intentional spiritual root, skilled in divination.

Normally, these individuals were treasures of orthodox Daoist lineages, carefully protected and never allowed to descend the mountain lightly; both abbots paid close attention to them.

Even when the Earth Immortal Cave poisoned disciples, they never targeted these Daoists, fearing it would provoke the abbots' investigation.

Yet now, all four had been dispatched to follow Li Yan.

First, because they had been negligent and caused chaos.

Second, because they were furious.

Regardless of whether the Earth Immortal Cave harbored a terrifying earth immortal, such actions had already violated the fundamental boundaries of both sects.

They not only entrusted Li Yan to continue investigating and stabilize the Dangyang situation, but also sent swift pigeon messages, requesting masters from the center to lend aid.

With Dangyang in chaos, no one rested; they descended the mountain immediately and raced back to Dangyang County under cover of night…

At the front of the column, Li Yan rode while asking the Daoists beside him: "Gentlemen, what method do you think the tiger demon used to conceal itself?"

The Earth Immortal Cave was too dangerous to approach immediately.

He planned to return and first accomplish two things: one, thoroughly search for and exterminate the Tian Sheng Sect's hiding places.

According to prior intelligence, some of these people were killed by the Earth Immortal Cave after stealing the "Muxue Liang," and many more were eliminated after scheming against the tiger demon.

Even so, they still managed to cause unrest in Dangyang County.

This meant their numbers were certainly substantial.

So many people required hiding places, food, and water—they must have left traces. The county yamen runners might miss them, but the Commandant's Office excelled at such tasks.

The other target was the tiger demon itself.

From all signs, the demon must know much; perhaps finding it would unravel this entire mystery.

The only problem was its hiding place.

Hearing Li Yan's question, one disciple of Taixuan Zhengjiao spoke up: "Such demons most love to occupy caves or tombs in forests or mountains, then set up arrays to create ghostly mazes."

"As long as they don't openly wreak havoc, the common folk cannot approach, and the secret naturally remains hidden."

Another nodded in agreement: "Any array setup inevitably alters the flow of earth veins. I shall climb the mountain afterward to observe the qi—I should find something."

As they spoke, Li Yan suddenly changed expression and raised his hand.

"Stop!"

The Commandant's Office riders were expert horsemen; at the command, each pulled their reins tight, horses veering sharply, snorting loudly as they halted.

"Gunpowder ahead—Lu San, find it!"

Li Yan narrowed his eyes, staring down the road ahead.

At his order, Lu San raised his hand; a falcon shrieked skyward and soon reported: "To the right, northwest."

"Capture them!"

Captain Zheng gave the order; immediately, a squad leader and his men leapt forward, swords clashing as they dashed into the dense forest.

Li Yan did not move with them.

He had to remain in command—he couldn't run off randomly.

Soon, shouts and clashing blades echoed from the distant woods, along with the whistle of crossbow bolts piercing through trees.

At the same time, falcons cried overhead.

Lu San frowned. "Only three death soldiers."

Li Yan knew at once no live captives had been taken.

Indeed, when the Commandant's Office men emerged from the forest, the squad leader bowed: "Report, my lord: three bandits were secretly observing. Seeing escape was impossible, they all committed suicide."

Simultaneously, three corpses were carried out.

Captain Zheng did not reprimand them; such cases were common. Tian Sheng Sect followers were fanatical, believing they'd be protected by Lord Tian Sheng after death.

Betraying the Holy Sect was a grave crime; once captured, fearing they couldn't withstand torture, they often killed themselves immediately.

Captain Zheng gave a signal; an elderly man in squad leader's garb dismounted and approached the corpses for close inspection.

"Mud on their soles contains crushed chalk—this material is found only in tombs or abandoned military fortresses…"

"Their clothes don't stink; they've been washed—there must be a small river or stream nearby…"

"Their rations are all baked cakes, uneven in size, made in common households…"

"Bring the map and county records!"

Captain Zheng barked; someone immediately produced a map.

By torchlight, Captain Zheng spread the map before Li Yan and said gravely: "Young Master Li, these people are hiding in villages near Dangyang, with villagers aiding them."

"Dangyang is an ancient military chokepoint, battered by repeated wars; countless underground tunnels and military fortresses were built, too numerous to count—but we can roughly guess their locations."

As he spoke, he pointed to several areas on the map.

Li Yan praised: "No wonder you're the Commandant's Office."

"Young Master flatters us."

Captain Zheng showed no pride, only concern: "We've tangled with the Tian Sheng Sect for years—we know their methods well."

"They infiltrate villages through Jingchu refugee networks, secretly spreading their teachings, and with kinship shielding, establish strongholds."

"Dangyang's governance is relatively clean, but some local officials are tyrannical; the people harbor resentment and often aid the Tian Sheng Sect in attacks."

"This is why the Tian Sheng Sect can never be eradicated."

"Also, the Tian Sheng Sect ambushed us with gunpowder—they must know the situation on Zigai Mountain has changed, and they've brought substantial quantities."

Li Yan's expression remained unchanged; he nodded slightly.

In truth, it wasn't just the Tian Sheng Sect.

All these secret sects survive on three conditions.

First, desire: for example, the Ghost Sect—during the prosperous Song Dynasty, many officials and magnates remained unsatisfied, killing people to appease ghosts for greater gains.

Second, corrupt governance: when the people suffer unbearable hardship, someone stirring rebellion through a sect can ignite great chaos.

Third, the people's ignorance: sorcerers use the fear of ghosts and gods to intimidate.

Such things have never been eradicated since ancient times.

Unless everyone is desireless and the world achieves great harmony.

Li Yan pondered a moment: "Captain Zheng, after returning, secretly send men to investigate while searching the county town—only strike once we locate their nest."

"Understood."

Captain Zheng nodded, then frowned at the road ahead: "What about the gunpowder?"

"Should we just detonate it to avoid trouble?"

"No."

Li Yan shook his head with a smile: "I was just worried how to deal with the tiger demon and the Earth Immortal Cave—these gunpowder stores from the Tian Sheng Sect arrived at the perfect time."

As he spoke, he continued forming the yang seal, drew a deep breath, and turned: "Old Man Sha, these are Earthfire Thunder—how should we handle them?"

"Earthfire Thunder?"

Sha Sha Li Fei immediately dismounted and shouted: "Don't move! There must be traps on the ground!" He broke branches from nearby trees and, with quiet steps, carefully cleared fallen leaves and loose soil along the road.

Though it was night, the group was now alert; by torchlight, they immediately spotted anomalies.

Heavy rain had fallen the day before, leaving the road muddy—but some patches were covered in leaves and sand, unlike the surrounding terrain.

Pulling aside the branches, they clearly saw wooden planks beneath.

No wonder the enemy chose to ambush at night.

Such concealment would never fool anyone in daylight.

Sha Sha Li Fei carefully lifted the planks, spotted the wires beneath, and said: "These bastards set up safeguards—don't just lift the planks; cut the wires first."

Indeed, after cutting the wires, a device resembling a fire caltrop appeared below—made of ceramic, crudely crafted.

After demonstrating twice himself, Sha Sha Li Fei called for help.

Watching the bald man's familiarity with explosives, Captain Zheng's eye twitched slightly, but he said nothing, instead summoning nimble-handed men to assist.

After half an hour of work, all the Earthfire Thunder had been removed.

!.

Li Yan said gravely: "Captain Zheng, store these away—they may prove useful when hunting the tiger demon."

With the roadblock cleared, the group continued forward.

Li Yan feared further ambushes; along the way, he had Lu San control the falcons for reconnaissance while constantly forming talismans to activate his spiritual powers.

Fortunately, the enemy's ambush was a one-time affair.

By Yin Hour (3 to 5 a. m.), they finally returned to Dangyang County.

Due to recent unrest, Patrol Captain Yang of the county yamen had led a patrol team to guard the streets at night.

Upon receiving word, he sighed in relief and ordered the city gates opened.

BOOM!

As the massive wooden city gate creaked open, Captain Yang led his men forward, bowing with a flattering smile: "Young Master Li, you've worked hard—did you manage to bring reinforcements from the mountain?"

Li Yan shook his head. "There were some matters up there, but they've been settled. Did the headless rider appear last night?"

"Not at all."

Captain Yang chuckled. "Following your orders, our men patrolled every alley, torches in hand, leaving no shadow unsearched. The demon must've been scared off."

According to Wang Wang Daoxuan's guess, the enemy was likely commanding some evil entity, disguised as the God Captain Guan.

Whatever it was, it must have set up an altar nearby.

The yamen's earlier strategy of guarding only the main streets was a blunder—the hidden alleys and surrounding homes were the real focus.

Patrolling with torches at least intimidates the enemy.

"You've worked hard too, Captain Yang."

Li Yan praised him briefly, then led his men into the city.

Dangyang County was not large; the thunder of so many horses entering stirred the entire town, and nearly every resident could hear it.

From a second-floor window of a distant inn, a shutter clicked shut.

"Quick, pack up!"

In the darkness, a rustling sound arose.

"This newcomer is no pushover—our side probably failed. We leave at dawn."

"But… the boss's orders—"

"Things have changed. Return and report first."

…………

Inside the county yamen's main hall, candles burned brightly.

"Everyone has worked hard—any findings?"

County Magistrate Zhang had not slept all night; seeing Li Yan and his group return safely, he beamed with relief and hurried forward to greet them.

As a county official, Li Yan gave a brief account of what had transpired.

Hearing that Zhushan Sect and Taixuan Zhengjiao were also in chaos, Magistrate Zhang grew even more uneasy, his voice trembling: "These demons are growing brazen—they must have a grand scheme."

"Just now, we received word from Jingzhou: the Miao border has been plagued by zombies. Some have even smuggled them onto cargo ships, aiming to create chaos in Jingzhou—they can't spare any men to help us."

Li Yan shook his head. "It's normal. These demons only dare invade Dangyang because the world is in turmoil."

Magistrate Zhang sighed bitterly. "I know nothing of Daoist arts. Young Master Li—what do you suggest we do?"

Li Yan spoke gravely: "We've guessed the enemy's setup, but our immediate priority is to purge the demons from within the city."

"But they're deeply hidden—we don't know where."

At that moment, Lu San spoke up from the side: "I have a plan—but I'll need the yamen's cooperation."

"Oh?"

Li Yan's interest stirred. "Lu Brother, please speak."

Lu San was usually silent, but when he spoke up, he was certain.

He unfastened his waist pouch and pulled out two large, glossy, oil-slicked rats.

The white fox saw them and immediately let out two indignant squeaks.

Though this white fox was no ordinary beast, her cultivation was still shallow and she couldn't yet assist meaningfully—but her jealousy ran deep.

The hawk and the demonic gourd were tolerable—they'd arrived earlier.

But these two rats? She was furious, refusing to let them climb onto Lu San's person, forced to huddle Weiqu in the pouch instead.

Lu San, like a doting parent, frantically soothed her before speaking: "These two—Mouse One and Mouse Two—are spirits born from temple incense. Their fortune is calm; they know no magic."

"But they carry the scent of incense—so to other rats, they're divine. I can use them to control the city's entire rat population."

"To avoid panic among the people, the yamen must assist: announce that the Rat Immortal is hunting demons. In less than half an hour, we'll turn the entire county upside down."

Li Yan's eyes lit up. "Congratulations, Lu Brother."

He vaguely knew Lu San's secret lineage traced back to mountain shamans, masters of beast control.

Clearly, his art had broken through.

Magistrate Zhang listened in stunned disbelief.

Of course, he didn't understand magic—but he understood people. Instantly, his face lit with delight: "Sir, you possess such a marvelous method!"

"Captain Yang—this task is yours. Use my official insignia, beat drums and gongs as you go—the people will believe."

"Yes, Your Honor!"

Captain Yang hurriedly organized his constables.

Soon, a procession was formed.

In front, constables marched in formation, holding water-and-fire staves.

Behind them, men clanged bronze gongs, while others carried tall red wooden placards—one inscribed "SILENCE," the other "MAKE WAY."

In the center, an umbrella was held aloft; Lu San stood beneath it, forming hand seals while holding the two rats.

Sha Li Fei grinned mischievously, carrying an incense burner beside him.

The Commandant's men marched behind, swords drawn, bows strung.

Li Yan and Sergeant Zheng, accompanied by several Daoist disciples, leapt onto rooftops, surveying all directions from above.

The night was pitch black, but such commotion had already roused the townsfolk, who peered out in wary confusion.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

Captain Yang hammered the gong fiercely, shouting: "By the County Magistrate's order—the Rat Immortal hunts demons! Stay indoors, citizens, do not panic!"

Then he led the procession forward.

The people of Dangyang were initially puzzled—but soon their faces turned to stunned awe.

From their storerooms, from the gutters outside, countless rats poured out, scurrying everywhere…

(End of Chapter)