Chapter 273

Even though he had long since become a Living Yin Messenger and had captured several Yin criminals, Li Yan was still completely in the dark regarding the Yin Office.

Under the candlelight, he flipped through it carefully, his brow tightly furrowed.

These notes on the Living Yin Messenger not only contained Liu Gang's records but also the accounts of that "Visitor from Mount Tai" he had befriended.

The format of the notes was somewhat like medical case files.

For every case, where the mission was accepted, the strange phenomena seen when accepting it, the story of the Yin criminal, and even the process were all recorded one by one.

This method had many benefits.

One was the ability to pass down experience, and the second was the ability to summarize and conclude.

Li Yan was considered a latecomer to the path; he had obtained the hook-tally and, after great hardship, found the inheritance, only to discover it was a Dharma lineage on the verge of extinction.

The only thing left behind was the "Yin Code."

Come to think of it, Liu Gang was the first Living Yin Messenger he had ever encountered.

This booklet was extremely important to him.

First, it confirmed a suspicion.

Whether it was the Heavenly Court or the Yin Office, neither was allowed to interfere in the mortal world!

Don't look at how he could summon Yin soldiers, or how the Tai Xuan Orthodox Sect could summon Talisman soldiers; the interaction between them and the Yin Office or Heavenly Court was terrifyingly scarce.

According to Luo Mingzi, they could perform rituals and submit memorials to the court, but they basically received no response.

If not for the ability to borrow the power of patriarchs and deities to summon Talisman soldiers, many people would likely doubt the existence of the Heavenly Court and the Yin Office.

Even so, the debate over deities within the Tai Xuan True Sect had never ceased for thousands of years.

Some said they were just a mass of Qi, representing the Great Dao...

Others said the "Heavenly Statutes" were strict, and no one dared to violate them...

Still others said all deities were merely manifestations of the Great Dao, like blind men touching an elephant—what one sees is what one knows...

In any case, there was no definitive answer.

But Li Yan had received a response from the Yin Office when he was capturing demonic energy, obtaining the characteristics and weaknesses of the "Demon Body Longevity Method" from them.

Then the only reason,

was that they could not interfere in the mortal world!

Capturing Yin criminals was also because these people had disrupted the balance of Yin and Yang.

But the specific reason for this was not given in the book either.

However, the records above opened Li Yan's eyes.

For example, one of the cases:

"Xie Hui of Jingzhou suddenly saw a red ghost in the corner of the wall, three feet tall, holding a copper plate filled with blood. Hui received it, and the plate suddenly turned into paper, the ghost vanishing instantly. I was a guest in his residence and observed that this ghost was an escaped criminal from the Yin Office, so I took the hook-tally to apprehend it..."

The reason this case was special was due to the identity of the Yin criminal.

It was not a person who had returned to life, but an evil ghost from the underworld!

Li Yan had not encountered one yet.

According to the account above, this evil ghost had escaped during the Ghost Festival of the fifteenth day of the seventh month; it did not understand human speech, could not communicate, and was harming people everywhere using sorcery.

When the Yin Office issued the mission to capture such evil ghosts, they used a bronze well, inside which black water flowed, accompanied by the sound of chains...

There was another case:

"Yan Meng of Kuaiji, Jin, had his wife Qiao devoured by a tiger. One day, Meng saw his wife's soul in the mugwort. The wife spared her husband from disaster, telling him to avoid the tiger. The Living Yin Messenger saw this and knew the wife's soul remained in the mortal world due to attachment. The messenger received orders to capture her, and upon questioning the wife, she only said that because of excessive longing, she had returned to life in a state of confusion..."

The special thing about this case was that the Yin criminal was an ordinary, weak woman.

The other party had originally entered the underworld, but because of attachment to someone in the mortal world, she searched incessantly in the black fog and inexplicably returned to life.

There were other cases so bizarre they left one baffled.

To put it bluntly, this inheritance of the Living Yin Messenger was like a detector placed in the mortal world by the Yin Office; when it encountered those disrupting Yin and Yang, it would take them down directly.

Whether it was the inheritance or the summoning of Yin soldiers,

it was all for the sake of the mission.

As for whether you would build a temple to offer sacrifices, or like Liu Gang, destroy the hook-tally and become a person returned to life,

the Yin Office did not care.

Moreover, after death, you would be the same as everyone else; even if you captured many Yin criminals, you would still receive no special treatment, let alone enter the Yin Office to serve.

The inheritance and the summoning of Yin soldiers were just mission rewards.

Of course, these were still too far away for Li Yan.

What he valued more was the experience within.

For example, three types of wells had appeared so far.

One was an ordinary water well, where the missions issued were mostly related to those who had returned to life, whether they were cultivators or ordinary people, it was all the same...

One was a bronze water well with murky black water; the evil ghosts that ran out were all from the underworld itself, could not communicate, and were powerful...

The other was a black well with bloody water.

Just like his last time, those that ran out were mostly Demon Gods suppressed during the War of Investiture of the Gods; even if only a sliver of demonic energy leaked out, if it lasted a long time, it would brew chaos...

The more dangerous the mission, the higher the reward.

Missions issued by bronze water wells and black wells were highly dangerous, but even if one failed, there would be no punishment.

However, capturing those who had returned to life had to be completed once the mission was accepted.

If one practiced favoritism like Wu Laosi, they would lose their life.

The ways these cases were resolved were all precious experience.

Besides this, there were actually some insights into the use of the "Northern Emperor Code" sorcery, and the usage of the Soul-Hooking Rope's divine ability was also included.

"Cunning old ghost!"

Seeing this, Li Yan couldn't help but curse in a low voice.

That Liu Gang had indeed hidden something.

The claws of the Soul-Hooking Rope were just the first step.

This divine ability could continue to be improved by finding places where innate Gang and Sha energies gathered to temper it.

According to the book, this was a method found in ancient secret texts, specifically used for tempering divine abilities.

Liu Gang hadn't mentioned it at all, clearly harboring ill intentions from the start.

The candlelight was dim, and the night grew deeper.

After all, it had been a long journey, and the travel was exhausting.

By the hour of the Rat, Li Yan also felt a trace of fatigue; after centering his spirit, he entered the land of dreams...

…………

The next morning, the sound of birds chirping woke Li Yan.

After Li Yan got up, he stretched and pushed the door open, immediately seeing a weary-looking Wang Daoxuan.

"Daoist, too much is as bad as too little."

Li Yan shook his head slightly and advised.

Everyone has their preferences; no one can avoid it.

He was obsessed with sorcery and martial arts, Lu San liked animals, and Sha Lifei had a special fondness for firearms.

He had originally thought Wang Daoxuan was open-minded, but after getting along, he discovered this old Daoist was equally obsessed.

What he was obsessed with was all kinds of knowledge.

Whether it was history, folklore, or secret Dharma techniques, once he encountered something he didn't understand, he would become fanatical.

From Guanzhong to Ezhou, whether it was the mansions of wealthy gentry or Daoist temples, the only thing this old Daoist was interested in was their book collections.

This reading session had lasted an entire night.

"Sigh, this poor Daoist can't control himself either."

Wang Daoxuan smiled bitterly, "I thought about sleeping early, but I couldn't sleep even after lying in bed, and before I knew it, I had read for the whole night."

"Liu Gang's collection has several lost secret classics, and they even have annotations and insights from predecessors; this poor Daoist has gained quite a lot."

While they were talking, Squire Tian also arrived at the small courtyard with his servants.

His expression was equally weary, and he said, "Everyone, breakfast has been prepared at the residence; I will have the servants send it over in a moment."

Li Yan was somewhat surprised, "Squire Tian didn't sleep well either?"

"Who's to say otherwise."

Squire Tian said helplessly, "It was fine outside, but as soon as I returned home, the problem started again; I dream all night, and the fatigue is unbearable."

"Oh..." Wang Daoxuan asked thoughtfully, "Have you seen anything in your dreams?" Squire Tian shook his head, "I can't remember; I forget everything as soon as I wake up."

Wang Daoxuan asked again, "What about the servants in the residence? Do they have similar symptoms?"

Squire Tian also shook his head, "I know what the Daoist wants to ask."

"My wives and concubines, as well as the Tian family's collateral servants, all have similar symptoms; some have fallen ill, and others have been scared away."

"I have invited people to look at it before, suspecting that there was a problem with the Feng Shui of the ancestral graves, but several inspections all said there was nothing wrong."

"Moreover, I don't get sick when I leave this residence. It seems this residence clashes with my family."

Wang Daoxuan frowned, "That is somewhat strange."

Squire Tian rubbed his brow, "That's why I invited the Daoist to come and take a look; if I really can't find the cause, I'm afraid this newly built residence can only be transferred to someone else."

"I have already arranged for my wives and concubines to stay at the old residence, and I will also sleep elsewhere tomorrow night. I have to go to the Chamber of Commerce in a moment; if you have any needs, just tell the servants."

Having said this, he cupped his hands and took his leave.

After he left, Sha Lifei and Lu San also woke up one after another.

!.

The servant brought breakfast, and Wang Daoxuan gave a wink; after sending the servant away, he said while eating, "This matter is not right."

"If there were a problem with the ancestral graves, no matter where Squire Tian's family moved, they wouldn't be able to escape it."

"If there were a problem with the Feng Shui of the residence, then everyone living here should have the same symptoms."

"When things are abnormal, I'm afraid someone is playing tricks."

Li Yan also asked curiously, "Last night I used my divine abilities several times, but apart from the Gang energy of the house-protecting artifacts, I didn't smell any Yin Sha energy. What kind of method could achieve this?"

Wang Daoxuan pondered, "The most likely is the Yansheng technique, but the previous sorcerers should have thought of that; perhaps there is another reason."

"Isn't that simple?"

Sha Lifei laughed, "I don't understand sorcery, but this is clearly a Jianghu trick; I reckon someone took a fancy to the residence and wants to drive Squire Tian's family away, then spread rumors to take it over at a low price."

"When we get back, we can discuss it with Squire Tian, spread the word, and lure the person behind the scenes out."

Li Yan shook his head, "If someone is really playing tricks, they can make it seamless; how could they not have precautions, letting the middleman change hands several times to hide their identity?"

"If they only show up in a few years, can we keep waiting?"

Sha Lifei frowned, "That's true."

"This matter is not urgent."

Wang Daoxuan shook his head, "Let this poor Daoist carefully examine the Feng Shui of the residence today and then pay a visit to Squire Tian's ancestral graves; if I really can't find the cause, we'll think of another way."

"Hmm."

Li Yan drank the white porridge in his bowl in one gulp, "Since that's the case, let's split up."

"Brother Lu San will accompany Daoist Wang, and I will go with Old Uncle Sha to inquire about news in the city and then go to the Chenghuangmiao to report."

Since they had decided to rest in Hanyang City, they naturally had to figure out the situation on the streets and in the Mystic Sect to avoid attracting trouble.

After breakfast, the four of them split up immediately.

Wang Daoxuan's Feng Shui skills had clearly improved; he brought out several items, not only a Feng Shui compass but even a Lu Ban ruler for determining good and bad luck.

Lu San had Mouse One and Mouse Two, which could cooperate in the inspection and also protect Wang Daoxuan along the way.

As for Li Yan and Sha Lifei, they inquired about the situation in the city from the servants before packing their things and heading out.

Although this Hanyang City was ancient, it was not large.

In the north of the city were the government offices, county yamen, and various imperial offices; in the west were the prefectural school, county school, and academies; while the Chenghuangmiao was in the east.

Just after leaving, Sha Lifei whispered, "How about it, shall we go inquire about news first, or go to the Chenghuangmiao?"

Li Yan pondered for a moment, "Let's go to the Chenghuangmiao first."

"Most of the news in Jianghu inns is known to everyone, and the secret stuff isn't cheap."

"Going directly to the Chenghuangmiao to see if the Daoists here are easy to deal with might allow us to get it for free."

But to be honest, he had no confidence in his heart either.

Before coming, he had already inquired about the news.

There were two major strongholds of the Ezhou Mystic Sect: one was Yunyang Prefecture, and the second was these three cities of Wuchang, Hanyang, and Hankou.

And these two places had obvious differences.

Over in Yunyang, close to Mount Wudang, it was the sphere of influence of the True Martial Palace; Fomen and Daoism had almost no presence, and even if there were temples, they were just ordinary monks.

But here, the power of the Tai Xuan Orthodox Sect was clearly insufficient.

Although there were several Daoist temples and City God Temples in all three towns, come to think of it, the power of the Buddhist Chan Sect was even more powerful.

There was also the Wenjin Academy, which was a holy land of Confucianism.

It was also related to the special environment here.

Nearby, there were almost no grotto-heavens or blessed lands.

But once you left Ezhou, the grotto-heavens and blessed lands became dense: Jiuhua, Lanke, Long Hu, Tianmu, Siming, Junshan, Zao Ge...

Whether it was Xiangzhou or Ganzhou, they were all places where orthodox Dharma lineages gathered.

Moreover, there were countless Dharma lineages, large and small; even with the suppression of the Zhengyi ancestral court of Mount Long Hu and the Lingbao ancestral court of Mount Zao Ge, they had failed to let the Tai Xuan Orthodox Sect completely gain the upper hand.

Therefore, here in Wuchang, the power of the Tai Xuan Orthodox Sect was somewhat hollow.

And every place could not do without the suppression of the Mystic Sect, so the Prince of Wuchang was closer to Fomen; when the Wuchang Prince's Mansion was built, they even built the Baotong Chan Temple at the same time.

So the Chenghuangmiao's soldiers and horses here were just for show; not only were they few in number, but they also couldn't form combat power.

Over in Yunyang Prefecture, it was the front line of the war against the Heaven-Saint Sect, and the True Martial Palace had dispatched disciples from all sides to gather there.

It could be said that the Chenghuangmiao here only had a few kittens left.

If not for the Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi who had to register them, I'm afraid all the Mystic Sect disciples of the True Martial Palace would have been transferred away.

As for the Law Enforcement Hall here, it was mainly Chan Sect disciples.

Yang Chengzi had already said that even if he had a good relationship with the True Martial Palace, he wouldn't get any help coming here.

But Mount Wudang was somewhat special.

It was not only the ancestral court of the Mystic Sect's True Martial Palace but also a Jianghu holy land; the number of lay disciples learning Wudang martial arts was countless.

This place was a thoroughfare for nine provinces, so there were many Wudang boxing gyms.

When they arrived at the Hanyang Chenghuangmiao, it was about what Li Yan had imagined; the incense here was not flourishing, and the area was pitifully small.

At the side door, a young Daoist boy was dozing off.

"Excuse me, we are here to enter the Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi."

Li Yan no longer held any hope and handed over his Daoist credentials directly.

This young Daoist boy was also somewhat dull; he looked at the black Daoist credentials and then at Li Yan, taking a long time to react before his face flushed red and he whispered, "Layman, please wait a moment."

Having said this, he kicked off his shoes and ran into the courtyard.

Sha Lifei saw this and laughed, "Alright, looking at this situation, they can't help much; let's just register and leave."

Li Yan nodded in agreement.

While they were talking, the young Daoist boy walked out the door and performed a Daoist salute, "My master is currently treating someone and cannot leave for the moment; two laymen, please come in, and this little Daoist will help you register."

Li Yan and Sha Lifei looked at each other, but they followed closely behind.

Entering the courtyard, they could indeed see that outside a side room of the Chenghuangmiao, several commoners were waiting, all dressed in rags and looking weathered, clearly all from poor families.

Through the gate, they could see an old Daoist inside taking a pulse; he was white-haired, his eyes peaceful, and seeing the two, he only nodded slightly, signaling them to follow the Daoist boy.

Li Yan and his companion didn't disturb them either; they entered the Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi and watched the young Daoist boy register the three sets of Daoist credentials, clearly already familiar with the process.

Sha Lifei finally couldn't help but ask, "Little Daoist, are there only the two of you in the Chenghuangmiao?"

Although registering for the Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi didn't require any Daoist cultivation, it was, after all, an imperial duty and required at least some seniority.

Sending only a young Daoist boy to do it was truly unjustifiable.

"Hmm."

The young Daoist boy was clearly not good with words and lowered his head, "The other senior brothers were all driven away by master; there are only this little Daoist and master left in the temple..."

The second update will be later.

(End of chapter)