Chapter 290

"Prince's treasure house?"

Li Yan's wine glass paused, and he asked: "What do you want from the Prince's Mansion?"

Hu Ming said: "During the Daxiang period, the Han River changed its course, and a crystal altar was washed out from the upper reaches. It was crystal clear, contained no impurities, and every night, moonlight and starlight gathered on the altar."

"This thing is rumored to be an object from an ancient immortal's cave. Later, it fell into the hands of the Prince of Wuchang and is a good material for making star-gazing mirrors."

"Mount Taibai is the highest peak east of Qiangtang, standing against the sky. Our Jade Emperor Temple doesn't have this condition, so we can only use this thing instead."

Immortal's object?

Li Yan shook his head immediately after hearing this: "Fellow Daoist Hu, are you joking? I don't have such a big face."

"And don't talk about stealing treasures; that's purely looking for death."

Many people know that the Prince of Wuchang likes to collect treasures, and many are jealous, but I haven't heard of many who have succeeded.

That treasure house of the other party is like a forbidden area in Ezhou, and the number of people who died in it is countless.

Even that "Returner" of the Tian family sneaked into it, mixed into the position of Senior Clerk, and plotted for several years before succeeding.

These two guys are really daring to think.

"Li Li Shaoxia misunderstood."

Hu Ming was stunned, then shook his head: "Although I am not talented, I also come from the Mystic Sect orthodox religion, so how dare I mess around."

"To tell the truth, we have already tried, but the Prince of Wuchang is closer to the Buddhist gate and doesn't pay much attention to us."

Li Yan was speechless: "The Prince of Wuchang doesn't even sell the face of the Mystic Sect orthodox religion, so what can I do?"

Hu Ming smiled slightly and said meaningfully: "Others might not be able to, but the Prince of Wuchang will definitely give face to Baotong Zen Temple."

"And Li Li Shaoxia, you just happened to do a big favor for Baotong Zen Temple..."

Li Yan put down his wine glass and glanced at him indifferently: "Your news is quite well-informed."

Hu Ming smiled without saying a word and didn't say much.

Li Yan pondered for a moment: "I can help speak for you, but I can't guarantee whether it will succeed."

Joy appeared in Hu Ming's eyes: "As long as Li Li Shaoxia is willing to matchmake, no matter whether it succeeds or not, Master Lu will take action."

Li Yan looked at the old man beside him after hearing this.

This Master Lu, who was full of drunkenness, shook his head: "The old man only refines tools, and other things don't matter. If Hu Ming says it can be done, then the old man will stay for a while."

"Good!"

Li Yan breathed a sigh of relief, and a big event finally had a clue.

Thinking of this, he hurriedly got up and said: "I will go and have someone send the things over. If the Master needs anything else, just mention it."

Master Lu looked around again and shook his head: "This place won't work to refine the Dharma artifacts you want."

"Fifteen miles east of the city is Yuquan Temple, which has the Zhuodao Spring. It is rumored that the Holy Emperor Guan once governed the army in Jiangling and cut the sword here. The spring water is cold, and the earth vein energy gathers here. It is an excellent place for refining tools."

"May 13th is the birthday of the Holy Emperor Guan. If it rains on this day, it is called 'Sword Grinding Rain.' At this time, borrowing the power of heaven and time, you can refine top-grade Dharma artifacts."

"Yuquan Temple also belongs to Baotong Zen Temple. Since you want to speak for them, just mention this matter and borrow their precious land."

"As for what else is needed, wait until you bring the things and see."

"Good, I will do it!"

Li Yan bowed and turned to leave quickly.

After he left, Master Lu shook his head at Hu Ming: "He wants to refine new firearms, the karma is too big."

Hu Ming didn't care and got up: "I also know about new firearms. They have already spread secretly, and many forces are forging them privately. Otherwise, how could the imperial court easily open it up?"

"According to the master's deduction, the transformation of human nature in the Shenzhou has arrived. Mount Taibai already has a star-gazing platform. If our Jade Emperor Temple doesn't keep up, we will fall behind step by step in the future and will have to beg others sooner or later."

"Master, just do it. After taking the things, we will return to Jinzhou immediately. The current chaos is all because of the war in the southwest, and I estimate it won't subside so quickly..."

…………

On the other side, Li Yan had already returned to the Ezhou Chamber of Commerce.

The light rain was drizzling, but his mood was quite good. Seeing Squire Tian's family, he immediately said: "Squire Tian, things on my side have a clue."

"I plan to return to Hanyang, and by the way, pick up all your family members and live in the Chamber of Commerce. What do you think?"

"That's just right."

Squire Tian breathed a sigh of relief. "I have been worried about that side all day. It is safer here in the Chamber of Commerce. I will just live here for a period of time until the matter is completely over."

The Ezhou Chamber of Commerce has built a number of small courtyards for wealthy merchants from all over the world to live in, and Squire Tian is a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

Living here is no different from home.

More importantly, it is safer here.

Compared to Hanyang, where the three religions and nine streams of the martial world gather, Wuchang City is safer because of the Prince's Mansion and many yamen, plus the protection of several Buddhist temples, so the person behind the scenes definitely wouldn't dare to act recklessly.

They now occupy the advantage.

The power of the Buddhist gate and the imperial court has been mobilized. As long as all these monsters are caught, this errand will be completely finished.

Seeing Squire Tian agree, Li Yan immediately came to the wharf to take a boat to Hanyang City.

Although it was raining lightly today and the river was misty, the Dragon Boat Festival was approaching, and some people were already practicing dragon boat racing on the river, preparing to win a good ranking at the meeting.

Coupled with the merchants, martial world artists, and peddlers coming and going... it appeared even more lively than usual.

There was only a river between the two cities, and it took less than half an hour for Li Yan to arrive at Parrot Island.

Listening to the large monk explaining Feng Shui at Baotong Zen Temple last night, Li Yan looked at the layout here again and suddenly realized the mystery.

The Turtle and Snake Mountains are like door gods, gathering the Feng Shui wealth of a river and a thousand lakes, and this Parrot Island is like a precious bottle, catching it steadily.

No wonder this wharf is so prosperous.

Especially as the Dragon Boat Festival is approaching, even though it is raining lightly, the wharf is still noisy, and many snack stalls have set up rain sheds, a scene of human fireworks.

Li Yan had many things to do today, so he didn't have the heart to visit, and walked quickly into the city, returning to the Tian residence.

Before he even got close, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Now that the cards are on the table, the Hanyang Yamen no longer covered it up and sent a team of yamen runners to guard outside the Tian residence.

With Lu San there, all movements around couldn't escape his eyes, so he immediately came out with Wang Daoxuan and Sha Lifei to greet him.

After entering the Tian residence, Li Yan first reported safety to Lady Tian and others, and asked them to pack their things quickly, preparing to go to Wuchang.

Because of the garrison's military order, Squire Tian's son-in-law had already returned to perform many tasks, leaving only his wife behind. The Tian residence now only had a group of women left.

They were packing over there, while Li Yan entered the room and recounted everything from last night to today.

"Four Symbols disturbing the earth veins?"

Wang Daoxuan was taken aback, his expression serious as he shook his head: "These people are really insane. If they succeed, I don't know how many common people will die."

Li Yan said in a deep voice: "Baotong Zen Temple has already mobilized. The power of the Buddhist gate cannot be underestimated. I estimate those people wouldn't dare to show their heads at all."

"These things are not for us to worry about."

Sha Lifei's eyes were full of anxiety. "Brother Yan, can that Master Lu really make the things?"

Li Yan smiled: "Rest assured, I specifically inquired. This Master Lu is proficient in all kinds of crafts and is also famous in the Jinzhou Craftsman Gate."

"For others, these are all small things. If Brother Sha is interested, stay by his side during this time and maybe you can learn a trick or two."

"That would be great." Sha Lifei's eyes were eager to try.

Lu San was the same. Li Yan said that he would take him to visit Master Lin tonight, and maybe he could decipher the "Mountain and Sea Spiritual Response Sutra." After explaining the situation, everyone started packing.

They had quite a lot of goods, and each box was extremely heavy. They specially called the Tian family's guards to help, plus the luggage of the Tian family's women, and headed toward the wharf in a grand procession.

Li Yan was cautious all the way.

After all, he was not only protecting the Tian family's women, but their goods were also precious. If someone attacked and they fell into the river, it would be bad luck.

Fortunately, nothing happened all the way, and they arrived at the Chamber of Commerce safely.

"Master."

"Father, are you okay?"

"I have met my sister-in-law."

The Tian family members met, naturally sighing with emotion.

And the second Tian brother also brought his family to visit Lady Tian. After this disaster, the rift between the two sides was completely eliminated, as if they had endless words to say to each other.

Li Yan and the others didn't disturb them and returned to their room.

!.

"Brother Yan, are we leaving now?" Sha Lifei was a bit anxious.

"No." Li Yan laughed dumbly and shook his head: "I haven't done what I promised others, how can I be embarrassed to visit?"

"And refining Dharma artifacts requires going to Yuquan Temple. I have to go to Baotong Zen Temple first to explain this matter."

After making arrangements, Li Yan found the several Law Enforcement Hall monks and asked: "When will Master Chengjue return?"

Baotong Zen Temple is busy now, so he has to find a good time to speak for them, and it is best to ask Chengjue first.

The leading monk put his hands together: "Senior Brother Chengjue went to Liangzi Lake in Jiangxia to catch the Miao people who were causing trouble and hasn't returned yet."

Li Yan frowned: "What about Abbot Mingzhu?"

The monk replied: "The Abbot was still at the Yamen this morning, and then he was invited by the Prince of Wuchang to the Prince's Mansion."

Li Yan was not surprised when he heard this.

The monsters' plot was only discovered last night. At this moment, whether it is Baotong Zen Temple or the imperial court, it is a mess.

He was still a bit anxious, but waiting was fine.

Once he let go of his heart, Li Yan felt his stomach rumbling like a drum. He took out his pocket watch and looked, only to find that it was already 3:45 PM. He had been busy since morning and hadn't even eaten.

He had no mood to look for a restaurant in Wuchang City at this moment, so he asked the Chamber of Commerce chef to make something casually.

By the time the sun went down and the sky gradually darkened, Chengjue still hadn't returned. Li Yan pondered for a moment, called Tian Wei and Lu San, and prepared to visit Master Lin first...

…………

The academy is not far from the Chamber of Commerce, only two streets away. At this time, night fell, and the light rain that had been falling all day finally stopped. The lanterns along the street were lit, reflecting on the wet and slippery bluestone slabs, which had a unique charm.

Visiting, naturally, cannot be empty-handed.

Li Yan thought the pocket watch was good, so he bought two more, and got some pastries and fine wine, wrapped them beautifully in oil paper as a meeting gift.

The name of the academy is Jianghan Academy.

Although Wenjin Academy has a high status, it is at the foot of Mount Dabie, by the Confucius River, and not everyone is qualified to go there.

Therefore, academies have been built in these three cities of Wuchang, for example, Qingchuan Academy was built in Hanyang City.

This Jianghan Academy is not small, the gate is tightly closed, and the plaque above writes the four big characters "Jianghan Academy," and there are glazed wood couplets on both sides, writing: "The literary style of Jingchu spreads through the ages, the elegant rhyme of the academy nurtures heroes."

Tian Wei is clearly familiar with the people in the academy. After knocking on the door, an old gatekeeper appeared, and he laughed as soon as he saw him: "It's Young Master Tian, Master Lin has just arrived and asked about you."

"The teacher is here?"

Tian Wei's face showed joy, and he hurriedly led the crowd into the door.

At this time, the academy was very quiet. Except for the study (student dormitory) where people were reciting softly, the lecture hall and the Ten Sages Shrine were all closed, and only lanterns were hanging in the dim light.

The old gatekeeper led the way while smiling: "Master Lin also brought a gentleman. The mountain head and the sacrificial official are hosting a banquet by the Moon Pond."

Li Yan and the others shuttled through the corridors of the academy, passed two stone slab roads and an archway, and came to a garden.

They saw green bamboos surrounding it, and in the center was a crescent-shaped pond. The lotus leaves and lotus flowers were washed clean by the rain, and there was a faint sound of frogs.

"Hahaha... Mr. Yu is really amazing."

Before they even got close, they heard laughter coming from the pavilion by the pond.

Li Yan and the others looked up.

They saw a few lanterns hanging in the pavilion, and a banquet was set up below, with four old men drinking and talking.

One of them was thin, with sparse and upright eyebrows, wearing a dark gray straight robe and a black square scarf.

One was plump, with a round face and a smile, wearing a light blue long robe.

Another was of medium build, with a serious face, thick eyebrows and big eyes, a square face and a wide mouth, wearing a dark blue Daoist robe and a brown soft hat.

These three were dressed as Confucian scholars and had quite a temperament.

And sitting opposite them was an old man in a black robe with white hair, with deep features and double pupils in his eyes. Just sitting there, he had a momentum.

Li Yan saw it and knew this was the master from the Jiangxiang Sect.

Feng Shui earth masters in the Shenzhou are roughly divided into "Form and Momentum" and "Reason and Qi" schools, and there are many types within them, such as the Luan Tou school, Form Method school, Eight Houses school, Star Constellation school, etc.

And this Jiangxiang Sect doesn't have a good reputation in recent years.

There are experts among them, but the atmosphere has long been corrupted, and many rely on Feng Shui techniques to cheat and swindle everywhere.

Its internal levels and responsibilities are strict. Li Yan roughly knows that they are divided into "Bachelor," "Zhuangyuan," "Bangyan," "Tanhua," "Hanlin," "Jin Shi," "Juren," etc.

These people are organized and similar to Bee Sect swindlers.

I don't know why this person was favored by Master Lin.

"Tian Wei, you are here."

The Confucian-robed old man with sparse eyebrows saw Tian Wei and smiled, stroking his beard, clearly relieved. "Just entered the city, I heard about your family's matter. It's good that you're okay."

"I have met the teacher, the mountain head, and the sacrificial official."

Tian Wei is usually talkative and likes to show off, but seeing Master Lin, he was honest and his eyes were a bit red. "The student escaped a great disaster this time, thanks to the help of this Li Li Shaoxia."

Li Yan hurriedly presented the visiting gift and bowed. "I have long heard of Master Lin's erudition. I came here specifically to visit and ask for advice."

"Oh?"

Master Lin became interested. "On the way, I heard that you broke the monsters' Feng Shui layout. Is this true?"

Clearly it was Tong Shen, how did it become breaking the Feng Shui layout?

Li Yan was puzzled, but after thinking about it, he understood the cause. Baotong Zen Temple clearly didn't want too many people to know about the Buddha statue shedding bloody tears in the Mahavira Hall.

Especially involving Tong Shen, ordinary people don't understand the way.

In the eyes of the common people, an outsider can communicate with gods and Buddhas, while the monks chant sutras all day but can't do it, which clearly means they are not sincere.

Thinking of this, Li Yan hurriedly shook his head. "I just happened to be there. The one who really broke the layout was Master Tonghai..."

"Breaking the layout?"

Before he finished speaking, the double-pupiled old man from the Jiangxiang Sect sneered contemptuously. "This layout is not that simple. With Tonghai's ability, it's still far behind!"

Second update around 12 o'clock.

(End of chapter)