Chapter 292

He really came?

Li Yan was also somewhat surprised when he heard this.

This was not a simple case of "respecting the virtuous and lowering oneself," but helping someone build their reputation. If the double-pupiled Daoist of the Jiang Xiang Sect used this to make a name for himself, he could establish a sect.

Such things had been common since ancient times.

Chen Xiyi and Emperor Taizu of Song, Master Master Sanfeng and Emperor Taizu of Great Da Xuan—there were many stories passed down through later generations, and the sects developed rapidly along with them.

The Prince visiting personally, turning the tide and resolving the calamity...

As a story for establishing a sect, it couldn't be more appropriate!

And Master Lin on the side didn't seem surprised by the arrival of the Prince of Near Wuchang; he just rubbed his temples on his own to relieve his fatigue.

Li Yan couldn't help but ask, "Sir, is that person very famous?"

Master Lin was helped into a chair by Tian Wei. He shook his head and said, "His reputation is not great, but his methods are extraordinary."

"This person is named Yu Lanshan. He can be considered a person of bitter fate. Born with the strange phenomenon of double pupils, he was feared by his family, sold to human traffickers, and almost crippled by the Beggar Sect to be a beggar."

"Later, he was saved by his master and awakened the supernatural power of 'Gazing at Qi'. Because of his natural strange phenomenon, he could see more than others. Since then, he has surpassed his master and has profound attainments in Feng Shui techniques."

"His ability is not small, so naturally, he looks down on the swindling tricks of the Jiang Xiang Sect. He was regarded as a traitor, had many conflicts with them, and because of his background, he was not looked upon favorably by the orthodox Mystic Sects."

"I met this person by chance and found that although his temperament is haughty, his conduct is upright. I couldn't bear to see him go down the evil path, so I pointed him here to gain a reputation and start anew."

Tian Wei suddenly realized. "So it was your handiwork, sir."

Master Lin said calmly, "I just followed the trend. Whether it succeeds or not depends entirely on him."

As he spoke, he rubbed his waist again and sighed. "Sigh~ Time spares no one. I originally wanted to walk a few more laps on the ancient paths of Yelang this year, but it seems I can't walk them anymore."

Tian Wei hurriedly advised, "Sir, although we have collected the silver, the world is chaotic now, and it is too dangerous..."

Master Lin shook his head and said, "Xu Hongzu of Jiangyin dared to set off alone. I have companions to protect me, which is not even one ten-thousandth of what he did. It's a pity."

"If you have the heart, help me complete this book in the future..."

Listening to the two of them talking, Li Yan finally understood what was going on.

It turned out that in this Confucian school, not everyone craved fame and fortune; there were also some who could be called fanatical travelers.

They loved the poetry officials of the ancient Zhou, shaking wooden bells, walking in the fields, recording reputations and poems, and thus the 'Book of Songs' was formed...

They also admired Li Daoyuan, who traveled everywhere as an official and wrote the 'Commentary on the Water Classic'...

In short, they just liked to drill into deep mountains and great marshes, recording customs, geography, and sentiments, with the goal of leaving behind classic works for the world.

This Master Lin wanted to imitate the 'Jingchu Seasonal Records' and write a 'Jingchu Broad Records', describing the changes in Jingchu customs according to historical dynasties.

But unfortunately, he had spent half his life writing only half of it. It was estimated that he would have to wait for his disciples to inherit his mantle and complete it with the strength of two generations.

Hearing this, Li Yan and Lu San were also extremely admiring.

It was a pity that they were both rough people. Although they also traveled east and west, writing books was clearly not their fate.

Just at this moment, the sound of footsteps and armor faded away outside the courtyard.

It was the Prince of Near Wuchang's escort and ceremonial guard that had already left.

And the head and sacrificial master of the Jianghan Academy also walked into the small courtyard quickly, sighing, "Brother Lin, that Mr. Yu has been invited away by the Prince."

Master Lin shook his head. "Earlier than I thought. Could something have happened?"

Academy Head Liu sighed. "Something did happen."

"People from the Law Enforcement Hall and the Garrison Command went to the Miao kiln site at Lake Lake Liangzi, but they didn't expect the news to leak out halfway."

"Those rebellious Miao people have already left, and they also captured many people from nearby villages, regardless of whether they were Miao or Han, and performed a blood sacrifice outside the Barbarian King's Tomb."

"The experts from the Baotong Zen Temple guarding there were harmed. According to those who escaped, they heard the roar of a fierce tiger, shaking the mountains."

"The area near the Barbarian King's Tomb has now become a place of great ominousness, shrouded in white fog. None of those who entered to investigate have been able to come out alive."

Master Lin's brow furrowed slightly. "It seems Mr. Yu was right. I hope he succeeds..."

As he spoke, he could no longer hide his exhaustion.

Seeing this, Li Yan and the others hurriedly stood up to take their leave.

After leaving the academy, the sun was already shining brightly outside.

The streets were very lively. Peddlers walking the streets, wandering artists singing fish drums and fast-paced clappers, and commoners setting up stalls... could be seen everywhere.

The commoners did not yet know what had happened.

To them, even if they felt somewhat chaotic these past two days, it was not as important as the festival.

It was not yet the Dragon Boat Festival, but some people were already carrying two baskets of zongzi and selling them along the street. The green-skinned zongzi were neatly arranged, looking very exquisite.

Li Yan and the others hadn't eaten in the morning, so they bought a few.

Every household made zongzi, and those who dared to come out to sell them naturally had extraordinary skills. The glutinous rice was cooked just right, and the jujube paste and red bean paste each had their own flavor.

The three of them ate as they walked, and before they reached the Chamber of Commerce, they had eaten them all.

Returning to the Chamber of Commerce, the entrance was equally lively.

A dragon boat was set up outside, its body long and narrow, with dragon heads and tails carved on both sides, and dragon scales carved and hand-painted on the hull, looking lifelike.

At this moment, the dragon boat was already covered in red silk, with an offering table in front. Several dignified people were holding gongs, drums, and incense, dancing around the dragon boat.

And behind the offering table, there was a row of neatly dressed big men, wearing red and black vests, revealing muscular arms, bowing and worshipping in unison.

"This is the consecration of the dragon boat."

Tian Wei explained with a smile, "Newly made dragon boats must be consecrated and have their eyes dotted before entering the water. These people are the Chamber of Commerce's dragon boat team. They are all experts from the surrounding ten miles and eight villages. This year, they are determined to win the championship."

And outside the Chamber of Commerce, there were several old men, all dressed gorgeously with neat long beards, looking at the ongoing ceremony with smiles on their faces.

Seeing this, Tian Wei hurriedly whispered, "That is Vice President Zhao of the Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of a great clan in Ezhou and has always been plotting for the position of president."

"Hmm."

Li Yan nodded, not caring.

Wherever there are people, there is no lack of fighting.

In the past, in the village, people could tear each other down and fight over a small errand, not to mention the huge interests involved in the Chamber of Commerce.

Of course, no matter how fierce the fight was, it had nothing to do with him, and he wouldn't take another look.

However, just as they were about to enter, Vice President Zhao glanced at them, stopped them, and smiled, "Nephew Tian, why didn't you greet me when you saw me?"

Tian Wei was somewhat embarrassed and hurriedly bowed, "Greetings, Uncle Zhao. I saw you were busy and didn't dare to disturb you."

Vice President Zhao nodded, then his expression became serious, and he snorted coldly, "Hmph, Brother Tian is also a member of our Chamber of Commerce. Those evildoers dare to harm him like this—they simply don't take our Ezhou Chamber of Commerce seriously!"

"If we don't support our own people, where will the hearts of the Chamber of Commerce be in the future? Nephew Tian, don't worry. With me here, I will definitely vent this anger for your Tian family!"

Tian Wei hurriedly nodded in thanks.

He didn't dare to answer such words.

It sounded like he was scolding the evildoers, but in reality, he was pointing at the mulberry and cursing the locust, saying that Wu Wu Honglin didn't stand up for the members of the Chamber of Commerce.

If he got hot-headed and followed the other party's lead, this old fox would definitely use his family's encounter as a handle to make a big fuss.

Whether he could vent his anger was another matter.

Being caught between these two parties, he would only be the one suffering on both sides!

Seeing this, Vice President Zhao didn't force it. Instead, he turned his gaze to Li Yan and smiled, "This must be Li Li Shaoxia from Guanzhong, right? Truly a young talent."

Li Yan bowed helplessly, "I am just a nameless person."

Vice President Zhao didn't care. He stroked his beard and smiled, "Famous at a young age without being arrogant—good! This martial arts competition is fully managed by me. I heard that Li Li Shaoxia is also participating. This time, you will definitely be able to make a name for yourself."

Li Yan was stunned. "Has the time been set?"

Vice President Zhao nodded. "This year's Dragon Boat Festival starts on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month and lasts until the fifteenth. Every martial arts school and escort agency must send people to compete, so the competition must end before the fifth day of the fifth lunar month."

"During this period, there will be dragon boat races on the Yangtze River during the day, and at night, the Buddhists will hold grand rituals to release the flaming mouths and transcend the souls of the dead. On the thirteenth, we will worship the Captain Guan Saint Emperor. On the fifteenth, we will 'carry the Bodhisattva' and 'jump the pier'. On the seventeenth, we will 'send off the plague boat'. It's very busy."

Tian Wei was surprised. "So big this year?"

Vice President Zhao nodded slightly and said meaningfully, "This was ordered by the Prince this morning. The Ezhou Chamber of Commerce is fully mobilized. I heard that you went to the academy, so you should know about this, right?"

Upon hearing this, the three of them immediately had a guess.

Making such a big scene might also be related to breaking the Feng Shui layout.

Of course, such secret matters could not be spoken of randomly. So Tian Wei pretended to be confused, "This, I just heard that the master had arrived, so I went to the academy to pay my respects. I don't know much about other things."

Vice President Zhao smiled slightly and didn't continue to ask. Instead, he said to Li Yan, "In short, time is tight. It will start in three days. This time, every family has sent experts, and the Prince will also go to watch in person."

!.

"If Li Li Shaoxia wins the championship, perhaps you will be able to enter the Prince's Mansion!"

Li Yan bowed, "Thank you for the reminder, senior."

He was participating in the competition for two reasons: first, to take the opportunity to test and hone the martial arts he had just cultivated, and second, to compete for a quota.

As long as he won four matches, his goal would be achieved.

As for entering the Prince's Mansion... he was too lazy to serve people.

Of course, Vice President Zhao was suddenly so enthusiastic, and he didn't know what kind of ghost ideas he was playing. He wouldn't speak casually.

Returning to the small courtyard, Sha Hearing Sha Lifei and Wang Wang Daoxuan hurriedly welcomed them.

Hearing the noise in the rooms, Li Yan frowned, "Why are there outsiders?"

Sha Hearing Sha Lifei said happily, "The third son of the Tian family was also picked up from Hankou. They had a fight this morning, and now the three brothers are crying and hugging each other, drinking wildly."

"Oh, that's fine."

Hearing this, Li Yan took the others back to the room and recounted what had happened in the academy.

"Missing Black Tortoise, blocked Vermilion Bird, Raised Bai Hu?"

Wang Wang Daoxuan was shocked at first, then his eyes flickered. He dipped his finger in tea and drew a line on the table, vaguely showing the trend of the mountains and rivers near the three cities.

After a long while, he shook his head and said, "This Yu Lanshan is indeed not simple. If he weren't proficient in both the 'Form' and 'Reason' schools, he wouldn't be able to see this layout clearly."

Sha Hearing Sha Lifei said disdainfully, "The other party is just relying on his supernatural power of 'Gazing at Qi' and his deep understanding of this place. Daoist, you are not inferior to him."

Wang Wang Daoxuan laughed dumbly, "My foundation is still far behind."

"Now that the Bai Hu's ominous evil has taken shape, the Bai Hu belongs to metal, and metal and water generate each other. Guishan is the Black Tortoise. If it is not handled well, the next one to have problems will be Guishan..."

As he spoke, he frowned and said, "Young Brother Yan, you must be careful. The other party is likely to start from Guishan. This martial arts competition has also been moved up; perhaps it is their setup."

Li Yan was somewhat surprised. "Can a martial arts competition also affect Feng Shui?"

Wang Wang Daoxuan nodded. "In ancient times, fighting, drama, and Nuo dances were all to please the gods. Perhaps it is related to that."

"But there are so many forces participating, the Prince's Mansion shouldn't be playing dark tricks. When I go with you, I will know as soon as I see their setup."

Li Yan nodded. "No matter what setup the Prince's Mansion has, this quota must be obtained. The competition starts in three days, so the matter of forging the magic weapon must be finalized."

"I asked those monks just now, and Master Chengjue has returned to Baotong Zen Temple. I will go there now and try to finalize the matter today."

Having said that, he turned and left, borrowed a horse from the Chamber of Commerce, went out of the city gate, and headed straight for Baotong Zen Temple.

It was still daytime, and there were many pedestrians on the official road, so naturally, he wouldn't be ambushed like that day.

In less than half an hour, he had arrived at Baotong Zen Temple.

The current Baotong Zen Temple had been temporarily closed, no longer receiving outside pilgrims, and there were martial monks guarding outside the mountain gate.

Li Yan was also an acquaintance, so the monks guarding the gate didn't make things difficult for him. With a report, someone led him into the quiet room of the Zen chamber.

Soon, Master Chengjue hurried over, his expression clearly somewhat exhausted. He was still as direct as ever, asking as soon as they met, "Li Li Shaoxia, what is the important matter for your visit?"

Li Yan sensed something tricky. "Is the Barbarian King's Tomb very troublesome?"

Master Chengjue was stunned for a moment. "Your news is well-informed. The Barbarian King's Tomb has become a place of great ominousness, and a powerful evil object has been awakened."

"The person behind the scenes is likely hiding inside, using the terrain to stir up trouble."

Li Yan frowned. "Since you know the person is up there, why not just send troops to bomb the mountain with cannons? Wouldn't that be refreshing?"

Master Chengjue shook his head and said in a deep voice, "The person behind the scenes is deep in thought. How could he not have precautions?"

"My senior uncle used the 'Heavenly Ear' supernatural power to investigate and found that there is likely something in the Barbarian King's Tomb that has cultivated into a Corpse Immortal or a Drought Demon. Once broken, destroying the Drought Demon will cause poison to flow for thousands of miles, and the plague will ravage the entire city of Near Wuchang."

"To break the situation, we can only break the Bai Hu's evil first..."

Talking to this point, he didn't continue, but asked, "Is this the only thing you came to ask?"

Li Yan shook his head. "The temple is busy now, and I shouldn't have disturbed you, but I really have no other way, so I had to come to your door."

Having said that, he told the story of brokering the deal for the Jade Emperor Temple and borrowing the land to refine weapons.

"This is not a problem."

Upon hearing this, Master Chengjue said directly, "Whatever immortal treasure, it's all a rumor. That thing is just a rare piece of Heavenly Spirit Earth Treasure crystal."

"The reason the Prince didn't agree is because he had some friction with the Tai Da Xuan Orthodox Sect when he was young. If the abbot speaks, he will sell this favor."

"The matter of Yuquan Temple is even easier to handle. The host there is my junior uncle. I will send a disciple to tell him."

"Thank you, Master."

Li Yan was overjoyed to hear this, not expecting it to be so simple.

Master Chengjue shook his head slightly and sighed, "These are all small matters. The current great calamity is the difficult problem."

"The person behind the scenes has endless tricks and has not yet appeared. If I don't catch this person, I won't be able to sleep or eat in peace..."

Li Yan was stunned.

This big monk of the Law Enforcement Hall was like a Dharma-protecting Vajra, acting decisively. This was the first time he had seen him in such a state...

Returning to the Chamber of Commerce, Li Yan informed them of the result of his trip.

The happiest was naturally Sha Hearing Sha Lifei, who immediately went out to call people to pack up the goods and spiritual materials, preparing to find Master Lu.

He already had a plan to stay by his side for these days under the guise of guarding the goods and ask for some techniques.

Li Yan didn't want to delay either, so he led the team to set off.

And after they left, Wang Wang Daoxuan, having nothing to do in the room, put the three victory coins into a tortoise shell, pinched the magic formula, and shook it several times.

Clatter...

The copper coins landed six times, forming a complete six-line hexagram.

Wang Wang Daoxuan's expression became solemn, and he muttered, "The first six, treading on frost, the solid ice is coming... The visitor is not kind."

Second update at twelve o'clock.

(End of chapter)