Chapter 310: Capturing Demons in the City

Before dawn, Li Yan had already woken.

Ssssh!

Outside, a light rain had begun sometime ago; when he opened the window, he saw misty rain blanketing heaven and earth, the courtyard silent.

Li Yan paid it no mind, washed and groomed simply, then adopted a horse stance and moved his fists and feet inside the room.

First he practiced the Ten Disciplines of Red Fist, then swung his arms, training the Slash-Cleave and Black Dragon Coil Strike.

Confucius said: Learn and practice regularly.

Though Li Yan had now embarked on a new path, he had not neglected his fundamentals—indeed, he valued them even more.

Daily practice of these fundamentals always brought fresh insights.

After finishing, he stepped the Gangbu, forming seals with both hands, his body shifting left and right, fists and palms transforming between yin and yang thunder, his whole body crackling with electric light.

Yesterday, after chatting with Wu Qu, the latter had, based on experience, pointed out flaws in his martial method.

The most important one,

was that thunder magic had not yet been fully integrated.

The strength of martial methods lies in their speed at close range—capable of crushing peers and swiftly breaking spells to kill sorcerers.

Know that sorcerers' arts are endlessly varied.

If you give them time to cast, the outcome changes; if the distance is great and they've already set up their altar, you'll likely be at a disadvantage.

Thus, martial methods demand speed.

During combat, forming seals to use thunder magic—even sorcerers, let alone skilled martial artists, can move fast enough to prevent you from completing the spell.

Li Yan's primary goal now is to shorten this process.

Of course, even the most accomplished cultivators need seals to cast thunder magic; Wu Qu suggested he perfect the seal-hand technique until it could be done in under a second.

And conceal it within martial techniques.

Then, even if enemies spot the flaw, they cannot stop it.

Once fully mastered, with no gap in transition, his martial method will have true foundation.

What remains is to continuously enhance its power.

Inside the room, Li Yan's speed increased steadily; within the narrow space, his Gangbu shifted constantly while forming seals for attacks.

Gradually, he began to see some clarity.

For instance, the Black Dragon Coil Strike, with its successive Slash-Cleave palms, could incorporate the Thunderbolt Devouring Hammer, overpowering with force.

Even if one hammer didn't kill, it could break defenses.

Also, the Northern Emperor Yin Thunder Palm could be fully integrated into Red Fist's Devious Strike, affecting the opponent's soul so they could not resist.

Yin thunder attacks the soul; yang thunder is utterly yang and unyielding.

Integrated into various techniques, they compensate for weaknesses and multiply lethality.

This is the key to martial methods.

Of course, martial method—martial way—is also crucial!

Li Yan lost himself completely, constantly refining and adapting techniques; when he came back to himself, daylight had fully brightened outside.

The Tian family had already eaten breakfast; these days, holed up here, though safe, they were stifled, standing under the eaves watching the rain.

Seeing Li Yan step out, they all greeted him.

After all, this young man was their key to surviving the calamity.

As for Lu San, he lay asleep in his room, snoring loudly.

He'd been exhausted these past days; after Li Yan returned, they divided duties—Lu San guarded at night while cultivating, slept by day to restore his energy.

As for Li Yan, after finishing these tasks, he Landechumen, spending his time eating and training indoors.

Of course, he also asked several monks for news.

Those demon folk had yet to reveal themselves.

At the Barbarian King's Tomb, several Jiangxia Barbarians had tried to sneak away, caught by experts stationed outside Baotong Chan Temple; some committed suicide on the spot, others broke under torture and confessed some intelligence.

But those sent out as scouts were all low-level, merely stirred up by others, acting on impulse to rebel.

In short, these weren't good people.

They resented the harsh life in the Miao villages, found factory work too slow to earn money, and, amid the bustling Three Cities of Near Wuchang, naturally grew resentment.

After being incited by emissaries sent by the rebel chieftains, they gathered to rebel, claiming they would restore the "Jiangxia Barbarians'" glory.

In truth, few knew what Jiangxia Barbarians even were…

All they knew was that the shamans kept holding blood rituals at the Barbarian King's Tomb—the wild beasts on the mountain had all been captured, and their own people kept vanishing.

They had come out to capture nearby villagers for live-blood rituals.

The shamans merely told them a Barbarian King had become a god; when he emerged from the mountains, glory would be restored, and they would seize the Three Cities of Near Wuchang, living in wealth and honor forever…

Of course, Li Yan also learned a more crucial piece of news.

"You say the concubine's name is Liu Niang?"

Listening to the monks' account, Li Yan's expression turned grave.

When the Wu family mansion was attacked and Wu Jiucheng silenced, he was still on the mountain, beaten half to death by Zhang Zhang Xiaoshan.

He knew of the incident but had no idea of the details.

After descending the mountain, he rushed about for days, only now learning the truth.

"Do you know this Liu Niang, Young Master Li?"

The monks noticed his expression and immediately sensed something was wrong.

This Liu Niang was too mysterious; they had searched archives but found no trace of her.

Li Yan nodded and said gravely: "Is Master Master Chengjue available? I must see him!"

…………

"Zhao Zhao Changsheng, the Ghost Sect's leader?"

Master Master Chengjue's face was grim.

"Correct."

Li Yan nodded: "During the Song Dynasty, he was the Ghost Sect's leader, Zhang Zhang Huaisu; years ago, he returned to life, seized the body of a Daoist from the Tai Da Xuan Zheng Jiao, then infiltrated the Maitreya Sect, becoming its vice-leader."

"After the Maitreya Sect's rebellion failed, he vanished, roaming Shenzhou, awakening demons and monsters, secretly plotting…"

"The chaos in Zigui County, Dangyang County, and now Near Wuchang City—all are tied to him…"

"That Liu Niang was originally called Liu Yiniang, a sorceress from Jiang-Zhe, skilled in Cat Ghost Art; she once ran a brothel in Chang'an, was under Hong Nü's command, and killed my father…"

"After the Maitreya Sect in Chang'an was crushed, they killed witnesses and fled; now that Hong Nü is dead, Liu Niang has likely returned to life and become the mastermind here…"

"The truly terrifying one is Zhao Zhao Changsheng…"

Li Yan laid everything bare, without concealment.

He had long known that, on his own, he could not defeat Zhao Zhao Changsheng.

For someone hiding behind the scenes stirring chaos, the best strategy is to expose his identity to the world.

The Great Da Xuan Dynasty is now at its peak; the power of the Da Xuan Men is far stronger than during the late Song's turmoil.

He refused to believe that so many experts couldn't capture Zhao Zhao Changsheng.

"I've heard of him."

Master Master Chengjue said gravely: "A while back, the Capital Enforcement Hall sent word to all regions to watch for him—only identifying him as Maitreya Sect's vice-leader, never suspecting this deeper identity."

Li Yan shook his head: "After the Dangyang chaos ended, I secretly reported this to the Capital Enforcement Hall; their response hasn't arrived yet."

This wasn't surprising.

Information takes time to travel from here to the capital, and the Enforcement Hall needs time to organize.

Zhao Zhao Changsheng's identity will likely be disseminated to all sides soon.

Master Master Chengjue nodded: "I shall return at once to report to the abbot. The Song Dynasty's Ghost Sect has plagued for a thousand years; now Zhao Zhao Changsheng is secretly plotting, surely aiming to disrupt the southwestern warfront and throw Shenzhou into chaos."

"To be honest, Shaolin Zen has sent several experts to assist; this time, we will capture Zhao Zhao Changsheng!" The monk harbored his own quiet ambitions.

Though this Near Wuchang calamity was planned years in advance by demons, as those responsible for suppressing it here, they were still negligent.

If they could eliminate Zhao Zhao Changsheng, it would be a great achievement.

Yet Li Yan shook his head: "Zhao Zhao Changsheng is extremely cunning; he always acts through others, rarely shows himself—likely the same this time."

"Only by swiftly capturing Liu Niang can we remove the threat. Do you have any leads?"

Master Master Chengjue shook his head: "Cat Ghost Art—I know something of it; it's common among brothel women."

"But we've secretly searched every brothel in the Three Cities and found no trace; the fact she revealed this art means she's long been prepared."

"This art has a weakness: it requires constant suppression of the cultivated cat ghost to prevent backlash, demanding cat sacrifices."

Li Yan asked: "Have you sent constables to inquire about missing household cats?"

Master Master Chengjue shook his head: "We asked; no household cats are missing. She's likely using wild cats. The Western Traveling Beggar Sect also reported back—the city's wild cats have indeed decreased, but no one knows where they went."

"Liu Niang must still be hiding in Near Wuchang City!"

!.

Li Yan listened, then gave a wry smile and shook his head: "Why didn't you tell me this sooner, Master?"

"If you don't know, ask the cats!"

…………

Near Wuchang City, Qin Tai Alley.

This ancient alley dates back to the Daxing era, when the old Near Wuchang City still stood; it was once among the most prestigious districts.

The story of Yu Boya meeting Zhong Zhong Ziqi, seeking a soulmate through "High Mountains and Flowing Water," occurred nearby; an ancient Qin Platform on Gui Mountain commemorates it.

The Guqin Terrace was originally built during the Northern Song era; within Near Wuchang City, this alley once gathered many wealthy families, prompting its renaming.

During the Daxing era, the Jinzhang Wolf State stood opposed along the northern and southern banks of the Yangtze River; Near Wuchang's three cities became a battleground, frequently changing hands.

After the Jinzhang Wolf State breached the city, apart from the Wang Fu, this most prosperous alley of Guqin Terrace naturally became a target for plunder.

Many noble mansions were burned to ashes; the women within were all slaughtered, raped by rampaging troops until death, their Yuanqi rising to the heavens, with vengeful ghosts roaming freely.

Even after Near Wuchang City was rebuilt and rituals performed to dispel the malevolent energy, the city's wealthy merchants deemed it inauspicious, so no one dared build homes here.

Even common folk considered this place cursed.

Over time, it became a gathering place for the Beggar's Sect; dilapidated houses lined the streets, crowded together, while abandoned old mansions reeked of foul stench.

"Gentlemen, this is the place."

Zhou Master Yue Bala, the head of Near Wuchang's western beggars, led the way cautiously, his face beaming with flattery: "Earlier, I saw several stray cats fighting over scraps, but then they were startled by something—now they flee at the sight of people."

Behind him stood a group of monks from the Enforcement Hall, along with Cheng Jue, Li Yan, and Lu San.

Li Yan gazed ahead and saw only ruins, overgrown with wild herbs and tangled trees, piled high with trash, reeking of stench.

Zhou Master Yue Bala said carefully: "This was originally a funeral hall, but after a fire, it was reduced to ashes and abandoned."

Li Yan nodded and turned to Lu San.

Lu San wasted no time—he stepped forward, formed hand seals, and emitted a low, eerie sound like a xun flute, carrying ancient resonance.

Li Yan had never seen this before; he knew Lu San had only recently learned this method, unmistakably different from current Xuanmen techniques.

Whoosh!

To everyone's astonishment, the once-silent abandoned funeral hall quickly came alive.

From holes in the ground, rats scurried out one after another…

From the dark shadows of the trees, several snakes and stray dogs darted forth…

Wah-wah-wah!

Dozens of crows flapped their wings and swooped down from the sky…

Even Zhou Master Yue Bala was startled, and Cheng Jue, too, looked surprised.

He knew Lu San could speak the language of birds and beasts and command rats as sentinels—but he never imagined Lu San possessed such power.

Yet his brow soon furrowed; he turned to Zhou Master Yue Bala: "What's wrong?"

Many animals had emerged—but not a single cat.

"This…"

Zhou Master Yue Bala stammered: "Master, the only place in the city where cats have recently appeared is here—I truly don't know why none are here now."

"Wait!" Li Yan suddenly raised his hand.

On the roof of a ruined house, a small head peeked out, eyes filled with wariness as it watched them.

It was a small mottled tabby cat.

Seeing this, Lu San immediately softened his vocal tone.

Finally, the little tabby stumbled down, emaciated to the bone, limping on its hind legs, its fur matted, eyes clouded.

Lu San's eyes flared with anger; he carefully placed water and minced meat on the ground, already prepared.

The cat was clearly starving, but after a few bites, it began vomiting, swaying unsteadily, barely able to stand.

Anyone could see the cat was near death.

Lu San sighed; his voice changed again, and the cat responded with meows, rising and falling in cadence, as if pouring out its sorrow.

Lu San gently soothed the cat, then quickened his pace toward another street.

Everyone followed without hesitation.

They turned through several alleys, and the surroundings gradually grew bustling—this was where the city's common folk lived.

Finally, Lu San stopped, stroking the cat, his gaze coldly fixed ahead: "Those who capture cats are all here!"

Ahead stood a sizable butcher shop; behind it was a large courtyard, while in front, a row of pork stalls, with over a dozen commoners lining up to buy.

Seeing the group approach with hostile intent, the crowd instantly sensed danger and scattered—but lingered nearby, peering curiously.

The butcher, a towering man, greasy and bearded, saw them and his eyes flashed with malice.

"Exposed! Run!"

He spun and kicked aside greasy offal, tore open the oilcloth, and pulled out a bamboo pole.

Spiritfire Musket?!

Li Yan's eyes narrowed; he flipped his wrist.

A flying dagger screamed through the air with a piercing whistle.

They were barely ten meters apart; he used hidden force, moving with astonishing speed—the butcher had no time to turn before the dagger pierced his skull and he collapsed.

His men scattered in all directions.

"Don't let any escape!"

Cheng Jue ordered coldly; the monks leapt forward.

These monks were martial monks from Baotong Chan Temple; dealing with these Jianghufeilei was child's play—they swiftly subdued them all.

Several others charged straight into the back courtyard.

Li Yan did not follow; he formed a hand seal, drew a deep breath, and drew every scent within two hundred meters into his nostrils.

"There's a secret tunnel underground!"

He suddenly opened his eyes, leapt forward in three bounds, mid-air forming hand seals, his fist crackling with electric arcs.

As he landed, he slammed down with full force.

BOOM!

A thunderous crash sent earth and stone flying.

The ground collapsed, revealing a massive pit.

Everyone rushed forward, peering down.

Hssss~

From the pit, black smoke rose; pairs of emerald-green eyes glowed in the darkness, while icy cold seeped outward.

The light rain still fell; puddles on the ground rapidly froze into frost, covered in countless tiny footprints…

(End of Chapter)