Chapter 325

Clatter!

"The deceased is passing by, ghosts and spirits do not disturb."

In the sunset, Wang Wang Daoxuan flicked his hand, and paper money flew everywhere.

Behind him, the Tian family members wore mourning clothes, holding mourning sticks and funeral banners, walking and stopping to the sound of suona and gongs.

At every corner, they had to burn incense and scatter money, and fold the character "Wang" out of fire paper, pressing it on the ground with stones.

And on the coffin behind him sat a child, with powder and rouge on his face, wearing a topknot, looking around, completely unafraid.

In different parts of the Divine Land, funeral customs also differ.

In some places, the coffin is called a "Dragon," and the wooden frame and poles used to carry it are called "Dragon Poles"; moving it during the funeral will affect the family's Feng Shui, so there is a custom of "Pressing the Dragon."

The ritual of "Pressing the Dragon" varies from place to place.

This is a custom from Squire Tian's hometown; besides this, women must also sit on the wooden poles on both sides.

Of course, both the children and women are specifically there to eat the funeral meal, and having gone back and forth, they are already used to it and don't fear any taboos.

Wang Wang Daoxuan didn't care at all.

He presided over weddings and funerals for people, having seen all kinds of customs, all depending on the host's preference, as long as he didn't violate certain taboos, clash with evil, or hit bad luck.

The reason he was specifically invited was because of this corpse.

A headless corpse, a person who died an unnatural death, a returned old ghost, a Mystic Sect cultivator—these four things, touching any one of them could cause problems, let alone all four.

Although Poliu Han Baling's soul had already scattered, Wang Wang Daoxuan wasn't sure if the remaining corpse would cause trouble, so he simply cremated it with willow branches, leaving only ashes, and performed a Dharma ritual to clear away the disaster Qi, only then feeling at ease.

The custom here is that funerals only need to avoid high noon; whether morning or evening is fine, so it was already dusk when they left the house.

And it was somewhat low-key, with only the Tian family members participating.

After all, the identity of the person being buried was somewhat special.

After much busyness, returning to Hanyang, it was already deep in the night.

Since the Tian family's disaster had been eliminated, there was no need to squeeze into the Ezhou Chamber of Commerce, and they all returned to the Tian family mansion in Hanyang City.

The Tian mansion was built grandly, with many courtyards; now that the three families had returned, it didn't appear crowded at all.

Li Yan and his group also followed them in.

After all, there were too many eyes and ears at the Chamber of Commerce, which was always inconvenient.

After returning, naturally there was a funeral banquet.

Squire Tian invited the best cooks in Near Wuchang City, set up a few tables simply, and didn't invite outsiders, mainly to thank Li Yan and the others for their help.

"Little Brother Li, please."

Squire Tian had experienced a great disaster, almost having his family broken, and now that the three brothers had reconciled, the deserted Tian family had become lively again, which could be considered bitter turning to sweet.

He didn't talk nonsense, toasted repeatedly, and was already somewhat drunk.

"Drink."

Li Yan didn't talk nonsense either, clinking glasses with him.

He knew that Squire Tian just wanted to get drunk.

And at another table, the Tian family's younger generation were secretly observing the corner, where Lu San and Wuba occupied a table alone.

Mainly because they were afraid Wuba would suddenly go crazy.

In their astonished eyes, Wuba ate and drank, emptying the entire table of the banquet, his stomach simply a bottomless pit.

The Tian family naturally didn't care about this bit; meat and fish were served continuously until Wuba sat on the ground holding his stomach and giggling, only then did they stop, whispering and communicating with Lu San in the Upper Language.

Before long, Squire Tian was dead drunk, the banquet ended, and everyone dispersed.

The largest courtyard was given to Li Yan and his group.

Returning to the courtyard, Wuba drilled into Lu San's room and rolled into the corner to sleep, his snoring like an old bear.

Not to mention that Li Yan was still on guard against him, Wuba was the same.

After all, he came from the wild mountains, and everything he saw was beyond his understanding, still full of vigilance, trusting only Lu San.

With his size, he couldn't even fit on the bed, and he wasn't used to it, always rolling around and sleeping on the ground.

This made the little white fox quite dissatisfied; it hissed and jumped onto the roof, bowing to the moon.

As for Mouse One and Mouse Two, they were very calm.

They were the same as the savage, eating and sleeping well, too lazy to move.

Sha Sha Li Fei shook his head but didn't say anything, returned to the room with Li Yan and the others, lit a candle, and discussed the next steps.

"The Tian family's matter is settled."

Li Yan drank tea and rubbed his brows. "The situation in Ezhou is still turbulent. Selling that crystal egg earned 100,000 taels, plus the Tian family's reward, the money for building the tower on the mountain is more than enough."

"There is a war in Yunyang, and war is ruthless; it's best not to join in the fun. Near Wuchang is also temporarily stable, so we might as well rest for a while."

"During this time, I need to go to the mass grave at night to practice, striving to reach the requirements for building the tower by autumn, and then we will go to Mount Mount Wudang."

A burst of explosive gang-sha energy rose from his body.

"Gang energy?"

Seeing this, the Fu siblings felt their scalps go numb and hurriedly retreated.

However, it was already too late.

Poliu Han Baling suddenly exerted force. With a bang under his feet, mud splattered, and his entire person had already disappeared.

When he reappeared, he was already beside the elder Fu sibling. With a flash of the blade, visible energy cut through the rain curtain, passing by his side.

Pfft!

This elder Fu sibling was directly cut in two by the blade. His lower body was still running, while his upper body had already fallen to the ground, struggling and screaming, blood and internal organs scattered.

"Big Brother!"

The Fu sister let out a scream, but she did not dare to step forward, screaming at Protector Wang, "Didn't you say he was at most at the Hua Jin stage? What is going on?"

Hua Jin and Gang Jin were already worlds apart.

Hua Jin was still just one's own application of energy, while Gang Jin could gather gang-sha energy to transform into gang attacks, with power not losing to martial techniques of the same level.

But for most people, being able to cultivate to Dan Jin in a lifetime was already not easy, let alone the higher level of Gang Jin. Without talent, it was simply difficult to enter this gate.

Protector Wang's face was gloomy as he said, "Consuming the soul to temporarily elevate, after death the soul will scatter, making it hard to reincarnate. Why must you do this, Excellency?"

Poliu Han Baling held his long blade horizontally, looking at the surging thunder in the sky and then at the corpses all over the ground. In his eyes was exhaustion that could not be concealed. "I'm tired."

"Perhaps from the very beginning, this poor monk should not have returned to the sun..."

As soon as the words fell, his body flashed and he disappeared instantly.

Protector Wang felt his scalp tingle and hurriedly retreated.

Beside him, Tan Tan Yuner also felt that something was wrong. She flicked her skirt, and dense poisonous needles shot out, while she retreated at high speed.

Here, the gap was revealed.

That Granny Alang also wanted to retreat, but her blood and energy were exhausted, and she was not skilled in martial arts, so she could only use gu-techniques to control the savage under her.

But in such a short time, it was simply too late.

Below, the long-haired savage had just raised his large axe when Poliu Han Baling's figure had already appeared in the sky behind her. Without turning his head, he casually swung his blade.

Pfft!

Granny Alang's head instantly flew up. Poliu Han Baling had intended to continue and cut off the savage's head, but seeing the gu-insect behind its brain, he still shook his head slightly, held back his blade force, and turned in mid-air to stomp.

Bang!

The savage's huge body rolled out, hitting the wall head-on, and fainted.

And Poliu Han Baling had already borrowed this force to fly out, falling directly into the formation of the Heavenly Saint Sect and the Miao people.

Those who could come here were all experts of the martial world, but in front of Poliu Han Baling, who was fighting to the death, they were no different from children.

In the crowd, Poliu Han Baling's figure shuttled rapidly. Blood flowed from his body, dripping down his arm into the blade.

The blade light flickered, blood mist permeated, and it actually transformed into streaks of blood light. Wherever it passed, severed limbs and arms flew about.

This scene made Protector Wang and Tan Tan Yuner terrified.

Only then did they know why the Ghost Sect leader, Zhao Zhao Changsheng, had gone to such great lengths to resurrect this person.

He was originally a ruthless person who had stirred up the winds and clouds of the Six Garrisons, and later he had learned many secret techniques. If it weren't for the fact that his strength had not yet recovered after returning to the sun and he had been sneak-attacked and severely wounded, they probably wouldn't have had a single chance.

In his anxiety, Protector Wang could not care about anything else. While running, he suddenly raised the Divine Fire Gun and pulled the trigger.

!.

Boom!

With a loud bang, fire and gunpowder smoke splattered.

He had already fired two shots just now, but Poliu Han Baling had long been on guard, relying on his powerful perception to dodge.

Therefore, Protector Wang had changed to a special magazine, inside which were not lead pellets, but numerous tiny iron fragments.

Poliu Han Baling still relied on his perception to dodge the muzzle, but this time he miscalculated. He only felt a sharp pain all over his body and fell to the ground.

Half of his body was already covered in dense cracks.

And the Heavenly Saint Sect disciples and Miao people beside him were no better off. Blood burst from their bodies; some fell to the ground wailing, while the unlucky ones were directly shot through the head or heart by the iron fragments and died.

"Roar!"

Poliu Han Baling let out an angry roar and stood up leaning on his broken blade. His whole body was covered in blood mixed with mud, like a demon god.

The people around who had not been affected were so frightened by his momentum that they retreated one after another. Even Protector Wang felt his breathing stagnate and took two steps back.

However, Poliu Han Baling exerted force again, but only felt his strength dissipating like a tide. He looked down at his chest, only to see that there was already a wound there, gurgling with fresh blood.

"Hahaha, let's see if you die!"

Protector Wang laughed wildly, but still did not dare to approach. Instead, he drew a curved blade from his waist and threw it out.

Clang!

Poliu Han Baling struggled to lift his blade to block, but he himself stumbled and almost fell to the ground.

He gritted his teeth, suddenly tore a red jade from his neck, placed it on the ground, and using his last bit of strength, swung his blade down.

"Don't!"

Protector Wang let out a cry of alarm.

Ding!

Only a crisp sound was heard, the blade edge curled, and the Red Red Mohe was bounced away, landing on the ground, actually without the slightest damage!

A trace of disappointment flashed in Poliu Han Baling's eyes, and then his spirit gradually faded.

"You motherf***er!"

Protector Wang could not help but curse loudly.

Only then did he know that Poliu Han Baling didn't not want to, but simply couldn't destroy this Tang-era national treasure, and had even put on an act, deceiving them for half a day.

Without the slightest hesitation, he hurriedly rushed forward, picked up the Red Red Mohe, threw it directly out, and roared, "Quick, send it away!"

The three brothers of the Meishan Dharma Sect were also on the periphery.

In this level of battle, they simply couldn't intervene and could only lead people to shoot arrows in sneak attacks.

The eldest of the three brothers caught the Red Red Mohe, put it into a leather bag, and flicked his hand, throwing it high up.

Whoosh~

A cry sounded in the air. The night owl they controlled flapped its wings and came over, grabbed the leather bag, and flew away rapidly.

At the same time, it also let out a few sharp cries.

The eldest of the Meishan brothers said urgently, "Protector Wang, the news has leaked. The Vanguard Battalion of the Near Wuchang City Garrison has already arrived."

"Quick, let's go!"

At Protector Wang's order, everyone retreated one after another, simply unable to care about the wounded on the ground.

And at this moment, Poliu Han Baling was still leaning on his blade, half-squatting on the ground, motionless, his whole body covered in blood.

"Ignore him, he's already dead!"

Seeing someone wanting to go up, Protector Wang directly reprimanded.

However, Tan Tan Yuner simply ignored him. With a sneer, she approached rapidly, flicked the curved blade in her hand, and cut off Poliu Han Baling's head.

She held the head in her hand, stared at those calm eyes, and sneered, "Hmph, I will let you see, your Six Garrisons might be capable, but our Tusi City is also capable!"

After saying that, she followed the crowd and retreated rapidly.

At the same time, inside the main hall of Lianxi Temple, several old nuns looked at the rear in shock. That Ink Jade Robed Guanyin statue actually made a cracking sound and cracks appeared...

…………

"Something happened at Lianxi Temple?"

Looking at the busy monks in Yuquan Temple, Li Yan was somewhat surprised. "Why did they attack that place?"

He was still some distance away from Near Wuchang City, and the news traveled slowly.

First, there was a problem with the dragon boat race. Lu San took action at a critical moment, borrowed the power of the Tuo Master, successfully completed the feng shui formation, and also obtained the Near Wuchang Prince's promise...

Just as Li Yan was praising Lu San and the others for being smart, bad news came again: Lianxi Temple was surrounded and attacked by evil people.

He had heard a little about the situation at Lianxi Temple, but it was just a nunnery; he really couldn't figure out what could attract evil people there.

The protective monk of Yuquan Temple shook his head and said, "This poor monk does not know either, only that we were told to go to the rescue immediately."

"Do you need my help?"

"The imperial court's garrison troops have already rushed there, and there are many experts from our Buddhist sect. Benefactor Li, just keep an eye on this side."

The monk was clearly somewhat anxious, and after speaking, he left in a hurry.

Li Yan shook his head slightly and did not continue to ask more.

The feng shui situation had already been completed. Whether it was the imperial court or the experts of the Buddhist sect, they could all free up their hands. Even if he went, it would be of no use.

Moreover, this place could not be left without people.

Thinking of this, Li Yan looked to the opposite side again, only to see that Master Lu was busy consecrating Lu San's mace.

And beside him, there were several pieces of earth-dragon skin armor waiting to complete the final step of consecration.

Rumble!

There was a roll of thunder in the sky. Li Yan held an oil-paper umbrella and looked at the sky, then felt at ease and continued to wait.

If all these dharma artifacts were finished, he was afraid it would be dark...

…………

Clatter!

In the rolling thick fog, a black shadow flapped its wings and landed. It was precisely the night owl of the Meishan Dharma Sect brothers.

The surrounding white fog contained White Tiger evil energy. Ordinary people could not perceive it, but this night owl was already trembling all over with fear, and could not even stand steady after landing.

"Finally got it..."

Accompanied by an aged voice, a pair of hands covered in filth took out the Red Red Mohe from the leather bag...

(End of chapter)

This object was not young, and there was Yin Sha Qi lingering on it, clearly a Dharma artifact.

Lu San picked it up and handed it to Commander Cheng Da Xuan.

"Blow this horn, and the Tuo Master will appear to meet you. He is not good at human speech, but he can understand, so the Commander can communicate directly in the future."

"Also, the Tuo Master said that to deal with those great demons, the Mystic Sect must take action, and she is also willing to help..."

Everyone on the boat was sharp; how could they not understand the meaning?

This Tuo Master also wanted to borrow the imperial court's power to eliminate strong enemies.

She wanted to be the Water God of the Han River; only by protecting one side could she receive the incense offerings of the people, and these great demons were all trouble.

Commander Cheng Da Xuan smiled slightly, took the horn, and bowed to the Tuo Master: "Sir, rest assured, this official will definitely report this to the Prince."

He couldn't make the decision on this matter, but it was mostly no problem.

After reaching the alliance, the Tuo Master turned and drilled into the water, and those Tuo Dragons also scattered and disappeared.

Li Yan looked at the distant water surface and shook his head slightly.

In the future, there would probably be no lack of fighting on the Yangtze River waterway.

Just then, Lu San whispered to him again: "There is one more thing; the 'Tanyan' that Master Lin is looking for, the Tuo Master helped us find news..."

(End of chapter)