Chapter 347: Joint Effort to Subdue the Lake Demon

"Gentlemen, this way, please."

The junior official led the way with eager courtesy.

Li Yan and his group followed behind, curiously scanning their surroundings.

Lake Liangzi Lake was vast, so it was impossible to seal it entirely, but all major mountain paths were patrolled, and naval forces cruised the waters.

Even bandits dared not approach Lake Liangzi Lake—the Miao villages had been ordered by the Witch Mother to stay away during this time.

Li Yan and his companions were focused on cultivation and avoided trouble; even the wild spirit of Lake Liangzi Lake, warned by Lu San, had fled to another location for safety.

After several days away, the place had changed considerably.

Aside from the patrolling soldiers, many riverbank bends now had iron pillars, two men tall, hung with yellow talismans.

"These are Dragon-Blocking Stakes."

Wang Wang Daoxuan whispered a warning and showed Li Yan the Luo Pan.

The needle on it shifted erratically—spinning rapidly, then suddenly sinking, then freezing still.

This was a sign of severed earth qi.

Wang Wang Daoxuan had told him about the "Dragon-Blocking Stakes"—a secret technique used by feng shui geomancers to block the flow of earth veins.

The "Shi Rou" had fused with this malevolent land and lay deeply buried underground; even if one wished to subdue and kill it with thunder magic, one must first force it out.

As they spoke, the group arrived at the northern lakeshore.

This was the area near the former tomb entrance, now occupied by a large encampment laid out in a Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams pattern, with over twenty tents of varying sizes.

Not only did garrison soldiers patrol here, but also martial monks from the Near Wuchang Enforcement Hall accompanied them.

After entering the camp, the junior official led them to an empty tent and said, "The officials and several high Daoist masters are in deliberation. Li Li Shaoxia, please follow me; the rest of you, rest here for now."

This had been explained beforehand, and since their primary goal was to witness the Daoist thunder magic, none objected.

As for Li Yan, he followed the junior official into the main tent.

The tent was already crowded with many people—monks, Daoists, and Confucians alike.

As for Yuan Feng, though he appeared only a kind old man, he was a proper fifth-rank Physician, and since this operation was organized by the Yu Heng Qingli Si, he naturally sat on the dais.

"Your Excellency."

Seeing this, Li Yan straightened his posture and bowed respectfully.

This was clearly a military operation; no matter personal relationships, proper etiquette could not be neglected in such a setting.

At this moment, Yuan Feng sat upright, clad in a dark blue official robe embroidered with a white pheasant on the front, wearing a black official hat, radiating solemn authority.

Seeing Li Yan arrive, he smiled and stroked his beard. "Gentlemen, this is Li Yan, the righteous scholar from Ezhou. He discovered and reported this matter, and he is the only one to have escaped from Gaochang Ghost City."

Instantly, scrutiny from all around the tent converged upon him.

Li Yan kept his gaze forward and bowed. "Your Excellency flatters me."

After Yuan Feng gestured for him to sit at the far left end of the lower seats, he calmly surveyed those on the dais.

Among them were several familiar faces.

From the Buddhist side, naturally, was Master Tong Zhu Huan of Baotong Chan Temple, seated beside Cheng Jue from the Near Wuchang Enforcement Hall; the several elderly Confucians who had come with Yuan Feng were also present.

But one person surprised Li Yan—it was Yu Lanshan, the two-eyed feng shui master who had gained fame in Near Wuchang not long ago.

This man had pledged allegiance to the Wang Fu; without doubt, he was here representing the Prince of Near Wuchang, given how close this place was to Near Wuchang City and the nearby Chu King's Tomb.

Yet three others drew Li Yan's greater attention.

One was an old Daoist, tall and imposing, with tiger-like eyes and white eyebrows, wearing a red Daoist robe embroidered with Yuluo Xiao Tai, sun and moon, stars, immortal cranes, and auspicious clouds—ornate and dazzling.

Seeing him, Li Yan's heart tightened.

He recognized the attire—it was the high-rank Zhengyi ritual robe. Clearly, the thunder magic to be performed here would come from Longhu Mountain's Zhengyi Sect.

Among Daoist sects, thunder magic was numerous, each with its own methods.

The most renowned was the Shenxiao Sect, whose core was the Five Thunder Method, encompassing Ten Thunders, Thirty-Six Thunders, and more.

Masters like Wang Wengqing, Lin Lingsu, and Sa Shoujian were numerous.

But today, they had somewhat declined.

The Zhengyi Sect excelled in internal and external cultivation, practicing the "Five Thunder Heavenly Heart Correct Method," absorbing strengths from all schools; their "Zhengyi Thunder" was a method to suppress destiny's qi.

This old Daoist was no martial expert, yet seated there, even with his aura suppressed, Li Yan felt a crushing pressure in his chest.

He was no longer a fool—he now understood the general strength distribution among Daoist sects.

Dao cultivation's third level was the peak of mortal potential; nowhere in Shenzhou would one be underestimated…

Dao cultivation's fourth level was a true Daoist master, traveling the land to handle complex affairs…

Dao cultivation's fifth level was the pillar of each sect's lineage.

Like this Zhengyi high master, and Master Tong Zhu Huan of Baotong Chan Temple across the way—both were nearly certainly fifth level.

Dao cultivation's sixth level was the figure who upheld a sect's destiny; some practiced alone, ascending the Path to Divinity; others secluded themselves in grotto-heavens and blessed lands.

Dao cultivation's seventh level was the rank of sect leader.

Dao cultivation's eighth level was recorded in history.

Dao cultivation's ninth level—after breaking through, one ascends to godhood!

Beyond that, no one knew what lay ahead.

Thus, Li Yan's "Luo Feng Jing," claiming to reach eighteen levels, he himself half-believed, half-doubted.

Though young, he was nearly entering the third level; in Baotong Chan Temple's Mind-Testing Hall, he had revealed his innate martial talent, earning the attention of several elder monks.

Under normal circumstances, they wouldn't have given him a second glance.

This time, the Zhengyi high master's arrival likely meant they would perform the "Zhengyi Thunder."

The second person who caught his eye was a middle-aged official, also clad in blue robes, his chest patch embroidered with a heron—evidently a sixth-rank official.

His expression was calm, eyes half-closed, as if he might fall asleep at any moment; his aura was unremarkable, roughly third level.

What intrigued Li Yan was that directly opposite him sat Yu Lanshan.

Though the two-eyed feng shui master tried to conceal it, his glances kept flickering toward the official—alert, yet tinged with resentment.

Earlier, Yuan Feng had mentioned he would invite a feng shui master from Ganzhou named Yang Yang Mingqing, descendant of Yang Yunsong; young, already appointed to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, soon to become a learned scholar of the Qiankun Academy.

Could this be him?

As for the third person, he made Li Yan even more wary.

He was a Battalion Commander of the Commandant Office, with sharp features and a vertical scar on his brow; though dressed in the standard silver-embroidered black robe of the Commandant Office, he wore an outer layer of leather armor, carried a flintlock pistol at his waist, and had a long sword on his back—as if ready to spring into battle at any moment.

His face was grim, his entire body radiating malevolent energy; since Li Yan entered the tent, he had kept turning to stare at him, eyes scrutinizing, utterly unguarded.

What are you staring at, old man?

Do we have a grudge?

Li Yan grew wary inside, but his face remained expressionless.

Above, Yuan Feng continued: "This situation is complex, so I've boldly asked you all to come." "Master Tong Zhu Huan, have you found anything these past days?"

The old monk's expression was serene. "The wandering ghosts within Gaochang Ghost City were bound for a thousand years; they should have long since scattered, but were nourished by the yin malevolence, making them impossible to liberate."

"They are trapped within the 'Shi Rou,' fused with it; all I can do is perform an Anhun ritual to calm the souls—this will prevent the 'Shi Rou' from erupting…"

"Yang my lord, what of your findings?"

Yang Yang Mingqing immediately opened his eyes, smiling and bowing. "Your Excellency, rest assured—the dragon qi of nearby mountains has been severed; we can force the 'Shi Rou' out whenever needed."

"Senior Zhang Zhitian, what of your sect?"

The Zhengyi high master, though his face was imposing and fierce, spoke gently, bowing. "Your Excellency, I observed the heavens last night and, with Master Yang's calculations, determined that around Shen Hour (3–5 PM) tomorrow, thunderclouds will arrive from the southwest—then we may summon lightning."

"But I must warn you beforehand."

"Tomorrow's heavenly thunder may bring down Gang fire, which will clash with this land's malevolent qi. The tomb chamber lies within the 'Shi Rou'—the damage it may cause, I cannot predict."

"I see…"

!.

Yuan Feng's brow immediately knotted.

He had spent this time waiting for these experts.

Yang Yang Mingqing of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau arrived first from the capital, bringing a large team to survey the feng shui and plant Dragon-Blocking Stakes around the lake.

This Master Zhang Zhitian was also busy, arriving with a group of junior disciples, setting up altars across the region to subdue demons and monsters—clearly a special delegation from Longhu Mountain to perform thunder rituals.

He was experienced; if he said he couldn't control it, the disturbance would be immense.

What if he damaged the contents inside the tomb…

At that moment, the two-eyed feng shui master Yu Lanshan suddenly spoke: "I have a method."

"Oh?"

Yuan Feng hurriedly said, "Master Yu, please speak."

He had heard of this feng shui master who rose to fame in Near Wuchang City, but hadn't taken him seriously—after all, he'd met too many such figures; he assumed the man was merely here to monitor on behalf of the Prince of Near Wuchang.

He hadn't expected him to suddenly offer advice.

Yu Lanshan spoke solemnly: "Feng shui must not fixate on a single location. To the south, east, and west of here lie the ancient Zhou mine pits and the Chibi battlefield—both sites of malevolent energy."

"The situation at the Zhou mine pits has been resolved; the ghost realm at Chibi was long ago drained by a high master. If we erect bronze mirrors at the eastern and western shores of Lake Liangzi Lake, forming a two-way formation, and have Baotong Chan Temple's monks set up altars to pacify the spirits, we may temporarily confuse this malevolent entity."

"Then we may extract the object first, and only afterward use thunder magic to kill it."

He looked toward Yang Yang Mingqing. "Master Yang, what do you think of my suggestion?"

Yu Lanshan had once been narrow-minded, but now that he had achieved fame, he had mellowed; encountering a peer, he naturally wished to prove himself.

Yang Yang Mingqing, upon hearing this, did not grow angry; instead, he pondered, then clapped his hands and sighed: "Brilliant strategy, Master Yu—you are truly exceptional. No wonder you broke the Four Symbols Demon Formation. I am outmatched."

Yu Lanshan froze, then saw Yang Yang Mingqing's sincere expression—no sarcasm—his face flushed with embarrassment. He bowed. "Master Yang overstates. I merely studied this region's feng shui deeply to establish myself in Ezhou—it's nothing remarkable."

Seeing their demeanor, Yuan Feng knew this plan was sound, and smiled. "Very well. We follow Master Yu's plan—first stabilize the demon, extract the object, then use thunder magic to kill it."

"Young Master Li, Captain Tian, when the time comes, I will send several junior brothers into the tomb. Both of you are experts—would you be willing to accompany us as guardians?"

Li Yan bowed and said, "I am happy to lend my aid."

On the other side, the captain who had been watching him all along nodded and said, "Your Excellency, rest assured—I will bring several skilled men tomorrow."

"Good!"

Yuan Feng stood and said, "Time is pressing. Everyone, prepare now. When we succeed tomorrow, I will host a banquet for you all at the Yellow Crane Tower!"

After finalizing the plan, everyone left the tent.

Li Yan's mind stirred; he stepped up to Yu Lanshan and bowed. "Master Yu, my companion has deep knowledge of fengshui. May I ask if he may join you, just to observe and learn?"

Though Yu Lanshan's reputation had risen swiftly, Li Yan's group was well-known in Near Wuchang City—he would not look down on them.

A faint smile appeared on his face. "Young Master Li, you flatter me. You mean Master Wang, correct? With help, I am more than willing."

"Thank you."

Li Yan smiled and turned to go inform Wang Wang Daoxuan.

In such a large operation, all participants were experts, and with the Longhu Mountain Thunder Altar overseeing things, there was little danger—they were mainly here to gain experience.

Such an opportunity would not be missed.

"Young Master Li, please wait a moment."

As he turned to leave, a cold voice came from behind.

Li Yan turned and saw it was Captain Tian.

The man strode forward, standing beside Li Yan. Only after everyone else had left did he speak: "Young Master Li, I come from the capital, serving on behalf of Daoist Luo Luo Mingzi."

Li Yan immediately understood, his expression turning serious. "I see. Captain Tian, let's find a place to talk later."

"Agreed. I'll wait for you."

Captain Tian seemed ill-suited to small talk; he simply bowed and left. A few steps away, two members of the Regional Military Commissioner's office emerged, their faces equally stern, following him.

Their movements revealed them to be elite warriors.

Watching their retreating figures, Li Yan's expression grew grave.

Luo Luo Mingzi was his closest friend in the Law Enforcement Hall—truly a brother in life and death—and had been transferred to the capital because of Zhao Zhao Changsheng's case.

Li Yan had gathered all intelligence on Zhao Zhao Changsheng and handed it to him—partly to help a friend, partly to use the court's power to seek revenge.

This Captain Tian came from the capital—he must be here because of Zhao Zhao Changsheng. But why had the Law Enforcement Hall's duties been handed to the Regional Military Commissioner's office?

Li Yan's mind churned with doubt. He hurried back to the tent, arranged for Wang Wang Daoxuan to seek out Yu Lanshan, then strode out of the camp.

Sure enough, Captain Tian and his two men were waiting outside.

They nodded in greeting, said nothing, and quickly left, heading for a secluded patch of woodland nearby.

Captain Tian waved his hand, and his two subordinates immediately withdrew.

Not only that—he pulled a talisman artifact from his sleeve, chanted a secret incantation, and released a swirl of Gangsha qi, disrupting any surveillance.

Such caution stirred a dark suspicion in Li Yan's heart.

Only after completing these measures did Captain Tian take out a letter and hand it over. "Young Master Li, this is a letter from Daoist Luo Luo Mingzi for you."

Li Yan glanced at it—the handwriting was unmistakably Luo Luo Mingzi's. It said nothing urgent, only recalled old memories from Chang'an, like the two of them drinking at a certain restaurant.

It seemed like idle chatter, but was meant to verify Captain Tian's identity.

Li Yan tucked the letter away, frowning. "Daoist Luo Luo Mingzi is from the Law Enforcement Hall—why is the Regional Military Commissioner's office involved in this matter?"

"Simple."

Captain Tian glanced around, then spoke in a low voice: "The Law Enforcement Hall has Zhao Zhao Changsheng's spies. It can no longer be trusted!"

(End of Chapter)