Chapter 379: Aftermath

Xiangyang Wharf was now a sea of people.

On the largest stone platform, the Daoists of the Chenghuangmiao were holding a dharma ritual; amidst the music of pipes and drums, Daoists in dharma robes held tablets, whisks, incense burners, and other items, circling a boat.

They stepped on gang-steps and chanted amidst the music:

"The Taiji divides the primordial qi, the two forms give birth to the four images.

The five elements spread in eight directions, heaven and earth form their chapters.

The sun and moon illuminate the universe, yin and yang transform all things..."

What they were chanting was called the "Walking in the Void" lyrics.

Legend has it that Cao Zhi, the Prince of Chen, traveled through the mountains and suddenly heard chanting in the empty air, clear and resonant; those who understood the sound wrote it down, calling it the sound of immortals.

Daoists imitated it, creating the "Walking in the Void" lyrics.

Its melody is ethereal, as if immortals are walking in the void. Daoists often chant it while circling the altar or walking in patterns during rituals.

And the small boat they were circling was painted with all kinds of thunder talismans and cloud talismans, decorated with five-colored ribbons, and hung with lanterns.

Inside were also placed grains, tea, wine, rooster blood, and five straw figures, respectively written with "Spring Plague Zhang Yuanbo," "Summer Plague Liu Yuanda," "Autumn Plague Zhao Gongming," "Winter Plague Zhong Rengui," and "General Plague Manager Shi Wenye."

This dharma ritual was called "Sending off the Plague Boat."

This custom originated in Ezhou and has spread to all parts of the Shenzhou to this day; wherever there are rivers, it is held during the first lunar month and the Dragon Boat Festival.

Now that the great plague had just passed, naturally, a "Sending off the Plague Boat" ritual had to be held so that the wharf could officially open and the common people could feel at ease.

Amidst the swirling blue smoke, the Daoists burned incense and prayed, inviting gods from all directions, purifying the water and the boat, offering tea, and burning petitions to the heavens.

Finally, the Daoists chanted in unison: "Raise the sails and beat the waves, board the boat to the Chu shore together. Beat the rhythm and strike the gongs, return quickly to the path of Luoyang..."

Water splashed, and the plague boat was pushed into the river by the porters, catching the wind and sails, drifting downstream along the Han River.

Watching the boat leave the wharf, several Daoists held fire bells, chanted the Fire Bell Spell, pinched spells in unison, and pointed at the distant plague boat.

Boom!

In an instant, flames surged on the boat.

At the same time, alligators of various sizes appeared around the plague boat, stirring up waves and escorting the plague boat as it drifted downstream.

Seeing this, the common people at the wharf all cheered in unison.

This plague happened to occur during the chaos of the southwest war; Xiangyang City was still doing okay, but across the river in Fancheng, almost every household was wearing mourning clothes.

Not to mention some villages outside the city, which had already become desolate villages.

The experts of the True Martial Palace had all headed to Nanzhang and Baokang counties, so the ones presiding were ordinary Daoists from the Chenghuangmiao; how much effect this plague-sending dharma ritual had was hard to say.

But at a time like this, it undoubtedly comforted people's hearts.

As for the appearance of those alligators, it was also arranged in advance.

This was the reward for Li Yan accepting the Xiangyang City mission; as long as the source of the plague was found, the government would assist in the Alligator Master's plan to be canonized as the Water God.

Rumors had already spread among the people that an Alligator God had contributed greatly to solving this plague, and coupled with the scene during the sending off of the plague boat, the Alligator Master could gradually be accepted by the people of Xiangyang.

Xiangyang was a critical grain transport hub on the Han River; as long as this place was conquered, and it showed miracles to assist distressed ships on weekdays, plus the help to the imperial court in the southwest war, it wouldn't be difficult for the Alligator Master to be canonized as the Water God of the Han River.

"Open the wharf!"

Amidst the crackling of firecrackers, the boatmen shouted in unison.

Boats of all sizes also untied their cables accordingly.

The Xiangyang City wharf finally reopened, and it was believed that it wouldn't be long before it returned to its original bustling scene...

…………

In a river channel near the wharf, a group of people had also gathered.

The Donghu Ancestor's liver was placed on a roaring fire, thick smoke billowing, and the white gu-insects inside kept wriggling, popping and cracking, eventually turning into a lump of charcoal.

"Alright, that's about enough."

A middle-aged man in Confucian robes spoke, led people to take down the charcoal, ground it into powder, and added other colorful minerals, also grinding them into powder for mixing.

While operating, he also explained: "This thing is called 'Water Gu,' passed down since the ancient era. Common people who like to eat 'fish sashimi' often catch this gu, their bellies swelling like drums; the Daoist medical sect calls it 'Gu-bloating Disease'."

"But such a powerful 'Water Gu' is something I've only seen once in my life; if I'm not mistaken, it is the 'Dragon Gu' mentioned by my ancestors."

"Using a gu-room alone probably won't work; it must be combined with realgar, arsenic, and chalcanthite to be effective..."

The speaker was Li Facheng, a descendant of the Medicine Saint.

He was not only proficient in Daoist medicine but also joined the Meishan Dharma Sect to collect medicinal herbs, and could be considered a true successor of the Medicine Saint's lineage.

The "Medicine Saint" was famous, but most of his direct descendants had already become officials through study; only people like Li Facheng were still running around, continuing the lost learning for the sages.

This time, during the Xiangyang plague, he was originally the person in charge and had even found clues, but unfortunately, he was ambushed and kidnapped.

"Dragon Gu?"

Li Yan heard this and frowned: "Does it come from a dragon?"

"That's right."

Li Facheng nodded: "As the saying goes, water accumulates to form an abyss, and dragons are born there. In the high mountains and lakes of Ezhou and Xiangzhou, dragons often breed, and ordinary people rarely see them."

"If wind, thunder, and rain move, they will follow mountain floods downward, enter the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, and borrow the qi of the wind, thunder, and dragon veins to transform, which is called 'becoming a dragon'."

"If they enter the sea from the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, they become dragons, from then on able to be large or small, or stir up clouds and rain, or gather dragon veins."

"But the timing of becoming a dragon is very important; some are trapped in deep pools for their whole lives, which are called 'trapped dragons'; if their qi doesn't flow, they will breed 'Dragon Gu'."

Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard and praised: "Fellow Daoist has great knowledge!"

Li Facheng shook his head: "These are all mentioned in my ancestors' notes; his old self traveled all over the Shenzhou, and this is also my first time seeing it."

As he spoke, he poured the mixed powder into honey, rolled them into medicine pills of various sizes, then took out the largest few and threw them into the water.

In the river channel, the Alligator Master hurriedly swallowed them, then twisted its body in pain, and dense white threadworms drilled out from its scales.

Hum!

Lu San, who had long been prepared, patted the demon gourd, and the poisonous bee swarm whistled out, devouring those gu-insects completely.

Last time, they used the dried corpse of a Feiyi to cure gu, which was very easy, but this time they didn't dare to be careless, so they invited Li Facheng to help.

Seeing the demon gourd devouring the gu-insects, Li Facheng looked on with envy, "Fellow Daoist's dharma artifact can be called the nemesis of gu-poison, and coupled with these 'Dragon Gu Pills,' most gu-arts can be solved."

"Dragon nature is domineering; no matter how rampant the gu-insects are, as long as one takes a 'Dragon Gu Pill,' they can all be forced out. I have a presumptuous request..."

Before he could finish speaking, Li Yan said directly: "Sir travels everywhere to practice medicine; I will gift half of these things to you as a reward for this time."

"Many thanks."

Upon hearing this, Li Facheng's face showed joy, "This item is precious; there are gu-diseases in the south, and with this medicine, I can be much more relaxed. Please don't laugh at me."

"Sir is too polite."

After a round of conversation, both sides had a good impression of each other.

For this descendant of the "Medicine Saint" Li family, Li Yan also intended to make friends, and the other party had actually been invited by the Qiankun Academy, so they might be colleagues in the future.

After packing up the things, Li Facheng bowed and said: "The Xiangyang matter is over, I will take my leave now." Li Yan was a bit surprised, "So urgent?"

"No choice."

Li Facheng shook his head: "In the mountains and forests of Jingchu, evil Daoists are releasing gu-poison everywhere to delay the army's route, and there are also many poison experts in the Yang family of Bozhou. My elders at home asked me to follow the army, so I cannot delay."

After saying this, he bowed and left rapidly with his disciples.

Sha Lifei clicked his tongue, "The Five Dragon Palace is taking people from Baokang into Shennongjia, plus the army on the Yunyang side has already gained the upper hand; it seems the Heavenly Saint Sect won't be able to jump around for much longer."

"I hope so."

Li Yan nodded, then gave Lu San a wink.

Lu San understood and immediately stepped forward, communicating with the Alligator Master in the Upper Realm language.

This time helping the Alligator Master, they didn't stay out of it, but some things had to be clarified, otherwise, it would be a big trouble.

For example, whose idea was it for the Alligator Master to sponge off the incense of Mount Wudang?

Hearing Lu San's inquiry, the Alligator Master was first puzzled, then fell into deep thought, let out a low roar for a long time, and spat out an object from its mouth.

Lu San turned his head and said: "This matter is indeed strange."

!.

"At that time, Brother Li suggested that the Alligator Master take advantage of this southwest chaos to join the Mystic Sect's divine path, and it started looking for relevant methods when it went back."

"The Yunzhong Jun Divine Palace will appear in some places at fixed times, and the Alligator Master's lineage methods all come from it, so it found an opportunity to sacrifice again."

"To enter the Yunzhong Jun Divine Palace, one must also look at the timing; most of the time it is difficult to get close, so it asked for my help last time."

"But this time, it entered it easily and obtained this object, only then knowing the method."

Li Yan looked at the ground, where a bundle of bamboo slips was placed.

After picking it up and looking at it twice, he said: "Daoist, take a look."

Wang Daoxuan took it and opened it, "The form of this slip is ancient, simple and plain, the brushwork is thick and vigorous, similar to a combination of Great Seal script and Qin-Han clerical script; it is a typical Chu slip."

"The only thing is this ink, which was written recently; especially the True Martial Palace, which only rose in the current dynasty, yet it is written clearly above, clearly someone deliberately gave it to the Alligator Master..."

Hearing this, the Alligator Master was also somewhat at a loss.

Li Yan pondered for a moment and said in a deep voice: "Inside the Yunzhong Jun Divine Palace, I'm afraid there are still some old ghosts hiding; now that the human path is changing, they have also had their own ideas."

"Alligator Master, be more careful in the future; don't take the initiative to contact them again, focus on cooperating with the imperial court, plot for the position of Water God of the Han River, and don't get involved in trouble."

"Need to remember, as a secular god, benefiting the people along the river is the right path, just like that Erlang God in Shu; the imperial court has repeatedly banned it, but in the end, didn't it compromise and repeatedly canonize it?"

"The imperial court has its rise and fall, but the hearts of the people are the key."

"Also, for the water gods along the Yangtze River, whether it is the Goddess of the Han River, the Goddess of Wushan, General Yang Si, or the True Lord of Pure Origin and Wonderful Dao, if you happen to meet them, you must treat them with respect."

"The True Martial Palace side has already been negotiated; when you go back, take the True Martial statue, exchange it for the dragon pearl early, so you can protect yourself in the southwest war."

"Many thanks..."

The Alligator Master let out a hoarse human voice, then swung its tail, dove into the river water, and swam toward the Han River, disappearing without a trace.

After the Alligator Master left, Sha Lifei laughed again: "Brother Li, Wu Dehai of the Commandant's Office said he's treating us to a meal tonight and wants to introduce a few Xiangyang officials to us."

"You go, just deal with it."

Li Yan shook his head: "This plague, Xiangyang has been cleaned from top to bottom, and countless people have had their homes raided and families destroyed; although they deserved it, it's inevitable that some people harbor resentment."

"We are considered people outside the square; getting too close to those officials will inevitably be used by others. Just settle the Alligator Master's matter, don't get trapped in this mess."

"You go to the banquet, and I'll go to the Ghost Buddha Temple. We'll leave Xiangyang in two days."

After setting the plan, the group separated immediately.

Sha Lifei, Wang Daoxuan, and the others returned to Xiangyang City, while Li Yan rode his horse alone toward the southeast.

The Ghost Buddha Temple was not far from Xiangyang City; Li Yan rode his horse, and in less than two sticks of incense, he saw the abandoned temple.

Swish!

In the dense forest, more than a dozen people suddenly rushed out, including both Daoists and people wearing black martial robes; they were precisely the people from the Xiangyang Law Enforcement Hall and the Commandant's Office.

"Greetings, Layman Li."

The leading Daoist hurriedly bowed and saluted.

"Thank you all for your hard work."

Li Yan asked: "Has anyone come recently?"

The leading Daoist shook his head: "We have been guarding this place for several days, but we have never seen any monsters come to meet; they have likely given up."

"However, for the past two days, every time it reached the hour of the rat, there were candle flames flickering in the temple, and there was the sound of monks chanting; according to your instructions, we didn't enter, so we don't know what happened."

"Oh?"

Li Yan pondered for a moment, "That's fine, I'll go check it out tonight. Is there a quiet place? I'll meditate and practice first."

"Please follow me, Layman."

Whether it was the Law Enforcement Hall Daoists or the Commandant's Office, they were all quite polite.

Li Yan's team had been very famous in Ezhou recently; just after coming down the mountain, they eliminated the plague and killed monsters, which almost everyone knew.

Strength dictated everything, and the attitude of all parties toward them was also more polite.

Soon, Li Yan was brought to a separate tent in the dense forest, and the people around were also very sensible, dispersing without disturbing him.

After Li Yan sat down in the tent, he took off his luggage and took out a pile of things, including both copper coins and brocade boxes.

These were the spoils of war from the Battle of Xianshan.

After coming out, they had been in a hurry to help the Alligator Master cure gu, and only now did they have time to count them carefully.

First were those suppression coins.

The Donghu Ancestor's collection over the years was naturally extraordinary, and there were quite a few unique items, which Wang Daoxuan had carefully selected.

The ones before his eyes were all Three-Talent Demon-Suppressing Coins, totaling more than seventy, and added to Li Yan's original ones, they happened to make eighty-one.

With so many Three-Talent Demon-Suppressing Coins gathered, the fierce evil qi surged, and even the Law Enforcement Hall Daoists guarding in the distance felt a chill down their backs.

And in Li Yan's eyes, a trace of regret flashed.

The Three-Talent Demon-Suppressing Coins were forged by demonic weapons of the previous dynasty, which were weapons of a Grandmaster; if he could gather one hundred and eight, he could make an astonishing dharma artifact.

Now with eighty-one, it was considered not bad, just happening to match the number of nine-nine; only, Li Yan didn't have any ideas about what to make.

If made into a golden money whip, it could be used for binding...

If made into golden money armor, it could resist evil arts...

But he had the Dust-Breaking Blade, Soul-Severing Flying Knives, plus the Soul-Hooking Thunder Rope at the bottom of the box, and the Earth Dragon Armor; whether attacking or defending, it was already enough.

Just at this moment, Li Yan suddenly felt a movement in his heart, took out the token from his bosom, and with a thought, five strands of black qi whistled out, turning into the appearance of small flags, circling above the token.

This treasure was the biggest harvest this time.

Five-Direction Luo Feng Flags!

Second update in the afternoon

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 380 =====

(End of chapter)