Chapter 418

"It must be the Saltwater Tribe!"

"Fast Boat Zhang" on the side swallowed a mouthful of saliva: "I've seen Ba people's salt pools, and they are completely different from this. That 'Guest in the Mist' must be the wronged souls of the dead from the Saltwater Tribe..."

His voice trembled slightly; thinking about how he had been recklessly delivering goods through this secret passage, he felt a lingering fear in his heart.

Having said that, he inadvertently glanced to the side, his eyes suddenly widening. He walked two or three steps to a zombie and whispered: "Isn't this Yang Heigou? How did he become this ghostly mess?"

The zombies in the salt pool ruins had all been suppressed and killed.

There were many types of zombies, born from Yin Sha energy; wax-sealing, corpse-raising grounds, insect-gu, cat-and-dog cries... many situations could form them.

This salt-cured type was rare, but Li Yan hadn't paid much attention, not expecting it to be an acquaintance of "Fast Boat Zhang."

"The senior knows him?"

"Yes."

"Fast Boat Zhang" nodded: "This person's name is Yang Heigou, a member of the Sichuan Salt Gang, often active at the border of Sichuan and Hubei. He and I were quite familiar; back then, it was under his commission that I delivered goods through this secret passage."

Saying this, he sighed: "He was also an old hand in the martial world, with his own methods. I never thought he would die here."

Sha Lifei shook his head and clicked his tongue: "Walk the night road too much, how can you not run into ghosts? Transporting goods from here, you're bound to have bad luck sooner or later."

Li Yan said in a deep voice: "I'm afraid it's not that simple!"

Subsequently, under the surprised gazes of the crowd, he went to the cliff near the altar, pulled aside the dense vines, and revealed a cave.

Everyone stepped forward to look.

The cave wasn't large; Sha Lifei held up a torch to illuminate it, and immediately said in surprise: "Why are there two little girls lying here?"

Inside the cave, two young girls, about seven or eight years old, were lying on the ground, wearing embroidered clothes and blue headscarves—typical attire for Yi ethnic girls.

Their skin was fair, their hair black, as beautiful as white porcelain dolls, and they were twins, looking quite adorable.

However, both girls were tied with hemp ropes, their lips pale, and they were already on the verge of death.

"Daoist, save them quickly!"

Li Yan's expression turned solemn.

On the clothes of both girls, golden phoenixes were embroidered, coiled into circles, abstract and ancient.

They were exactly the same as the golden phoenix ornament he had found before!

…………

"Master, a small token of appreciation..."

"No need, no need."

"Country folk are poor, please don't look down on it."

"Master, this is cured meat made just this year..."

People came and went at the Zhang family mansion, all of them fellow villagers from Jin Yang Ping.

Fortunately, Li Yan and his group rescued them in time; although these villagers had been struck by evil energy, it wasn't fatal, and they only needed to rest for a period.

The villagers were simple and honest, vying to send the best things from their homes.

The villagers were also cunning, all beating around the bush to get them to look at Feng Shui.

Even Sha Lifei found it a bit difficult to handle.

Inside the Zhang family mansion, however, it was a miserable scene; Zhang Linsheng ultimately couldn't be saved, his soul already devoured, so the funeral proceeded as usual.

"Earth Master" Xie Chengzu was relatively lucky; although he had a stroke, it only resulted in a crooked mouth and eye, and drooling, but his legs were still nimble.

But in this condition, he was completely finished with performing rituals.

The Zhang family paid a large sum of silver, and the opera troupe, having encountered such an incident, had no heart to stay, leaving Jin Yang Ping directly.

"Have you thought it through?"

In the main hall, "Fast Boat Zhang" asked in a deep voice.

Zhang Sibei nodded: "Thought it through. Father didn't pass down any treasure-hunting methods, and staying here is meaningless. I plan to sell the family property and head to Xiangyang to do some small business..."

Although he said that, the real reason was that he had been scared out of his wits.

Some rural ghost stories were just conversation pieces after tea, but if one truly encountered them, few people could face them calmly.

Xiangyang was a large city, protected by a City God Temple, so such things were relatively rare.

"That's good."

"Fast Boat Zhang" said in a deep voice: "I know some people in Xiangyang; I'll help introduce you when the time comes, and you can set up a shop..."

The Zhang family uncle and nephew discussed the future in the front room, while Li Yan and the others waited in the backyard.

Lu San had already awakened, but his soul was injured; his face was still pale, and he asked in a weak voice: "Yan Yan Xiao Ge Yan, are you sure?"

"Should be correct."

Li Yan took the golden phoenix ornament from his bosom and said thoughtfully: "This object is a Chu Shaman Command, the symbol of the Chu Shaman organization 'Siming Society.' I've compared it carefully; it's exactly the same."

"These two little girls were kidnapped, and the ones who acted were likely the Salt Gang. Although it's unclear what kind of mischief they are up to, the fact that these two girls weren't harmed by the 'Guest in the Mist' means their identities are definitely not ordinary."

"Long Linzi once said that in the Wushan Mountains, there is also a lineage of Chu Shamans who rarely see outsiders. These two girls might be the clue."

"If we can find them, perhaps your inheritance can be completed, and I might also have some questions answered..."

What he was talking about was the Divine Steel (Shen Gang).

This special type of steel energy could enhance the soul-hooking ropes; a stable channel for it was completing the Yin underworld's missions to capture demonic energy.

But this object also appeared on the Chu Shaman Command.

Yet, it had never been seen in the orthodox Mystic Sect lineages.

Li Yan had a premonition that this thing was extremely important to him...

*Creeak~*

Just then, the wooden door opened, and Wang Fu walked out carrying his medicine chest, smiling: "It's fine now. Let the kitchen make some porridge."

Soon, the Zhang family boiled two bowls of thin porridge.

These two girls had been hungry for several days, so they obviously couldn't have big fish and meat, only thin porridge to gradually restore their stomach energy.

They lay on the bed, and even though they were starving, they drank the porridge quietly, without crying or making a fuss.

The two porcelain-doll-like girls were simply lovable; Zhang Sibei's wife even fed them personally, and after finishing, she was full of heartache and tears, cursing as soon as she stepped out the door: "Truly beasts, kidnapping even children..."

After drinking the thin porridge, the two girls had a bit more spirit.

Sha Lifei leaned his big face over and chuckled: "Little ones, where are you from?"

Looking at his fierce appearance, the two girls were immediately filled with fear.

"Go, go, go... let the Daoist ask."

Li Yan pushed Sha Lifei away.

For this kind of thing, it was still better to have Wang Fu; he looked like an immortal, spoke with elegance, and anyone would see him as a good person.

Finally, the two girls said timidly:

"My name is Wu Chaoyun."

"My name is Wu Xingyu."

"We live with our grandmother in Dachang County."

"Good children, sleep for now. We'll take you home later to find your grandmother..."

After some comforting, the two girls fell into a deep sleep, and the group stepped lightly out of the room.

"I know Dachang City."

Just as they arrived in the courtyard, "Fast Boat Zhang" spoke up: "It's in the nearby Wushan County; you get there after passing through the Lesser Three Gorges, only half a day's journey."

Li Yan said in a deep voice: "Perfect, we'll make a trip there later."

Saying this, he looked at Wang Fu, who was frowning on the side.

"Daoist, is there something wrong?"

Wang Fu shook his head and stroked his beard: "The names of the two girls are quite interesting."

"In the past, King Xiang of Chu and Song Yu traveled to the Terrace of Yunmeng. In Song Yu's 'Gaotang Fu,' it is written that the woman claimed to be on the sunny side of Wushan Mountain, obstructed by high hills; in the morning she is the morning clouds, in the evening she is the evening rain..."

"Chaoyun (Morning Clouds) and Xingyu (Evening Rain) refer to the Goddess of Wushan!"

………… The river water surged, and the cliffs on both sides towered high.

On the ancient, steep mountain road, shrouded in clouds and mist, two rows of men were carrying heavy stone materials, walking along the precipitous mountain path.

As they walked, they sang a porter's chant:

"Yo~ yeah~ yo-ho~ hey~

Partner, don't you panic~ ah~

Partner~ what~ to say~

Shout out the chant, yo-yo

Partners, lift the stone, yo

Step firmly on your feet, yo-yo..."

The singing was ancient and resonant, echoing among the mountains, and combined with the cloud and mist cover, it was already somewhat blurred by the time it reached the river below.

Macaques in the mountains cried along, scurrying everywhere.

Below the mountain, the river rolled, and boats of all sizes drifted slowly.

On one of the painted boats, Li Yan stood watching.

Beside him, "Fast Boat Zhang" spoke: "Yan Yan Xiao Ge Li, look, that over there is Goddess Peak."

!.

Li Yan's expression became solemn, and his face was full of respect.

Sha Lifei and the others heard this and ran out from the cabin.

Li Yan also looked up, but unfortunately, the weather was overcast, and the mountains were obscured by thick fog, so he could only see vague shadows.

"Can't see anything here!"

Sha Lifei shook his head: "Lu Laoge Zhang, are you playing with us?"

"Hahaha..."

"Fast Boat Zhang" tugged at his undershirt: "The weather hasn't been good these days; I'm afraid we'll have to wait for a heavy rain to pass, and for the sun to come out, before we can see clearly."

"If you all don't mind, the Goddess veils her face, only in the deep clouds—that is Goddess Peak. If the sun came out and you could see it too clearly, how would it be any different from an ordinary mountain?"

"Yo!"

Sha Lifei raised an eyebrow: "Lu Laoge Zhang, you're a man who has been through wind and rain, seen white blades go in and red blades come out—how come you've caught the same poor, sour habits as those scholars?"

"Sigh~"

"Fast Boat Zhang" sighed: "Perhaps it's because I'm getting old. In the past, when I traveled this waterway, I only cared about speed, rushing back and forth, and missed many things."

"Now, I suddenly want to slow down, find a place to drink some tea, and live leisurely. It's time to retire from the martial world."

"Master!"

The apprentice beside him was anxious, his face full of disbelief.

"What are you shouting about..."

"Fast Boat Zhang" glared: "I'm so old now, do you expect me to keep following you forever?"

"I've already decided. After I send Yan Yan Xiao Ge Li to Sichuan, I'm going back to Xiangyang to settle down. As for the future in the martial world, whether they call you 'Fast Boat Li' or 'Fast Boat Zhao,' it depends on your own abilities!"

"Yes, Master."

The disciples gritted their teeth, not daring to say anything more.

Sha Lifei rubbed his bald head and laughed: "The chronicles of the martial world always have a time to rest. Lu Laoge Zhang, you should retire if you want; there's nothing you can't let go of..."

"That's right."

"Fast Boat Zhang" nodded in agreement, then suddenly pointed to the opposite side and whispered: "Everyone, that above is Lingyun Temple. Should we..."

He knew that the "Guest in the Mist" had escaped from Lingyun Temple, and now it was suppressed by Li Yan and the others in an altar jar, placed on the boat.

Li Yan narrowed his eyes and shook his head: "Lingyun Temple has already been destroyed. I don't know who did it, but there are many hidden experts on Wushan Mountain. No need to create extra trouble; we'll find another place to suppress it."

"Fine."

"Fast Boat Zhang" didn't ask further, but pointed ahead: "After passing this fork, the opposite side is Wushan County."

"Heading north up the Daning River, passing through the Lesser Three Gorges, you reach Dachang City. Are you all staying to rest, or continuing the journey?"

"Continue the journey."

Li Yan turned his head to glance at the cabin: "Arrive at the destination early, so as not to let the children's family worry."

Inside the cabin, the twin girls sat quietly, their big eyes looking around from time to time, not moving about.

The little white fox Qichu, the falcon Lidong, and even the mice Da and Er, all had a fondness for the girls, gathering beside them to expose their bellies, rolling around to amuse the girls.

Li Yan's eye twitched; he looked at Lu San beside him and whispered: "These two girls, I'm afraid their talent is even higher than yours."

Along the way, they had already discovered something suspicious.

These two girls were extremely intelligent and sensible, and they could attract the affection of animals; when they came down the mountain, there was even a fierce tiger secretly following and looking after them.

Lu San also looked solemn: "Qichu says she likes these two girls very much and just wants to stay by their side."

"Yan Yan Xiao Ge Yan, do you think it could be..."

Li Yan was silent for a moment: "Hard to say."

What Lu San meant was that these two girls were very likely reincarnations of something; after all, they knew some things, and even the Lord of the Clouds was plotting to reincarnate and ascend to godhood.

And these two girls had astonishing aptitude, their names had deep meanings, and they were related to the Chu Shamans—it was all too coincidental...

…………

After passing Wushan County, it was already noon.

The painted boat didn't dock, but turned north, entering the Daning River to continue forward.

What they didn't notice was that on the pier, several figures were sneaking around watching them, then quickly left to send a message by carrier pigeon...

Entering the Daning River, after passing Longmen Gorge, the waterway immediately narrowed, with towering cliffs on both sides, shrouded in clouds and mist, blocking out the sun.

"The three gorges of Badong are long, the ape's cry three times wets the clothes with tears."

The scenery before them, while not evoking homesickness in the group, was truly eerie and strange.

Shrouded in clouds and mist, one could often see Ba people's hanging coffins on the cliffs, and even a few small boat-shaped coffins, appearing and disappearing in the thick fog.

The ape cries were shrill, as if something might jump out at any moment.

"Tsk tsk."

Sha Lifei shook his head: "Can't understand why they went to such trouble, hanging the coffins up there, exposed to wind, sun, and rain..."

Wang Fu smiled: "First, it's to borrow the dragon energy of the Yangtze River's water veins; second, there's also the saying of rising in rank and getting rich, high office and great wealth."

"Everyone, stop talking for a moment."

"Fast Boat Zhang" suddenly spoke, looking around and whispering: "The situation isn't right. There are two boats that have been following us ever since we left Wushan County."

Sha Lifei remained calm, turning his head to take a look: "Lu Laoge Zhang, I don't know much about the business on the water, how did you tell?"

"Fast Boat Zhang" said in a deep voice: "Those two are fast boats, but they are deliberately slowing down. At this distance, they can escape or pursue."

"Also, other boats have disappeared. I'm afraid someone is intercepting us ahead. Everyone, act according to the situation."

"Zhuzi, stay alert."

"Yes, Master."

With "Fast Boat Zhang's" instructions, the atmosphere on the boat immediately became tense, and his apprentices also secretly took out bows and arrows.

Li Yan gave a signal, Lu San whistled softly, and the falcon Lidong immediately flapped its wings and rose, circling in the air.

"There are boats intercepting ahead!" Lu San whispered.

Sha Lifei chuckled: "Could it be we've run into some blind water bandits? This is the first time in our journey."

Li Yan narrowed his eyes: "Not water bandits."

He didn't say much, but after turning the bend, Sha Lifei immediately understood why.

A large boat was stopped on the river, clearly waiting for them, and there were two iron chains as thick as an arm nailed to the cliffs on both sides.

Sha Lifei's eyelid twitched: "Iron chains across the river—what a grand gesture."

And "Fast Boat Zhang," looking at the sails on the opposite boat, also had a solemn expression: "Everyone, we're in big trouble. It's the Sichuan Salt Gang!"

(End of chapter)