Chapter 433: Wanzhou Night Mooring

The river surged endlessly, the cargo boat moving slowly forward.

This was a shallow stretch, and with the mountains blocking the way, there was no wind at all—making forward progress nearly impossible.

Fortunately, a group of haulers had long guarded this spot; seeing the cargo boat arrive, they rushed over without hesitation, "Boatman, three taels of silver to pull us across?"

"Fast Boat Zhang" bowed his hands in greeting, "Thank you, gentlemen, for your hard work."

Three taels of silver was admittedly a bit steep, but divided among two dozen haulers, it amounted to little—they earned their pay through sweat, so "Fast Boat Zhang" didn't bother haggling.

"Fair deal—I'll get you through smooth as silk!"

The lead hauler grinned broadly, immediately summoning his men to lay out the tow ropes and pull in unison.

Their muscles taut, bodies straining, the ropes bit deep into their shoulders as they stepped on the shore's jagged rocks, chanting in rhythm:

"Three feet of white cloth, four taels of hemp, hands on stone, feet in sand.

Barefoot up the slope, hauling the rope—no choice but to bear it.

Why do we do this? For a better life!

Hei-zuo! Hei-zuo! Hei-zuo hei-zuo…"

Before the cabin window, Li Yan drew back his gaze, his face grim, and turned to Tian Battalion Commander, speaking low and steady: "Commandant, has Zhao Changsheng come to Shu?"

"Only rumors."

Tian Battalion Commander shook his head. "While in Ezhou, we received intelligence that two years ago, Zhao Changsheng briefly appeared in Shu, stayed in Wanzhou, and eventually went to Chengdu."

"Two years ago…"

Upon hearing this, Li Yan fell into deep thought.

He had heard this time point more than once.

Two years ago, anomalies appeared near Dujiangyan; within the Daba Mountains, the dragon qi of the Divine Army stirred abnormally; the Dragon Maiden guarding the edge of Shennongjia also sensed disturbance and tried to leave—only to be suppressed…

The struggle between orthodox and heretical factions outside Dujiangyan also began at this time, escalating into fierce conflict—likely tied to Erlang Shen…

And the Emei disciple he had captured in Shennongjia.

His name was Wu Faluo; he had studied under Qingniu Temple, but after a trip to Chengdu, his master vanished, and he was falsely accused. Returning to the temple, he found his fellow disciples changed—like different people.

All these events occurred nearly two years ago.

If it were anyone else, he wouldn't have connected them—but Zhao Changsheng was different. He had lived for centuries, resurrected multiple times, stirred chaos repeatedly, and planted too many hidden hands.

Who knew what scheme he might be brewing now?

"Have you found any leads?"

Li Yan pressed further.

Tian Battalion Commander glanced around, then whispered: "We found nothing in Wanzhou—but we did locate Zhao Changsheng's last known location."

"Where?"

"The Shu Prince's Mansion."

"The Shu Prince's Mansion?!"

Li Yan's heart tightened at the words.

Shu was the Land of Abundance, and its prince was unusually special—he was the reigning emperor's own brother.

He had rendered great service during the emperor's ascension and the stabilization of the court, and thus received extraordinary favor.

Unlike other princes, he was directly titled "Prince of Shu."

One could say his power was formidable.

Thinking of this, Li Yan grew even more suspicious. "Could the Shu Prince be plotting rebellion?"

Tian Battalion Commander's face stiffened; he quickly waved his hand. "Such words, Young Master Li, are best left unsaid. The Shu Prince enjoys the emperor's full trust—none of us dare speculate."

Li Yan frowned slightly. "Commandant Tian, this concerns Zhao Changsheng. No caution is too great. Why play the official game with me?"

This man clearly suspected something—otherwise why remain here investigating? He simply dared not speak aloud.

"Forgive me, Young Master Li."

Tian Battalion Commander sighed. "In the Jianghu and in the bureaucracy, one is never truly free. Some things must be done—but beyond one's duty, touching them means death."

"I only deliver intelligence. The decision rests with His Majesty."

Such was the burden of the bureaucracy.

Li Yan no longer wished to dwell on this. "What did you uncover?"

"The Sichuan Salt Guild!"

Tian Battalion Commander's eyes flashed with menace. "Some truths remain hidden until you dig—then they shock you."

Over the years, the Sichuan Salt Guild has expanded violently, recruiting countless experts, ensnaring many officials in Shu, and maintaining close ties with the Prince's Mansion.

"I sent several trusted men to infiltrate both the Mansion and the Guild, while I myself joined the Gelaohui—their rivals—to find out what they truly intend."

"The matter at White Emperor City was simple."

"In the late Han, Gongsun Shu seized Shu, built a fortress atop the mountain, and named himself White Emperor because a well in the city constantly emitted white vapor resembling a white dragon. After his death, locals built a White Emperor Temple to worship him."

"When the Great Xuan dynasty was founded, this was deemed an illicit cult. The temple was torn down and replaced with the 'Temple of Three Merits,' dedicated to the River God, the Land God, and Ma Yuan."

"Near Wuxi lies the Danning Salt Field, long controlled by local Tujia clans—making it difficult for the Salt Guild to penetrate."

"In recent years, the Sichuan Merchants' Guild, having grown wealthy through maritime trade, clashed repeatedly with the Salt Guild. They allied with the Gelaohui and the Canal Guild, gradually seizing control of eastern Sichuan."

"The newly appointed Provincial Governor of Kuizhou, touring White Emperor City, declared that the story of Liu Bei entrusting his son there was famed throughout the land. He ordered the 'Temple of Three Merits' demolished and replaced with the 'Temple of Righteousness,' to honor Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhuge Liang."

"The Sichuan Merchants' Guild, eager to please, began renovations—but the Salt Guild saw an opportunity. They persuaded the Tujia clans that White Emperor City should instead honor the White Emperor King—'Linyun.'"

"The Tujia clans were swayed. Knowing they couldn't match the Merchants' Guild, they welcomed the Salt Guild's intervention."

As he spoke, Tian Battalion Commander frowned. "I originally thought this was mere Jianghu rivalry—but once here, I sensed something strange."

"Smuggling salt doesn't require salt—it requires trade routes and connections. The Salt Guild's main base has abundant salt pools—they have no shortage. Why go through such lengths to enter Wuxi…?"

"For the Elixir of Immortality!"

Li Yan said coldly. "They seek the ancient Witch Kingdom's Elixir of Immortality. That's why we're fighting them."

"So the true instigator is the Shu Prince. If I recall correctly, he's quite elderly."

"So that's it…"

Tian Battalion Commander frowned, a flicker of revulsion in his eyes. "So many have died for this absurd thing."

He fell silent for a moment. "The Shu Prince's sudden interest in the Elixir may be tied to Zhao Changsheng. I'll continue investigating. Young Master Li, be careful on the road."

"Here's a token. I have an informant in the Salt Guild. If someone presents this to you and matches the code, they're trustworthy."

After handing him a half-moon-shaped bronze clasp, Tian Battalion Commander leapt away, boarding a small boat and vanishing swiftly.

Watching his retreating figure, Li Yan shook his head slightly.

He suddenly recalled the words of Wudang's Patriarch, Yuchan Zi.

"The 'Transformation of Human Dao' is coming. Do not be careless."

"Master, what is the 'Transformation of Human Dao'? Is it caused by maritime trade and firearms?"

"All things under heaven are born, perish, begin, and end. The 'Transformation of Human Dao' is both calamity and origin."

"When it comes, hearts will change, dragons and snakes rise from the earth, gods and ghosts emerge…"

…………

Not long after Tian Battalion Commander left, Li Yan's cargo boat passed the shallow zone and continued downriver.

The delay at White Emperor City had wasted time; as they neared Wanzhou, dusk was falling.

There, at a bend in the riverbank, stood a city.

It was not large—higher in the north, lower in the south, wider at the south, narrower at the north, built against the mountain, facing the river to the south.

Near the city, the shore was a continuous stretch of jagged rocks, uneven and dotted with springs, bubbling up water. Wang Daoxuan, seeing this, stroked his beard. "Yin embraced by Yang, jade belt wrapped around, golden springs rising from earth—excellent fengshui!"

This was Wanzhou City, named for "The Great River here gathers all tributaries." Though small, it had long been a vital port along the Yangtze in Shu.

Fengshui, of course, was undeniable.

Li Yan and the others focused on other matters.

The docks here were typical of Shu style.

Built of blue stone, hundreds of steps led up to the city gate. Beneath the ancient walls, commoners had built homes into the mountain, their candlelight flickering chaotically.

On the docks, countless boats were moored.

Dense and endless, stretching beyond sight.

Fishing lights glittered like stars; heads surged in crowds; the sounds of Shu echoed noisily.

"Something's off…"

"Fast Boat Zhang" frowned. "I've been to this Wanzhou dock before. Yes, it's bustling—but not this much. Something's happened."

!.

"Xiao Si, go find out."

"Yes, Master."

One disciple bowed and departed, using a bamboo pole to leap onto the shore rocks, then sprinted toward the docks and vanished into the crowd.

Soon, he returned, bowing. "Master, trouble on the river ahead. Rumor says river bandits attacked—several merchant ships were sunk and now lie stranded on the shallows."

"All boats are blocked here. No passage for now."

"What a coincidence…"

"Fast Boat Zhang" snorted. "Robbery is one thing—but sinking ships? This is deliberate obstruction."

"Young Master Li, this is almost certainly the Salt Guild's doing."

Li Yan pondered, then turned to the setting sun, a flash of killing intent in his eyes. "The sun is setting. If they dare move now, they're asking for death."

"Stay here. Lao Sha, come with me. Master Zhang, what supplies do you need? I'll buy them all on my way back."

"Fast Boat Zhang" didn't quite understand the connection between darkness and enemies seeking death, but he didn't ask further, quickly writing out a list.

He had long recognized that Li Yan and the others were seasoned veterans of the martial world and members of the Xuanmen; even if they encountered trouble, they would handle it far better than he could.

Taking the paper slip from "Fast Boat Zhang," Li Yan turned back toward the cabin and saw a female disciple emerge and give a signal, only then did he feel reassured and leave.

As he departed, Bai Wan, the oldest woman on board with the highest Dao cultivation, naturally took over the defense duties.

…………

"Bao mian, bao mian!"

"Crispy roasted fish? One serving?"

"Ge ge, ge ge…"

Before he even drew near, the clamor rushed at him.

Li Yan gave a signal; the loquacious Sha Lifei went ahead to gather information, while Li Yan followed behind, constantly watching the surroundings.

If the Salt Gang was behind this, they would surely send assassins to strike.

He formed the Yang Seal and took a deep breath.

Instantly, a flood of odors surged into his nostrils.

The constant flow of travelers, Changnianxingchuan, carried their own sour and stinking smells, mixed with the charcoal smoke of the dock, the scent of grilled fish—nearly knocking Li Yan off his feet.

Yet he still sharply distinguished certain things.

Several boats, and a group of elderly travelers squatting on the dock steps smoking pipe tobacco, all carried the aura of Yin Sha.

This was the lingering trace left by frequent use of occult arts.

True practitioners were far from common, especially in a small town like Wanzhou—perhaps only one or two, spending their days taking on jobs and divining fortunes.

Such density must mean something was wrong.

But true masters never show their faces; the scent on these people could not fool experts—they were merely ordinary practitioners who had just built a house.

Searching for these people would be completely useless…

Meanwhile, Sha Lifei's inquiries had revealed the reason.

A large number of boats were stranded here; Wanzhou City was too small to accommodate them, and the county office feared trouble, so they banned the boats from entering.

But the townsfolk below the city found an opportunity.

They prepared meals at home, carried them straight to the dock, and sold them—even if they earned only a few copper coins, it was still income.

Not being allowed into the city was a nuisance; Sha Lifei carried the list and inquired at several places before finally securing supplies, hiring a few porters, and transporting them along the riverbank to the boats.

The dock was always a place of trouble; with so many gathered together, plenty of martial world folk were present, and some immediately lit lanterns, drew circles on the ground, and set up stalls to perform.

As fellow martial world people, those selling fake medicine or running rigged gambling dens would never dare show themselves.

Almost all were martial world performers.

Li Yan had originally planned to leave, but a sudden roar of applause erupted from the crowd, followed by a surge of onlookers—immediately drawing his attention.

At the dock's edge stood a young man, decent-looking, but with his eyebrows drawn inward, giving him the air of a perpetual victim.

He clutched his face and wailed: "Sister Liu, I'm truly sincere! If you say yes, we'll marry tonight!"

"Pah!"

Opposite him stood a young woman, her face flushed crimson: "Cui, you have no shame—I've heard you say this to several others!"

"It's true! I'm sincere!"

The young man panicked, raising his hand to swear to heaven: "Before my Ancestral Master, I, Cui Cong, vow to take Sister Liu as my wife! If I speak a single lie…"

"Hahaha!"

Those nearby burst into laughter, teasing: "Brother Cui, your name's rotten in Wanzhou—everyone in the Golden Orchid Society says you're barely one step away from being a notorious seducer!"

"We don't think you're eager to marry—you're just eager to get into the bridal chamber, hahaha!"

"Pah! Pah! Pah!"

The girl's face burned red; she kicked the young man hard and leapt onto a boat, vanishing.

Li Yan's eyes narrowed slightly.

Though the girl's kick seemed merely a furious strike, it used the Snake Step—her motion, in extension and retraction, resembled a snake's tongue flicking, fluid and graceful.

It was Emei Snake Fist.

Indeed, since entering Shu, Emei disciples had become far more numerous.

"Ouch~"

The young man, Cui Cong, groaned from the kick, grimacing—drawing laughter from the crowd.

He didn't get angry, only sighed and bowed: "Fellow cultivators, please don't ruin my chances again—if I don't find a bride this year, Ai ~"

"What's so hard about finding a bride?"

A merchant-looking man in the crowd chuckled: "Brother Cui, you're from Dian Yi Sect—a respected lineage. Come with me to Chengdu; plenty of girls will fancy you."

"But I'd like to ask—have you seen the 'Gray Robe Mad Monk'?"

Li Yan had already turned to leave, but upon hearing that name, his body stiffened—he stopped instantly.

In Shu there were strange figures; one of them was the 'Gray Robe Mad Monk,' who also held another identity: the disciple of Xing Hepu, the Living Yin Officer…

(End of Chapter)