Chapter 456: Mysterious Mist City

"Qing Jia! Heaven grants salvation, Yan Shi of the North Feng. The Divine Lord receives the mandate, universally sweeping away misfortune; the Eight Warnings spew poison, fierce steeds spread in four directions. Heavenly soldiers lead the way, the Great General holds the banner…"

Inside the main house, Li Yan paced the Nine Stars, fingers forming seals as he chanted incantations.

Though a countermeasure had been found, the people still needed to be saved.

These members of the opera troupe had taken the curse upon themselves due to the malice of a wicked sorcerer; the Northern Emperor's Exorcism of Misfortune was the most suitable method.

Huh~

As he chanted the incantation, a violent wind erupted inside the room.

Dust swirled through the air, forming a vortex around the three figures on the ground.

The opera troupe members hastily covered their faces from the dust and sand, staring in stunned silence, a chill rising in their hearts.

They could feel that the once-ruined house now seemed enveloped by a force—cold, solemn, as if they had entered a temple or stepped into a government hall.

Streams of black smoke rose from the three on the ground, reeking of rotting fish and shrimp, then scattered by the gale.

Li Yan's brow tightened in frown.

The Northern Emperor's Exorcism of Misfortune was powerful; ordinary spells could dispel it easily.

Since learning it, this was the first time he had struggled so much.

After half a pipe's worth of time, the yin-evil qi on them finally dissipated; their swollen, darkened faces returned to normal.

Li Yan swiftly ended the hand seals, exhaling softly in relief.

Sustaining the spell for so long had taxed even him.

Wang Daoxuan immediately stepped forward, first lighting the mugwort in his hand, forming seals and chanting to dispel the room's foul energy, then checking the pulse of each person.

"Don't worry, they're fine."

Amid the worried gazes of others, Wang Daoxuan rose and said: "This curse is extremely vile—it transforms blood qi into gui-shui poison, and when the black fluid is fully drained, death follows."

"Though the curse is broken, their yang qi has been severely depleted. I'll prescribe a remedy; with two or three months' rest, they'll recover."

"Thank you, Daoist."

"Thank you, Daoist."

The opera troupe members wept with gratitude.

"Hmm…"

At that moment, the man lying in the center slowly stirred awake. After hearing the story from those around him, he burst into sobs: "It's my fault, it's all my fault…"

He was the troupe's senior brother, the de facto leader.

Others quickly comforted him: "Senior Brother, it's not your fault—it's this cruel world that never treats us as human."

"Yes, hurry and recover. This whole family depends on you…"

After further reassurances, the man sank back into deep sleep.

Wang Daoxuan then spoke: "Remember my instructions—act natural, don't give yourselves away."

"Yes, yes, thank you, Daoist."

After further instructions, Wang Daoxuan and Li Yan left the courtyard.

"Daoist, what trick was that?"

Back at the dilapidated mansion, Li Yan immediately asked.

"Simple."

Wang Daoxuan pulled out the Chongqing Prefecture map they had obtained earlier, located the Zhou family's residence, then pointed northwest.

There, unmistakably, stood a Dragon King Temple.

"This is a divine spell."

Wang Daoxuan spoke gravely: "When I heard it was the Pai Sect's doing, I realized this—folk witchcraft venerates spirits and gods, capable of both protection and harm through divine power."

"The Dragon King Temple must be holding an altar to cast the curse."

"Countermeasures usually include: Deception of the Gods, Punishment of the Gods, Overcoming the Gods, Transferring Disaster, and Self-Cultivation. The sorcerer used Transferring Disaster."

"Opera originated from rituals to entertain deities. The play 'Slaying the Dragon Platform' directly provokes the Dragon King Temple's divine spirit—naturally drawing the curse. I had them change masks and hang the Eight Trigrams Mirror upside down—that's Deception of the Gods."

"Once this method is used, the evil curse is suspended until the opera troupe departs, then it erupts fully."

Li Yan instantly understood: "So the sorcerer and the Zhou family will suffer?"

Wang Daoxuan snorted coldly: "In a magical duel, both sides using their methods is normal. But this sorcerer showed off recklessly, and the Zhou family refused to suffer losses—yet dragged in innocent people. They brought it upon themselves!"

"Well done, Daoist!"

Li Yan nodded with a smile, giving a thumbs-up.

Sha Lifei also praised, but seemed distracted, murmuring: "Little Brother Li, that kid hasn't shown up—he's probably fled with the silver. Cowardly scoundrel, no sense of honor."

Li Yan shook his head: "Forget it."

"Chongqing Prefecture is truly chaotic. Someone cast a curse inside the city, went to the City God Temple for help—and no one cared."

"He's likely gone. Let's go ourselves."

"Sigh~"

Sha Lifei sighed, grumbling: "Money's not the issue—it's the indignity. I've spent my life hunting geese, only to be blinded by a village sparrow."

"Forget it, forget it. Just a petty thief."

Li Yan quickly comforted him—he'd seen too many vile people; such petty matters no longer troubled him.

Thinking of this, Li Yan turned to Wang Daoxuan: "Daoist, do you think those people will survive the night?"

Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard: "I fear they'll make a mistake."

Li Yan pondered a moment: "Then I'll go with them tonight. The Dragon Pattern Jade Tablet reacted—the Dragon Maiden tasked me to investigate, and this 'Pai Sect Dragon King' is likely still involved."

This was what truly concerned him.

Even if he couldn't act now, he needed to understand the cause—after all, it involved the Dragon Maiden, and her constant attention made him uneasy.

"Alright."

Wang Daoxuan considered, then nodded: "I don't know the teleportation technique—going would only hinder you. Let me tell you what to do if something goes wrong."

Sha Lifei spoke up: "That kid ran off—we need intel fast. I'll disguise myself and head to the Wind-Listening Inn."

Li Yan nodded: "Alright. Send San with you."

Sha Lifei was a seasoned veteran; Lu San's beast-controlling art was exquisite—even in a city, he could monitor all directions.

Chongqing Prefecture teemed with people; even if spotted, they could escape.

After assigning tasks, everyone prepared.

As dusk approached, Sha Lifei and Lu San made simple disguises and stepped out into the thick fog.

With the map and directions from passersby, they wove through alleys and streets, soon reaching Hongya Cave.

Hongya Cave was now different from its previous life's counterpart.

During the previous dynasty's Da Xing and the Golden Yurt Khanate's north-south standoff, Chongqing's city walls were built according to Daoist numerology: seventeen gates—nine open, eight closed.

Hongya Gate was one of the "closed" gates.

Once a military stronghold amid constant warfare, after the Great Xuan unified north and south, Hongya Cave became Chongqing's most prosperous commercial district, crowded with shops, teahouses, and taverns.

Built along the cliff, facing the Jialing River.

All structures were traditional Bashu stilt houses—born of water, growing along the cliff, uneven in height, clinging to the terrain.

The stilt houses were all black, white, and gray, yet hung with countless red lanterns, dense as stars; shrouded in fog, they appeared surreal.

The people of Sichuan were straightforward yet impulsive, warm yet cunning, their unique dock culture making them seek amusement day and night.

Thus, even as night fell, Hongya Cave remained lively.

"How you been lately, kid?"

"Any new gossip?"

"Come on, I'll hook you up with a deal."

Along the way, it was bustling; those out at this hour were either merchants or members of the martial world, warmly greeting one another. From teahouses came the sounds of storytelling and applause; from brothels, soft songs blended with wine and spicy aromas, instantly melting the autumn chill.

Lu San clearly felt uneasy; Sha Lifei, however, was at ease. He picked up phrases from others, mimicked them, and soon gathered plenty of information.

Hongya Cave's staggered levels connected with suspended stairways and walkways, nearly dizzying.

Left, right, up, down—they finally found an inn.

Sha Lifei glanced at the lotus pattern carved on the stone pillar by the door, gave Lu San a look, scanned the surroundings, lowered his hat, and stepped inside.

"Welcome, sir!"

"New to these parts, seeking gossip."

"Please come upstairs…"

After exchanging the secret code, Sha Lifei was led upstairs.

Like other Wind-Listening Inns, this one was divided into Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain. Brought into the Wind Pavilion, an old man already sat inside.

He said nothing—only a tea set sat on the table.

!.

Sichuan's underworld especially loved tea arrangements.

The rules were extremely complex: forty-two major tea arrangements, each with countless variations. Fail to match, and you'd be cheated.

Sha Lifei was well-versed in them. After a tea duel, he successfully obtained the information—but as he rose to leave, he still felt unsatisfied and asked: "There's a beggar named Liu San. We hired him to buy intel, but he ran off with the silver. Any leads, Elder?"

At once, the old man's expression changed.

He hesitated, glanced cautiously outside, then whispered: "Liu San was an acquaintance of mine… but he didn't come today. No one knows where he went…"

Yet, with his finger dipped in tea, he swiftly wrote on the table:

Money exposed, robbed by accomplices, ruined temple south of the city.

"Oh, never mind then."

Sha Lifei showed no change in expression, rose, and took his leave.

The old man behind him quickly wiped away the water stains on the table.

Outside the inn, Sha Lifei found Lu San.

"I got the information."

"Then let's go."

Lu San muttered to leave, but noticed Sha Lifei hadn't moved.

"What's wrong?" Lu San asked curiously.

Sha Lifei hesitated slightly, then recounted the entire incident: "Should we go take a look? At least get our money back?"

Lu San narrowed his eyes. "You're not the type to do this."

Sha Lifei loved money, but his current wealth was substantial—he had no interest in such petty sums—and this was his first time acting on his own initiative.

There must be another reason.

Sha Lifei fell silent for a moment, recalling the beggar Liu San slapping him in the alley, and smiled bitterly: "It's just that seeing this kid reminded me of myself back then."

"So many times, you try to climb up, but you're like a fly in a bottle—banging into walls everywhere. If not for Brother Li Yan..."

Lu San's face remained expressionless. He muttered: "Then let's go."

Though he wasn't skilled at dealing with people, he understood many things clearly.

In the team, Sha Lifei was diligent and conscientious; as the only ordinary man, he always feared being left behind, so he never dared make the slightest mistake.

This was his first time wanting to act on his own initiative.

Even if Li Yan were here, he'd agree without hesitation.

"Hey, why are you walking so fast?"

Sha Lifei's face relaxed, and he hurried after him, whispering: "Don't worry—we'll just get our money back and save the kid. We won't stir up trouble..."

"Even if we do, it's fine!"

"Tsk tsk, San'er, you're even more blunt than Brother Li Yan..."

…………

Elsewhere, a broken street suddenly erupted in noise.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The Zhou family reappeared—but this time, it was different people: a group of burly men, carrying lanterns, smashing open the door of the Wu Troupe.

"Hurry up, hurry up! What are you dawdling for?"

"We agreed to perform for three days—don't miss the time!"

"Gentlemen, someone died in our troupe—it's bad luck..."

"Enough talk. You took the money—you deliver."

The Wu Troupe members were all actors; though they harbored resentment, they knew the stakes and looked utterly helpless.

They had long realized they were being watched—even when seeking a physician or pleading at the City God Temple, they were never left alone.

Fortunately, these men only guarded the alley's entrance and didn't know Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan had come and shown them how to break the deadlock.

Soon, all the troupe members were dragged away.

After they left, members of other troupes cautiously poked their heads out, each trembling with relief.

They could see clearly now—they'd been tricked.

Thinking of how close they'd come to agreeing, they all felt a quiet surge of gratitude.

Two troupes even packed their belongings immediately after the men left and fled the town that very night.

Soon, the street fell silent again.

Inside the grand house, Li Yan had already changed into black clothing. After signaling to the others, he immediately formed hand seals and chanted incantations, activating the Northern Emperor's Black Water Escape Technique.

On a foggy night, this technique was even more potent.

Unlike at Hongya Cave, other parts of Chongqing Prefecture, though lit by lanterns, were far quieter.

In the thick fog, lanterns glowed dim yellow, creating an eerie atmosphere.

Li Yan followed the men, climbing stairs, weaving through alleys, and soon arrived outside an old house in the southern part of the city.

The house was sizable, clearly built in the Sichuan-Eastern Sihe Academy style: gray walls, black-tiled roofs, abundant timber, elevated beams with pierced rafters, and frequent use of diagonal and cantilevered brackets.

All beams and rafters bore exquisite wood carvings, exuding luxury.

Above the gate hung a plaque inscribed with the four characters: "Dong Le Jing Shou."

From afar, the house glowed with bright lantern light, yet felt eerily silent; a group of black-clad men squatted by the gate, whispering or smoking pipe tobacco.

Seeing this, Li Yan let out a cold laugh.

Of course—the Zhou family wasn't just ordinary merchants. They likely held some influence in the Jianghu, so they treated human lives as nothing.

Using the Black Water Escape, the men couldn't detect him. He pushed off with his feet and leapt upward, scaling the walls and leaping across the eaves in a few bounds.

As he neared the main house, Li Yan frowned, leapt onto a large tree, and crouched in a dark spot, inhaling deeply.

The entire estate was saturated with malevolent and harmful energies.

Clearly, a fengshui arrangement had been set up—approaching too closely would disrupt the escape technique. But since he was elevated, he could see clearly inside.

The estate was large, its layout intricate: rockeries, strange stones, and flowering trees arranged with natural grace, brimming with rustic charm.

Outside the main courtyard stood a funeral altar; a stage had been erected at the gate, facing northwest, where the Sichuan Opera troupe had been forced up.

Inside the main hall sat many people.

Seeing them, Li Yan immediately frowned.

He recognized several familiar faces:

Han Kun, elder of the Canal Guild, and the Chen family father and son from the Jiang-Zhe Merchants' Association...

(End of Chapter)