Chapter 466: Split Team Action

"Why bring this up suddenly?"

Li Yan was somewhat surprised after hearing this.

The current team could be said to have each performed their own duties.

Lu San's task was primarily to be responsible for vigilance; no matter where they were, he would be alert and pay attention to the surrounding situation.

It could be said that he was the eyes of the team.

Li Yan had thought he had discovered some situation, not expecting him to talk about Sha Lifei's matter.

Lu San was silent for a moment after hearing this, "If we don't find a way, Old Sha will leave sooner or later. I don't want to leave anyone behind."

Li Yan felt instantly guilty after hearing this.

Sha Lifei had indeed been acting more and more strange lately.

He had known Old Sha the longest and their relationship was the best, yet he wasn't as sensitive as Lu San; he really shouldn't have been.

"What good way is there?"

Thinking of this, Li Yan hurried to inquire.

Lu San took the "Classic of Mountain and Sea Spiritual Response" from his bosom and found a passage, "In the ancient Wu inheritance, there is a ritual that can allow people to awaken supernatural powers in a desperate environment."

"It mentions that once some tribes lose their Wu, they will send people to places where Yin Sha gathers, such as corpse mountains and ghost caves, to hold rituals to awaken people, so that the Wu inheritance is not interrupted..."

Li Yan frowned immediately after hearing this, "Great illness and disaster, life and death despair—there is indeed a chance, but if it were that simple, the true Mystic Sect would have used it long ago. This ritual is very dangerous, right?"

"Yes."

Lu San nodded, "If it were before, I wouldn't mention this matter, but in the Wushan dream entering the Goddess Palace, I have obtained the 'Lanzhi Classic' and have mastered some grass and wood techniques. I can use Soul-Returning Grass to make Dharma artifacts to protect the soul."

"What things are needed?"

"A place of Yin Sha is needed, and it cannot be ordinary. Even if it cannot compare to those strange places in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, it must have a Yin God entrenched..."

"Heavenly spiritual and earthly precious medicinal herbs are also needed to graft the Soul-Returning Grass..."

"Although it is still dangerous, the chance of living is greater."

Hearing this, Li Yan already felt it wasn't very good and said in a deep voice, "These are all external objects. What about Old Sha?"

"He needs the courage to face death and then live."

Li Yan was somewhat speechless, "This method is a bit inappropriate. Old Sha has spent half his life in the Jianghu, an old slicker who instinctively wants to hide when encountering trouble. It's really a bit difficult for him."

"Rest assured, no matter what happens in the future, our brothers will not lose a single one."

In his heart, he had already rejected this plan.

Along the way, he had encountered too many people taking risks; some were brilliant, but none had a good end.

He would rather Old Sha live well.

However, Lu San remained stubborn, his expression serious, "Walking on this path, when is it not dangerous? Old Sha has changed; it's better to let him decide for himself."

Li Yan was silent for a moment, "Fine, you tell him."

Lu San had always been dull in the team, only liking to stay with his spiritual pet, but he was so persistent this time, which really surprised him.

But as he said, some things still required Sha Lifei to decide for himself.

"Hmm."

Lu San nodded dully, then pushed the door and left.

After stepping out of the room, Lu San looked blankly at the lantern opposite.

Seeing Old Sha's appearance today made him recall Wu Family Ditch inexplicably; destruction also began with the scattering of people's hearts.

Although he wasn't good at communicating with people, he needed a home more than anyone else and didn't want to lose a second one.

Thinking of this, Lu San walked immediately toward Sha Lifei's room...

…………

"There's such a thing?"

After listening to Lu San's description, Sha Lifei widened his eyes immediately, "Good for you, Lu San, why didn't you say so earlier."

"This matter is very dangerous."

"Balls!"

Sha Lifei seemed very excited, "Mixing in the Jianghu, I've long since tied my head to my waistband. I'm not afraid of a ball."

"How much chance does this method have?"

"Less than two percent."

"Done, even a sliver of a chance must be tried..."

Inside the room, Li Yan pinched the Dharma seal, his ears trembling slightly, and heard every word Sha Lifei said in the room opposite.

After putting away the Dharma seal, he shook his head slightly.

He didn't expect Old Sha to agree so readily.

Back then, he was the first to hide when encountering danger.

He had even planned a way out for Sha Lifei early on, using connections to help him arrange an official position, to be a wealthy and idle squire.

This had always been Old Sha's wish before...

People really do change.

Since that was the case, Li Yan didn't think much more.

The things Lu San needed had actually always been there.

They helped Green Ox Temple and obtained news of some heavenly spiritual and earthly precious items, among which were spiritual medicines.

And the Corpse Tuo Forest hidden in the Dazu Rock Carvings was an excellent location.

Thinking of this, Li Yan took out the map again. After listing the things to be done, he frowned.

Since they arrived in Shu, they had accumulated many things.

First was the Dragon Lady mission; not only was it a deity's commission, but it also had the treasure of the Dragon Palace Water Mansion and was related to the Manifest Saint True Monarch, containing a huge opportunity.

It must definitely be placed first.

Secondly, was excavating the Bai family's secret treasure and the Green Ox Temple's spiritual treasures, preparing for the opening of the cellar on Mount Qingcheng after the new year...

During the first lunar month, they had to return to Fengdou to participate in the Huangquan gathering...

Now, there was also Sha Lifei's matter...

If it went on like this, they would probably miss the time.

Thinking of this, Li Yan made a decision in his heart and immediately summoned everyone in the team together.

"We are going to split up and act."

Li Yan's expression was solemn. After recounting the matters, he said in a deep voice, "The Bai family's commission must be completed as soon as possible. It is not far from Chengdu now. I will escort them to Chengdu to see the situation there and have a count in my heart beforehand."

"As for other matters, we will complete them in batches."

"That is also fine."

Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard and laughed, "Yan Yan Xiao Ge Yan is still a bit too cautious. Now that there are more people, both this poor Daoist and Lu San are already at the Third Floor of Dao cultivation, so standing alone is not a problem."

As he spoke, he turned his head to look at Lu San, "Brother Lu San, the wilderness is your world. You can take Old Sha first to search for those heavenly spiritual and earthly precious items, and then go near the Dazu Rock Carvings to look for clues..."

"As for Wu Ba, he can follow this poor Daoist, disguise himself, and first find the force that performs human sacrifices to see what relationship it has with the Dragon Lady..."

Li Yan looked at Lu San and Sha Lifei, "What do you think?"

Doing this was indeed the best arrangement.

With Li Yan's current strength, no matter what they encountered on the road, he had a way to resolve it.

Lu San's ability naturally went without saying; paired with the experienced and eloquent Sha Lifei, obtaining the treasure was not a problem.

Wang Daoxuan was almost the second leader of the team; his only flaw was that he wasn't good at close combat. With Wu Ba protecting the Dharma, he could also handle most situations.

Sha Lifei and Lu San looked at each other and both nodded in agreement.

"Good, let's do it this way!"

After making the decision, everyone immediately began to prepare.

Li Yan first went to find Bai Huan, recounted the situation, and asked them to prepare immediately and set off at dawn the next day.

The others also began to pack their luggage and arrange their respective magical artifacts. Lu San pulled Wu Ba aside, incessantly giving instructions to protect Wang Daoxuan at all times...

After a busy time, the sky gradually darkened without them noticing. "Sir, the Proprietor invites you."

After the sun had completely set, Xie Zhengyuan of the Jinzhou Guild Hall suddenly sent a servant to invite him.

Li Yan knew in his heart that the news he had asked the other party to inquire about probably had a clue, so he hurried to the study in the back courtyard.

"Li Shaoxia, this is the intelligence found."

Xie Zhengyuan handed over an envelope and shook his head with a sigh, "Shu has had a rich Wu culture since ancient times. Although human sacrifice has been prohibited by the imperial court through the ages, there are definitely not a few who do this in private."

"In recent years, Chongqing Prefecture has been chaotic, and the Law Enforcement Hall has almost lost its function. I didn't know until I checked; seeing it really gave me a fright."

Li Yan also opened the envelope and frowned, "Three families?"

Xie Zhengyuan sighed, "This is only near Chongqing Prefecture. It is thanks to Zouma Town's well-informed news that the Guild Hall has experts specializing in analyzing news, who found them from the fragments."

"There might be others in other parts of Shu. In recent years, there have been rumors that Sword Immortal Cheng has passed away. Without his suppression, the Mystic Sect has also given birth to many chaotic phenomena."

"Also, the treasure-seeking person cooperating with my Jinzhou Chamber of Commerce has already received news that he will come in three days. That is an old acquaintance. Although the price is high, he is absolutely trustworthy."

！.

"Many thanks, Senior."

Li Yan put away the intelligence and said solemnly, "We will leave tomorrow. I will leave two attendants here to wait for people, and I will have to trouble you for a few days, Senior."

"Li Shaoxia is joking."

Xie Zhengyuan stroked his beard and laughed, "You were already an honored guest of the Chamber of Commerce, and you even passed on my Xie family's wonderful techniques. It is all as it should be."

After obtaining the intelligence, Li Yan had a better idea in his heart.

Returning to the room, he summoned everyone again.

"I will leave early tomorrow morning."

"Daoist, you can disguise yourself as a wandering Daoist priest to see the situation of those families. Remember, if you are not sure, do not act rashly."

"Wu Ba, I know you can already understand human speech. No matter what happens, you must protect the Daoist. When I go to Chengdu, I will also find a way for you to look for a suitable martial technique..."

"Good! Good!"

Wu Ba rubbed his hands, his face full of simple smiles.

He and Lu San were in almost the same situation, both homeless. Lu San had already told him before that if this matter was handled well, he could be completely recognized.

As for what martial technique, his head couldn't think that deep yet; being able to follow along and eat something good was already very happy.

"Old Sha."

After exhorting Wu Ba, Li Yan looked at Sha Lifei again and smiled slightly, "We cannot do without your Jianghu experience. San'er doesn't like dealing with outsiders, so it all depends on you."

"Rest assured!"

Sha Lifei laughed, "With me here, we definitely won't suffer a loss."

…………

Night fell, and Zouma Town was still lively.

Because of the two resounding signboards of "Li Tiezui" and "Clapper Liu", many people were attracted to stop.

Almost every inn, teahouse, and tavern had disciples sent by the two families competing, displaying all their skills to fight.

The storytelling trade eats by the tongue; they wouldn't use force in competition, but rather compare whose skills were higher and who received more applause.

Anyone with a discerning eye could already see the trickery in it.

The disciples sent by the two families were almost on par. Although their skills varied, they performed beyond their normal levels as they went back and forth.

Because of this matter, every teahouse and tavern was already full.

Some disciples had already made a name for themselves.

As for "Li Tiezui" and "Clapper Liu", they would have their final competition on the stage of the Guan Emperor Temple on the last day.

At the same time, they would announce their retirement from the Jianghu and wash their hands in a golden basin.

This could also be considered a grand event in the Jianghu, and even some Sichuan opera troupes and drum storytelling performers were attracted.

These were also the portrayal of ordinary Jianghu people.

Running back and forth for a lifetime, it was only for a few pieces of silver. Although hard, there wasn't much flashing of swords and shadows of blades.

The liveliness continued until the second half of the night.

The next day, when the sky was just dim, Li Yan took the Bai family and set off. They were still wearing Nuo masks and wide robes. After leaving the Jinzhou Guild Hall, they disappeared silently into the morning mist...

Not long after they left, a wandering Daoist priest also appeared, holding a tiger-rattle, carrying a flag for measuring characters and fortune-telling, followed by a giant carrying a pack, leisurely heading toward a nearby village.

"The sleeve contains a great universe, and the pot holds long days and months."

"Heavenly machine divine calculation, measuring characters and looking at Feng Shui..."

…………

Entering autumn, there was more mist in Shu.

Swish!

A white falcon soared over Zouma Town, flapping its wings and landing in the courtyard of the Jinzhou Guild Hall, preening its feathers, looking quite spirited.

When the Guild Hall servants saw it, they didn't care.

This falcon was the pet of those mysterious guests of the Guild Hall. It had been going out early and returning late for two days, and Xie Zhengyuan had also forbidden them from inquiring at will.

Lu San took two bamboo tubes from the falcon Lidong's feet, looked at them, and handed them to Sha Lifei beside him.

Sha Lifei also looked at them and shook his head, "Yan Yan Xiao Ge Yan's movements are really fast enough. He has already reached Zizhong; I'm afraid he will reach Chengdu in two days."

Lu San said dully, "Rest assured."

"Of course I'm assured."

Sha Lifei clicked his tongue, "Although I don't understand, Yan Yan Xiao Ge Yan's current Dao cultivation is not something any cat or dog can provoke. Even if he went up Mount Qingcheng, those people would have to treat him seriously."

"If it weren't for the many delays along the way, he would have arrived long ago."

Lu San said dully, "I was talking about Long Yaner. Yan Yan Xiao Ge Yan said that Bai Huan has already thought of a way for her."

Sha Lifei curled his lips, "That woman's mouth is too poisonous; whether she lives or dies is none of my business. Why have you become so long-winded, San'er?"

Although he said that, he felt inexplicably relieved.

Seeing Lu San's expressionless appearance, Sha Lifei suddenly felt a bit guilty and hurried to change the subject, "The only thing I'm worried about is the Daoist's side. Those villagers dare to secretly perform human sacrifices; who knows if they will act to harm people."

Lu San shook his head, "The Daoist can handle it. With Wu Ba there, there are few who can get close to harm him..."

While speaking, a servant suddenly came to tell them:

"The two of you, the Proprietor says to invite you to the front courtyard."

Sha Lifei and Lu San looked at each other and hurried to the front courtyard.

Xie Zhengyuan was already waiting in the courtyard. Upon meeting, he said in a low voice, "People have arrived, they are just outside the door. You can find a place on the mountain to discuss."

As he spoke, he opened the main gate.

Only to see an old man and a young man standing outside the door, wearing animal skin clothes, carrying bows and swords, and carrying packs, looking like dusty hunters.

When Sha Lifei saw them, he revealed a smile.

These two inexplicably reminded him of an old friend in Chang'an.

The rule of treasure-seekers is not to step into other people's houses.

Those who still keep the old rules these days won't be too bad...

…………

At the same time, on a high mountain hundreds of miles away, Wang Daoxuan was also holding a compass, stroking his beard to check, his brows tightly locked.

Behind him followed several old men in gorgeous clothes, their faces full of longing, yet they dared not approach.

"Master, what exactly is wrong with the Feng Shui of my house?"

An old man finally couldn't help but speak.

"Tsk tsk..."

Wang Daoxuan put away the murderous intent in his eyes, raised his head, cupped his hands, and sighed, "Not good, not good."

"How... how is it not good?"

"Sigh~ it's hard to say. This poor Daoist's ability is insufficient. I shall take my leave here!"

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 467 =====