Chapter 493: The Old Friend of Ziyang

The Soul-Grabbing Chain is a Yin Bureau divine art.

He had already asked people from the "Yellow Springs" organization about this.

Not only does the Luo Feng lineage possess it; even today's Yin Bureau lineage, after cultivating the Six Paths Scripture and completing sufficient tasks, can exchange for this divine art.

The cultivation requirement, however, is not so high.

It seems advantageous on the surface, but its nature has changed.

Previously, cultivation was like building a tower step by step, constructing palaces—though the hope of reaching the end was as fleeting as a reflection in water or a flower in a mirror, it was still a dream.

But now, it has become an evaluation.

Reaching the peak of the Six Paths Scripture yields only six levels.

Li Yan did not know what exactly had happened, but he was certain that certain great doors had been permanently shut.

And such divine arts were not exclusive to the Yin Bureau.

Just like the Pai Sect's Huo Jiao he had encountered before, who also possessed a fire-spitting art, though its origin was unknown.

All of these are called Dharma Realm divine arts.

Just like his current Soul-Grabbing Thunder Chain.

After entering Shu, he had discovered new ways to use it.

With the Soul-Grabbing Thunder Chain empowered, both speed and strength increase, and he can also unleash thunder arts.

The only drawback is that it consumes stored heavenly thunder.

Since entering Shu, he had not encountered a single major thunderstorm, so unless absolutely necessary, he did not wish to use this last resort.

"What kind of thunder art is this?"

"Ghost Flower Face" opened his mouth, spitting out blood in gulps.

He turned to flee, effectively leaving his back exposed to Li Yan—his spine had been shattered, his lower back a bloody pulp, bones visible, his hope of survival utterly gone.

Li Yan glanced at him coldly and ignored him, then suddenly surged forward with a thunderous boom, racing into the distance.

Over there, Jin Cuilian was fleeing in panic.

The Soul-Grabbing Thunder Chain was his last card—none of these people could be left alive!

Behind him, "Ghost Flower Face," watching the rapidly vanishing thunder shadow, filled his eyes with resentment, then gradually lost his breath.

A single thunder art had completely severed his heart meridian.

"Spare my life!"

Jin Cuilian ran with all her strength, but hearing the thunder roar behind her, she finally lost all courage, turned around, and knelt down.

No sooner had the words left her lips than a giant hand appeared before her.

Boom!

The powerful force, combined with the thunder art, shattered her skull outright.

Li Yan obtained intelligence from the Round Mirror Artisan.

The others were not so bad.

This seemingly frail woman, who had little voice in the group, was the one who had committed the worst deeds, hated by gods and men alike.

After killing this woman, the thunderlight on Li Yan's body faded away.

He shook his head slightly, feeling helpless.

Now that he had lost his Gangling and his last card, if he encountered a strong enemy again, he would truly have to fight for his life…

Thinking of this, he turned back, gathered all the Divine Fire Guns, and searched the bodies of the three dead experts.

Tan Wanpei and Jin Cuilian were easy enough.

Their belongings were all miscellaneous side-path artifacts; Li Yan could not use them, so he picked out a few that looked decent, stored them, and destroyed the rest.

But on "Ghost Flower Face," he found a sealed letter.

It was written by someone named "Ghost Ugly."

When Li Yan read it, his brow furrowed slightly.

"Ghost Ugly" said they had re-recruited members and formed a new "Ghost Opera Troupe," whose troupe master was immensely powerful, having gathered experts stronger than their former group.

"Ghost Ugly" ordered "Ghost Flower Face" to remain at the Shu Prince's Mansion, using its influence to help the "Ghost Opera Troupe" raise funds and recruit personnel.

Pei Yufang had agreed to join the "Ghost Opera Troupe" as a musician, but died because of Li Yan—this was why "Ghost Flower Face" was so furious and volunteered for this mission.

Just when one storm had barely passed, another arose.

Li Yan, upon reading it, also felt helpless.

From the letter, the "Ghost Opera Troupe" was clearly a powerful wandering immortal group; after rebirth, they would surely undertake major deeds.

Worse still, he might have gained another enemy…

…………

Ziyang City was ancient, with human activity dating back to the Warring States period, built as a city during the Han dynasty, and abandoned during the Song dynasty due to war.

During the Daxing era, it was rebuilt, but on a modest scale.

This region was famous for its shale and sandstone mines, and from Anyue to Dazu, there were numerous Buddhist stone grottoes; thus, from commoners' homes to wealthy households, all structures were built of brick and stone.

Sandstone and moss revealed an ancient charm.

When Li Yan arrived in Ziyang County, it was deep into the night.

The city walls were not high; after watching the patrol soldiers pass with torches, he leapt directly up and over.

In the city, only wealthy households still hung lanterns, illuminating small patches of ground; all other alleys were pitch black.

Li Yan moved silently through them.

There were only a few inns in the city; he chanted a spell and activated his scent divine art, quickly locating the Luo family.

The Luo family, being wealthy, had rented out more than ten rooms in the back courtyard of the largest inn, Anfu Inn.

Even so, it still felt cramped.

Besides the wounded, there were more than ten embroiderers and Qiba servants, each room packed to bursting.

Though night had fallen, the courtyard was brightly lit.

The embroiderers ran back and forth carrying hot water.

Besides the doctors summoned from the city, several Daoists clad in ritual robes were treating the wounded.

These Daoists clearly excelled in this field.

Setting bones, cleaning wounds, stitching with fish-gut thread, applying black ointment from their personal gourds—every movement was practiced and precise.

Even a physician from Ziyang County was assisting nearby, eyes fixed, clearly acting like a student.

"Done."

One old Daoist finished bandaging the wound, took the towel offered by an embroiderer to wash his hands, and shook his head: "The journey delayed us; with the righteous and demonic clashing tonight, fever is certain. If they endure it, they'll live."

He then rose and entered the largest side chamber, where Wu Yuqing, the matriarch of the Luo family, lay on the bed, guarded by two Daoist nuns holding swords.

Wu Yuqing had clearly improved, but her face remained pale; seeing the old Daoist enter, she sat up quickly: "Thank you, Master."

"No need for such formalities."

The old Daoist shook his head slightly, his expression turning grave: "This is my fault for being careless. Your Luo family has influence in Shu, with many official connections—I never expected the Du family to openly break ties."

"Rest assured, the corpses of the dead have been stored at the charity hall; I've sent people to perform rites to guide their souls home…"

Hearing the old Daoist ramble, Wu Yuqing's anger rose, but her face remained calm; she sighed: "Master, the Luo family's calamity is not yet over. This time, we may have to ask for your help."

The old Daoist fell silent.

Seeing his expression, Wu Yuqing's heart sank.

The Blood-Transmitted Jade Emperor Sect, though inferior to Mount Emei and Mount Qingcheng's orthodox Daoist schools, was an ancient lineage with considerable strength.

The Luo family had donated generously over the years precisely to secure a powerful patron who could hold the line.

Yet at this critical moment, this Qingfeng Daoist was still hesitating.

Wu Yuqing could no longer hold back: "Master, though I am not an inner disciple, I have always been loyal to the sect. If the Luo family perishes, who else will fully support the mountain?"

Hearing this, the old Daoist grew displeased and said sternly: "What are you complaining about? Upon hearing this, I immediately brought nearly half our sect's disciples—haven't I repaid your silver?"

"But this matter is no trivial affair."

"I've told you before to avoid trouble. Now you've sided with the Sichuan Merchants' Guild against the Shu Prince's Mansion—this entire conflict is your own doing."

"Besides, the Du family is no easy foe; they have deep ties with the underworld and connections to the Scatter Sect. If I am not cautious, this will spark a major upheaval!"

Wu Yuqing, upon hearing this, felt utterly defeated. After a moment of silence, she asked: "Master, what exactly do you plan to do?"

The old Daoist shook his head: "First, escort you back to Yibin, ensure the Luo family's assets are not seized by others; then I'll arrange for mediation—quarrels are better resolved than prolonged."

Wu Yuqing nodded: "I'll follow your advice, Master."

"Who's there?!"

At that moment, a Daoist in the courtyard suddenly drew his sword.

Li Yan leapt down from the roof, ignored the surrounding Daoists, and looked into the room, saying gravely: "Madam Wu, I've come."

Wu Yuqing's eyes brightened: "Young Master Li, please come in."

Li Yan strode into the chamber, nodded slightly at Qingfeng Daoist, then turned to Wu Yuqing: "The matter there is settled. I've come to take my leave."

He had heard their earlier conversation.

Since the Blood-Transmitted Jade Emperor Sect had no intention of going to war, he had no intention of getting involved further.

!.

Wu Yuqing's face remained calm; she did not speak immediately, but looked at Li Yan and asked: "Young Master Li, are you injured?"

Li Yan shook his head: "No harm. All this blood is theirs. My affairs are concluded—I should have some peace for a while."

The old Daoist beside him could no longer hold back: "You are Li Yan? How can you be so disrespectful?"

"Etiquette?"

Li Yan let out a scoff. "Sorry, I understand eating someone's grain and serving their cause, I understand a promise worth a thousand gold, I understand an eye for an eye—but as for etiquette, I truly don't get it!"

Having overheard the earlier exchange, he had no good impression of this old Daoist.

It's simple: even if the Xuanmen is serene, it's still the Jianghu.

The Luo family has long employed these patrons, yet at the critical moment, they refuse to draw blades—no matter how eloquently they speak, they're just cowards.

"How dare you!"

"You little brat, do you want to die?"

Outside, a group of Daoists had gathered; upon hearing this, they flew into a rage.

Master Qingfeng was their Fa Zhu.

Li Yan had dared to mock him—this was far too much.

The old Daoist Qingfeng, upon hearing this, did not grow angry; instead, he gestured for his disciples to step back, then shook his head. "When I was young, I was just like you. But sometimes, fighting and competing is not a good thing."

"When one day your decisions determine the lives of many disciples, you'll understand me."

Li Yan cast him a cool glance. "A man without trust cannot stand."

"This holds true for individuals, families, nations, and sects alike. Step by step, retreat leads not yet to disaster—but fortune has already fled. I've said all I have to say."

"Li Shaoxia, please stop."

Wu Yuqing sighed. "If the Luo family survives this calamity, we will repay your aid with all we have. Young master, watch your step on the road."

"Luo An, see the young master out."

"Yes, Lady."

The old steward Luo An hurried into the room and gestured. "Young master, please."

Li Yan nodded and followed Luo An out.

Watching their retreating figures, Master Qingfeng shook his head slightly. "Young people don't know heaven's height or earth's depth. Reckless in action, they invite great calamity—and still they persist. They won't live long."

"If your Luo family doesn't want to invite disaster, keep your distance from him."

"I've already arranged it: others will remain here to draw attention, while we escort you back to Yibin under cover of night."

"A disloyal son of the Luo family has been bribed by the Du family—they're working from within to seize your estate. You must return to take charge."

"Thank you, Private Secretary."

Wu Yuqing's expression remained calm, unreadable.

On the other side, after escorting Li Yan to the corner of the inn street, Luo An lowered his voice. "He's at the beggar's meat stall in the east city."

"Lady Wu has seen through the Jade Emperor Sect's intentions. If we bring Du Ping along, Master Qingfeng will likely return him to curry favor."

"The Jade Emperor Sect hasn't been blocked outside the city—likely because too many have come; the Du family dares not act. They're still outside..."

It seemed Wu Yuqing hadn't given up.

Li Yan, upon hearing this, grew interested. "Without the bloodline support of the Jade Emperor Sect, you can't match the Du family. What's your plan?"

Luo An whispered: "Sichuan Merchants' Guild. Lushan."

Li Yan immediately understood.

The Jade Emperor Fa Sect has two branches: Southern Transmission and Northern Transmission.

Southern Transmission uses talismanic cores to issue commands; Northern Transmission uses secret names to perform magic. The bloodline Jade Emperor Sect of Shu has its own hidden lineage.

But regardless of the branch, all are the Jade Emperor Sect, claiming to be 'the Law within Laws, the Supreme Law,' and all once held great power.

Now, under this Master Qingfeng's leadership, the bloodline Jade Emperor Sect of Shu has declined.

The heavens and earth have shifted—and so too has the Xuanmen.

If you don't fight now, you'll never get another chance.

Wu Yuqing clearly saw this too. Secretly, she contacted the Sichuan Merchants' Guild, asking Lushan to help.

Lushan's slogan is just as bold: "The Supreme in Heaven is the Jade Emperor; the Noblest on Earth is the Sovereign. All spirits and gods revere them—but only Lushan holds authority."

Their words are fierce, and their actions are ruthless.

In Guangdong, Guangxi, and Ganzhou, they command absolute control. In prestige, they rival even the orthodox Xuanmen sects.

Lushan likely seeks to enter Shu during this opportunity.

Killing the ghost sect's heretics would be the perfect excuse.

With such a powerful ally, the Sichuan Merchants' Guild would gain strength—and the Salt Guild would retreat.

If someone was causing trouble for the ghost sect, Li Yan naturally welcomed it. He paused, then spoke: "Lady Wu clearly has grand ambitions. If so, I'll lend you another hand—but I fear you won't dare accept."

Luo An smiled bitterly. "The Luo family has been driven to the brink. What's left we won't dare do?"

"Good."

Li Yan whispered: "I just seized a batch of Fire God Muskets from the Wang Fu. They won't dare make a sound about it. Carrying them is a nuisance—I might as well sell them to you."

"With weapons in hand, your voice grows stronger."

"New-style firearms?"

Luo An was stunned, sweat breaking on his brow.

"Hahahaha..."

Li Yan chuckled. "So you're still afraid. Make your own decision. The weapons are hidden in your pleasure barge. If you want them, settle the silver later."

With that, he strode into the alley and vanished.

Luo An's expression flickered uncertainly; he clenched his teeth and turned away.

He knew the Lady would take the goods.

The Luo family had relied too much on others.

Only when your own fists are strong will you never again suffer such humiliation.

On the other side, Li Yan had swiftly reached the east city.

The beggar's meat stall was an ordinary butcher shop—likely a covert outpost arranged by the Luo family in Ziyang, used to relay intelligence.

Li Yan stopped at the door.

The Luo family had hidden Du Ping here as a future countermeasure against the Du family—naturally, it had to be secret, quiet, and unremarkable.

Yet now, though the stall's door was tightly shut, its interior glowed brightly with light, and the scent of boiling mutton drifted out.

Then, a familiar voice rang out:

"Hurry up! Why is boiling mutton taking so long?!"

(End of Chapter)