Chapter 510: Long Feng Ancient Town

The river rolled on, fine snow drifting down.

Li Yan, wrapped in a fur-lined coat, stood on the deck, feeling the biting wind against his face; the river surface was veiled in thin mist, the banks draped in silver, and merchant ships never ceased passing by.

"This year's weather is truly strange!"

"Last year at this time we were just putting on cotton coats—this year it's been snowing nonstop, freezing us like dogs!"

A short, sturdy man stepped out from the cabin, feigning complaint about the weather, but his eyes kept flicking toward Li Yan, seeking to strike up a conversation.

He was the captain of this boat.

At the junction of the Fujiang and Qiongjiang rivers, he had been stopped by Li Yan and persuaded to take them aboard.

That place was remote wilderness—it had startled him so badly he'd thought they were river bandits lying in wait, nearly drawn his blade.

But along this journey, he'd come to see these people were no ordinary travelers.

Their martial skill spoke for itself, and their generosity with silver was extraordinary.

He'd spent years on the river, his courage well-tested; encountering patrons like these, he naturally wanted to probe their background—perhaps future gains lay hidden.

Such people were a breed common in the Jianghu.

Generally, those who traveled the Jianghu kept their mouths shut, avoiding idle inquiries that invited trouble.

But there was another kind—those who bowed low in deference, served tea and wine with humility, and always rushed to join any conversation, whether with peddlers, scholars, or common folk, acting as if they'd known you forever.

If you cursed at them, they'd apologize instantly and slip away.

If you told a story, they'd listen with rapt attention.

These people traded in rumors—their heads brimmed with tidbits, and they'd seize any scrap of conversation to turn it into a small fortune.

Sha Li Fei had once been like this.

"A timely snow foretells a bountiful year."

Li Yan laughed off the remark casually and asked, "Captain, tell me about Long Feng Town?"

"Long Feng Town?"

The captain squatted by the rail, lit his pipe, and drew a slow puff. "It's just a dock—close to Suining County. If you're heading inland via the official road or taking a tributary to other towns, this is the most convenient spot."

"They say it used to be Jinma Field. Over ten years ago, a mysterious fire burned it to ashes. Later, they chose a more open site and rebuilt the town—it's now the liveliest place around Suining Prefecture…"

Li Yan listened closely, nodding slightly.

After completing their mission, they'd received a message from Wang Daoxuan saying he'd moved—waiting for them in Long Feng Town.

And Wang Daoxuan seemed to be under surveillance.

No one knew by whom.

Upon receiving the letter, Li Yan and the others immediately boarded a boat heading north.

"Gentlemen, we're almost there!"

The captain's voice abruptly broke Li Yan's thoughts.

Li Yan looked up and saw the passenger boat rounding a bend—on the left bank of the Fujiang, a dock appeared, precisely at the confluence of the diverging channels.

It was just past noon; fine snowflakes drifted, the wind piercingly cold, yet the dock teemed with activity, crowds surging, noise never ceasing.

The number of moored boats was immense, some even spilling into the river, with frequent curses erupting from collisions.

Li Yan frowned slightly and asked, "Captain, is Long Feng Town usually this busy?"

"Not usually."

The captain looked puzzled. "Long Feng Town is prosperous, but it's still just a regular dock. If it were this crowded, the imperial court would've expanded it long ago."

"Something must have happened!"

The captain was sharp—he didn't need Li Yan to say more. He sent a crewman off in a small boat to scout and gather information.

The answer came quickly.

"Guangde Temple is holding a Dharma Assembly."

Upon hearing the report, the captain's face lit up. "No wonder so many people—Guangde Temple is the sacred Buddhist site of Shu. Every Dharma Assembly is a major event across the region."

"A few years back, Guangde Temple was destroyed by fire. The court allocated silver to rebuild it, and last month the repairs were completed."

"In a few days is the seventeenth day of the eleventh month—the Buddha Amitabha's birthday. Two days after that is the Sunlight Bodhisattva's birthday, followed immediately by the Winter Solstice."

"Several days of rituals will follow. All the faithful from across Shu will come—many wealthy patrons. The Changchun Guild has even hired performers to set up stages outside the temple."

"In short, it's bustling. You can follow this river straight to Guangde Temple."

"Gentlemen, if you're staying here, you absolutely must not miss it."

"Indeed, thank you."

Li Yan pondered silently, gave a slight bow, then turned and entered the cabin to notify Sha Li Fei and Lu San.

The Yu family remained at the bamboo cottage refining spirit tea; by now, they should be on their way to Qingcheng Mountain to meet them.

This Qingcheng Mountain cellar opening was the Song-era ancient cellar.

They were treasure-seekers—this opportunity could not be missed.

As for Sha Li Fei, though he had successfully awakened his spiritual ability, his energy had been heavily drained, and with the need to learn spirit retention, he spent most of his time either sleeping or seated in meditation.

Lu San stayed by his side, guarding him.

After two days on the boat, Sha Li Fei stepped out into the cold wind and shivered violently. "Damn, we finally made it."

"Gentlemen, may I ask your names…"

The captain still wouldn't give up, hoping to learn Li Yan's name for future business.

"Meeting need not mean knowing. Knowing brings trouble."

Li Yan slipped silver into his hand and smiled faintly.

"Alright."

The captain sighed, barked to his crew: "Send the small boat—take these guests ashore."

Their journey to Mianzhou was only halfway done.

"Thank you."

Li Yan and the others bid farewell, boarding the small boat as it pulled away.

"What an attitude!"

Watching their retreating figures, one crewman sneered, muttering under his breath: "Acting so high and mighty—won't even give their names."

"They're right not to…"

A hoarse voice suddenly rang out from the boat.

It was an old man in black, traveling with them.

He gave a cold laugh and shook his head. "If I'm not mistaken, this is the group that's been stirring up the Jianghu lately—the ones the Shu Prince's mansion has put a bounty on."

"They've killed several senior masters from various sects. Are you really so foolish as to try and befriend them? Don't you fear trouble coming your way?"

The captain's forehead instantly broke into cold sweat.

"The ones who killed the abbot of Pu'an Temple? Old Master Luo, why didn't you warn me?"

"Those are sorcerers—every movement on this boat is visible to them. I didn't dare even breathe—how could I have warned you?"

"But… they don't look like villains."

"Right and wrong, good and evil—many things are unclear. If the Shu Prince's mansion says they're thieves, then they're thieves."

"Just be careful from now on."

"Yes, yes, thank you for the warning, Old Master…"

…………

Leaving aside the captain, now pale with fear,

Li Yan and the other three, upon reaching shore, wrapped themselves in cloaks and pulled on conical hats, concealing their faces as they headed toward the town.

The town was small, but it had walls and gates.

Above the gate, the characters "Long Feng Ancient Town" were not old, yet their strokes were bold and deep, radiating an ancient aura.

On either side of the gate, soldiers stood guard with spears.

In ordinary small towns and counties, guards were often lazy; after standing too long, their postures slumped.

These soldiers, however, stood rigid and stern—clearly well-trained, indicating a military garrison must be nearby. Fortunately, inspections were lax.

Li Yan and the others merged into the crowd, entering the town. It was small, elongated, with a single main street paved in blue stone running east to west.

Shops lined both sides, bustling with life.

Though it was winter, the vitality of the marketplace had only intensified.

In teahouses, fires blazed; patrons sat around the hearths, sipping tea and chatting, listening to storytellers and singers, music never ceasing.

In taverns, voices roared—people from all walks of life gathered, some drinking loudly and shouting dice games, others whispering in corners, eyes constantly scanning the surroundings.

"Pengxi Ginger Cake—sweet, not cloying!"

"Five-Spice Tofu Jerky—take some home and taste!"

"Soy Skin—family-secret seasoning, the finest in Long Feng!"

Street vendors called out their wares without pause.

In eateries, steaming buns rose in bamboo baskets, white mist swirling in the winter air, filling the streets with aroma.

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The three had not eaten a proper meal since setting out.

The scent made even Lu San's stomach growl.

"Find the Daoist first!"

Seeing Sha Li Fei's eyes darting around, Li Yan whispered a warning and led them along the crowd toward the western end of town.

The inn where Wang Daoxuan stayed was called Qingyuan Tower; the town was small, and after walking only a short while, the three of them spotted the sign from afar.

After taking just two steps, Li Yan stopped, lost in thought, gazing across the inn.

"What's wrong?"

Someone is watching from over there—just ordinary folks from the martial world, ignore them. Let's first meet up with the Daoist.

As they spoke, Li Yan and the others arrived outside the inn.

"Guests, may I ask who you are…?"

"We've reserved a room—Daoist Mobile Corps Commander."

"Oh, please come in."

The waiter's expression changed, becoming even more respectful.

During this time, Wang Daoxuan had been operating under the alias Daoist Mobile Corps Commander, mentioning only a minor name.

It seemed the Daoist had once again fallen into his habitual modesty.

The waiter bowed and gestured for them to enter, leading them upstairs, where they directly spotted Wang Daoxuan stepping out of a room.

"Daoist, you've worked hard!"

Without hesitation, Li Yan stepped forward and embraced him.

In this split-force operation, though both he and Sha Lifei faced danger, Wang Daoxuan's situation was by far the most complex.

"Ah, what are you doing…?"

Wang Daoxuan chuckled helplessly, unaccustomed to such warmth, yet said nothing—only opened the door and invited them inside.

Watching the door close, the waiter swallowed hard and turned away.

He hurried downstairs, rushed to the innkeeper, grabbed his sleeve, and whispered: "Master, there really are Twelve Zodiacs here—the three who arrived must be them."

It wasn't just Wang Daoxuan who was famous.

"Mobile Corps Commander" was indeed well-known, but every time someone provoked them, it was Wu Ba who struck back—"Chou Niu" was no less renowned.

Many suspected that if both Mobile Corps Commander and Chou Niu had appeared, perhaps the other Twelve Zodiacs truly existed.

If they did, they would be a formidable force.

Upon hearing this, the innkeeper's eyes widened, and he grabbed the waiter's ear, whispering harshly: "What nonsense are you spouting? Watch your mouth—pretend ignorance if anyone asks."

"Yes, yes, yes."

The waiter winced in pain and dared not speak again.

They did not know their conversation had been fully overheard by Lu San and Li Yan, both possessing the Ear Divine Power.

Li Yan paid it no mind and smiled: "Daoist, you're not being honest—this isn't just a minor reputation."

Wang Daoxuan sighed, shaking his head: "I never wished to stir trouble, but in Nanchong, someone spread rumors and incited others to challenge us."

"Wu Ba drove off several groups, and it all became noisy."

"Hehe!"

Wu Ba seemed slightly embarrassed, scratching his head with a foolish grin.

Li Yan looked at Wu Ba seriously: "Brother Wu Ba, you've worked hard. On the road, I thought about it—Baji might suit you best. At the Laba Huangquan Gathering, I'll arrange for someone to guide you in."

At this moment, he fully recognized Wu Ba.

"Hehe, eat eat…"

Wu Ba's face flushed, unsure what to say, so he picked up a bundle, unwrapped the oil paper, and revealed a large roasted chicken, glistening with oil.

"Brother Wu Ba is truly thoughtful!"

Sha Lifei laughed, took it immediately, tore it apart with chopsticks, and passed portions to each, then pulled a jar of wine from the bundle: "Bought this from the boat captain—Tuojiang Laojiao. Let's drink a toast."

He poured a bowl for each.

"Cheers!"

All raised their bowls and drained them.

Sha Lifei rose again, opened the door, and ordered the waiter to prepare a full banquet, then sat down to eat and drink heartily.

Li Yan bit into the roasted chicken to fill his stomach and said: "Daoist, what exactly happened? Let's eat and talk."

"Not much."

Wang Daoxuan said: "After we got leads from the Ghost Qiang Ancient Village, the Commandant's Office and the Enforcement Hall began hunting down the Worship the Dragon Cult."

"Several people died—famous bandits from the Jianghu, and powerful evil Daoists from the southwest."

"Following that trail, the Commandant's Office found one of their secret halls, fought through it, and captured some survivors."

"But they made too much noise; soon after, they found two more locations—empty, with no one left. Then all traces vanished."

"With the New Year approaching and affairs piling up, the Iron Buddha Sect couldn't afford to linger—they withdrew their top experts, and the Commandant's Office pulled back most of their personnel."

"I sensed something was off—they'd never find anything on their own—so I took the guise of a demon-hunting Daoist and came here."

"Oh?"

Li Yan's eyes lit up: "Are there leads here?"

Wang Daoxuan nodded, whispering: "According to the demon-hunting hunter who ran errands for me, they saw a fool in Longfeng Town—once a fisherman, who claimed he met the 'Night Dragon King' and a river corpse dressed as a bride."

"The man was driven mad and has wandered the town begging ever since—but now he's vanished. The demon-hunters are searching everywhere for him."

"I see."

Li Yan understood at once.

Others might dismiss these rumors.

But they had a clear target—they could trace meaningful clues.

This was likely a human sacrifice.

Perhaps even the Dragon Maiden Temple he sought.

Though these demon-hunters were at the bottom of the Daoist world, they were all seasoned veterans in the Jianghu.

With them gathering intelligence, Li Yan wasn't in a hurry. After eating, drinking, and washing up, they each returned to their rooms to rest and regain their strength.

Back in his room, Li Yan lay on the bed and took out the Soul Ledger, examining it from all angles.

Along the way, he had begun to understand what he must do.

The Yin Bureau's Soul Ledger targets yin offenders who disrupt the balance of yin and yang.

Then this Heavenly Court's Thunder Mansion decree—

must target those who violate the Heavenly Laws.

Perhaps even

those who descended to the mortal realm without permission…

(End of Chapter)