Chapter 523: The Old Affairs Are Past, the Future Awaits

"Uncle?"

Looking at the white-bearded Zhi Tong Chan Master, Zou Shaohai blinked in surprise: "If your uncle's still alive, how old must he be…"

Before he finished speaking, he snapped back to himself and turned to look at Li Yan.

Li Yan said nothing, only nodded slightly.

Zou Shaohai instantly understood—he was a yin criminal who had returned from death.

Though not a sorcerer, he had cultivated martial arts to Gangjin, and even Daoist sects dared not underestimate him; naturally, he knew some things.

He also knew that orthodox Daoist sects would take in elder practitioners who had returned from death or disrupted yin-yang as their hidden reserves.

The old monk hiding at Lingquan Temple was likely him.

So Li Yan remained silent.

"You two have misunderstood…"

A nearby old monk suddenly spoke.

The old monk sat cross-legged on a cushion, fingers forming the lotus mudra, his eyes white and hollow—clearly blind.

Yet when he looked toward them, it felt as if he could pierce straight through their souls.

The old monk spoke gravely: "Though his seniority is high, he is not a monk of Guangde Temple, nor even a true disciple of the Buddha."

"His name is 'Lang Wu'—a shibi of a Qiang tribe on the Sichuan Plateau, and a hero in the hearts of the Qiang people at the time."

"During the previous dynasty, when the Golden Tent Wolf Kingdom invaded the Sichuan Plateau, he led his tribe in resistance, earning praise from every Daoist in Shu."

"He once dueled the shaman of the Golden Tent Wolf Kingdom, suffered grievous injuries, and nearly lost all his cultivation. My master's master, respecting his deeds, broke protocol and taught him the Nirvana Vajra Method, taking him as an honorary disciple to train within the temple."

"Thus, we all refer to him as 'Uncle.'"

"That year, a great earthquake struck Daba Mountain. He grew anxious for a Qiang tribe there and went to check on them—then vanished without a trace."

"Several monks closest to him set out to search, but when they found him, his nature had changed utterly—he had killed a monk and fled, disappearing without a trace."

"The next time we heard of him, he was the Lord of the Worship Dragon Cult."

"Having once studied Guangde Temple's secret methods, we secretly sent people to track him, but he appeared and vanished like a ghost—impossible to find."

Li Yan frowned: "Then the one at Lingquan Temple isn't him?"

Abbot Zhi Tong took over: "We are also investigating this matter. Coincidentally, one of our monks once encountered him."

He called out to the doorway: "Bring Master Hui Ming."

Soon after, a monk entered the Great Hero Hall.

The monk was tall and thin, clad in plain robes, clearly wounded—his left sleeve hung empty—but his gaze remained calm and composed.

Abbot Zhi Tong introduced: "This is Master Hui Ming, from Xixin Chan Temple in Changsha. He came to investigate a missing monk, which inadvertently exposed the hidden demon."

"Hui Ming, this is Li Yan, a rising star of the Daoist sects. You may recount the events to them."

Upon hearing Li Yan's name, the monk's eyes flickered with unmistakable surprise, yet he said nothing more, merely bowed and spoke: "This was sheer coincidence."

"To be frank, we traveled far to pursue a traitor and recover a stolen sect treasure."

"His dharma name is Chen Jue. After stealing the treasure, he fled to Shu, intending to seek refuge with another Buddhist renegade, 'Hui Yuan'—but Hui Yuan had already been slain by you."

"Hui Yuan?"

Li Yan first blinked, then recalled: the Shu Prince's court had indeed sent a squad of Lü Zong monks to ambush him, and he had killed them all.

"Correct."

Master Hui Ming spoke gravely: "That man has fallen into the path of evil, spreading heretical doctrines. If he obtains the Buddha treasure, who knows what atrocities he will commit."

"Now that Hui Yuan is dead, Chen Jue had nowhere to turn, so he assumed a false identity and took temporary lodging at Lingquan Temple—but his true identity was uncovered, and the temple's senior monks secretly alerted us."

"We planned to apprehend him, but he vanished suddenly."

"When we came to investigate, we found his belongings intact, yet his Buddhist relics and ritual implements were gone."

"It was his mistake—he stole the Buddha treasure but didn't know we carried ritual instruments that could trigger anomalies in the treasure…"

"The treasure remained at Lingquan Temple—in the room of an old layman who fetched water and farmed."

"We confronted him, only to discover he was a Daoist master—and Chen Jue had been hidden in a secret chamber. They attacked immediately, injuring several of us, but were soon surrounded by senior monks who arrived."

"Later, the old man summoned a serpent demon, unleashing a catastrophe!"

"So that's how it was."

Li Yan listened, then nodded slightly: "Master, have you seen this old man? Was his appearance like this?"

He pulled a painting from his robe.

It was the one drawn by Sha Li Fei.

His version was too abstract—he'd torn it up long ago.

Hui Ming studied it carefully, then shook his head: "It is indeed him, but his expression and demeanor differ slightly."

"Then it's confirmed."

Li Yan spoke gravely: "This man is the Lord of the Worship Dragon Cult. We destroyed one of his dens just days ago—never expected him to be hiding here."

"Chen Jue has almost certainly been absorbed by him, joined the Worship Dragon Cult, and is concealed within Lingquan Temple—surely with some scheme."

He turned to Abbot Zhi Tong: "May I ask, Elder, have you discovered anything else at Lingquan Temple? For instance, has the local deity been corrupted? Has the incense offering been stolen?"

"Young master, you jest."

Abbot Zhi Tong's expression remained calm: "Though Lingquan Temple's reputation doesn't match Guangde Temple's, we face each other across the river, our incense and fortune intertwined. 'Lang Wu' lacks such power."

"The arrangements found in his room were meant to conceal his aura—more like he was using the Bodhisattva's incense to hide from something…"

Hide from?

At these words, Li Yan's mind instantly flashed to the image of the Chengdu magnate.

Only that man could make the Lord of the Worship Dragon Cult flee.

"Young master, have you deduced something?"

Though his face showed no change, the blind old monk suddenly spoke.

Li Yan glanced at the old monk.

Indeed—it was Yi Shentong!

He had heard that Buddhist cultivation, though also based on the Six Yang Roots, could, through secret methods, develop wondrous abilities—such as Heart-Understanding.

Yi Shentong's perception was strongest, making Heart-Understanding easier to attain.

Of course, this method had many restrictions to read minds.

First, one needed considerable cultivation, and the target must not resist.

Li Yan carried the "Dragon-Snake Talisman," so the old monk sensed nothing—only detected a faint anomaly through tone shifts.

While cautious, it was also disrespectful.

Li Yan felt a flicker of annoyance: "I'm wondering—the Lord of the Worship Dragon Cult is powerful. Whoever forces him to hide must be even more formidable."

"Moreover, one other thing."

"The men sent by the Shu Prince were beaten by me. According to them, their original plan was to lure me to Lingquan Temple, then let others strike."

"Investigate the Shu Prince's court—this may be connected!"

At these words, the hall fell silent.

Abbot Zhi Tong shook his head: "Young master, I've heard of your dealings with the Shu Prince. But Guangde Temple is favored by the imperial court and watched by too many eyes—we cannot involve ourselves."

"As for the Worship Dragon Cult, rest assured, I will dispatch messengers today to contact our allies at Emei and Qingcheng to jointly purge the cult and prevent disaster in Shu."

"Young master, you've labored tirelessly for this cause—your merit is boundless. The people of Shu may not know, but the Daoist sects will not forget."

He reached into his robe and withdrew a string of prayer beads, which a disciple took and brought to Li Yan.

Li Yan looked down—the beads were made of agarwood, radiating extraordinary spiritual aura, thick with incense energy, stirring even his Great Luo Dharma Body.

The agarwood was clearly a celestial treasure—dense in weight, its fragrance calming the spirit, and inscribed densely with characters: "Namo Great Compassionate, Great Merciful, Saviour of Suffering, Responsive Guanyin Bodhisattva Mahasattva, Namo Buddha, Namo Dharma, Namo Sangha…"

Carved with micro-engraving—only Li Yan's sharp eyes could discern them; otherwise, they'd appear as natural grain patterns.

"This was crafted by my own hands," said Abbot Zhi Tong.

"It bears the White Robe Bodhisattva Mantra, and has been enshrined in the Guanyin Hall for twenty years. It enhances fortune, wards off disaster, and during spirit cultivation, this treasure shields you from mental demons."

Li Yan's eyes lit up; he immediately bowed: "Thank you, Elder."

He had no fear of mental demons—but this was a priceless treasure for his companions.

Especially Sha Li Fei, now aged and prone to mental unrest—this would greatly accelerate his spirit cultivation.

This trip up the mountain had been more than worth it.

Abbot Zhi Tong added: "This is merely our token of appreciation. Moreover, though Guangde Temple cannot intervene, as long as you remain within Suining's borders, no one will trouble you."

"Thank you, Elder."

Li Yan bowed again in gratitude.

He looked at each of them in turn.

He understood now.

Guangde Temple was an imperial Chan monastery, the sacred Buddhist center of the southwest—renowned, yet burdened by too many constraints.

Especially imperial affairs—they dared not touch.

But protecting their own territory? That was no problem.

Abbot Zhi Tong nodded, then turned to Zou Shaohai: "Chairman Zou, the Worship Dragon Cult has secretly corrupted dragon temples across the land—they seek to trigger floods."

"Daoist sects have their duties, but we also rely on heroes from the rivers and lakes. This matter requires your help on behalf of Guangde Temple."

"Master, rest assured—I, Zou, will not fail your trust!"

Zou Shaohai felt a weight lift from his chest.

This was exactly what he had come here to secure.

Thanks to Li Yan's involvement, the Divine Fist Society finally revealed itself, letting the Sichuan underworld know they were not just outsiders sitting idle.

And crushing the Worship Dragon Cult would be a fine opportunity to bolster their prestige.

Li Yan was quite satisfied with this.

They had already angered the Worship Dragon Cult; with the Xuanmen and the underworld uniting, the enemy was overextended and had no time to bother them.

What remained was to focus on resolving the matter of the Wang Fu.

Both men, fully satisfied, took their leave.

After they departed, the Great Hero Hall fell into silence.

"Senior Abbot, that 'Lang Wu' was surely controlled by the River God Lord—no wonder he sought to destroy the Dujiangyan. Was this the demonic trial from our Master's dream?"

"This is heavenly mystery—how could mortals foresee it?"

"First, focus all efforts on capturing this man."

"Also, after the Lingquan Temple's disaster, morale will be shaken—send disciples down the mountain to perform rites, pacify the spirits and calm the people…"

"Tomorrow is Winter Solstice; the ritual assemblies will continue. Issue orders to all courtyard disciples: remain vigilant and guard against demonic intruders."

"Yes, Senior Brother."

…………

"Congratulations, Li Shaoxia, on acquiring the treasure."

On the Fujiang, Zou Shaohai smiled and spoke.

"I must thank you, Elder, for your introduction."

Li Yan was in good spirits and, after a moment's thought, added a warning: "The Worship Dragon Cult's dark arts are formidable—do not underestimate them. If you discover anything, never act alone."

"Naturally."

Zou Shaohai stroked his beard and smiled: "Though I was lucky enough to reach Gangjing, my cultivation has stalled here. I know well there are those beyond me, heavens beyond heavens."

"All my running about is merely to pave a path for the younger generation—I know my limits."

He paused, then lowered his voice: "If Li Shaoxia plans to enter Chengdu, let me know first—I'll arrange things for you, so you're not tricked."

"Thank you, Elder."

As they spoke, the boat arrived at the Suining City dock.

"Take care!"

"Take care!"

Li Yan leapt onto the dock and bowed farewell.

They would rest in Suining for a while, while Zou Shaohai would head to Chongqing Fu to gather the Sichuan Divine Fist Society and plan the campaign against the Worship Dragon Cult during the year-end assembly.

……

Back at Ruifu Manor, Li Yan recounted the events on the mountain.

"Good news!"

"The Worship Dragon Cult is too busy with its own troubles; Guangde Temple has made its stance clear, and the Wang Fu won't dare interfere—we can have some peace for a while."

"Exactly! Let's properly celebrate Winter Solstice!"

Hearing this, everyone's spirits lifted.

Li Yan, seeing this, fell silent for a moment: "This is my fault—I insisted on taking the 'Ruyi Baozhu'…"

He could see no one enjoyed this endless stream of trouble.

"What nonsense are you talking, Brother Yan!"

Sha Lifei immediately shook his head: "We wander the underworld seeking inner peace—if we retreat now from the Wang Fu's aggression, we'll choke on this rage and won't even make it through the New Year."

"Exactly."

Wang Daoxuan also stroked his beard and smiled: "We've just put up the Twelve Zodiacs' banner—how could we retreat now?"

"Right, right!"

Sha Lifei's eyes lit up; he patted his bald head and chuckled: "Yesterday at Wangjiang Tower, someone called me 'Wu Ma Brother'—that's the first time I've been recognized! Never thought I, Sha Guangsheng, would have this day."

"Sha Guangsheng?"

Lu San looked bewildered: "Aren't you called Sha Lifei?"

"'Sha Lifei' is my nickname!"

Sha Lifei sighed: "My real name is Sha Guangsheng. I chose a flashy nickname to impress people in the underworld—but it became a joke."

"Even I nearly forgot my real name. But it's fine—now that I've earned recognition, these years weren't wasted."

Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard and smiled: "The past is past—no need to dwell on it. My real name is Wang Lao Nian—who remembers that?"

"Wang Lao Nian?!"

Lu San was even more astonished, staring at Wang Daoxuan's ethereal demeanor—it was impossible to link it to "Wang Lao Nian."

"Hahaha…"

Sha Lifei burst out laughing: "Lu San, you probably don't know—'Long Yan' was also a underworld alias. Her real name was Long A Mei…"

As he spoke, his expression turned slightly uneasy.

Li Yan noticed and quickly changed the subject, turning to Wu Ba with a smile: "Wu Ba has a simple, honest nature—'Chou Niu' suits him well. Daoist, what title should I take?"

Wang Daoxuan pondered: "You excel in Thunder Art and Water Stealth, rising from the wilderness. The Chen corresponds to Zhen—naturally, you are Tian Gang Yuan Chen."

"Take the title 'Chen Long.'"

"One day, you shall ride the wind and clouds to ascend the Ninth Heaven!"

(End of Chapter)