Chapter 528: News of the Cheng Jianxian

The snow had just cleared, and Mount Qingcheng was wrapped in a silver mantle.

Snow weighed down the pine branches, the verdant green and pristine white creating a delightful contrast. Mist rose, and under the sunlight, it looked like an ink wash painting.

An ancient path wound between the mountain peaks, covered in snow and rarely trodden by travelers, save for the occasional tracks left by small animals.

Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan walked through the mountains, their boots crunching in the snow. Looking out at the vast, desolate landscape, their hearts felt remarkably at ease.

"What a fine place..."

Wang Daoxuan exhaled a puff of white mist, praising with a smile, "Mount Qingcheng is known for its serenity, and it truly lives up to its name. Even in winter, it has a unique charm."

"Charm or whatever, we can talk about that later."

Li Yan looked around and shook his head. "Where exactly is the Shuiyue Nunnery? This is the middle of nowhere; there isn't a soul to ask."

Only after arriving at the foot of Mount Qingcheng did he realize his miscalculation.

The weather was freezing, the mountains were sealed by heavy snow, and there wasn't a single pedestrian on the road. Moreover, the mountain paths of Qingcheng were not like his previous life, equipped with signposts.

The two of them couldn't find the Shuiyue Nunnery and had actually gotten lost.

"How about we just head up the mountain?"

Wang Daoxuan looked into the distance and shook his head. "It'll be dark soon. There should be a secular Daoist temple at the foot of Mount Qingcheng where commoners go to offer incense. Let's go there first and ask for directions."

Li Yan pondered for a moment and nodded. "That works."

He had originally wanted to go to the Shuiyue Nunnery first to see the elderly Lady Bai Wan and then ask Master Xiaoyue about the situation on the mountain to avoid any mistakes.

But given the circumstances, they had no choice but to head up the mountain first.

Having made up their minds, the two stopped wandering aimlessly, returned to the main road, and followed it toward Mount Qingcheng.

Mount Qingcheng was shrouded in clouds and mist, the distant peaks resembling light ink strokes. Coupled with the overcast winter sky and the absence of the sun, the light grew dim as dusk approached.

The two ascended the slippery stone steps, noticing faint lights in the distance and a cluster of buildings hidden among the snow-covered branches.

However, Li Yan and his companion did not rush to approach.

In a nearby pavilion, a Daoist sat cross-legged with a long sword strapped to his back. Despite the freezing weather, he wore only a thin Daoist robe.

He appeared to be of advanced age, with a vigorous countenance and hair that was somewhat gray, keeping watch alone in the pavilion.

Yet, Li Yan dared not underestimate him in the slightest.

To be able to guard the mountain gate in such weather meant that his martial arts had at least reached the level of being impervious to cold and heat.

Li Yan himself did not possess such ability.

Sure enough, hearing the two stop, the Daoist slowly opened his eyes, rose, and came before them, offering a slight Daoist salute. "Two fellow Daoists, what brings you up the mountain?"

This Daoist had long since perceived that Li Yan and his companion were practitioners.

Had they been ordinary people, he would not have revealed himself at all.

"I am Li Yan, here to pay a visit to the mountain."

Li Yan took a letter of introduction from his robes.

Behind it was also tucked a letter from the Wudang Sect Leader, Master Yuchan.

After the Daoist took it and glanced at it a few times, he immediately smiled. "So it is the young hero Li, who has recently shaken the martial world. I have heard of you even up here on the mountain."

"I am Ming Shanzi. The weather is freezing; young hero, please follow me. Rest for the night at the Jianfu Palace, and it will not be too late to head up the mountain tomorrow."

"Many thanks, Daoist."

Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan hurriedly cupped their hands in thanks.

Led by the Daoist, the two turned toward a mountain path on the right.

They hadn't walked far before they saw a palace complex standing beneath a cliff, with the three characters "Jianfu Palace" inscribed on the gate archway.

The couplets on either side read: "Playing the flute in the cold, the jade pipe keeps the green phoenix dwelling," and "Near the cloud path, the old man Du asks for the white hair to be removed."

The architectural style was typical of the Shu region.

Seeing that the two seemed very interested, Ming Shanzi smiled and introduced, "Legend has it that this place is where the Immortal Ning Fengzi practiced. It was first built in the Tang Dynasty and originally named 'Zhangren Temple,' then renamed 'Jianfu Palace' in the Southern Song Dynasty."

It was already evening, and the sound of wooden fish echoed through the temple, along with the voices of young Daoists performing their evening lessons.

"Uncle-Master."

The young Daoist at the gate saw the three and hurriedly stepped forward.

"These two are fellow Daoists heading up the mountain."

Ming Shanzi smiled. "Go prepare two fine guest rooms and some vegetarian meals."

"Yes, Uncle-Master."

After the young Daoist left, Ming Shanzi led the two into the palace, briefly introducing, "The Immortal Ning Fengzi is the main deity of Qingcheng, and he is primarily worshipped here, along with the senior Du Guangting. The halls behind are dedicated to the Supreme Venerable Sovereign and the Eastern Flower Emperor."

"With the heavy snow sealing the mountains recently, there are no guests, so the rooms are inevitably dusty and need to be tidied up. Please follow me to have some tea."

With that, he led the two to a quiet room and poured tea himself.

"Daoist, you are too kind."

Li Yan cupped his hands slightly, feeling somewhat strange.

The status of Qingcheng in the Shu region went without saying.

He did not believe that his meager reputation in the martial world was worth such courteous treatment from others.

Sure enough, the Daoist smiled slightly, stroked his beard, and said, "Young friend, there is no need to worry. To be honest, I am usually on the mountain, and I took the initiative to guard the gate specifically to wait for you."

"Waiting specifically for me?"

Li Yan's heart skipped a beat. "I ask that you please enlighten me, senior."

Ming Shanzi did not hide it either, smiling, "My secular surname is Cheng, and the Dianyi Sect Leader, Cheng Yuanxing, is my elder brother."

People from the Cheng family...

Li Yan grew vigilant, suddenly realizing, "So that's it. Senior Cheng's divination skills are astonishing; he even helped us shake off the entanglement of the Shu Prince's Mansion at the time. It is a pity we never had the chance to meet."

After leaving Fengdu, the Shu Prince's Mansion had sent men to block the river, so they had not headed up the mountain.

Li Yan deliberately pointed this out, firstly to acknowledge the favor, and secondly to express his confusion; their relationship did not warrant such treatment.

Ming Shanzi naturally understood his meaning, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Young friend, there is no need to be on guard. I waited here for you because I have something I wish to ask."

Li Yan nodded. "Please speak, senior."

Ming Shanzi clenched his fists, his eyes growing agitated, and he said with a trembling voice, "Young friend, have you met our Cheng family ancestor?"

"The Cheng Jianxian?"

Li Yan was somewhat surprised and shook his head. "I have long admired the Cheng Jianxian's heroic bearing, but unfortunately, I have never had the chance to meet him. Where did you hear this news, senior?"

Ming Shanzi said with a trembling voice, "It was a message from the ancestor himself, mentioning you."

"What?!"

Li Yan was shocked, his heart growing even more confused. "To be honest, I truly have not met the Cheng Jianxian. Perhaps he heard some things about me?"

"No."

Ming Shanzi was somewhat urgent, shaking his head. "The ancestor's message said that he had traveled to many places and seen heroes rising everywhere in the world, with dragons and snakes emerging; he feared that the transformation of the mortal world was not far off."

"He told my Cheng family to give up the struggle for the Qingcheng Sect Leader position, and he also mentioned you, saying that with black evil beneath your feet and thunder energy above your head, you are likely the one to face the calamity, and warned the Cheng family not to provoke you."

Hearing this, Li Yan's heart suddenly jolted.

He knew that this Cheng Jianxian must have seen him.

Others might be confused, but he knew exactly what was going on.

Yet, he carried the Dragon-Snake Token with him at all times.

Such a technique of observing Qi was simply unheard of!

Thinking of this, Li Yan swallowed hard. "Senior, could you please remind me, what does the Cheng Jianxian look like?"

Ming Shanzi hesitated for a moment and sighed, "Since the ancestor mentioned you, young friend, there are some things I need not hide."

"Many years ago, my ancestor said he vaguely felt an opportunity to ascend to divinity, so he resigned from the position of Shu Mountain Sect Leader and practiced in seclusion."

"My ancestor is a Cheng Jianxian, naturally handsome and elegant, like an exiled immortal descended to earth, but later, I don't know what happened; he stopped mentioning ascension and just lived in seclusion in the back mountains of the clan, reading ancient texts."

"We thought the ancestor had failed in his ascension, and no one dared to mention it again. The ancestor rarely appeared, but according to the disciples who went to deliver food, the ancestor's body had grown weaker and weaker, and he had gone blind in both eyes..."

Clatter! The teacup in Li Yan's hand slipped, falling onto the table...

…………

Guanxian, Qingjiang Inn, in the main hall.

Bang!

Sha Lifei slammed the table hard, his eyes wide, and cursed angrily, "You bunch of idiots, I told you it had nothing to do with me, so why are you still acting like this!"

Opposite them, several yamen runners were on high alert.

The head constable was a man with a face full of flesh; hearing this, he showed no fear, gripped his sword hilt, and said coldly, "Audacious!"

"Martial world bandits, do you intend to openly resist arrest!"

His words were tough, but his body was trembling slightly; he was clearly terrified, yet forcing himself not to retreat.

"Constable Wan, let's talk this over."

Wang Tianzuo of the Shunyuan Escort Agency saw this and hurriedly stepped forward, smiling, "This is a misunderstanding. I can testify; if we were the murderers, why would we have gone to report the case?"

As he spoke, he slipped in a silver ingot.

(In one look...)

"None of that!"

The constable pushed it away, threw the silver on the ground, and gritted his teeth at Sha Lifei. "You've committed a crime. If you have the guts, kill us; otherwise, surrender!"

Wang Tianzuo saw this, and his face immediately darkened. "Constable Wan, there are some things you cannot interfere with."

At this moment, he had vaguely guessed the reason...

"Hmph!"

Constable Wan clearly knew Wang Tianzuo; hearing this, he let out a cold snort. "Brother Wang, this matter is also not something your Shunyuan Escort Agency can interfere with. Listen to me, just leave directly."

Wang Tianzuo narrowed his eyes. "And if I don't?"

For a moment, the atmosphere in the inn was as gloomy as water.

Other guests saw this, felt a chill in their hearts, and retreated one after another.

At the same time, Lu San's heart stirred, and he whispered in Sha Lifei's ear, "There's an ambush outside, a hundred garrison soldiers, and they're carrying firearms."

"Mm."

Sha Lifei nodded slightly and gave a look in passing.

He now understood what was going on.

Previously, in a ruined temple, they had discovered a murder case.

With the intention of accumulating merit, they had taken some items from the carriage and, upon arriving in Guanxian, immediately went to the county yamen to report the case.

There was nothing unusual when they went.

Approaching the end of the year, the yamen was very quiet, and the duty officer recorded it casually, looking as if he didn't take it seriously at all.

But just as they settled into the inn and were halfway through their meal in the main hall, a large group of yamen runners swarmed in, saying they were involved in a murder case and were there to make arrests.

Thinking about it, anyone could tell there was something fishy.

Surrendering was impossible.

The government has two mouths; once you're in the yamen, if they say you're a criminal, you're a criminal, and there's no telling what methods they might use later.

If there was no other way, they would have to fight their way out.

"Report!"

Just then, a yamen runner rushed in, panting, and hurriedly cupped his hands. "Constable, the human traffickers have been caught."

"What did you say?"

Constable Wan was stunned, clearly finding it unbelievable.

The yamen runner hurriedly whispered, "Those servants were tied up, thrown into the main hall, crying and wailing, and they've confessed to everything."

"They said they lost money gambling, were having a hard time at the end of the year, and were blinded by greed and killed their master. The magistrate wants you to return immediately."

"Who the f..."

Constable Wan cursed halfway, hurriedly shut his mouth, then glared fiercely at Sha Lifei and the others, saying somewhat unwillingly, "Withdraw!"

With that, he led the group of yamen runners out of the inn.

"Guest, look at this..."

The innkeeper, who had been hiding behind the counter, finally emerged cautiously.

"It's nothing."

Sha Lifei waved his hand and said casually, "What bad luck. Innkeeper, prepare another table of wine and food and have it sent to our room."

With that, he gave a look and led the others back to their room.

"That guy named Wan is bait!"

Just as they entered the room, Wang Tianzuo sneered, "This guy is very greedy; he didn't even want the silver, yet he stuck his head out. It's most likely someone promised him benefits to cause you trouble."

"It should be the Shu Prince's Mansion."

Sha Lifei looked out the window and said in a deep voice, "Someone recognized us. To mobilize garrison soldiers in such a short time is not something a single county can do."

"There are people from the Shu Prince's Mansion in Guanxian."

Wang Tianzuo heard this and said apologetically, "Brother Sha, I'm sorry. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have come to Guanxian."

Sha Lifei shook his head and smiled. "Brother Wang, why say that? To be honest, we have other important business in Guanxian."

They had come to Guanxian to search for clues about the Erlang True Monarch.

This matter was secret and naturally could not be told to Wang Tianzuo.

But the fact that he hadn't fled in a moment of crisis and had stood with them meant he could be called a hero wherever he went.

"Oh, I see."

Wang Tianzuo felt a bit better, but he was also tactful and didn't ask further, instead saying with a worried face, "Since there are people from the Shu Prince's Mansion here, I'm afraid there will be further measures."

"Brother Sha, you'd better leave the city overnight. I have some connections here and can arrange it immediately."

"No rush."

Sha Lifei picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked out the window thoughtfully. "Those garrison soldiers haven't withdrawn yet. If we leave now, we'll likely be framed with some crime."

"What I'm more curious about is, who is helping us?"

The criminals certainly wouldn't have run to the yamen to confess on their own.

To be able to get the news in such a short time and catch those servants and throw them into the yamen was definitely not the work of ordinary people...

"They're here!"

Lu San suddenly spoke, looking toward the door.

Knock, knock, knock!

A knocking sound was heard, followed by the creaking of the wooden door, and a middle-aged man in white walked in, his features upright and very refined.

"Greetings to you all."

He smiled slightly, cupped his hands while holding a fan, and scanned the room. "The Noon Horse, Ox, and Dog have all arrived. I wonder where the young hero Li has gone?"

Sha Lifei's heart jolted, and he cupped his hands, saying in a deep voice, "It was you who helped us resolve the siege, right?"

"We have never met; may I ask your honorable name?"

The man smiled slightly, and the folding fan in his hand snapped open, revealing eight large characters: "The formless form, the imageless image."

This phrase originated from the *Laozi*.

"Boundless, it cannot be named, returning to nothingness. This is called the formless form, the imageless image, this is called the elusive."

Wang Tianzuo saw this, and his face immediately changed.

"Young Master Wuxiang!"

Sha Lifei heard this, and his heart immediately grew vigilant.

He had heard Li Yan mention this person.

This "Young Master Wuxiang" was a famous underworld expert in Chengdu Prefecture. Back then, at the Wu Hou Shrine, he had competed for the "Zither Insect" and had even lured away Tang Ling to kill the Commandery Prince.

Zou Shaohai, the leader of the Divine Fist Society, had warned them never to associate with this person.

What did this guy want by finding them?

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 529 =====