Chapter 531: The News of the Sword Immortal

The snow had just stopped, and Mount Qingcheng was draped in silver.

Snow weighed down the pine branches, contrasting lush green with pure white, while mist rose, and under the sunlight, it looked like a watercolor painting.

An ancient path wound between the mountains, covered in snow, with few travelers—only occasional footprints left by small animals.

Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan trudged through the snow, crunching as they walked, gazing at the vast, silent landscape, their hearts filled with ease.

"What a place…"

Wang Daoxuan exhaled a puff of white breath, smiling warmly: "Qingcheng is famed for its serenity—truly deserving of its reputation. Even in winter, it holds its own charm."

"We can talk about charm later."

Li Yan glanced around and shook his head: "Where exactly is Shuixue Nunnery? This is a remote wilderness—no one to ask."

Only after arriving at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain did he realize he'd miscalculated.

The cold was biting, the snow had sealed the mountains, and not a single traveler was on the road; Qingcheng's paths bore no signposts like those of his past life.

Unable to find Shuixue Nunnery, they had become lost.

"Shall we just head straight up the mountain?"

Wang Daoxuan looked toward the distance and shook his head: "Nightfall's coming soon. There should be a worldly temple at the base of Qingcheng, where locals come to burn incense—we'll go there first and ask."

Li Yan thought for a moment, then nodded: "All right."

He had originally planned to visit Shuixue Nunnery first, see Old Lady Bai Wan, then ask Master Xiaoyue about conditions on the mountain to avoid mistakes.

But given the situation, they could only head up the mountain first.

With a plan settled, they stopped wandering aimlessly, retraced their steps to the main road, and headed toward Qingcheng Mountain along the primary path.

Qingcheng Mountain was veiled in clouds and mist, distant peaks like faint ink washes. With winter's overcast skies and no sun, dusk brought a dim, gloomy light.

As they climbed the slippery stone steps, they saw faint lights in the distance—a cluster of buildings hidden among snow-laden branches.

Yet Li Yan and his companion did not hurry forward.

Just ahead, in a pavilion, a Daoist sat cross-legged, a long sword strapped to his back, clad only in a thin Daoist robe despite the bitter cold.

He appeared elderly, his face sharp and weathered, his hair streaked with gray, alone in the pavilion.

But Li Yan dared not underestimate him.

To stand guard at the mountain gate in such weather meant his cultivation had reached the point where he was immune to cold and heat.

Li Yan himself lacked such ability.

Indeed, hearing them halt, the Daoist slowly opened his eyes, rose, and approached, offering a slight Daoist bow: "Two fellow Daoists, what brings you up the mountain?"

The Daoist had already sensed Li Yan and the others were cultivators.

Had they been ordinary mortals, he would not have shown himself.

"I am Li Yan, here to pay respects."

Li Yan pulled a formal letter of introduction from his sleeve.

Behind it was a letter from Yu Chanzi, the abbot of Wudang.

The Daoist took it, glanced briefly, then immediately smiled: "So you're the young hero Li Shaoxia, whose name has recently shaken the Jianghu. I've heard of you even up on the mountain."

"I am Ming Shanzi. The cold is fierce—Young Hero, please follow me to Jianfu Palace to rest for the night. There's no rush to climb higher tomorrow."

"Thank you, Daoist."

Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan quickly bowed in gratitude.

Under the Daoist's guidance, they turned onto a path to the right.

Not far ahead, a palace stood beneath a sheer cliff, its gate inscribed with the characters "Jianfu Palace."

On either side hung couplets: "Flute notes pierce the cold, jade xiao summons the green phoenix to rest; / Cloud-paved paths draw near, Du the Elder comes to banish white hair."

The architecture was classic Sichuan style.

Seeing their interest, Ming Shanzi smiled and explained: "This place is said to be where the True Person Ning Fengzi cultivated. Originally built in the Tang, it was called 'Zhangren Guan'; in the Southern Song, it became 'Jianfu Palace.'"

It was already evening; the sound of wooden fish echoed through the temple, the young Daoists chanting their evening rites.

"Uncle."

A Daoist acolyte at the gate hurried forward upon seeing the three.

"These two are Daoist visitors ascending the mountain."

Ming Shanzi smiled: "Prepare two fine guest rooms and some vegetarian meals."

"Yes, Uncle."

After the acolyte left, Ming Shanzi led them into the temple and gave a brief overview: "Ning Fengzi is the principal deity of Qingcheng; the main altar honors him, along with the elder Du Guangting. The halls behind are dedicated to the Supreme Elder, the Eastern Flower Emperor."

"With the snow blocking the mountain, there have been no guests—guest rooms are dusty. Let me show you to tea first."

He led them to a quiet chamber and poured tea himself.

"Daoist, you're too kind."

Li Yan bowed slightly, yet felt puzzled.

Qingcheng's status in Sichuan was unquestionable.

He did not believe his modest reputation in the Jianghu warranted such deference.

Indeed, the Daoist smiled faintly, stroking his beard: "Young friend, no need to worry. To be frank, I usually stay on the mountain, guarding it specifically to wait for you."

"Wait for me?"

Li Yan's heart skipped a beat. "Please, Elder, clarify."

Ming Shanzi made no secret of it: "My family name is Cheng. I am Cheng Yuanxing, head of the Dian Yi Sect—my elder brother."

The Cheng family…

Li Yan's mind snapped into focus: "So that's it. Master Cheng's divination skills are astonishing—he once helped us escape the Shu Prince's entanglement. We never had the chance to meet."

After leaving Fengdu, the Shu Prince's men blocked the river—they never made it up the mountain.

Li Yan mentioned this to acknowledge the debt, and to imply their connection was not close enough to warrant such treatment.

Ming Shanzi clearly understood his meaning. After a pause, he spoke: "Young friend, no need for suspicion. I waited here for you because I have questions."

Li Yan nodded: "Please, Elder, speak."

Ming Shanzi clenched his fist, his eyes bright with excitement, voice trembling: "Young friend, have you met our Cheng family's ancestral elder?"

"Cheng Jianxian?"

Li Yan was startled, shook his head: "I've long admired the Sword Immortal's grandeur, but I've never seen him. Where did you hear this?"

Ming Shanzi's voice trembled: "It was the Ancestral Elder himself who sent word—he mentioned you."

"What?!"

Li Yan was stunned, his confusion deepening: "To be honest, I've never met Cheng Jianxian. Perhaps he heard of my deeds?"

"No."

Ming Shanzi grew urgent, shaking his head: "The Ancestral Elder wrote that he traveled far and wide, witnessing heroes rise like dragons and snakes emerging from the earth—the human world's transformation draws near."

"He told our family to abandon our claim to the Qingcheng leadership. He mentioned you—he said you tread upon black sha and bear thunder's aura, likely the one destined to bear the calamity. He warned our family not to interfere."

Hearing this, Li Yan's heart lurched.

He knew Cheng Jianxian had seen him.

Others might be confused, but he understood perfectly.

Yet the Dragon-Snake Tablet was always on his person.

Such qi-reading ability was terrifying.

Thinking of this, Li Yan swallowed hard: "Elder, could you describe the Sword Immortal's appearance?"

Ming Shanzi hesitated, then sighed: "Since the Ancestral Elder mentioned you, some truths need no concealment."

"Many years ago, our Ancestral Elder sensed a chance to ascend to godhood, resigned as head of Shushan, and secluded himself to cultivate."

"As a Sword Immortal, he was noble and radiant, like a celestial being descended. But something happened—he no longer spoke of ascending, only secluded himself in the family's rear mountains, studying ancient texts."

"We assumed his ascension had failed. No one dared mention it again. He rarely appears, but disciples who bring his meals say his body has grown weaker, and he has gone blind…"

CLATTER! Li Yan's teacup slipped from his hand and fell onto the table…

…………

Guanxian, Qingjiang Inn, main hall.

THUD!

Sha Lifei slammed his fist on the table, eyes blazing: "You fools! I told you it's not my doing—why are you acting like this?!"

Opposite him, several constables stood on edge.

The chief, a burly man with a face full of scars, gripped his saber without flinching, coldly: "How dare you!"

"Are you a bandit, daring to resist arrest?!"

His voice was firm, but his body trembled—he was terrified, yet refused to retreat.

"Chief Wan, let's talk this through."

Wang Tianzuo of Shunyuan Escort Agency stepped forward, smiling: "This is a misunderstanding. I can vouch—if we were the culprits, why would we report it?"

As he spoke, he slipped a silver ingot into the chief's hand.

One by one, the constables glanced at the silver.

"Don't try that!"

The chief shoved the silver away, hurling it to the floor, glaring at Sha Lifei: "You're guilty. If you've got guts, kill us. Otherwise, surrender!"

Wang Tianzuo's face darkened instantly: "Chief Wan, some matters are beyond your reach."

He had just begun to guess the truth…

"Hmph!"

Captain Wan clearly knew Wang Tianzuo; seeing this, he let out a cold snort. "Brother Wang, this matter isn't something your Shunyuan Escort Agency can meddle in. Listen to me—just walk away."

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

Instantly, the atmosphere inside the inn turned icy.

The other guests, sensing the danger, felt a chill rise in their bones and stepped back.

At the same time, Lu San's heart stirred; he whispered to Sha Lifei beside him: "There's an ambush outside—hundred soldiers from the garrison, armed with firelocks."

"Hmm."

Sha Lifei gave a slight nod and cast a glance.

He now understood what was going on.

Earlier, in the ruined temple, they had discovered a murder.

Motivated by a desire to accumulate virtue, they took some items from the carriage and, upon reaching Guanxian, immediately went to the county yamen to report it.

When they first went, nothing happened.

Near year's end, the yamen was nearly empty; the yamen runners recorded it casually, clearly treating it as meaningless.

But the moment they checked into the inn and were halfway through their meal in the main hall, a large group of yamen runners burst in, claiming they were suspects in the murder and demanding their arrest.

Think about it—they all knew something was fishy.

Surrendering was out of the question.

The word "official" has two mouths: once inside the yamen, if they say you're a criminal, you're a criminal—no telling what tricks might follow.

If things turned dire, they'd have to fight their way out.

"Report!"

At that moment, a yamen runner burst in, panting, bowing urgently: "Captain, the human traffickers have been caught!"

"What did you say?"

Captain Wan froze, clearly stunned.

The runner quickly whispered: "The servants were tied up and dumped in the main hall, wailing and crying, confessing everything."

"They say they lost money gambling, couldn't bear the year-end pressure, and killed their master for the money. The magistrate demands you return immediately."

"Who the hell—"

Captain Wan cut himself off mid-curse, shot a furious glare at Sha Lifei and the others, then muttered reluctantly: "Withdraw!"

Saying this, he led the yamen runners out of the inn.

"Sir, about this…"

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

"It's fine."

Sha Lifei waved his hand dismissively. "What bad luck. Shopkeeper, prepare another banquet and send it to our rooms."

With that, he gave a signal and led the group back to their rooms.

"That Wan fellow was bait!"

As soon as they entered the room, Wang Tianzuo sneered: "He's greedy—he didn't even take silver, just rushed in. Someone must've promised him a reward to stir trouble for you."

"Likely the Shu Prince's Mansion."

Sha Lifei glanced out the window and said gravely: "Someone recognized us. Mobilizing a garrison unit in such a short time isn't something a single county could manage."

"There are agents of the Shu Prince's Mansion in Guanxian."

Hearing this, Wang Tianzuo apologized sincerely: "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 came to Guanxian for another reason."

They had come to Guanxian to seek clues about Erlang Zhenjun.

This matter was secret; naturally, they couldn't tell Wang Tianzuo.

But he hadn't fled when danger struck—he stood with them. Wherever he went, he deserved to be called a true hero.

"Oh, I see."

Wang Tianzuo felt somewhat relieved, but wisely refrained from prying. Instead, he frowned with concern: "If the Shu Prince's Mansion is involved, they'll likely have more moves coming."

"Brother Sha, you should leave the city tonight. I still have connections here—I can arrange it right away."

"No rush."

Sha Lifei lifted his teacup, sipped slowly, gazed out the window, and said thoughtfully: "The garrison soldiers haven't withdrawn yet. If we leave now, they'll just invent another charge against us."

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

The criminals wouldn't just show up at the yamen and confess on their own.

To learn of the case so quickly, capture those servants, and dump them at the yamen—this wasn't the work of ordinary people…

"Here they come!"

Lu San suddenly spoke, staring at the door.

Knock knock knock!

A knock sounded, then the wooden door creaked open, revealing a middle-aged man in white robes. His features were symmetrical, strikingly refined.

"Greetings, all of you."

He smiled faintly, bowed with his fan, and swept his gaze across the room. "Wu Ma, Chou Niu, Xu Quan—all present. Where is Li Shaoxia?"

Sha Lifei's heart jolted; he bowed and said gravely: "Did you help us out just now?"

"We've never met. May I ask your name?"

The man smiled, flicked open his folding fan, revealing eight large characters: "Formless Form, Imageless Image."

This phrase came from the Laozi.

"Endlessly elusive, nameless, returning to nothingness. This is called the formless form, the imageless image—the elusive."

Wang Tianzuo's face changed instantly.

"The Formless Prince!"

Hearing this, Sha Lifei immediately went on guard.

Li Yan had told him about this man.

The "Formless Prince" was a notorious underworld master from Chengdu. He once provoked a fight over the "Qin Insect" at the Wu Hou Temple, luring Tang Ling to kill a commandery prince.

Zou Shaohai, head of the Divine Fist Society, had warned him: never associate with this man.

What did this fellow want with them?

(End of Chapter)