Chapter 534: The Phantom Trace in the County

"Northern Emperor Sect?"

Li Yan's face stiffened; he quickly shook his head. "No, I'm naturally lazy and full of ill intentions… I dare not."

Joking, he dared not provoke that sect.

The Northern Emperor Sect was founded by Tang Deng Ziyang, who, during the Kaiyuan era, answered the imperial summons to the capital and earned deep reverence from Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, serving at his side.

After his death, he was buried on Magu Mountain, which also became the sect's ancestral temple. From Tang to now, though the Northern Emperor Sect has changed, its lineage has never been interrupted.

This sect's magical arts are famously powerful.

But even more infamous is its "Northern Emperor Black Code."

Observing precepts and laws in cultivation is normal—even the Tongtian Fa Jiao has rules against walking under spiderwebs or eating certain animals.

The stricter the code, the stronger the magical arts become.

But the "Northern Emperor Black Code" is notoriously harsh.

For example, judges in full regalia must not encounter monks, nuns, women, chickens, or cats; violators lose their legal authority.

This is somewhat unreasonable, since performing rituals in the countryside inevitably involves chickens and cats—do you break the law just by seeing them?

Moreover, this sect harbors intense hostility toward the Buddhist order.

For instance, one of its precepts forbids meditation or chanting sutras, lest one fall into heresy; violators lose their true essence and descend into hell, reborn outside the Central Lands, with incomplete limbs.

Also, one must not consort with prostitutes, nor engage in sexual relations on the twenty-seventh day of the lunar month; violators will have their lifespan shortened…

Such a sect—Li Yan dared not provoke it.

Chen Confucius seemed to have anticipated this; he shook his head slightly. "Young lay disciple, you overthink. That elder brother merely wishes to pass down the Dao, lest the lineage be severed. As for the precepts, let us not mention them."

Li Yan was surprised. "Has the lineage nearly died out?"

"It can't be passed on anymore."

Chen Confucius sighed faintly. "Ordinary disciples don't matter—they can simply switch to another temple to burn incense, strike the wooden fish, chant sutras as usual; even if they break precepts, only they themselves know."

"But those with true cultivation cannot. Breaking a precept is like breaking the law. Their lineage once flourished on Mount Qingcheng, but after all the turmoil, fewer and fewer now cultivate this method."

"Today, the laws no longer command authority, and those who can still manifest their power are nearly gone."

Li Yan frowned slightly. "Why me?"

Chen Confucius shook his head. "As for why, I don't know. That elder brother merely asked me to deliver a message."

"He resides in Laojun Temple, with the Dao name Juechenzi. Young lay disciple, you may visit him and ask clearly. Whether you accept or not depends entirely on mutual affinity."

"You two may stay on the mountain. Any needs, speak to Lingyunzi—he will arrange them for you."

At these words, Li Yan and the other understood immediately; they rose at once, bowed, and said, "Thank you, Sect Master. We take our leave."

They understood well.

The man had just assumed the role of Qingcheng's Sect Master and was surely overwhelmed with affairs; for him to spare time specifically to meet them was already a great honor.

Logically, with their status and reputation, they'd at most be granted an audience with mid-level officials—like the Supervisors or Hall Masters.

…

"Follow me, both of you."

After leaving the Zhenwu Grand Hall, Lingyunzi waited outside and led them away from the Ancestral Hall, down a winding path heading north.

In this era, there were no scenic guardrails.

The three traveled along mountain paths, one side a cliff, the other a sheer wall, pine, cypress, and bamboo forests lush and green, covered in snow, their branches hanging heavy with snow, white vapor rising as if they moved through clouds.

Li Yan found it strange, unsure where they were being taken, but he followed the host's lead and asked no further.

After about half an hour, the three rounded a ridge, and a large complex suddenly appeared before them.

The complex seemed like a palace embedded into the mountain, its dark cliffs and strange peaks hidden within mist and fog.

Layer upon layer of snow-covered stone steps led upward.

Above the palaces, three large characters were inscribed: "Chaoyang Cave."

"This is Chaoyang Cave."

Lingyunzi smiled and explained. "Legend says the ancestor Ningfengzi once cultivated within this cave. On clear days, when the morning sun rises, the rock walls glow golden, like scattered gold flakes."

"This place is very tranquil. If you're lucky, you may see purple qi rise from the east at dawn—beneficial for cultivation."

"Thank you, Daoist."

Li Yan and the other thanked again.

Earlier on the road, they had seen other Qingcheng branch temples—likely accommodations for guests.

Though serene, they were clearly not on the same level as this place, showing Lingyunzi had taken great care.

"I'm glad you're satisfied."

Lingyunzi's face broke into a smile.

To be honest, he sized people up.

Though the Zhenwu Grand Hall couldn't be probed by spiritual powers, the newly appointed Sect Master had taken time specifically to meet them and instructed him to arrange things well—these were no ordinary cultivators.

The role of "Guest Master" had its advantages.

Welcoming and seeing off guests allowed him to meet many Daoist peers; in future travels, he could handle affairs for Qingcheng independently.

Under Lingyunzi's lead, the two ascended the stone steps.

Two young Daoist acolytes stood outside; upon seeing them, they hurried forward to greet them.

"Greetings, Elder Brother."

"These are the esteemed guests I mentioned. Have the rooms been prepared?"

"Yes, Elder Brother. They're ready."

Lingyunzi clearly held some status on the mountain; at least these acolytes treated him with great respect.

Entering the main gate of Chaoyang Cave, they found it held hidden wonders.

The steep cliff face originally held many caves, even stone halls, housing statues of Ningfengzi.

These caves had been renovated into cultivation chambers, yet were spotlessly clean—over twenty individual cave rooms.

Opening the window, the snowy scenery of Qingcheng Mountain stretched out fully.

"Excellent place!"

Even Li Yan couldn't help but praise it.

Lingyunzi, seeing their satisfaction, nodded with a smile. "You may stay here. But the mountain is austere—only vegetarian meals are served. If you wish to eat, follow the acolytes to the dining hall."

"Thank you, Daoist."

Li Yan nodded, thanked again, then asked, "Where is Master Huotuotuo? I wish to pay him a visit."

Lingyunzi paused, then shook his head. "Qingcheng Mountain spans eight hundred li. The master resides in Baiyun Cave in the rear mountains. If you detour there, you won't arrive until nightfall."

"You've just arrived. No need to rush. Tomorrow morning, I'll take you there—no delay."

"Very well. Thank you."

Now that they were on Qingcheng Mountain, Li Yan was no longer in a hurry; he added, "To be honest, I wish to build a pavilion on Qingcheng Mountain during this visit and purchase some celestial treasures and earthly gems. I wonder…"

"No problem."

Lingyunzi's pupils contracted; his smile deepened. "Young Master Li, don't worry. When we return tomorrow, I'll arrange it for you."

After saying this, he gave detailed instructions to the acolytes before taking his leave.

Outside Chaoyang Cave, his expression turned grave. He walked to the mountain path, then couldn't help turning back to glance once more, murmuring, "He wants to build a four-story pavilion… at such a young age…"

Then he shook his head slightly and left quickly.

To be honest, he had assumed the Sect Master's courtesy stemmed from Wudang's influence, since both belonged to the Quanzhen lineage.

Just as during the recent orthodox-heretical duel, Wudang had sent elite cultivators to assist.

Now that Wushan has been opened, cooperation between the Daoist circles of Ezhou and Shu will surely increase—so some face must be given.

But now it seemed it wasn't merely Wudang's connection…

Li Yan, of course, had no idea of his thoughts. After chatting briefly with Wang Daoxuan, he went to the dining hall for a meal, then returned to his room to rest.

They had traveled from Suining, enduring hardship, and hadn't rested well at Jianfu Palace; this was the perfect chance to recuperate and restore their energy.

Opening the window, gazing at the breathtaking snowscape, Li Yan's mind wandered, recalling the Qingcheng Sect Master's words.

Northern Emperor Sect…

Why seek him out?

This matter was certainly not simple. He wandered the Jianghu, had some fame, was even called a genius—but how could he possibly attract the attention of an elder cultivator on Qingcheng Mountain?

Judging by the situation, the man's seniority was high.

To be honest, he had some connection to the Northern Emperor Sect.

The method he cultivates is the Luo Feng Jing; his technique is the Bei Di Jing.

But his "Northern Emperor" is the Northern Ghost Emperor.

The Northern Emperor Sect venerates the Northern Pole Purple Micro Emperor.

One theory holds that the Fengdu Emperor is merely the Northern Pole Purple Micro Emperor's manifestation in the netherworld.

Even within the Northern Emperor Sect, there are techniques of the Fengdu lineage.

Could it be…

Related to his role as a living yin bailiff…

…………

Please... collect _(!)

Guanxian, Qingjiang Inn, second floor.

Night had fallen; the ancient county was small, and from the window, only scattered lanterns and candle flames could be seen.

"Everyone's been evacuated!"

Lu San shut the window and turned, speaking in a low voice.

"Naturally."

Sha Lifei said coldly: "We haven't stepped outside our front or back gate—they can't catch us with any evidence. On such freezing weather, they won't stay forever."

I wonder what the Shu Prince and the Wu Xiang young master are plotting, but given the current situation, even if we say we won't get involved, they won't believe us. If we leave, they'll grow even more suspicious.

Lu San shook his head slightly. "You have plenty of Jianghu experience—do as you see fit."

"No rush."

Sha Lifei picked up the chicken leg on the table and took a hearty bite. "Eat, drink, and wait until we understand what's going on."

Tap-tap-tap!

At that moment, urgent footsteps sounded.

A courier from the escort agency rushed up the stairs, slammed the door open with a bang, his face frantic, and fell to his knees, trembling: "Gentlemen, please save my master!"

Sha Lifei recognized him—he was Wang Tianzuo's disciple.

"What happened to Brother Wang?"

Sha Lifei leapt to his feet, his face dark with concern.

"Master has been targeted!"

The disciple cried out: "This afternoon, Master sent people out to gather information. Just now, someone came and had a secret meeting with him in his room."

"We heard shouting inside. After the man left, Master acted like he'd gone mad—he started running around like a lunatic."

"Don't panic!"

Sha Lifei said firmly: "Take us there."

Wang Tianzuo had always been a decent man, one of those old-school Jianghu types who valued loyalty.

Now that he'd been harmed while helping them, they couldn't just stand by.

After closing the door, Sha Lifei and the other two followed the disciple out of the inn and headed toward the eastern part of town.

Because they frequently traveled between the two places, Shunyuan Escort Agency had bought a small house in town—modest in size, meant only for resting between trips.

Guanxian was a small town; the group moved quickly and soon arrived outside the house.

"Ahh! Aahh—!"

"Quick, grab the escort chief—he's running wild!"

Before they even drew near, chaos erupted from within.

Lu San frowned slightly, then leapt up, landing on the courtyard wall. He drew his bone-string from his waist and shook it with a clatter.

Sha Lifei and the disciple pushed open the door and entered.

The courtyard was in disarray. Wang Tianzuo, hair disheveled, held a dead chicken in his mouth, crawling on all fours like a beast, darting wildly around the yard.

He moved too fast for the escort men to catch him; several had already been injured and lay groaning on the ground.

"This guy's been possessed!"

Sha Lifei took one look and immediately suspected the truth.

On the wall, Lu San had already begun his spell, shaking the bone-string, eyes locked on Wang Tianzuo, muttering incantations.

"Roar—!"

Wang Tianzuo let out a bestial roar, still clutching the dead chicken, darting erratically on the ground, glaring fiercely at Lu San.

Swish!

At that moment, a white shadow shot out.

It was the little white fox, Chu Qi.

The fox had clearly grown—her size now a full circle larger than an ordinary fox, nearly as big as a wolf.

She bared her fangs, standing before Lu San, her emerald eyes fixed on Wang Tianzuo, emitting a low, threatening growl.

Her eyes glowed with a faint green light.

Wang Tianzuo seemed hypnotized—the dead chicken dropped from his mouth, his body swaying unsteadily.

"Hold him down!"

Lu San stopped chanting and ordered firmly.

Wu Ba immediately stepped forward, his strong arms wrapping around Wang Tianzuo like iron chains, pinning him in place.

Lu San leapt down from the wall and hurried to Wang Tianzuo's side. He unslung a small leather pouch from his waist.

Inside the pouch was a paste made of cinnabar and chicken blood.

Lu San dipped his finger in it, formed a hand seal with his left hand, muttered incantations, and traced a spiral pattern on Wang Tianzuo's forehead with his right finger.

"Ahh—!"

Wang Tianzuo screamed violently, thrashing wildly. Black smoke rose from his body, and a foul, pungent stench filled the air.

"Still trying to run?"

Lu San sneered.

Meanwhile, the little white fox Chu Qi leapt again, scaling the wall and leaping out of the courtyard. In the space of a breath, she returned from the alley outside, dragging a large, fat weasel in her mouth.

The weasel was old—its eyebrows were already white. It lay motionless on the ground, as if already dead.

"So this thing was behind it all."

Sha Lifei cursed, stepped forward, grabbed the weasel by the neck, and waved it in front of Wang Tianzuo. "You fool—if you move again, I'll destroy your body right now!"

He'd traveled with Li Yan and others long enough to understand such things.

This weasel had become a spirit. It had been hiding outside, its soul possessing Wang Tianzuo.

Lu San had noticed immediately but held back, first suppressing the spirit's soul before retrieving its physical form.

Such a spirit-weasel was most troublesome—if it returned to its body, it might use some escape technique and vanish.

Indeed, seeing Sha Lifei's menacing expression, "Wang Tianzuo" instantly stopped struggling. His features twisted, and he stammered: "D-don't… don't do anything rash."

Though it spoke human words, it sounded as if it had a mouthful of phlegm—half intelligible.

"Oh? It can speak human language?!"

Sha Lifei froze, his guard rising.

If it could speak, its cultivation was no small matter. Without Lu San's cleverness, they'd never have contained it.

"Who sent you?"

Sha Lifei squeezed the weasel's neck, his grip threatening to snap it if it didn't answer.

But before it could reply, Lu San suddenly looked up, drew his bone club, his eyes filled with wariness.

Even the little fox Chu Qi bristled.

On the courtyard wall, dozens of small heads appeared—rats, snakes, and weasels alike…

(End of Chapter)