Chapter 559: Six Idlers of the Bamboo Grove

"Senior, we truly have a fateful connection…"

After learning the old man's identity, Li Yan smiled.

As the saying goes: "Hair turned white yet still strangers, hats touched and instantly kindred."

Sometimes, daily proximity hides deadly intent; sometimes, a single meeting sparks instant kinship.

Fate is simply that mysterious.

Though both had worn masks that day, the old man's aura of a worldly marvel and his chivalrous spirit in righting wrongs deeply impressed Li Yan.

"I never expected to meet you again so soon."

The old man's face was pale, yet he smiled faintly. "When you first entered, I heard your footsteps—so I asked Brother Liang to invite you in."

So that's how it was…

Li Yan instantly understood upon hearing this.

This senior of the Pear Garden lineage had awakened the Ear Divine Power.

Thinking of this, Li Yan smiled again. "Since fate has brought us together, Senior, might I know your name?"

"That's all ancient history."

The old man shook his head slightly. "I am Situ Bo."

Situ Bo?

Li Yan had never heard that name before.

Yet the world is vast, the Divine Land boundless—there are countless nameless marvels; not knowing him is perfectly normal.

Li Yan did not press further, but glanced at the old man's body, sniffed, and frowned. "Such potent poison—it's already invaded your five viscera. Who ambushed you, Senior?"

This senior of the Pear Garden lineage was deeply cultivated and clearly experienced in the martial world—he must have been ambushed.

"It's all because I misjudged a man!"

Beside him, Liang Yu suddenly spoke coldly.

At these words, Situ Bo's face darkened. He shook his head. "Indeed, I grew foolish in old age and committed a grave error."

Seeing Li Yan's confusion, Situ Bo explained: "My lineage claims to be of the Pear Garden, but its origins are impure."

"Have you heard of the Jiangzuo Heretical Path?"

"Of course."

Li Yan frowned slightly and nodded.

He knew the Jiangzuo Heretical Path well.

During the Three Kingdoms era, Zhu Huan's family discovered the Flying-Headed Fang, and one branch of the Zhu clan began studying dark arts. Amidst the chaos of war, they grew powerful and became the infamous Jiangzuo Heretical Path.

Many dark arts—such as Beast-Breeding and Skin-Painting—are tied to them.

Even Zhao Changsheng originated from this clan.

Situ Bo sighed. "Back then, the Jiangzuo Heretical Path plunged the world into chaos and was exterminated by orthodox sects—but their dark arts scattered far and wide."

"My ancestors acquired some of these arts. Combined with my innate talent and the Pear Garden's legacy, I developed the secret technique known as the 'Hundred Masks Codex.' During the Tang Dynasty's turmoil, I was even called a Master—until I eventually fell into heresy."

"By my generation, I've managed to hold onto my heart and not acted wickedly. Together with Brother Liang and others, I've traveled the world, earning the nickname 'Six Idlers of the Bamboo Grove.'"

"So that's it! I've long heard of your fame!"

Li Yan's face lit up with delight as he bowed to both men.

He had indeed heard this name before.

Their "Twelve Zodiacs" were wandering immortal troupes—a custom extremely ancient, present in every dynasty, even giving rise to the famed "Odes of the Wandering Immortals."

Some became legendary; others vanished into history.

The "Six Idlers of the Bamboo Grove" was one such group—contemporary with the "Ghost Opera Troupe," though far less renowned.

Li Yan had learned of them while investigating the Ghost Opera Troupe.

Rumors said the "Six Idlers of the Bamboo Grove" were deeply cultivated, all calling themselves fringe idlers, skilled in opera, tea, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—true eccentric heroes of the dust.

Situ Bo, seeing his reaction, was slightly surprised and shook his head. "I never thought anyone still remembered us."

He continued: "We bonded by shared ideals. Though we gained some fame in the martial world, we were still fringe arts. As we aged, we all retired."

"Don't laugh, young friend—I had a younger brother with a corrupt heart who joined the Ghost Opera Troupe."

"He was far more gifted than I, but he brought ruin upon himself and was exterminated by the orthodox. He left behind only one orphan."

"I couldn't bear to abandon him, so I took him in, raised him, taught him well—he was always kind-hearted. Yet this boy grew greedy for wealth and status. When he learned of his father's past, he secretly reconnected with the Ghost Opera Troupe…"

Li Yan paused. "Was that man named Xie Sanyang?"

Situ Bo shook his head. "No—he is Situ Qian."

"I've learned that in the current Ghost Opera Troupe, each role—Sheng, Dan, Jing, Mo, Chou—has its holder. When one dies, another takes his place."

"Situ Qian has become the current 'Commanding Wu Sheng.' Xie Sanyang, of similar vile nature, was taught the secret art by him."

"I heard Xie Sanyang was killed by you—that's why I dared to invite you here."

Li Yan's expression turned grave. "How did you learn of this?"

He knew the Ghost Opera Troupe's resurgence meant greater danger; he had already extracted their internal structure from the Blood Parrot's mouth.

What surprised him was that news of their killings had spread so quickly.

"It came from the Wang Fu."

Beside him, Liang Yu spoke again, voice low. "The Shu Prince is gravely ill; the Wang Fu has descended into chaos. Several retainers, sensing trouble, left—and it was through them that this news spread."

"So that's how…"

Li Yan nodded, turning to Situ Bo. "You were harmed by Situ Qian, weren't you? You want me to clean house for you?"

"Precisely."

Situ Bo sighed heavily. "Xie Sanyang is Situ Qian's lackey. That traitor will surely seek revenge on you."

"My lineage's origins are impure. If cultivation falters, demonic qi inevitably corrupts the heart, erasing humanity."

"That traitor deserves death—but what matters more is a treasure."

"Opera troupes serve divine rituals. My ancestor once forged a treasure called the 'Netherworld Opera Stage,' which imprisoned many evil spirits. If released, it would bring mass slaughter."

"I intended to destroy it, but it was sealed with a secret art powered by demonic qi. Destroying it recklessly would cause greater disaster—so I could only suppress it."

"A few days ago, this villain suddenly ambushed me, wounded me, and stole the 'Netherworld Opera Stage.' He must be planning something great…"

The Ghost Opera Troupe had already arrived in Chengdu!

Li Yan was stunned by this news.

And demonic qi!

Li Yan's mind stirred—he pulled out the torn mask. "Senior, take a look—is this connected?"

"This is Xie Sanyang's?"

Situ Bo's eyes flared with fury. "That traitor—he's already spread this art!"

"This is a forbidden technique. Mortals cannot withstand it—it backlashes severely. Use it twice and you become a demon. That traitor must have deliberately leaked it, using Xie Sanyang as a test."

"Understood."

Li Yan nodded without hesitation. "We've already made enemies with the Ghost Opera Troupe. You need not remind us—we're already mortal foes."

"If we find this evil treasure, we will reclaim it!"

Liang Yu, seeing his swift agreement, softened slightly. "Indeed—a young talent."

"Though we've retired, we're sworn brothers. We won't stand idle. The others have heard the news and are rushing to Chengdu—they'll all arrive by the fifteenth of the first month."

"The Ghost Opera Troupe is advancing fiercely, with many members. They're our common enemy. We old men wish to ally with your Twelve Zodiacs. What do you say?"

"That's perfect!"

Li Yan's heart swelled with joy.

As he said, the Ghost Opera Troupe was no easy foe—a single squad nearly destroyed them. Not to mention the Shu Wang Fu.

The Twelve Zodiacs were newly formed; Sha Li Fei and the others were still weak. But with these senior masters aiding them, they could finally stand a chance.

And he could also call on Cheng's Ming Shanzi—ask the Mount Qingcheng sect to intervene. Once they found the Ghost Opera Troupe, they'd bury them in Chengdu!

Liang Yu clearly approved of this outcome. He spoke low: "This teahouse was opened by me years ago, quietly, as a hidden retreat. Few in Chengdu know of it."

"Master Lu is shrewd—he deals with all factions in Chengdu and has gathered much intelligence. If you need help, come directly to him. The Ghost Opera Troupe's whereabouts are unknown, but they must be in contact with the Wang Fu. Yet the Shu Prince lies unconscious—no one knows who they're now dealing with."

"If you find any leads, don't act rashly. Wait until all of us old men have arrived before moving."

"You're right, Senior."

…………

Leaving the teahouse, night had fallen.

Wind howled; fine snow drifted from the night sky.

With the New Year approaching, the streets had been lively by day, but now many shops were closed, only red lanterns swaying in the snow.

Li Yan stepped out the back door of the teahouse, glanced around, saw no one, pulled on his hooded hat, and headed toward the northern city.

He was in good spirits—unexpected gains were always welcome.

As the saying goes: "He who follows the Dao gains many helpers; he who strays from it gains few."

Chengdu was a place of shifting intrigues, complex and tangled—with forces like the Worship Dragon Cult and the Ghost Opera Troupe lurking in the shadows.

One word, one phrase, one detail—none of it is to be ignored!

But where there is evil, there is also righteousness.

Uniting various forces, they need not fear them.

And what he must do now is unravel the threads, clear away the fog before him, and uncover what truly happened.

After all, he carried two missions of his own.

One comes from the Yin Court, hunting down the leader of the Worship Dragon Cult, "Lang Wu."

The second comes from the Thunder Mansion, to suppress and kill the Celestial Being, "Li Wenyuan."

The "Ghost Opera Troupe" has already made enemies with them and will certainly not let this go—they will settle this once and for all.

There is also the Dragon Maiden's sacrifice, and the calamity of Er Lang Zhen Jun.

Li Yan had already formed a rough outline in his mind: these matters, though complex, all relate to the Shu Prince's Mansion…

Thinking of this, he quickened his pace, releasing hidden power, moving like a ghost through the dark, narrow alleys.

The streets were empty at night, making travel easier.

Not long after, he arrived at the northern part of the city.

The structure of Chengdu Prefecture is triple-ringed.

At the center lies the Shu Prince's Mansion; surrounding it are the four outer cities—East, South, West, and North—each with its own character; beyond them lie several wengcheng and small villages built outside the city walls.

The East, South, West, and North Cities each have their own character.

The South City is filled with temples and Daoist monasteries, and is also where the City God Temple stands.

To defend against the west, the Chengdu Prefectural Office and several garrisons are stationed in the West City, where many officials and nobles come and go.

The East City gathers all manner of merchants, rogues, and itinerants.

As for the North City, it is mostly inhabited by high-ranking officials and wealthy magnates; the Provincial Administration Commissioner's office is also located here.

Thus, upon reaching the North City, the streets clearly widened, paved with neat blue stone slabs now covered in snow, the shops more luxurious, and the surroundings filled with grand mansions.

"Bang—bang bang!"

"Cold wave incoming! Watch your fires!"

The night watchman passed through the streets, striking his bronze gong.

In the distance, a squad of soldiers carrying torches patrolled.

Wealthy households naturally had more guards.

In the dark alleys, Li Yan moved left and right, using his spiritual power to avoid patrols in advance, while the Dragon-Serpent Tablet allowed him to conceal his aura.

Soon, he arrived outside a large mansion.

Before the mansion flowed a canal, surrounded by slender bamboo; atop the tall gatehouse hung two large red lanterns, bearing the bold character "Xu."

Liang Yu's clue revealed that the tea ribbon found in the gold and silver shop's bonfire had been purchased by Xu Yongqing, the Shu Prince's Chancellor.

This place was none other than the Xu Mansion.

The Chancellor of a princely mansion is a core advisor, overseeing all subordinate officials, including the Magistrate, the Archivist, and the Ritual Officer.

All financial, ceremonial, documentary, and daily affairs of the mansion fall under his management—in simple terms, he is the chief administrator.

The Shu Prince's Mansion's affairs must be well known to him.

His appearance at the gold and silver shop is highly suspicious.

Perhaps he is the demon hidden within the mansion!

Thinking of this, Li Yan immediately formed the Yang Seal, drew a deep breath, then listened closely.

"Roar—!"

Almost instantly, a roar echoed in his ears.

Around the two stone lions at the Xu Mansion's entrance, whirlwinds surged, swirling snow and flurries before slowly settling.

Fortunately, the main gate was tightly shut, and no one noticed this anomaly.

"Fine treasure!"

Li Yan was startled, secretly amazed.

In this world, there are mystical forces, and malevolent spirits are no fantasy; thus, many wealthy households employ guardian objects.

But these stone lions were no ordinary guardians.

With his abilities, common guardian objects were useless—yet these two pairs of lions had detected him, truly extraordinary.

Upon closer inspection, the stone lions were old, likely crafted by some high adept, having guarded this household for years and now possessing spiritual awareness.

Li Yan was not afraid.

He could easily shatter them—but to infiltrate silently using spiritual arts was impossible.

His eyes darted, and he swiftly moved to the wall, leaping up to grasp the edge, then flipping over into the courtyard.

Behind the wall lay a garden; as soon as he landed, Li Yan surged again, silently leaping into the air, clinging to the back of a rockery like a gecko.

Moments later, three men passed by, holding lanterns and leading fierce dogs, their temples slightly swollen.

"Gululu!"

The dogs suddenly stopped, as if sensing something.

"Who's there?"

One man asked in a low voice.

He slowly drew his blade, searching half the garden, found nothing, then turned back.

"Brother, you're too tense—it's the New Year…"

"Don't talk nonsense!"

"They paid us a fortune—we can't ruin our reputation…"

The two whispered, walking toward another courtyard.

Behind the rockery, mist rose; Li Yan's figure slowly appeared, watching their retreating backs, lost in thought.

These two men were clearly hired muscle—and from their tone, they were recently employed.

Xu Yongqing is definitely suspicious.

Thinking of this, Li Yan leapt into the shadows and crept carefully along the wall.

Leaving the garden, he soon reached a courtyard.

The courtyard was small, located on the west side—typically reserved for collateral branches or guests.

Li Yan glanced at it and prepared to leave.

Yet, a cold voice suddenly came from within the house.

"Since you've come, why not enter and have a chat?"

(End of Chapter)