Chapter 568: Interlocking Teeth

Found it!

Li Yan's eyes lit up as he gazed toward the western palace complex.

The Gou Die had responded—whether a yin offender or a fugitive from Heaven, he was surely within the Wang Fu.

The two experts from the "Ghost Opera Troupe" below might not subdue him quickly, and their actions would draw too much attention, inviting other troubles—or even alerting the Prince of Shu to change his plans.

In short, it would not be worth the cost.

But if there was a yin offender, it was entirely worth a try.

Li Yan was eager to investigate, but an awkward situation arose: Simu Qian, disguised as "Zhong Kui," had sent five little ghosts to scatter and conceal themselves as guards.

One of them was directly ahead of him—and extremely restless, its head twitching unnaturally, its body wriggling, until it stopped three feet before him, dumbly crouching there.

Though Li Yan's concealment technique was strong, bolstered by the Eight Outer Altar Generals and masked by the Dragon-Snake Talisman, he could not vanish entirely into the void.

Any sudden movement would likely trigger the little ghost's awareness.

As Li Yan hesitated, the Gou Die's response grew stronger, becoming scorching hot.

This had never happened before.

With the jade accessory added, the Gou Die's sensing ability had improved—not only detecting more things and expanding its range, but also indicating direction.

That man is coming toward this place!

Li Yan suppressed his excitement, quieting his aura and waiting.

Soon, anomalies appeared around him.

A faint white mist suddenly rose around the eastern palace courtyard, followed by five small flags soaring into the air and landing atop the eaves.

All five flags were black with gold embroidery, densely patterned: four sides bore the Four Celestial Beasts, and the fifth bore a dense script of sutras.

The aura of gangsha swirled, completely severing all traces of energy from this place.

What level of artifact is this!

Li Yan narrowed his eyes, a chill stirring in his heart.

In the Xuan Men, flag talismans held great importance, and could be broadly divided into four functions:

Commanding spirits and mobilizing troops: "Holding the flag to summon ten thousand spirits, waving the banner to call forth the true ones…"

Suppressing evil, forming barriers and protecting altars: "Establishing the Five Directions' True Script banners to subdue demonic essences…"

Guiding the dead, liberating the underworld: "Raising banners and standards to illuminate the underworld and open the path to light…"

Condensing gangqi to serve as ritual conduits: "Waving the flag to spread qi, with thunder and fire following in its wake…"

Though varied, none strayed far from these four functions.

The Soul-Seizing Banner, for instance, guides the dead and commands spirits.

These five banners, embroidered with the Four Celestial Beasts and talismanic script, were a classic Five Directions set—but astonishingly potent.

Only the Chou Ling paper dolls, being light and thin, could ride the yin winds to float; none of his other artifacts could soar through the air using gangsha.

A flag that can fly is no ordinary item.

And it had not triggered the Wang Fu's array.

The method used was beyond his understanding.

As Li Yan reeled in shock, the entire courtyard of the palace was now sealed off, hazy and shrouded in thick mist.

This sensation was familiar to Li Yan.

Every time the Dragon Girl visited him in dreams, it was like this.

Could it be that they had all fallen into a dream?

Such an anomaly naturally alarmed the two members of the "Ghost Opera Troupe."

"Yi yi ya ya~"

The five "little ghosts" suddenly leapt out, flipping midair, rolling on the ground to dissipate force, crawling like beasts on all fours.

But as they neared the gate, they recoiled like startled monkeys, trembling violently and emitting strange shrieks as they retreated.

CRASH!

The palace gate was violently flung open.

Two figures shot out—one red, one white.

The red one was "Zhong Kui," yet now radiating chilling yin energy.

The white one was the mourning-dress flower-dan, her flowing sleeves like venomous snakes striking and retracting.

"Oh~ Who would have thought such a skilled cultivator lurked within these deep palace walls…"

The mourning-dress flower-dan was none other than Bai Qi Hong of the "Ghost Opera Troupe."

She covered her mouth and smiled sweetly, yet blood streamed from her eyes, and within her pupils burned a mad, murderous intent.

This mourning-dress flower-dan's backstory was also tragic.

Born into poverty, she was sold as a bride to a consumptive ghost to ward off ill fortune; on her wedding night, her husband died suddenly, and her clan branded her an evil star, condemning her to be drowned in a pig cage.

Though she barely survived, she was left half-dead, rescued by the master of a northern Sichuan shadow opera troupe, who used dark marriage sorcery to grant her a half-human, half-ghost body.

Her talent was astonishing, but it left her with a permanent madness.

With absolute control over the situation, she remained stable; but under excessive pressure, she would descend into frenzy.

Even the troupe that took her in was later slaughtered to the last member.

Since then, she had become a time bomb ready to explode.

Sensing the threat outside the courtyard, Bai Qi Hong grew unstable.

"Don't act rashly!"

Simu Qian, disguised as Zhong Kui, warned her, then bowed respectfully to the gate guards: "We don't know which path you walk—friend or foe? Please reveal yourself. The Wang Fu has set up an array."

Before he finished speaking, a figure emerged from the thick mist at the gate.

He appeared to be a young eunuch, head bowed, face obscured.

Hidden behind the dougong, Li Yan's Gou Die burned fiercely in his arms; without hesitation, he sank his spirit into it, and the mist around him churned.

In a single breath, Li Yan opened his eyes again.

He had confirmed the identity of the newcomer.

It was the fragment of true soul who had descended secretly to the mortal realm, revived by absorbing the Dragon Soul of the River God, the Heaven's fugitive "Li Wenyuan!"

He was indeed hiding within the Wang Fu!

Li Yan's heart surged with excitement, yet he dared not move.

Even though the man had been reincarnated and had not cultivated long, he was still a celestial being who had risen to the peak of the mortal world.

The techniques and artifacts he used were beyond Li Yan's comprehension.

A direct strike would be hopeless.

He could only summon heavenly thunder using the Tian Guan Token.

But summoning heavenly thunder was even more troublesome than summoning yin soldiers.

If discovered, he wouldn't even have time to call it forth.

The two members of the "Ghost Opera Troupe" were equally restrained.

The mourning-dress flower-dan had already tested the newcomer silently, but even after expending all her spiritual power to probe, she could not gauge his depth—only ended up bleeding from all seven orifices, resembling a vengeful ghost.

Watching the little ghosts cowering and trembling on the ground, Simu Qian grew even more cautious, bowing deeply: "Honored elder, what is your purpose here?"

Finally, a cold voice emerged from the mist.

"What did he pay you?"

Simu Qian's eyes narrowed slightly. "You mean the Prince of Shu?"

"Mm."

"Twenty thousand taels, plus several hidden treasures from the Wang Fu's vault."

Simu Qian replied honestly.

"He's lying to you."

The figure in the mist spoke coldly: "The Wang Fu has silver, yes—but its vault is nearly empty; all the spiritual materials and artifacts have been sent to Dujiangyan."

Simu Qian stared, incredulous: "The Wang Fu's vault is famed across the land—how could it be exhausted?"

"That depends on what you're using it for."

The voice in the mist replied calmly: "He is no longer the Prince of Shu—he doesn't even realize it. What he seeks cannot be compared to these worthless bronzes and iron scraps of the Wang Fu."

"You need not believe me—go and check for yourselves…"

Before he finished speaking, a violent wind suddenly surged.

As if the dream shattered, the wind ceased and the mist vanished instantly.

All within the courtyard felt as if waking from a dream.

Around them lay darkness; through the gate, they could even see distant patrolling soldiers.

As if nothing had happened. "What do you think?"

The mourning-dress flower-dan wiped her bloodied tears with a handkerchief.

Simu Qian mused: "The Prince of Shu promised silver, to be paid after the deed. This man warned us in the dead of night—his motives are suspect, but his words are likely true."

"He said the Prince of Shu is no longer the Prince of Shu…"

"He's likely been possessed! That old devil Ba Dai Za must know something—otherwise he wouldn't be so loyal."

"If the Prince of Shu has no intention of paying, he'll surely turn on us—and may even plan to use us as scapegoats."

"Then shall we leave?"

"First, pretend we know nothing. Let's see how things unfold."

"Dujiangyan is likely referring to the Dragon Palace's water shrine—I'm curious what treasure could be worth such effort..."

After a brief whisper, the two quickly departed.

Not a single mistake in content, structure, or sequence!

Soon, silence spread all around.

A light breeze blew past, and Li Yan leapt down, slipping along the shadowed corner of the wall and leaving the inner palace.

He moved with blazing speed, his mind spinning just as fast.

The news he heard tonight was truly shocking.

The Prince of Shu is no longer the Prince of Shu—could he have been possessed by Lu Sheng, which is why he fears going to the ancestral temple?

Many tangled threads were slowly unraveling.

Lu Sheng and Zhao Changsheng were both members of a mysterious organization; after arriving at the Prince of Shu's mansion, they somehow bewitched him with their words...

They also took the opportunity of releasing the Dragon Soul of the River God to summon the descending immortal "Li Wenyuan"—they must share a common goal...

But after Zhao Changsheng left, Lu Sheng seemed to have broken ties with "Li Wenyuan," which is why the Dragon Worship Cult went into hiding in the countryside and began clashing with the Prince of Shu's mansion, even sending agents into the Five Commandery Princes' mansions...

What exactly caused their conflict?

As Li Yan pondered, he had already returned to Chengyun Hall.

It was deep night; a Nuo dance to expel evil spirits was underway before the hall.

Hundreds of pine torches ignited in sequence along the Golden Water Bridge.

Nuo masters, clad in animal hides and wearing Nuo masks, spat fiery liquor into the bonfires, sending flames leaping three zhang high, illuminating the snow on the city walls.

An elderly witch shook her staff, adorned with bone bells.

Soldiers wearing Nuo masks sprinted in circles around the fire.

Around them, children chanted in unison:

"One torch lights the Heavenly Gate, two torches sweep away the Plague God—!"

The scene was truly awe-inspiring, drawing nobles and officials to watch eagerly, some even clasping hands in silent prayer.

In the dim light and chaotic crowd, no one noticed Li Yan had returned; he feigned normalcy and squeezed in from behind.

Ming Shanzi was the first to sense something, turning his head quickly.

Li Yan gave a silent lip movement: "We'll talk later."

The Five Commandery Prince also noticed their gesture, but his focus remained on the First Commandery Prince, his eyes filled with suspicion.

The torch-expelling ceremony ended by midnight.

Under the guidance of the Imperial Seal Eunuch and guards, all Commandery Princes, Princesses, and Chengdu officials departed the Prince of Shu's mansion.

Without pause, they returned to their respective commandery mansions.

"Did you discover anything?"

As soon as they entered the front hall, Ming Shanzi immediately asked.

Meanwhile, Sha Lifei and others, having received word, also arrived at the front hall.

Seeing Li Yan, Sha Lifei said gravely: "Young Master Li, we heard something major in the city."

"Not yet."

Li Yan said gravely: "Let's take turns speaking."

He turned to Xiao Jinghong: "Your Highness, since the First Commandery Prince returned, has he acted strangely?"

"There's definitely something wrong."

Xiao Jinghong said gravely: "I know my elder brother well—he can't hide his feelings. If he had the Princess Dowager's support, he'd be boastful; if not, he'd storm out in anger."

"But he only spoke of filial piety and confirmed Father's illness, even forgot to mock me—something's clearly off."

"Mm."

Li Yan said gravely: "He's been cursed by a yǎn spell. You've heard of the 'Ghost Opera Troupe'—two demons are hiding inside the Prince of Shu's mansion..."

He revealed most of it, omitting only the descending immortal.

After all, this matter was too terrifying; careless disclosure might trigger dire consequences.

"Has Father been murdered?!"

Xiao Jinghong leapt to his feet, face darkening, murmuring: "No wonder he's grown colder toward me these past years..."

"Ghost Sect's Zhao Changsheng!"

Ming Shanzi, equally stunned, gritted his teeth: "Word has reached the capital ordering searches for this demon; the Patriarch himself gave specific orders..."

"Ten years—he's laid his plans so deeply."

He gritted his teeth: "This cannot be taken lightly. Commandery Prince, do not act rashly—I'll return to Mount Qingcheng at once to bring reinforcements."

"If things go wrong, Chengdu may erupt into chaos. Until reinforcements arrive, all of you must hold your ground."

Sha Lifei added quickly: "Today we went to the docks and heard news—the southwestern war has ended. The Yang family's remnants are being escorted to Chengdu, destined for the capital."

Li Yan said gravely: "Likely the Censor's scheme."

"No matter."

Ming Shanzi said gravely: "If the Prince of Shu is already dead, whether they convict him or not no longer matters—we of Mount Qingcheng will testify."

"Clearing the demonic fog from Chengdu will be the moment the Commandery Prince ascends."

"All of you, take care."

"Farewell, Elder."

Ming Shanzi clearly was in a hurry; after giving his instructions, he left the mansion that very night.

Li Yan and Sha Lifei returned to the Bamboo Grove Cottage.

"Did today go smoothly?"

As soon as he entered the room, Li Yan ordered Wang Daoxuan to activate the "Ruyi Treasure Pearl," asking gravely.

"Fine."

Sha Lifei pulled back a tarp, revealing two neatly stacked wooden crates, carefully wrapped in oil paper.

"The Chengdu Ya officials were cooperative—we used your token, and Bagua Sect disciples helped us acquire more gunpowder..."

"We also visited Mingxiang Pavilion. The elder there is still recovering—he said the remaining few should arrive after the New Year..."

"The biggest news from the Jianghu is the martial tournament hosted by the Prince of Shu—many from the Xuanmen have come."

Li Yan now had a hunch: "The Prince of Shu has likely been possessed by Lu Sheng. This tournament is a cover—to let certain people in."

"The tournament is set for the fifteenth—something major will happen that day."

"The fifteenth..."

Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard thoughtfully: "The Dragon Maiden gathers incense offerings on the fifteenth too—what's the significance?"

"With demons gathering in Chengdu, if Mount Qingcheng sends aid, we'll be fine—but if something goes wrong, we may be overwhelmed."

"Not yet."

Li Yan pondered: "For the next few days, I'll keep gathering intelligence to uncover these demons' plans."

"Old Sha, you handle contacting Hou Xuan and arrange the personnel for that day's ceremony—leave nothing to chance."

He added solemnly: "All of you, this may escalate badly—bring out every powerful artifact you have."

Everyone nodded solemnly, faces grave.

Since venturing into the Jianghu, he had never faced such a complex situation—forces intertwined like dog's teeth, destined for a bloody struggle.

Unnoticed, salt-like snow began drifting again outside the window...

(End of Chapter)