Chapter 577: The Danger of the Prefecture Yamen

"Making a move tonight?"

When Li Yan heard this, he frowned.

Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang was very smart.

Using gunpowder as a threat, coupled with the Eight Trigrams Sect from the capital and the experts under his command, made the Prince of Shu's mansion afraid to act rashly.

Li Yan had a premonition that what the Prince of Shu was worried about was not just this batch of gunpowder, but even more afraid that a big explosion would make the people of Chengdu panic, destroying the plan for the fifteenth day of the first month.

Choosing to make a move tonight must mean they were fully prepared.

I'm afraid the other party would send experts to hold the fort.

Thinking of this, Li Yan didn't hesitate anymore and said directly: "Senior, I want to enter the Chengdu Prefecture Yamen; can you think of a way?"

Everything was just this old man's one-sided story.

But the situation was urgent, so he could only gamble.

Feng Peng Laohai didn't hesitate either, cupped his hands toward the surroundings and said: "Since Li Li Shaoxia has spoken, this old man will not refuse even if he dies. I only ask for one thing: when the chaos subsides, please plead for the old and young of my Bai Xi Town."

"We are also helpless."

Old slippery fox...

Li Yan slandered secretly and said: "Can do."

Not long after, Feng Peng Laohai strolled out again, walking on the street with his hands behind his back, looking like he had nothing to do.

Walking and walking, he strolled to the foot of the Prefecture Yamen wall.

"Elder Feng, what is the matter?"

A garrison centurion walked over and asked with a cold face.

Feng Peng Laohai had a high status in the Salt Gang, and those martial world men were all respectful, but he was always on guard and looked down on these wild paths.

Feng Peng Laohai only felt his shoulder sink, quickly unloaded the force on his feet, his body didn't move, took out his tobacco pipe, and asked curiously, pretending: "This old man is just curious."

"The Eight Trigrams Sect is not a small sect. Master Dong Cunshan of the capital, who in the world doesn't have to give him face? If they want to leave, I assume the Prince wouldn't stop them. Why are they waiting here to die?"

"Hmph!"

The garrison centurion sneered, "What master, it's just martial world men boasting. Where the army arrives, not a blade of grass grows. Even if he comes, he has to obediently avoid it!"

"Tsk tsk..."

Feng Peng Laohai gave a dumbfounded laugh, shook his head with his hands behind his back, and walked away, muttering: "Sigh~ the martial world is too stable, they've forgotten the majesty of a master. Back then, even the Northern Border Army didn't dare to say that..."

"Pah!"

The garrison centurion glanced at him disdainfully, then returned to the checkpoint, looked at several fire-gunners, and sneered: "Brothers, keep your spirits up, let them understand that this world has changed!"

Not mentioning the little schemes of these people.

With Feng Peng Laohai's help, Li Yan entered the Chengdu Prefecture Yamen silently. After landing, he looked around.

He had been to the Chengdu Prefecture Yamen and was familiar with it.

The current defense had clearly been raised to another level.

Every key area had been arranged with dangerous traps, and there were yamen runners guarding, Eight Trigrams Sect disciples, and experts following Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang patrolling everywhere.

Woo~

In the distance, there were also a few fierce dogs baring their fangs.

These beasts were no ordinary artifacts; although they couldn't see Li Yan, they vaguely felt the threat and lowered their bodies toward this side.

"Who?!"

A figure leaped over twice, like a dragonfly skimming the water, and at the same time drew a pair of sabers from his waist, full of momentum.

"Brother Dong, it's me!"

Before he could make a move, a low voice came from the air.

The person who came was precisely Dong Cunshan of the Eight Trigrams Sect.

Dong Cunshan's eyes lit up, but just as he was about to speak, Li Yan's voice rang in his ear again, "Brother Dong, find a place with no one."

Dong Cunshan understood, diverted the disciples who ran over, and walked forward on his own, heading toward the side courtyard where Li Yan had stayed before.

He looked expressionless, but was secretly shocked.

Since arriving in Sichuan, he had grown tired of hearing about Li Yan's martial world reputation, but he had only seen his martial arts and methods were fierce, never expecting his sorcery to be so exquisite.

Hiding shadows in broad daylight, could it be the invisibility technique of Mount Lao...

As for whether Li Yan harbored evil intentions, he didn't doubt it.

Li Yan was already a must-kill person on the Prince of Shu's mansion's list.

Arriving at a side room, Dong Cunshan waited for a while before turning to hang the door bolt.

Before he could say much, mist rose in the room, revealing Li Yan's figure, who cupped his hands and said: "Greetings, Brother Dong."

"Li Li Shaoxia, don't be so polite."

After some pleasantries, Li Yan stated his purpose, "I have an urgent matter and want to see the Imperial Wang Wang Yushi. Is it possible?"

"It is possible. I will report to the Lord first."

"Remember to keep it secret; there might be secret spies in the mansion."

"Good!"

Li Yan didn't wait long before Dong Cunshan returned hurriedly, handed him a black cloak to cover his whole body, and brought him to the backyard.

This place was precisely the warehouse where the gunpowder was stored.

It was originally managed by people sent by the Ministry of Works, but it had been taken over by Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang, and three layers of defense had been deployed around it.

Everyone looked extremely nervous.

Dong Cunshan held the token, and after he passed the inspection, he arrived at the small courtyard outside the warehouse.

But he saw this Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang sitting at the stone table in the courtyard, drinking alone. The ground was full of white snow, and red plum blossoms hung on the branches. Although he looked exhausted, he was still calm and composed.

"Li Li Shaoxia is here, have a drink."

Seeing Li Yan enter, he poured the wine himself, smiled and shook his head, "Originally I wanted to boil tea to entertain you, but it's not easy to light a fire here. Drinking some wine to ward off the cold is also not bad."

"The Lord has good taste."

Li Yan sat down boldly and drank the wine in the cup in one gulp.

"I wouldn't call it good taste."

Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang sighed, gave a bitter laugh, and said: "This official miscalculated. I never thought the Prince of Shu would really rebel. Fortunately, there are still many righteous men in the city. Li Li Shaoxia, you came here despite the danger; I wonder what you have to teach me?"

Old fox, he's quite shrewd...

Li Yan nodded slightly, "The Lord doesn't need to blame himself. There are other hidden circumstances in this matter. That Prince of Shu has likely been possessed by a demon person long ago."

"Oh?"

When Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang heard this, he frowned, "Are you sure?"

Li Yan recounted the situation roughly, then cupped his hands and said: "Lord, don't blame me. The matter is of great importance, and I didn't dare to be sure, so it wasn't intentional concealment. After all, it's hard for ordinary people to believe."

He wasn't wrong.

If the Prince of Shu hadn't made a move, even if he had said this, very few people would have believed him, and instead, it would have leaked the news, letting Lu Sheng prepare in advance.

Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang didn't say much about this matter either, was silent for a moment, and said: "Whether the Prince of Shu has been possessed by a demon person or not, things have reached this point, and we cannot sit and wait for death. Li Li Shaoxia, have you found a way?"

"There is a way."

Li Yan said in a deep voice, "To tell you the truth, I once sneaked into the Prince of Shu's mansion and saw the Great Commandery Prince being controlled by a curse cast by the ghost opera troupe demon people. Those garrison generals are likely the same."

"As long as we find an opportunity to gather these people and break the soul-bewitching curse, we can regain military power."

Saying this, he looked at the surroundings and frowned, "I originally wanted to use the Lord's hand to lure those generals over, but looking at the situation, I can only think of another way."

Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang's expression sank, and he said thoughtfully: "There is still one opportunity. On the thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month, there will be a grand sacrifice in the army. Even if those generals are bewitched, they must go to sacrifice to appease the army's heart."

"We'll talk about this later."

Li Yan looked at the surroundings and said in a deep voice, "I received news that the Prince of Shu's mansion will make a move tonight. Time is of the essence; it's best to break out and leave now."

Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang's wine cup trembled, and he shook his head, "Li Li Shaoxia's news might not be accurate. This official will guard here. If the Prince of Shu dares to move, the entire gunpowder warehouse will explode..."

"This thing can't protect you!"

Li Yan said in a deep voice, "The Prince of Shu has several experts under his command. If they deploy a formation, I'm afraid you won't even have the chance to light the fire."

Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang was somewhat displeased and looked to the side. Only then did the door of the opposite room open slowly, and an old Daoist walked out, dressed in a dark blue Daoist robe, with a white beard hanging to his chest, full of momentum.

When Li Yan saw this, he wasn't surprised.

He had already discovered this person when he entered the courtyard; he was likely a sorcerer by Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang's side, hiding in the dark to protect him.

Dong Cunshan beside him hurriedly introduced: "Li Li Shaoxia, this is Daoist Liuyun of the Bai Yun Temple in the capital. His cultivation is profound. This time, like me, he came here entrusted by someone."

Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang looked at the old Daoist, "Daoist Liuyun, what do you think?"

This old Daoist didn't make a direct guarantee, but looked at Li Yan, "This little friend, do you know what demon people are coming back?"

Li Yan replied: "The Prince of Shu hired experts from the ghost opera troupe, and there are also several demon people from the evil paths of the southwest under his command: Nie Sangu, the Blood Exorcist Ba Daiza, and the Black Sect Lama Duojizhaxi."

"Oh?"

When this old Daoist heard this, he laughed dumbfoundedly, "These old things are actually still alive. Back then, they were chased by Master Cheng Jianxian until they had no way to heaven and no way to earth, but now they've run here to make trouble."

Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang hurriedly asked, "Daoist, do you have confidence?"

The old Daoist stroked his beard and said, "With their abilities, they still can't get in."

(Content omitted)

When Li Yan heard this, he frowned, "Better to be careful."

"Li Li Shaoxia, don't say anymore."

Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang shook his head, "The current Chengdu Prefecture has been controlled by the Prince of Shu's army. Even if we escape, where can we hide?"

"Moreover, without this gunpowder, those Black Feather troops firing their guns together, we would be hard-pressed to escape death!"

What he said was also correct.

Li Yan frowned and didn't say anything more.

Bai Yun Temple was also a famous large temple in the capital and had connections with the imperial family; perhaps they had the ability to block it.

Leaving rashly would also be more dangerous.

But he always felt an inexplicable sense of unease in his heart.

Seeing this, Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang stroked his beard and said: "This official has his own decision on this matter. There are only three days left until the thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month. As long as we hold out until then, there will be a turning point."

"To tell you the truth, this official has also planted manpower in the garrison. We can arrange for people to enter by then, but I don't know if that curse can be broken?"

Li Yan remembered the white-clothed Great Being's prayer beads in Sha Lifei's hand and nodded, "As long as we win time, it should be no problem."

"That's good!"

Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang smiled, "The Prince of Shu's current reliance is just those garrison soldiers. As long as we regain military power, we can immediately quell the rebellion, attack the Prince of Shu's mansion, and kill the demon people."

"Someone, prepare some wine and food."

"Li Li Shaoxia, let's discuss it again..."

This Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang was also cunning. He said it was a discussion, but he was clearly trying to drag Li Yan here to deal with the situation tonight.

Li Yan knew it clearly and didn't refuse.

For him, why wasn't this an opportunity?

The Prince of Shu's mansion had experts like clouds and was supported by the army. In other places, he could only escape in humiliation.

But here, Imperial Wang Wang Yushi Wang also had many capable people under his command, and coupled with the army being afraid to act rashly, it created favorable conditions.

If he could kill a few tonight, it would be considered cutting off the Prince of Shu's left and right arms...

…………

On the other side, in the Prince of Shu's palace.

Inside a side hall of the East Six Palaces.

Sandalwood curled, and the candlelight was dim.

Ghost Zhong Kui Situ Qian sat in front of the offering table, biting a wooden stick in his mouth, his forehead covered in blue veins and cold sweat, his whole body trembling.

In front of him, the filial-clothed flower dan Bai Qihong was holding a wooden prosthetic leg, using needle, thread, and red rope to sew the prosthetic leg to the severed limb.

Blood dripped, but Bai Qihong's eyes were full of excitement, and she even licked her lips unnaturally.

And on the other side was Tang Yuan Granny Nie Sangu.

Nie Sangu also sat cross-legged, with a copper basin placed beside her, in which spices were burning continuously, emitting five-colored thick smoke.

This old woman was chanting, fished a copper box out of her bosom, and opened it. Inside were actually all twisted insects, slender and dark, emitting a metallic luster, somewhat like horsehair worms.

Dense and numerous, they kept surging.

Following Nie Sangu's chanting, the thick smoke of the spices in the copper basin rose instantly and was absorbed by those insects.

Seeing that the time had come, Nie Sangu immediately brought the copper box close to the severed leg and poured them all out.

The dense black insects all drilled into the flesh and blood instantly.

"Hmm~"

Even though Situ Qian had a strong mind, he couldn't help but let out a muffled groan.

Nie Sangu didn't pay attention and continued to chant. After Bai Qihong sewed the prosthetic leg, those insects also drilled in until not a single one was left.

"Alright, give it a try."

After doing all this, Nie Sangu finally stood up slowly.

Ghost Zhong Kui tried it and discovered that as the thigh muscles contracted, the prosthetic leg also lifted and fell.

Although it wasn't as convenient as a good leg, he could move freely.

"Thank you, Senior."

Situ Qian cupped his hands slightly, "Senior's mechanical technique is famous throughout the world; it is indeed extraordinary."

He had originally used a prosthetic leg, but after Nie Sangu returned, she said there was a better way and persuaded him to reinstall it.

"Hehe~"

Nie Sangu also seemed very satisfied, staring at the prosthetic leg and grinning, "This insect Gu reconnection technique, after I learned it, this is the first time I've used it. This insect can connect flesh and blood to dead objects, but every day at the Yin hour, you must feed it with a five-step snake; otherwise, it will drill into your heart pulse. Don't forget."

"I heard that your ghost opera troupe also has a mechanical master. If you find him to make a bronze mechanical leg, you can hide weapons in it and attack people when they are unprepared."

"Thank you, Senior, for the reminder."

Situ Qian could see that this old demon woman was specifically inquiring about the ghost opera troupe, so he changed the subject: "Senior, didn't you go to intercept and kill that Yang family remnant? Why did you return early?"

"Don't mention it."

Nie Sangu's face became gloomy, "Just as we were halfway there, we heard the news of that old ghost Tian Qi's death, and the Prince also urgently summoned us back. Anyway, it has already started, and the Yang family's people are no longer important."

"More importantly, we ran into someone."

"Who?"

Situ Qian frowned and asked hurriedly.

Nie Sangu took a deep breath and gritted her teeth:

"Qingcheng, Cheng Jianxin!"

"Sword Immortal Cheng?!"

When Situ Qian heard this, his back felt cold instantly.

"Hahaha, what are you afraid of?"

Nie Sangu looked out the window, her eyes full of schadenfreude, "Time spares no one; everyone is the same."

"I'm afraid you can't imagine that the once-peerless Sword Immortal Cheng has now become a sloppy, blind old Daoist, his cultivation fallen to only the third floor, and he even brought a drag-along."

"I returned a step early, and the Blood Exorcist is chasing and killing them. I estimate that before long, there will be good news sent back."

"It's a pity I couldn't kill the enemy with my own hands."

Saying this, she turned her head to look at Situ Qian again and said in a deep voice: "These matters, we'll talk about later. I've helped you connect your leg; can you make a move tonight?"

"Of course!"

Situ Qian stood up slowly, limping to the left side of the main hall, and lifted a tattered oilcloth, and a bronze opera stage instantly appeared before everyone's eyes.

Sinister wind blew around, and on the opera stage, there was vaguely the sound of crying.

Nie Sangu's breathing became rapid:

"This is... the Netherworld Opera Stage?"

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 578 =====