Chapter 586: Build a Wooden Path to Mislead, Cross the Chen Cang Pass in Secret

Boom!

The black horse shattered the snow-covered street.

A blood-red cloak fluttered, the Divine Fire Spear slung across the shoulder.

Black kites wheeled and darted through the air, sweeping over snow-laden rooftops.

The Black Feather Guard's greatest advantage was still in daylight.

With clear visibility and specially trained birds and warhorses, they could maximize the Divine Fire Spear's power.

Even Li Yan did not wish to face them in daylight.

They spurred their horses, racing toward Chengdu's streets, displaying their might while shouting loudly: "Prince's Edict—At the third watch of Chen, the Joyful God tours the quarters, bestowing one shi of rice!"

On the morning of the first day of the New Year, the people of Shu still opened their doors to welcome fortune, but seeing the Black Feather Guard riding through the streets, they all slammed their doors shut in fear.

Only when the hoofbeats faded did they cautiously open their doors again, uncertain, while exchanging New Year greetings with neighbors.

"Happy New Year, Master Wang!"

"Happy New Year, Master Yang!"

"What's going on here?"

"I don't know. I thought this year they'd lock us in—Prince Shu hasn't participated in the Joyful God's tour for years; it's suspicious…"

"Are you going?"

"Of course I am! Didn't you hear they're giving out rice? They said they won't disturb the people—just go watch the spectacle."

"Still, it might be unwise. Fine, I'll go alone."

"That's wise. Better safe."

The Salt Guild's recent distribution of benefits had taken effect; though the people were uneasy, they dared not abandon tradition, and the free rice was too tempting—every household decided to send someone.

Some even sent the whole family, just to grab more advantage.

The streets gradually grew lively.

Some set off firecrackers; the smoke mixed with red paper scraps, swirling through the air, making the streets and alleys look as if drenched in blood from afar.

In a hidden alley, Li Yan stepped out, wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

After witnessing Yang Chenghua's methods last night, he'd requested at dawn that the man help him enter the Grand Prince's Mansion.

If he could break the Grand Prince's soul-sealing curse, then gather the garrison commanders and lift the curses from them all, he might seize military control.

This was the crucial step to turn the tide.

He'd been at a loss, but with Yang Chenghua's aid and the Imperial Censor's persuasion, success was now possible.

If only he could find the right moment.

He'd rushed back to arrange this, only to see this scene the moment he entered the city gate.

Prince Shu arranging the "Joyful God's Tour"?

It's definitely a trick!

Li Yan frowned slightly and turned away.

He returned to the hidden entrance he'd left yesterday, only to find several yamen runners standing guard; the old steward bowed low and said: "Sorry to trouble you all—perhaps we saw wrong. A small token, please accept."

Saying this, he slipped a string of coins into their hands.

The runners, pleased with the bribe, grew friendlier: "No need to apologize. Last night, Chengdu saw plenty of strange happenings—all caused by rebel sorcerers. Being cautious is wise."

"Don't worry—we searched. Nothing there…"

Li Yan shook his head slightly and left quickly.

This exit was compromised—must not use it again.

He went to the banks of Chengdu's river, glanced around, saw no one, leapt down, and landed beneath the nine-arch stone bridge, pushing aside overgrown grass to reveal a stone pillar carved with Taotie patterns.

The pillar was ancient, heavily eroded by moss.

It looked immensely heavy, but Li Yan gave it a light push—and a hidden door opened. He slipped inside, pushed it shut again, seamless.

From outside, not a trace remained.

This was another hidden entrance.

Inside, it was cold and dark, with water seeping in places; Li Yan lit a fire-stick, consulted his map, and descended deeper into darkness.

This period had not been without gains.

After several rounds of negotiation, the Phantom Lord had given him more maps of the hidden tunnels, aiding his movements within Chengdu.

Li Yan had gradually pieced together some truths.

Chengdu's underground tunnels were carved along tributaries of the Jinjiang, built with brick arches and sealed with glutinous rice mortar—unyielding for a thousand years.

Their history stretched back to the Qin and Han dynasties.

Back then, Li Bing governed Shu, dredging the two rivers (Pi and Jian) to flank the city, forming the first underground drainage network…

During the Three Kingdoms, Zhuge Liang expanded the "Nine-Li Dyke" defense system, turning the tunnels into grain transport routes.

Thus, following Chengdu's tunnels, one could reach directly beneath the Wuhou Temple—the Phantom Lord had escaped that way.

According to him, remnants of the "Wooden Ox and Flowing Horse" sliding tracks still existed inside.

In the Tang dynasty, Wei Gao replaced earthen channels with brick and stone; some places still bore fragments of the "Stone Chamber Ode": "Subterranean veins connect, reaching thirty Battalion Commander of Jinguanyi…"

During the previous dynasty's north-south standoff, the tunnels were expanded further, later used secretly by the Salt Guild for smuggling.

Through centuries of excavation, the tunnels had grown dense as a spiderweb, layered and overlapping, compounded by seepage and collapses—so complex they could drive one mad.

Only the Phantom Lord held the complete map.

Of course, he still refused to reveal the tunnel leading into the Shu Prince's mansion.

Following the tunnel, Li Yan walked for three incense sticks before finding the familiar path, quickening his pace until he reached beneath the Yuwang Temple.

"Little Brother Li is back?"

As he stepped out of the tunnel, Sha Lifei smiled and approached, whispering: "Heard there was plenty of strange business in Chengdu last night—was that you and that one?"

"Just drunk nonsense."

Li Yan shook his head slightly, then his expression turned grave: "Is the Phantom Lord here? Something major has happened."

"The Joyful God's Tour—we know."

Sha Lifei's grin vanished; he spoke low and serious: "They're all inside. They told me to wait for you."

"A lot of people came. Be careful…"

Li Yan understood. He followed Sha Lifei into the back courtyard.

Indeed, the main hall of the Yuwang Temple's back courtyard was filled with over a dozen people.

Seated at the head was none other than the Imperial Censor.

A few days ago, Li Yan had used the Phantom Lord's network to help Dong Cunshan seek aid in Chongqing—but he hadn't expected the Phantom Lord to sneak out at night and meet the Censor himself, forging an alliance.

The Phantom Lord was willing to help overthrow Prince Shu—it was his goal anyway—and he'd simply ask for rewards.

The Imperial Censor, stranded and without allies, gladly accepted this unexpected aid, promising to remove the Phantom Lord's name from the government's wanted list upon success.

Frankly, the two were acting unscrupulously.

But Li Yan had his own urgent matter—he didn't care to argue.

Besides these two, the hall held men and women of all ages: some dressed as itinerant performers, others as ordinary merchants or peddlers.

Yet none here were ordinary.

"Hahaha! Little Master Li has finally returned!"

Indeed, upon seeing him, the Phantom Lord laughed loudly and rose to introduce: "Gentlemen, this is the famed Little Master Li—responsible for killing the Water Ghost Artisan Tian Qi and the Tangyuan Granny Nie Sang."

"Little Master Li, this is Elder Yuan of the Canal Guild, this is Chairman Liu of the Changchun Society, this is Squire Wang of the Chengdu Merchants' Association…"

"Little Master Li, young but already accomplished…"

"Long admired your name! You killed those two old demons—even the legendary Master Cheng Jianxian never managed it!"

"Greetings, all."

Li Yan bowed, his eyelids twitching slightly.

Prince Shu planned something major on the fifteenth day of the first month—he knew the Phantom Lord was using this rumor to rally the city's underworld.

This was understandable; he didn't oppose it.

After all, Prince Shu was powerful—more allies were needed.

But bringing so many people here—didn't he fear leaks?

Prince Shu had planted many spies.

As if sensing his concern, the Phantom Lord smiled: "Little Master Li, rest assured—all here today are trusted comrades of the Jianghu." "Prince Shu plots treason and has been replaced by sorcerers—we uphold righteousness and will not let him wreak havoc!"

"Elder Yuan speaks truth!"

"With Master Wang in command, we'll surely cut down these demons!"

Everyone echoed in agreement, bowing toward the front.

Li Yan looked on—and understood at once.

Clever Phantom Lord.

Alone, his rumors wouldn't have drawn these outlaws—but with the Imperial Censor vouching, everything changed.

The Great Xuan Dynasty was at its peak; the Yang family of Bozhou held sway across multiple provinces, sparking chaos across the southwest—but within months, imperial troops crushed them.

What did Prince Shu's forces amount to?

Imperial armies still stood in Qianzhou and Ezhou, ready to turn and march at any moment—Prince Shu's fall was merely a matter of time.

Aligning with the Imperial Censor was a sure, profitable deal.

Thinking of this, Li Yan couldn't help but silently admire.

!

The No-Form Young Master became the crime lord of Chengdu for good reason—he maneuvered skillfully between factions, used others' resources to grow his own power, and somehow built up a formidable force.

"You're all too kind."

Wang Yushi no longer looked the disheveled man he had been; he sat at the head of the hall, his expression solemn, bowing slightly to the side: "All of you are righteous men of the Jianghu. After you slay the demon and quell the chaos in Chengdu, I shall personally report to His Majesty and petition for your rewards."

"Thank you, Your Excellency."

For a moment, the atmosphere in the hall grew harmonious.

The No-Form Young Master watched silently, then smiled and bowed: "Your Excellency, the Prince of Shu intends to 'send the God of Joy on a pilgrimage.' What is your view?"

Wang Yushi pondered, stroking his beard: "That demon has grand plans for the fifteenth day of the first month. To prevent disaster, we must eliminate all threats."

"His sudden appearance today is surely a trap!"

No sooner had he spoken than a man hurried into the back hall, leaned close to the No-Form Young Master, and whispered a few words.

"Your Excellency is wise!"

The No-Form Young Master turned and bowed, smiling: "Just now, I sent scouts to observe the Prince of Shu's procession."

"The Prince brought few men, but replaced all his attendants with Black Feather Guards and his own band of demonic cultivators—it's definitely a trap!"

"Your Excellency is wise!"

Everyone began to flatter him.

Li Yan frowned slightly, remaining silent.

What new information had just arrived?

The No-Form Young Master had clearly already gathered intelligence—and deliberately revealed it before this crowd to boost Wang Yushi's reputation.

Even if Wang Yushi guessed wrong, he had a backup plan ready.

This No-Form Young Master is probably already planning for the future.

But what time is this to play such games…?

He disliked it, but Wang Yushi, seated above, clearly approved—he nodded calmly: "This is not hard to deduce."

He paused, then spoke gravely: "But it is also an opportunity. Since the demon has taken his elite forces with him, we shall turn his trap against him and seize military command!"

"Seize military command?"

Yuan the Elder of the Canal Guild frowned slightly and bowed respectfully: "Your Excellency, we are willing to lay down our lives, but we lack sufficient men in the city. Charging into the garrison would be suicide."

"It would be safer to wait for reinforcements from Chongqing, then strike from within and without."

"That is incorrect."

Wang Yushi rose, his face grave: "The Chongqing garrison has no more than thirty thousand troops. Even if they come by water, they won't arrive for at least three days."

"I've checked: since the twelfth month, the Prince of Shu has used the Chengdu lantern festival as an excuse to have the Salt Guild deliver vast quantities of grain. Combined with Chengdu's high walls, he can hold out for months."

"When we finally attack, countless lives will be lost."

"If we seize military command, we can prevent this catastrophe!"

The others exchanged glances, saying nothing.

The logic was sound—but risking one's life was another matter entirely.

Once again, it was the No-Form Young Master who looked around and declared loudly: "Your Excellency would never ask us to die pointlessly—you must already have a plan."

"Precisely."

Wang Yushi spoke gravely: "The Prince of Shu's maternal family holds great influence in the army. The demon controls the troops only because his spells have bewitched the Prince."

"If you infiltrate the Prince's mansion, seize control of everyone inside, then once the spell is broken and I persuade them, we can lure those generals into the mansion under the pretense of the New Year banquet!"

The No-Form Young Master also smiled: "Your Excellency's plan is brilliant. To be honest, I have a secret tunnel that leads directly into the Prince's garden—we can control them effortlessly."

The others saw it now.

These two had clearly planned this in advance.

It was nothing but a coordinated act to force their agreement.

But now, there was no turning back.

"We follow Your Excellency's plan!"

Everyone bowed in agreement.

Wang Yushi smiled slightly, then turned to the silent Li Yan: "Li Shaoxia, your help is indispensable. What are your thoughts?"

Li Yan frowned: "If it succeeds, of course I'll join. But that demon is no fool—what if this is a layered trap?"

"Li Shaoxia, rest assured."

The No-Form Young Master spoke gravely: "This tunnel has never been exposed. If we move swiftly, there will be no problem."

"Moreover, by custom, when the Prince of Shu sends the God of Joy on a pilgrimage, he first ascends the Black Pagoda at Anfu Temple to pray for blessings—it's the old Song-era tradition of 'Looking West from Jin City.'"

"We can send men to harass him along the way, making him believe we've fallen for the bait. Before entering the Prince's mansion, we can scout ahead."

"If it truly is a trap, we can withdraw in time."

Li Yan fell silent for a moment, then gave a slight nod.

Their plan was indeed thorough.

Such an opportunity was worth the gamble…

…………

Before anyone realized it, it was nearly the hour of Chen.

Three cannon blasts roared, and the main gates of the Prince of Shu's mansion slowly opened.

The grand procession finally appeared.

At the front marched red-clad guards, holding eight banners emblazoned with dragon patterns and sun-moon symbols; behind them, sixteen musicians beat drums and gongs, playing the tune "Chao Tian Zi"…

In the center rode the Prince of Shu's palanquin, its frame of golden sandalwood, draped in bright yellow brocade, embroidered with five-clawed circular dragons; a canopy of tassels hung above, and a hundred ceremonial guards lined both sides, while twenty-four attendants carried vermilion-lacquered ritual vessels…

The might of the Prince of Shu's mansion swept over them.

Many commoners had already taken to the streets and hastily stepped aside.

Though they came to witness the God of Joy's pilgrimage, none dared draw too near.

But then, the Chief Eunuch of the mansion, Liu Eunuch, flicked his fly-whisk and shouted loudly: "His Highness has ordered: special 'God of Joy Coins' shall be bestowed upon the people of Chengdu, to pray for favorable winds and rains, and for health and longevity~"

No sooner had he spoken than robed eunuchs on horseback rode forward, each carrying large sacks of copper coins, scattering them with a clatter into the crowd.

"Coins are falling! Coins are falling!"

The surrounding commoners surged forward, scrambling to grab them.

"Long live the Prince!"

"May the Prince enjoy long life and good fortune!"

Many commoners beamed, bowing from afar toward the palanquin.

This New Year had been more joyful than any before.

First came salt and gifts, then rice.

And now—coins, thrown freely.

Was the Prince of Shu planning to give away everything?

(End of Chapter)