Chapter 619: The Stunning News

"When he came to Luocheng, he wasn't called Zhao Lüzi…"

Di Longzi sat on a rock, his face grim.

His hands had been reset and bandaged; though not completely ruined, he could neither fight nor cast spells until he healed, as helpless as a cripple with no means of self-defense.

The old man was by nature cruel and domineering.

Such humiliation nearly made him explode with rage.

Yet he was also one who knew when to yield.

Qingcheng Sect openly sided with him, and this young man Li Yan was a ruthless one—he'd killed several even fiercer men—so he had no choice but to swallow his pride.

"He was good at hiding treasures, skilled in his craft, took on several major jobs, quickly built a reputation, and angered the local treasure-hiders…"

"He wasn't eloquent, but his wife was a seasoned veteran, so she always handled negotiations; after being ambushed and attacked several times, the two became much more cautious."

"Most of the time, I stayed near Luocheng. To find a treasure, I hired him with a heavy reward—only to find this brat stole the item, which is why I've been hunting him."

"He's clever—I never caught him."

"You're a man of the Jianghu. Tell me, which of my actions violated the rules?"

With that, the old man adopted an air of righteous indignation.

"Don't give me that!"

Sha Li-fei snorted beside him: "We've already checked your reputation. Rules? You only bring them up when they suit you."

"I know Zhao Lüzi's nature—even if it were the Jade Emperor's treasure, he wouldn't steal it. Something's definitely going on."

Seeing he couldn't hide it anymore, Di Longzi let out a low grunt: "His wife's gone—someone must have kidnapped her to force him to betray me…"

Li Yan said coldly: "What did he send him to find?"

After a long hesitation, Di Longzi reluctantly replied: "A pearl from the Northern Wei tomb on Mangshan—it repels dust, and it's extremely valuable."

Afraid Li Yan might kill him, he hurried on: "This matter is secret—few know of it. Their enemy is me. With my help, as long as Zhao Lüzi lives, he'll find it."

Li Yan gave him a cold glance and said nothing.

This old devil was definitely hiding something.

But Li Yan wouldn't truly kill him.

Not just for Zhao Lüzi, but also to spare Qingcheng Mountain's face.

Others could deliberately favor him, even at the cost of their own dignity—he couldn't go too far. Conflict was fine, but killing openly in public was another matter entirely.

After questioning Di Longzi, Li Yan turned to Ye Ku Lang Shen Sanyou, smiling: "Old brother, what brings you out of Chang'an?"

Ye Ku Lang was infamous as a vagabond, nearly semi-retired, rarely involved in Jianghu disputes.

Even the Opening Vault Conference wouldn't draw him.

"I had no choice."

Shen Sanyou slumped his head, looking utterly weary: "My master ordered me to come—I have something important to tell you. Find a quiet place."

"Alright."

Li Yan asked no further questions and turned to Di Longzi.

The old man still wore a gloomy expression, snorting: "Don't worry—I'm not like others. I keep my word. After the Opening Vault Conference, I'll take you."

Li Yan said nothing, bowed slightly, and led everyone away.

Watching them depart, one disciple finally couldn't hold back: "Master, they're utterly insulting! We heard Uncle Zhao is in Ezhou—shouldn't we…?"

"Fool!"

Di Longzi glanced at him and sneered: "He's proud and has always clashed with me. When those disciples in Shu suffered, did he ever lift a finger to help? He won't come."

He gazed toward where Li Yan had vanished: "Sometimes you must think. That boy's strong—perfect. Let him use his hands to eliminate those rivals…"

"Master is wise."

"Stop flattery. Help me up. Keep those items safe—this Opening Vault Conference might yield what I need…"

………

Qingcheng Mountain had also welcomed long-overdue bustle.

Across Shenzhou, there were countless sects—orthodox Daoist schools, magical sects, heterodox schools—each sending even just a few people added up to many.

Almost all Qingcheng disciples had returned to the mountain.

Receiving guests, patrolling the mountains, setting up arrangements—everyone was frantic.

Li Yan knew Qingcheng Mountain well, so he needed no guide—he led everyone straight to the back mountain's Chaoyang Cave.

With so many arriving, distinctions of rank naturally emerged.

Elders from major Daoist sects were typically housed in the Ancestral Hall, Shangqing Palace, or Tian Shi Cave, to show respect.

Smaller, weaker sects were all placed together in the mid-mountain guest lodges.

Those lodges had originally been for pilgrims, and by rights were quiet and serene—but attending the Opening Vault Conference meant a long trek.

As for Chaoyang Cave, it ranked just below the grand halls and palaces, with even better surroundings; those staying there were all renowned figures of Shenzhou's Daoist circles.

"Young Master Li, back already?"

"Has Master Lü not left?"

"The mountain's too quiet—I'm too lazy to move."

"Greetings, Brother Li."

"Greetings, Chan Master."

Along the way, people kept greeting Li Yan.

As Zou Shaohai, head of the Sichuan Boxing Association, had said, Li Yan's fame had spread far and wide after his battle at the Wang Fu in Chengdu—and now with this Opening Vault Conference.

The Jianghu operated by rules, but it was far more practical.

Li Yan's record earned him this respect.

His title of the Twelve Zodiacs had echoed across the land; in just these few days, many had come to greet him.

Li Yan and his group no longer worried about lacking clients.

They worried about how to turn them down.

Everywhere were obligations—handle them poorly, and trouble followed.

"Tsk tsk…"

Shen Sanyou, watching, muttered sarcastically: "Who'd have thought the boy who once hid in the alleys of Chang'an is now a big shot? If those girls from Pingkang Fang found out, they'd regret it till their guts turned green."

"Old brother, stop joking."

Li Yan sighed, led Shen Sanyou to his room, hung up the "Ruyi Treasure Pearl," then said seriously: "Old brother, you've got something serious to say, don't you?"

Shen Sanyou's face darkened. He first glanced at the Ruyi Treasure Pearl, then said gravely: "I've been sent by my sect to ask you about the Nine Cauldrons."

Li Yan's guard rose instantly: "Ming Jiao rarely involves itself in Jianghu affairs. Why ask about this?"

The Nine Cauldrons touched Shenzhou's destiny—even the Immortals of the Dala Fa Realm took notice. Missteps could mean mass death—he dared not take this lightly.

Even if it was an old friend.

Shen Sanyou didn't take offense. He spoke gravely: "Since I'm asking, I'll explain fully. This concerns my sect's origins."

"Ming Jiao is the orthodox lineage of the Qin Palace's secret rites, called 'Anhun Tai Zhu'—we presided over imperial funerals and suppressed the Five Directional Yin Demons. After the book-burning and burying of scholars, we went into hiding."

"Ming Jiao avoids Jianghu conflicts. Some disciples live hidden among commoners, earning their keep through funeral rites—that's the Yin Gate."

"But five others hold the Five Directional Yin Sacrifice rites, traveling across Shenzhou. My master, Yin Jiuge, is one of them."

"Their duty… is to monitor the Nine Cauldrons."

Li Yan was startled: "I've never heard of this."

Shen Sanyou shook his head: "It's a sect taboo. Once you receive the Five Directional Yin Sacrifice rites, you may never reveal your name in Daoist circles—violation means death."

Li Yan fell silent, then shook his head: "Brother Shen, I'm being honest—this is too coincidental. The news of the Nine Cauldrons just surfaced, and your master sends you here…"

"I understand."

Shen Sanyou nodded: "The Nine Cauldrons' appearance was never meant for outsiders to know—I only learned of it myself recently."

He sighed: "But my master speaks truly. Have you heard of the Qin King's Immortal Palace?"

"You're joking—that's just a legend, isn't it?"

Sha Li-fei, beside him, exclaimed in surprise.

Li Yan's face was equally incredulous.

They came from Guanzhong, had entered the Qinling Mountains—but that mysterious place remained shrouded in fog and legend.

There was the ancient Huaxu Kingdom, said to be the abode of Immortals…

The Ten Absolute Tombs, from which no one ever emerged…

The White Serpent God of Qinling, coiled around the peaks…

Like the Three Treasures of Yunmeng, these were local superstitions—unknown if true, passed down through generations.

But the most captivating was the Qin King's Immortal Palace.

Legend said it was built for the First Emperor by the Fangxian Dao, hiding the secret of immortality—but countless seekers had entered Qinling, yet none ever found it.

Shen Sanyou's expression remained calm: "My master says the Qin King's Immortal Palace is real—and Ming Jiao's origins are tied to it."

"As for what's inside, I don't know. But after the Nine Cauldrons appeared, the geomantic instrument in our sect's main hall began to stir."

"Then, someone came from the Qin King's Immortal Palace, demanding we stop the Nine Cauldrons' emergence—or a cataclysmic disaster would follow!"

"Someone came from the Qin King's Immortal Palace?!"

Everyone was even more astonished.

Li Yan felt a strange thought rise: "Could it be…"

"I truly don't know."

Shen Sanyou scratched his head. "If that one is truly alive, why would the Lishan Sect guard the imperial tomb so fiercely? My master is tight-lipped and refuses to say more."

Li Yan took a deep breath. "Alright, what do you want to know?"

Shen Sanyou said gravely, "Everything."

"Who is scheming for the Nine Cauldrons? What methods are they using? You're a living Yin Officer—you should know more. Right now, the entire Ghost Sect is investigating."

"The sect master has only one rule: anyone scheming for the Nine Cauldrons must be killed."

Li Yan paused, then spoke: "They're a mysterious organization, all members are Yin criminals. I only know of Qin-era alchemist Lu Sheng, and the Song-era Ghost Sect leader Zhao Changsheng..."

He recounted what he knew.

Of course, he revealed nothing about the Dalaofajie—after all, it involved immortals and gods, and his possession of the special Goudie would bring trouble.

Who knows who lurks behind the Ghost Sect?

If they truly move to stop it, that's also a good thing.

Shen Sanyou listened carefully, taking meticulous notes.

When Li Yan finished, he blew on the ink to dry it, carefully folded the paper, and tucked it into his robe. He rose and said, "I came to Qingcheng for this alone—I have no interest in the Jiao Opening Assembly. I'll leave now to report to my sect."

He sighed, clasped his hands, and added, "My master says: the transformation of the human realm has arrived. Chaos stirs across the land—no one can escape it."

"Your name is well-known now. That's both good and bad. After all, arrows from the shadows are hard to guard against. Be cautious in all you do."

"Brother's right. Travel slowly."

"Farewell."

After seeing Shen Sanyou off, the others returned to the room.

"Tsk tsk. The Qin King's Immortal Palace."

Sha Lifei still couldn't believe it. "It really exists?!"

Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard and shook his head. "The Cloud Lord's Divine Palace, the Dragon Palace's Water Mansion, the Qin King's Immortal Palace—the human realm's transformation has arrived. Who knows what else will surface next?"

Li Yan said gravely, "In any case, be cautious."

"Tomorrow is the Jiao Opening Assembly. Lingyunzi said it will last three days. After it's over, we leave—first, retrieve Long Yan, then head to Yuzhou to gather intelligence!"

Once the plan was set, everyone departed.

They too had matters to attend to.

This Jiao Opening Assembly far surpasses the one at Huashan.

Besides opening several treasure vaults sealed since the Song era, there will be trading and auctions—each orthodox sect will bring forth spiritual treasures to exchange.

The Twelve Yuan Chen now have great renown—and face greater danger.

They must seize this chance to strengthen themselves as much as possible.

After everyone left, the room fell silent.

Li Yan opened his pack and carefully removed several items—all gains from the battle at the Shu Prince's Palace.

After days of study, he'd finally figured out what they were.

Some were usable; others could be traded for treasures.

Thinking of this, Li Yan carefully picked up a jade pendant.

The pendant was no larger than a baby's fist, made of blue jade, shaped as "Twin Chi Embracing Bi"—round outside, hollow inside, about three inches in diameter.

Its aura was ancient and profound. According to Wang Daoxuan, it was typical of the Warring States to Qin period.

Carved along its edge were two entwined chi dragons, symbolizing the harmony of yin and yang and the mandate of imperial rule—likely from the imperial court, exquisitely crafted.

Upon close inspection, the front bore engraved Yunlei patterns, and around the central hole were twelve small-seal script incantations: "Extend Life and Eternal Youth," "Calming Evil and Warding Off Demons," and others.

Wang Daoxuan had checked—these matched the alchemist prayers recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: Annals of Qin Shi Huang," confirming it as a ritual vessel.

Lu Sheng's name was no small thing.

In the twenty-eighth year of Qin Shi Huang, the stele at Langya recorded that this alchemist Lu Sheng once presented the prophecy: "The Qin will fall to Hu."

This was a national sacrificial divine artifact!

Beyond its power to calm the spirit and evade magical detection and heavenly surveillance, it was even stronger than the "Ruyi Treasure Pearl."

No wonder Lu Sheng always carried it with him.

Looking at the object, Li Yan scratched his head.

This thing was the hardest to handle.

He was a living Yin Officer—if he sold it freely, and some old ghost got hold of it, it would become a problem when they turned hostile.

But keeping it was too extravagant.

He already had the "Dragon-Snake Token," and his team had the "Ruyi Treasure Pearl." If he used this to conceal himself, word would spread—and everyone would envy him...

"Sigh~"

Li Yan sighed and picked up the second item.

It was a yellow silk banner scroll—the very "Treasured Declaration of the Earth Official's Pardon" that Lu Sheng had used to repel the Yin soldiers the first time.

This was a single-use artifact; its power had faded, now appearing as an ordinary object.

But Li Yan knew it was evidence of the shadowy force behind the Dalaofajie—yet he had no idea how to use it.

The first time, the Yin soldiers were driven back by it.

The second time, the summoning of Wen Lingguan was incomplete.

Both Heaven and the Underworld now knew—but no further action followed.

The shadowy force behind this was no small player...

Li Yan shook his head slightly and picked up the third treasure.

It was the bronze mask with protruding eyes left behind by Erlang.

The artifact had calmed, yet Li Yan still sensed a lingering aura at its third eye—originating from the same source as Erlang.

Yang Erlang had spent a thousand years of incense offerings to re-embed the Nine Cauldrons into the earth's veins, repaying the devotion of the people of Shu—and now he had ascended to godhood.

Li Yan remembered: as he left, he left this behind, saying it might be useful.

He spoke vaguely.

What exactly was it for?

(End of Chapter)