[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-cursed-blade-s-walk":3,"chapter-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-653":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Cursed Blade's Walk",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2262958,4415,"Chapter 653: Zhangqiu Ancient Town","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-653",653,"\u003Cp>In the Great Xuan Dynasty, there is a saying: “South has Suzhou and Hangzhou; north has Lin and Zhang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lin and Zhang” refers specifically to Linqing in Luzhou and Zhangqiu in Yanggu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the Daxing era, after the opening of the Huitong River section in Luzhou, the Grand Canal flowed through Zhangqiu, Acheng, and Qiji towns in eastern Yanggu County, rapidly prospering them into the canal’s famed trio of towns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Zhangqiu Town.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Located on the north bank of the Yellow River, it served as the dock for the Huitong River section and a vital hub for goods distribution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bamboo, citrus, rice, tung oil, silk, and tea from the south were unloaded here and transported by land to Jinzhou, Shanzhou, Yuzhou, and throughout Luzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, inland goods—including local black dates, Ajiao, and salt from Jiaozhou—were loaded onto ships here for shipment southward. Thus, it became the most prosperous, with nine gates, nine outer districts, seventy-two streets, and eighty-two alleys in this small town.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since ancient times, docks have been gathering places for all walks of life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhangqiu Town was no exception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially since it lay within Yanggu County.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fame of Jingyang Ridge spread far and wide through the Water Margin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the Song Dynasty, the martial spirit of Liangshan had never faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the dock was crowded with sails and masts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coolies sweated profusely, animals neighed incessantly, merchants spoke in a mix of northern and southern dialects—the entire dock buzzed with noise, a scene of thriving prosperity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this was merely the dock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Farther out on the Huitong River, countless vessels waited to dock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So many that they clogged the entire waterway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhangqiu Town was originally called Zhangqiu Town.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the deck of a large boat, Chen San, the local Caobang  leader known as “Wave Dragon,” smiled and explained: “This place floods every autumn, hence the name ‘Zhangqiu’—over time, it became Zhangqiu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile was gentle, even slightly fawning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any martial artist nearby would be stunned to see it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen San was no ordinary man—he hailed from Ziwu Gate and ranked among the top in Yanggu County.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yanggu County borders Liangshan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the saying goes: “Even drinking water from Liangshan makes one stretch and kick.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This land had long been steeped in martial tradition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banjiu Store north of Liangshan was the birthplace of Cheng Yaojin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the Song Dynasty, martial culture flourished especially.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the Xuanhe era of Emperor Huizong, heroes from across the land gathered at Liangshan Marsh, their masters gathering in great numbers, renowned throughout the martial world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the masters of that time were not limited to the One Hundred and Eight Heroes of Liangshan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the northern Liangshan region, at Jianfu Temple on Liugong Mountain, the old abbot Yuan Tong was among the Ten Great Masters of Shenzhou, traveling far and wide, undefeated in all battles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After every battle, the Liangshan heroes came here to rest and train.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Abbot Yuan Tong absorbed the strengths of their martial arts and compiled them into Liangshan Martial Arts, named “Ziwu Gate” because its techniques were practiced at midnight and noon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Song Jiang and others were betrayed and killed upon surrender, Yuan Tong took their descendants into Jianfu Temple for protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surviving Liangshan heroes also came to Jianfu Temple to become monks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the foundation of Liangshan Ziwu Gate was laid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its techniques bore the names of the Liangshan heroes: Wu Song Fist, Wu Song Drunken Fist, Zhi Shen Fist, Zhi Shen Staff, Yang Zhi Sword, Yan Qing Fist, Yan Qing Staff, Lin Chong Spear, Li Kui Axe, Shi Qian Light Body Art, Sun Erniang Twin Swords, and so on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen San was originally a Ziwu Gate master and, with his mastery of water, earned the nickname “Wave Dragon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meaning he was fiercer than the original “White Stripe of the Waves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With sect backing and his own formidable skills, he rose to lead the Caobang .\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grand Canal was the Caobang ’s foundation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To become a leader, controlling a stretch of river, spoke volumes of his ability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now, he wore a posture of humility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him stood Li Yan, who had arrived by boat from Yuzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Li.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Yan silent, Chen San pointed to the distant town and said: “The streets of Zhangqiu Town—what they sell, what they’re called—like Rice Street, Sugar Street, Firewood Street, Bamboo Pole Alley—where would you prefer to stay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Somewhere quiet is enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan nodded, lowering his voice: “Where we stay doesn’t matter—we’re martial artists, not picky. Master Chen, better to get to the bottom of this quickly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, yes, I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen San’s expression turned grave as he nodded hastily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, Chen San held another title: Battalion Commander of the Regional Military Commission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Caobang ’s ties with the court were always ambiguous; mostly, they relied on court-backed business, cooperating with the court—one visible, one hidden—to jointly maintain order on the canal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen San’s smooth rise owed much to his covert role as a commission agent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Li Yan’s party, escorted by the Heluo Merchant Guild, left Kaifeng, Chen San approached them immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been ordered by the capital to make contact and secretly investigate the “Jianmu” organization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since entering the martial world, Li Yan had made an irreconcilable enemy of this organization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alone, he was at a disadvantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least in this matter, cooperating with the court was the best choice; after receiving intelligence from Wang Xuanmo, he immediately reported to the Xuan Sect, and since the court was already pursuing Zhao Changsheng, they swiftly dispatched elite troops to assist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve already sent men to Qufu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Kong family, under imperial decree, is cooperating fully—they’re investigating ‘Kong Hui’…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And the escaped Japanese monks—our Caobang  brothers are watching them…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke without delay, detailing every arrangement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those participating in this operation were all elite from the Enforcement Hall and the Regional Military Commission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had connections in the capital—he knew Li Yan, though born of the common folk, was a towering figure in the Xuan martial world and had close ties with high officials in the capital, far beyond his ability to offend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, he had maintained a subordinate’s demeanor throughout the journey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, the boats ahead finally parted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the large vessel docked, its passengers disembarked one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them were Li Yan’s party and Zhao Lüzi and his wife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the dock, where the virtuous and the vile mingled, their imposing presence drew many glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But seeing the Caobang  captain Chen San personally leading them, the onlookers quickly averted their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen San paid them no mind, leading the group through a path cleared by his disciples, straight into the city to a three-court mansion in the eastern quarter—blue bricks, gray tiles, carved beams and jade rafters, with artificial hills and flowing streams, built with great grandeur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Li, this is my family’s ancestral home.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen San smiled: “You seek quiet, but inns are too crowded and watched. After much thought, this place suits best. Stay comfortably—anything you need, just tell the steward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He added softly: “The imperial order came suddenly—I still have arrangements to make. If those Japanese monks slip away…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan nodded: “Master Chen, attend to your duties.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll host a welcome feast tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen San bowed formally, then hurried away with his men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the advantage of cooperating with the court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Chen San and his kind were no match in martial power against the ancient monsters of “Jianmu,” they were scattered across Shenzhou—once the court issued an order, they formed a vast net.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially this intelligence—if Li Yan had pursued it alone, it would have taken him countless days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once they were under others’ command; now they could harness forces from all sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Chen Fu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as Chen San left, the old steward hurried forward: “The guest rooms have been cleaned, meals prepared. Wash up, then call when you’re ready to eat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, the entire Chen household had been forewarned—these guests were honored, and no slight was tolerated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After settling in, Li Yan went to Zhao Lüzi and his wife’s room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two had suffered greatly in the Fake Yin-Si Crypt, their primordial energy damaged; they had not joined the Luoyang battle, spent the journey half-awake, half-asleep, and only yesterday regained strength enough to walk—yet their faces remained pale, their qi and blood depleted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Yan enter, Zhao Lüzi rose quickly, his eyes avoiding his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why so distant, Brother Zhao?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan chuckled, pulling him down to sit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Lüzi’s face flushed; after a silence, he said: “When you asked me to join you in Guanzhong, I refused—I wouldn’t break my vow. But now, every taboo of my sect has been shattered—I’ve embarrassed you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan shook his head slightly. “What nonsense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The world has changed. Holding to tradition is admirable, but context matters. And I know you—your nature wouldn’t break a vow without reason.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced subtly at Feng Feiyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Feiyan’s face paled; she lowered her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It has nothing to do with my wife.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Lüzi seized her hand at once, explaining: “We married intending to send word and invite you to our wedding feast, but learned you were opposing the Tian Sheng Sect in Ezhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I worried, so I set out to aid you—but nearly died crossing the Qinling Mountains.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan frowned. “What happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Lüzi and Feng Feiyan exchanged glances, both eyes flickering with fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Picking up the teacup on the table, Zhao Lüzi took a sip before speaking slowly: “You know, our Mountain Guide lineage spends most of its time sleeping in the wilds, and even when traveling, we avoid official roads, sticking to mountain paths.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes grew red as he added, “My father entered the Qinling Mountains years ago and never returned. Before he left, he made me swear to never leave Guanzhong. Now that the vow is broken, I’ve decided to search for his trail.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our lineage always leaves hidden marks when entering the mountains, to avoid getting lost in deadly zones—and I actually found one. Though years have passed, the mark remains clear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We followed the mark and discovered the treasure vault of the former Great Xing dynasty. But when we arrived, it had already been blown apart, with suppression talismans left behind by the Taixuan Zhengjiao…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That trap?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan was stunned and immediately asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While in Guanzhong, a Mi Le cult master slaughtered the ancient village of Gu Shui and seized a map from a eunuch who had fled the capital, then led a band of Qinling bandits into the mountains to dig for treasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the so-called treasure turned out to be nothing but a trap left by the former Great Xing dynasty, one that held a powerful Hanba , nearly triggering a quake in the Qinling dragon vein. Fortunately, the Taixuan Zhengjiao intervened, dragged the coffin out, and sealed it beneath Mount Huashan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of that incident, he himself gained a stroke of fortune atop Mount Huashan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never expected Zhao Lüzi had also found that place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Was your uncle killed by the Hanba ?” Li Yan asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Lüzi shook his head. “That fake treasure vault was just a decoy. Using our Mountain Guide secret arts, I searched further and found my father’s hidden mark on the back mountain. Following it, I witnessed something strange…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That night, the moon was bright. I saw a white-robed Daoist sitting in meditation on the mountain, breathing out clouds like a demon, refining his Golden Core and absorbing lunar essence…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My wife and I were terrified and turned to flee, but suddenly, ghostly troops marched through the mountains. We used our secret arts to evade them, but I was severely wounded. My wife carried me out of the Qinling alone…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once we reached the official road, I realized something was wrong—we’d been cursed and marked. Before midnight, I felt something scratching at the door. To avoid danger, we had to flee as fast as we could.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We ran all the way to Yuzhou. Because of the ghost troops, my spirit was damaged. Yan’er had to take on dirty jobs to earn silver for my healing—and eventually, she was kidnapped.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So that’s how it was.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan suddenly understood and bowed to Feng Feiyan. “Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He realized he had wrongly accused this woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never expected this Madame Feng was truly a person of deep feeling and loyalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the couple, Li Yan asked, “What are your plans now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Lüzi’s eyes were clouded with uncertainty. “Yan’er is an ordinary person, and I’m wounded—my cultivation will never advance again. Continuing to hunt for treasures is too dangerous. Perhaps we should find a quiet place and run a small business…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan thought for a moment. “I have a suggestion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your skills are wasted. Besides, the human realm of Shenzhou is on the brink of great change—the wilds will only grow more perilous. We’re heading to the Qiankun Academy in the capital.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They teach all manner of esoteric arts. Let me help you secure a position—teach a course on identifying spiritual trees. Would you be willing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Lüzi was stunned. “I… I can teach at an academy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan smiled. “The Qiankun Academy is no ordinary place. Your family’s secret arts need not be revealed—teaching survival skills from the wilds would surely please them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had seen Zhao Lüzi’s abilities firsthand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Setting aside the Biebao ’s tricks, even the ancestral knowledge of traveling across heaven and earth would be enough to draw interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staying with them was too dangerous. Under the Qiankun Academy’s protection, they could live in peace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After further explaining the history of the Qiankun Academy, Feng Feiyan signaled urgently, and Zhao Lüzi agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Yan prepared to leave, Zhao Lüzi suddenly spoke up. “I just remembered something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That night, when the ghost troops passed, I caught a glimpse of their attire—they looked like Qin soldiers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And I heard the Daoist shout half a phrase…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What phrase?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, my master Xu Fu…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan shot to his feet, eyes wide with disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in his room, Li Yan’s face remained grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin ghost troops… Your Majesty…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was hard not to think of the legend of Qinling:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qin King’s Immortal Palace!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To others, it might be just a myth—but he knew it truly existed, and was deeply tied to the Mingjiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could the First Emperor be hiding there?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Xu Fu was linked to the “Jianmu” organization—possibly even within it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His disciple would be too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The First Emperor despised them with every fiber of his being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why had Xu Fu’s disciple gone to Qinling?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2457,"2026-06-19T18:28:35.913Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","9e4eb98cc31672f7e8ca9d88115151debb4d738f8124cc06ac2af08243814837","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-654","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-652",801,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-cursed-blade-s-walk-cover.jpg"]