Chapter 654: Nuo Mask Disturbance

Back in his room, Li Yan's thoughts remained turbulent.

【1】 Back in his room, Li Yan's thoughts remained turbulent.

What Zhao Lüzi accidentally revealed was truly horrifying.

【2】 What Zhao Lizi had accidentally revealed was truly horrifying.

Xu Fu's disciple must surely be someone from "Jianmu."

【3】 Xu Fu's disciple must be from Jianmu.

Many things, when looked back upon, now seem suspicious.

【4】 Many things, upon reflection, seemed suspicious.

The old eunuch from Gu Shui Village obtained the treasure map from the capital.

【5】 The old eunuch from Gu Shui Village obtained the treasure map from the capital.

Originally, he had decided to stay far from trouble and live peacefully as a local landowner.

【6】 Originally, he had decided to stay away from trouble and live peacefully as a local landowner.

But the news leaked, bringing upon him a deadly fate.

【7】 But the news leaked, bringing him a death sentence.

And the ancient traps left behind by the Da Xing dynasty happened to lie near the Qin King's Immortal Palace.

【8】 And the trap left behind by the former dynasty's Daxing lay precisely near the Qin Prince's Immortal Palace.

It's likely that damaging the Qinling dragon vein was merely a pretense,

【9】 Probably, destroying the Qinling dragon vein was merely a ruse,

And testing the Qin King's Immortal Palace was the real goal!

【10】 And the real goal was to test the Qin Prince's Immortal Palace!

Could the First Emperor have already colluded with "Jianmu"?

【11】 Could the First Emperor have already colluded with Jianmu?

But that doesn't seem right—if the First Emperor truly cared about the Nine Cauldrons, why would he have secretly sunk them into the dragon vein to stabilize the realm?

【12】 But it didn't seem so—if the First Emperor truly cared about the Nine Cauldrons, why would he have secretly sunk them into the dragon vein to stabilize the Divine Land?

Li Yan simply couldn't figure out the reason.

【13】 Li Yan simply couldn't figure out the reason.

And as for the "Mingjiao"—though their purpose was to guard the Nine Cauldrons, Shen Sanyou abandoned life and death to journey far to the East, and Elder Yin Jiuge was left permanently crippled in the Luoyang battle, retiring from the martial world.

【14】 And the Mingjiao —though their purpose was to guard the Nine Cauldrons, Shen Sanyou abandoned life and death to journey far to the East, and Elder Yin Jiuge was left permanently crippled in the Luoyang battle, retiring from the martial world.

But given this incident, we must be more cautious from now on.

【15】 But with this incident, caution would be needed going forward.

Knock knock knock!

【16】 Knock knock knock!

As Li Yan was lost in thought, a knock came at the door.

【17】 As Li Yan was lost in thought, a knock came at the door.

It was the old steward, Chen Fu, inviting them to dinner.

【18】 It was the old steward, Chen Fu, inviting them to dinner.

Though called a simple meal, the Chen household had prepared meticulously.

【19】 He called it a simple meal, but Chen's household had prepared it with great care.

In the Chen family's main hall, three elmwood dining tables were joined into one long table.

【20】 In the Chen family's main hall, three elmwood Eight Immortals tables were joined into one long table.

Caobanghanzimenkanglaijitan 「 Jingyangchun 」， Cutaotankouhongchouxiankai ， Nongliejiuxiangshunjianmanguomenkan 。

【21】 The Caobang men carried in several jars of Jingyangchun; when the red silk covering the coarse ceramic mouths was lifted, the potent aroma of wine flooded across the threshold.

Zhangqiuzhen, near Yuzhou, even speaks with a Yuzhou accent; the banquet blended flavors from Shandong and Henan.

【22】 Zhangqiu Town bordered Yuzhou, and even the speech carried Yuzhou's accent; the banquet blended flavors from both Luzhou and Yuzhou.

All dishes were prepared according to the old Grand Canal tradition of "four cold, eight hot."

【23】 All dishes followed the old Grand Canal rule of "four cold, eight hot."

"Lords and heroes, our Chen household's feast may be humble, but it's served with warmth!"

【24】 "Gentlemen, our Chen household's feast may be plain, but it's warm and heartfelt!"

The steward Chen Fu clapped thrice, and servants wearing indigo headbands filed in.

【25】 The steward Chen Fu clapped three times, and servants wearing indigo headbands filed in one after another.

A large earthenware bowl of braised Li River carp sat at the center of the table, its mouth holding a copper coin, its tail fin pointed directly at the honored guest, Li Yan.

【26】 A large bowl of braised carp from Weishan Lake lay at the center of the table, its mouth clutching a copper coin, its tail fin pointed directly at the honored guest, Li Yan.

Chen Fu sliced open the fish's belly with a silver knife, revealing a trembling mound of amber-colored roe:

【27】 Chen Fu sliced open the fish's belly with a silver knife; amber-colored roe trembled into a small mound:

"The fish's head brings three cups to open the path to enlightenment—!"

【28】 "Three cups for the fish head—to open the great Dao!"

As he spoke, the old man raised a celadon bowl above his brow: "My master is away, and he instructed us to treat all heroes with the utmost care. I, old man that I am, dare to raise a cup to you all."

【29】 As he spoke, the old man raised his celadon bowl above his brow. "The master is away, and he instructed us to treat you gentlemen well. I'll be bold and offer you all a bowl."

"You're far too kind, Elder."

【30】 "You're too kind, old sir."

Li Yan and the others immediately rose and drank their cups in unison.

【31】 Li Yan and the others rose quickly and drank together.

"You all have prodigious appetites!"

【32】 "You gentlemen have boundless capacity!"

The old steward Chen Fu complimented them, then began introducing the dishes.

【33】 The old steward complimented them again and began introducing the dishes.

He lifted the steamer lid, releasing a cloud of steam carrying the scent of wheat, revealing large, plump buns.

【34】 He lifted the steamer lid; white steam, fragrant with wheat, revealed large, plump buns.

Strips of braised pork trembled in a coarse earthenware pot, their sauce a deep date-red; braised lamb mingled with the fragrant aroma of reeds from the Grand Canal.

【35】 Strips of pork trembled in a coarse earthenware bowl, glazed in date-red sauce; yellow-braised lamb mingled with the fresh scent of reeds from the canal.

As Sha Lifei lifted a piece of lamb with skin, the old steward hurriedly poured another cup:

【36】 As Sha Lifei reached for a piece of lamb with skin, the old steward hurriedly poured another cup:

"Lamb kneels to nurse—this cup must be drunk with lamb-bone broth!"

【37】 "Lambs kneel to nurse—this shows gratitude. This cup must be drunk with lamb-bone broth!"

With that, he ordered a black-lacquered wooden tray brought forward.

【38】 Saying this, he ordered a lacquered black wooden tray brought forward.

Inside green lotus leaves lay marbled pheasant, pickled in a deep ruby hue.

【39】 Inside green lotus leaves lay marbled pheasant, pickled and braised.

Even the comb had been dyed bright red with cornelian juice.

【40】 Even the comb had been dyed bright red with cornelian juice.

Zhelaoguanjiayousixiajichijinggeiliyan ，「 Fenghuangtaishangfenghuangyou ， Zheliangshanyeweizuipeizancaobangdedaomajiu ！」

【41】 The old steward tore off a wing and offered it to Li Yan. "On the Phoenix Terrace, phoenixes fly—this Liangshan wild game best suits our Caobang 's sword-and-horse wine!"

Li Yan chuckled in disbelief: "Old sir, you needn't be so formal."

【42】 Li Yan smiled wryly. "Old sir, no need for such formality."

The others, too, felt slightly uneasy.

【43】 The others, too, felt slightly uneasy.

They had encountered the bold generosity of Guanzhong, the warm hospitality of Huguang, and the fiery friendliness of Sichuan—but this elaborate, layered etiquette of Shandong was entirely new to them, leaving them somewhat at a loss.

【44】 They had seen the boldness of Guanzhong, the hospitality of Huguang, the warmth of Sichuan—but this elaborate, layered ritual from Luzhou was their first encounter, leaving them somewhat at a loss.

Of course, they could see that the old steward was genuinely sincere.

【45】 Of course, they could see the old steward was genuinely earnest.

"Ah, it's my fault."

【46】 "Oh, it's my fault."

The astute old steward Chen Fu immediately drank another cup and said: "Heroes, you've traveled far and must be weary. I won't keep you any longer—please feel free to ask for anything you need."

【47】 The old steward, sharp as they come, drank another cup and said, "Gentlemen, you've traveled far—you must be tired. I won't disturb you further. Just give me any orders."

Though he spoke thus, he still clapped his hands once as he left.

【48】 Though he spoke thus, as he left, he clapped his hands again.

From the eastern courtyard, music of strings and flutes immediately arose.

【49】 From the eastern courtyard, music of strings and flutes immediately rose.

It was Chen San, who had earlier hired a ballad troupe from the Linqing wharf to perform "The Tiger-Slayer of Jingyang Ridge."

【50】 It was Chen San's earlier arrangement: a ballad troupe from Linqing Wharf, singing "The Tiger-Slayer of Jingyang Ridge."

The melody was melodious and fitting.

【51】 The voice was melodious, fitting the moment.

Most importantly, the woman holding the pipa sang from the adjacent room, her music drifting softly through the walls.

【52】 Most importantly, the woman with the pipa sang from the next room, the music drifting in.

It neither disturbed nor lacked charm.

【53】 It didn't disturb, yet added a certain charm.

"Hmm…"

【54】 "Tsk tsk…"

Shalifei ， Renbuzhuzeshedao ：「 Zaotingshuocaobanghaofu ， Kanlaizhechensanyemeishaonongyinzi ， Jiushizhehaohaodetubawangbudang ， Weihehaiyaocanhedaochaotingnahunshuizhongqu ？」

【55】 Sha Lifei couldn't help muttering, "I heard the Caobang was wealthy—Chen San must've made plenty of silver. But why abandon being a local warlord and meddle in the court's murky waters?"

"In life, everyone seeks something."

【56】 "All men live with desires."

Li Yan drank his cup of wine and shook his head: "I always thought the martial world was separate from the court, but many things, when traced to their roots, lead back to the imperial court or the marketplace. Now, with the transformation of human affairs, even ordinary folk can't remain untouched…"

【57】 Li Yan drank his cup, shook his head. "I always thought the martial world was separate—but many things, traced to their roots, lead back to court or marketplace. Now, with the transformation of human Dao, even common folk can't stay outside it…"

……

【58】 ……

After the banquet, everyone dispersed.

【59】 After the feast, everyone dispersed.

After days of travel by boat, they could finally sleep soundly in their beds.

【60】 After days of travel by boat, they finally slept soundly in their beds.

Soon, the snores of Sha Lifei and Wu Ba drifted from the next room.

【61】 Soon, Sha Lifei's and Wu Ba's snores drifted from the next room.

Li Yan had awakened his ear spirit power; even without activating it, his hearing was exceptionally sharp. Combined with the events of the day, his mind was unsettled and sleep eluded him, so he rose and went to his desk.

【62】 Li Yan had awakened his Ear Divine Power; even without activating it, his hearing was extraordinarily sharp. Combined with the day's events, his mind was unsettled and sleep eluded him, so he rose and went to his desk.

After lighting the oil lamp, he took two wooden boxes from his luggage.

【63】 After lighting the oil lamp, he took out two wooden boxes from his luggage.

Opening one, he found inside the five black banners of Wang Xuanmo.

【64】 Opening one, he found the five black flags of Wang Xuanmo.

These were the very artifacts Wang Xuanmo had used to bind the spirits of Mangshan.

【65】 The very tools Wang Xuanmo had used to bind the spirits of Mangshan.

Li Yan sensed their extraordinary nature and carefully stored them away.

【66】 Li Yan sensed their rarity and carefully stored them away.

He didn't recognize them, but Elder Yin Jiuge of the Mingjiao knew much about them.

【67】 He didn't recognize them, but Elder Yin Jiuge of the Mingjiao knew much about them.

These banners were the sacred treasures of the Yinfu Sect, crafted by the famed Zhang Jue.

【68】 These flags were the treasured artifacts of the Yinfu Sect, forged by the famed Zhang Jiao.

Made of black cotton and silk, embroidered with gold thread depicting the Big Dipper's thunder patterns, woven with silver thread inscribing the Taiping Dao's "Yellow Heaven Shall Rise" cloud script, and infused with the Yinfu incantations from the "Taiping Jing"—in that turbulent age, they were infamous, eventually falling into the hands of the Yinfu Sect and becoming their sacred relics.

【69】 The flags' fabric was black cotton and silk, embroidered with gold thread in the pattern of the Big Dipper's thunder, woven with silver thread in the cloud-script of the Taiping Dao's "Yellow Heaven Shall Rise," and inscribed with the Yin Fu of the "Six Jia Secret Chants" from the Taiping Scripture—by masters, in that turbulent age, they were infamous, eventually passing into the Yinfu Sect's hands to become their sacred treasure.

Later, after being destroyed in a battle with the Zhengyi Sect, the Yinfu Sect repaired them using yin-sunken cypress wood from Han tombs in Mangshan.

【70】 Later, after being destroyed in a battle with the Zhengyi Sect, the Yinfu Sect repaired them using the dark cypress from Han tombs on Mangshan.

Wang Xuanmo placed them deep within Mangshan to nurture them, binding the mountain's spirits and restoring their divine power.

【71】 Wang Xuanmo placed them deep within Mangshan to nurture them, binding the mountain's spirits and restoring their divine power.

But now, they had become utterly malevolent artifacts.

【72】 But now, they had become utterly malevolent artifacts.

Named "Yellow Heaven Five Elements," they naturally correspond to metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.

【73】 Named "Yellow Heaven's Five Elements," they naturally corresponded to metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.

Both Wang Daoxuan and Yin Jiuge had examined them: the metal banner held the White Tiger's malevolence, the wood banner carried the Green Dragon's plague, the water banner bore the Black Tortoise's curse…

【74】 Wang Daoxuan and Yin Jiuge had both seen them: the metal flag held the White Tiger's malevolence, the wood flag carried the Azure Dragon's plague, the water flag bore the Black Tortoise's curse…

The primordial malevolent energies of the Five Elements had all been assembled.

【75】 The primordial malevolent energies of the Five Elements were all complete.

Such a malevolent artifact could not be wielded by ordinary people.

【76】 Such malevolent treasures could not be controlled by ordinary people.

Even Wang Xuanmo struggled to control the banners without being consumed, ultimately being slain by them.

【77】 Even Wang Xuanmo, when wielding them, struggled to free himself and was nearly crushed by their power.

To use this artifact, Li Yan's current strength was insufficient.

【78】 With his current strength, Li Yan could not use them.

But for Li Yan, they were perfectly suited.

【79】 But for Li Yan, they were perfectly suited.

He didn't need to control the artifact—he only needed to use it as a vessel.

【80】 He didn't need to control them—he only needed to use them as vessels.

The "Five Directions Luo Feng Banners" were Great Luo artifacts; no matter how fierce this relic, once infused with the spiritual essence of a Great Luo artifact, it would submit completely, unleashing its full power.

【81】 The "Five Directions' Luo Feng Flags" were Great Luo artifacts; no matter how fierce, once infused with the Great Luo's spiritual essence, they would submit completely, unleashing their full power.

The only trouble is the Gang Ling.

【82】 The only problem was the Gang Ling.

To activate the Five Directions Luo Feng Banner, at least five Gang Ling must be integrated, each bound to one of the Five Camps' yin troops.

【83】 To activate the "Five Directions' Luo Feng Flags," he needed at least five Gang Lings, bound to the Five Camps of the Yin Bureau's troops.

Thinking of this, Li Yan felt a pang of regret.

【84】 Thinking of this, Li Yan felt a pang of regret.

He had received these tasks in succession and assumed Gang Ling were easy to obtain; he casually used Three Talismans to Suppress Demons to craft the ritual banners, used them only a few times, then easily dismantled them.

【85】 He had received tasks one after another, thinking Gang Lings were easy to obtain; he casually used Three Talismans to forge flags, used them only a few times, then just as easily dismantled them.

The five Gang Ling subsequently vanished.

【86】 The five Gang Lings vanished with them.

Even after so long, he hadn't recovered even one.

【87】 Even now, after so long, he hadn't acquired even one.

He'd have to be more careful from now on.

【88】 He'd have to be more careful going forward.

Though activating the "Five Directions Luo Feng Banners" was difficult, they could be used at any time.

【89】 Though activating the "Five Directions' Luo Feng Flags" was difficult, they could be used at any time.

In contrast, summoning yin-spirit troops as the "Living Yin Official," calling upon the Thunder Bureau as the "Celestial Official," or invoking the Warm Spirit Official with the "Bingding Living Ghost Talisman" all required specific conditions.

【90】 Whether using his "Living Yin Officer" identity to summon the Yin Bureau's troops, his "Celestial Official" identity to call the Thunder Bureau, or the "Bing-Ding Living Ghost Talisman" to summon Wen Lingguan—all required conditions.

They weren't afraid of single opponents, but recently they'd often faced large numbers of enemies—the "Five Directions Luo Feng Banners" had become vital, ensuring they wouldn't be overwhelmed by sheer force again.

【91】 They weren't afraid of one-on-one fights, but these recent encounters often involved overwhelming numbers—the "Five Directions' Luo Feng Flags" had become vital, ensuring they wouldn't be crushed by sheer force again.

Thinking of this, Li Yan carefully stored the "Yellow Heaven Five Elements Banners."

【92】 Thinking of this, Li Yan carefully stored the "Yellow Heaven Five Elements Flags."

He had a feeling that as human affairs continued to transform and the Huangquan organization collapsed, many more opportunities would arise.

【93】 He had a feeling that as human Dao transformed further and the Huangquan organization collapsed, more opportunities would arise.

Setting the banners aside, he opened the other box.

【94】 He set the flags aside and opened the other box.

Inside lay the Qingtong Nuo mask left behind by Erlang Shen Yang Jian.

【95】 Inside lay the vertical-eyed bronze Nuo mask left behind by Yang Jian, the Second Son of Heaven.

He had once suspected it was a tool Yang Jian had left to communicate with him.

【96】 He had once suspected it was Yang Jian's tool for communicating with him.

Since Yang Jian ascended to divinity and departed, the mask had remained silent.

【97】 Since Yang Jian ascended to divinity and departed, the mask had remained silent.

To be honest, Li Yan had long given up hope—but when his divine awareness was affected by the Yuzhou Cauldron, he had glimpsed the Great Luo spiritual realm, reigniting his hope.

【98】 To be honest, Li Yan had long given up—but when his divine awareness was affected by the Yuzhou Cauldron and he glimpsed the Great Luo Realm, hope stirred within him again.

Perhaps he had been using it incorrectly…

【99】 Perhaps… he had been using it wrong…

Li Yan held the bronze Nuo mask, recalling the vision he had seen.

【100】 Li Yan held the bronze Nuo mask, carefully recalling the vision he had seen.

He had once believed the Great Luo Dharma Realm was another world.

The Heavenly Court hung high above the clouds, while the Netherworld lay deep within the earth's veins.

But what he saw then shattered his understanding.

The Great Luo Dharma Realm resembled more a dark void.

The Netherworld's Yin Bureaucracy was not beneath the earth, but a branching glow of light.

Could it be that other branching lights were other powers, such as the Heavenly Court?

What startled Li Yan was the sheer number of these branching lights within the darkness.

Some blazed brightly, others dimly; some vast, others slender.

Some even layered upon one another, faintly forming a nebula-like shape.

The Heavenly Court, the Netherworld's Yin Bureaucracy, the Western Pure Land…

Besides these,

what were the others?

The Great Luo Dharma Realm,

what manner of existence was it…?

Unconsciously, Li Yan sank into thought.

The lights and shadows he had seen flickered endlessly in his mind.

At that moment, a bone-chilling coldness came from his hand.

Li Yan snapped back to awareness, looked down, and his eyes instantly lit with joy.

The bronze Nuo mask, Buzhiheshiyibumanyinshazhiqi, had somehow become saturated with yin-evil qi, as if appearing out of nowhere; where it connected to his fingers, frost had even formed, and the area within his sight shimmered with a faint Youmang …

It truly worked.

Li Yan hurriedly recalled his earlier movements, and a hunch began to form.

Without hesitation, he immediately sat cross-legged on the bed, ignoring the piercing pain, and placed the bronze Nuo mask over his face.

He had previously lost himself, recalling the vision of the Great Luo Dharma Realm.

Unintentionally, he had perfectly matched the method of visualization!

He formed the hand seal, entered meditation, and recalled the scene he had seen before.

This time, it was indeed different.

The icy Nuo mask numbed his mind almost completely.

And the vision of the Great Luo Dharma Realm within his mind grew ever more vivid.

Suddenly, a vast fog appeared before his eyes.

As before, Li Yan's vision pierced through the fog.

The dark expanse of the Great Luo Dharma Realm appeared abruptly before him.

Once again, countless dense branching lights glowed.

This time, Li Yan observed more carefully.

These branching lights layered upon one another, converging into a nebula-like form.

The ones above were large and small, yet all glowed brightly, as if spreading outward.

The lower they were, the dimmer they became.

What startled Li Yan further was that other regions within his sight also flickered with branching lights.

As he became lost in gazing, that familiar sensation returned once more.

Li Yan looked down and saw it—the same branching light as before.

It sat at the very top, among the many "branches" ranking among the upper-middle, and faintly connected to several even larger "branches"…

Suddenly, his vision was pulled forward uncontrollably.

The branching light expanded and grew larger; Li Yan felt his vision blur, and suddenly he stood atop a pitch-black mountain, where Erlang Shen Yang Jian sat cross-legged, forming hand seals, his third eye flickering faintly.

Around him, the mountains were black and jagged, devoid of any sign of life.

As he arrived, Erlang Shen Yang Jian remained seated, eyes half-closed, but his third eye turned left and right, locking onto Li Yan's position—though its focus seemed abnormal.

Li Yan instantly understood: Erlang Shen could not see him.

He perceived only through his third eye.

Li Yan opened his mouth, but helplessly realized he could not speak.

Suddenly, Erlang Shen raised a finger to his lips and made a shushing gesture.

Was he telling him to stay silent?

As Li Yan wondered, Erlang Shen Yang Jian rose, slowly opened his eyes, turned his gaze away, and walked off on his own.

What did this mean?

And yet, Li Yan's vision followed Erlang Shen's movements.

Erlang Shen wanted him to see something—but could not communicate…

Li Yan formed a guess.

Could it be because of the Heavenly Regulations and the Yin Code?

In either case, revealing celestial secrets was a grave sin.

This method might avoid that…

Before Li Yan could think further, Erlang Shen reached the cliff's edge, leapt forward, and instantly, auspicious clouds churned beneath his feet as he soared into the sky, flying forward at astonishing speed.

Riding the clouds and driving the mist!

Li Yan's eyes nearly bulged out.

In the mortal world, Erlang Shen could never do this.

As Erlang Shen pierced through the air, Li Yan finally saw more.

Beyond the mountain's fog, he saw an endless black wasteland.

A winding, murky river flowed across the land.

On both banks walked figures with disheveled hair and bowed heads, their forms blurred and indistinct.

Was this the Yellow Springs?

At the river's end lay endless pitch-black palaces, and towering, massive gates.

Was that the Netherworld's Yin Bureaucracy?

Li Yan's heart raced, straining to see clearly.

But Erlang Shen did not approach; instead, he moved in another direction.

Soon, after passing through a series of lifeless black mountain ranges, a vast black ocean appeared before him.

Deep within the ocean rose towering black mountains piercing the clouds.

This was Luo Feng Mountain!

Li Yan recognized it at once.

The surrounding black ocean was clearly the Soul Sea.

He was intimately familiar with Luo Feng Mountain.

Yet the image in his mind differed from what he now saw.

Erlang Shen stood on the shore, gazing into the distance, then pointed to his own head and made the posture of meditation and hand seals.

So that was it!

Li Yan instantly understood the meaning behind Erlang Shen's guidance.

Every visualization method had a rule.

The clearer and more real the visualization, the stronger one's Dao cultivation.

Having seen the true Luo Feng Mountain, his future visualization practice would resonate more deeply with it.

His cultivation of the Fengdu Method now had a true foundation.

For him, this was an opportunity beyond the reach of ordinary people…

(End of Chapter)