[{"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-655":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},2262960,4415,"Chapter 655: The Grand Gathering at Jingyang Gang","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-655",655,"\u003Cp>Understanding the Second Lord Zhenjun’s intent, Li Yan dared not delay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He scanned the surroundings, guarding his spirit with single-minded focus, determined to imprint every sight into his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he looked, he indeed noticed differences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His conception of Luofeng Mountain was entirely drawn from historical Daoist scriptures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zhen Gao states: “Luofeng Mountain lies in the northern Gui position, rising two thousand six hundred li high, encircling thirty thousand li.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Yunji Qiqian states: “When humans die, their souls return to Fengdu, enduring judgment in the Six Palaces.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mountain is divided into six palaces, ruled by the Northern Yin Fengdu Great Emperor, with six heavenly demons overseeing the dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Youyang Zazu, Sou Shen Ji, and Taiping Guangji all mention it, but only by name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Yuanshi Fengdu Mie Zui Jing calls Luofeng Mountain “Fengdu Luoshan,” stating that souls must pass judgment through the Ten Yama Courts and the Six Palaces before transcending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This shows one thing: Luofeng Mountain changes continuously with the incense and beliefs of the mortal world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tracing back to its origin, it should still be the Shanhai Jing: “Youdu Mountain, from which the Black Water flows.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It lies in the northern Gui position; Gui symbolizes water in the north, representing the netherworld.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This soul sea—he had visualized it correctly, and its general form matched his imagination, yet it was far deeper than he had imagined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the surrounding mountain ranges were completely wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around it was not emptiness, but a towering circular mountain range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the mountains grew dense, twisted, pitch-black locust trees, monstrous in form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were the Iron Encircling Mountains and the Yin Locust Forest!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Fengdu Fa he learned at Qingcheng, these two names were mentioned; he had assumed they were merely other region names in the netherworld.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now he saw they were part of the same system as Luofeng Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The “Iron Encircling Mountains” resembled a ring formed by a meteor impact, with towering blood-red vermilion characters carved upon its slopes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once in the Azure Heaven of Beginnings, on the Vast Earth of Blue Void Song, I received the Supreme, Boundless Scripture of the Primordial One…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the Du Ren Jing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the “Iron Encircling Mountains” also served to restrain the soul sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the “Yin Locust Forest” was likely another component of the defense system—meant to prevent things from escaping…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then came the Six Palaces of Luofeng, which also differed from his imagination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Influenced by his visualization technique of building towers, he had assumed the Six Palaces were stacked, tier upon tier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, the Six Palaces of Luofeng were arranged in a “Six Directions Array,” connected by black stone imperial roads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their architectural style imitated Tang-Song official buildings: hip-and-gable roofs, high platforms, black tiles and vermilion pillars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their foundations were nine-foot-tall “Netherworld Sumeru Platforms,” carved with eighteen layers of hell scenes; each palace had seven steps, symbolizing the Seven Sins, their surfaces inscribed with incantations from the Fengdu Mie Zui Jing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before each palace stood massive bronze mirrors, embedded in the mouths of stone beasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan had heard of such things—they were called “Dan Chi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But their exact function remained unclear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And given the ancient history of Luofeng Mountain, it certainly would not have hired vast numbers of craftsmen to rebuild in Tang-Song style.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, only one possibility remained: the Great Luo Dharma Realm had been influenced by the mortal world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These structures would naturally undergo corresponding changes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After memorizing everything, Li Yan casually glanced at the Second Lord Zhenjun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, the other paid him no attention, even pretending not to see him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan pondered inwardly: in this Great Luo Dharma Realm, the Heavenly Laws were stricter—even the Second Lord Zhenjun must tread carefully, avoiding others whenever possible…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he thought, thick mist suddenly enveloped him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he opened his eyes again, he was back in the inn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan felt a cold, stabbing pain in his head and quickly removed the bronze Nuo mask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frost coated his face and hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within moments, frostbite covered his skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even his eyes burned with pain, his vision blurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan willed it, and all injuries healed instantly—he collapsed to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed that gazing into the Great Luo Dharma Realm still affected one’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though only slightly, it could inflict serious harm—luckily, he possessed the Great Luo Dharma Body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced out the window; the night remained pitch black.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, Li Yan immediately sat cross-legged, formed the seals, and entered meditation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cultivated the Fengdu Fa; besides building the tower, the influence of the Six Palaces of Luofeng was immense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having finally glimpsed Luofeng Mountain’s true form, he must strike while the iron was hot and refine his visualization technique…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, the weather was clear and bright, the sky a deep blue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Has Young Master Li not emerged yet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the side room courtyard, Sha Lifei whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan stepped out and shook his head: “Young Master Li has had an epiphany—he’ll probably withdraw into seclusion for a while. Fortunately, the intelligence from that side hasn’t arrived yet; after the Luoyang battle, we left in a hurry, so this is a good opportunity to rest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this team, Li Yan was naturally the leader; Wang Daoxuan handled logistics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Li Yan was absent, Wang Daoxuan usually made the decisions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei nodded. “Zhangqiu Town is a canal hub, gathering goods from north and south. With Zhao Lüzi here, let’s go see what we can find.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had obtained the Meishan Huoqi Fa Zuan from Qingcheng, studied it diligently along the way, and with Wang Daoxuan’s guidance, had made progress—but he needed special forges and tools, and materials were scarce; he could only wait until they reached the Qiankun Academy in the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bringing Zhao Lüzi along was a gamble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, some celestial treasures truly hide in bustling markets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Too many people—I’m not going.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu San shook his head directly and returned to his room with the little fox.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was accustomed to the wilds; in crowds, he refused to step outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan also shook his head slightly, indicating he would return to read.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Wu Ba chuckled foolishly and sidled up to Sha Lifei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know, I know—first, let you eat your fill!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei grinned, then went back inside and pulled Long Yan out of the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their relationship was now strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If intimate, they had never crossed that line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If ordinary, Long Yan now cared most about Sha Lifei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the old steward Chen Fu approached; Sha Lifei smiled and asked: “Uncle Fu, I’d like to ask—what are the good places to visit near Zhangqiu Town?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old steward smiled. “Sha Daxia, you’ve asked the right man—I’ve lived in Zhangqiu since childhood, know every blade of grass and tree. You’ve seen much, so village things likely bore you—but there are two places worth seeing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, Jingyang Gang—rolling hills, dense grass and woods, few people, often wild beasts. After the story of Wu Song slaying the tiger spread, many martial artists come to pay respects and hunt.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At the foot of the hill is the Jingyang Gang Inn—owned by my master’s senior brother. They serve the famous ‘Three Bowls Won’t Cross the Gang’ liquor, and their wild game is unmatched; they often hire opera troupes to perform Water Margin plays, very lively.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The other is the Immortal’s Tomb.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Immortal’s Tomb?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan, hearing this, grew interested: “Which of the Lower Eight Immortals?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Eight Immortals are divided into Upper and Lower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Upper Eight Immortals are Lu Dongbin, Zhang Guolao, and others—in Daoist history, they may have known each other and been friends, but never called themselves the Eight Immortals; later generations grouped them to symbolize ‘poor, rich, noble, humble, male, female, old, young.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lower Eight Immortals are also called the Lower Cave Eight Immortals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Folklore varies widely; their identities differ by region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan’s version comes from the opera ‘Celebrating Peace: The Immortals’ Birthday’: Wang Qiao, Chen Qizi, Xu Shenweng, Liu Ling, Chen Tuan, Bi Zhuo, Ren Fengzi, Liu Haichan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Qiao plays the sheng, Liu Ling plays the qin, Chen Qizi performs magic, Xu Shenweng dances with a broom, Bi Zhuo sings, Liu Haichan plays with golden thread, Ren Fengzi performs illusions, Chen Tuan writes calligraphy—each representing one of eight blessings for longevity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again, later generations forced connections; some weren’t even from the same dynasty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old steward shook his head. “We here call Ren Fengzi ‘Feng’ as in ‘madness.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He was a Daoist fifty years ago, surname Shan, childhood name Xibei, title Qingling Daoist, from Fan County. He looked peculiar, acted mad, like a living Buddha like Ji Gong—often wandered Zhangqiu’s streets, speaking nonsense, yet always stood up for the oppressed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whenever a boat docked, he’d approach travelers asking for cloth. If someone gave him cloth, he’d tear it into shreds the moment he stepped ashore and distribute it to the poor around him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My father once said this man worked as a waiter in a tavern, met a strange immortal, and received immortal arts. After cultivation, he could go ten days without food, wore only a single robe in freezing winter, predicted fortune and misfortune with perfect accuracy. Whoever suffered ill luck or encountered unclean spirits in water only needed to find Ren Fengzi, who’d touch their head—and instantly be cured.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Later, legend says he achieved transcendence at the Xihui Temple on the eastern bank of Wuji Mountain, his body dissolving into immortality; many called him ‘Immortal Ren.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The people, grateful for his virtue, built a temple on the hill.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s quiet there—only an old temple keeper guards it. I’m sure you’ll find it interesting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke these words knowing their Daoist identities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan didn’t mind; he thought a moment, then shook his head. “Zhangqiu is a bustling canal hub, with a City God Temple—many Daoists have surely visited already. I won’t join the crowd.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His interest stemmed mainly from Li Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all knew the benefits of capturing yin criminals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At every location, they inevitably asked around for Li Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This situation didn’t suggest any yin criminal was present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’ll do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei chuckled: “I’ll stay behind to guard Li Yan. We’ll be back tonight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old steward, Chen Fu, quickly added: “I’ll send a few brothers from the Canal Guild to guide you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan readily agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei and the others traveling together could handle most ordinary troubles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Canal Guild members accompanying them, no foolhardy soul would dare provoke them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, everyone packed their belongings and left with the Canal Guild disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan, meanwhile, turned back to his room to continue reading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had always been obsessed with obscure Daoist texts, and since arriving from Guanzhong, he had commissioned copies from places like Wudang and Qingcheng—two full crates of books, enough to keep him occupied for a long time…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond the street where the Chen residence stood, a lively atmosphere greeted them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was early morning, the wind gentle, the sun bright, the early spring light warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along the stone pavement beside the canal dock, barges shuttled like loom shuttles; warehouses and shops lined the shore in orderly rows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Banners fluttered in the breeze; steam carried the savory aromas of Shandong and Henan cuisine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweet-and-sour Yellow River carp sizzled in iron woks, their caramel-colored sauce glistening with oil…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the spicy soup stall, wooden spoons stirred thick broth infused with gluten and spices, sending up clouds of white vapor…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside the oven baking Luohan cakes, the apprentice flipped out sesame-coated biscuits, their sweet fragrance drawing children to a halt…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The savory aroma of lamb noodles, the crisp crunch of oven-baked bread, the golden honey glow of fried dough twists—all blended together into the bustling life of the marketplace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Ba’s stomach had officially reopened for business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along the way, he ate and snatched food nonstop, never pausing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Chen San had said, the streets of Zhangqiu Town were all named after the goods sold there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, Cloth Street was entirely lined with silk and fabrics from north and south.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Spiritual treasures in the marketplace are far more hidden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Lüzi walked as he whispered: “Objects that age into spirits—those used for over a hundred years, steeped in human qi, and altered by unusual events—are most likely to become celestial or terrestrial treasures.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve seen a strainer used for scooping fried dough cakes for over a century; when lit, it kept demons at bay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There was a shop sign that, due to its age and perfect placement within a fengshui formation, became a rare protective talisman—but the marketplace is full of sharp-eyed specialists who spot such things and steal them early, so it’s all luck…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, this was true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group walked the entire length of Zhangqiu’s ancient streets; Zhao Lüzi shook his head. “This place hasn’t been prosperous long; there are few century-old shops, and the goods here are all ordinary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed. “Treasure-hunting is purely a matter of luck.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sometimes even when you find something good, to retrieve it you must wait for the right time, place, and harmony—otherwise, the treasure’s spiritual essence dissipates, and it becomes indistinguishable from an ordinary object. Forcing it won’t help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Sha Lifei was not disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Ba’s mouth was greasy, his eyes half-closed in bliss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Yanner cultivated spirit-worm arts and didn’t use cosmetics, but she had bought some fabrics she liked, had them made into clothes, and smiled, her mood quite good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since all his companions were happy, the trip was worth it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Sha Lifei turned to look at the nearby Canal Guild disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother, is Jingyang Gang fun?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Canal Guild disciple, not daring to be careless, immediately patted his chest: “You’ve come at a lucky time—the inn at Jingyang Gang is holding a grand market; people from all nearby villages have come.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even the martial artists from Zhangqiu Town have rushed over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perfect. Let’s go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei grinned and led the group to the stable to rent several horses, heading toward Jingyang Gang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingyang Gang was not far from Zhangqiu Town—a half-hour ride on horseback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After dismounting, they saw the distant scene was indeed bustling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath the rolling hills stood several sizable inns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tavern flag reading “Three Bowls Won’t Get You Over the Hill” hung high; there were at least forty market stalls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there were many martial artists performing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the central open space, acrobats from Konglou stripped to the waist and balanced giant blue porcelain jars on their heads, drawing continuous cheers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A group of boys tumbled onto tall poles, leaping like monkeys on ropes—Liaocheng’s famed acrobatic specialty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the storytelling tent, an elderly man with white hair slammed his wooden clapper, reciting “The White Stripe of the Waves Rages on Xunyang River” from Water Margin, drawing thunderous applause; a clear gong rang as a ballad troupe plucked their three-stringed lutes, singing “Storms Rise on Jingyang Gang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha, truly lively!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei grinned and prepared to lead the group through the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just then, a commotion erupted from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several hunters, drenched in blood, ran down the mountain, terrified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Quick, call the boss! A tiger demon has appeared on the mountain!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2546,"2026-06-19T18:28:35.913Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","f6c3fe7091f459cba8d88f90a851755fab20a72bd620f21a506c055043c410ee","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-656","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-654",801,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-cursed-blade-s-walk-cover.jpg"]