Chapter 687: The Jiumen Jiumen Yin Xu of the Jiumen

"Oh? Senior, please speak..."

Li Yan's spirit lifted immediately upon hearing this.

The Prince of Ying's mansion had already fallen, and those remaining would not end well. Even if they didn't know the inside story of the "Flat Peach Banquet," the evil deeds they had done over the years and the people they had offended would all explode. It was truly a case of the tree falling and the monkeys scattering, the wall collapsing and everyone pushing.

The "Flat Peach Banquet" was the same.

The powerful officials who ate people to prolong their lives were dead, and their families could not escape the reckoning.

But this matter was far from over.

The true masterminds, whether "Zhao Qingxu" or "Kong Hui," had not been caught...

Refining "flat peaches" required boys and girls, and the location was unknown...

The Jianmu was in the capital, and there were definitely more arrangements than just the "Flat Peach Banquet," otherwise they wouldn't have abandoned it so cleanly...

Perhaps the only benefit was that the powerful officials in the "Flat Peach Banquet" died, and they could no longer borrow the power of the imperial court to deal with them.

The Night-Wandering God was one of the Jianmu's arrangements.

Li Yan had searched every Chenghuangmiao in the capital, but found nothing.

He didn't expect this fox immortal to find a clue...

"Don't rush."

"Hu Yuanyuan" took a few more puffs of the tobacco, "The old immortal I am only guessing."

"Have you ever heard of 'Three-watch gongs ring, three-watch lamps'?"

Li Yan frowned slightly, "Isn't it 'Three-watch gongs ring, five-watch lamps'?"

Before he finished speaking, Hu Yuanyuan's body trembled slightly, her eyelids twitching wildly, and she said urgently: "The girl's cultivation is insufficient, she can't hold on. The old immortal I have mentioned it, let her tell you herself..."

After saying this, her body stiffened, and her head hung low.

Li Yan could smell that the scent of incense and fox odor left rapidly, disappearing into the wall behind.

There was a secret room there, and the incense hall worshipped must be hidden within it.

At the same time, Hu Yuanyuan groaned and regained consciousness, but her complexion was pale, and her forehead was sweating.

Widow Wang beside her hurriedly stepped forward and took off the gourd at her waist.

After opening it, the pungent smell of alcohol drifted out, and Li Yan could also smell the scent of tiger bone and deer antler.

He was not surprised; inviting an immortal to possess one's body was not an easy thing.

Orthodox gods do not possess bodies; whether it is "Mystic Sect inviting gods" or "Immortal Hall inviting immortals," the ones invited are Yin souls, only they have strong cultivation and gather Yin baleful energy, which will inevitably cause a burden on the human body and consume Yang energy.

Just like Widow Wang's daughter, she was the first out-of-the-hall disciple of the fox immortal.

But she was too young, and after a few times, her body was already somewhat weak.

That little girl had good aptitude, and fearing damage to her foundation, she was replaced by Hu Yuanyuan.

Tiger bone and deer antler were all things that greatly supplemented Yang energy and could temporarily alleviate it.

"Let Li Li Shaoxia see a joke..."

Hu Yuanyuan's spirit recovered slightly, and she continued to explain: "It is indeed 'Three-watch gongs ring, three-watch lamps'."

"Li Li Shaoxia has also heard that the first watch is for people, the second watch for gongs, the third watch for ghosts, the fourth watch for thieves, and the fifth watch for chickens. The third watch is midnight, when Yin energy is strongest, the time for ghosts and demons to be active, so it is also called the 'Ghost Watch.' The watchman beats the gong to patrol at night, both to report the time and to drive away evil."

"The fifth watch is for chickens to crow, when Yang energy begins to flourish, the common people light lamps, the city gates open, and it is also the time for morning court preparations..."

Before she finished speaking, Li Yan had a realization, "The lamps that light up at the third watch are ghost lamps?"

"You could say that."

Hu Yuanyuan said in a deep voice: "In this human world, there exist existences similar to grotto-heavens, but only immortal Yin souls or human souls lost in dreams can enter. 'Three-watch gongs ring, three-watch lamps' is just like the confusion of Yin and Yang, and this kind of grotto-heaven in the capital will open."

"Oh, so that's how it is..."

Li Yan pretended to have a sudden realization, but his heart was cold.

Once the other party explained, he understood what kind of place this was.

The interlayer between the Great Luo Dharma Realm and the human world!

The Corpse-Eating Forest, the Divine Palace of Lord Yunzhong, the Water Mansion of the Dragon Palace... were all the same existences.

He didn't expect that such a densely populated place as the capital would also have one.

Also, the capital was after all a place for national sacrifice, with many Mystic Sect arrangements. Even if the other party used magic energy to infect the Night-Wandering God, it would eventually be discovered after a long time. Only this kind of interlayer could hide for a long time.

Thinking of this, Li Yan couldn't help but ask: "Where is that place?"

"That place is not easy to find."

Hu Yuanyuan shook her head: "If mortals want to enter, they must enter through dreams or Yin soul patrols, searching along the patrol routes of the nine gates of the inner city."

"After the watchman beats the third clapper, sometimes a mouse spirit stealing oil will appear behind them. This creature specializes in picking the third watch when Yin energy is heaviest, following behind the watchman to steal the land cakes offered by each family. They don't dare to do it on weekdays, and only have a chance at the third watch..."

"Once the third watch passes, the oil-stealing mouse spirit will run back. Where they appear is the entrance."

Li Yan frowned, "So secretive, how does Senior Hu know?"

This matter sounded too mysterious, and he couldn't help but suspect whether it was a trap.

Hu Yuanyuan said in a deep voice: "Between this Heaven and Earth, where there is Yang, there is Yin. The capital's incense is prosperous, naturally attracting many things."

"The immortal family patrols at night and sees the Rabbit Lord running on the street, muttering about saving children, but is blocked by the Night-Wandering God..."

Li Yan's pupils shrank, cupping his hands: "Thank you."

At this moment, his suspicion had mostly vanished.

Every place, besides those orthodox gods, had secular gods worshipped by the common people for protection.

The capital had the "Rabbit Lord."

Legend has it that when the Golden Tent Wolf Kingdom fought the Great Xuan Dynasty, causing a plague to rage, Chang'e sent the Jade Rabbit to the mortal world to save people. The Jade Rabbit borrowed the golden armor of Skanda Bodhisattva to transform into a doctor. After curing the plague, he fell asleep under the flagpole due to exhaustion. The common people were grateful for his kindness and honored him as "Rabbit Lord."

Therefore, the common people of the capital would knead mud into the shape of a rabbit every Mid-Autumn Festival, dressing it in clothes and sitting like a person to worship it.

After more than a hundred years, the incense was prosperous enough.

Worshipping the Rabbit Lord was to eliminate disasters and avoid epidemics.

The children he said he wanted to save were likely related to the "flat peaches"......

After saying goodbye to Hu Yuanyuan, Li Yan immediately headed north of the city.

After the matter last night, they had followed Luo Faqing back to the Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi to rest temporarily.

The Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi was located in the southwest corner of the imperial city, not far from the Imperial Observatory, backed by the Great Majestic Shrine, which was the Chenghuangmiao, forming a pattern of "astronomy on the left, Yin and Yang on the right," and the site was chosen at the White Tiger position, implying the suppression of evil spirits in all directions.

Circling around the Chenghuangmiao to the back street, a huge palace appeared before their eyes.

The Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi in other cities was inside the Chenghuangmiao, while the capital had an independent gate.

Above the black-lacquered main gate hung a gilded plaque reading "Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi," and on both sides of the gate stood stone xiezhi statues, symbolizing the ability to discern treachery and suppress evil.

Outside the gate, two sword-holding Daoists stood guard, and many people were coming and going in a hurry.

Li Yan knew it must be because of what happened last night.

"Li Li Shaoxia is back."

The guarding Daoist saw him and hurriedly stepped forward to cup his hands, "Senior Brother Luo Faqing asked me to wait for you here, Official Pei is here."

"Oh?"

Li Yan was somewhat surprised, "Official Pei is back, isn't he in Tianjin?"

The one they were talking about was Pei Zongti, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

The other party was a Confucian expert and had already taken charge of the Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi. Li Yan had seen him at the Qingcheng Opening Cellar Assembly.

Luo Faqing said that before, the other party went to Yuzhou to participate in the formulation of the calendar, followed the Imperial Observatory Supervisor Bai Chenshan halfway back, and then ran to deal with the aftermath in Tianjin, which could be said to be busy without a moment's rest. "He just came back this morning."

The guarding Daoist replied, then led him into the gate.

The layout of the Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi was very regular, with three main building complexes on the central axis.

The front office was the Law Enforcement Hall, the middle courtyard was the Mystic Altar and the Demon-Subduing Well, the open-air Dharma altar, and the backyard was the National Preceptor's quarters and the dungeon.

After all, land in the capital was expensive, and it was at the root of the imperial city, so the space was naturally somewhat cramped.

The two arrived at the front courtyard, but saw a huge yellow-copper scripture scroll hanging in the main hall.

Before they even got close, Li Yan's supernatural powers had already been suppressed and could not be sensed.

He knew this was the Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi's heavy treasure, the "Supreme Clear Cave Mystic Spiritual Treasure Supervision Record," which was connected to the thirteen provincial City God statues of the Chenghuangmiao, forming a "supervision network" covering the capital. As long as an abnormal aura appeared, it would show the direction.

Of course, this treasure couldn't cover everything.

Just like back at the Piaoxiang Building, the first to come was the "Night-Wandering God" controlled by magic energy.

If one possessed a national sacrificial artifact, this thing couldn't sense it either.

The right side hall was the archive, storing the ordination files of the Mystic Sects in the world and intelligence on the Mystic Sects in various places.

The left side hall was the dispatch office of the Law Enforcement Hall, responsible for ordinary office work.

At this time, the doors of both halls were wide open, and many people were coming and going.

Li Yan entered the door, instantly attracting many gazes.

"That is Li Yan?"

"How so young..."

Li Yan couldn't care about paying attention, walking quickly into the great hall under everyone's gaze, cupping his hands: "Greetings, Brother Luo, greetings, Official Pei."

Inside the great hall, Luo Faqing and Pei Zongti were talking.

"Li Li Shaoxia, no need for courtesy."

Pei Zongti was a Confucian, valued Yan Jiuling, and knew Li Yan, so he didn't use polite language, shaking his head with a bitter smile: "I heard about this while still in Tianjin, and was scolded by the Emperor as soon as I came back. Fortunately, Li Li Shaoxia discovered it, otherwise the consequences would be unimaginable."

"Official, you are too polite."

Li Yan was about to speak, but closed his mouth, looking toward the back.

Pei Zongti understood immediately, waving his hand, and a guard behind him stepped forward immediately, closing the door and guarding outside.

"Brother Li, don't worry, no one can hear what is said here." Luo Faqing explained.

Li Yan nodded, and only then said: "The matter is far from over..."

Saying this, he recounted his guess, not hiding the "Night-Wandering God" affair.

After all, wanting to investigate this matter couldn't be separated from the help of the Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi.

"That place is called 'Jiumen Jiumen Yin Xu of the Jiumen'!"

Pei Zongti's expression became solemn upon hearing this.

Li Yan was not surprised; after all, it was the Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi, and they definitely knew more than the fox immortal, an outsider.

But seeing Luo Faqing was also full of surprise, it was clear that this matter was somewhat secret.

Looking at the two, Pei Zongti hesitated for a moment, shaking his head: "That place, don't act recklessly."

"This matter is a secret, and very few know it. The capital was originally the capital of the Golden Tent Wolf Kingdom. When those remnants left, they burned the capital and left some arrangements, so when the imperial palace was rebuilt, many arrangements were made to suppress the baleful energy of the previous dynasty."

"As time passed, many strange things happened. Fifty years ago at midnight, a watchman saw a ghost market like ruins, candles flickering, commonly called 'Jiumen Jiumen Yin Xu Midnight.' There are nine gates in the inner city of the capital, and it happened near the nine gates, so it is called 'Jiumen Jiumen Yin Xu of the Jiumen'."

Li Yan frowned, "Since there is such a fierce place, why not deal with it earlier?"

"It's not that easy."

Pei Zongti looked around and said in a low voice, "Where there is light, there is shadow. The Imperial Palace suppresses the baleful energy of the Wolf Kingdom, and it also involves the Great Xuan dragon vein. The Imperial Clan Court has already issued an order forbidding anyone from the Mystic Sects to set foot there; it is considered a taboo in the capital."

Upon hearing this, Li Yan was momentarily speechless.

Beside him, Luo Mingzi said in a deep voice, "My lord, that place is very likely a hiding spot for demons and evil spirits; how can we sit idly by?"

Pei Zongti rubbed his temples, feeling a headache. "Enough, I will report this matter to His Majesty and we shall discuss it later."

Because it involves the dragon vein of the Great Xuan Dynasty, the Imperial family is extremely vigilant about it.

He is also a member of the Mystic Sects, so when mentioning this matter, he naturally has to be careful and cautious.

Li Yan also vaguely guessed the reason, so he changed the subject and asked, "Has that Yu Wenhai confessed?"

Luo Mingzi said coldly, "Once they arrive at the Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi dungeon, it's no longer up to them."

"The pedantic scholar Kong Hui has indeed arrived in the capital. They originally wanted to gather for a 'Flat Peach Assembly' and use evil arts to control it, creating a great chaos in the capital, but they didn't expect us to act faster, so Kong Hui had no choice but to silence him."

Li Yan's heart sank. "Did I reveal my cover?"

"Yes."

Luo Mingzi did not stand on ceremony. "The night the incident happened at the Fragrant Pavilion, the people from Jianmu knew you had sneaked into the capital. They had minions hiding at the Chenghuangmiao fair, and when they saw you and that 'son of a bitch' leave, they found an opportunity to pay a visit and interrogated the old man who sold braised meat under torture."

"The old man who sold braised meat is already dead, and the 'son of a bitch' doesn't know where he ran off to."

"They knew you had already uncovered some clues, which is why they were in such a hurry to throw out the 'Flat Peach Assembly'."

Li Yan clenched his fist fiercely. "The 'son of a bitch' is dead too?"

Luo Mingzi replied, "I have already sent people to search. Yu Wenhai is still being interrogated on the other side, but the other party seems to still be hiding something, biting their tongue tightly. Even soul-bewitching arts can't extract it. It must be the key to Jianmu, and Zhao Qingxu's identity hasn't been asked yet..."

Just as they were speaking, a rapid knocking sound suddenly rang out from outside.

Pei Zongti frowned slightly. "Come in!"

Clatter~

The guard from just a moment ago pushed the door open and entered, cupping his hands and saying urgently, "My lord, Yu Wenhai is dead!"

"What?!"

Pei Zongti stood up abruptly, his face showing anger. "How did this happen? Didn't I say to be careful!"

After saying this, he took the two of them and hurriedly left the main hall.

The three of them followed the corridor to the middle courtyard.

They saw that in the center of the courtyard, a mystic altar was carved from bricks and stones, covered with five-colored soil, with a nine-zhang bronze banner pole standing in the center.

On it was written "Commanding Ten Thousand Gods," the place where experts of the Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi office set up altars to perform rituals.

What attracted Li Yan, however, was a well directly facing the mystic altar.

The stone well was not large, only big enough to hold a washbasin, and the well mouth was covered with an eight-sided demon-suppressing stone.

This was the Demon-Subduing Well, rumored to be used for suppressing formless yin spirits captured by the Mystic Xuan Xuan Jisi office.

Li Yan had only heard of it; this was his first time seeing it.

What surprised him was that this well was actually very similar to the one he saw during the Netherworld mission.

Of course, he couldn't afford to ask more at this moment.

The group then arrived at the rear dungeon, following the dungeon-guarding Daoist inside.

This dungeon was used to imprison Mystic Sect criminals, so the design was naturally different. It was dark and oppressive inside, with torches flickering along the way. All the cells had large iron doors, and even the walls were cast with a mixture of cinnabar and iron filings, carved with talismans.

Arriving at one of the open cells, several Daoists outside the door hurriedly stepped aside.

Li Yan looked inside and saw Yu Wenhai, who was tied to a pillar and covered in bloodstains.

At this moment, Yu Wenhai had a strange smile on his face, his forehead had burst open, and brain matter was splattered everywhere.

Judging from the scene, it had actually exploded from the inside out...

(End of chapter)