[{"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-85":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},2262390,4415,"Chapter 85: Beneath the Graveyard of the Dead","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-85",85,"\u003Cp>“Stop!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten li from the Graveyard of the Dead, the three were halted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A squad of soldiers had set up a checkpoint at the crossroad; farther out, across the open plains and grasslands, cavalry patrolled with mastiffs on leashes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei quickly dismounted, bowing with a grin: “Sir soldier, we’ve been invited by Daoist Luo of the City God Temple’s Enforcement Hall to attend the ceremony—hope you’ll grant us passage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“City God Temple…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blocking soldier eyed them with suspicion. “Do you have a travel permit?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei froze, glancing back; Li Yan shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daoist Luo had only issued a verbal invitation; after returning, he’d been swamped with work. Li Yan had gone to the City God Temple to inquire about Leng Tan’s wandering master, but hadn’t found him—how could they have a permit?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“None?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lead soldier’s face darkened. “Captain Fan of the Mounted Cavalry has ordered a lockdown today at the Graveyard of the Dead—to prevent rogue cultivators from sneaking in and causing trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You three look like no good folk. Best leave now while you still can!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today was the Double Ninth Festival—he’d begged his superior for leave to visit his aging father, but this last-minute order ruined his plans. He was already in a foul mood, so his tone was harsh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei kept smiling, slipping a string of copper coins into his palm and whispering: “Sir soldier, do us a favor. If you doubt us, send someone to verify…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shut your dog mouth!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lead soldier’s expression turned lethal. He raised his spear. “Dismount—all of you! Seize them—they’re definitely bandits!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had he spoken than a cavalry unit galloped up from afar, drawing bows and aiming sharp arrows at the three.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s brow furrowed at the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These soldiers came from Xianyang’s local garrison, under the jurisdiction of the Chang’an Regional Military Commissioner’s Office. Even with strict training, they were no match for battle-hardened veterans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Take this squad leader—he hadn’t even reached Dark Force yet. Even with his comrades’ help, he couldn’t stop Li Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But fighting soldiers meant escape would be unavoidable afterward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worse, these men were already fired up—if caught, they’d be whipped. If they met a cruel one, even their money would be seized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan was about to speak when he suddenly felt something and turned his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hooves thundered as a group of riders galloped toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seven men in all, clad in black brocade robes, silver-threaded with images of Yanzi and Bì’àn on chest and back, each radiating deep aura, riding with flawless skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Commandant’s Office?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan narrowed his eyes—he recognized the attire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Commandant’s Office was much like the Embroidered Uniform Guard: ruthless, unrestrained, with a terrible reputation among cultivators—called “hawks and hounds” in the Spring Canon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What startled him more: their leader was Guan Wanchè.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn’t he Xianyang’s chief constable? When did he join the Commandant’s Office?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan suddenly recalled: Guan Wanchè had already uncovered evidence of Zhou Pan’s betrayal of his father, yet said nothing—had handed it to Li Yan to expose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strange behavior. This man was far more complex than he appeared…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Yan pondered, Guan Wanchè rode up, flashing his official token before speaking coldly: “What’s going on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lead soldier bowed quickly. “Commander, these three are acting suspicious—we were about to apprehend them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei, seeing Guan Wanchè, sighed in relief and bowed with a grin: “Commander Guan, congratulations on your promotion! We were invited by Daoist Luo of the City God Temple to attend the ceremony.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Attend the ceremony?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guan Wanchè snorted, biting back words, then said gravely: “These three are indeed connected to the City God Temple. I’ll take them to meet the person. If they lie, I’ll capture them myself and deliver them to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Commander!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though reluctant, the soldier ordered his men to remove the barricades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the path cleared, Guan Wanchè ignored them entirely and rode off with his men ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan and the others exchanged glances, then spurred their horses to follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten li was nothing on horseback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, they reached the foot of the Graveyard of the Dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once a vast open field surrounded by scattered woods, the area had now been cleared. In the center stood a three-tiered ritual altar, square-shaped, with redwood pillars, banners, standards, and streamers neatly arranged, painted with Bagua, Taiji, the Big Dipper, and massive yellow talismans hanging down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked garish—but Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan both held their breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan was an insider, mentally verifying every detail against his teachings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan was an outsider, but his spiritual sense told him this was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The altar’s location pulsed with thick incense smoke, drawing from the earth’s veins and reaching into the heavens—as if a temple had materialized out of thin air, radiating solemn, suffocating pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Merely standing here, Li Yan felt his breath grow shallow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of the three, Sha Lifei was the most relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignorance breeds fearlessness—he only felt the air unusually fresh, and with the Double Ninth Festival in full swing, he twirled his zhuyu branch, genuinely feeling like he was on a countryside outing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan took a deep breath. “This is the ritual altar?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan took a deep breath, “Is this the altar ground?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan spoke gravely: “The altar I used barely stirred a minor ‘force.’ This altar of the Tai Xuan Zheng Jiao has already formed a ‘pattern.’ Dozens of century-old ritual artifacts are enshrined here—this altar-city alone represents generations of accumulation by other sects.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And this is merely the City God Temple of Xianyang…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan sighed, eyes filled with envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s expression remained calm—no surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tai Xuan Zheng Jiao’s lineage had flowed since the Han Dynasty. Though battered by dynastic upheavals, its incense never ceased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every imperial house had enshrined it as the state religion—how could it be ordinary?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around the altar, tents were arranged according to the Eight Trigrams. Daoists moved about busily—some burning incense, some sweeping, others ringing bells and chanting beside the altar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All were novice Daoist acolytes, clearly preparing. As they spoke, a Daoist emerged from the left tent—wearing dark robes and a square eight-directional cap, a long sword on his back—it was Luo Mingzi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurried over, smiling wearily: “I’ve been swamped these past days. Didn’t expect the imperial troops to seal the roads—sorry for the inconvenience.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Priority is the ritual—we thank you for letting us attend,” Li Yan bowed politely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside Luo Mingzi stood a Commandant’s Office officer, who bowed and said gravely: “Daoist, if this is a misunderstanding, I’ll report back immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Guan Wanchè’s man sent to verify.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him turn to leave, Li Yan’s mind stirred. He pulled Sha Lifei aside, whispered a few words, and told him to follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan had learned the truth of the Gu Shui Village massacre in the bandit stronghold—and had promised Zhao’s dying wish. He wouldn’t break his word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since returning, he’d been buried in troubles and had no chance to report it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guan Wanchè had helped him multiple times and had just joined the Commandant’s Office—this was the perfect chance to repay the favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mingzi paid no attention, gesturing with a smile: “Let’s go. I’ve told my senior, Qingyangzi, about your matter—he’s intrigued. He might have a solution.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s eyes lit up. “Thank you, Senior.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without another word, he followed Luo Mingzi toward a large tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, sir officer, please slow down…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei trailed the Commandant’s Office captain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you want?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The captain turned, eyes dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the Commandant’s Office’s duties was to monitor the cultivation world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Official and bandit paths never crossed—Sha Lifei wasn’t a bandit, but clearly, this captain held no fondness for cultivators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei didn’t mind, grinning: “Why so angry, sir? We’ve got a huge favor to offer Commander Guan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The captain’s eyes narrowed. “Then follow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei didn’t mind, grinning, “Why so angry, sir officer? We’ve got a tremendous merit to present to Official Guan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei hurried after him, soon reaching a small hillock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On top stood several riders, tossing meat into the air as giant eagles swooped down, snatching it before soaring away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guan Wanchè was among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the mound, several riders sat astride horses, gesturing as giant falcons soared up, squabbling over the meat chunks they tossed, then flapped away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d heard of these birds—since the founding of the Da Xuan Dynasty, the court had gathered all manner of strange talents, including eagle-trainers, whose art was passed to the Commandant’s Office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the empire’s vast resources, the Commandant’s Office perfected falconry: golden eagles capable of killing beasts, swift peregrines skilled in reconnaissance, and countless breeds of hunting dogs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hence, the cultivation world called them “hawks and hounds.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even so, these raptors held undeniable allure for men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei’s mind raced—he considered trading the information for an eagle. But remembering Li Yan’s warning and the Commandant’s Office’s fearsome reputation, he quashed the thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you want?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guan Wanchè glanced at him dismissively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He and Li Hu had once been brothers—he knew this useless disciple well, held no affection for him, and had no ties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei grinned: “Commander, perhaps we should speak privately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guan Wanchè’s face darkened at the sight of the one-eyed man beside him. “I act openly. What can’t be said in front of others?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the Commandant’s Office—he’d just joined. He wouldn’t give anyone grounds to slander him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei meant well, yet got scolded for no reason. He gritted his teeth: You cowardly fool—don’t you fear someone else will steal the credit?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Commandant’s office is no place for him—he just joined; he wouldn’t give anyone grounds to criticize him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifi had meant well, yet he’d been scolded for no reason and was now annoyed, thinking: You coward, don’t you fear someone else will snatch the credit?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that’s the case, don’t regret it afterward!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as the message is delivered, the favor is repaid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, he no longer concealed anything—he recounted everything: the events in Gu Shui Village, the bandit stronghold, the cockcomb snake, and the mysterious sorcerer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, every officer in the Regional Military Commissioner’s unit turned pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one-eyed man slowly turned his horse and growled, “Any lies?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Every word is true!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Li Fei bowed and said, “Who would dare fabricate such a thing? We never sought trouble—we came solely to repay Commissioner Guan’s favor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, he regretted speaking out loud—Guan Wanchè had already been promoted; he might need him again someday—so he added this to soften the blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one-eyed man nodded and said, “Reward him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had the words left his lips than one of his men pulled a sack from his waist and hurled it with a whistle to Sha Li Fei’s feet—the sack split open, spilling pure white silver coins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Li Fei raised an eyebrow. “Favor and righteousness are not for sale—even for a thousand gold!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one-eyed man’s eyes gleamed with approval. “Good. You’re a true man. Let me warn you: forget this matter when you return, or it may cost you your life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Li Fei bowed again and turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Halfway there, he pressed his chest, face twisted in anguish, muttering inwardly: My heart’s breaking—damn it, pretending to be a hero costs too much. I won’t do it again…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After he left, the one-eyed man’s gaze returned to calm:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wanchè, what do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guan Wanchè bowed and replied, “These people are likely remnants of the Mílè Sect!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one-eyed man nodded gravely. “Same as I suspected. The man who commanded the cockcomb snake is Dúgū Qián, nicknamed Tomb Serpent—one of the Mílè Sect’s sixty-four Incense Masters. He escaped the last purge years ago, and now it seems his cultivation has advanced greatly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Mílè remnants have been crushed repeatedly, yet always rise again like spring grass—impossible to eradicate. Their traces appear across Shenzhou. Not a serious threat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed. “The real trouble lies in the capital!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2015,"2026-06-19T18:28:32.159Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","394c7befc7629e64766087b3185f30ace85c6b386b374d103108041459814ab0","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-86","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-84",801,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-cursed-blade-s-walk-cover.jpg"]