Knife splashing

Chapter 251: Emperor's Mausoleum

"Take it slow and be careful!"

The yamen runners of Dangyang County put down the corpses from the trees one by one.

Even though they had gotten used to seeing dead bodies during this period, the densely packed dark blue handprints on the corpses still made them shudder.

The county chief of police is called Yang Desheng. He is not proficient in martial arts and is not considered smart and capable. The only reason he can become a chief of police is that his father was a chief of police in the county government.

This man is fat, has a mustache, and seems a little weak. He often holds a towel in his hand and keeps wiping the sweat from his forehead.

After taking a look at the corpses, he felt scared and quickly came to Wang Daoxuan's side, smiling apologetically, "Master, how do you think we should deal with these corpses?"

"Just burn it."

Wang Daoxuan patiently explained: "They were harmed by evil spirits, and there is evil energy left in their bodies. They seek help from a Feng Shui master to avoid disaster."

"Thank you, Taoist Priest. You are so kind and righteous."

Yang Desheng's face was full of gratitude and he almost cried.

He has been unlucky during this period.

Because of the case of the Headless Horseman, the superiors scolded him all day long, and the families of his dead subordinates came to cry day and night.

A few Taoists came up from Zigai Mountain, but they didn't even look at him, as if they were ordering his grandson around. The key point was that they hadn't gotten anything done yet.

Now it’s all right, I can finally get the job done.

The Headless Knight was the work of the Tiansheng Cult. As long as this matter is investigated clearly, the people, the county magistrate, and the Guan family can all be explained away.

As for arresting people?

That has nothing to do with them.

The imperial court is having a headache, so it's normal that they are incompetent.

Thinking of this, Yang Desheng became even happier and called on people to carry the body away.

Once the identity is verified, the body will be cremated immediately.

"Captain Yang, wait a minute."

Li Yan's heart moved, so he stopped him and asked, "Is there any big tomb near Dangyang County?"

"what?"

The fat captain wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking a little surprised.

"Ah for what?"

Grandpa Guan at the side said in a deep voice: "This is Young Master Li. It was thanks to him that we solved the case. Just tell me what I ask you to say."

"Yes Yes Yes."

Captain Yang was surprised. He did not expect that the young man in front of him was the leader. He quickly said, "Young man, Dangyang has a long history. It has existed since the Shang Dynasty. There are many ancient tombs in the mountains. Which one do you want to ask?"

Li Yan said, "Strange things often happen, and people die."

"Hiss, this one."

Captain Yang wiped his sweat, his eyes suddenly lit up, "I really don't know, but I can help you find out."

"Just last winter, the government caught some grave robbers and put them on death row. They will be executed soon."

"These things, they are insiders who know more. I will interrogate them one by one when I return!"

"Okay, thank you for your help."

Li Yan nodded with satisfaction. He had indeed forgotten this.

From the current perspective, there are already three forces.

Tiansheng Sect, tiger demon and the old ghost in the tomb.

Moreover, these three parties are still fighting in private.

It is more important now to clarify their identity and position.

As the saying goes, different trades have different worlds. These tomb robbers undoubtedly know best which ancient tombs have experienced strange things nearby.

After the yamen runners carried the body away, Grandpa Guan asked, "Everyone, it looks like it's going to rain soon, why don't we go to Guanling earlier?"

"Grandpa can just send someone to go with us." Li Yan shook his head.

"Don't worry, everyone."

Guan Peide gritted his teeth and said, "The devil is causing trouble and destroying the ancestral mausoleum. Even if I die, I will find out who is causing trouble!"

It is already known that the person behind the trouble is the Tiansheng Sect.

But the continuous lightning strikes in Guanling were his biggest concern.

Having said that, Li Yan stopped trying to persuade them. They mounted their horses and, led by the Guan family, headed towards Guan Ling...

…………

Rumble!
The sky became increasingly gloomy, with rumbles of thunder looming.

Guanling was only about ten miles northwest of Dangyang County. The group rode on horseback and arrived in less than an incense stick of time.

But in just this short moment, the weather changed drastically.

Guanling is located west and faces east, facing rivers and mountains.

Perhaps because of the heavy rain upstream, the river was roaring and turbulent, appearing a little turbid, with waves splashing several meters high and accompanied by many branches.

Li Yan thought thoughtfully: "What kind of river is this?"

Guan Peide looked at Guanling under the dark clouds, his eyes a little anxious, but he still patiently explained: "This is Jushui, and across the way is Jingshan."

"It is recorded in the Classic of Mountains and Seas that the head of the Jing Mountains is called Jing Mountain, which is rich in gold and jade. The Ju River originates there and flows southeast into the Yangtze River. This is the place."

Li Yan asked again: "Can the Ju River flow into the Yangtze River?"

"Yes."

Guan Peide said, "The Ju River originates from Jingshan Mountain, where the Heshi Bi was found. It is now occupied by refugees from Jingchu, and there are many villages hidden in the mountains."

"Young Master Li, are you worried that they will go down the river? Don't worry. Although the Ju River flows into the Yangtze River, the river channel is narrow and has many shallows and reefs. It is not suitable for navigation. Besides, there is Baokang County above it."

"Xiangyang has already sent troops to garrison there. It's basically impossible for them to come over."

"Ah That's good."

Li Yan nodded and ignored it.

Soon, everyone arrived outside Guanling.

As Guan Peide walked, he introduced: "Guanling was first built in the late Eastern Han Dynasty. It was originally called 'Han Yiyong Wu'an Wang Temple'. Later, each dynasty added more titles to it. In this dynasty, it has become the standard of an emperor's mausoleum."

"The disciples of my Guan family usually take turns to guard the body. In addition, there are also monks sent by the court."

Li Yan frowned, "Monk?"

Guan Peide nodded and smiled, his eyes full of pride, "Our ancestors were unparalleled in loyalty and righteousness, and all three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism respected us highly."

"In Confucianism, he is the 'Martial Saint'; in Buddhism, he is the 'Galan Bodhisattva' and the 'Protector of the Nation Buddha'; in Taoism, he is the 'Three Realms Subduing Demons Great Emperor, the Divine Mighty and Powerful Guan Sheng Emperor'."

"The duty of guarding the mausoleum is naturally fought for."

Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan looked at each other and said nothing.

What the old man saw was just the surface.

In fact, what they are fighting for is incense.

There was no other reason. Emperor Guan had already died at that time. Although his martial arts skills were amazing, he was definitely not a god.

He should be the same as the city gods in other places, and a deity worshipped by incense and offerings.

But this person's name is too big!
In the words of the past life, it is the top traffic. From south to north, from the rivers and lakes to the temples, there are countless worshippers in Shenzhou.

Because of this, his titles are increasing.

In Taoism, the importance of incense is self-evident, especially for Guandi, who has almost become a totem-like existence in China, so it is natural that people will fight for him.

Although the reason behind this is unknown, it is obvious that the responsibility of guarding the tomb has been taken over by Buddhism.

This is a little strange.

With such a big thing happening, why didn't any experts from the Buddhist sect come?

With many questions in mind, everyone entered the mausoleum.

Guanling is now built to imperial specifications. The archway leading to the mausoleum is carved with dragons and phoenixes, and according to the rules only the emperor can pass through it.

Li Yan and the others would naturally not violate this taboo, and followed Guan Peide in through the side door. "Meet the clan leader."

The tomb keeper from the Guan family had been waiting outside the door for a long time. Upon seeing this, he quickly led everyone in.

The leader of the tomb keepers was a tall and stocky man with a gleam in his eyes and slightly bulging temples, obviously having stepped into the dark energy.

To be honest, this kind of cultivation can only be practiced at a local level.

But the responsibility of guarding the tomb is more of an honor, and no one has the courage to come here to rob the tomb.

As the man walked, he said in a deep voice: "I have informed Zen Master Miaoshan, and I will take you to see him now."

After hearing this, Li Yan understood.

This Zen Master Miaoshan must be a person from the Taoist sect. After all, it is impossible for ordinary people to preside over the annual Guanling Temple Fair.

As if they knew that a fellow Taoist had arrived, two young monks also came from the side temple, clasped their hands together, bowed and said:
"Amitabha, may the donor be well."

"I have prepared some tea. Please go to the meditation room. The master has something to do and will be here soon."

Guan Peide frowned, "What's the important matter, Master Miaoshan?"

It’s no wonder he asked so many questions. At this time, what could be more important than solving Guanling’s problem?

The young monk looked embarrassed. "Master has been busy these days. He has found many classics and old books to read. He didn't sleep all night last night. He should still be reading now."

"Oh I got it."

Guan Peide's expression eased slightly when he heard this.

Li Yan pinched the Yang Jue and took a deep breath.

Normally, he would not explore such places, for fear of disturbing the gods of the earth or being shocked by the strong power of the incense.

But this time we are investigating a case, so we cannot be careless.

Sure enough, the specifications of the emperor's mausoleum are extraordinary.

The Feng Shui pattern of this place is connected with the surrounding land veins. The central axis is symmetrical, and a majestic and solemn aura is overwhelming.

The power of incense is as strong as the mountains.

The main hall, the sleeping hall, and the mausoleum were all more impressive than the other, making it difficult for Li Yan to breathe.

However, his expression changed slightly and he pointed to the front and side, "What is that place?"

The young monk looked puzzled and said, "It's the master's meditation room."

"Go, something's wrong!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he exerted force on his feet and jumped out suddenly.

When approaching the meditation room, Li Yan sniffed again and said in a deep voice: "I will chase the murderer, you save people!"

Go ahead and speed up, step on the courtyard wall, then fly into the air, turn over and disappear outside the high wall of the mausoleum.

Everyone was also surprised and rushed into the meditation room.

Inside the Zen room, all kinds of books were scattered on the floor, including ancient books such as "Classic of Mountains and Seas" and "Yijianzhi", as well as "Dangyang County Chronicles" and some files, all of which were turned into a mess.

On the chair, a monk in a yellow robe was lying down. His head seemed to have been hit by something heavy, and it shattered like a watermelon, splattering all over the ground.

"master!"

The two little monks rushed over, trembling all over and crying.

Guan Peide's eyes widened, his face gloomy, he turned his head suddenly and asked: "What's wrong with you? You didn't even notice the thief broke in!"

The Guan clan members who were guarding the tomb looked at each other, at a loss as to what to do.

"Chief, we just saw the Zen Master and didn't hear any sound. How come in the blink of an eye..."

"Stop talking nonsense!"

Wang Daoxuan said in a deep voice: "The other party is a master, Brother Lu, go and help Brother Yan!"

Lu San didn't say much and ran out the door immediately.

This Zen Master Miaoshan is a Taoist priest from the Xuanmen sect. He is responsible for guarding Guanling. It is obvious that he is very skilled in Taoism. He can be killed in an instant, so you can imagine how powerful he is.

After Lu San left, Wang Daoxuan looked around and frowned, "Everyone, don't touch anything. Look at the books on the ground to see which one has been tampered with."

"Master Miaoshan, I'm afraid you discovered something..."

…………

Outside the wall of Guanling is a large forest. Since logging is prohibited around the mausoleum, the trees are tall and dense.

Li Yan followed the smell and didn't hold out much hope, but soon he saw a figure moving back and forth in the dense forest.

The opponent's feet were moving very fast and the speed was astonishing.

It's Jia Ma!
Li Yan gritted his teeth and chased after him.

Of course he also carried a horse and armor, but it took several breaths to cast the spell. Although the time was short, it was enough for the opponent to escape without a trace.

Fortunately, he had observed that the Ju River was just outside the woods.

At this moment, a mountain torrent broke out upstream and the river water was fierce. Ordinary armored horses could not jump over it, but perhaps they could stop the enemy.

Thinking of this, Li Yan immediately sped up.

He leaped up, his feet exerted their hidden strength, and he kicked the tree trunk hard, and the whole person rushed out like a sharp arrow.

When his strength was about to run out and he passed through another giant tree, he suddenly burst out to leverage the force and at the same time twisted his body in mid-air to adjust the direction.

Swish!Swish!Swish!
He used leverage three times in a row but didn't fall to the ground.

This is the result of recent martial arts training.

He referred to the "method of taking advantage of momentum" in "Bei Di Xuan Shui Dun" and divided the force into yin and yang and the five elements.

Although he has not yet reached the true state of "no intention, collapse upon contact" of transforming strength, not to mention the "Immortal Seal" of leveraging momentum to transform strength, his control over strength has been significantly improved.

It can be said that he has barely broken through the peak of dark energy.

As long as you master it, it is Hua Jin.

The grove was not big, and they were able to leave after three attempts.

Sure enough, the other party stopped by the river.

Li Yan finally saw his appearance clearly.

He was an old man, tall and dark-skinned, with messy hair stuck casually with a wooden stick. He was wearing a coarse cloth shirt with his sleeves and trouser legs rolled up, and a hatchet hung around his waist.

He looks like a woodcutter.

"stop!"

Li Yan roared and drew out the Dust-Breaking Sword at the same time.

The old man turned his head upon hearing that. His face had an ancient look and his eyes were bright and lively, like a night owl, without a trace of cloudiness.

His face was extremely cold, and when he saw Li Yan chasing him, he just glanced at him indifferently, took out a yellow talisman from his arms, stuffed it into his mouth in a few strokes, pinched his fingers, and jumped into the Ju River.

The turbid river water surged with huge waves, submerging it in the blink of an eye.

"Water escape!"

Li Yan's face was gloomy and he stopped.

His Xuanshui escape technique can only rely on the water mist escape technique. He has not practiced it to the point where he can shuttle through the water, so he cannot be caught up even if he enters the river.

At this moment, an eagle cried in the sky, and Lu San also chased after him, holding a bone flower in his hand, and said in a muffled voice: "That's a master, don't chase him."

Li Yan nodded, sheathed his sword, and said thoughtfully: "This old man smells like a dead body, and has night owl eyes. I guess he is from the treasure hunting and exploring the unknown."

"Also, he smells like the 'Blood Grave'..."

………………

"found it!"

When Li Yan and others entered the room, Sharifei was holding a torn book. "Such force must be related to this book."

Wang Daoxuan quickly took it and after looking at it for a few times, his brows slightly frowned, and the doubt in his eyes became even stronger. "It's Ge Xianweng's "Legends of Immortals."

Li Yan had already asked what they were looking for, and he seemed to be thinking about it. "This book is everywhere. I guess some of the records in it are the key."

"The Legend of the Immortals?"

Guan Peide on the side pondered: "Speaking of which, "Legends of the Immortals" is indeed related to Dangyang County..."

(End of this chapter)