Knife splashing

Chapter 257 Clearing Hidden Dangers
"A method for the demon body to achieve longevity?"

Li Yan was also surprised.

After entering Ezhou, he had heard twice about the method of immortality for the demon body.

The first time was in Shangjin City, where a demon from the Tiansheng Sect used the evil magic of fox mind to slaughter entire families just to get the "coal essence".

Of course, he also got a mission from the underworld that time, which was the blood and water from the black well. He summoned the gods of the underworld and suppressed a wisp of escaped evil spirit.

Could it be that they were wrong?

Was this done by the Tiansheng Sect?
Looking to the side, not only Feng Huazi's face changed drastically, but even Lu Faqing had eyes full of shock and horror.

Li Yan frowned, "Two seniors, judging from your appearance, have you seen this technique before?"

"Yes."

Lu Faqing said in a deep voice: "This demon body longevity technique has long been spread among the evil ways in Ezhou, and has been spreading since a long time ago."

"In the first year of Taiyuan in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Xue Daoxun from Anlu County, Jiangxia Prefecture, suddenly became insane and disappeared. He turned into a tiger and began to eat a large number of people.

A year later, he returned home in human form and became a high-ranking official. When chatting with others, he mentioned that he had become ill and mad and turned into a tiger, eating people for a year, and listed the appearance and location of the people he ate.

As it happened, someone in the audience had a relative who was a victim, so they cried and arrested Xue Daoxun and sent him to the government. He eventually starved to death in prison.

"This is the first time that the technique of immortality for a demon body has appeared. It is also recorded in the Southern Dynasty's Qixie Ji."

"In fact, the disaster it caused is far more than that."

"For many years afterwards, outbreaks would occur every once in a while in Ezhou. The most serious outbreaks were during the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, the chaotic times at the end of the Tang Dynasty, and when the Ghost Cult flourished in the Song Dynasty."

"This demon body longevity method, a human cultivates a demon body, and through it obtains various secret methods, there are so many types that it is hard to guard against."

"Many people don't even seek immortality, but practice these powerful evil methods, causing a lot of trouble."

Feng Huazi also stood up and said with an unpleasant expression, "I finally figured it out. No wonder the mountain guarding formation and the guardian gods didn't notice it."

"When Xue Daoxun was struck by this spell, he became insane and then disappeared. He thought he had turned into a tiger and ate people everywhere, but in fact he had turned into a demon."

"Later, the same situation occurred again and again, but no clues could be found. At that time, Guo Pu traveled to Ezhou and was entrusted by someone to investigate the matter."

"He eventually discovered that this kind of evil magic was very special. It made people suffer from serious diseases, so it could avoid detection by sorcerers. Those who were affected by the magic were controlled by someone behind the scenes."

"Later, we found out who was behind this and learned that this technique originated from the demon body longevity technique, but no one knows what it is called."

“There is no record of this in the Immortal Library of Immortal Life.”

Li Yan looked at the two of them and said in a deep voice: "I do know something, but I can't tell you at this time."

"Oh, why?" Feng Huazi frowned.

Li Yan said in a cold voice: "You two will know in a moment. Help me find a pair of scissors and a foot of yellow silk."

"Quick, go get it!"

Although Lu Faqing didn't understand what was going on, he still hurriedly gave an order and asked a disciple to find a pair of scissors and yellow silk.

Li Yan endured the stench of the corpse and squatted in front of the body of the dead Zhushan Sect disciple. He cut off all the yellow hair on the brain, wrapped it in yellow silk, set it on fire, and burned it to ashes.

After collecting the ashes in the container, he pinched the Yang Jue and smelled it, then stood up suddenly, drew out his long sword with a clang, pointed at the two Zhushan Sect disciples, and said in a deep voice: "Take them down!"

"What are you going to do?"

"We are not monsters!"

The two Zhushan Sect disciples were immediately panicked.

However, not only did the people from the Duwei Division raise their bows and crossbows, but other disciples of the Zhushan Sect also drew their swords and pointed them at them.

The two men did not dare to move and could only cry out for justice.

Lu Faqing didn't care about mercy at this time, and a trace of murderous intent flashed in his eyes, "Mr. Li, are you sure?"

Li Yan said calmly: "They may have nothing to do with this matter, but they have been under the spell and must be hiding something."

Hearing this, the two of them turned pale.

Lufa said coldly: "Tell me! What are you hiding?"

A Zhushan Sect disciple said with a pale face, "These past few days, I have often dreamed of immortals teaching me Dharma, but when I wake up I can't remember anything. I only feel great joy and freedom."

"So do my disciples."

Another person's voice trembled: "Not only that, it has become even worse these days. I often see hallucinations and think that my brothers are all demons. And that immortal occasionally appears in front of me."

"What does he look like?"

"He seems to be a scholar, but I can't see his face clearly."

"Why don't you tell me?"

"I am afraid of being regarded as a lunatic..."

"Confused! Lock them up!"

Lu Faqing scolded angrily.

Li Yan didn't bother to pay attention and directly handed the box of ashes to Zheng Baihu, "Let the mountain dogs search again!"

"Yes!"

Captain Zheng nodded quickly.

This trip up the mountain was an eye-opener for him.

The legends of various monsters and demons are simply unbelievable. And there is this young hero Li in front of him. No wonder the former captain has to obey his orders.

Soon, the mountain dog made a discovery.

A lot of silver needles were found in a wing room, as well as a large jar containing a piece of rotten tiger skin soaked in turbid medicine.

"It's Wang Falin's."

Lu Faqing said in a deep voice: "He is good at acupuncture and moxibustion. If any of his disciples are injured while practicing, they will seek his treatment."

"Ah."

Li Yan didn't bother to talk nonsense, "Let's go back to the Taoist temple!"

The group returned to the Taoist temple in a hurry.

Because of the presence of troops from the Duwei Division guarding the sect, what happened in the Zhushan Sect was not leaked to the outside world.

Seeing the large number of people returning, the disciples of the Taoist temple were shocked.

Feng Huazi naturally guessed what was going to happen, and before they could ask, he gave the order in a deep voice: "Everyone, gather in the front yard!"

At the command, all the disciples of the Taoist temple were gathered together, even Wang Daoxuan and others were called out.

Seeing Li Yan's look, they immediately stood behind Li Yan.

"Wang Wang Wang!"

Without waiting for any questions, several guard dogs started barking at a man.

The man was none other than Feng Gangzi who had protested his injustice earlier.

His face changed, his feet exerted hidden strength, and he turned around and ran away.

"Where are you going, evil disciple!"

Feng Huazi suddenly became furious.

Before, I thought I had wronged this disciple and felt guilty. I was thinking about teaching him some skills to make up for it after the matter was over.

But now, all the guilt turned into murderous intent.

He also flashed and flew out.

After all, he is the master of a temple that sits in charge of this blessed land.

This time, the difference was apparent.

The two of them mainly practiced Wudang Pure Yang Fist.

This boxing style was passed down by Lu Zu, and it emphasizes "like wind blowing the lotus, swaying left and right, like flying clouds and flowing water, continuously", and the boxing moves are light and graceful.

Wudang's skills were naturally good, and both of them were full of hidden strength, their robes fluttering, like cranes dancing. Especially when they were on tiptoe, it was a bit like Li Yan's shrinking the earth into an inch, but more graceful, and it looked like they didn't touch the ground.

This is the characteristic of Chun Yang Fist, which imitates the White Crane and the Spirit Turtle, and is practiced through the special method of "stepping" to inhale and "hanging feet" to exhale.

Feng Gangzi was very fast and arrived in front of the wall in a blink of an eye, trying to jump over it.

But the one who is faster than him is Feng Huazi.

But the old Taoist priest's face was full of anger, like a crane flapping its wings and descending, while he shook his shoulders and clapped his right hand lightly.

This time, it feels like being hit in mud, without any effort and sticky.

However, Feng Gangzi's spine shattered with a snap, and his whole body crashed down the wall, rolling to the ground along with bricks and stones.

"Humph!"

Feng Huazi's anger had not subsided yet, and he shook his sleeves as if to shake off the mud on his hands.

Wudang Yellow Mud Palm!
Li Yan's eye twitched slightly when he saw this.

This old Taoist priest seems cowardly, but unexpectedly he is so powerful.

The Wudang Yellow Mud Palm is the unique skill of the Zhenwu Palace. It can penetrate people's bones and split monuments and rocks. It is a martial art that brings the Yin energy to the extreme.

Once this move is used, the man will definitely be disabled.

Sure enough, Feng Gangzi fell in a pile of rocks. Although he was not dead, the lower half of his body was paralyzed. He gritted his teeth and his face was covered with cold sweat.

"Wang Wang Wang!"

The guard dogs of the Duwei Division found three more people.

These three disciples were obviously also victims, and their faces were full of confusion, but when they saw Feng Huazi's murderous eyes, they were all scared and collapsed to the ground.

"Master, it's unfair!"

"We really didn't collude with the demon!"

Of course, after some interrogation, the two confessed honestly that they had indeed had dreams recently in which they dreamed of immortals giving them advice on magic.

But the symptoms were not serious yet, so everyone thought it was just a dream.

Afterwards, a tattered tiger skin soaked in turbid potion was found in the secret compartment in Feng Gangzi's room.

Feng Gangzi originally wanted to commit suicide, but the experienced Captain Zheng stepped forward, removed his jaw, pulled out the teeth that were filled with poison, and took him into the room for custody.

Li Yan then said, "This is called the Tiger Form Technique."

"The method of immortality in a demon body is not just a simple technique, but it requires the gathering of the power of hundreds of demons, completely transforming oneself into a demon, and then shedding the cocoon again and again, and transforming back into a human body."

"Tiger Shape Technique, Fox Heart Technique, Snake Scale Technique...all kinds of techniques, harming people is only secondary, in the end they still serve the demon body."

"But this long body technique is extremely dangerous. If you make a mistake, you will be doomed. I guess Xue Daoxun and the victims who came after him were all his experimental subjects..."

Feng Huazi was a little surprised. "These things are not recorded in the Immortal Library of Immortal Life. How did Mr. Li know about them?"

Li Yan said in a deep voice: "From the underworld!"

He learned all these things from the book created by the underworld when he accepted the task of suppressing the evil spirit.

That was also the first time he received clear information from the underworld.

The above records the various features and flaws of the "Demon Body Longevity Technique", but the specific practice method has not been passed down.

Feng Huazi's eyes became sharp, "Is it Liu Gang?"

Liu Gang is a living ghost messenger. Since he was able to pass down the "Northern Emperor's Mountain Climbing Technique", he might have also obtained the method of practicing the demon body longevity technique.

Li Yan was also worried.

Could it be that it was because of this person that the underworld was on guard, only mentioning the characteristics and weaknesses but hiding the method of cultivation?
Of course, these are just guesses.

The interrogation of Feng Gangzi is the key.

This person was stubborn at first, looking like a dead pig that was not afraid of boiling water, and closed his eyes waiting to die.

Neither the orthodox religion nor the Dharma lineage has any technique that can search the soul. The other party has reached a high level of Taoism, so he is not afraid of any spells that can hypnotize the soul.

However, someone from the Duwei Division was there.

When it comes to various interrogation and torture methods, only the prison bosses in the Ministry of Justice who specialize in this kind of thing can be compared with them.

After all, Feng Gangzi lived a life of luxury. After being dragged into the room and beaten up, he immediately had a mental breakdown and burst into tears as he told what had happened.

"They have the evidence against me and have threatened me again and again. Master, I am sorry, but I really have no other choice..."

"What handle?"

"A year ago, I helped a wealthy family to exorcise an evil spirit. The concubine of the master seduced me, and the affair was exposed. During the struggle, I accidentally killed someone. I was scared, so I exorcised the evil spirit and killed everyone in the family. I reported that the evil spirit was brutal..."

"Later, they used this as a threat."

"You, damn you! Who are 'they'?"

"I only know that they are from the Earthly Immortal Cave. Every time I meet with them, it is an old man dressed as a woodcutter."

"What exactly are they planning?"

"I don't know either. At first, they just asked me to investigate the well, and then they said they needed Xuanmen monks, so they asked me to poison those disciples."

"Those disciples who were poisoned became delirious, as if they were controlled by someone, and then they pretended to die. After I helped them dig up their graves and opened their coffins, they left on their own as if they were possessed by evil spirits."

"Later, I found out that Feng Lingzi was secretly investigating this matter, so I poisoned him as well, but he chose to commit suicide in order to escape control."

"I sensed something was wrong. They just happened to want the Rainbow Cloud Shoes, so I asked the people hiding in the Zhushan Sect to cooperate and pin the blame on Feng Lingzi."

"Did you also bring that person from Zhushan Sect here?"

"No, they also caught someone from the Zhushan Sect, his name was Wang Falin, but that person was even more greedy, and turned around and threatened to inform on us, and wanted to practice the immortality method, but he was eventually eliminated."

"That night I saw with my own eyes that a person from the Earth Immortal Cave used a secret method to shrink his body and change his appearance to become Wang Falin's."

"He was on the mountain, mainly to monitor me. Later, he was afraid that there were too many disciples poisoning me, so he also took action at the Zhushan Sect..."

"What are they going to do with these disciples?"

"I don't know. Oh, they also asked me to find the location of a tiger demon and blow up the altar of the Yin Army during the Guanling Temple Fair."

"You, you are absolutely crazy!"

What happened almost made Feng Huazi angry to death.

Zheng Baihu standing by couldn't help but sigh: "Many people are like this. When they make a mistake, they fear the consequences and will cover it up with a bigger mistake, sinking deeper and deeper into trouble."

"A captain from our Yichang Garrison was also instigated to rebel by the Longxiang Army in this way."

Li Yan consoled him, "Senior, there is no need to get upset. At least the hidden danger on Zigai Mountain has been cleared."

"It seems that their goal is to overturn the well. There are often people causing trouble at Yuquan Temple. The time of the attack is during the Guanling Temple Fair."

"There are still ten days left, enough to wrap this up!"

The biggest gain of this trip was to eliminate the hidden dangers in Zigai Mountain. With the help of the Yin soldiers of Zhushan Sect and Taixuan Orthodox Sect, many things were certain.

At this moment, Wang Daoxuan said: "We also have some clues."

As he spoke, he took out an ancient book and said in a deep voice, "It is written in the "Biography of Immortals" that Gang and his wife entered Siming Mountain and encountered a tiger on the road. The tiger lowered its head when it saw Gang and did not dare to look up. The lady tied the tiger to the foot of the bed with a rope."

"This incident is also recorded in the Taiping Guangji. We didn't pay much attention to it at first, but then we found a travelogue written by a Taoist priest in the Tang Dynasty, which recorded what happened after 'Xiang Lao' killed the white turtle."

"'Xiang' and her disciples left happily. On the way, they encountered a fierce tiger, which blocked their way. 'Xiang' sighed and said, 'Why bother coming here?'

"After that, he and his disciples rode away on the tiger."

Li Yan frowned, "The tiger demon has also come back to life?"

He was a little bit incredulous. What kind of loophole could there be in the underworld that allowed so many people to secretly return to the world? Could it be some secret method?

If this is the case, wouldn’t it be a chaos of yin and yang?

Wang Daoxuan shook his head and said, "I also find this strange, but the people in the Earthly Immortal Cave are also looking for this tiger monster, so there must be a reason."

"Perhaps if we find it, all mysteries will be solved..."

　The second update will be posted at 10:30
　　
　
(End of this chapter)