Knife splashing

Chapter 431: A Strange Person in Shu
There have been many extraordinary people in Shu since ancient times.

In the ancient Shu Dynasty, there were Cancong, Yufu and Duyu. Later, there were the Eight Immortals of Shu, namely Rong Chenggong, Li Er, Zhang Daoling, Dong Zhongshu, Yan Junping, Li Babai, Fan Changsheng and Erzhu Dong.

But this is only a small part. There are also some mysterious and strange people who can only be seen in unofficial histories and strange books.

For example, "Youyang Zazu" mentioned a strange man in Shu named "Fei Jishi". He had blood-red eyes without pupils, amazing medical skills, and was good at using chickens to perform magic, divination and exorcism.

In addition, there is this "gray-robed crazy monk".

Xing Hepu was famous at that time and had many disciples. Someone asked him who could inherit his teachings. Xing Hepu was silent for a long time and said to the "Gray Monk" of Shu, "I am not as good as him, you'd better not mess with him."

Xing Hepu is one of the most powerful living ghost messengers Li Yan has ever heard of. He has insight into the mysteries of heaven and earth and is suspected to have contacts with the reincarnations of immortals and gods. He can even avoid the "Heavenly Laws" and protect some earthly immortals.

Li Yan was very interested in this person and asked someone to look up a lot of information about him. Among them, the record about the "gray-robed crazy monk" caught his attention.

This "gray monk" is not well-known. He wanders the streets of Chengdu all year round. He is dressed in rags and looks crazy, so he is also called the "gray-robed crazy monk."

Rumor has it that if anyone provokes him, they will die inexplicably.

Others might just think it is a piece of weird talk, but Li Yan felt that this "crazy monk in grey robe" might have inherited Xing Hepu's power, and was even more powerful.

But this person is so mysterious that no one knows his background.

Li Yan didn't expect to hear news about him here again.

Unexpectedly, when hearing someone asking, this Emei disciple Cui Song was not shy about it, but asked with great interest: "Of course, may I ask this old man, how do you know about the 'Gray Robe Mad Monk'?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone looked at the wealthy businessman.

Cui Song was a famous young hero near Wanzhou and Fuling, but this "gray-robed crazy monk" was the first time they had heard of him.

The wealthy merchant was silent for a moment after hearing this, then he clasped his fists towards the people around him and said, "I am not afraid of being laughed at by you all when I tell you this."

"There is a rumor among my clan that my ancestors were a large family in Chengdu during the Tang Dynasty. One day, a gray monk came to our house and stood at the door without saying a word. However, the clan leader was frightened to death and knelt down crying and begging for mercy. Then he died strangely..."

"Since then, the family has fallen apart and has fallen into decline. It is only now that things have started to improve a little bit."

"I thought it was a rumor, but I heard about it by chance on the ship a few days ago, and I wanted to find out more about it. Even if I hadn't met Young Master Cui, I would have paid you a visit."

After hearing this, Li Yan was completely certain.

This gray monk is a living ghost messenger, and he is still alive today. If he is not an earthly immortal, then he must be a person who has returned to the world of the living.

"That's wrong~"

Some people around were surprised and asked, "Your ancestor lived in the Tang Dynasty, but Young Master Cui has only seen him recently. Could it be that he is an immortal?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone suddenly became excited.

"I don't know if she is a fairy or not."

Cui Song's expression suddenly became serious. He looked around and said in a deep voice, "But this matter must be told to everyone."

"Brother!"

On the opposite bow deck, the girl from before quickly walked out of the cabin again, frowning and saying, "Master is angry to begin with, and we've checked, and there's nothing there."

"Be careful, don't let people say that we are spreading rumors and misleading the public, tarnishing the reputation of our sect!"

After hearing this, Li Yan glanced at it calmly.

Someone just mentioned that these two are from the Dian Yi faction.

Emei Mountain is known for "one tree with five flowers, five flowers and eight leaves".

The five schools include the Chengdu Huangling School, the western Sichuan Qingcheng School, the northern Sichuan Tiefo School, the eastern Sichuan Qingniu School, and the Dianyi School.

They are now in eastern Sichuan, with the Qingniu faction in Fengdu and the Dianyi faction in Fuling.

There is a cave called Dianyi in Fuling, which is located on the north bank of the Yangtze River and faces Fuling City across the river. Cheng Yi of the Northern Song Dynasty drilled the cave and annotated the Book of Changes, and wrote the four-volume Yichuan, which marked the origin of Cheng's Neo-Confucianism.

Dian Yi Pai is related to it.

The characteristic of this sect is that martial arts are combined with Yijing, and its techniques are famous for its divination based on the Yijing.

It seems that these two people came to Wanzhou for other reasons.

Sure enough, after hearing the woman's reminder, Cui Song clenched his fist and gritted his teeth, "The reputation of our sect is important, but the safety of the people is more important."

"If this is really my imagination, I will leave it to the master to deal with it, but I will not be at peace if I don't say it out."

As he said this, he looked towards the boat with tears in his eyes, "Junior sister, I am sincere to you. If you don't want to marry me because of this..."

"You...you are talking nonsense again!"

The woman stomped her feet in anger and went back into the cabin.

Cui Song sighed again when he saw this, but he stopped interfering. He clasped his hands and said to the people around him, "My fellow villagers, although I, Cui Song, have learned Dian Yi, my roots are still in Wanzhou. I dare not hide this matter."

"Just a few days ago, I was out on business and slept in a dilapidated temple in the mountains during a thunderstorm. In my dream, I saw an old monk in a gray robe. He told me that there is a drought demon hidden in Tiansheng City in Wanzhou. It was transformed from the evil energy absorbed from the battlefield after the death of the general of the Golden Horde Wolf Nation."

"Now this drought demon is about to take shape and escape. If we don't find a way to stop it, there will be a three-year drought in eastern Sichuan!"

"what?!"

Someone heard it and was immediately surprised.

The eastern and central Sichuan regions are hilly and suffer from perennial drought and lack of rain, so they are very sensitive to the words "drought" and "rain".

The fields on the mountain are called "Wangtian Fields" and "Leigong Fields", and various customs of praying for rain are emerging one after another.

In cities everywhere, the Dragon King Temple is as important as the City God Temple.

How can I not be scared when I hear about the "Drought Demon".

Some others were at a loss whether to laugh or cry, "Young Master Cui, there have been rumors of a drought demon in the city recently. It turns out it's you. The government just posted a notice saying that this is fake."

Worry breeds fear.

Because of the fear of drought, there are endless rumors of various droughts every year, such as the appearance of the drought demon, the anger of the Dragon King... There are many.

This matter is likely to disturb the people's hearts, and some bad people will use it to make money, and some people with ulterior motives will even attribute the incident to the emperor's misconduct.

Therefore, the government took it very seriously and whenever such a thing happened, they would send people to investigate and post notices to dispel the rumors.

Cui Song blushed when he heard this. "The master in the government office is only concerned with celebrating the governor's birthday. The temple priest in the City God Temple is also a half-baked one. How can we trust him so easily?"

Someone asked: "Did you find it?"

Cui Song was embarrassed, "I didn't find it."

"Then what are you talking about?"

The people around suddenly lost interest and dispersed.

Li Yanze's heart moved, he walked forward, clasped his fists and said: "My fellow Taoist, I am honored."

When Cui Song saw this, his expression immediately became serious.

There are certain rules for the etiquette of clasping fists.

When ordinary people clasp their fists, most of them raise their palms slightly, like a bow, which shows humility and respect, but it is not so particular.

For people in the underworld, the left palm must be open, symbolizing the five virtues. The right fist represents bravery. The left palm covers the right fist, representing stopping war with virtue.

And the arms bent into a circle represent brothers from all over the world.

If one adds the word "fellow Taoist", he is most likely a member of the Taoist sect.

"I've met Taoist friends."

Cui Song also returned the greeting and asked, "I heard that you sound like you are from Guanzhong. I wonder which mountain you are worshipping and what kind of incense you are burning?"

The words were polite, but his back was tense.

Li Yan was younger than him, but he didn't notice anything when he was standing in the crowd just now. It was not until he started talking that he felt inexplicably flustered. Warriors and sorcerers have spiritual perception far superior to ordinary people.

This is a manifestation of his deeper Taoism.

"Guanzhong, Li Yan, You Xianer..."

Li Yan was too lazy to hide and revealed his identity directly.

Cui Song was stunned for a moment, then he said thoughtfully: "I heard from my master that there is an incredible rising star on the Ezhou Road, his surname is Li, could it be you, sir?"

"It's just to make a living."

Li Yan waved his hand slightly, then said, "I just heard you mention the 'Gray Robe Mad Monk'. I wonder where you saw him?"

After hearing this, Cui Song became a little hesitant.

It would be fine if ordinary people just treated it as a story, but if someone from the Xuanmen or someone who has made a name for himself asked about it, he would have to be careful.

After all, in this world, it is hard to distinguish between loyalty and treachery...

Thinking of this, Cui Song's heart moved, and he opened his mouth to test: "Daoyou is quite famous in Ezhou, and I think he is also proficient in magic. I can tell you, and even more, but I want to ask Daoyou for a favor."

Li Yan immediately understood, "Looking for Hanba?"

Cui Song nodded and said, "That's exactly what I am unwilling to accept. If the warning given by the Gray Monk is true and the drought demon is born, I will never be at peace for the rest of my life."

Thinking of the scene when Taixuan Orthodox Church suppressed Hanba, Li Yan shook his head and said, "That thing is not easy to deal with. Once we find it, we can only suppress it, not kill it. We can't do it."

“Just need to find the place.”

Cui Song quickly said: "No one else believes me on this matter, but as long as we find the place, our sect will come and suppress it."

Sharifei beside him raised his eyebrows and said happily: "Young man, you are really asking for too much. You asked us for a piece of information and you let us take risks. Besides, we have important matters to attend to, so we have to leave as soon as the channel is opened."

"Then you'll have to wait."

Cui Song shook his head and said, "The incident ahead is not a small matter. The cargo ship that was overturned by the pirates is not light. The Wanzhou government has already invited people. It is estimated that it will take two or three days to complete the work."

Then he pointed to the opposite side and said, "Brother Li, see, the mountain across the river is the place I mentioned. It takes less than an hour to go back and forth."

"I have supernatural powers, and the sister I asked to help me is also average in Taoism. There is really nothing I can do."

"Come with me. If you really can't find it, then I will give up completely. I will tell you everything truthfully!"

At this moment, another voice appeared next to him:
"Everyone, can you take me with you?"

It turned out to be the wealthy businessman from Chengdu who had never left and heard everything the two men said.

Cui Song quickly shook his head and frowned, saying, "Brother, this matter is not something that ordinary people can get involved in. Why are you joining in the fun?"

The wealthy merchant laughed, "Don't worry, Young Master Cui, I'm just curious, and I know a little bit of fighting, so I won't be a burden to you."

Li Yan glanced at it calmly.

He had just noticed that there was something strange about this Chengdu businessman.

Although this man was dressed in fancy clothes, he was big and strong, with calluses all over his hands, and it was obvious that he was a martial artist.

Especially, there is a strong smell of sheep on his body.

Maybe it's someone from the Salt Gang...

Thinking of this, he smiled and nodded, saying: "Fellow Daoist Cui has a chivalrous heart, so why not let me accompany you? You two just wait here, I'll be back soon."

After saying that, he pulled Sharifei away.

After leaving the dock and coming to a deserted spot on the shore, Sharifei finally couldn't help but say, "Brother Yan, this is a bit of a coincidence, is this a trap for us?"

"Probably not."

Li Yan said in a deep voice: "Not many people know about the 'Gray Robe Mad Monk'. Besides, we just had a conflict with the Salt Gang today, and Cui Song came to look for Hanba two days ago. The timing doesn't match."

"There is something fishy about that Chengdu businessman. He might be a spy for the Salt Gang."

"so what should I do now?"

"Take advantage of their own tactic and give them a hard time!"

As they were talking, the two of them had returned to the boat.

Li Yan recounted what happened at the dock, and then said, "The Salt Gang is quite powerful. They must have found out where we are. They know that sending ordinary guild masters and sorcerers is useless, so they must send in experts."

"All of you stay here. If they were ordinary people, Senior Bai Huan would be able to take them down easily."

"I will have a backup plan. If any earthly immortal shows up, I will attack him directly and send him into the netherworld."

After saying that, he took Wang Daoxuan out of the cabin and handed him the Five-sided Luofeng Flag.

He still had one command left, and with the positioning of the Five-sided Luofeng Flag, he could summon the ghost soldiers back even if he was on the mountain.

Only after making all preparations did Li Yan return to the dock.

"Friend Li, let's go quickly."

Seeing that he was the only one returning, Cui Song didn't ask any questions and just took him on board.

As for the wealthy merchant from Chengdu, there was nothing unusual about him.

Cui Song was riding on a small boat. Apparently, he was also a good water player. With a push of a bamboo pole and some hidden strength, the boat quickly left the dock and headed towards the opposite mountain.

The girl in the cabin, although angry, came out to greet him, clasped her fists and said, "Young Master Li from Guanzhong, the master once mentioned you. I, Senior Brother Cui, am sorry for causing you trouble."

"Oh?"

Li Yan was a little surprised, "I am still a junior, even though I have done something, it is not likely to be spread to Emei."

The woman hurriedly bowed and said, "Senior Yu Longzi from Zhenwu Palace is an old friend of my master. He is visiting the Dianyi Sect and told me about your situation."

"I see…"

Li Yan immediately understood.

Over in Dujiangyan, the battle between the masters of good and evil has come to an end, and Yu Longzi is afraid that he will have to return to Ezhou.

As they were talking, the boat had already crossed the river.

Cui Song jumped off the boat, tied the rope to the reef, turned around and said, "Junior sister, we can just go up the mountain, you stay on the boat and rest."

"Well, be careful, brother."

The girl nodded quickly.

When Li Yan saw this, he laughed inwardly.

This pair of senior and junior brothers and sisters seemed to have some experience in the martial world and knew to leave a way out. If anything happened to Cui Song, the Dian Yi sect would come to them to ask for his life.

"Friend Li, let's go up the mountain."

Cui Song was obviously very anxious and kept urging him.

The mountain was steep, so it was no problem for the two of them to climb it with their skills. However, the wealthy merchant from Chengdu was also very nimble and followed closely behind them, which made Li Yan even more suspicious.

The forest was dark at night, but Li Yan had such a murderous aura that even if there were any ghosts, they would have run away as soon as they smelled the scent from afar.

Soon, they were up the mountain.

At the top of the mountain, I saw a pile of ruins, hidden in the wild grass and woods. The night was foggy, the moonlight was lingering, and the sound of insects chirping was heard all around.

In some places, there are even exposed bones and rusty arrowheads...

　Second update in the afternoon
　　
　
(End of this chapter)