Knife splashing

Chapter 54 Red Hair and Red Face

"Red hair and bloody face?"

As soon as this was said, Sharifei laughed, "Wouldn't that scare the children?"

Even Li Yan frowned slightly when he heard it.

There are always some strange stories in every place and countryside in China, such as the dark shadow behind the night, the hand in the toilet, the face on the window, the tiger lady...

The man with red hair and bloody face is one of them.

It is said that this thing is dressed in a green robe, has red hair and a bloody face. It often appears at dusk. If a child is playing at this time, he will be lured away by it.

This thing often appears next to old trees. The old people swear that the little ghosts from a nearby village went to the mountain to play and encountered the red-haired and bloody-faced thing.

The other children were so scared that they ran away. If they turned their heads to look, they could still see the scary green-robed, red-faced shadow under the tree at dusk, staring at them coldly. They all fell seriously ill after returning home, and some were even scared to death.

Some old people also said that one of the children did not run back and was lost. Later, a master from Chang'an was invited to perform a ritual, and the child's body was found three feet under the tree.

The coffin was also discovered at the same time, but the master did not allow it to be opened and simply left it in the scorching sun to burn into ashes.

In short, the rumor is very convincing.

After Li Yan learned about the existence of Xuanmen, he believed in zombies and evil spirits, but he always felt that these things were stories made up by old people to scare children into going back to eat early.

Hearing it again now, it suddenly seems a bit ridiculous.

Unexpectedly, Wang Daoxuan's expression turned serious. "When did it happen?"

The waiter said quickly, "Over the years, we have invited some gentlemen to go up the mountain to check, but they found nothing. By the way, we also often encounter people who go up the mountain to collect herbs in the forest, but later no one dared to go up the mountain..."

After leaving the inn, Wang Daoxuan still looked confused.

Sharifei was a little frightened when he saw his appearance, "Master, could it be that this red-haired, red-faced creature really exists?"

Wang Daoxuan shook his head slightly, "Let's talk about this after we get out. Brother Zhao should know more about this than I do."

…………

The treasure-hunting man Zhao Luzi did not go into the city, but waited at the foot of the mountain.

Everyone was not surprised, and the reason was explained on the way.

There is an established rule in the business of holding treasures:

"The sky is the blanket, the ground is the bed, and the gods and spirits are to be respected. Three incense sticks are to be burned before entering the mountains and waters, and lamps are to be lit before entering tombs and caves. Yang houses are not to be entered."

Zhao Luzi even explained the reason to them.

There is a pole in the sky, a pole on the ground, and a person in the middle, which is the character "Wu". It shows that the treasure-hunting person has not forgotten his roots. It is also related to the fact that Fang Xiandao was being suppressed and hunted down by the imperial court at that time.

Wu people believe that all things have spirits, so they naturally have to respect gods and spirits. When they explore the mountains and the sea, they must burn three incense sticks before going into the mountains or into the water.

Those who want to explore ancient caves in tombs have to light a guide lamp, which not only serves as a lighting but also as a sign. If the owner of the cave is angry, they have to leave immediately.

As for why a yang house cannot be entered, there are two reasons.

Firstly, they have been in ancient tombs in the wild for many years, so it is inevitable that they will attract some bad luck. If they enter other people's homes casually, they will bring disaster. If other people worship some secular gods, it will directly cause conflicts.

Secondly, it is related to Fang Xiandao at that time. It is rumored that the Bibao lineage risked their lives for the Qin Emperor, going up mountains and down seas to search for the elixir of immortality. Unexpectedly, they were liquidated together with Fang Xiandao, so this ancestral precept came into being.

"Red hair and red face?"

Donkey Zhao scratched his head and said, "I have heard of this thing."

"My father once said that this was a method used by the ancient Fang Xian Dao. It was performed near some royal tombs. They would find places where evil spirits gathered, seal the crucified people in coffins, and plant trees on top."

"Over time, a ghost wall will form, making it impossible for people to discover the ancient tombs in the mountains. It was popular for a while during the Qin and Han dynasties, but it was banned because of its cruel methods and violation of the will of heaven. However, some powerful families will secretly hire people to perform it."

"As time goes by, the seal of the coffin is broken, and the souls of the dead will turn into red-haired and red-faced people, but they have merged with the old tree and can only be trapped in the same place."

"Where a man with red hair and a red face appears, there must be a large tomb nearby. Xunyou used this as a clue to find the Qin and Han tombs. There were many tombs of Qin and Han kings in Guanzhong, so this legend was passed down."

Sharifei's eyes lit up, "Is there a royal tomb in the mountains?"

Zhao Luzi shook his head and said, "Even if there is, we, the Ganshan clan, will never go to the tomb. Besides, when I came here before, I didn't see the red hair and red face at all."

"As for why it appeared in the past two years, I have guessed the reason."

"A few years ago, a group of bandits hid in the mountains to avoid being hunted by the imperial court. They must have been pretending to be ghosts and didn't want the villagers to go up the mountain and find their lair. They were powerful and I couldn't beat them, so I needed help."

Li Yan frowned, "Bandit, do you have a name?"

Zhao Luzi thought for a moment and said, "I overheard their conversation and they said the leader was called Yan Laojiu."

"Skinning King?"

When Sharifei heard this, his scalp went numb. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? That guy is on the mountain. If we go there, we'll be looking for death. Besides, there are treasures, but he will probably dig them up!"

When Li Yan heard this, he also shook his head.

There were many bandits in Guanzhong, and none of them who could make a name for themselves in the green forest were easy to deal with. Yan Laojiu was originally a butcher in Chang'an City. He had practiced knife skills and was well-known on the streets. He also married a beautiful woman, so although he was engaged in a menial job, he lived a glorious life.

Later, his wife had an affair with a rich young man, but Yan Laojiu kept silent about it until one night when the young man's guards were away. He then captured the two of them, skinned them alive, and hung them on the streets of a busy city.

If that were all, it wouldn't be a big deal.

But after he escaped from Chang'an City and became a bandit, whenever he went down the mountain to rob, he would skin the young couple for fun without asking any questions. Gradually, he earned the nickname "Skinning King of Hell" and became notorious.

If only Yan Laojiu hides in the mountains, it will be really difficult to deal with.

“They can’t find it!”

Zhao Luzi blushed and said quickly, "The lightning-struck jujube tree has become spiritual. It only appears at a specific time. I am the only one who knows the location."

"The bandits are hiding in the old cliff in the east, and the lightning-struck jujube trees are in the Leopard Valley in the west. As long as we cut down the trees at night and throw them into the river, we can get out of the mountains and salvage them downstream and transport them back to Xianyang."

As he spoke, he took out a sheepskin map and showed it to everyone.

Li Yan took a closer look and nodded, "It's not like there is no chance. If there are any dangers in Leopard Valley, tell us as soon as possible."

Zhao Luzi said, "The lightning-struck jujube wood can suppress evil spirits. Ordinary evil spirits dare not approach. However, there are several leopards in Leopard Valley that are very ferocious. I can't handle them alone."

Li Yan pondered for a moment and said in a deep voice: "Then let's go up the mountain and check it out!"

"Also, Uncle Sha, go back to Chunhua County and make some Tribulus terrestris."

…………

The prickles of Tribulus terrestris can injure people, and it is sharp and fast, hence the name Tribulus terrestris.

In the Chuci, the thorn tree is called "evil wood" to describe a villain. The image of the thorn fruit is also the origin of the hidden weapon "thorn seed".

As for Tribulus terrestris, it is a vicious hunting method. The Tribulus terrestris seeds are wrapped in small pieces of meat and soaked in pig blood to cover up the smell. Fierce beasts such as tigers and leopards cannot bite it and can only swallow it in one gulp. When it enters the stomach, it will cut the abdominal cavity as the stomach and intestines move.

This thing is not difficult to make. Sharifei quickly got a big bag of it, tied the sheepskin bag tightly, met up with everyone, and went up the mountain.

The terrain of Yetai Mountain is not high, but its area is not small. Looking around, you can see peaks and mountains and winding mountain roads.

It was already afternoon when they entered the mountain. Not long after they walked, the sky darkened. The bright moon shone on the black mountain, and the howling of wolves and tigers could be heard in the distance.

Sharifei shuddered when he heard this and complained, "It would be better if we came during the day. It's so late at night and we can't see anything."

Zhao Luzi said in a muffled voice: "The lightning-struck jujube tree has absorbed the mountain's energy and has become a small trap. Of course, it cannot be seen during the day. It can only be discovered at midnight with the help of the moonlight."

After saying that, he stood up and walked forward, pulling aside a piece of dry grass and vines under the rock wall, revealing a small shrine inside.

The stone statue enshrined inside is very old, and the facial features are blurred. One can only vaguely make out that it is a person wearing a Confucian robe.

A tattered pottery basin was used as an incense burner. Although there were traces of burning incense and candles, it was obvious that no one had come to worship for a long time.

Li Yan has already activated the Yang Jue to activate his supernatural powers.

He could smell a faint scent of incense, with a certain heaviness. Although it was thin, it blended with the aura of the entire mountain.

Zhao Luzi said in a muffled voice: "In the past, the herbalists and hunters who went up the mountain would come to worship, but that group of bandits caused trouble, so the incense was interrupted."

He took out incense, candles, fruits and steamed buns as offerings from his backpack, burned incense and worshiped. Every move he made was full of charm and his eyes were full of piety.

Seeing this, Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan also stepped forward to burn incense.

Sharifei kowtowed several times, "Mountain God, please bless us. If this trip goes well, we will report to the government after we leave and get rid of these bandits for you!"

After some worship, they continued to climb the mountain.

Of course, Zhao Luzi reminded them again of the taboos when going up the mountain, such as not calling the wild animals by their real names and some places cannot be entered easily, and everything should be arranged by him.

Li Yan tightly grasped the Guanshan knife and protected Zhao Luzi.

Zhao Luzi, a treasure-hunting man, has awakened his supernatural power, but it is not the Yin-Yang eyes. Instead, he can see qi and see things at night as if it were daytime.

Li Yan's nasal ability allows him to detect any unusual smells within hundreds of meters around him.

The cooperation between the two can be said to bring out the best in each other.

Soon, everyone came to a fork in the mountain road.

Zhao Luzi pointed to the east and said, "The bandit's den is over there. There will be their sentries ahead. We will be fine if we avoid them."

Sharifei whispered, "Then let's go quickly, so as not to be discovered."

"and many more!"

However, Li Yan sniffed and looked towards the east with a serious expression.

"What a strong stench of corpse!"

　Happy Children's Day to everyone. In this complicated world, we are all children. Worry for one day, lose for one day, be happy for one day, earn for one day, so eat when you should, drink when you should, and don't forget anything.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)