Knife splashing

Chapter 577: Crisis at the Government Office
"Do it tonight?"

Li Yan frowned slightly when he heard this.

Censor Wang did a very smart thing.

The threat of gunpowder, coupled with the arrival of the Bagua Sect and its masters from the capital, made the Prince of Shu's Palace cautious.

Li Yan also had a premonition that the King of Shu was not only worried about this batch of gunpowder, but was also afraid that a huge explosion would cause panic among the people of Chengdu and ruin the plans for the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.

Choosing to take action tonight must mean that we are fully prepared.

I'm afraid that the other party will send out a master to maintain order.

Thinking of this, Li Yan did not hesitate any longer and said directly: "Senior, I want to enter the Chengdu government office, can you think of a way?"

Everything is just this old man's one-sided story.

But the situation is urgent, so we have no choice but to take a gamble.

Feng Laohai did not hesitate, and clasped his fists and said to the people around him: "Young Master Li, if you ask me, I will not refuse even if I die. I only ask for one thing. When the chaos subsides, please ask for mercy for the old and young in Baixi Town."

"We can't help ourselves."

Old sly guy...

Li Yan secretly complained and said, "Okay."

After a while, Feng Laohai strolled out again, with his hands behind his back, looking around the street, looking like he had nothing to do.

As they walked, they finally arrived at the wall of the government office.

"Elder Feng, what do you want?"

A captain of the garrison came over and asked with a cold face.

Feng Laohai holds a high position in the Salt Gang, and all those underworld people treat him with great respect, but he is always on guard and looks down on these unconventional people.

Feng Laohai felt his shoulders sink, his feet quickly released their strength, his body remained motionless, he pulled out his pipe, and asked in a curious manner, "I am just curious."

"The Bagua Sect is not a small sect. The Grandmaster Dong Changxing of the capital is respected by everyone in the world. If they want to leave, I'm sure the prince won't stop them. Why are they waiting to die here?"

"Humph!"

The captain of the guard sneered and said, "What master? He is just a boast of the people in the martial arts world. Wherever the army goes, no grass will grow. Even if he comes, we have to avoid him!"

"Tsk tsk..."

Feng Laohai smiled dumbly, put his hands behind his back, shook his head and walked away, muttering: "Alas~ The martial arts world is too peaceful, and everyone has forgotten the majesty of the Grandmaster. Even the Northern Frontier Army didn't dare to say that back then..."

"whispering sound!"

The captain of the guards glanced at them disdainfully, then returned to the checkpoint, looked at the musketeers, and sneered, "Brothers, cheer up and make them understand that the world has changed!"

Let’s not talk about these people’s little tricks.

With the help of Feng Laohai, Li Yan quietly entered the Chengdu government office and looked around after landing.

He had been to the Chengdu government office and was quite familiar with it.

Today's defense has obviously reached a new level.

Each key area was arranged with dangerous areas, and was guarded by yamen runners, Bagua Sect disciples, and experts following Censor Wang, who were patrolling everywhere.

Woo~
In the distance, there were several fierce dogs baring their fangs.

These beasts were all extraordinary creatures. Although they could not see Li Yan, they vaguely sensed the threat and crouched towards this side.

"Who?!"

A figure rose and fell twice, and leaped over like a dragonfly skimming the water, while drawing two swords from his waist with great momentum.

"Brother Dong, it's me!"

Before he could make a move, a deep voice was heard in the air.

The person who came was none other than Dong Cunshan from Bagua Sect.

Dong Cunshan's eyes lit up, but just as he was about to speak, Li Yan's voice rang in his ears again, "Brother Dong, find a deserted place."

Dong Cunshan understood what he meant, and sent away the disciples who were running over. He walked ahead on his own and went to the side courtyard where Li Yan had lived before.

He looked expressionless, but he was actually frightened.

Ever since I came to Shu, I have heard of Li Yan's reputation in the martial arts world, but I have only seen his fierce martial arts and never thought that his magic skills are so exquisite.

Hiding in the daytime, could it be the invisibility technique of Mount Laoshan...

As for whether Li Yan had ill intentions, he had no doubts.

Li Yan has become a person on the list of people to be killed by the Prince of Shu's Palace.

When they arrived at a wing room, Dong Cunshan deliberately waited for a while before turning around and bolting the door.

Before he could say anything more, mist rose from the room, revealing Li Yan, who bowed and said, "Hello, Brother Dong."

"Young Master Li, don't be polite."

After exchanging pleasantries, Li Yan stated his purpose, "I have something important to discuss, and I would like to see the censor. Is that possible?"

"Okay, I'll let you know first."

"Remember to keep it secret. There may be spies in the mansion."

"it is good!"

Li Yan didn't have to wait long before Dong Cunshan hurried back, handed him a black cloak to cover his whole body, and came to the backyard.

This place is the warehouse where gunpowder is stored.

It was originally managed by someone sent by the Ministry of Works, but has since been taken over by Censor Wang, who has set up three layers of defense around it.

Everyone looked extremely nervous.

Dong Cunshan took the token and waited for him to pass the inspection before coming to the small courtyard outside the warehouse.

But I saw that Censor Wang was sitting in front of the stone table in the courtyard, drinking by himself. There was snow all around him on the ground and red plum blossoms hanging on the branches. Although he looked tired, he was still calm and composed.

"Young Master Li is here, have a drink."

Seeing Li Yan coming in, he poured the wine himself, smiled and shook his head, saying: "Originally, I would make tea to entertain you, but it's not easy to light a fire here, so drinking some wine to keep warm is not bad."

"My lord is very cheerful."

Li Yan sat down with his horse and sword and drank the wine in the glass.

"I can't say it's elegant."

Censor Wang sighed and said with a wry smile, "My plan was wrong. I never thought that the King of Shu would really rebel. Fortunately, there are still many righteous men in the city. Young Master Li, you have come here at the risk of your life. I wonder what you have to teach me?"

The old fox is quite clever...

Li Yan nodded slightly, "Your Excellency, there is no need to blame yourself. There is another hidden story behind this matter. The King of Shu has probably been possessed by a demon a long time ago."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Censor Wang frowned, "Are you sure?"

Li Yan gave a brief account of the situation, then clasped his fists and said, "Don't blame me, sir. This is a serious matter, and I am not sure. I did not intend to conceal it. After all, it is difficult for ordinary people to believe it."

What he said was correct.

If the King of Shu did not take any action, even if he told the matter, few people would believe it. Instead, the news would leak out, allowing Lu Sheng to be prepared in advance.

Wang Yushi did not say much about this matter. He was silent for a while. "Whether the King of Shu is possessed by a demon or not, we cannot just sit there and wait for death. Young Master Li, do you have a solution?"

“There is a way.”

Li Yan said in a deep voice: "To be honest, I once sneaked into the Prince of Shu's mansion and saw the Grand Duke being controlled by a demon from a ghost theater troupe. Most of the generals in the garrisons were also under a spell."

"As long as we find an opportunity to gather these people together and remove the spell of bewitching, we will be able to control the military power again."

As he spoke, he looked around and frowned, "I originally wanted to use your help to lure those generals here, but looking at the situation, I have to think of another way."

Wang Yushi's face darkened slightly, and he said thoughtfully: "There is still a chance. On the 30th day of the twelfth lunar month, the army will hold a grand sacrifice. Even if these generals are deceived, they must go to the sacrifice to appease the army."

"We'll talk about this later."

Li Yan looked around and said in a deep voice: "I have received news that the Shu Palace will take action tonight. There is no time to lose. It is best to break out now."

The wine glass in Wang Yushi's hand trembled, and he shook his head and said, "Young Master Li's information may not be accurate. I will stay here. If the King of Shu dares to move, the entire gunpowder depot will explode..."

"This thing can't protect you!"

Li Yan said in a deep voice: "The King of Shu has several masters under his command. When the time comes to set up the formation, I'm afraid you won't even have a chance to light a fire."

Wang Yushi was a little unhappy and looked to the side. He saw the door of the opposite room slowly open and an old Taoist walked out. He was wearing a dark blue Taoist robe, with a white beard hanging down to his chest, and he looked very imposing.

Li Yan was not surprised when he saw it.

As he entered the courtyard, he had already discovered this person. He was most likely a sorcerer beside Censor Wang, hiding in the dark to protect him.

Dong Cunshan beside him hurriedly introduced: "Young Master Li, this is Taoist Priest Liuyun from Baiyun Temple in the capital. He is very accomplished in Taoism. Just like me, he has been entrusted by someone to come here."

Wang Yushi looked at the old Taoist priest, "Master Liuyun, what do you think?"

The old Taoist didn't make a direct promise, but looked at Li Yan, "My friend, do you know if there is any demon coming back?"

Li Yan replied: "The King of Shu hired a master from the ghost theater troupe, and he also has several evil people from the southwestern evil ways under his command, including Nie Sangu, the bloody Nuo master Badai Zha, and the black sect lama Dorje Zhaxi."

"Oh?"

After hearing this, the old Taoist laughed and said, "These old guys are still alive. Back then, they were chased away by Cheng Jianxian and had no way to go to heaven or hell. Now they come back to cause trouble."

Wang Yushi asked quickly, "Master, are you sure?"

The old Taoist stroked his beard and said, "With their abilities, they can't get in."

Li Yan frowned when he heard this, "It's better to be careful."

"Young Master Li, please stop talking."

Wang Yushi shook his head and said, "Chengdu Prefecture is now under the control of the Shu King's army. Even if we escape, where can we hide?"

"Besides, without this gunpowder, the Black Feather Army will fire at us and we will be doomed!"

What he said is not wrong.

Li Yan frowned and said nothing more.

Baiyun Temple is also a famous grand temple in the capital, and it has connections with the royal family. Maybe it has the ability to stop it.

Leaving rashly would be even more dangerous.

But he always felt a sense of uneasiness in his heart.

Upon seeing this, Wang Yushi stroked his beard and said, "I have my own decision on this matter. There are only three days left until the 30th day of the twelfth lunar month. As long as we hold on until then, things will turn around."

"To be honest, I have people stationed in the garrison, and I will be able to send them in when the time comes. I just don't know if the curse can be solved."

Li Yan thought of the bracelet of the White-robed Bodhisattva in Sharifei's hand and nodded, "As long as we buy time, it should be fine."

"That's good!"

Wang Yushi smiled and said, "The King of Shu now relies only on those guards. As long as we take back the military power, we can immediately suppress the rebellion, attack the King of Shu's mansion, and kill the evildoer."

"Someone, prepare some wine and food."

"Young Master Li, let's discuss this further..."

This Censor Wang was also cunning. He said he was discussing something, but it was obvious that he wanted to keep Li Yan here to deal with the situation at night.

Li Yan knew it well and did not refuse.

For him, this is an opportunity.

The Shu Palace is full of experts and has the support of the army. In other places, he can only escape in frustration.

But here, Censor Wang has many capable people under his command, and the army is cautious, which creates favorable conditions.

If I can kill a few of them tonight, it would be like cutting off the left and right arms of the King of Shu...

…………

On the other side, in the palace of Prince Shu.

Inside a side hall of the East Six Palaces.

The sandalwood incense is curling and the candlelight is dim.

The Ghost Zhong Kui Situ Qian sat in front of the altar, biting a wooden stick in his mouth, veins in his forehead were covered with cold sweat, and his whole body was trembling.

In front of him, a female actress in mourning clothes was holding a wooden artificial leg and sewing it to the severed limb with needle and thread and red rope.

Blood was dripping, but Bai Qihong's eyes were full of excitement, and he even licked his lips unnaturally.

On the other side was Tangyuan’s grandmother, Nie Sangu.

Nie Sangu was also sitting cross-legged, with a copper basin beside her. The spices in it were constantly burning, emitting colorful smoke.

The old woman muttered to herself and took out a copper box from her bosom. When she opened it, it was full of twisted worms. They were slender and black, emitting a metallic luster, a bit like wire worms.

Densely packed and constantly surging.

As Nie Sangu chanted the spell, thick smoke from the spices in the copper basin suddenly rose up and was completely absorbed by the insects.

Seeing that the time had come, Nie Sangu immediately moved the copper box next to the broken leg and poured out all the contents.

The densely packed black bugs immediately burrowed into the flesh.

"Hmm~"

Even though Situ Qian had a strong mind, he couldn't help but groan.

Nie Sangu ignored her and continued chanting. After Bai Qihong sewed up the artificial leg, all the bugs were gone.

"Okay, give it a try."

After doing all this, Nie Sangu slowly stood up.

Gui Zhongkui tried it and found that as his thigh muscles contracted, the prosthetic leg also lifted and fell.

Although it is not as convenient as having good legs, I can still move freely.

"Thank you, senior."

Situ Qian bowed slightly, "Senior's mechanical skills are world-famous, and they are indeed extraordinary."

He had originally been using a prosthetic leg, but after Nie Sangu came back, she said there was a better way and advised him to reinstall it.

"Hehe~"

Aunt Nie seemed very satisfied as well. She stared at the fake leg and grinned, "This is the first time I've used this insect poisoning technique since I learned it by myself. This insect can eat dead things, but you have to feed it with a five-step snake every day at yin time, otherwise it will drill into your heart meridian. Don't forget it."

"I heard that your ghost troupe also has a mechanical master. If we ask him to make a bronze mechanical leg, we can hide a deadly weapon and attack people by surprise."

"Thank you, senior, for reminding me."

Situ Qian could see that the old witch was specifically asking about the ghost troupe, so he changed the subject and said, "Senior, didn't you go to kill the remnants of the Yang family? Why did you come back early?"

"do not talk."

Aunt Nie's face turned gloomy. "Just when we were halfway there, we heard the news of the death of that old ghost Tian Qi. The prince also urgently summoned us to return. Anyway, the war has already begun, and the people of the Yang family are no longer important."

"More importantly, we met someone."

"Who?"

Situ Qian frowned and asked quickly.

Aunt Nie took a deep breath and gritted her teeth:
"Qingcheng, Cheng Jianxin!"

"Cheng Jianxian?!"

When Situ Qian heard this, he felt a chill on his back.

"Hahaha, what are you afraid of?"

Aunt Nie looked out the window, her eyes full of gloating, "Time is unforgiving, and it's the same for everyone."

"You probably can't imagine that the peerless Cheng Jianxian has now become a sloppy, blind old Taoist priest. His Taoism has fallen to the point of only three floors, and he has a burden."

"I have rushed back first. The Blood Nuo Master is chasing them. I estimate that good news will be reported back soon."

"It's a pity that I can't kill my enemies with my own hands."

After saying that, he turned his head and looked at Situ Qian, and said in a deep voice: "We'll talk about these things later. I've reconnected your legs. Can you do it tonight?"

"Of course!"

Situ Qian slowly stood up and limped to the left side of the hall. He lifted the worn oilcloth and a bronze stage suddenly appeared in front of everyone.

A cold wind blew around, and faint crying sounds could be heard from the stage.

Nie Sangu's breathing became rapid:

"This is... the Netherworld Stage?"

(End of this chapter)