Knife splashing

Chapter 732 Legend of Taodu Mountain

Do you know where this is?

The clerk was invited into the room, and Wang Daoxuan pointed to the record and asked questions.

It was already past midnight. The clerk had been busy for several days, from before dawn until now, without closing his eyes. He was so sleepy that his eyelids were drooping.

Upon hearing Wang Daoxuan's question, he pretended to look down, but in reality, he couldn't even see what it was. He then replied with drooping eyes, "Reporting to Daoist Master, I don't know."

"Humph!"

Lu San, standing nearby, immediately expressed his dissatisfaction, "You didn't even look at it, are you just making fun of us?"

The appearance of the other party can deceive ordinary people, but it cannot fool a sorcerer who has awakened supernatural powers.

"Uh…"

The clerk's mind cleared up a bit, but he still smiled wryly and clasped his hands in greeting, saying, "Gentlemen, I am just a lowly clerk who runs errands and does odd jobs. I really don't know anything about the affairs of the government office."

As he spoke, he glanced at the book again and said with his head down, "Although I do not know about this matter, I recognize this book. Whatever place it records, it has probably been lost."

"Oh, how so?" Wang Daoxuan asked, somewhat curious.

The clerk quickly explained, "This is the capital, the most virtuous place. If we allow evil spirits to proliferate and the people to become resentful, wouldn't we become a laughing stock?"

"Therefore, both the Commandery and the Enforcement Hall are very attentive. Whenever they hear that unruly people are gathering in the Commandery, they will go to investigate. On festivals or the first and fifteenth of each month, the City God Temple will also send out troops to patrol around the capital."

"Books such as 'A Study of Strange Tales of the Two Song Dynasties,' 'A Collection of Evil Sacrifices and Strange Temples along the Caohe River,' 'A Record of Strange Tales of the Capital during the Jin Dynasty,' and 'Miscellaneous Records of Old Stories from the Imperial City Wall' were all the basis for the court's investigations in the past."

"I searched almost everywhere near the capital."

"The book you are reading, 'A Collection of Evil Sacrifices and Strange Temples along the Caohe River,' dates back to the Daxing era of the previous dynasty. The location was north of the ancient Tonghui-Tonghe ferry crossing. Times have changed, and now it has long been a place where people gather."

"If you go there, you will most likely find nothing."

"wrong!"

Wang Daoxuan asked in confusion, "If that place has already been investigated, where did Fatty Lin get the beast-shaped millstone?"

The clerk said helplessly, "That was all in the past. The people in the Enforcement Hall came from all over the country. Back then, the laws were not strict, so they may have been transferred out at that time."

Upon hearing this, Wang Daoxuan and the others exchanged bewildered glances.

Although the clerk was slick, what he said wasn't wrong.

"Not urgent."

Wang Daoxuan pondered for a moment and said, "We can continue to speculate."

"If that thing came from the previous dynasty and Lin Pangzi obtained it by chance, he must have discovered a clue to something but couldn't find it himself, so he came to ask Kong Shangzhao for help."

“If it were just an ordinary treasure, Kong Shangzhao wouldn’t have taken the risk, and Kuai Da is knowledgeable and experienced, so he wouldn’t have followed them in their foolishness. This item is sure to interest all three of them!”

"Kong Shusheng is adept at unraveling complexities; the clues must still lie within these books..."

After saying that, he led the others to continue reading.

This time, they browsed the records with a specific purpose, looking for those that looked like treasures and were related to Nuo masks, and finally made a discovery.

"found it!"

Lü San picked up the "Tales of Strange Things in the Capital during the Jin Dynasty" and pointed to a page, "Taoist priest, look, is this it?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Daoxuan took it and examined it carefully.

The capital city was once the central capital of the Jin dynasty.

At that time, in addition to the Jurchens, many other ethnic groups gathered there. This book, "Strange Tales of the Capital City in the Jin Dynasty," records many strange customs that are not recorded in official history.

Although many of them are absurd and unbelievable, they still have some reference value.

By the flickering lamplight, Wang Daoxuan indeed saw a chilling drawing and description on a tattered page, its paper unusually dark yellow and its edges seemingly soaked in water:
"The Nuo God Tomb, dug in the southern suburbs of Zhongdu where the earth's veins intersect, was not for worshipping gods, but to imprison the head of the ancient spirit 'Xiaoshen'! Its eyes could 'penetrate the nine netherworlds' and 'lead to the Yellow Springs'... The Jin court's secret envoys, the 'Eye-Opening Clan,' used ancient methods to sculpt 'Soul-Suppressing Living Figurines' to seal its orifices, lock the earth's veins and evil eyes, and prohibit its power to communicate with the netherworld... Every Yin year and Yin month, it must be offered blood sacrifices to draw its power but not fully awaken... However, it ultimately suffered a backlash, the earth collapsed and the temple was destroyed, and the living figurines all turned into stone... Later generations avoided mentioning it and called it the 'Ghost Eye Pit'..."

"The Imperial Preceptor obtained wood from Taodu Mountain and forged a Prison-Suppressing Pillar to suppress it!"

The head of that "Xiaoshen" was similar to the beast-shaped Nuo mask that Fatty Lin had obtained.

"It's wood from Taodu Mountain, so that's why..."

Wang Daoxuan suddenly realized, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Seeing the puzzled looks on everyone's faces, he explained with a complicated expression, "Brother Yan and I have collected and compiled ancient legends of the underworld."

"Its earliest record comes from the Book of Documents, Yao Dian, which calls it Youdu. This is because when the sun reaches this point, it sinks into the earth, and all things are dark and gloomy, hence the name Youdu."

"According to legend, Youdu was ruled by Houtu's incarnation or Tubo. Tubo was a terrifying figure, holding nine ropes, with a long, sharp horn on his head, a thick back and bloody hands, a tiger's head and an ox's body, and three eyes. He devoured people's souls."

“Youdu is terrifying, and wandering ghosts are unwilling to go there, so they wander around. These wandering souls are managed by Shen Tu and Yu Lei on Taodu Mountain.”

"On Mount Taodu grows a giant peach tree, its branches stretching for three thousand miles. On it grows a golden rooster, which crows at sunrise, stretching its neck. At that time, all the ghosts who roamed at night return and line up at the gate of ghosts beneath the tree. The two gods, Shen Tu and Yu Lei, observe them, and if they find any evildoers, they are dragged away, bound with reed ropes, and thrown to a hungry tiger. Thus, all the ghosts are terrified and dare not violate the prohibition..."

Lu San asked in confusion, "This thing is from mythology and legend."

Wang Daoxuan shook his head and said, "Myths and history are always connected in some way."

"It is said that there was a Taodu Mountain in Lu during the Han Dynasty. I don't know if it's true or not, but the Jin Dynasty's national teacher obtained one and refined it into a magic weapon to suppress the head of the ancient spirit Xiaoshuang."

“And this ‘xiao’ looks like it too, it sounds like Tu Bo.”

"The Ghost Eye Pit used to suppress the head of the 'Xiaoshen' may have been destroyed, but it reappeared during the Song and Daxing periods, misleading the people to worship it in Nuo temples."

"It is said that it suffered divine retribution, which sounds like it was destroyed by lightning magic."

"And it's very likely that Fatty Lin is looking for Kong Shangzhao because of the wood from Taodu Mountain."

Lü San frowned and said, "You're really asking for trouble. Can't you just tell the Enforcement Hall?"

Wang Daoxuan sighed, "Do you know what the wood of Taodu Mountain represents? It's something from myths and legends. If you tell the Enforcement Hall, what chance do they have?"

As he spoke, he glanced at the clerk leaving outside and whispered:
"Also, we can't say."

Lü San understood immediately and whispered back, "Why?"

"Because it involves 'living ghost messengers' and 'returned souls'!"

Wang Daoxuan said in a deep voice: "You also know about Brother Yan's matter. The 'Living Underworld Messenger' used to be called 'Messenger of the Yellow Springs' and 'Visitor from the Eastern Peak.' Maybe now it will also be called 'Messenger of the Netherworld' or 'Visitor from Peach Blossom Mountain.'"

"Since Buddhism appeared in the Central Plains, the Netherworld has undergone changes again. Brother Yan's 'living underworld messenger' is now unique. Perhaps this item can help him."

"Furthermore, this matter may involve the Great Luo Dharma Realm. We do not know what the situation is. Humanity has undergone a transformation, and this is an era of great strife."

"If we tell the Commandery, we might miss this opportunity."

Upon hearing this, Lü San immediately understood and whispered, "Should we go back and tell Brother Yan?"

Wang Daoxuan pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "No."

“It’s more important for Brother Yan to protect Lord Suilun. He has been planning for us for many years, so we can’t let him worry about everything alone.”

Lü San nodded in agreement, "The places recorded in these ancient books have all been destroyed or disappeared. Daoist, how should we begin our search?"

"Although I don't know, I have a clue."

Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard and said, "Didn't Uncle Lin say that the three of them mentioned the Ghost Market, where the beast-shaped Nuo mask was found? They will most likely go to the Ghost Market to look for clues as well."

"Tomorrow, let's go to Su Garden. They won't miss any of the slightest movement in the Ghost Market..."

…………

The next day, a sudden downpour hit the capital and continued unabated.

Inside the "Listening to the Spring Pavilion" in Su Garden, the sandalwood incense had not yet dissipated, and the rain pattered against the pond outside the window.

"Thank you for your trouble, Miss Zhao." Wang Daoxuan smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, while Wu Ba frantically stuffed pastries into his mouth.

They came to Su Garden, naturally because of Zhao Wanfang in front of them.

Because of Li Yan, they were quite familiar with each other back in Chang'an.

puff!

Watching Wu Ba wolf down his food, his neck veins bulging as he choked, Zhao Wanfang couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh, then personally refilled the tea for the three of them.

"What are you saying, Taoist priest?"

Zhao Wanfang smiled and said, "Not to mention that we are old acquaintances, now that the Golden Swallow Sect is also in a cooperative relationship with your Twelve Yuan Chen, we will naturally do our best to help you."

"By the way, when will you leave the capital, Daoist Master?"

"We've already made arrangements with people in Jiangnan; there are quite a few well-paid jobs there."

"Let's wait a while."

Wang Daoxuan gave a vague answer: "I still have some things to take care of in the capital. I'll leave once I've finished them."

Just as the two were chatting and reminiscing, a maid in green came quickly over, holding a beautifully crafted bamboo tube with a thick patina, shaped like a Luban lock.

Zhao Wanfang twitched her slender fingers slightly, gently twisted the bamboo tube, and after glancing at it for a few moments, frowned slightly. "Does the Taoist priest know about the Rabbit God Temple?"

"of course."

Wang Daoxuan replied, "We've dealt with each other before."

Zhao Wanfang nodded and said in a deep voice, "Just now, the Golden Swallow Sect's three hundred 'gray threads' were scattered, and finally caught a trace of blood. Before Lin Yu, Kong Shangzhao, and Kuai Dayou disappeared, they searched for one last person."

"Who?"

"An old beggar often squats at the foot of the wall of the Rabbit God Temple."

"The old ghost from the capital?"

Wang Daoxuan was stunned upon hearing this.

Zhao Wanfang nodded and said, "It's him."

"When Young Master Li wanted to enter the 'Nine Gates Yin Ruins,' it was he who pointed out the way."

As she spoke, her almond-shaped eyes were filled with solemnity: "This person is no ordinary beggar. The clues that Gray Thread has been working on for generations—this old ghost is very likely a remnant of the royal family sorcerers who flourished in the previous dynasty."

"Perhaps that's why his familiarity with the underground passages of the capital city far surpasses that of our Golden Swallow Sect! It could even be said that many damp and dark corners that even we can't explore are his true lair."

"This person has been entrenched in the capital for many years and has occasionally had 'business' dealings with my Golden Swallow Sect. They only exchange information and never show their faces. They are like a dragon whose head is seen but whose tail is never seen."

"It seems that Fatty Lin's disappearance is related to this person!"

A glint flashed in Wang Daoxuan's eyes: "Miss Zhao, do you know where he is hiding right now?"

“His whereabouts are a mystery, but the area near the Rabbit God Temple is definitely his stronghold,” Zhao Wanfang said. “The latest news from Grayline is that someone saw him heading towards the abandoned ‘silt pond’ behind the temple at dawn.”

“The sewage and foul odors accumulate there year-round, and even the City God rarely goes there during his processions. There is a high possibility that there are secret paths or hidden caves there! But the exact location can only be found by the Taoist priest himself.”

"Very well! I will set off immediately."

Without hesitation, Wang Daoxuan led Lü San and Wu Ba away, cupping his hands in greeting.

At the end of the Mao hour (5-7 AM), the heavy rain turned into light rain.

The rain and mist were thick and hazy, as if draping the capital city in a veil.

The night was dark, and outside the Rabbit God Temple, lanterns swayed in the night wind.

Following the map and Zhao Wanfang's last instructions, Wang Daoxuan and his companions avoided the main road in front of the temple and instead chose to travel quickly through low-lying areas overgrown with weeds.

This place is relatively remote, and the air is filled with the stench of decaying mud.

Ahead, a black pond emitting a foul stench appeared in the mist.

The tall grass by the pond was taller than a person, rustling softly in the drizzle.

"Master, I'll do it."

Lü San stepped forward, made a hand seal, and hissed.

Soon, venomous snakes emerged from the weeds.

Lu San hissed a few more times, and the snakes immediately slithered away, leading them deep into the grass.

The smell of rotting mud and grass grew stronger and stronger, even becoming somewhat pungent.

But at the same time, they also discovered their target.

Lifting the tattered mat under the grass, a dark, half-hidden entrance, barely large enough for one person to crawl through, was revealed to the three.

Just as he was about to enter, Lü San's ears suddenly twitched slightly.

"Wait, there's a hidden weapon! Watch out!"

call out!call out!call out!
Before he finished speaking, three dark rays shot out from the thick fog without warning.

The three hidden weapons were launched from tricky and vicious angles.

Two beams tore through the air, aiming straight for Wang Daoxuan's eyes.

The other path drew a strange arc in the air, sealing off all his space to dodge to the side.

However, Wang Daoxuan remained calm and unmoved.

He didn't try to dodge, after all, his kung fu was really mediocre.

In the past, I could only rely on my partners, but now I am no longer afraid.

Just as the poisoned dart was about to hit him, he made a hand seal with his left hand and suddenly pulled it away.

"Duh!"

A short, clear, and truthful word broke through the curtain of rain.

Wang Daoxuan's wide Taoist robe fluttered without wind, causing the surrounding rain curtain to tremble.

The old Taoist's lineage comes from the Western Xuan lineage, but due to certain unknown secrets of the Xuanmen, the lineage is now incomplete.

However, the Taoist had another opportunity and obtained the source inheritance of the Western Xuan lineage, the "Five-Headed Divine Technique" created by the ancient cultivator Chi Jiang Ziyu.

This is an ancient Taoist Qi cultivation technique, profound and extraordinary, and possesses great divine power.

With the help of Li Yan's divine energy, Wang Daoxuan mastered five divine abilities.

One can exhale the Qi of fierce energy to enhance magical techniques.

Secondly, one can cultivate a vital energy within the chest, which can be mobilized at any time.

Within the academy, Li Yan and Sha Lifeng were not the only ones who crafted magical artifacts. Wang Daoxuan also spent a fortune to acquire this protective Daoist robe for himself, inlaid with fine black iron wires, which were skillfully embroidered with cloud patterns and thunder seal script by Wan Baiqiao.

A surge of powerful energy erupted from his chest, comparable to an invincible iron shirt.

It can't stop muskets, but it's more than enough to stop hidden weapons.

Bang bang bang!
All three hidden weapons were deflected, spinning as they fell into the mud.

There were three shuriken.

Lu San's pupils shrank.
"They're from Japan?!"

(End of this chapter)