Knife splashing

Chapter 755 Below Mount Tai
When we left the city, the sky was still cloudless.

But after traveling for only half a day, a light drizzle began to fall, which then grew heavier and heavier.

Crunch~
The horse-drawn carriage wheels rolled over the muddy official road, leaving long ruts.

Two tung oil-coated wagons, five riders on horseback, and a group of people traveled towards Tai'an under a leaden gray sky.

Li Yan flicked the raindrops off the brim of his straw hat and turned to look.

The city of Jinan behind us had long since disappeared into the mountains and rain.

But he wasn't looking at Jinan; he was recalling his conversation with Lu Hongyuan...

"Murder? Senior Lu, you might as well be frank."

"Does young friend Li know Zhou Zhao, the former 'Gentleman Sword' of Mingde Academy?"

"I've heard of him; he's one of your prized students."

"It's a shameful thing to talk about. Three years ago, he broke into the forbidden area of ​​the academy at night, stole a forbidden book, and even killed a fellow student."

"Why doesn't the senior take action personally?"

"He has changed his appearance and is nowhere to be found. He only showed up once in the martial arts world before the New Year. Now he calls himself 'Zhu Bi Judge' and has even obtained a living underworld messenger's warrant. He has also said that if I kill him, he will fight to the death to take hundreds of disciples of the academy with him."

"Why choose me?"

"The battle for the Grandmaster title is probably about to begin..."

"This struggle will last at least several years. Young friend, your reputation is now widespread. Even if your skills are still shallow, people will come knocking on your door. If they can stop you, the opportunity may go to someone else. My unworthy disciple's lifelong ambition is to become a grandmaster, and he will definitely come looking for you."

"this…"

“The Kong Shangzhao family, spanning three generations, will henceforth be protected by Mingde Academy.”

"If you kill this fiend, I can enlighten you on the true meaning of martial arts."

"make a deal!"

Murder is not a problem for Li Yan.

Moreover, he's someone who murdered his fellow disciples and will inevitably cause him trouble.

With Lu Hongyuan's protection, Kong Shangzhao could travel with them with peace of mind.

Of course, the most crucial battle is the fight for the Grandmaster title!

He had heard about it many times before, but outsiders only saw it in the dark. The Grandmaster Huo Yin he met in the capital was also aloof and rarely communicated with him. This time, he finally learned the inside story of the Grandmaster competition from Lu Hongyuan.

The title of "Grandmaster" is not only a name, but also implicitly represents a certain rule.

Ten is the number of perfection, and there have only been ten masters in the history of China, without exception.

A new Grandmaster Battle will begin as long as more than half of the previous Grandmasters die or retire.

Each time, it takes several years to emerge victorious from countless battles.

In the end, it wasn't about defeating anyone, but about winning over all the competitors.

That was a kind of despair, a feeling of inferiority, a damaged Dao heart, and a difficulty in making further progress in the future.

In short, the victor is king and the loser is villain; one either rises in the struggle or falls into obscurity.

Li Yan had no intention of going to challenge them, but he wondered who would come knocking on his door.

Thinking of this, he turned his horse around, flicked the reins, and caught up with the crowd...

…………

As we traveled further south, the sky seemed to hang lower, and the distant mountains were shrouded in a bluish-gray mist, their outlines resembling bloated paper.

The wind swept in from the direction of Mount Tai, carrying the smell of earth and decaying leaves.

The wild chestnut trees on both sides of the official road swayed their branches wildly, sifting down an even denser curtain of rain.

Rainwater gathered into small streams in the ruts, only to be quickly crushed by the hind hooves.

Wu Ba was too big for any warhorse to carry him on long journeys. In addition, to protect his luggage, he drove a carriage with the back luggage compartments covered with tarpaulins. The tiger-squatting cannon was wrapped in thick felt and tied to the back of the saddle, its barrel gleaming coldly in the rain and mist.

Kong Shangzhao, Lin Pangzi, Wang Daoxuan, and Long Yan'er, who were in weaker constitutions, were all in the second carriage.

"Bohai dragon tree..."

Fatty Lin, flipping through "A Study of the Mountains and Seas," frowned and said, "'The Bohai dragon tree connects to the nine abysses,' that's the only sentence in the entire book. Brother Kong, have you found any other clues?"

Unlike Kong Shangzhao and Kuai Dayou, he did not think about joining the Twelve Yuan Chen. Instead, he focused all his energy on helping his family find spirit wood.

"All we know is that the last time it appeared was in Jinling."

Kong Shangzhao replied truthfully: "Back then, some strange people from overseas came and presented a gnarled tree from the Bohai Sea. I heard that it was over five zhang long, with bark like dragon scales, as hard as iron. It floated on the sea for several years without decaying or rotting. Like the finest ambergris, it could only be found by chance."

"As for where this tree grows, no one knows. It is called 'Bohai Dragon Tree' because the strange man claimed to be from Bohai and used this tree to exchange for an ancient book that was kept in the royal collection. After that, the 'Bohai Dragon Tree' never appeared again."

"Has it been acquired by the Great Xuan royal family?"

"No way. This treasure is too big; if it were transported to the capital, everyone would know about it. It should still be in Jinling..."

Listening to the two's discussion, Wang Daoxuan spoke up: "Young Master Lin, is the Lin family in a bad situation right now?"

"I won't hide it from you, Taoist Priest."

Fatty Lin said bitterly, "The Lin family's business does not belong to me alone. Due to the Japanese pirates' disturbance, most of the family's best men perished at sea. If we cannot rebuild the treasure ship and make profits at sea, we will not be able to keep the people in line."

“I don’t care about these things, but I’m afraid the elders and children in my family will suffer.”

"Don't worry, things will always be resolved."

Wang Daoxuan didn't know what to do either, so he could only offer words of comfort.

After saying that, he looked out of the carport and changed the subject, saying, "I also misjudged the situation. I thought it would only be cloudy for days on end, but I didn't expect the rain to be so heavy. The changes in the weather are indeed becoming more and more unpredictable."

Just then, Li Yan rode over and said, "Daoist, I'm afraid we won't be able to reach Tai'an today. It's getting dark. Let's find a place to take shelter from the rain. Aren't you very familiar with this place?"

Wang Daoxuan wandered the Jianghu (martial arts world) in his youth, spending most of his time in the Ji and Qi-Lu regions.

For a period of time, he even set up a fortune-telling stall in Tai'an City for several months.

"let me see…"

Wang Daoxuan poked his head out and looked around.

"Keep going, I remember there's a dilapidated temple or shrine..."

…………

As dusk approached, the sky turned as dark as ink, and the rain subsided slightly, turning into a misty fog that clung to clothes and wouldn't come off.

On the left side of the main road ahead, a narrow path overgrown with weeds suddenly appeared, half-hidden behind a crooked locust tree.

Following Wang Daoxuan's directions, the group turned left and entered the desolate path.

Soon, a low temple gate was seen with half of it collapsed, embedded in the crumbling wall.

The plaque on the door had long since decayed into half, leaving only a mottled remnant of the character "泰" (Tai).

"This is it! At least it's a roof over our heads!" Shalifei shouted back.

The abandoned shrine was not large; the main hall could only accommodate two or three carriages, so the carriages had to be parked outside.

Upon entering, one sees a shrine in the center, enshrining what appears to be either a mountain god or a local deity. The clay body has largely peeled away, revealing decayed wooden skeletons.

The altar was crumbling, the flickering candles seemed to weep, and the accumulated dust was so thick it could bury one's feet.

Some tangled grass and futons lay scattered by the wall, their color turning bluish-black from the dampness.

The most glaring feature is the several holes in the roof, through which sunlight, mixed with fine rain, slants into the room, etching deep, dark puddles into the earthen brick floor.

The dripping eaves struck the broken bricks with a sound like a water clock.

Shalifei and Lü San hurriedly unloaded the food buckets, while Wu Ba drew his knife and chopped up the scattered offering table pieces to make firewood.

The flint and steel struck, and a burst of orange-red light suddenly burst through the dimness of the hall, illuminating the fragments of the mythical murals on the walls, which flickered in and out of focus. On one wall was half a mottled coiled dragon, with black holes left where the dragon's eyes had been gouged out, while the scales on its body seemed to be moving in the smoke.

Flames licked the damp firewood, and wisps of white smoke rose up.

Li Yan leaned against the threshold of the temple gate with his arms crossed, examining the statues.

They camped out in the wilderness, so they weren't afraid of ghosts or monsters, and they didn't discover anything unusual.

What puzzled him was why a statue of a deity would be built in such a remote location.

"This is the Bixia Yuanjun Temple."

Upon seeing this, Wang Daoxuan explained, "Originally, there was a village nearby that worshipped the temple year-round, but due to a major epidemic, the entire village perished, and without incense offerings, the place gradually fell into disrepair."

Li Yan laughed and said, "Even immortals can't live without humans..."

Bixia Yuanjun, also known as Taishan Jade Maiden, Taishan Goddess, and Taishan Grandma, is referred to in Taoist scriptures as "Celestial Jade Maiden Bixia Protector of the World and Beneficiary True Person," and in the "Dai History" as "Jade Green Emperor." Because she resides on Mount Tai, she is respectfully called the Holy Mother of Mount Tai, Bixia Yuanjun.

Its sacred site is, of course, Mount Tai, the most revered of the Five Sacred Mountains.

This deity is also worshipped by the state and is known as "protecting all living beings and responding to the spirits of the nine provinces" and "commanding the divine soldiers of Yuefu and observing the good and evil of humankind." There is a saying among the people, "Yuanjun in the North and Mazu in the South," which shows her influence.

The purpose of this trip to Mount Tai is to investigate the changes in the position of the deity of the Eastern Peak.

When Li Yan came across a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mount Tai, he couldn't help but take a second look.

He was immediately drawn to the things depicted in those murals.

Besides the dragon, there were also many small figures following behind it, bowing to Bixia Yuanjun.

"This refers to events during the Northern Song Dynasty."

Wang Daoxuan smiled and explained, "Back then, when Emperor Zhenzong of Song was on his way to the Eastern Fengshan Mountain, he stopped at his imperial tent and washed his hands in the Jade Maiden Pool. A stone figure floated to the surface of the water. This was the Jade Maiden. So Emperor Zhenzong ordered the pool to be dredged, and a new statue of the Jade Goddess was carved from white jade. A shrine was built and renamed Zhaozhen Shrine. He sent envoys to offer sacrifices, and she was called 'Daughter of the Holy Emperor' and given the title 'Heavenly Immortal Jade Maiden Bixia Yuanjun'."

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Li Yan immediately noticed the problem: "Only then was it changed to a national sacrifice?"

Wang Daoxuan naturally understood his meaning and nodded, saying, "That's right. Previously, it was all folk worship. Later, because of this matter, and with the help of the Xuanmen, Bixia Yuanjun was allowed to enjoy national worship and was included in the list of immortals."

"However, it dates back a long time. She was once known as the Jade Maiden of Mount Tai. She was first seen during the time of the Yellow Emperor and then again during the time of Emperor Ming of Han."

After listening, Li Yan seemed to be deep in thought.

The experiences of Bixia Yuanjun are somewhat similar to those of Erlang Zhenjun.

According to Erlang Zhenjun, those who can independently establish a region in the Great Luo Dharma Realm to protect immortals and gods usually do not show themselves most of the time, and it is unknown what level of cultivation this person has now.

Is the change in the position of the Lord of Mount Tai related to this...?

…………

After a night of rain, the next day was bright and clear.

Outside the Bixia Yuanjun Temple, the washed mountains and forests are lush and verdant.

Li Yan and his entourage traveled side by side along the official road towards Tai'an City.

At midday, the outline of a majestic city appeared on the horizon.

The bluish-gray city wall winds along the mountainside, like a giant python coiled at the foot of Mount Tai.

It was Tai'an Prefecture City.

The carriages and horses passed through the barbican and entered the east gate of Tai'an.

Upon entering the city, the hustle and bustle and the rich aroma of incense immediately hit you.

Although the streets are not wide, they are bustling with people coming and going in an endless stream.

The stone-paved road has been worn smooth and shiny by the footsteps over the years, and there are shops on both sides, mainly selling incense, candles, paper horses, statues of gods and Buddhas, and Taishan stone guardians.

The banners of inns, taverns, and teahouses fluttered gently in the breeze, while the shouts of waiters at the doorways rose and fell.

The air was filled with the mixed aromas of cooking smoke, sandalwood, and fried snacks, as well as devout men and women from all directions, speaking different accents and carrying heavy sachets of incense, preparing to climb Mount Tai to offer their prayers.

Since ancient times, people have flocked to Mount Tai to worship.

The prosperity of Tai'an City was largely due to these pilgrims.

"We've finally arrived. Let's find a decent inn, have a hot meal, and get ready for tomorrow morning..." Shalifei said, taking off his raincoat, but before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by a commotion ahead.

Not far inside the city gate, in front of the notice board leading to the Dai Temple and the mountain trail, a large crowd had gathered, their voices buzzing with anxiety.

Dozens of constables wielding fire and water sticks and soldiers in uniform stood solemnly at the main entrances to the mountain, forcefully driving away pilgrims and travelers carrying luggage who tried to approach.

Li Yan frowned slightly and signaled the convoy to stop.

Shalifei had already slid off his horse and squeezed into the crowd.

A moment later, he returned with a slightly solemn expression, holding a notice that had just been torn down in his hand.

"Brother Yan, everyone, something has happened."

Shalifei smacked his lips and handed the notice to Li Yan, "Mount Tai is closed!"

The air suddenly became quiet.

Li Yan took the notice and unfolded it. He saw yellow paper with black characters and a bright red seal of the Prefect of Tai'an Prefecture.

[Joint Prohibition Signed by the Tai'an Prefecture Government and the Daiyue Garrison Command]

Because the Taishan Temple is undergoing renovations, it urgently needs to be cleaned and quieted down to properly enshrine the deity.

By imperial decree and joint order from the Xuanmen sect, effective immediately, the entire Taiyue region, including the Hongmen, Zhongtianmen, Nantianmen and other winding paths, the summit of Mount Tai, the Houshiwu peaks, and the inner courtyard of the Dai Temple, is completely closed!
It is strictly forbidden for any person not authorized by imperial decree to climb mountains, enter temples to offer incense, or conduct field surveys.

Anyone who trespasses, whether monk, layperson, official, or civilian, shall be punished for defying divine principles and disturbing the sacred site, and shall be imprisoned in shackles!

This order is absolute; those who disobey will be severely punished!
"When did this news spread? How could it be so sudden?" Kuai Dayou asked.

"The notice was posted this morning."

Shalifei replied, “I heard from the onlookers that a large number of troops started marching up the mountain last night, setting up checkpoints along the way. This morning, shortly after the city gates opened, this ban was posted, and all the pilgrims who were going up the mountain were forcibly turned back. People on the mountain were also somehow driven down. Now that the news has just spread, the city is in an uproar.”

"What should we do?" Fatty Lin was having a headache.

He thought that Li Yan would go up the mountain and resolve the matter quickly, but unexpectedly, another twist occurred.

"Find a place to stay first."

Li Yan didn't say much. He led everyone to an inn to stay, and then gathered everyone together and said, "When we were at Daming Lake, I received news from the Yan Clan that there was something unusual happening at Mount Tai, and many cultivators who were away have been recalled."

"Now it seems the situation is probably even more serious."

"Brother Yan."

Shalifei asked curiously, "Now you should tell me, what exactly are we here for?"

Li Yan said helplessly, "Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed."

The group exchanged bewildered glances; this was the first time Li Yan had ever kept such a secret from them.

However, since this matter concerns the secrets of the Great Luo Dharma Realm and involves Erlang Zhenjun's schemes, leaking it might bring trouble.

"There's a reason why Brother Yan isn't telling."

Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard and said in a deep voice, "Whatever we are going to do, we must first find out what happened."

"I go!"

Without saying a word, Shalifei went out to find the local Jianghu Inn where the wind could be heard.

Not long after, he rushed back, his expression somewhat strange.

"Something strange has indeed happened."

"Mount Tai is haunted!"

(End of this chapter)