Knife splashing

Chapter 771 The Salt Merchants' Night Banquet
Seeing that he couldn't catch up, Li Yan no longer hesitated.

Wow~
The copper coins on the arm guards jingled in unison.

As the surrounding yin energy and black mist gathered, Li Yan's speed suddenly increased.

"twitter!"

At the same time, the eagles in the sky also cried out to indicate their location.

Li Yan immediately understood, his left hand forming a hand seal, his right hand forming a sword incantation pointing forward, "Qing Jia! Heaven saves humanity, strictly controlling the Northern Feng. The Divine Lord receives the mandate, sweeping away all misfortune, the Eight Powers spew poison, fierce horses spread in four directions..."

This is the "Northern Emperor's Art of Exorcising Evil," specifically designed to break free from various forms of possession.

The cat demon must have used a similar method to abduct the pregnant woman. With his current level of cultivation, he is already able to cast spells remotely. Even if he cannot break the spell, he can still interfere with it.

"disease!"

As the incantation was completed, an invisible stream of magical power shot out from the fingertip, following the direction indicated by the eagle, and merged into the darkness of the night.

"Meow-!"

A piercing, owl-like meow rang out.

In the darkness in the distance, the two eerie "cat demon fires" instantly exploded and scattered.

good chance!
Li Yan exerted force with his feet, circulating his internal energy, and his speed increased once again.

He soon spotted his target.

In the backyard of a dilapidated house, weeds grew rampant, and a dark figure lay beside a dry well.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a pregnant woman crawling on all fours like a wild animal.

The pregnant woman, dressed in the coarse cloth of a servant, had already fainted.

What's truly bizarre is that a yellow-spotted old cat is perched on its back.

This old cat wasn't as cute as the orange tabby from my previous life. Instead, it had a long body, grotesque joints, messy fur with lots of white hair, blood-red eyes, and two rows of protruding fangs.

At this moment, black smoke was billowing from the cat demon's body.

Seemingly suffering a backlash from Li Yan's "Northern Emperor's Exorcism Technique," it shook its head, feeling dizzy and weak, and rolled off the pregnant woman's back.

Swish!
Li Yan leaped high from the rooftop, his shadow reflected in the bright moonlight behind him.

Before he even landed, he estimated the distance and waved his left hand.

"go with!"

Accompanied by crackling lightning, two Soul-Severing Throwing Knives shot out.

These Soul-Severing Flying Knives had already been reforged at Qiankun Academy. Some scraps of the "Thunder Meteor Mystic Gold" gifted by Crown Prince Xiao Jingheng were also added to them.

The greatest advantage is that it can be blessed with thunder magic.

From a distance, they look like two streaks of lightning.

But at this critical moment, the "Jinhua Cat Demon" suddenly woke up with a start, its body trembled, and it darted into the dry well next to it.

Just then, Li Yan landed. With a thought, the two Soul-Severing Flying Knives in the air began to spin rapidly before shooting into the dry well.

Bang bang!

Two muffled thuds followed, and dust billowed up.

Li Yan exerted force with his feet and used a "shrinking the earth to an inch" technique to arrive at the dry well. With a wave of his hand, the Soul-Severing Flying Knife spun up and pierced the leather pouch at his waist.

But below, the monster was nowhere to be seen.

"Earth escape?"

Li Yan frowned, not expecting the demon to have this trick up its sleeve.

He was about to leave, but then he sniffed and immediately looked at the pregnant woman next to him.

However, the pregnant woman had been frightened and her water had broken.

It is not in his nature to stand by and watch someone die.

Helpless, Li Yan could only bend down to check the pregnant woman's breathing, then take out a pill from his pocket and put it into her mouth.

This is a top-grade elixir refined in the Hundred Herbs Garden of Qiankun Academy.

Even if the amniotic sac ruptures or there is severe bleeding, they can still stay alive.

Then, he looked up at the sky and shouted, "Go back and tell San'er to call for help!"

A cry of an eagle rang out in the sky as it headed towards the Yu residence.

After doing all this, Li Yan looked around again, made a hand seal, and took a deep sniff.

Saving the pregnant woman was just a side task; slaying the cat demon was the only way to complete the mission.

His current olfactory ability is already extremely advanced. When used to its limit, he can smell the scent within a radius of several miles. Even if the opponent uses earth-遁 (earth-遁 is a type of escape technique), the scent will still remain.

However, after unleashing his supernatural power, Li Yan frowned.

Countless cats, some faint, some normal, and some carrying a hint of misfortune, "angried," like a pot of broth boiling to its limit, erupting throughout the streets, houses, walls, and rooftops.

It was like stumbling into a dead end of smells, with no way of knowing where the cat demon was.

At the same time, he also heard hundreds of cats meowing in the surrounding alleys, some lazily yawning, some alertly meowing, some kittens whimpering, but more than anything, there was a strange restlessness and confusion carrying a collective will.

The night breeze seemed to be filled with the scent of cat fur.

Li Yan narrowed his eyes and suddenly stopped in his tracks.

The last trace of the cat demon's aura, like a drop of water falling into the sea, was instantly submerged in the vast ocean of thousands upon thousands of cat scents.

He tried to discern them, but the auras intertwined, interfered, and obscured each other, forming a dizzying vortex of chaos, making precise tracking impossible.

"I see……"

Li Yan leaped onto the wall, looking at the ubiquitous cat shadows around him, recalling the old boatman's mention of "the fairy cat eliminating the rat infestation" and the increasing number of cats in the city.

"Hmph! What a cunning beast!"

Li Yan snorted coldly, but was not in a hurry.

He remembered the old boatman saying that this so-called fairy was invited by the wealthy salt merchant, Master Wang, to be worshipped.

Now, the salt merchants of Yangzhou are all gathered together to discuss how to deal with the Japanese pirates.

The other party must be hiding inside at this moment.

Without the slightest hesitation, Li Yan leaped onto the roof beam and disappeared into the night…

………………

The wealth of Yangzhou salt merchants was unparalleled in the world.

The pavilions and towers along the canal were all built by salt merchants. Water from the Caohe River was diverted into the gardens, strange rocks were stacked to form towering mountains, and white jade was carved into a winding pool, which was extremely luxurious.

Among them, Jiyu Garden is particularly notorious.

This garden was originally built by salt merchants of the previous dynasty. The stone stacking technique is exquisite. Fresh water is drawn in from the canal. The winding corridors hide in the mist and rain, and the painted boats float on the waves, reflecting the rainbow.

Salt merchants would host banquets that cost a fortune, with the table laden with the eight delicacies of Huaiyang and rare delicacies from all over the world. All the dishes were made in official kiln blue and white porcelain cups, and the wine served was Yunye, a famous wine from Jiangnan. The music and singing continued all night long.

In the past, a literary giant inscribed the words "The wind blows through the water pavilion, filling it with a subtle fragrance" on a mural in the garden, which became famous far and wide.

At this time, Jiyu Garden was already brightly lit.

The main hall, which faces the water and is spacious, is called "Zhuojin Hall," and at this moment all four lattice doors are open.

The canal water reflects the glazed palace lanterns under the eaves, making the whole building look like a crystal palace.

A white marble staircase leads directly to the lotus pond, where koi carp play with their reflections in the water. Taihu stones are piled up on the pond to form peaks resembling immortals, concealing flowing water, and the sound of falling stones is like the tinkling of jade pendants.

The owner of the garden today is Wang Maode, the largest salt merchant in Yangzhou.

Tonight's banquet is a gathering of all the wealthy merchants in the city to discuss a grand plan to resist the Japanese pirates.

A hundred rosewood tables were adorned with Shu embroidery, each table had a cloisonné hot pot boiling river delicacies, and official kiln famille rose dishes were filled with Huaiyang delicacies such as crab meat lion's head, three-layered duck, and Wensi tofu. The waiters were all dressed in Hangzhou silk blue robes, silently pouring wine from silver pots.

But this grand feast was devoid of any elegance or leisure.

Those seated in the hall were either rich or noble.

Liu Tonghai, the leader of the Canal Gang in Yangzhou, held his gold-inlaid jade pipe in his hand, head bowed and silent.

Several luxuriously dressed salt merchants exchanged glances.

The elder of the City God Temple's Enforcement Hall, Gou Rong, a Taoist priest from Maoshan known as "Thunderbolt Hand" Xu Zhenshan, was playing with a jade ruyi, his eyes slightly closed and his long white eyebrows drooping.

"Hahaha~"

Wang Maode raised his glass and laughed heartily, looking at everyone and saying, "The Japanese pirates have invaded our territory, a calamity that Yangzhou City has never experienced in a century! Tonight, I invite everyone to gather here to set a plan."

One of the merchants spoke up: "May I ask what rules you're referring to, Master Wang?" "Simple."

Wang Maode put down his wine cup, his expression turning serious. "This matter of the Japanese pirates not only obstructs the shipping lanes and ruins our business, but we also need to give an explanation to the imperial court."

"Why should we be the ones to give an explanation?" someone immediately retorted.

"Ah~"

Wang Maode sighed, "Those Japanese pirates are elusive. They can sneak into the heart of Yangzhou, set up ambushes, and hide so well that no one can find them. Everyone knows there must be a traitor among them!"

"I know you all don't want to get involved in this matter, after all, there are some risks involved. But if we don't find those Japanese pirates, who will be blamed for this? Can you all think about that?"

"Of course, if we succeed, we'll receive a reward from the imperial court. In our line of work, having an extra title for protection is always a good thing..."

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

Someone stole a glance at "Thunderbolt Hand" Xu Zhenshan and saw that he was still keeping his eyes closed and not saying a word, so they knew that the matter was probably true.

But how many people to send, and whether to contribute money or manpower, needs to be carefully discussed...

Just then, Xu Zhenshan, the "Thunderbolt Hand," suddenly opened his eyes, stood up, and said to the night sky, "Which fellow Daoist is spying on us in the dead of night? Why don't you come down and have a drink?"

"Someone!"

Xu Zhenshan's shout was like a thunderclap from a clear sky.

The already tense hall instantly erupted into chaos.

The music abruptly stopped, cups clinked together, and the once-prosperous salt merchants paled and panicked.

The guards and retainers they had hired at great expense reacted almost simultaneously. The clanging of weapons being drawn filled the air as they moved swiftly to protect their masters, forming small defensive circles. Their sharp eyes scanned the dimly lit corners around them, creating a tense atmosphere.

In the dim light of the roof's brackets, Li Yan felt a slight sense of surprise.

Although his ability to conceal his presence was not top-notch, he carried the Dragon and Snake Token, a rare treasure.

Let alone ordinary martial arts masters, even people from the Xuanmen sect would find it extremely difficult to detect.

This Elder Xu, who comes from Maoshan and is from the Enforcement Hall of the City God Temple, has such keen perception.

Judging from his similar level of cultivation, he must possess special supernatural powers...

In a flash, Li Yan realized that hiding was useless, so he leaped out from the shadow of the bracket set, did a somersault, and stood upright under the bright lights of the hall.

"Who dares to trespass on this private residence? State your name!"

A guard leader shouted sternly, pointing his long sword forward.

Li Yan looked around, his gaze sweeping over the faces of the crowd, which were filled with surprise, anger, and inquiry. Finally, his gaze landed on Wang Maode, who was seated at the head of the table. He clasped his hands in a fist and said loudly, "I am Li Yan. I have no intention of disturbing your conversation. I was passing through this place and was tracking down a harmful monster. I came here by chance and had no intention of spying."

His voice was clear and resonant, neither arrogant nor humble, possessing a calming power.

"Li Yan?" A murmur of discussion immediately arose in the hall.

Most of the salt merchants and their guards looked puzzled, clearly unfamiliar with the name, and asked those around them who were more knowledgeable.

Those martial arts practitioners who had only heard of the "Twelve Zodiac Signs" and those who actually knew the inside story had their expressions change drastically, and their eyes were filled with shock and disbelief as they looked at Li Yan.

"It was him?!"

"The first of the Twelve Zodiac Stars?!"

"Li Yan, the 'Living Yama,' has actually come to Yangzhou!"

"Hiss... He's so young? He doesn't seem like the rumors say..."

The words, filled with surprise and uncertainty, clearly reached Li Yan's ears.

Wang Maode, sitting in the main seat, quickly concealed his shock and anger, replacing it with a warm smile. He abruptly stood up, clapped his hands, and laughed, "Hahaha! So it's the renowned Young Hero Li! My apologies, my apologies!"

"I had already heard that the heroes of the Twelve Zodiacs had traveled south and had reached the Yangzhou area. I originally intended to wait a couple of days, prepare the invitations, and personally board the ship to pay my respects and see your splendor. However, I was afraid that it would be too abrupt and disturb your rest."

"What a coincidence! Young Master Li has come uninvited. What a delightful surprise! You've come at the perfect time!"

He walked a few steps to the front of the hall, cupped his hands to Li Yan again, and said earnestly, "At present, Japanese pirates are rampant, invading our homeland, burning, killing, and looting, and are approaching the gates of Yangzhou! Commander Hong died a loyal and valiant death, and the people in the city are in a state of panic. We need a master like Young Hero Li, who has extraordinary skills and a chivalrous heart, to help us!"

"With you here, how can we not annihilate the Japanese pirates? On behalf of the elders and fellow villagers of Yangzhou, I earnestly request that you, young hero, lend a helping hand to resist foreign aggression. At that time, your name will surely be sung throughout Jiangnan!"

These words were spoken in a grand and sincere manner, as if Li Yan were the savior they had been longing for.

However, Li Yan's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Wang Maode's enthusiasm came too quickly and too deliberately, even to the point of trying to shut him up. It was obvious that he knew he was coming here, but didn't want to provoke him.

He had no time for pleasantries and cut to the chase, bowing deeply and saying, "Master Wang, you flatter me. Li Yan has come not because of the Japanese pirates, but to pursue a wicked monster who has harmed people!"

"This demon is named 'Jinhua Cat.' It can transform into human form and hides in the mansion under the name of 'Fairy Maiden.' It keeps a demon cat and sucks the life essence of living people. The son of Yu Hailin, the wealthy man, is in imminent danger."

"Li tracked its scent to this place and then hid to investigate. If this demon is not eliminated, it may bring disaster to the entire city! If Wang truly wants to protect the peace of Yangzhou, he should quickly hand over that cat demon who is falsely claiming to be a 'fairy'!"

These words were like a drop of cold water falling into a boiling oil pan!
The whole room was in uproar!

"What? A demon? A cat demon?"

"The fairy... is she a demon?"

"Impossible! The sorceress that Master Wang invited subdued the rat demon last year and kept us safe... Isn't this just looking for trouble?"

The solemn atmosphere of "fighting the Japanese pirates together" was instantly shattered by Li Yan's words. Doubting, fearful, and disbelieving gazes swept back and forth between Wang Maode and Li Yan.

Wang Maode's face suddenly darkened, his eyes turned sinister, and he pointed at Li Yan, shouting sharply, "Shut up! Don't you dare to make false accusations and distort the truth!"

"Do you think you can do whatever you want in Yangzhou just because you're called one of the 'Twelve Zodiacs'? You're framing the virtuous and honest! I invited the fairy to relieve the people's suffering, subdue the rat demon, and bring peace to every household! Yet you're here spreading heresy and slandering the fairy!"

"You've been getting close to the Lin family of Jiangzhe, haven't you? Some of them are colluding with traitors and Japanese pirates. Don't think nobody knows. They're even trying to frame me..."

"Hmph! His heart is despicable! His actions are contemptible!"

Wang Maode was so angry he lost his mind.

He held this banquet to urge everyone to deal with the Japanese pirates, hoping to obtain a plaque of commendation from the imperial court so that he could find someone to help him become the president of the Yangzhou Chamber of Commerce.

Li Yan's words were practically an insult to him.

The Lin family of Jiangsu and Zhejiang colluded with Japanese pirates?!
Upon hearing this, everyone gasped in shock.

The Lin family of Jiangsu and Zhejiang is well-known, but I never expected such a thing to happen.

Li Yan narrowed his eyes and said impatiently, "Why bother with all this nonsense? The cat demon is right here with you. Don't waste your time, I'll go catch it myself!"

Before he finished speaking, he pushed off with his feet, leaped up, and landed on the roof.

"presumptuous!"

With a loud shout, Xu Zhenshan's body surged with qi, his loose Maoshan Taoist robe fluttering without wind. He also stepped on the pillar and soared into the air, meeting the attack sideways at an even faster speed.

With his left hand forming a hand seal and his right hand conjuring a claw, crackling with electricity, he reached for Li Yan's waist and ribs.

This "Thunderbolt Hand" Xu Zhenshan is also proficient in thunder magic martial arts.

Li Yan's pupils contracted slightly. Xu Zhenshan's grab was fast, ruthless, and fierce. The strong wind that hit his face made his cheeks sting. It also contained a Taoist thunderous aura that could destroy evil and slay demons and shock the soul!

If it grabs you firmly, your bones and muscles will shatter instantly!

But he wouldn't get entangled with him. With just a glance, two Soul-Severing Flying Knives whistled out, crackling with lightning, heading straight for Xu Zhenshan's face.

"Flying sword!"

Xu Zhenshan was startled. He pushed off the roof with his feet, shattering the eaves, and landed on the ground with a tumble. His eyes were full of surprise and uncertainty as he looked at Li Yan.

Li Yan ignored him and turned to look at the backyard with a serious expression.

The cat smell in the backyard was even stronger.

This is a futile attempt to cover up the truth; the other party must be hiding in the backyard!
At this moment, a sudden change occurred.

"what--!"

"Help me—!"

A series of shrill screams suddenly came from the depths of the backyard.

Following closely behind were several short screams and the sound of objects crashing and breaking. A dense chorus of cat meows rang out as the startled cats scattered in all directions, their aura of the cat demon becoming increasingly difficult to conceal.

"Demonic aura! Such a strong demonic aura!" A disciple from the Enforcement Hall immediately exclaimed in surprise.

"Master, something...something has happened in the backyard!"

Wang Maode's trusted steward turned pale and cried out in disarray.

Wang Maode himself was shocked, and a trace of undisguised panic flashed across his eyes!

Without saying a word, Li Yan rushed to the backyard.

Meanwhile, Xu Zhenshan, nicknamed "Thunderbolt Hand," looked at Wang Maode with a face full of suspicion...

(End of this chapter)