My enemies became my companions

Chapter 559 Today is also a common thing (two in one)

A palm-sized bloodstain lay on the stone brick, like a red flower.

The dead person was a Taoist priest from Mount Longhu, and also a descendant of the Zhang family.

It was already midnight. According to the person who first discovered the scene, he heard a "thump" and something seemed to fall down. After hesitating for a while, he decided to go out and take a look. He saw a person lying on the ground, no longer breathing. Then he woke up the other Taoists in a panic.

The corpse lay quietly in front of him, with the only wound on its body being a single wound on its forehead.

"Brother, did you really see that the man fell to his death near the door?"

"Yes, that foot is still inside the threshold..."

"You mean to say that he twisted his ankle when he was walking out the door and accidentally fell to his death?"

“……”The Taoist who discovered the body was silent for a long time and could only nod.

Zhao Hun's face turned pale. Who would believe that he had fallen to death like this? Even if they did believe it, how would he explain it to his master when he returned?
It would be fine if the person who died was an ordinary disciple, but it was an elite one. What's even more difficult is that he was a disciple with the surname Zhang.

Longhu Mountain is honored as the ancestral home of Taoism in the world and accepts Taoists from all directions. However, the only ones who truly pass down the Taoist tradition are the descendants of the Zhang family. Since the first Heavenly Master, Zhang Daoling, there have been successor masters and lineage masters in the sect, who are the son and grandson of the Heavenly Master respectively.

Moreover, Zhengyi Taoism is different from Quanzhen Sect. Quanzhen does not ask about the source of the Dharma when passing it on, but Zhengyi naturally emphasizes "the inheritance of Dharma lineage". The position of Heavenly Master in Longhu Mountain is only passed down within one family and one surname. In the two thousand years since the establishment of Taoism, there has never been a Heavenly Master with a different surname.

Because of this, every descendant of the Zhang family enjoys an indescribable status within the family. Although "equal love" is emphasized on weekdays, the difference in treatment between the Zhang family and those of other surnames is actually obvious in key areas.

However, disciples like Zhao Hun were adopted as the Heavenly Master's sons after their surnames were changed due to their outstanding talents, and only then did they become the Heavenly Master's legitimate first disciple. Even so, he had no chance of becoming the Heavenly Master.

"If he really died like this, then where is his soul? Is his soul still there?" Zhao Hun asked, "You can't tell with divination here, turn it over and see for yourself."

The Taoists around him suddenly thought of this problem. A Taoist named Jingming hurriedly walked to the corpse, pinched the pulse and acupoints, used talisman paper to light fire, and lit a soul-guiding incense on the top of the head.

After a long time, Jingming said: "The soul, the spirit is still there..."

Jingming is the best among the Jing generation and is best at the art of summoning souls. No one doubts what he says.

Zhao Xuan's frown relaxed a little, but he was immediately even more confused. So... did he really die from spraining his ankle?

That's too careless.

Longhu Mountain is not a sect that practices both Taoism and martial arts. Although the disciples in the sect can practice swordsmanship, it is only for the purpose of sword formation. It takes years of hard work to practice horizontal training, and few people in the sect are involved. Most Taoists have the same body as ordinary people. Although it is strange that they sprained their ankles and fell to death, it does make sense...

"Is there still hope?" someone asked.

Zhao Hun personally stepped forward, squatted down and took a look. His forehead was deeply sunken, his skin was broken, and his bones were stuck in his brain.

"Even the Golden Immortal can't be saved," he shook his head and said, "There's no need to make a big fuss about this. I'll just briefly explain it later. Put the coffin away and carry it out later."

Jingming
Now that everyone is dead, we can only think about what to do next. We cannot lose the big picture for the sake of small gains. After entering here, Longhu Mountain has already made plans for the worst-case scenario of the entire army being wiped out. The most urgent task is to find the Sword of Slaying Evil.

Thinking of this, Zhao Hun no longer hesitated and decided to handle the matter lightly, without even alerting the White Lotus Sect members.

"Everyone be careful and alert, keep watch at night, and don't let anyone wander around." Zhao Hun ordered.

After receiving the order, the few people packed up the bodies and retreated back to the temple. The Taoists were not completely without vigilance towards this ancient temple. Not only did they search the temple inside and out, but they also had people guarding the night and set up strict restrictions.

What happened now seems more like an accident than the work of some evil spirit.

Chen Yi felt the same way.

Because he watched the Taoist from Longhu Mountain die.

Speaking of which, he was still in the side room. Dong Gong Ruoshu was resting, and he was on guard all day. He accidentally looked out the window and heard a "dong" sound.

He was stunned for a moment at that time. No one could have imagined that he would sprain his ankle when he walked to the threshold, fall to the ground, and die in front of him.

This was something that was totally unexpected no matter what, and the most I can say is that it was just bad luck.

Moreover, Chen Yi had seen the corpse before them. There were no monsters, ghosts, or gods or Buddhas. The death looked as normal as it could be.

"It's a bit noisy..." Donggong Ruoshu woke up while rubbing his eyes, and then asked, "What happened?"

"Nothing, just have a good rest."

"…Oh, you're not going to sleep?"

"I'm keeping watch."

"You keep watch... then who will keep watch over me?"

This was inexplicably cute. Chen Yi smiled and said gently, "I'll protect you."

She leaned her face forward, resting it on the back of her hand, and said coquettishly, "Stay with me."

Her face was very warm, and a slight blush permeated her snow-white skin.

After a while, she fell into a deep sleep. Chen Yi held on to her for a long time before slowly letting go and exhaled softly. Even though the old saint had warned him again and again that there would be an incredible creature inside, the attitude of this young woman really made people let down their guard.

There’s nothing wrong with being closer for now.

Chen Yi turned his eyes away and continued to keep watch.

…………

Time passes bit by bit.

Later in the night.

Someone else died accidentally.

Suddenly a scream startled the entire ancient temple. Someone had died in the temple again. The whole temple was shaking. Immediately, several people opened the door with swords in their hands and saw a Taoist dead in the room. According to several people who were keeping watch in the same room, he dozed off and died suddenly in his sleep.

The dead person was none other than Jingming. Zhaoxun had just confirmed the soul of the dead person with him, but in the blink of an eye he also became dead.

It immediately makes people feel creepy.

They had wanted to handle the matter with care before, but now they could no longer hide it. Both the people from Mount Longhu and the White Lotus Sect had discovered the body, and when they learned from Zhao Hun that someone had died before, they were immediately furious.

"What's going on? What kind of monster is causing trouble?"

"Could it be that we have offended this temple... This temple is spiritual, so..."

"The White Lotus Cult members are okay? They are actually okay?!"

The Taoists' voices trembled and were filled with fear. There were no demons or evil spirits to be seen, but people died mysteriously one after another. Although they practiced Taoism, they had never experienced such a strange situation. Panic continued to spread, and it was no different from ordinary people encountering demons and monsters.

Monsters and demons themselves are not worthy of fear. Only things beyond our cognition are truly frightening.

As the Taoists were in a state of panic, a member of the White Lotus Sect suddenly knelt down and shouted enthusiastically, "The Red Sun has ended, and the White Sun will rise! May the Mother of No Birth bless you! May the Mother of No Birth bless you!"

The rest of the White Lotus sect members knelt down one after another, with fanatical and excited looks on their faces, muttering incessantly, as if the scriptures were confirmed, the righteous path was made clear, and the True Emptiness Homeland was the ultimate destination of everything.

These fanatical shouts were like adding oil to a hot pot, making the already frightened Taoists even more terrified.

"There are ghosts in this temple, there must be ghosts!"

“It’s the ghosts of those evil people!”

"It must be an evil method, otherwise how could nothing happen to them? I'm telling you not to go with them!"

As soon as the aggressive words were spoken, someone from the White Lotus Sect jumped out and shouted at him.

"What did you say, you bunch of stinking idiots? Say it again if you can?!"

"I, your grandfather, act uprightly and honestly. How could I disdain to do such a bastard thing!"

"You stinky cow nose should convert to the Mother of No Birth as soon as possible, there will be a place for you in Zhenkong's hometown in the future!"

…I don’t know which side started to curse first, but the swords were used to intimidate. In an instant, the ancient temple was like a gunpowder barrel, which would explode with just a spark. At the critical moment, the saints held back the White Lotus Sect members, and Zhao Hu held back the Dragon Tiger Taoist. After the scolding, both sides slowly regained their composure.

However, the trust, which was already scarce, is now almost gone.

Zi Cihang glanced at the Taoists and said, "My Holy Church has nothing to do with this matter. If you don't trust us, then you can either go back home or leave first."

The Taoists looked at each other and exchanged glances, their eyes showing their determination to leave. People had died accidentally one after another overnight, and they could not stay in this strange temple any longer.

Although Zhao Hu felt uneasy and worried that the White Lotus Sect would stab him in the back, under the current circumstances, it would be better to take action first, as this ancient temple was not really safe.

So the group of Taoists packed up their things, put the body into the coffin, and set off.

Chen Yi looked at the two bodies put into the coffins with a frown on his face.

Recite the mantra and open your third eye.

It was the same as before, there were no monsters or ghosts, Jingming died naturally, just like when you were in the village and heard that someone was too tired one day and went home to take a nap, no one took it seriously, but when it was time for dinner, he never got up again.

But two people died overnight, and both were from Longhu Mountain. No matter how natural their deaths were, it was still strange and abnormal.

Chen Yi's thoughts turned, and he went to ask the old saint, but the latter couldn't explain it either.

"I don't understand. I can't figure it out. Why did he die like that? Is there anything in common?"

"They are all from Longhu Mountain. Jingming checked the soul of the previous person, and that's all."

"So, is there some kind of curse that is passed down through souls?"

Chen Yi narrowed his eyes. It might be possible, but the truth was still unclear and the source of the danger was still unknown. This was the most frightening thing.

His collar was tugged, and he turned around to see Donggong Ruoshu with his eyes wide open, trembling with fear.

"So, so scary." Her voice trembled a little.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here." Chen Yi paused and deliberately explained: "Maybe there is some kind of curse passed down by souls."

Yin Weiying hesitated for a moment.

When a person dies, he dies. Although she is a little worried, her real body is far away and can't hurt her no matter what. But if it is a curse passed down from soul to soul...

Will she be the next target?
Yin Weiying shuddered.

"You, you...don't stay too far away from me, I dare not sleep." She quickly got up and grabbed Chen Yi's clothes tightly.

She was just pretending to be pitiful just now, but now she really is a bit pitiful...When there is danger, she will subconsciously rely on Chen Yi.

Feeling the touch of his clothes being pulled, Chen Yi inexplicably felt that it was somewhat familiar, but he couldn't quite remember where it was.

When I looked back, the Taoists had already set off. It wouldn't be too late to think about it later.

After leaving the ancient temple, the Taoists continued to walk along the road behind the temple. The surroundings became increasingly darker, but the road in front of them was so wide that it was almost endless, as if they were walking in the underworld.

No, the underworld is not so dead silent.

The ancient temple gradually faded away, but the Taoists remained alert, their breathing became increasingly uneasy. The road ahead seemed thousands of miles away, and they didn't know where they could find true safety.

Chen Yi had been observing carefully, but had not found anything unusual. The only thing worth mentioning was that when he glanced sideways he saw Qing Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly, as if he was thinking.

Perhaps Zhou Yitang saw something, or perhaps she had anticipated it. If possible, Chen Yi would like to show up and ask her in person.

Click.

An unusual sound was heard and everyone stopped. The man who stepped on something stopped and looked down to find that it was rubble.

The firelight shone over.

The huge shadow retreated like a tide, its outline rising and falling, jagged before my eyes. Collapsed stone statues were scattered around, half buried underground. The ground seemed to have experienced a collapse, the statues were cracked, and the walls were tilted. It was more like a desolate grave of statues than a ruin.

Everyone was stunned where they were.

The flickering light of the torches swept across the broken walls, illuminating the broken statues all over the ground. The statues were of strange shapes, like countless upside-down pottery bowls embedded in the soil, with moist moss in the cracks. Endless desolation filled the air, as if telling a story from the unknown past.

"These...are all obscene sacrifices to wild gods?" someone asked.

"If it weren't for the wild gods' obscene sacrifices to those evil spirits...how could they be buried in such a haunted place..."

"Who could have buried all these evil spirits here?"

After hearing these words, Zhao Hun's face was filled with surprise and doubt. He suddenly remembered the story told by his elders, about how when Mount Longhu was first established, the mountains were cut down and temples were destroyed to suppress evil spirits and demons.

And the Demon Refining Abyss came from this.

If these statues are all evil spirits, then from the perspective of Feng Shui, the ancient temple that we passed by before is suppressing these evil spirits here... Thinking of this, Zhao Hun shuddered unconsciously.

They continued to move forward cautiously, crossing the ruins full of statues. The statues seemed to be crossing them. The broken walls and ruins on the ground gave people an invisible pressure, and even the moss gave off a strong fishy smell that squeezed their noses.

Although the scene before their eyes was strange and bizarre, the Taoists had no choice but to suppress their anxiety and try their best to look around for more clues.

Suddenly someone found a line of bloody words on the cracked stone statue.

"My mountain was cut down, my temple was destroyed! I will never be a human being if I cannot justify this hatred!"

Everyone was so shocked that they were speechless. After a long while, someone asked in a trembling voice, "Shi, Shi is crying blood?"

There is always a folk legend that if a person dies unjustly and is kind-hearted and does not want to be reincarnated, he will turn into a huge stone and bleed profusely whenever it rains.

Mount Longhu was opened nearly two thousand years ago, and these bloody words still remain here. How strong must the grief and injustice be for the wild gods who were suppressed and killed here?

Zhao Hun took a few breaths, said a few words to comfort everyone in order not to shake the morale of the troops, and led everyone to continue moving forward.

The firelight slowly moved in the darkness.

But soon,

It was like hitting a wall, and the flames were suddenly blocked.

The Taoists were terrified. They gathered their torches together. The leader, Zhao Hun, stepped forward quickly and carefully illuminated the surroundings! He revealed...

A blood-stained tombstone!
The head of Ba Xia who was carrying the stele was broken. Someone hit something hard under his feet and looked down to find that it was an eye. Ba Xia's hands and feet were also broken, as if they were cut off alive, as if what was in front of them was not a stone sculpture, but some kind of living creature.

The dripping blood formed words on the tombstone. The deceased wrote furiously, leaving all the resentment he had ever felt in his life on the tombstone.

"Since you treat others like this, it is also a common thing today!"

Everyone felt weak all over and some of them fell down and sat down.

puff!
Someone suddenly spurted blood from his mouth and fell to the ground without any warning, not moving.

His expression did not change, and he had no time to be frightened before he died.
Blood flowed out and spread to the ground. Someone couldn't help but scream. The next moment, he pointed his finger. His eyes suddenly burst out and he died on the spot.
There was no sign at all, it happened extremely abruptly and yet extremely naturally, two people died on the spot, and after that, panic was completely triggered.

Something is taking lives, something is killing people, what is it and where is it?

Chen Yi was like watching a fire from the other side of the river, trying to analyze the situation calmly, but suddenly he felt his hair stand on end and his whole body went numb.

It was as if an invisible sword tip just passed by.

Then suddenly it rose up,

Toward him?

Do not,
He was heading towards Donggong Ruoshu who was behind him!

(End of this chapter)