"What's the rush? Aren't I saving you already?!"
Li Yan's tone was tinged with irritation.
He had just survived a brush with death. Though his Great Luo Dharma Body had restored his physical form, the mental exhaustion and tension hadn't dissipated. And now this old man kept nagging him — it was really getting on his nerves.
Especially that Beggar Sect heirloom cloth pouch — it seemed to have grown into the ground, stubbornly refusing to come off, like a lotus root severed but with lingering silk threads. No matter how hard he pulled, it just wouldn't budge.
Frustrated, Li Yan surged with internal force, trying to rip it apart.
But the harder he exerted himself, the more fortune and spiritual energy from heaven and earth surged toward him.
At that moment, on the left shoulder of his Great Luo Dharma Body, a flame that had previously gone out suddenly reignited — it danced with an ethereal blue glow.
What?!
Li Yan's face lit up in astonishment, unable to believe it.
The third Life Flame — which had extinguished after the battle with the wolves at Li Fort — had finally reignited!
From what his Dharma Body conveyed, absorbing heavenly and earthly treasures brought various benefits.
For instance, the drum mallet from Gu Shui Village had strengthened his Dharma Body.
Now, staring at the ragged cloth pouch in his hand—
Could this filthy thing… restore a Life Flame?
No… that's not right!
Li Yan soon sensed something off.
As his Life Flame reignited, the old mountain god's complexion visibly paled, and the despair in his eyes deepened.
So that's how it is…
Delighted but now embarrassed, Li Yan quickly released the pouch.
It was merely a conduit.
What he had truly devoured… was the old mountain god's fortune.
Relighting a Life Flame was already an incredible stroke of luck.
If he continued drawing from it out of greed, not only would the effects diminish, he might also end up killing this local land deity who protected the area — that would be a grave sin.
As expected, once he let go, the old god's expression softened, and a hint of gratitude emerged in his eyes.
Li Yan observed carefully and finally saw the truth.
In the illusion transmitted by the old mountain god, the area connecting the cloth pouch to the god's head was laced with tiny thorns and red threads, arranged in a bagua formation — as if sewing the pouch directly into his skull.
So there was a setup after all!
It must be hidden in another cave…
Just then, sounds of battle outside the cave came to an end.
That Daoist was quite clever. Rather than tangle directly with the dying and berserk Chu Shan, he relied on speed and dragged his intestines around while running in circles.
Eventually, the massive Maitreya Enforcer couldn't hold on any longer. With a loud crash, his enormous body collapsed to the ground — completely dead.
The Daoist finally sighed in relief and tossed aside the intestines, hurrying back into the cave.
Just as Li Yan realized the crux of the issue, he quickly shouted, "Quick! Daoist! There's another cave — its formation needs to be broken!"
The Daoist didn't waste time asking questions and rushed off immediately.
In the other cave, Mo Lao Wai's face had turned ashen.
Though the caves weren't far apart, Chu Shan's final crazed and desperate howls still echoed in the air.
They failed…? How is that possible?
Then, the figure that appeared at the entrance extinguished all hope.
Luo Fengzi, beaming with joy, warned, "Junior Brother, be careful! That lunatic set venom traps in this cave!"
The Daoist immediately understood. Without stepping inside, he raised a hand and flicked — his treasured sword whistled through the air.
Mo Lao Wai didn't even have time to beg before the blade pierced his skull. His body stiffened and toppled to the ground, crushing the red rods and cords beside him.
At the same moment, in the first cave, Li Yan felt the change. He yanked up the cloth pouch.
Now, it had completely lost its spiritual glow. In his hand, it quickly turned black and crumbled apart.
Li Yan flung it aside.
A new vision appeared in his mind:
The mountain god's head, once covered by the pouch, now bore a crown formed from twisted tree roots, covered in moss.
The old god's expression had clearly improved. He cupped his hands in a polite salute toward Li Yan.
Meanwhile, at the altar at the foot of the mountain, the ritual had reached a critical point.
Qingyangzi burned a yellow petition talisman just as noon struck. He raised his ritual sword, performed the Steps of the Dipper, then picked up the command tablet and struck the altar table three times.
Suddenly, a wind rose out of nowhere.
The incense flames swirled and surged toward the mass grave.
Then, he lifted a copper bagua mirror and angled it toward the sun, redirecting the light toward the burial site — as if to reflect its rays there.
In Li Yan's vision, yet another shift occurred:
A beam of light descended from the sky. The old mountain god looked up joyfully. The moss covering him peeled away, and he turned to Li Yan, mouthing two words.
Though silent, Li Yan clearly read his lips—
Run. Now.
Li Yan's expression changed.
He recalled Luo Mingzi's warning: if the mountain god wanted to reclaim his place, he first had to purge a century of absorbed yin energy and gather earth qi to form a divine aura.
The mass grave had gathered foul energy for years — it wasn't a place to linger. Without a word, Li Yan hoisted the unconscious Luo Mingzi onto his back and ran out of the cave.
At the same time, Luo Fengzi and the others emerged from the second cave.
The Earthblood Garment venom had dissipated naturally. Their delay had only been to search Mo Lao Wai for antidotes.
Hearing Li Yan's shout, all their expressions changed.
The Daoist injured by Chu Shan had likely suffered internal bleeding after hitting his head — by the time they checked, he was already dead.
There was no time to grieve. Gu Chenzi picked up the corpse and dashed out.
But already, strange phenomena had begun:
From the rocky folds of the Mountain Tyrant's body, yin miasma surged out like thick cold fog. Wherever it passed, frost coated everything.
The wild ghosts and wandering souls above the mass grave sensed it too — they fled underground or hid within cracks and caves.
Everyone ran at full speed, the deadly fog chasing them close behind.
Even the mountain began to tremble. Rocks and dirt rained down like a landslide.
Li Yan wasn't surprised.
The Mountain Tyrant's fortune had not only repaired his Dharma Body but reignited a Life Flame — and the god still held on. That meant the Mountain Tyrant's true form must be colossal.
What they'd seen… was just the tip.
"What's going on?!"
Outside the cave, the officers of the Commandery Guard sensed something wrong.
Concern flashed in Guan Wanche's eyes as he cupped his fists and said, "Sir, something may have changed inside. Should I take some men to investigate?"
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Before Chang Xuan could respond, Li Yan and his party burst out of the cave, shouting, "Move! Get away from the entrance!"
Though the Commandery Guards didn't understand, they instinctively scattered.
Boom!
A burst of cold mist, mixed with dirt and dust, erupted from the cave entrance.
The ground instantly iced over. The surrounding air turned bitterly cold.
Staring at the scene, Guan Wanche and the others felt a lingering fear.
They were worldly men — they knew this yin miasma was no ordinary chill. Anyone hit by it wouldn't just shiver — they'd likely fall gravely ill.
Li Yan sniffed the air. His face changed. He suddenly looked around.
"Careful… I smell rooster-crown snakes!"
"It's fine. He's gone."
Chang Xuan shook his head and sighed. "That was Du Gu Qian, a Maitreya Sect enforcer. His spells and martial skills are superb. We couldn't catch him — we could only drive him off."
"Oh?"
A flicker of doubt passed through Li Yan's eyes, but he remained calm and nodded. "If he's gone, that's good. You're impressive, sir…"
"Alright, the corpse venom is completely gone."
Beneath a large roadside tree, Zhao Donkey peeled open Sha Li Fei's eyelid and saw that the black lines in the sclera had vanished. He sniffed around and finally nodded, "The corpse poison's been purged, but some lingering effects may remain."
"When you return, get some glutinous rice. Lay on it when you sleep, and sunbathe for half an hour each noon. After seven or eight days, you'll be fully cleansed."
He had rushed over from the mountain temple the moment he got Li Yan's call for help.
The Burying Treasure Sect's methods were truly extraordinary. When he saw the formations set up by Luo Mingzi's group, he immediately ordered everyone moved under the midday sun, and then used a three-edged needle to bleed them from an acupuncture point.
By the time the foul black blood drained away, everyone had woken up.
Just as Li Yan returned, they administered the antidotes — the corpse poison was fully neutralized.
"That's good, that's good."
Sha Li Fei still looked a bit pale and muttered, "I must've left home on an unlucky day. Daoist, next time I go out, help me draw a divination!"
"Sure, sure!"
Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard and smiled, clearly relieved.
He was kind to all but no fool. Otherwise, he wouldn't have survived the martial world this long.
Among the three, Li Yan might seem ruthless, but he had principles and always kept his word — making him the most trustworthy.
Sha Li Fei was easy to talk to, but Wang had always been wary.
But today, in the critical moment, Sha Li Fei had shielded him with his body — a pure, instinctive reaction.
At that moment, Sha Li Fei earned their full trust.
Zhao Donkey looked at the trio and smiled awkwardly, a hint of envy in his eyes. "Alright, you all get some rest. I should get going."
Li Yan thought for a moment, then said, "Brother Zhao, living alone on this mountain must get lonely. We're accompanying a senior back to his hometown — heading toward the Qinling Mountains. Why not come with us? See the sights?"
It was an invitation.
Zhao Donkey scratched his head and grinned, "No need. When my father passed, he made me swear never to enter Qinling or leave Guanzhong."
"I don't ask for much. This land's enough to feed me. Once I save up a bit, I'll marry a wife, keep the Zhao family line going — that's the real goal."
Li Yan sighed. He cupped his hands and said, "Fair enough. But let me know when the wedding comes — no matter where I am, I'll come drink your wedding wine."
He had a lot of goodwill toward this simple, honest man. But everyone had their own path — not all wanted to wander the martial world.
"Oh right, here — a bottle of chrysanthemum wine. Drink it on the road."
He pulled it from his pack.
It was a gift from Granny Liu, and frankly, he didn't dare drink it himself. Might as well give it to Zhao Donkey.
"Great, it's a deal!"
Zhao Donkey beamed and took the wine, cupped his fists, and walked away.
Soon, he was out of sight. But his booming folk tune echoed behind him:
"Ay hey ay hey yo, sheep-belly scarf yo—
Three blue lines, hard to meet yo, even harder to speak…"
Wang Daoxuan sighed, "To be content… is to be joyful."
"Old Sha ain't content!" groaned Sha Li Fei as he mounted his horse, accidentally bumping his wound. "Ouch! Damn it, I nearly died today. Daoist! You owe me a feast — chrysanthemum wine and hairy crab!"
"That stuff's toxic. You'll die for real if you eat it now!"
"Still! You've gotta treat us to something good!"
"Fine, fine — you win!"
After the Ninth Day of the Ninth Month, the weather turned colder.
"Excuse me — is Daoist Luo Mingzi here?"
At dawn, outside the City God Temple, Li Yan appeared dressed in black, cupping his hands.
"You must be Benefactor Li?" the young acolyte said. "Master has instructed me to wait for you. Please follow me."
He didn't lead Li Yan to the main hall, but instead to a side courtyard.
Inside, Luo Mingzi sat pale-faced in a rattan chair. Seeing Li Yan, he started to rise.
"Careful, Daoist."
Li Yan rushed to help him, feeling a bit guilty. "If I weren't in such a hurry, I wouldn't trouble you while you're still healing."
"No trouble at all," Luo Mingzi smiled. "Today is an auspicious day for reburial. If we miss the timing, we'd have to wait at least ten days. It can't be delayed."
He led Li Yan into a room.
On the table sat a wooden box — like a scholar's case for the imperial exam — with a small bamboo awning for weather protection.
"This is what you asked for," Luo Mingzi said, opening the drawers one by one.
"Twenty stalks of divination grass for invisibility…"
"Ten thunderfire pellets…"
"Five each of exorcism talismans, corpse-suppressing talismans, and misfortune-clearing incense sticks…"
It was packed to the brim.
"This… is too much."
Li Yan was startled. "How much does all this cost?"
He had only wanted to buy a few thunderfire pellets after seeing their power at the Disciplinary Hall. Luo Mingzi had readily agreed — but he hadn't expected this haul.
Luo Mingzi chuckled and said, "The Disciplinary Hall follows regulations. Killing a Maitreya Sect enforcer is a great merit. You gave the credit to Gu Hezi, and now his son can enter the Daoist sect."
"The others were grateful — they gathered these for you. No one would ask for payment. If you can't use the talismans yet, give them to Daoist Wang."
"Thank you!"
Seeing Luo Mingzi's sincerity, Li Yan stopped being polite and asked, "Is your injury alright?"
"It'll take a few months of rest," the Daoist replied, smiling. "Also, my merit is now sufficient. I'll be transferred to Chang'an soon."
"This year's harvest is good in Guanzhong, and Lord Li has just been promoted to Chief Secretary. The Lantern Festival will be grand. If your journey brings you back by year's end, come find me at the City God Temple in Chang'an. We'll drink until we drop."
He pulled a letter from his sleeve.
"In the Doumu Temple of Mount Taibai, there's a Daoist named Yulinzi — an old friend. If you have trouble there, seek his help."
"Much appreciated, Daoist!"
"Safe travels. I'll be waiting in Chang'an."
Li Yan respectfully received the letter, strapped on his pack, and bowed in farewell.
Once outside, he mounted his horse, passed through winding alleys, and arrived at the south city gate.
By now, the gates were just about to open. Wang Daoxuan and Sha Li Fei had already packed up, waiting on horseback.
Behind them was a horse-drawn cart, carrying Wu Lao Si's coffin.
The driver, Meng Laohan, was hired from Taixing Cart Co. Four hired men from a porters' guild accompanied them.
This was their whole team — escorting the coffin home.
Rumble…
As the gates opened, Wang Daoxuan tossed paper money high into the air and chanted:
"Let the dead move on, return to their roots. Spirits don't disturb, mortals don't fear."
He turned, cupped his hands to the bystanders. "Everyone, please forgive us for the intrusion."
Many citizens were also waiting to leave the city. Though Wang Daoxuan was polite, they all looked displeased and quickly made way.
"Hurry up and move!" barked a young guard, clearly annoyed.
But before he finished, an old soldier beside him pulled him aside and bowed, "Young Hero Li, please proceed. Don't mind this boy — he doesn't know better."
Li Yan didn't quite understand but still returned the gesture. "Thank you."
Then he took the lead, guiding the team forward.
Watching them leave, the old soldier scolded the youth, "Can't you see who that was? That was Li Yan!"
"Li Yan?!" the young man gasped. "The one who punched Zhou Bai to death and brought down the Zhou Clan?!"
"It wasn't that dramatic," the old soldier sighed. "Just rumors. But he's connected to the Zhangs, the City God Temple, and even the Commandery Guard. You and I can't afford to offend him."
The young soldier looked envious. "He sneaked into the city and rose to fame in no time… Why don't I have that kind of luck?"
"Fame?" The old man laughed. "Silly kid. Xianyang's just a small pond. Even that Zhou brat couldn't claim to be a big deal."
"This martial world… is a vast one."
*[End of Chapter]*