novellaaa Chapter 218, First Batch of Evil God Offering Sites
Chapter 218, First Batch of Evil God Offering Sites
Chapter 218 The First Batch of Sites for Offering to Evil Gods (4200)
Lu Yuan was now filled with question marks.
There is absolutely no way outsiders could know about Gu Qingwan's affairs.
The reason Xu Denghu's family knew this was because of those omnipresent and unpredictable gods beyond the Great Wall.
That----
Then Shen Jizhou————
Could it be that Wuqing Temple also has deities?
How did Shen Jizhou find out?
Looking down at Lu Yuan's dumbfounded expression, Shen Jizhou's lips twitched very slightly.
It was an expression that mixed smugness with "I knew it."
He slightly gestured with his hand behind his back, his voice not loud, but loud enough for everyone present to hear clearly: "What?"
"You think you can just take it and expect me to personally deliver it to your door?"
Lu Yuan snapped out of his daze, quickly clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice hoarse: "Senior Uncle—how—how did you know—"
Shen Jizhou looked down at Lu Yuan's ghost-like expression, his tone arrogant and matter-of-fact: "What? Is it strange?"
Shen Jizhou's voice wasn't loud, but every word struck Lu Yuan's heart like a hammer: "Do you think my Wuqing Temple's title of 'the number one Taoist temple outside the pass' is just for show?"
"Since even the Deng Hu family knows about this, why can't my Wuqing Temple know it too?"
Lu Yuan was speechless after being interrupted like this.
He then realized that he might have underestimated the profound heritage of Wuqing Temple once again.
The extent of Wuqing Temple's reach and influence probably far exceeds its own imagination.
Since the Xu Denghu family had intervened in the turmoil in Fengtian City, the news would naturally reach the ears of Wuqing Temple.
"As for this piece of wood—"
Seeing Lu Yuan's humiliation, Shen Jizhou seemed to be in a much better mood. He stood with his hands behind his back, the morning breeze blowing his wide Taoist robe, making it flutter.
"From the day I took it out, seeing your expression of wanting it but holding back, I guessed about 70-80% of what it was about."
He paused, his gaze deepening, and his tone softened, becoming less cold and harsh, and more subtly gentle: "Lu Yuan, although I am an old man, I am not unreasonable."
"I didn't really blame you for what happened in Fengtian City last time."
"Each serves their own master and relies on their own abilities; you haven't done anything wrong."
Shen Jizhou's gaze passed over Lu Yuan, looking towards the distant, cloud-shrouded mountains, his voice carried away by the wind: "The Daoist sect is truly one family."
"If you need anything in the future, just say so."
"There's no need to beat around the bush like that day."
"Grab your things and hurry up."
After saying that, he stopped looking at Lu Yuan, turned around, flicked his wide Taoist robe, and disappeared into the clouds and mist swirling around the cliff.
Only a single lingering sound remained, echoing in the morning breeze.
Lu Yuan held the brocade bundle in his arms, feeling the still chilling dragon aura emanating from the fabric, and his heart was filled with mixed emotions.
He looked up in the direction Shen Jizhou had left, and after a long while, he bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Senior Uncle."
This thank you is not only for this priceless piece of "Dragon Swallow Wood".
It was also because of Shen Jizhou's words about "all Taoist sects being one family".
Shen Shulan stood beside Lu Yuan, her white robes fluttering slightly in the morning mist.
She looked at the package in Lu Yuan's arms, then at the direction her father had disappeared in. A faint, yet real, tenderness flashed in her clear, cold eyes.
"Uncle-Master."
Shen Shulan spoke softly, breaking the silence: "It's getting late, we should set off."
Lu Yuan took a deep breath, suppressing all his gratitude and shock, and nodded emphatically.
"good!"
Lu Yuan lowered his head and carefully wrapped the brocade around his body, as if he were holding the most precious treasure in the world.
"Walk!"
Lu Yuan mounted his horse, pulled hard on the reins, and the black-maned horse reared up with a neigh.
The grand procession set off again, passing through the morning mist, crossing the mountains, and speeding towards Zhenlong Temple.
On that high cliff, Shen Jizhou stood with his hands behind his back, watching the group disappear into the distance at the end of the mountain path.
Five days later, at dusk, the setting sun painted the mountains outside the pass into a magnificent golden-red hue.
Lu Yuan reined in the horse, stood at the bend in the mountain road, and looked up into the depths of the valley.
There, a magnificent yet ancient and weathered Taoist temple stands quietly on a platform halfway up the mountain.
That is the True Dragon Temple.
In stark contrast to the serene and ethereal atmosphere of Wuqing Temple, Tianlong Temple is resplendent with gold and jade.
The Zhenlong Temple now presents a vibrant and lively scene, full of "wildness".
The once quiet mountain path is now bustling with people and pilgrims.
-
Not only were there ordinary pious men and women, but also many martial arts practitioners dressed in various Taoist robes, and even carrying weapons.
The original market at the foot of the mountain was in the town, but now temporary markets have been formed on both sides of the town.
The cries of vendors selling incense and candles and local produce rose and fell, turning the originally quiet Taoist temple into a bustling place like a temple fair.
However, what is most striking is not these pilgrims, but the tremendous changes taking place at Zhenlong Temple itself.
The somewhat dilapidated viewing wall has been mostly demolished and replaced by a more magnificent brick and stone base that is currently under construction.
The scaffolding stood like a forest, and hundreds of craftsmen were hammering away, carrying huge logs and stones.
Dust flew everywhere, and people were bustling about, creating a scene of bustling construction activity.
That's the foundation of the new Demon Suppression Hall—
Lu Yuan pointed to a section of concrete being poured on the left side of the mountain gate. It was a traditional concrete made by mixing glutinous rice juice and sand, and said to Shen Shulan beside him.
That's the reception pavilion that's planned for expansion.
"That is—"
This was Shen Shulan's first time visiting Zhenlong Temple, and Lu Yuan had intended to introduce her to the place.
but----
Now, even Lu Yuan couldn't quite explain it clearly.
In the end, Lu Yuan had no choice but to dismount, throw the reins to the approaching Taoist boy, and gesture "please" to Shen Shulan.
Lu Yuan led Shen Shulan and other disciples of Wuqing Temple up the newly paved stone steps.
The further you go in, the more intense the sweltering heat becomes.
Lu Yuan led Shen Shulan and a group of Wuqing Temple disciples through the bustling crowd and into the gate of Zhenlong Temple.
Upon entering the mountain gate, the scene before him made Lu Yuan pause in surprise.
The square in front of the Sanqing Hall was teeming with people, far exceeding the scale when Lu Yuan left.
Besides the devout men and women who come to offer incense and pray for blessings, there are many more practitioners dressed in various colored robes.
Lu Yuan glanced at them and immediately recognized several familiar faces; they were disciples of the Tianlong Temple.
They were dressed in moon-white Taoist robes with gold trim, exuding an extraordinary air.
They stood in small groups in the shadows of the corner of the hall, talking quietly. Although they did not deliberately reveal their identities, their composure as members of a powerful aristocratic family was hard to conceal.
Lu Yuan thought to himself that these disciples from Tianlong Temple were here to help, and he wasn't surprised.
However, what truly surprised Lu Yuan was another group of people.
It was a group of about forty or fifty young people dressed in indigo Taoist robes.
They were scattered throughout the square, some sweeping fallen leaves, some carrying incense and candles, and others sitting upright under the eaves reciting scriptures.
At first glance, their Taoist robes are no different from those of the orthodox Zhenlong Temple.
However, upon closer inspection, both the fabric texture and the "dragon spitting pearls" embroidery on the cuffs appear quite rough.
More importantly, Lu Yuan didn't recognize any of these people's faces!
Lu Yuan frowned and subconsciously stopped in his tracks.
The group of people in front of me were mostly around fifteen or sixteen years old, with youthful faces and clear, curious eyes. They were obviously newcomers who had just joined the group.
"Uncle-Master, these are—"
Shen Shulan was a little curious. She turned her head slightly, her cool gaze sweeping over the busy new disciples, and asked in a low voice.
Lu Yuan was stunned for a moment, then came to his senses and understood what was going on. He immediately said, "It must be a new disciple who came to seek refuge after the Heavenly Venerable Ceremony in Fengtian City."
Shen Shulan paused for a moment, then nodded knowingly, and then said seriously, "The Taoist robe doesn't fit properly, and the posture is also unruly. It's obvious that you've only been practicing for a short time."
Lu Yuan nodded. This had to be done step by step, and they would gradually adapt.
Then Lu Yuan said to Shen Shulan, "Senior Sister Shulan, please come with me into the hall to rest for a while. I'll go find someone to ask about the situation."
Shen Shulan nodded slightly and walked with Lu Yuan toward the "Jingxinzhai" behind the Sanqing Hall, a place reserved for distinguished guests.
However, before Lu Yuan could go looking for someone, a familiar figure rushed out from the direction of the back hall.
The man who came was in his forties and looked somewhat haggard. He was Zhou Shouzhou, the Taoist priest in charge of receiving guests at Zhenlong Temple.
"Senior brother, you're back!"
When Zhou Shouzhou saw Lu Yuan from afar, his eyes lit up, and he rushed over in three steps, his face showing a relieved expression.
Lu Yuan went up to greet him and then introduced him, "This is Shen Shulan from Wuqing Temple. He has brought fellow Daoists from Wuqing Temple to lend their support."
"Senior Sister Shulan, this is Zhou Shouzhou, the guest master of our Zhenlong Temple."
Shen Shulan's name now resounds throughout the entire area beyond the Great Wall, after all, he is the youngest Celestial Venerable in the history of the area.
Lu Yuan didn't mention Shen Shulan's Heavenly Venerable title, as that would seem too distant.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Shouzhou was taken aback, and then quickly bowed to Shen Shulan, saying, "So you are the renowned Celestial Venerable Shen. Please forgive me for not greeting you sooner."
Shen Shulan waved her hand slightly, looking a little embarrassed.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Lu Yuan couldn't help but ask immediately, "How is the old man?"
Zhou Shouzhou's face darkened, and his voice lowered even further: "The abbot is still unconscious and hasn't woken up."
"The affairs of the temple are currently being presided over by Senior Crane-Patrol Celestial Venerable."
Lu Yuan's heart sank.
The old man is still not awake?
How much time has passed?
It seems that the incident with the Liu family, who control ghosts, has caused far more damage to the old man's soul than expected.
Before Lu Yuan could think further, Zhou Shouzhou brought more good news: "However, although the abbot is not yet fully awake, his condition is stable. With proper care, he should be able to regain consciousness in a while."
Hearing this, Lu Yuan was finally relieved.
Lu Yuan had originally planned to go see the old man, but since the old man was still unconscious, Lu Yuan was too lazy to go.
Anyway, the old man was alright, and Lu Yuan wasn't the kind of person to be sentimental and insist on taking a look.
The person hasn't woken up yet, so Lu Yuan can't do anything there. There's still a lot of work to do.
Immediately, Lu Yuan looked at Zhou Shouzhuo as he spoke and asked, "Where is the Heavenly Venerable Crane Patrol now?"
Zhou Shouzhou immediately replied, "Senior Celestial Venerable has been meditating on the 'Star Gazing Platform' atop the cliff at the back of the mountain these past few days."
"They said they wanted to deduce the secrets of heaven and sense the earth's veins to prepare for subsequent actions."
Lu Yuan nodded, having made up his mind.
After a brief discussion, Lu Yuan, Zhou Shouzhuo, and Shen Shulan asked Zhou Shouzhuo to go and call Li Guanqi and Fu Yuanshan to the back mountain.
Then he went to settle the disciples of Wuqing Temple.
Lu Yuan, along with Shen Shulan, went straight to the back mountain to pay their respects to the Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable.
The two left the noisy square and walked along a quieter path toward the back of Zhenlong Temple.
The further they went, the fewer people they saw, but the scenery along the way made Lu Yuan frown again.
Along the mountain path behind the mountain, neat tents had been erected on the once flat grass.
These tents were not the crude style used for marching, but rather exquisitely made and elegantly designed cowhide tents, some even embroidered with the emblem of Tianlong Temple.
Outside the tent, groups of three or five disciples of Tianlong Temple, dressed in moon-white Taoist robes, were gathered together, some sitting quietly to regulate their breathing, some talking in hushed tones, and some practicing sword techniques.
When they saw Lu Yuan and Shen Shulan approaching, many people cast scrutinizing glances at them, but none of them stepped forward to question them.
Lu Yuan knew it.
Zhenlong Temple is now overcrowded. The original guest rooms have long been filled with workers, craftsmen, and newly initiated disciples who came to build the new hall.
Although Tianlong Temple holds a prestigious position, these guests are, after all, "guests," and the host family has limited space, so they cannot forcibly occupy the guest rooms.
They had no choice but to set up a temporary campsite on the back mountain.
Of course, the same applies to Wuqing Temple.
Shen Shulan observed silently from the side, her cool gaze sweeping across the tent camp.
I now have a more direct understanding of the current bustling yet impoverished state of Zhenlong Temple.
The two bypassed the tent area and continued climbing up the steep mountain path.
About an incense stick's time later, the view suddenly opened up, revealing a flat cliff-top platform.
This is the "Stargazing Platform".
At the edge of the platform, a tall, straight figure stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the distant, layered mountains.
It was none other than the Crane-Patrolling Celestial Venerable.
"Disciple Lu Yuan greets Senior Uncle."
Lu Yuan and Shen Shulan quickly stepped forward and stopped a few steps behind Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable, bowing respectfully.
Shen Shulan bowed slightly and said in a clear voice, "Shen Shulan of Wuqing Temple greets the Heavenly Venerable."
Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable slowly turned around, not looking at Lu Yuan, but waving his hand slightly at Shen Shulan and saying, "Now that you have achieved the position of Celestial Venerable, you have stepped into our level. You should treat us as equals and there is no need to show the etiquette of a junior."
Whether these words were merely polite formalities or not, Shen Shulan and Lu Yuan were unsure, but Shen Shulan still bowed slightly and said, "This junior dares not."
Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable was slightly taken aback, but did not say anything more.
Lu Yuan glanced at this scene and couldn't help but curl his lip.
have to.
It's just a polite formality.
Just as Lu Yuan was about to speak, he saw two figures walking quickly toward the observatory from below the mountain path, one after the other.
The people who came were Li Guanqi and Fu Yuanshan.
As soon as the two stepped onto the stage, they bowed to Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable in unison, saying, "Crane Patrol Celestial Venerable."
Then, Li Guanqi and Fu Yuanshan looked at Lu Yuan and Shen Shulan.
When the two saw Shen Shulan, they were taken aback for a moment, and then simultaneously cupped their hands and said, "Greetings, Celestial Venerable Shen."
Lu Yuan looked intently at Li Guanqi and Fu Yuanshan, and asked directly, "Is the matter concerning the Ghost-Controlling Liu family settled?"
Li Guanqi and Fu Yuanshan exchanged a glance. Then, Li Guanqi took out a booklet wrapped in oilcloth from his pocket and handed it over with both hands.
His face bore a hint of relief and solemnity.
"I have successfully completed my mission."
Li Guanqi said in a deep voice: "The first batch of information regarding the corpse-raising grounds of the Ghost-Controlling Liu family, as well as the related evil god offering grounds, has been fully compiled."
Hearing this, Lu Yuan was momentarily stunned.
The first batch?
Does that mean there will be many more batches to come?