By noon, the mass graveyard took on a different visage.
The pervasive gloom was dispelled, and sunlight filtered through dense foliage, casting beams of light that lent an air of serene elegance.
Of course, this was provided one ignored the countless abandoned graves and scattered bones lining the path.
Over thirty people ascended the mountain.
The Bailiff Division left some men at the base for support, led personally by Chang Xuan. Alongside him, a centurion, and Guan Wanche, they brought five flagbearers, all masters of hidden strength.
Their dozen or so subordinates were at the peak of open strength.
These elite Bailiff Division members were clearly seasoned in forest combat, deploying falcons to soar above and leading two mastiffs.
As for the Xianyang Law Enforcement Hall, with many poisoned and others guarding the ritual site, only Luo Mingzi led five others.
Though few in number, a dozen hidden strength experts were enough to handle most situations.
"Woof! Woof!"
The mastiffs, fierce and relentless, quickly picked up a trail.
Above, a circling eagle indicated the intruders' direction.
Just then, a Taoist's ears twitched, and he warned, "Careful, an ambush lies ahead."
Tweet~
Before his words settled, an eerie flute sounded from the dense forest.
The Bailiff Division's mastiffs halted, barking wildly at their surroundings.
From ditches and thickets, shadows converged from all directions—wild dogs from the graveyard, scavengers of human flesh, their eyes glinting with malice, fangs bared.
Li Yan, having already caught the stench, didn't bother to speak.
With so many experts, his help wasn't needed.
As expected, Luo Mingzi's expression remained steady. He swiftly unhooked a token from his waist.
It was the "Upper Mysterious Bamboo Envoy Talisman" he'd used last time on the mountain. Pinching a hand seal and chanting the Six Armor Secret Incantation, he intoned, "Soldiers and fighters, all arrayed, march forth!"
Unlike before, the incantation's cadence shifted.
Li Yan watched, envious.
He and Wang Daoxuan had discussed this—it was called the "Pure Embrace Mountain-Climbing Technique," not exclusive to the Taixuan Orthodox Sect but widely known in the Mysterious Sect.
Wang Daoxuan's Western Mysterious lineage had it too, but it required two conditions: constructing a two-story tower and crafting the precious Upper Mysterious Bamboo Envoy Talisman.
Neither of them qualified to practice it.
Though demanding, the technique was versatile. By varying the Six Armor Secret Incantation, one could become invisible to ghosts and gods or subdue mountain beasts.
As Luo Mingzi chanted, an aura of fierce energy coalesced around him, like a tiger's presence.
Whimper~
The wild dogs cowered, some collapsing, others urinating in fear.
The Three Talents Demon-Suppressing Coin could achieve similar effects, but not with such range.
Meanwhile, the Taoist who'd warned them unslung a large bow from his back. Eyes closed, ears twitching, he nocked an arrow and aimed into the sky to the right.
Whoosh!
The bowstring thrummed, and the arrow shot into the forest.
A scream followed, and the flute fell silent.
The wild dogs scattered.
"Go check!" Chang Xuan ordered calmly, unsurprised, as the Bailiff Division and Taixuan Orthodox Sect had worked together before.
Two lieutenants dashed into the forest.
Soon, they returned, saluting. "Sir, it's a Beggar Sect member, dead by an arrow."
Chang Xuan said gravely, "The Beggar Sect knows the terrain well, adept at snake-charming and dog-driving. The treasure seekers' sorcery is strange. Stay sharp, don't stumble."
The wild dogs were a minor hiccup. With many skilled trackers, the group soon found an old grave mound.
Behind a large tree lay a tunnel, dark and foreboding, steeped in sinister energy.
"Down!" Chang Xuan commanded.
"Wait!" Luo Mingzi stopped him, shaking his head gravely. "There's a trap inside. Hold off."
He glanced at an older Taoist with gray hair and beard, who pulled a talisman from his robes. Forming a seal with his left hand and flicking the talisman with his right, it ignited without wind and shot into the tunnel. Though the flame died, a surge of righteous energy rippled, like a boulder dropped into a pond.
Whoosh!
A gust of sinister wind burst from the tunnel.
Several venomous snakes slithered out in panic, accompanied by faint, mournful wails.
Clang!
Three Bailiff Division lieutenants drew their swords, their blades flashing. The snakes nearing the group were sliced into pieces.
Luo Mingzi glanced at the sky, shaking his head. "Clever plan. On the ninth day of the ninth month, at the fifth hour, when yin and yang align, the graveyard's restless spirits hide underground, serving as their shield."
Li Yan frowned. "No sunlight underground, just dense sinister energy. Can we summon spirit soldiers to search?"
It was the easiest method. No matter how complex the tunnels, spirit soldiers could seize everyone in moments.
Luo Mingzi shook his head. "They anticipated this. The mountain god enfeoffment is underway, and the god's essence is a celestial treasure. If startled before receiving its title, its blessed fortune would dissipate."
Turning to Chang Xuan, he said, "Centurion Chang, the tunnels below are a ghost lair. Though they're just restless spirits, you'd best not enter."
"The tunnels are narrow; too many would hinder us. Find other exits and block them to prevent escapes."
Chang Xuan hesitated, then nodded. "Fine, we'll cover the outside. Be careful, Taoist masters."
Luo Mingzi nodded, leading Li Yan and the others into the tunnel, soon vanishing into the darkness…
"Sir, looks like the Maitreya Cult didn't show," Guan Wanche said suddenly as they left.
Chang Xuan's eyes flashed with regret. "A celestial treasure that heals wounds—if not for the Taixuan Orthodox Sect's orders, even I'd be tempted."
"Surprising that the Maitreya Cult resisted…"
Before he finished, a cold voice echoed from the distant forest. "Are you gentlemen looking for me?"
"Who's there?!" The Bailiff Division drew their weapons.
But following the voice, they saw no one.
Puzzled, they noted the mastiffs didn't bark, and the falcons above showed no sign of an enemy. Where was the speaker hiding?
Chang Xuan was about to order a search when a thought struck him. "They're using sorcery to lure us apart. Don't fall for it!"
"Form the Lotus Array!"
His experience shone through, instantly grasping the enemy's intent.
At his command, the Bailiff Division nocked arrows, standing back-to-back, aiming outward like a bristling hedgehog.
The enemy didn't appear, but Chang Xuan smirked.
He feared only their lack of greed. As long as they coveted the celestial treasure, he could take his time.
"Hm?" A surprised voice came from the forest, and a figure emerged from behind a tree—dressed in a Taoist robe, with white beard and brows.
"Sir, it's him!" Guan Wanche recognized the man who'd invaded the Zhou family.
Chang Xuan's sharp eyes spotted a human-skin mask. "Since you're here, why hide your true face?"
The old man shook his head, about to speak, when Chang Xuan's face hardened. "Fire!"
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
Arrows rained toward the figure.
It was Dugu Qian, a Maitreya Cult incense master, agile and quick. He dodged behind a tree.
Arrows thudded into the trunk and ground, their fletching quivering with force.
Unfazed, Dugu Qian took a bone flute from his neck, formed a seal with his left hand, and blew softly.
Tweet~
The eerie flute echoed through the forest.
Rustle!
From the jungle behind the Bailiff Division, foliage shook, and a foul wind hit, dizzying the senses.
But the Bailiff Division remained calm. Three men tossed leather pouches into the air, while three others nocked arrows.
Boom, boom, boom!
The pouches burst, scattering pungent yellow powder.
"Realgar?" Dugu Qian's face darkened, and he stopped playing.
Too late.
Whoosh!
A massive snake, thick as a bowl, burst from the forest. Maddened by the realgar, its red crest gleamed as it lunged, fangs bared.
Facing the legendary cockscomb snake, the Bailiff Division stayed composed. Led by Guan Wanche, they cast a large iron net—"Ghost's Bane," used by the yamen to capture martial artists.
The snake, frenzied, was enveloped. Its tough scales sparked against the net's hooks, but the more it struggled, the tighter it bound.
Even prepared, the sight unnerved them.
This creature was impervious to blades, immensely strong, and venomous. If it broke through, casualties would be heavy.
No wonder it had killed the mountain's bandits.
Without hesitation, Guan Wanche sprayed black dog blood mixed with realgar from a leather pouch. It sizzled on the snake, softening its scales, which the hooks pierced.
In pain but sobered, the snake froze, its cold eyes glaring, venomous mist roiling in its throat.
Clang!
Chang Xuan, hands behind his back until now, drew his sword and flicked it, producing a clear hum.
He eyed the snake coldly. "This sword, bestowed by the court, suppresses evil. Grasping it, I'm faster than you. Care to test me?"
The snake, sentient, closed its mouth.
Satisfied, Chang Xuan nodded and turned to the forest. "Tomb Snake Dugu Qian, did you think I'd come unprepared?"
He spoke lightly, but inwardly he was relieved.
After Shali Fei's message, he'd sensed trouble and sent men to nearby villages for supplies, barely ready in time.
The court's might far surpassed the martial world's.
The Bailiff Division never stopped gathering intelligence on the Maitreya Cult, including on "Tomb Snake" Dugu Qian.
Though rare, the cockscomb snake's weaknesses were known.
Smiling, Chang Xuan said, "Since it's come to this, how about a chat?"
Dugu Qian emerged, face grim. "Fine tactics and skill, Centurion. I underestimated you, a mere Bailiff Division centurion, a master of refined strength."
Chang Xuan sighed. "The court isn't the martial world. We value brains over brawn. I know your sorcery is profound, and we can't stop you. But as you see, I'm prepared. You won't gain anything. Why not leave?"
Dugu Qian's eyes flickered. "They say dragons and snakes rise from the wilds, but the court hides true tigers. I concede. Release my spirit snake, and I'll go."
Chang Xuan frowned, waving a hand. "One thing at a time. I won't easily part with what I've caught."
"And tell your Fire Ghost brother to stop aiming that firearm at me. At this range, it might wound me, but your precious snake won't survive."
Dugu Qian's eyelid twitched. He raised a hand.
A figure dropped from a tree and vanished.
Dugu Qian stared at Chang Xuan, surprised to meet such a formidable foe in Xianyang. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Name your terms."
Chang Xuan's smile deepened. "I want a name."
"Who in the Bailiff Division leaked to you…"
Inside the tunnel, it was damp and dark.
The passage was narrow, the ground muddy with puddles, and roots hung densely from above, crawling with spiders and venomous insects.
A Law Enforcement Hall Taoist touched the wall, shaking his head. "No wonder they kept so many wild dogs—to dig this tunnel. It's been here for years."
Luo Mingzi studied the chaotic footprints, saying coldly, "Years ago, Mountain Lord took over the Western Beggar Sect, likely planning this. Without a leak, who'd suspect a mountain ginseng spirit in the graveyard?"
Li Yan mused, "The leaker likely has ulterior motives."
Luo Mingzi nodded. "Don't worry, someone's investigating."
As he spoke, he formed a seal, casting the Pure Embrace Mountain-Climbing Technique.
Rustle…
Hidden snakes and insects fled, and distant dark mists sank into the earth, vanishing.
Neither snakes nor spirits could stop them.
Li Yan shook his head inwardly.
Among these experts, he felt useless.
His olfactory prowess was impressive, but the Law Enforcement Hall members were formidable. Besides Luo Mingzi, the older Taoist had reached the second level of tower-building, and the younger ones had constructed their own towers, their supernatural abilities far surpassing his.
One had acute hearing, detecting sounds hundreds of meters away.
Another had vision that pierced yin and yang, seeing in the dark.
The remaining three excelled in physical combat.
Together, they left no room for him to shine.
They'd likely catch the culprits soon.
Still, the trip wasn't wasted.
The Bailiff Division's tactics and the Law Enforcement Hall's coordinated sorcery opened his eyes, and he memorized them for study.
His strength lay in drawing connections.
Martial arts or sorcery, he could adapt and innovate.
Like the Zhou family's Monkey Leap, which he'd seen once and integrated into his Red Fist and blade techniques, devising new hidden strength combinations.
Perhaps a gift from his past life, he could think outside the box.
The group moved swiftly, delving deeper underground.
The tunnels branched often, with many dead ends, but footprints couldn't be erased, and their supernatural senses kept them on track.
Finally, the earthen tunnels gave way to stone.
Looking up, they saw a stone chamber with man-made chisel marks. To the left, a passage was blocked by rubble.
Ahead, more branching tunnels appeared.
Their earthen tunnel had emerged from the stone wall's other side.
On the wall was a carved shrine, its deity statue moss-covered and eroded beyond recognition.
Li Yan was surprised. "An ancient tomb?"
The shrine looked ancient, not the Beggar Sect's work.
"No," Luo Mingzi said, inspecting the surroundings. "China's history is ancient. Since tribal times, explorers roamed, and with many supernatural beings, the Classic of Mountains and Seas notes a god for every mountain."
"This custom persists. Where there's something divine, people burn incense. This place once hosted mountain god worship, and the ginseng spirit gained divine energy from offerings. But something went wrong, and the passage collapsed."
Li Yan was about to speak when a sharp pain stabbed his left palm. His vision blurred, and a hazy scene appeared:
In a pitch-black cave, an old man in bark clothing, his beard moss-covered, face eerily pale, lips moving in desperate plea…
*(End of Chapter)*