Chapter 151 Paying Homage to Mountain Tops, Gods, and Evil Spirits

It's a low-grade Earth-level item.

Aside from the fact that he hadn't seen information of this caliber for many days, Chen Yi was more concerned about its content.

At this point, the only major thing the Hidden Guards could be plotting besides "burning down the three towns" is probably nothing else.

"Ge Laosan disassociated himself from the Xiao family and helped Xiao Dongchen without even caring about his reputation."

"He really went to great lengths."

"However, I always feel that Ge Laosan's behavior in some things is a bit strange compared to before."

Chen Yi clearly remembered that Ge Laosan's task should have been with him, the "young bird".

However, recently, Ge Laosan has not only failed to appear at the Marquis's residence, but he has also rarely shown his face in front of him.

As he thought about it, a thought stirred within him.

"Does my appointment as an instructor at Guiyun Academy align with the Hidden Guard's plan for me?"

"Based on previous speculation, I, this 'young bird,' should be making my mark in the Xiao family and gradually gaining influence."

"To achieve this, one must have an equal status, strength, reputation, or prestige..."

"Reputation?"

Chen Yi realized what he meant, a strange look appearing on his face, and he grinned:

"That's quite possible."

If he had kept a low profile at Guiyun Academy and worked as an ordinary calligraphy instructor...

Naturally, there was no way he could have any fame or reputation.

At most, they might receive a "conscientious and responsible" evaluation.

More likely, he will be labeled as "lazy" or "unambitious" by some people with ulterior motives or those who dislike him.

It's impossible for them to have a good reputation.

But now the situation is that he has taught a student who has become proficient in calligraphy in just one lesson.

Not only did he gain the recognition of Mr. Yue Ming and others at the academy, but he also attracted many prominent families in Shuzhou to visit him.

For example, Madam Zhang from the Tang family, and Madam Sun from the Bai family.

In addition, there are other prominent families that have come to the Xiao family these days.

He went to great lengths to get his family members to learn calligraphy from him.

Not only did they approach Xiao Wan'er, but they also approached the old master, the second master Xiao Wang, and the third master Xiao Shen.

All of this means that even if Chen Yi were to deny that Ma Guanshu's minor achievements were not due to his own efforts, it would probably be of no use.

"A single misstep gave the hidden guards the illusion that I wanted to use Guiyun Academy to make a name for myself."

After figuring it out, Chen Yi couldn't help but smile wryly.

His original intention was simply to teach some real knowledge so that the students could gain insight into the art of calligraphy.

I never imagined things would unfold like this.

He pondered for a moment.

Chen Yi shook his head to himself, "Well, it's fine too."

"If this can make the hidden guards temporarily take their eyes off me, it's not a bad thing for me."

"At least it's better than the hidden guards coming to cause trouble time and time again before."

Most importantly, he can use his mistakes to his advantage and do other things in the shadows.

Thinking about this...

After confirming the exact time of Hai Shi (9-11 PM) the following night, Chen Yi resumed his practice of the Four Symbols Technique.

I'll have to go and see for myself to feel at ease.

...

Half an hour later.

Just as Chen Yi had predicted, the night sky, shrouded in dark clouds, was followed by a downpour after a burst of thunder and lightning.

This allowed Shuzhou, which had been exposed to the scorching sun for several days, to cool down.

Amidst the rumbling sound.

The raindrops pattered against the eaves and stone slabs, creating a rather noisy sound.

Liu Lang came to the window and saw the torrential rain outside Baicaotang, but he grinned and exclaimed, "What a beautiful day!"

Such torrential rain was something he wouldn't have dared to imagine back when he was still in the northern desert.

Most of the time, the northern desert is bathed in scorching sun, and then the hot wind blows up clouds of yellow sand.

Forget about rain, you'd be lucky if the heavens didn't show mercy if they didn't whip up a sandstorm.

But it was in such a harsh environment that Liu Lang was able to break through to the Great Perfection of his swordsmanship.

Liu Lang thought about the past and suddenly sighed.

"In the end, I was just being narrow-minded."

"He deserved to be defeated in one move."

That night, Xiao Jinghong was ruthless, defeating him in one move and shattering his arrogance completely.

Thinking of the fleeting beauty of his sword strike, Liu Lang felt a mix of emotions, including sadness, and muttered to himself that there was no point in dwelling on it.

Always look forward.

Just like his master "Knife Ghost" said, while you're young, travel the world and see more.

If everything goes smoothly during this period, then try to take an invincible path.

If you encounter setbacks, it's not necessarily a bad thing. As long as you're still alive, once you get over that hurdle, the road ahead will be smooth.

“Master, you should have stabbed me back then, so I wouldn’t have become so arrogant.”

When Liu Lang recalled what he had said to Hei Ya earlier, even his thick-skinned face couldn't help but feel a little ashamed.

"The victor lives, the loser dies; this is called 'proving the Way'."

What kind of proof is this?

He had been riding high, underestimating all the heroes in the world, and foolishly thought he could walk the path of invincibility.

"I reckon if Black Fang sees me again, he'll definitely give me a good laugh."

Liu Lang muttered to himself, his teeth aching as he grimaced, then put on a straw raincoat and a bamboo hat and walked out of the Hundred Herbs Hall.

He had now returned to his original appearance, but the arrogant, cynical smile was gone from his face.

All that remains is composure after suffering setbacks.

Even when strolling in the downpour, he no longer swayed from side to side as before, but walked steadily step by step, gradually disappearing into the darkness.

About half an hour later.

Liu Lang bypassed the West Market and arrived at a dark and secluded alley near the brothel in the west of the city.

This place is a den of iniquity within the city of Shuzhou.

Among them were bandits from Vaishsa Kingdom, peddlers who roamed between barbarian tribes and the Wei Dynasty, and villains wanted by the Jianghu (江湖, the martial arts world).

In comparison, those who came to Shuzhou from other places to make a living in the east of the city could be considered good citizens.

The reason these villains were able to hide here and avoid being rounded up by the authorities is that...

Naturally, there are people who specialize in making a living from this.

As the saying goes, money makes the world go round.

As long as enough money is spent, there are plenty of people willing to do anything, not just provide shelter for some wicked people, but even more heinous acts.

Black Teeth is one of them.

He was not only in charge of this den of iniquity, but also a member of the infamous "Bright Moon Pavilion" in the martial arts world.

Furthermore, he was not an ordinary member, but an elder in charge of all intelligence in Shu Prefecture.

Moreover, because Black Fang is known for his integrity, many people in the martial arts world who know him come to Shu Prefecture to pay their respects.

Even some prominent families and officials had close relationships with him.

Just like back then, Liu Jing of the Liu family in Jingzhou found Liu Lang and the people of the Huanyin Sect through him.

Similarly, Liu Lang came here to find Black Tooth, who had connections with both the legitimate and criminal worlds.

In the pouring rain, Liu Lang looked around and then reached out and knocked three times on the wall to one side.

Two long ones and one short one, seeking an audience with Black Tooth.

A moment later, a detached voice rang out in the alley: "Where is the mountain gate?"

"Northern Desert, Willow Waves".

"Should we worship the mountain, the gods and Buddhas, or the evil spirits?"

Liu Lang paused, then cupped his hands and said, "Evil spirit."

"Paying homage to a mountain" refers to seeking protection, while "paying homage to gods and Buddhas" indicates that the matter being sought involves officialdom or a powerful family.

Worshiping evil spirits, on the other hand, is related to life and death.

Murder, arson, looting, and so on.

These are the rules of Mingyue Tower, and also the rules of Heiya.

After listening to Liu Lang's words, the surroundings returned to calm, with only the sound of rain falling.

About half an hour later.

Just now, a person arrived, but did not speak; he simply waved to Liu Lang.

Liu Lang silently followed him through the streets and alleys.

After leaving the dilapidated and low-lying houses, we arrived at the brightly lit Fireworks Alley.

Liu Lang glanced at both sides, a hint of emotion appearing on his calm face. "Black Tooth is Black Tooth after all; they even have businesses here."

Thinking about it carefully, that makes sense.

For these people hiding in the shadows, brothels and gambling dens are not only their cash cows, but also their hideouts and their public personas.

When the man in black led him to the front of Chunyu Tower, Liu Lang couldn't help but laugh even more heartily.

"Damn it, luckily I got something for free before, otherwise I would have lost out."

Not long after.

Liu Lang walked from the back door of Chunyu Tower to a secluded room on the top floor.

Along the way, he didn't see a single girl, or even a single person.

"It's really well hidden."

Liu Lang looked around and laughed, "Black Fang, I waited for half an hour in the rain, that's not how you treat your guests."

As soon as he finished speaking, the smooth wall on one side of the quiet room slowly opened, and a tall figure dressed in black brocade walked out.

However, he wore a theatrical mask on his face, revealing only his eyes.

Wait until the wall surface is smooth again.

The man then spoke, "Who do you think you are, a guest?"

“I told you before not to go looking for Xiao Jinghong, but you didn’t listen. As a result, the Liu family’s plan failed, and I also lost a sum of money.”

Liu Lang took off his bamboo hat and placed it beside him, then said with a smile:

"With Xie Tingyun of the Tianshan Sect helping the Xiao family, even if I were here, the Liu family's matter would still not succeed."

He said this on the surface, but in his heart he was thinking about the mysterious owner of Baicaotang.

Given his medical skills, it's hard to say he couldn't find a more powerful martial arts practitioner.

Black Fang snorted, looked him up and down, and said, "Your injuries have healed?"

"I haven't heard of any 'miracle doctor' passing through Shu Prefecture recently. Who treated your injuries?"

"you guess."

"Ha, I think Xiao Jinghong has damaged your brain too."

Liu Lang shook his head noncommittally, "I cannot tell you that person's identity."

He paused, then continued, "I'm not here today to chat idly; I'm here to talk business."

"Fine, you're the employer, so you call the shots. So, who do you want to kill?"

"Don't kill people."

Black Fang's eyes turned cold instantly as he stared at him and said in a cold voice, "Now that the evil spirit has appeared, if you don't kill someone, I will kill you."

Liu Lang smiled and calmly took out a silver note from his pocket and slapped it on the table:

"Isn't there a second half to the saying, 'Money can make the devil turn the millstone'?"

Black Fang didn't speak, nor did he look at the silver notes on the table; his gaze was even colder.

Seeing this, Liu Lang stopped beating around the bush and said directly, "I want to burn the summer grain of the three towns. Name your price."

Black Fang paused slightly, somewhat surprised, and asked, "The three towns of Shu Prefecture?"

"certainly."

"I won't answer."

"Why? With your money-grubbing nature, how could you refuse?"

"Because someone has already offered more money to burn the summer grain in the three towns."

Liu Lang frowned slightly. "Is this really true?"

Black Fang nodded, his gaze falling on the silver notes on the table, but he also reached out and took them, waving them around as he said:

"Now it's my turn to ask you."

Would you be willing to participate in this deal?

(End of this chapter)