Chapter 166 The Crucible

166 Furnace

Two days later, shortly after dinner.

When Xiang Jiannan arrived at the well and was about to draw a bucket of water, the well wheel had not turned a few times when he heard the sound of porcelain exploding behind him.

Turning back, I saw the master holding a porcelain bowl that was broken into two pieces, looking dazed, with a hazy white mist in front of his eyes.

The weather was getting colder, so the old Taoist priest started using hot water to wash the dishes. The master and his apprentice didn't have many dishes on a normal day, so one of them fried up as soon as they put the dishes in the water.

Judging from the pattern, it is the one used exclusively by the master.

Thermal expansion and contraction?

Holding the well wheel without shaking it any more, Xiang Jiannan felt an even colder feeling on the back of his neck. He then remembered a very basic principle.

Finally, he felt that his associations were too rich, and he continued to crank the well wheel to lower the buckets of water.

No principle can defeat reality. The bowl that the master used to eat is indeed cracked now.

He must have wanted to relax after entering the hot water, but he relaxed so thoroughly that his body was exhausted.

This kind of thing is inevitable when the weather gets cold. It's just a bowl, so it's a minor problem.

It has been with the master for quite some time now. As far as I can remember, it even raised itself for a while.

At that time, the body was still too young, so the old Taoist priest held the bowl in one hand and fed him while chewing the food.

It can be said that he died of old age.

“Abnormal.”

He had just drawn up a bucket of clean water and was about to reach out to take it, but from what the master said he knew that the man was still sitting there, with his body bent and not saying a word.

Being suspicious is not the old Taoist's nature. The fact that he said these two words proves that he must have some ideas.

Generally, you should talk less at times like this, so that you don’t get into trouble if something goes wrong.

Bang! Before he could reach the master with the bucket in his hand, he heard another shattering sound in his ears. Xiang Jiannan hurried forward and could no longer remain calm.

If it breaks any more, it will be his bowl. The sound of the plate breaking is not that gentle. Let me think, how many dishes are there today?

When I came to the master, the clean water in the bucket spilled all the way. I looked at the wooden basin in front of him and heard a few more popping sounds.

It's all over now. There's no need to analyze it anymore. Neither the plates nor the porcelain bowls were spared.

They walked in such an orderly manner, which was indeed unusual! "Do we have spare dishes in the temple?"

Seeing the corpses scattered all over the wooden basin and seeing that the bowl he often used was broken even more badly than his master's, Xiang Jiannan opened his mouth and looked at the old Taoist priest.

With a result-oriented and peace-oriented outlook, it is impossible not to have an extra set of tableware.

If not, go to the store to buy it early tomorrow morning so as not to delay lunch.

"Yes, there is, but it probably won't take long."

At this time, he finally put down the porcelain bowl in his hand that had been broken into two pieces and threw it into the wooden basin. Gao Yuan pondered for a moment, then looked up at Xiang Jiannan and asked:

"Where is the house you mentioned last time, disciple? Let's take some time to go and take a look in the next few days."

"What house?"

The old Taoist priest asked him this question unexpectedly. After thinking for a while, Xiang Jiannan finally understood what he meant. Then he said:

"There should be someone in that house. If we go there, should we wait for Li Jin to come?"

"We can't wait any longer. The guys who were eating were all beaten up. I think Master knows Young Master Li well. As long as we go to that house, Young Master Li will definitely show up."

"Why do you say that?"

Seeing Gao Yu'an's certainty, Xiang Jiannan thought that it was impossible for Li Jin to have clairvoyance, and he really didn't believe that he could guard a house every day.

He naturally remembered the location of the house, which was in the northwest direction, not far from Ping'an Town.

"Something happened, how could someone from the Demon Subduing Division not show up?"

"Let's set it for tomorrow. An Wensheng seems to be impatient."

He picked up the basin and walked to the corner, dumping all the broken pieces out. Gao Yuan turned around and saw his disciple still standing there. He motioned for him to clean up by himself, then opened the door and went into the house: "Tomorrow, take everything you can take, and I will show you how to open your eyes."

The next day, the departure time was set according to Xiang Jiannan's last experience. When they entered the carriage, the old Taoist priest was still complaining that the young Taoist priest was too well prepared.

He meant for his disciple to take useful things such as Guan Gong's sword and gourd, but the young Taoist misunderstood his meaning.

After the carriage stopped at the temple, he busied himself carrying out six or seven bundles, which made me confused.

Are they trying to escape famine? Why did they take so many things? Even the bedding was not spared.

"Didn't you ask your disciples to take everything they could?"

In the end, he only got on the bus with the gourd and the Guan Gong sword. After sitting down and listening to the master still muttering, Xiang Jiannan just felt wronged.

After entering the house last night, he knew that the old Taoist priest wanted to cause trouble. Judging from his words, he had some big ideas.

So I packed up my things overnight and resolutely carried out what he meant.

In case things get out of hand, you can escape at any time.

"You have a stupid brain. Watch the road. Let me take a rest for a while."

Xiang Jiannan was signaled to give instructions from time to time. This time, it was Wang and his group who were driving the carriage, so Gao Yuan was quite confident in him.

After he finished speaking, he closed his eyes and leaned against the corner. He seemed to fall asleep in an instant. There was no movement during that time. Only after he entered the town did he suddenly open his eyes.

It was already dark outside. When he opened his eyes, the old Taoist's eyes flashed with light. He turned his head to look at his disciple, and found that he was sleeping even more soundly than himself. His whole body was limp, and he smacked his lips from time to time.

He pulled back the carriage curtain and looked outside, and saw Wang and his entourage driving the carriage slackly, and as if foreboding, he leaned out, pulled at the reins, and glanced back.

The torches on the car were swaying, and there were several torches in a row on the right.

"The old Taoist priest has woken up. We are almost there."

He turned his head in the dark and immediately turned back. Unlike Master Gao Yu and his apprentice Gao An who had night vision, Wang and his party were very careful on the road after dark.

This is an essential skill for a driver, especially on unfamiliar routes.

In the early years, he would walk slowly with a torch in one hand. At that time, the vehicle he had had not been upgraded yet.

"Okay, walk slower."

He retracted his body and raised his hand to slap Xiang Jiannan, startling the little Taoist priest instantly. Gao Yuan pointed outside the car. Neither the master nor the disciple said anything, but just stared at the fire outside the car in a daze.

It was a bit too quiet.

"It should be right in front."

In fact, his impression of the environment outside the car was vague, and it was only because the master spoke in silence that Xiang Jiannan made up something.

It seems to be about the same from a feeling perspective, now it depends on Wang Yihang's abilities.

I have no confidence that I can find that house.

Soon, Wang and his entourage stopped the carriage, got out, and picked up the torches.

"This is it, little Taoist priest, come down and take a look."

"Should you knock on the door first?"

When he got out of the car, he felt that it was quite similar. Seeing that the house in front of him was still as quiet as last time, Xiang Jiannan turned his head and said to the master.

He remembered that Li Jin said that this house had an owner, so he should be more careful if he came here rashly tonight.

"No need. You stay here with Wang and his party. I will go in and take a look."

He thought Xiang Jiannan's words were not a big deal, and wanted to go in while he was talking. Gao Yuan seemed to see the clue, walked to the door, raised his hand and knocked a few times, but soon gave up: "Disciple, take good care of Wang Yihang, the master will be back soon."

After saying that, he stomped his foot and jumped over the wall, and disappeared from the sight of King Xiang and the other man.

"What a great skill!"

Even though Xiang Jiannan was with him, he was still a little scared when he spoke, and Wang Yihang praised him.

He was absolutely confident in Gao Yu'an. Just looking at his movements, he felt at ease.

Why did I suddenly think of this place? From the beginning until now, I haven't asked any more questions.

The two Taoist priests had their reasons. Ever since they were scared out of Ping'an Temple by Xiang Jiannan that day, Wang Yihang felt that his curiosity had decreased a lot.

I don’t understand, but I can hold it in.

Or a backdoor?

Unable to remember whether he had come out of the same door twice before, Xiang Jiannan stood outside and waited for a while, but did not hear any sound coming from inside.

After the master jumped over the wall, he disappeared like a drop in the ocean. The cool evening breeze made him want to fall asleep.

Wang Yixing seemed to be in high spirits, but he lacked a bit of courage. When he saw that there was no response after he spoke, he moved his body and quietly took a few steps towards himself.

"Little Taoist priest, are you cold?"

Holding the torch as if afraid that Xiang Jiannan would suddenly disappear, Wang Yixing continued to speak, making small talk. As soon as he finished speaking, the young Taoist priest turned around and looked at him, took the torch, and his expression showed a hint of sudden enlightenment.

"It seems a bit cold. Let me hold it for a while. Are you tired of holding it all the time?"

"If the master doesn't come out, we will follow him in and see if you can climb over the wall."

"Young Taoist priest, you think too highly of my Wang Yihang."

After an anxious wait, the result finally came. As a ball of fire floated in the yard, Xiang Jiannan and Wang Yihang officially woke up.

The two men were itching to see what was happening as they watched from across the wall. They only saw the flames rising higher and higher, but there was no sign of the old Taoist priest.

After waiting for several times, Xiang Jiannan became a little anxious.

"Wait here, I'll go in and take a look."

"Don't abandon me, little Taoist priest."

Hearing that Xiang Jiannan wanted to leave them alone, Wang Yihang reacted quickly. He raised his hand and grabbed the little Taoist's sleeve, with a look in his eyes that said, "Take me with you."

Such a clumsy and fun-loving behavior made Xiang Jiannan stop for a moment.

Why are you following someone who can't even climb over a wall?

Just as I paused, I heard a noise above my head, and the master appeared in time.

He didn't stand firmly when he landed, and he staggered and almost fell.

"My disciple, ouch."

"How about it?"

Please...you...collect_6Ⅰ9ⅠBookⅠBar (Six\\\Nine\\\Book\\\Bar!)

He hurriedly stepped forward and stretched out his hand to help, thinking that his master would actually make such a mistake, Xiang Jiannan's concern failed and he immediately asked.

What was going on with the firelight floating into the sky? When I looked up again, it had already turned into a point of light in the distance, and was about to disappear into the vast night sky and merge into one with the stars in the sky.

"I was so focused on floating that I didn't pay attention to my feet."

He steadied himself and moved his ankles left and right, then looked back at the eerie house behind him. Gao Yuan said to the two of them, "We've been walking around for a long time but haven't met anyone. Did Li Jin really bring you to this house?"

"Of course, after sleeping in it for a night, I am very impressed."

While speaking, he glanced at Wang Yixing and felt that he had something to say, but Xiang Jiannan spoke quickly and did not give him any chance at all.

The one who was most frightened last time was Wang Yixing, but I am actually fine.

Right now I just want to know what the old Taoist saw, some words to express his emotions, I’ll tell you when we get back.

"It is indeed a corpse-raising ground. Disciple, you are quite accurate."

"This house cannot be kept. I will destroy it."

"Now?"

"How long do you want to wait? The master has already released the lightning talisman. Stand back or you will be struck by lightning."

"Let me see where we are now."

The lightning-inducing talisman, the fire that just floated into the air? Feeling that his master acted too decisively, Xiang Jiannan looked up at the sky and could not find any trace of the lightning-inducing talisman. He stepped back as he looked up.

Wang and his group beside him were faster than him and had already jumped onto the carriage.

Last time, someone compensated for the carriage that was burned, but this time it may not be the case.

For safety reasons, you should be more careful. If the situation is not right, you still have a chance to escape.

"What are you doing outside my house in the middle of the night?"

Although they were in different positions, they had the same idea. They were waiting for the old Taoist priest's lightning-inducing talisman to bring a visual impact. A man's voice rang out in the darkness, and the calm before the storm was suddenly broken.

A very familiar smell wafted over from different directions, and more than one person appeared.

"You're outside the house. Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

Not caring whether the visitor showed up or not, he still looked up at the sky. Xiang Jiannan saw that his master looked indifferent. As soon as he finished speaking, the silent night sky suddenly emitted a bright light.

Several bolts of lightning struck the house in front of him, instantly starting a raging fire.

"Are you going or not?"

Having already been frightened by the disappearing voice, Wang Yihang's face was filled with fear under the firelight, and he could no longer sit still, shouting at the top of his voice.

I have never seen such a fierce fire. The flames are almost touching the sky. Isn't this a lightning talisman? How can it cause a raging fire in the blink of an eye?

I didn't see clearly how the fire started. Just a few soft lightning strikes came down, and then a sea of ​​fire appeared.

Not to mention myself, even the horse I was sitting on was scared and was growling continuously amid the crackling sound of burning.

"It's not burned out yet, so I can't leave for a while."

Looking back, he saw that the carriage under Wang and his party was still moving. Gao Yuan glanced at his disciple and began to make hand gestures.

At this time, he could already see several figures in the darkness clearly with the help of the firelight. Xiang Jiannan held a talisman in one hand and waited for them to take action.

The talisman paper was drawn by myself. Although its power has not been greatly improved, it can still be used for demonstration.

Those figures should all be Li Jin's men. Although I couldn't see their faces clearly, I couldn't forget the smell they gave me.

Swish, swish, swish.

After the old Taoist priest made the gesture, there was an immediate reaction, and his figures were as swift as ghosts. Xiang Jiannan saw the figures move, and immediately took a step towards Wang and his party, with the talisman paper in his hand firmly sticking to the green gas.

You don't have to worry about the old Taoist priest, you just need to protect Wang and his party.

Li Jin's subordinates must be very powerful.

whoosh.

As soon as he came to Wang Yixing, he saw a figure coming out from his right side, and Xiang Jiannan poked Wang Yixing in the face with a talisman paper with green energy on it.

But when he saw the person who suddenly appeared grinning, his back immediately began to hurt.

Attack from front and back.

"Little Taoist priest."

He failed in the first attack and fell towards Wang Yixing. The talisman paper in Xiang Jiannan's hand fell, but fortunately he did not suffer continuous blows. After being supported by Wang Yixing, he saw that he was the only one around him.

After he stood firm, he looked towards his master, only to see that he had already achieved many victories.

All of Li Jin's men stood around him, holding whisks in their hands.

This was probably the reason why I was not hit continuously. After being attacked, my master came to my rescue.

"How did you do that? Did you see clearly?"

Not caring about the pain in his back, Xiang Jiannan led Wang and his party to the master and asked as they walked.

Why didn't Wang Yixing shout when he was attacked just now? Could it be that Li Jin's men acted too quickly? Thinking about it, this is possible.

When he came to the master's side and saw that there were lights on nearby, he urged him to leave quickly.

Let's take them all away. If they are seen by people in the town, the three of them might not be able to leave.

If you say there is something wrong with this house, not everyone will believe you.

"go!"

He picked up the whisk and swung it, and at Xiang Jiannan's urging, he suddenly took action. Gao Yuan actually made a move in front of the two of them.

He threw all the people standing in front of him into the sea of ​​fire with ease, just like waving a whisk.

This decision stunned Xiang Jiannan and Wang Yihang. When the fire beside them seemed to become brighter, they looked at the old Taoist priest with horror on their faces.

While the two were stunned, he had already got on the carriage, and when they looked at him, only half of his body was exposed.

"Are you still not leaving?"

"Why do you do that?"

They fled in the carriage. Influenced by the situation just now, Wang and his party shouted anxiously all the way.

He rode his horse back the way he came, but he could not suppress the fear in his heart.

He saw with his own eyes the old Taoist priest throwing several people into the sea of ​​fire. Are people who practice Taoism so indifferent to life?

When we get back to town, we must never tell anyone about this.

"What's the big deal? It's just a pile of dead bodies. They should be buried in peace."

Seeing that his disciple's face hadn't recovered for a long time, Gao Yuan looked outside the car and explained:

"This way we can temporarily shut up An Wensheng. Disciple, remember to go to town when you wake up."

"Corpses? Master, don't try to deceive me. They can obviously speak."

Although he had this thought before, after the fight, Xiang Jiannan felt that those thrown into the sea of ​​fire by his master were all living people.

How could a dead body speak? Is it really that powerful to raise a corpse? "Of course a corpse can't, but a human can."

As the carriage became more and more bumpy, Gao Yuan put down his whisk and said softly:

"They didn't say that. Since the real owner doesn't want to come out, why should we push him so hard?"

"The real master, Li Jin?"

After hearing the old Taoist's words, Xiang Jiannan thought of Li Jin and kept silent for a while.

Before I came here, my master said I could meet him, but I couldn't think of anyone else except Li Jin.

Now that I think about it, I feel that the voices are indeed very similar. But if the person speaking was Li Jin, why didn't he come out to see the master and myself?

Because of that house?

Li Jin is definitely not that kind of person.

(End of this chapter)