Extra Chapter 3: A Dream of the Past (Part 1)
(Preface: The plot here continues from Chapter 191, which is considered the second theater. It has little to do with the main plot. If you don't like it, please skip it.)
"If you see Miss Lingxiang, please tell her this: Even if you hang your head and go back to heaven, it is impossible to turn back again; the dreams of fools are all in vain."
…
"That's what she said..." Long Qi patted his head and turned to Lingxiang.
"It seems that's what is said..." Zhao Wuyang pinched his chin and said with a mature look.
Seeing him like this, Xinyi ruffled his hair, raised the corner of her mouth, and then nodded to Lingxiang to indicate that he was also there at the time.
Seeing this, Lingxiang frowned and thought deeply: How could Liu Yaoyi know what she was going to do? From the sound of it, she knew who she was from the beginning? How did she know?
Tumi, ah Tumi, what is there about you that others don’t know?
Just as Lingxiang was pondering, Banxia asked, "The turmoil here has calmed down. What are your plans now?"
Naturally, she wanted to travel with Lingxiang, but something was not right with Liu Xia after she came out of the secret room, and the Bagua Plate was now completely silent. For a moment, she didn't know what to do.
Hearing this, Liu Xia looked up at her, then lowered his head again, lost in thought. Seeing him like this, Lingxiang became even more certain that something must have happened in the Xuanwu Formation.
"I originally wanted to reminisce about the past and visit the old house, but I unexpectedly ran into Uncle Sheng along the way and learned about the sword manual. Now that I've got the manual, I really don't know where to go for the time being." Long Qi scratched his head and looked at Xin Yi. "Is there anywhere you want to go?"
After experiencing some recent events, Long Qi felt somewhat relieved. He had thought Xinyi would want to see the place where she lived as a child, just like him, but Xinyi shook her head.
For Xinyi, the past was the past. After learning about Uncle Cheng's incident, Long Qi's advice had made him feel relieved. Although the illusions in the Azure Dragon Formation had disturbed his mind, he now felt that dwelling on the past would only hinder his progress.
After all, one must look forward to the future. Perhaps the sword spirit's probing in Xuancang Cave was meant to convey this to him.
Seeing Xin Yi shake her head, Long Qi turned to look at Liu Xia, only to find him with his head lowered, looking lost in thought. Although Liu Xia was usually a bit of a fool, always trying to impress with his presence, he rarely acted like this today.
For a moment, Long Qi didn't know whether to ask him. After hesitating for a long time, he turned his head and asked Zhao Wuyang if there was anywhere he wanted to go.
In the past, Zhao Wuyang had only gone to the palace in Kyoto with his father to pay homage to the emperor during the New Year. He had never been out like he was doing now. Naturally, he wanted to go everywhere, but he didn't know where to go.
Looking at Zhao Wuyang who was also shaking his head, Long Qi raised an eyebrow, shrugged and looked at Lingxiang, who couldn't help but sigh when he saw this.
She was an elder of the Yuanqing Sect, and was supposedly a generation older than the others present, so it was inconvenient for her to interfere with their training. Furthermore, she had originally intended to meet Liu Yaoyi before heading to Yunmengze alone.
But Long Qi's expression just now seemed to be saying: Look, we don't know where to go, why don't you give us some advice!
What the hell does your training have to do with me? I'm not your wet nurse!
But now, except for Liu Xia who was still looking down, thinking about something, everyone else was staring at him motionlessly, as if he would be letting them down if he didn't tell them where he was going.
"Alas..." Lingxiang sighed heavily once more. "It seems like our meeting was destined. Well, since you both have nowhere to go, why don't you come with me to Liangcheng? Who knows, we might have a goal by then..."
The group did not follow the original route they had come, but instead, with Long Qi leading the way, they took a smaller path. However, even though it was a smaller path, it wasn't as rugged as the one they had taken to Cangzhou, which made Zhao Wuyang feel relieved. After witnessing Liu Xia's ability as a guide, he really didn't trust Long Qi.
Thinking of this, Zhao Wuyang couldn't help but look at Liu Xia, but seeing that he looked absent-minded, he was very confused and hurriedly asked Xinyi the reason, but how could Xinyi know?
"It must be something that happened in the Four Symbols Formation. That formation can reveal people's hearts. I think he has suffered physical and mental trauma and it will be difficult for him to recover for a while."
Zhao Wuyang agreed deeply with what Xinyi said. He had experienced it before, so he naturally knew the power of the Four Symbols Formation. Thinking of this, Zhao Wuyang sighed deeply and put on a pretentious air, which made Xinyi chuckle and rub his head again.
About two and a half days later, they arrived at a lake and were about to rest when they heard Banxia shouting. When they looked in the direction of the voice, they saw her and Lingxiang pointing at the lake in amazement.
Out of curiosity, everyone looked into the lake and saw a small island with two bridges connecting the shore. From a distance, it looked like a swimming dragon.
Especially the two bridges, which are shaped like dragon bones, winding and winding, with water bridges corresponding to them, which is very spectacular.
Just when everyone was finding it incredible, they discovered that there seemed to be a small town on the island. It was getting dark, so Banxia suggested that they stop in the town for a rest.
Lingxiang agreed, uncharacteristically, not in the rush to get going as before, which surprised the others. Xinyi, however, noticed a hint of hesitation on Lingxiang's face. Looking back at the island, she couldn't see anything wrong.
We followed the river bank to the bridge. The view from the bridge was different. It was surrounded by greenery, fish were swimming leisurely in the water, and mayflies were flying in groups, making people feel like they were in another world.
Once you reach the island, you'll see a jade gate with the words "Longqiao Town" prominently displayed. The town itself is even more bizarre: seemingly quiet from a distance, it's unexpectedly bustling with activity.
Banxia's eyes lit up as she watched, and she would peek into the stalls on both sides from time to time, just like a child.
It's not that she was uninformed, but the things in this town were truly bizarre, such as lifelike paper butterflies flying in the air, lively tiger puppets that looked lifelike, and even self-performed shadow puppets that were like a dream.
Normally, people who practice cultivation should be accustomed to these magic tricks, but what is surprising is that such magic tricks can be seen everywhere on the streets, and passers-by all look as if they are used to it.
This is unusual. Even though spiritual fragrance has permeated the world for many years, I have never heard of such a place where hidden dragons and crouching tigers exist.
At this moment, a sound of music was heard, followed by someone singing: "The Immortal Su Tong has arrived, do not listen or look, and quickly make way!"
As soon as the singing ended, pedestrians retreated to the sides, with pious faces, nodding their heads and touching their chests, performing religious rituals. The originally noisy street suddenly became quiet. In broad daylight, you could hear a pin drop.
Even if it was the emperor's palanquin, it would not have been more than this kind of pomp and ceremony. Who is this so-called Su Tong Immortal?
Besides, people who practice cultivation are detached from the world and will never show off. Just like the head of Yuanqing Sect, Shangqing Zhenren, he has such a high level of cultivation, but whenever someone comes to the mountain to ask to see him, he always looks friendly. How could he have been like this before?
Several people were stunned at that moment. Suddenly, a force pulled them to the side one by one. Looking back, they saw...
"Cheng Yu!"
It was indeed Cheng Qi, whom I hadn't seen for many days. He quickly asked everyone to be quiet, motioned for them to follow him, and then crouched down and went into an alley.
As soon as Fang stood still, Long Qi couldn't help but ask, "Why are you here?"
"This is my home, so of course I'm here," Cheng Yu said as if it was a matter of course. "I didn't expect that I would meet you guys just when I was having a drink." Then he bowed to Lingxiang.
Only then did they realize that he was holding several wine jars in his hands, with "Bai Mo Zhi" written in black on red paper.
"Bai Mozhi?" Lingxiang frowned. "Is there a sacrificial ceremony for Liangcheng's wine soon?"
Cheng Yu's face froze when he heard this. He paused for a moment before saying, "It's a long story. By the way, Master-aunt is new here and probably hasn't found a place to live yet. Why don't you stay at my house?"
He looked worried, and it seemed there must be something hidden. They exchanged glances and followed him.
After a few twists and turns, they arrived at the home Cheng Qi had mentioned. It turned out to be the escort agency. Looking at the riveted gate and the four large characters "Chengfeng Escort Agency" on the plaque, Zhao Wuyang and Banxia couldn't help but exclaim in amazement—this was truly magnificent.
But the difference is that once you enter the house, you're met with a sense of desolation. The sparse pomegranate trees and the deserted courtyard give off a dead feeling.
Lingxiang frowned inadvertently, but did not speak. Instead, Cheng Qi scratched his head embarrassedly: "All the escorts in the bureau have gone out, and there are only three of us left at home: the master's wife, the young lady, and me, so..."
No wonder it was so. So that's how it was. Everyone suddenly understood. But just as Cheng Qi led them to their respective houses, Lingxiang suddenly asked, "Is anyone in the family sick?"
Banxia was startled by these words. Lingxiang was being rude. How could a guest speak of the host like this? Wasn't that a curse? She couldn't understand why she had to ask these questions now, as she could have said them after Chengqi left.
Cheng Yu didn't seem angry at all, he just stood at the door without moving, and then he heard Ling Xiang say:
"Feng Shui is the specialty of Senior Brother Donghui. If he were here, I wouldn't dare to show off my skills. However, since I've run into this, I have to ask. The escort agency is a very sunny place, but your house is cold and desolate. When you enter, you see tall trees withering. It's really a bit inconsistent."
"Besides, although the escort agency is a place in the mortal world, it also follows the rules. Since there are women in the family, and Banxia and I are women, we should be treated by them when we enter the hall. However, it is unreasonable for a man like you to lead us to a place like our residence."
Banxia was shocked when she heard this. Lingxiang saw through all this while they were just walking?
Cheng Yu often heard his master say not to underestimate Elder Fu Cang, but he had never imagined she could be so perceptive, seeing through him even before he'd said anything. He was genuinely surprised to see a group of people on the street, but he had never asked for help since he was a child, so for a moment he didn't know how to start.
Lingxiang then spoke as if she had made a final conclusion, "If I'm not mistaken, the person who is ill in the mansion should be the master's wife you mentioned just now."
…
What Lingxiang didn't expect was that, although it was clearly stated that there was a young lady at home, there was no one serving by the master's wife's bedside. As soon as she entered the room, she could only hear bursts of light coughing, which sounded extremely desolate.
She looked at Cheng Yu in confusion, and the latter just smiled bitterly and led her into the house.
After a brief examination, Lingxiang could only sigh and shake her head. Although she wasn't skilled in medicine, Madam Cheng was already terminally ill. Even if Senior Brother Fuyin came in person, it would probably only delay the treatment. It wouldn't be worth it to cause her to suffer for a few more days.
"Is there really... no other solution?" Cheng Yu said in a panic. "What if we use elixirs? Master's alchemy skills are incredible, so they'll surely be able to cure the disease, right?"
But Lingxiang shook her head again: "Madam, you have no cultivation and have been suffering from tuberculosis for a long time. You cannot withstand the poison of the elixir. Forcing yourself to take the elixir is like drinking poison."
Cheng Qi still refused to give up and tried to tug at Lingxiang, wanting to beg her again. However, Madam Cheng coughed and said, "Ah Qi, I know my own body. Life and death are determined by heaven. Please don't make it difficult for the fairy lady."
“But…but…”
Cheng Yu has been with Madam Cheng since he was a child. Madam Cheng treats him as her own son, and he has long regarded her as his mother. Seeing Madam Cheng like this, how can he accept it for a while?
At this time, Madam Cheng asked weakly, "I hope the fairy will tell me the truth, how much time do I have left?"
Looking at Madam Cheng lying on the bed with a calm expression, Lingxiang also had a calm expression. Although she was not very old, she had been down the mountain for some time. During those years in Youran Residence, she had witnessed many separations and deaths.
"I'm afraid it's almost there."
Cheng Yu was shocked when he heard this. Although his wife was bedridden, she looked much better than before. How could it be so close to death?
Madam Cheng was very calm, and only sighed: "This is a relief. There is only one thing that still worries me, and that is the Chengfeng Escort Agency. Your master has devoted his entire life to it, but Dan Ruo..."
…
"What!" Long Qi exclaimed, "They're all dead?!"
Xinyi also frowned: "The so-called immortal is probably just a demon, otherwise it wouldn't do such a thing as taking someone's life."
It turned out that Madam Cheng had no one to serve her. The reason was that her daughter Dan Ruo had been chosen to be a saint and was currently in Sutong Cave. The reason there was no one in the house wasn't because everyone had gone out for a walk.
When some escorts came back from escorting their young ladies and learned about their affairs, they went to look for the Immortal Su Tong, but after that, there was no news from her again.
"I think it's more dangerous than good..." Liu Xia frowned and said, "How can a mortal with flesh and blood defeat a demon with cultivation?"
Cheng Qi frowned and sighed: "This is all my fault..."
It turns out that Cheng Xi was an abandoned baby that Cheng Biaotou and his wife found while escorting an escort. They raised him and later had Miss Cheng. Cheng Biaotou and his wife never treated Cheng Xi as an outsider, teaching him with care, but they also did not hide his background.
Later, when Cheng Baotou was escorting an escort, he had an accident. When Mrs. Cheng learned about it, her old illness relapsed and she has been bedridden ever since. At that time, Cheng Yu was learning martial arts from Yuan Qing, and the burden of the whole family fell on Miss Cheng alone.
When Cheng Biaotou was still alive, he wanted to bring Cheng Xi and Miss Cheng together, but Cheng Xi refused, saying that he had always treated Miss Cheng as a younger sister and had never had any improper thoughts about her.
The palms and backs of the hands are all made of flesh, so Cheng Biaotou naturally would not force it, but Miss Cheng did not think so. She had never regarded Cheng Qi as a brother, and had long been in love with him.
On the day Cheng Qi left home, Miss Cheng found him crying and expressed her feelings to him. However, Cheng Qi was devoted to practicing Buddhism and tried to persuade Miss Cheng with kind words, but she refused to listen.
During the time when Yuanqing Sect was practicing, an unknown immortal named Su Tong appeared in the town and declared that everyone could practice Taoism.
Naturally, no one believed her at first, but after she performed some mysterious magic and trained a group of ordinary people who were now able to perform magic, now almost everyone in Longqiao Town has become her believer.
Due to unexpected changes in her family and rejection by her lover, Miss Cheng was really depressed for a while. After hearing about the story of the immortal Su Tong, she became deeply involved in it. No matter how others advised her, she was unwilling to turn back.
Now, she has been chosen to be a saint.
Since this damn immortal founded the Dawn Cult, he has chosen four saints. Each saint eventually died inexplicably, and their deaths were extremely strange, as if their blood had been sucked out, their bodies were shriveled, or they seemed to have been poisoned, their bodies turned black.
However, despite such a bizarre way of death, those believers still remained steadfast in their faith.
"I'm afraid she must have used some powerful illusion..." Cheng Yu guessed, "I heard that the Immortal Su Tong was an extremely beautiful woman, her beauty comparable to that of a celestial being."
Illusion? Beauty?
Long Qi couldn't help but think of Liu Yaoyi, and blurted out: "No matter how beautiful she is, can she be more beautiful than Liu Yaoyi from Liangcheng? She is really beautiful in both wine and beauty, not to mention her unique illusion skills..."
Before he could finish his words, he suddenly felt a chill on his back. This chill made him look back quickly, but he didn't find anything wrong. However, he clearly felt the murderous intent just now, which was definitely true.
Could it be that the immortal Su Tong used some magic to hide here?
Long Qi quickly leaned over to whisper his guess in Xinyi's ear, but Xinyi had a half-smile on her face and raised her eyebrows to look at Lingxiang.
Following Xin Yi's gaze, Long Qi was suddenly shocked: Yes, how could he have forgotten? He had suffered a lot for praising Liu Yaoyi before!
But Lingxiang didn't seem angry either...
But to ease the awkwardness, he quickly changed the subject and said, "Anything out of the ordinary must be demonic. Regardless, it's necessary to pay a visit to this Immortal Su Tong." He then looked at Ling Xiang and said, "Don't you agree?"
Long Qi was feeling proud of himself for not talking to Gu, but he heard a "Yo~" sound coming from him. The tone was gentle, tortuous and melodious, which made him shudder immediately.
"I'm a natural beauty, unlike some people who are like tigresses! Oh well! After all, some people don't have what they need, and are also rude and unjust. How can they compare to me? Otherwise, they wouldn't be so obsessed with me, right?"
Lingxiang's words were nonsensical, and everyone around was also confused after hearing them, but Long Qi knew what was going on. He couldn't help but complain in his heart: It's been such a long time since it happened, why is this woman still holding a grudge? She is really petty.
Long Qi coughed lightly twice and said sternly to the puzzled crowd, "This matter involves human life and death. In my opinion, it is best to investigate as soon as possible."
This was indeed true, but just when they thought it was so, they saw Lingxiang sitting on the armchair beside them, took out a handful of pine seeds, crossed her legs and started peeling them with a "crunch, crunch" sound.
"In that case, then go ahead." His tone was extremely lazy, as if it had nothing to do with him.
"You...you're not going?" Long Qi looked surprised.
"Why should I go?" Lingxiang said as if it was a matter of course. "Everything we encountered during this trip down the mountain was a training for you. Why should I, a dignified elder of the sect, get involved in your affairs?"
When these words came out, everyone present was stunned. But after they came back to their senses and thought about it carefully, it seemed that these words did make sense...
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