The secret path hidden in the treasure bag
Chapter quotation: When you are at the end of your rope, you will find a way out.
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The rain continued to pour down, and the forest whimpered in the darkness. Yan Qing sat down under a tree, the cold rain running down his cheeks, mixing with the stinging pain from his wounds, keeping him awake. The pursuers might still be behind him, and this desolate mountain was no place to stay for long.
With trembling hands, he pulled the rain-soaked brocade pouch from his bosom. The silk fabric clung tightly to the hard object within. He carefully untied the string and, using the occasional flash of lightning that streaked through the night sky, peered clearly at the contents.
It was not the talisman or secret letter he had imagined, but a black token that was neither gold nor iron and was cold to the touch. It was engraved with an ancient word "Yi" and an extremely simple route map, pointing to a place called "Shizi Slope".
A token with the Chinese character “Yi”? A cross slope?
Yan Qing's brow furrowed, his mind racing. Elder Zhiqing's gift of this must have held a profound meaning. The word "yi" (post station) is often associated with post stations on official roads, but this token's shape is odd, unlike anything from an official residence. And "Shizi Slope"... he vaguely remembered it as a no-man's-land at the intersection of Jingdong Road and Jingxi Road, a dangerous and treacherous area filled with intruders.
Could this token be a token of some secret organization? And is Cross Hill its base?
How could Elder Zhiqing, a highly accomplished monk, be connected to such a secretive organization? Was he asking me to go there to seek asylum, or was he making other arrangements?
Countless questions swirled in his mind, but at this moment, this token and map became the only glimmer of light visible in the darkness. He had no better choice.
Memorizing the token and map, Yan Qing tore off his inner collar, hastily bandaged several deep wounds on his body, and struggled to stand up. He had to leave here as soon as possible and find the "Cross Slope".
For the next few days, Yan Qing was like a frightened bird, hiding during the day and venturing out at night. Relying on his extraordinary wilderness survival skills and the simple map, he struggled forward towards the Cross Hill. He didn't dare approach the town, and could only travel through the mountain forests and wild paths, drinking from the mountain springs when thirsty, eating wild fruits when hungry, and occasionally taking the risk of shooting wild animals with his small crossbow to satisfy his hunger.
The wounds on his body began to become inflamed due to lack of medical care and medicine, causing him to suffer from persistent low-grade fever and weakness. But he did not dare to stop. The pursuit behind him and the unknown road ahead drove him like a whip.
One day, he reached a mountain pass and saw from afar a cloud of dust rising from the official road below, as if a large group of troops were passing by. He hid his body and looked closely, only to see that the group was carrying a large amount of food and supplies under the flag of the official army and heading east.
Were they the imperial army going to attack Liangshan? Judging by the scale of the battle, Hu Yanzhuo and Liangshan were probably at a critical juncture. Yan Qing's worries grew even more intense. If Liangshan won, their arrogance would undoubtedly intensify; if they lost, the imperial court would likely not let him, a "Liangshan spy," off guard.
While he was thinking, he suddenly heard the sound of a dead branch breaking behind him!
Someone!
Yan Qing's muscles tensed instantly, and he slid silently into the bushes beside him like a cheetah, holding his breath.
A moment later, two men dressed in hunter attire, but with unusually sharp eyes, approached cautiously. They held steel pitchforks in their hands, but their steps were steady and their eyes were sharp; they were definitely not ordinary hunters.
"Strange, I clearly saw some movement over here just now." Someone whispered.
"Search carefully. The higher-ups said that Yan Qing might have fled to the mountains in this area. We must find him alive or dead!" said another person.
Another pursuer! Yan Qing was awed. These people, disguised as hunters, were clearly a search party sent by Liangshan or the government they were colluding with. They had actually tracked them down here!
The two "hunters" searched very carefully and gradually approached the bushes where Yan Qing was hiding.
Yan Qing gripped the dagger tightly in his hand and calculated the distance. If he was discovered, he would have no choice but to fight to the death.
Just when one of them was about to push aside the bushes in front of him, a violent commotion and shouts of killing suddenly came from the official road in the distance!
The two "hunters" paused and looked towards the official road in surprise and doubt.
The grain transport team on the official road was unexpectedly intercepted by a group of strongmen who appeared out of nowhere! The group was small in number, but each one was extremely brave, especially the big black man in the lead. He held two axes and rushed into the soldiers like a mad tiger, invincible, killing all the soldiers and horses!
"It's the people from Liangshan! That black bastard Li Kui!" a "hunter" shouted.
Li Kui?! Yan Qing was shocked. Liangshan actually dared to rob military supplies on the official road in broad daylight! How audacious!
The two "hunters" looked at each other, as if they had received some instructions. They stopped searching for Yan Qing and quickly sneaked towards the official road, apparently to meet Li Kui and others.
Yan Qing breathed a sigh of relief, but his heart grew heavier. Liangshan's rampant strength and arrogance were evident. He didn't dare linger for long, seizing this opportunity to quickly escape into the depths of the mountains and forests in the opposite direction.
After this shock, he became even more cautious. After two more days of trekking, following the map, he finally reached a dangerous mountain pass. The cliffs on either side were steep, and a small path meandered through the middle, forming a natural crossroads. This must be the "Cross Slope."
However, looking around, there were only wild grass and strange rocks, no buildings or people. Where was the stronghold that Elder Zhiqing was referring to?
Yan Qing, despite his almost exhausted body, searched carefully. Finally, under a seemingly ordinary rock wall, he found an extremely hidden cave entrance that would be difficult to detect without careful observation.
The cave entrance was only wide enough for one person to pass through. It was pitch black inside, and the depth was unknown. Yan Qing hesitated for a moment, then took out the "Yi" token, held it in his hand, took a deep breath, and ducked in.
The cave was initially cramped and damp, but after walking a dozen feet, it suddenly opened up! It was a vast underground cavern, with light filtering through through cracks in the ceiling, revealing a forest of stalactites and stalagmites. Even more surprising, there were stone tables and benches, and even a gurgling underground river, creating a secret habitat.
"Who trespassed into the post station?" A cold voice suddenly came from the darkness.
Yan Qing's heart trembled as he saw two strong-dressed men walking out of the shadows, holding sharp blades and staring at him vigilantly.
He raised the token in his hand and said in a deep voice, "I am Yan Qing, and I have come to pay you a visit under the guidance of Elder Zhiqing."
The two men's expressions changed slightly when they saw the token. They looked at each other and one of them said, "The token is correct. Follow me."
Yan Qing followed the man and walked along the underground river for a while. Before him came several stone chambers carved into the rock face. In one of the stone chambers, a bright light was on. An old man in a hemp robe and with a gaunt face was sitting at a stone table, sipping tea with a calm demeanor.
The man who led the way bowed and reported: "Captain, someone wants to see you with the 'Xuanzi Order'."
The old man raised his head, his eyes like lightning, and fell on Yan Qing, lingering for a moment on his disheveled clothes and bandaged wounds. He slowly said, "I am Gongsun Sheng, and I will be in charge of this place temporarily. Little brother, are you the prodigal Yan Qing who has been stirring up trouble recently?"
Gongsun Sheng?! Gongsun Sheng, the Cloud Dragon?!
Yan Qing was horrified! How could he be here? Shouldn't he be at Liangshan? In his previous life, he remembered Gongsun Sheng being at Liangshan, but often wandering around. Could it be that in this life, he had already left Liangshan, or even... founded or joined another secret organization?
"Junior Yanqing, greetings to Mr. Gongsun." Yanqing suppressed his inner shock and bowed. "Excuse me for interrupting you. I was framed by a villain and had nowhere else to turn. Fortunately, Elder Zhiqing gave me the guidance and I came here for help."
Gongsun Sheng stroked his long beard, a glint of understanding flashing in his eyes. "Master Zhiqing and I are acquaintances from the outside world. I already know the general situation of your affairs. That Wu Yong is indeed becoming more and more unscrupulous."
He gestured for Yan Qing to sit down, and ordered hot tea and medicine to be served. He then said slowly, "This place is called 'Hidden Posthouse.' It's not a place for people to gather and rebel like Liangshan. It's a place where those who are unwilling to be corrupted and yet cannot stand the filth of the world can communicate and take shelter. Since you've come here, it's fate."
Yan Qing listened, and suddenly his mind was enlightened. So that's it! Elder Zhiqing wanted him to find a secret ally who could rival Liangshan! This "Hidden Post" must have attracted many talented people.
"Thank you for taking me in!" Yan Qing said gratefully, then asked anxiously, "Do you know the current situation outside? General Zhang Qing..."
Gongsun Sheng waved his hand. "Don't worry about Zhang Qing for now. General Su is still mediating, and Gao Qiu and the others don't have any real evidence for the time being, so they've only put him under house arrest. But you, on the other hand, have become a target of public criticism. Some people in Liangshan and even the imperial court want to eliminate you as soon as possible."
He paused, looking at Yan Qing with a deep gaze. "Little brother, you've repeatedly sabotaged Wu Yong's plans, saved Lu Junyi, aided Zhu Tong, protected Xu Ning, stabilized the Three Villages... These actions may seem sporadic, but in reality, they all invisibly weakened Liangshan and slowed its momentum. Have you ever thought about why you did this? Was it just for Lu Junyi, or was it because you felt sorry for him?"
Yan Qing was silent for a long time after hearing this. The secret of his new life could not be revealed, but the original intention of his journey gradually became clear.
He raised his head, his eyes firm. "I do not wish to see loyal and righteous people wronged, heroes brought to ruin, and even more so, the world engulfed in flames and devastated by the selfishness of Liangshan. I am a small and powerless person, but I will do my best to do my best and have a clear conscience."
Gongsun Sheng's eyes flashed with admiration. "What a clear conscience! In that case, are you willing to stay here for a while? First, to avoid disaster and heal your wounds, and second... this 'Hidden Post' may also offer you some useful skills and practical work."
Yan Qing looked at Gongsun Sheng, then at this mysterious underground world, and his heart was filled with mixed emotions. He had wanted to retire, but step by step he was pushed to the forefront of the storm; he had wanted to be independent, but unknowingly shouldered more and more responsibilities.
Perhaps this is his fate.
He took a deep breath, bowed and said, "Thank you for not abandoning me, sir. Yan Qing... is willing to stay."
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End of Chapter 18
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