Linyang County.
The streets were deserted and deserted, with scattered pedestrians walking in a hurry.
The waiters in the tavern diligently wiped the tables and mopped the floor, fearing that business would be too poor and the shopkeeper would fire him.
In these days and months, countless people are rushing to do jobs that can provide enough food for free!
There have been natural disasters for four consecutive years. Even with Land God's blessing, the people cannot avoid all kinds of misery.
It can range from buying and selling children to selling children, but can lead to the death of the entire family.
Nine of the ten rooms are empty, with bones covering the fields.
"Everyone in the world says that gods are good..."
Zhou Yi murmured to himself, and now when he says these words, he only feels full of irony.
The people in the county and nearby villages built Land God Temple out of gratitude, but they never imagined that the disasters in the years came from the gods that everyone praised and admired.
"My heart is depressed, so it's time to celebrate."
Zhou Yi told the clerk to keep an eye on the store, then went out with his hands behind his back, strolling leisurely on the street.
From time to time, I meet acquaintances and lament that business has not been good recently. If this continues, I will go back to the countryside to farm.
"Shopkeeper Zhu is going to listen to music again? You are not young at all. It's time to collect your thoughts and get married and have children!"
The shopkeeper of Huixiang House introduced, "I have a distant relative who can settle accounts and understand female celebrities. She was born well. How about I make peace with you?"
"You guys, you've made us a lower class for nothing!"
Zhou Yi refused without leaving any trace. He looked to be in his mid-thirties, already past middle age. In recent years, many people have tried to help him with matchmaking.
They all found reasons to refuse. Now Land God had not long lived, and had acquired the secret skill of incense. He would be the tavern owner for a few years, so there was no need to delay others.
Soon after.
East of the city.
Xiaoxiang House.
Unlike other shops where business is bleak, the building is bustling and noisy, and the doors are packed with customers even in the clear day.
The princes and merchants in luxurious clothes were full of spring breeze, and they had not experienced the distress of natural disasters at all.
Land prices have plummeted, and all people's land can be bought at extremely low prices. At the same time, food prices have skyrocketed, and local wealthy families have private granaries. With just a little bit of food, they can recoup the money they paid for the land and earn a deed of sale.
It's probably the poor who offer their land and rush to work as slaves!
Such good things have been going on for several years, and Pleasure Quarter deserves to be happy.
Zhou Yi As soon as he entered the door, the madam came over with a smile on her face, as if she was seeing a relative.
This is a regular customer of Xiao Xiang House. He has been a regular customer for twenty years and has sent away three generations of bustards!
"Master Zhu, Miss Xiaoxiao is waiting for you upstairs."
The madam spoke very nicely, as if she was receiving a distinguished guest, but in fact Zhou Yi came so many times that there was always a girl available whenever she came.
Zhou Yi nodded slightly and was following the madam upstairs when he suddenly caught a glimpse of the girl in the Sun Family's arms.
Sun Family belongs to Linyang County local overlords, who controls the pian, Yamen Runner, etc. all the year round. It can be said that he is the county sheriff passed down from generation to generation. Because Clerk Sun is fond of drinking and loves money, he is very familiar with Zhou Yi.
The girl looked at the stranger with fear and resistance on her face, as if she was not used to it yet.
The more this happened, the more desire was aroused in Mr. Zhang, and his words and actions became more explicit.
Zhou Yi is not feeling pity. Nine out of ten women in Pleasure Quarter have tragic origins. They are really pitiable. His eyes sparkled and he saw a wisp of black energy growing in the girl's body.
It squirms and snakes like strange insects, burrowing in and out of the meridians and organs.
Due to frequent contact, Mr. Zhang was contaminated with a subtle black energy and grew stronger by absorbing his blood energy.
"Evil method..."
Zhou Yi Divine Sense scanned the entire Xiao Xiang House and found that many people had black energy in their bodies, large or small. Most of them had no effect. Three of them were lying in the woodshed moaning in pain.
The three people's facial features were sunken, their whole bodies were skinny, and they already had more air coming out than taking in air.
"The power of the spell is very weak. Not to mention harming monks, it can even be suppressed by martial arts masters. The only powerful thing is that it spreads very quickly, so this method is only for mortals?"
Zhou Yi had a vague guess in his heart, and it was probably Land God who had taken action again.
After drought, locusts, floods and earthquakes, is another plague coming?
"This guy is crazy, what on earth do he want to do?"
Zhou Yi Check the Linyang County journal and compare the disasters in the past three hundred years. They only occur once every five or six years.
Moreover, it is not all the fault of Land God, there are also mountain gods, suicune, and real natural disasters. It can be said that Orthodox God can be said to protect the place as a whole.
"My life is about to end, so I want to plunder Wish Power Pearl to extend my life?"
Zhou Yi frowned slightly. This was the most likely reason. Jiuzhou Cultivation World had many monks who performed crazy blood sacrifices to extend their lives before they died.
There is great terror between life and death!
The monks are accustomed to enjoying themselves aloof, and are more afraid of death than ordinary people, and are reluctant to part with their powerful position.
"Let's continue and see what tricks this guy is playing!"
Zhou Yi's eyes were gloomy. The plague was different from other natural disasters. If it really spread quickly, a whole county might be wiped out.
Great Heng Dynasty cannot control the evil spirits of the mountains, and there are still legal restrictions on the state capital Orthodox God. If a huge disaster really occurs, someone will definitely be sent to liquidate Land God.
Divine Path herdsmen, but they can't even cut off the leek roots!
Year Yuanding 75.
summer.
Azure Cloud Prefecture A strange epidemic broke out in Linyang, infecting hundreds of thousands of people.
The disease devoured the vitality and blood, and the patients were as skinny as firewood, wandering around and wailing like living corpses.
Yu Jian Tavern.
The store door was shut tightly and the windows were nailed shut.
The man held a wooden stick to guard the front and back doors, looking nervously at the street outside through the holes.
There are scattered pedestrians on the street, their eyes are dull, and they are walking slowly and swaying. From time to time, they hear popping noises, and without even looking, someone falls to the ground.
"Shopkeeper, are we just going to wait?"
The man who spoke was named Yang San. He was strong and knew a few crops, and he was responsible for guarding the front door.
Zhou Yi sighed, "What else can we do? If we go outside, we might catch the plague. Hall of Returning Spring and Doctor Wang can't be saved. We can only watch and wait to die!"
Yang San glanced at the non-living figures outside, and said with fear on his face, "There isn't much food in the store."
"Alcohol is the essence of food. If you persist for ten days and a half, someone will take care of the mess."
Zhou Yi A cold light flashed in his eyes. Those who were infected by the evil plague could only live for three to five days, while those who were young and strong could survive for ten and a half months.
At that time, if he did not show his divine power and "help the world and save the people," all the people in Linyang County would die.
How can we offer incense when all the people are dead?
Zhou Yi looked through the book in his hand and found that it was Incense Mind Condensation Art that he copied. Since he got this method, he has been reading and pondering it day and night.
As my understanding deepens, I feel more and more mysterious about this method. It can be said to be the foundation of Divine Path!
Even if Eastern Divine Continent does not have the inheritance of Divine Path, as long as the uses of Wish Power Pearl are continuously expanded, the complete incense Divine Path will one day be derived.
"The feeling this method gives me is similar to Minor Heaven Severing Art and Heaven Devouring Demon Art, but it is more complete and profound. I can gain something every day by studying it... It's a pity that no matter how mysterious Divine Path is, I can't practice it. I can only use Wish Power Pearl to overcome the tribulation!"
Zhou Yi respects Incense and Fire Prayer Power from the bottom of his heart. Even if his status is low and the disadvantages are not obvious, he is not willing to get involved.
In the blink of an eye, ten days later.
Yang San lay in a daze behind the door and lived on wine and water for five consecutive days. Even the tough man couldn't bear it.
suddenly.
Dangdangdang...
The gong sounded outside, and then Yamen Runner was heard shouting.
"Land God has appeared, Land God has appeared..."
"Land God Temple distributes protective talismans. Wearing them can get rid of evil diseases and protect you from all diseases..."
"Everyone must go and get the talisman, Land God, to save the world and save the people. The talisman is free and doesn't cost a penny..."
Shouts echoed through the streets.
The county town, which had been dead for more than ten days, suddenly came to life. When the people heard the shouting, they immediately rushed to Land God Temple.
West of the city.
Land God Temple.
Originally there was only Land God Temple in the east of the city. Due to Land God's continuous disaster relief, various large and small temples were erected.
There was a queue several miles long outside the temple, eager to receive the talisman.
Yamen Runner maintained order, yelled and scolded people who jumped in line, and handcuffed people who dared to disobey and threw them into cells.
"Master, please, can you please let me go to jail after receiving the magic talisman? I will die if I continue."
The people who jumped in the queue looked haggard, obviously suffering from the plague. They knelt on the ground and kowtowed. "Please forgive me, I don't want to die. Please forgive me..."
Yamen Runner Who cares about this, I slapped him a few times with the iron ruler, shouted and dragged him away.
"Patrolman Liu, don't do this."
A gentle voice came, but it was a mage wearing a yellow robe. "He is trying to survive and has done nothing wrong. Can all the laymen delay for a moment and give him a spiritual talisman to save his life?"
"Of course."
"Master Jia is compassionate, Land God is compassionate!"
"I recognize this person. He does good deeds and is not a bad person."
"..."
The people in line did not dare to have any objections and quickly spoke in support, because this person was Master Zhu Jia of the temple.
Patrolman Liu quickly bowed and saluted, showing more respect than meeting the county magistrate, and said, "Master Jia has spoken, so this person will be given an advantage."
This common people survived death and immediately became the most devout believers of Land God. Under the guidance of Master Jia, they entered Land God Temple.
Spiritual Talisman is not easy to obtain!
According to the explanation of the temple blessing, the talisman was drawn by Land God for the believers. Only by piously offering incense can it be effective.
After a series of kowtows, incense and chanting, the people finally got the talisman.
The palms were made of big yellow paper. The moment I took it, I felt comfortable all over my body. My body was still weak, but I no longer felt the pain of the bugs eating Heart-Eater's liver.
"Thank you Land God!"
County government.
Back hall.
The doors and windows are in dilapidated condition, and the roof is in disrepair and could collapse at any time.
Since Great Heng Grandfather, there has been a management system where officials do not repair the government. Since Magistrate Zhao took office, he cannot and dare not repair it.
It's midsummer and the heat is unbearable.
Magistrate Zhao didn't feel hot at all, sitting cross-legged on the futon, holding Wish Power Pearl to refine the spiritual energy.
At this time.
A shadow appeared in the corner of the wall, transforming into an old man in a robe, bowing to report.
"Sir, that one has started to save people."
"Got it."
Magistrate Zhao stopped practicing, put away Wish Power Pearl, thought for a moment and said, "Don't stare at this matter anymore. Everyone withdrew their hands and just treated it as unaware."
The old man wondered, "This epidemic is not like a natural disaster. The traces of the spell are so obvious that anyone with a discerning eye can see it. If it spreads..."
"So what if it spreads?"
Magistrate Zhao said, "I am only a ninth-grade official. I just Foundation Establishment not long ago. How can I be qualified to control Jindan's actions? At most, it is an unfavorable inspection. I cried a few times in front of the teacher and it will be over!"
The master said worriedly, "I'm afraid the higher ups will check the whereabouts of Wish Power Pearl."
Magistrate Zhao had already expected it and said, "Those Wish Power Pearl officials will stay for the time being and observe the direction of the wind for a few years. If the incident occurs, hand it over to the court immediately, and maybe they can make a contribution!"
"My lord is wise."
The master immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Something really went wrong with Magistrate Zhao, and he also suffered.
"Do you think that one can do it?"
"Nine times out of ten, I can."
Magistrate Zhao said, "This plague can bring in at least several thousand Wish Power Pearl. Adding in the previous four years, the number is over ten thousand, enough to buy a state capital's underworld judge!"
"A monk turns into a Yin god, Path of Immortality turns into a ghost, and his life span lasts for hundreds of years."
The master said with envy, "Besides, the power of the state judge is astonishing. No wonder that one is willing to take risks!"
"This is not an adventure, but a real gamble!"
Magistrate Zhao looked at Land God Temple and said quietly.
"Divine Path is far less carefree than Path of Immortality. He has too many entanglements with his followers. Not to mention that the promotion has not been completed yet, and if it is done, it is difficult to say that there will be no future troubles. Is it possible that he can massacre all the people in Linyang?"
"It's easy for the people to be abused, but it's hard for God to bully you! The consequences will be repaid sooner or later..."
Land God Temple.
The crowd surged.
The people who originally had doubts about the talismans became even more enthusiastic when they saw the seriously ill and dying people being cured in an instant.
While waiting in line to offer incense, I shouted thank you Land God, each voice getting louder than the last.
Zhou Yi was standing in the crowd, with a sarcastic look in his eyes. By practicing Incense Mind Condensation Art, he could clearly see how much his willpower was.
The people shouted slogans loudly, but the incense offered was shallow.
Of course, the plague involves life and death, and thanks to Land God's life-saving grace, it is ten times and a hundred times more than the usual incense.
"No wonder Hongluo said that due to continuous natural disasters, people's faith will not increase, but will become weaker. They believe in gods in order to achieve a stable and prosperous life, but as a result they continue to suffer disasters."
"Life is too miserable. Even if gods save my life, I have no faith!"
Zhou Yi suddenly felt in his heart. No wonder there were natural disasters in the past few years. Even if the monks cast spells and probes, it would be difficult to find the cause of the disaster.
This year, the evil spell was cast simply and crudely. It was obviously an ordinary natural disaster that could no longer inspire the people to worship Incense and Fire Prayer Power, so more cruel and poisonous methods had to be used.
Just like cutting leeks, you can't be too harsh or diligent, you have to give it a chance to grow!
Zhou Yi disappeared in a flash, and after a while he arrived at the south of the city, which was the Linyang County slum.
Streets filled with sewage, dilapidated and overcrowded houses.
Bitter Water Street.
C number thirteen.
There was only a thin, dark boy in the yard. He was so ill that he didn't even have the strength to get out of bed.
There was a flood the year before last and my mother drowned.
Last year, the earth dragon turned over and my father was crushed to death.
The remaining relatives, friends and neighbors have all died in the natural disasters in recent years. They can be said to be complete orphans.
The young man should have died, but he was very lucky and survived inexplicably every time.
When it was starving to death, a few little mice came out of the corner and were about to drown. A few driftwood floated over. Before the earth dragon turned over, it walked to the open space in a daze...
roof.
Zhou Yi looked at the dying boy, Heavenly Spirit Root, an orphan, surnamed Lin, with a deep hatred... It can be said that he was lucky, he waved his hand and released Spirit Ginseng Child, and ordered.
"Follow the plan."
"Venerable Immortal Don't worry!"
As Spirit Ginseng Child spoke, she transformed into a girl in a sky-green robe. Her hands were like catkins, her skin was like gelatin, and she wore bells on her wrists and bare feet, which made tinkling sounds as she walked around.
The sound startled the young man in the room. When he opened his eyes and saw the beautiful woman, he felt as if he had lost his soul.
Spirit Ginseng Child has bright eyes, white teeth, and a full smile.
"My benefactor, do you still remember the green snake you saved back then..."