Shadow Play Spring Breeze Troupe

"Uh... why?"

Seeing Daoist Wang's firm refusal, Sha LiFei looked puzzled.

Even Li Yan turned to look at the Daoist.

During this period, he had followed Daoist Wang and learned a great deal about the Xuan Gate People.

"Filling the Statues" had originally been passed down from Buddhism. Whenever a Buddhist statue was completed, symbolic internal organs had to be placed inside, along with various rituals, to make the statue more spiritually potent.

There were countless methods of Filling the Statues, and every sect had strict traditions. The process was also complicated.

For example, before Filling the Statues, the statue had to be purified. Its interior had to be cleaned and fumigated with incense, then sprinkled with safflower water, and finally fumigated with pine resin and frankincense.

There were also rules regarding the materials selected for the central channel, the combination of five-colored gemstones, and even the monks performing the Filling of the Statues.

After Buddhism and Taoism took root in the Divine Land, building Buddhist statues inevitably required hiring craftsmen from the Xuan Gate People who understood the trade. This method gradually spread and flourished as well.

When used properly, this method made it easier to gather Incense Divine Firmness.

Yet Li Yan did not know why Daoist Wang was so wary of it.

Under their gazes, Daoist Wang stroked his beard and shook his head. "There's nothing remarkable about Filling the Statues and inviting gods. Almost every troupe does it. Some have even inherited the practice for a hundred years. Their Incense Divine Firmness is vigorous, and they have no qualms about performing for ghosts and gods during the Ghost Festival."

"But this newly arrived Shadow Play Troupe is definitely strange."

"Xianyang City isn't all that big, but it isn't small either. There are more than a dozen troupes. If they want to establish themselves here, they'll inevitably have to use a few tricks."

"Invite gods? I'm afraid they want to invite something else..."

"Besides, the Shadow Play Troupe is different. Other troupes worship Old Patron God, while shadow-play troupes worship Han Dynasty Fangshi Shao Weng."

"It was said that during the Han Dynasty, Emperor Wu missed his deceased consort, Lady Li. Shao Weng made a shadow figure of Lady Li, painted it, and fitted wooden rods to its hands and feet. At night, they surrounded it with curtains and lit lamps and candles. Emperor Wu was delighted when he saw it. Thus, Shao Weng, a master of the Xuan Gate People, became the founding patriarch of the shadow-play trade."

"All drama originated as entertainment for the gods. Shadow plays in particular mostly perform wish-granting plays, vow-repayment plays, rainmaking plays, sacrificial plays, and exorcism plays. They are performed during seasonal festivals, banquets, temple fairs, and weddings and funerals. There are countless rules and taboos. If they invited something else, I'm afraid the trouble would be even greater."

"If something goes wrong, someone will definitely die!"

After his explanation, the two of them suddenly understood.

Sha LiFei scratched his head and cursed, "What a damn coward. No wonder that old dough-face came rushing over the moment I mentioned it. I bet the other families didn't dare take the job."

The man's skin was thicker than a city wall. Even after letting the cat out of the bag, he did not care in the slightest. His eyes rolled, and he grinned. "Daoist, look, they're the ones inviting the gods anyway. As long as we get the job done, that's enough. Whatever happens afterward has nothing to do with us..."

"No."

Daoist Wang shook his head immediately. "I can't get past this hurdle. If someone truly dies, regret will come too late."

Li Yan also spoke. "Let's do as Daoist Wang says."

From the moment they met, he had already seen what kind of person Daoist Wang was.

The Daoist had a sincere heart. Even if he wanted to make money, he would only take it through proper means.

There was a reason that, as one of the Xuan Gate People, he had fallen into such dire straits.

Knock, knock, knock!

Just then, knocking sounded from outside the courtyard.

The three of them looked up and saw an old man with white hair and black clothes standing outside the gate. He looked at them while tapping on the door with his hand. Beneath his oiled-paper umbrella was a face filled with sorrow.

"May I ask if this is Daoist Wang?"

"Troupe Leader Zhou?"

Sha LiFei was puzzled at first, but his expression soon turned sour. "That 'Old White Face' sure has a fast mouth. Troupe Leader Zhou, I'm afraid you had your eye on me the moment I stepped out, didn't you?"

"You followed me all the way here without me noticing. Impressive skills..."

"Old White Face" was an acquaintance of Sha LiFei's, as well as the troupe's suona player.

Sha LiFei had not expected that he had only mentioned the matter in passing, without anything being settled, and the troupe leader had already followed him to the door.

What made it even more embarrassing was that he considered himself an old hand of the jianghu, yet he had not known when he was being watched. Hadn't that made him lose face in front of Li Yan and Daoist Wang?

Daoist Wang waved to interrupt him, then said sincerely to Troupe Leader Zhou, "This gentleman, I know what you want to do, but those of your trade who travel the jianghu still rely on true ability. Borrowing the power of ghosts and gods will only bring harm upon you..."

"This old man knows."

Troupe Leader Zhou sighed, his face growing even more bitter. "Please let this old man finish speaking."

"My name is Zhou KangNian, and my troupe is called Spring Breeze Troupe. In Huayin, it has been an established name for a hundred years. We saved up some money and planned to come to Xianyang to make a name for ourselves before heading to Chang'an."

"This all happened because of my rebellious son. He didn't understand the dangers of the jianghu. As soon as he arrived in Xianyang, people schemed to lure him into gambling. He owed a huge sum of money, and after returning, he was too ashamed to face anyone. In the middle of the night, he secretly hanged himself."

"I spoiled him in life, so losing my son while I still had white hair was also my own fault. But the old and young members of the troupe are innocent. Now the Iron Blade Society has come to our door, saying that not one of us can leave until the debt is repaid."

"This old man knows how dangerous this is. I am willing to bear the consequences alone. If something truly happens, then let me be the only one to die. I only ask that you help us through our present calamity..."

Li Yan, standing to the side, heard this, and a sharp glint flashed through his eyes.

That Old Monkey, Zhou Pan, had many disciples, both good and bad.

Two of them had originally been street ruffians. After learning the true inheritance of fist techniques, they gathered the thugs and local hoodlums of Xianyang City and formed two gangs of their own: the Iron Saber Gang and the White Ape Gang.

With the Divine Fist Society backing them, their influence continued to expand. They had already become the Chief of Xianyang City's underworld, each occupying the eastern or western half of the city and making a living through bullying merchants and monopolizing business.

Their methods were crooked, but the money came quickly.

When the Divine Fist Society was founded, one of its principles had been to protect the local people. But as these two disciples kept sending offerings, Old Monkey Zhou Pan turned a blind eye.

Sometimes, when they offended fellow jianghu practitioners, he would even personally come out to smooth things over.

Thus, the two gangs grew increasingly brazen.

When the Spring Breeze Troupe first entered Xianyang, it was naturally targeted by these people.

Seeing that Daoist Wang was still hesitating, Troupe Leader Zhou suddenly dropped to his knees with a thump. Tears streamed down his old face as he said, "Daoist, please help us."

"I know of a method that can gather all the misfortune onto my body. So long as the old and young members of the troupe can escape this calamity, I'll have no regrets even if I die!"

For Troupe Leader Zhou to follow behind Sha LiFei without being noticed, his skills were naturally impressive. He had already cultivated Hidden Strength. Although he was old and his vital energy and blood had declined, he was still a capable fighter.

Yet no one would have expected him to be forced to this point.

"Old Troupe Leader, you are a man of righteousness."

Daoist Wang sighed. "I understand what you mean. Circumstances force people to do things against their will, but you must think this through. If something happens, it won't be as simple as your soul flying apart."

Troupe Leader Zhou brightened and gritted his teeth. "Then please, Daoist, lend us your aid."

"Don't be hasty."

Daoist Wang did not agree right away. Instead, he said calmly, "Let's first go see your troupe. Troupe Leader Zhou, please wait outside. We'll gather our things and leave."

"Good, good!"

Troupe Leader Zhou had seen enough of human nature to understand that Daoist Wang was deliberately sending him away. But the fact that the other man was willing to agree was already something he was immensely grateful for. How could he dare say anything more?

The moment he left, Sha LiFei's face turned bitter. He lowered his voice and said, "Oh, Daoist, the taboos surrounding ghosts and gods are still far off, but the villain is right in front of our eyes."

"You refused earlier. Why have you agreed now?"

Daoist Wang shook his head awkwardly. "This... I softened."

Sha LiFei was about to continue persuading him, but Li Yan spoke from the side. "Since we're going to use the Secret Sign, how could we be afraid of trouble? We can take this job!"

The moment Sha LiFei heard this, he knew that Li Yan probably wanted to find an opening through the Iron Saber Gang and deal with Zhou Pan. He could not help sighing inwardly.

One was stubborn, and the other was crazy. He truly had the worst luck.

He wanted to leave, but when he thought of all the twists and turns of his life, and the debts he still carried, how could he be willing to return and become the Wheat Harvester Leader again?

"Fine. We'll do it!"

Thinking this, he gritted his teeth and hardened his resolve.

"Don't be hasty."

Daoist Wang waved his hand and said solemnly, "I once heard that there is a branch of the shadow-play trade that follows an evil path, using human skin as its material. When people are driven into desperate straits, Buddha and demon can both emerge from a single thought."

"Yan XiaoGe, keep an eye out then. If they've already performed an evil ritual, we'll turn around and leave, then report them to the authorities!"

"All right."

Once they had made up their minds, the three gathered their things and left.

Troupe Leader Zhou was naturally overjoyed and led the way...

After leaving, they followed Troupe Leader Zhou through streets and alleys. Before they knew it, they had arrived at the northwest corner of Xianyang City.

They had reached the area near Horse King Temple.

Horse King Temple enshrined Lord Ma, one of the Xuan Gate's Divine Generals and Great Marshals. Such temples could be found in many places, and their incense was flourishing.

Of course, this was also where horse permits were handled and where the Xianyang Mule and Horse Market was located. After rain, the ground became a muddy mess. Combined with the smell of livestock, it was truly foul.

Naturally, the wealthy families of Xianyang City could not stand the stench.

Thus, most of the people living here were impoverished commoners.

The Spring Breeze Troupe's stationing itself here showed just how destitute they were.

Led by Troupe Leader Zhou, the three turned into an old alley. The residences on both sides were all dilapidated, with filthy water flowing everywhere and rotten mud covering the ancient bluestone slabs.

They had not gone far when a large courtyard appeared ahead.

It seemed to have once been a carriage inn, but it had already fallen into ruin.

More than a dozen people stood scattered outside. Every one of them had a face full of flesh, wore their clothes carelessly, and looked disreputable. Some were bare-chested, revealing tattoos, while others had flowers tucked beside their small caps.

Each carried a weapon, and their speech was foul.

Yet Li Yan stopped at that moment, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

The leader of this band of thugs was actually someone he knew.

It was none other than Meng HaiCheng, who had suffered at his hands.