Xiangyang Pier is already crowded with people.
On the largest Stone Platform, City God Temple Daoists were holding rituals. Amidst the music of sheng, Xiao and drums, the Daoists in robes were holding Hu Tablet, fly whisks, incense burners and other objects, walking around a boat.
They stepped on the steps and sang to the music:
"Tai Chi divides the vitality, and the two instruments give rise to the four images.
The five elements spread in all directions, and the heaven and earth form their own chapters.
The sun and moon illuminate the universe, and yin and yang transform all things..."
The song they sang is called Pacing the Void Lyrics.
Legend has it that Cao Zhi, King of Chensi, was traveling in the mountains and suddenly heard the sound of chanting sutras in the air. It was clear and bright in the distance. The person who interpreted the sound wrote it down and it was the sound of gods.
The Daoist imitated it and wrote Pacing the Void Lyrics.
Its melody is ethereal, like immortals walking in the void. Daoist priests often chant it while walking around the altar, walking through flowers, etc.
The boat they were surrounded by had its hull painted with various thunder and cloud symbols, decorated with five-colored ribbons, and hung with lanterns.
There are also cereals, tea, wine, rooster blood, and five straw figures, which are written "Spring Plague Zhang Yuanbo", "Summer Plague Liu Yuanda", "Autumn Plague Zhao Gongming", "Winter Plague Zhong Rengui", and "Chief of Central Plague Shi Wenye" respectively.
This ritual is called Sending the Plague Boat.
This custom originated from Ezhou and has spread to all parts of Divine Land to this day. Wherever there are rivers, it will be held on the first lunar month and the Dragon Boat Festival.
Now that the pandemic has just passed, a Sending the Plague Boat ceremony will naturally be held so that the dock will be officially opened and the people can feel at ease.
Amidst the lingering green smoke, Daoists burned incense and prayed, asking the gods from all directions to purify the water and clean the boats, serve tea, and burn and frame the proclamations to tell the heaven.
Finally, the Daoists chanted together. "Set the sails and drum the waves, and board the boat on the Chu bank together. Beat the festival and sound the gong, and return to Luoyang quickly..."
The waves splashed everywhere, and the plague ship was pushed down the river by the porters. It sailed in the wind and flowed along the Han River.
As the ship left the pier, several Daoists held fire bells, recited the Fire Bell Mantra, made the incantation in unison, and pointed at the plague ship in the distance.
Boom!
In an instant, fire burst into flames on the ship.
At the same time, large and small Alligator Dragon appeared around the plague ship, stirring up water waves and escorting the plague ship downstream.
When the people at the dock saw it, they all cheered in unison.
This plague happened to occur during the war in the southwest, and Xiangyang City was still relatively well. Almost every household in Fancheng across the street had people wearing sackcloth and mourning.
Not to mention that some villages outside the city have become deserted villages.
The True Martial Palace masters have all gone to Nanzhang and Baokang counties, and those who came to preside over the ceremony are all City God Temple ordinary Daoists. It is hard to say how effective this Sending the God of Plague ritual will be.
But at times like this, it can undoubtedly soothe people's hearts.
As for those Alligator Dragon showing up, arrangements have been made in advance.
This was Li Yan's reward for accepting Xiangyang City's mission. As long as the source of the plague is found, the government will help Giant Turtle Master's plan to seal the water god.
There are already rumors among the people that the plague can be solved this time, thanks to the great power of the God of the Goddess Sending the Plague Boat. Coupled with the scene at Sending the Plague Boat, Giant Turtle Master can gradually be accepted by the people of Xiangyang.
Xiangyang is an important town on the Han River. As long as this place is conquered, many spirits will appear to help ships in trouble, and Southwest War will help the court.
Giant Turtle Master It is not difficult to confer the title of Water God of Han River.
"Open the dock!"
Amidst the crackling firecrackers, the boatmen shouted in unison.
Ships of all sizes also untied their moorings.
Xiangyang City Pier has finally reopened. I believe it won't be long before the bustling scene returns to its original state...
A group of people also gathered in a river near the pier.
East Lake Old Ancestor's liver was roasted on a raging fire, with thick smoke billowing, and the white Gu worms inside kept surging, crackling and popping, and finally turned into a ball of coke.
"Okay, it's almost done."
A middle-aged man wearing a Confucian robe spoke, and led someone to remove the coke, pound it into powder, and then added other colorful ores, grinding them into powder and mixing them.
While operating, he also explained, "The name of this thing is 'Water Gu'. It has been passed down since ancient times. People who like to eat 'fish meat' often get this poison, and their belly is as big as a drum. Dao Physician Sect calls it 'Gu Bloat Disease'."
"But such a powerful 'Water Gu' is the only one I've ever seen in my life. If I'm not mistaken, it's the 'Jiao Gu' mentioned by our ancestors."
"Gu Room alone may not work. Realgar, arsenic, and bile alum must be added to achieve the effect..."
The speaker is Li FaCheng, a descendant of Medicine Saint.
Not only is he an expert in Daoist medicine, he also worships Meishan Dharma Sect in order to collect medicinal materials, and is regarded as the true inheritor of Medicine Saint First Gate.
"Medicine Saint" has an outstanding reputation, but most of his direct descendants have studied and become officials. Only people like Li FaCheng are still running around, carrying on their unique knowledge for the saints.
He was originally the person in charge of the Xiangyang plague this time and had even found clues. Unfortunately, he was attacked and kidnapped.
"Dragon Gu?"
Li Yan heard this and frowned. "Is it coming from the dragon?"
"That's right."
Li FaCheng nodded and said, "As the saying goes, when water forms a deep abyss, dragons will grow. When the pond is full of 3,600 fish, the dragons will grow. In the two states of Hubei and Hunan, there are often dragons breeding in the mountains and lakes. It is rare for ordinary people to see them."
"If there is wind, thunder and rain, they will flow down the mountain torrents and enter the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers. They will transform by using the energy of the wind, thunder and dragon veins, which is called turning into dragons."
"If it flows from the Yangtze River and the Yellow River into the sea, it will transform into a dragon. From then on, it can be big or small, or it can cause clouds and rain, or it can gather dragon veins."
"But the timing of turning into a dragon is very important. Some people are trapped in the deep pool for life, which is called Trapped Flood Dragon. If they are not able to get angry, they will breed 'flood dragons'."
Wang Dao Xuan stroked his beard and praised, "Tao is friendly and insightful!"
Li FaCheng shook his head and said, "These are all mentioned in the ancestor's notes. His footprints are all over Divine Land. This is the first time I have seen him."
As he said that, he poured the mixed powder into honey and rolled it into large and small pills. Then he took out the largest pills and threw them into the water.
In the river, Giant Turtle Master quickly opened his mouth and swallowed, then twisted his body in pain, and dense white nematodes emerged from his scales.
Buzz!
The Lu San that had been prepared for a long time slapped the Demon Gourd, and the Poisonous Bee Swarm roared out immediately, eating up all the Gu worms.
Li Yan They used Fei Yi's mummy to remove poison last time, which was very easy, but they didn't dare to mess around this time, so they asked Li FaCheng to help.
Seeing Demon Gourd devouring Gu worms, Li FaCheng looked envious, "Fellow Daoist, this magic weapon can be called the poison nemesis. With these 'Jiao Gu Pill', most of Gu Arts can be solved."
"The dragon has a domineering nature. No matter how rampant Gu worms is, it can be forced out by taking one 'Jiao Gu Pill'. I have a merciless request..."
Before he finished speaking, Li Yan said directly, "Mr. practices medicine everywhere, so I will give half of these things to him as remuneration."
"Thank you."
When Li FaCheng heard this, his face immediately lit up with joy, "This thing is precious. There are poisonous diseases in the south. With this medicine, I will feel a lot more relaxed. Don't make fun of me."
"Sir, you are polite."
After a conversation, both parties felt very fond of each other.
Li Yan also intends to make friends with this "Medicine Saint" heir of the Li family, and he was actually invited by the Qiankun Academy, so he may be a colleague in the future.
After packing up his things, Li FaCheng immediately handed over his hands and said, "The matter in Xiangyang is over, I will say goodbye and leave now."
Li Yan was a little surprised, "So urgent?"
"No way."
Li FaCheng shook his head and said, "In the mountains and forests of Jingchu, there are evil ways releasing poison everywhere, delaying the route of the army. Bo Prefecture Yang Family There are also many poison masters. The elders in the family asked me to accompany the army, so there is no delay."
After saying that, he cupped his hands and left quickly with his disciples.
Sha LiFei clicked his tongue and said, "Five Dragons Palace led people from Baokang to Shennongjia, and the army in Yunyang has already gained the upper hand. It seems that Heavenly Saint Sect won't be able to reach it for long."
"I hope so."
Li Yan nodded, then winked at Lu San.
Lu San understood and immediately stepped forward to communicate with Superior Language and Giant Turtle Master.
This time to help Giant Turtle Master, they did not stay out of the matter, but some things had to be clarified, otherwise they would be in big trouble.
For example, Giant Turtle Master rubs Mount Wudang incense, whose idea was it?
Hearing Lu San ask, Giant Turtle Master was confused at first, and then fell into deep thought. He growled for a long time and spit out something from his mouth.
Lu San turned around and said, "This matter is indeed strange."
"At that time, Yan XiaoGe suggested that Giant Turtle Master borrow this time Southwest Rebellion to join the Xuan Door Gods Tao. It will start looking for relevant methods when it returns."
"Lord of the Clouds Divine Gate will always haunt certain places. Giant Turtle Master's lineage of techniques all comes from it, so we will find opportunities to worship again."
"If you want to enter Lord of the Clouds Divine Gate, it also depends on the timing. Most of the time it is difficult to get close, so you asked me for help last time."
"But this time, it entered it easily, and only after obtaining this object did it know how to do it."
Li Yan looked towards the ground, and there was a ball of Bamboo Strips lying there.
After picking it up, he looked at it twice and said, "Daoist Master, take a look."
Wang Dao Xuan took it and opened it, "This simple shape is ancient, simple and simple, and the writing is strong and vigorous. It is similar to the combination of big seal script and Qin and Han official script. It is a typical Chu Bamboo Slips."
"The only thing is this piece of ink. It was written recently, especially when True Martial Palace came into being in this dynasty, but it is clearly written on it. It is obvious that someone deliberately gave it to Giant Turtle Master..."
Giant Turtle Master on the side heard it and was a little at a loss.
Li Yan pondered for a moment and said in a deep voice, "I'm afraid there are still some Old Ghost hidden in Lord of the Clouds Divine Gate. Now that Human Path has changed, it has also moved its mind."
"Giant Turtle Master Be more careful in the future, stop contacting them proactively, concentrate on cooperating with the court to obtain the Han River Position of Water God, and don't get involved in trouble."
"You need to remember that being a secular god and benefiting the people along the river is the right way. Just like Erlang God in Sichuan, the court banned it many times, but in the end it was not a compromise and was banned many times."
"The imperial court has its ups and downs, but the people's heart is the key."
"Also, Yangtze River Coast water god, whether it is Han River Goddess, Goddess of Mount Wu, General Yang Si, Qingyuan Miaodao Zhenjun, if you are destined to meet him, you must be respectful."
"True Martial Palace has already reached an agreement. When you go back, get the Xuanwu statue and exchange it for the dragon ball as soon as possible so that you can protect yourself in Southwest War."
"Thank you..."
Giant Turtle Master made a hoarse human voice, then flicked its tail, got into the river, swam towards the Han River and disappeared.
After Giant Turtle Master left, Sha LiFei then Open Smile said, "Yan XiaoGe, Wu Dehai from Commandery Commandant Office said they would treat us tonight and would like to introduce some Xiangyang officials to us."
"You go ahead, you can handle it."
Li Yan shook his head and said, "This plague has affected Xiangyang from top to bottom. Countless people have confiscated their homes and destroyed their families. Although they deserve to die, it is inevitable that some people will harbor resentment."
"We are considered outsiders. If we get too close to those officials, we will inevitably be taken advantage of. Just settle the matter with Giant Turtle Master and don't get into this mess."
"You go to the banquet, and I'll go to Ghost Buddha Temple. I'll leave Xiangyang in two days."
After making the plan, everyone immediately separated.
Sha LiFei, Wang Dao Xuan and others returned to Xiangyang City, while Li Yan rode alone towards the southeast.
Ghost Buddha Temple was not far from Xiangyang City. Li Yan rode his horse and saw the abandoned temple in less than two sticks of incense.
Whoosh!
In the dense forest, a dozen people suddenly jumped out, including Daoist priests and people wearing black military robes. They were Enforcement Hall and Commandery Commandant Office from Xiangyang.
"I've met Jushi Li."
The leader of the Daoist movement quickly clasped his fists and saluted.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Li Yan asked, "Has anyone come recently?"
The leading Daoist shook his head and said, "I have been waiting here for several days, but I still haven't seen the demon come to join me. I have probably given up."
"However, every time I visit Zi Hour in the past two days, there are candles floating in the temple and the sound of monks chanting sutras. According to the layman's instructions, we did not enter and we don't know what happened."
"Oh?"
Li Yan thought for a while and said, "Okay, I'll go check it out tonight and see if there's a quiet place. I'll meditate first."
"Lord, please follow me."
No matter Enforcement Hall Daoist or Commandery Commandant Office, they are all very polite.
The Li Yan team has recently gained a great reputation in Ezhou. It is known to almost everyone for its ability to eradicate plagues and monsters as soon as they get off the mountain.
Due to their strength, all parties are more polite towards them.
Soon, Li Yan was placed in a separate tent in the dense forest, and the people around him dispersed without disturbing him.
After Li Yan sat down in the tent, he unloaded his luggage and took out a bunch of things from it, including copper coins and Brocade Box.
This is a trophy from the Battle of Xianshan.
After coming out, they hurriedly helped Giant Turtle Master to remove the poison, and now they had time to take a careful inventory.
The first is those Charm Coin.
East Lake Old Ancestor's collection over the years is naturally extraordinary, and there are many unique items among them, which Wang Dao Xuan has carefully selected.
The ones in front of me are all Three Talents Demon Suppressing Coin. There are more than seventy pieces in total. Adding the original Li Yan, there are exactly eighty-one pieces.
So many Three Talents Demon Suppressing Coin gathered, Evil Qi suddenly overflowed, and even the Enforcement Hall Daoists guarding from a distance felt chills on their backs.
But a trace of regret flashed in Li Yan's eyes.
Three Talents Demon Suppressing Coin was forged by the magic weapon of the previous dynasty, and that is the Grandmasters weapon. If you can gather 108 of them, you can make an amazing magic weapon.
Now there are eighty-one, which is not bad. It coincides with the number of ninety-nine. But Li Yan has no idea what to make.
If made into a money whip, it can be used to restrain...
If made into money armor, it can resist evil spirits...
But he has Severing Dust Blade, Soul Severing Throwing Knife, plus Soul Hooking Lightning Rope at the bottom of the box, and Earth Dragon Armor, which is enough for both attack and defense.
At this moment, Li Yan suddenly felt something in his heart. He took out the Gou ultimatum from his arms and with a thought, five rays of black energy roared out and turned into small flags, hovering above the Gou ultimatum.
This treasure is the biggest gain this time.
Five Directions Fengdu Banner!
Second update in the afternoon