The river is surging and the cargo ship is moving forward slowly.
This is a shallow water area, and with the mountain blocking it, there is no wind. It is even more difficult for the cargo ship to move forward.
Fortunately, there is a group of trackers guarding this place all year round. When they saw the cargo ship coming, they rushed up without saying a word, "Boatman, three taels of silver, what?"
"Fast Boat Zhang" handed it over directly, "Thank you all."
Three taels of silver, to be honest, is a bit expensive, but if it was divided among the twenty trackers, it wouldn't be much. They only earned hard-earned money, so "Fast Boat Zhang" didn't bother to bargain.
"It's bright and open, I guarantee you'll be safe!"
The leader of the trackers smiled honestly, quickly called to his crew, set up the ropes, and worked together to pull the boat.
Their muscles tightened and they exerted all their strength. The ropes drew deep marks on their shoulders. They stepped on the rocks on the shore and shouted slogans at the same time:
"Three feet of white cloth and four ounces of linen, with hands lying on stones and feet treading on sand.
Going uphill barefoot, there's nothing you can do about stretching.
Why is this? It's for a good life.
Hey! Hey! Hey hey..."
In front of the boat pavilion window, Li Yan looked away with a solemn expression, looked at Tian Chiliarch opposite, and said in a deep voice, "Master Qianhu, Zhao Changsheng has come to Shuzhong?"
"There are just clues."
Tian Chiliarch shook his head and said, "While we were in Ezhou, we received information that two years ago, Zhao Changsheng briefly appeared in Shu, stayed in Wanzhou, and finally went to Chengdu."
"Two years ago..."
Li Yan After hearing this, he suddenly became thoughtful.
At this point in time, he had heard it more than once.
Two years ago, there was a strange movement near Dujiangyan. Inside Ba Mountain, the dragon energy of the army of generals was strange. Dragon Girl, who was guarding outside Shennongjia, also sensed the abnormality and tried to leave, so he was suppressed...
Outside of Dujiangyan, the battle between good and evil in the southwest also started at this time. The two sides were fighting fiercely. It was probably related to Erlang God...
And the Emei disciple he caught at Shennongjia.
The other party's name was Wu FaLuo, and he became a disciple of Azure Ox Temple. As a result, he went to Chengdu, where his master disappeared, and he was framed. When he returned to the Daoist temple, he found that his fellow disciples had changed...
Almost all of these things happened two years ago.
If it were anyone else, he wouldn't have much association with it, but Zhao Changsheng was different. The other party had been alive for a long time, had returned to the sun several times, stirred up troubles, and had too many hidden tricks.
Who knows if there might be another plot?
"Have you found any clues?"
Li Yan continued to ask.
Tian Chiliarch looked around and whispered, "Wanzhou didn't find anything, but it found the place where Zhao Changsheng last appeared."
"Where?"
"Shu King Residence."
"Shu King Residence?!"
Li Yan felt a chill in his heart after hearing it.
The center of Shu is a land of abundance, and the vassal kings here are also very special. They are the brothers of the current emperor.
Because he had made great contributions when the emperor came to power and stabilized the government, he was highly favored.
Unlike other feudal lords, he is directly named King of Shu.
It can be said that the strength is extraordinary.
Thinking of this, Li Yan felt more and more strange and asked, "Is it possible that King of Shu has second thoughts?"
Tian Chiliarch's face stiffened, and he quickly waved his hands and said, "Young Hero Li would be better off saying less of this. King of Shu is deeply trusted by His Majesty, so we can't guess."
Li Yan frowned slightly, "Tian Chiliarch, it concerns Zhao Changsheng, no matter how cautious you are, why bother talking to me like this?"
This guy must have some suspicions, otherwise why would he still stay here to investigate? He just has some things to say that he dare not say.
"Young Hero Li Forgive me."
Tian Chiliarch sighed, "In the Jianghu and the public sect, everyone has no control over their own actions. There are some things they can only do, but I can't touch things other than my responsibilities. If I touch them, I will die."
"I just send the information. How to make a decision is His Majesty's business."
There is such trouble in public affairs.
Li Yan didn't want to dwell on this anymore and continued to ask, "What did you find out?"
"Sichuan Salt Gang!"
Tian Chiliarch flashed a fierce light in his eyes, "There are some things that you won't know unless you check them. If you check them, you will be shocked."
"Sichuan Salt Gang has expanded rapidly in recent years. Not only has it recruited experts from all walks of life, but many officials in Shu have been coerced by them, and they have close contacts with the royal palace."
"I sent several capable men to sneak into the Wang Mansion and the Salt Gang respectively, while I infiltrated the Gelaohui who were against them to find out what they wanted to do."
"White Emperor City's matter is actually very simple."
"Originally, at the end of the Han Dynasty, Gongsun Shu took control of Shu and built a city on the mountain. Because a well in the city often emitted white gas, like a white dragon, he named himself White Emperor. After his death, the locals built a Baidi Temple to worship him."
"When the Daxuan Dynasty was established, it was designated as Excessive Sacrifice, the temple was demolished, and new ones were built 'Three Merits Shrine', Attendant Jiang Shen, Land God and Ma Yuan."
"There is Da Ning Salt Field in the Wuxi area, but it is controlled by the local Tujia wealthy family and has been difficult for the Salt Gang to penetrate for many years."
"In recent years, the Sichuan Chamber of Commerce has made a fortune by opening up the sea, and has often had conflicts with the Salt Gang, so it joined forces with Gelaohui and Cao Gang and gradually took control of the Eastern Sichuan area."
"The newly appointed governor Kui Prefecture visited White Emperor City and believed that White Emperor City's tuogu story was famous all over the world. He should demolish 'Three Merits Shrine' and build 'Righteousness Shrine', Attendant Liu Guan Zhang and Marquis Wu."
"The Sichuan Chamber of Commerce followed suit and started rebuilding, but the Salt Gang saw an opportunity and went to lobby the Wuxi Tujia wealthy family, saying that White Emperor City should be Attendant White Emperor Heavenly King, which is also 'Linjun'."
"Those Tujia wealthy families were tempted, and they knew they were no match for the Sichuan Chamber of Commerce. From then on, the Salt Gang got involved."
As he said that, Tian Chiliarch frowned and said, "I thought it was an ordinary battle in the rivers and lakes, but when I came here, I found something strange."
"In selling private salt, what is lacking is not salt, but trade routes and connections. Where the Sichuan Salt Gang headquarters is located, there are many salt ponds and there is no shortage at all. Why bother to go to Wuxi..."
"For Elixir of Immortality!"
Li Yan said coldly, "They want to find the ancient Wu Xian Kingdom Elixir of Immortality. That's why we fight with them."
"It turns out that the one who really wanted to take action was King of Shu. If I remember correctly, this King of Shu is quite young."
"That's it..."
Tian Chiliarch frowned, a trace of disgust flashed in his eyes, "Because of this matter, many people have died, but I didn't expect that it was because of this ridiculous thing."
After that, he was silent for a moment, "King of Shu suddenly wants to find Elixir of Immortality, maybe it is related to Zhao Changsheng. I will continue to pursue this matter, Young Hero Li, be careful on the road."
"This is a token. I have a secret agent in the Salt Gang. If someone comes to you with this order, as long as they can meet him, there will be no problem."
After handing him a semicircular copper buckle, Tian Chiliarch jumped on the boat and left quickly.
Looking at the other person's retreating figure, Li Yan shook his head slightly.
He suddenly remembered the words of Wudang leader Yu Chanzi.
"The 'Human Path revolution' is coming, don't be careless."
"Senior, what is the 'Human Path revolution'? Did it appear due to the opening of the sea and firearms?"
"All things in the heaven and earth are born and destroyed, have a beginning and an end. The 'Human Path transformation' is both a calamity and an beginning."
"At that time, people's thoughts will change, dragons and snakes will rise from the land, and gods and ghosts will appear..."
Not long after Tian Chiliarch left, Li Yan's cargo ship also passed through the shallow water area and continued along the river.
The delay at White Emperor City was obviously a waste of time, and when we were about to approach Wanzhou, it was already approaching dusk.
But at the corner of the river bank, a city stood.
The city is not big. It is high in the north and low in the south, wide in the south and narrow in the north. It is built against the mountains and faces the river in the south.
Near the city area, there are rocks along the coast, which are connected together and are uneven. There are also springs on top, with gurgling water.
Wang Dao Xuan After seeing it, he couldn't help stroking his beard and said, "Holding the yin and embracing the yang, the jade belt is wrapped around, the ground is full of golden springs, what a good Feng Shui!"
This is Wanzhou City, which means "where the river reaches, all rivers converge". Although the city is not big, it has always been an important dock on the Yangtze River in Shu.
Of course, Feng Shui goes without saying.
Li Yan and others are focusing on others.
The pier here is a typical Shu style.
It is built of bluestone, with hundreds of long steps leading to the city gate. Under the ancient city wall, people build houses on the mountain, lit by candles, and somewhat messy.
At the pier, a large number of ships are docked.
It's so densely packed that it's almost impossible to see the end.
The fishing fires are like stars, there are crowds of people, and the sound of Shu is noisy.
"Something's wrong..."
"Fast Boat Zhang" frowned when he saw it, and said solemnly, "I have been to Wanzhou Pier too. Well, although it is prosperous, it is not like this. Something must have happened."
"Xiaosi, go and find out."
"Yes, master."
One disciple clasped his fists and left. He first used a bamboo pole to support himself and jumped onto the rocks along the coast. Then he ran towards the pier and joined the crowd.
After a while, he turned back and said with clasped fists, "Master, something happened on the river ahead. I heard that there were river bandits who robbed me. Several merchant ships were overturned and happened to be docked in the shoal."
"All the boats are blocked here and they won't be able to get through for a while."
"What a coincidence..."
"Fast Boat Zhang" snorted coldly, "It's just robbery, but it also capsizes the cargo ship. It's obviously deliberately blocking the waterway."
"Young Hero Li, it's probably the work of the Salt Gang."
Li Yan pondered for a moment, then turned to look at the setting sun, a flash of murderous intent flashed in his eyes, "The sun is going to set. If they dare to take action, they are seeking death."
"You stay here, Old Sha follow me ashore. Senior Zhang, what supplies do you need? I'll buy them all along with you."
"Fast Boat Zhang" was a little confused as to what the connection between Tianhei and the enemy's death wish was, but he didn't ask any more questions and quickly wrote out a list.
He has already seen that Li Yan and others are involved in Old Taoist, and he is still Xuan Gate People. Even if something happens, they are far better at handling it than he is.
After taking the note "Fast Boat Zhang", Li Yan turned to look at the cabin and saw a female disciple coming out and making a gesture, so he left with peace of mind.
He was leaving. As Old Woman Bai Huan, the most respected person on the ship, he naturally took over the heavy responsibility of defense.
"Make noodles, make noodles!"
"Grilled crispy fish, would you like a piece?"
"Gege, Gege..."
Before he even got close, the noise was loud and loud.
Li Yan winked, and the eloquent Sha LiFei went forward to inquire about the news, while he followed behind, always paying attention to what was going on around him.
If it was really the Salt Gang that had done something wrong, they would definitely send people to attack by surprise.
He pinched Yang Seal and took a deep breath.
All of a sudden, all kinds of smells flooded into the nasal cavity.
Needless to say, there is a sour and stinky smell on this away game that goes from north to south, and the boat is sailing all year round. Mixed with the smell of charcoal fire at the dock and the smell of grilled fish, it almost smoked Li Yan.
But he was still keen to discern something.
There are Yin Energy on several boats, as well as a group of old customers squatting on the steps of the pier smoking dry cigarettes.
This is a trace left behind by frequent use of magic.
Real magicians are far less common, especially in a small town like Wanzhou, where there are at most one or two who take care of things on weekdays.
It's so dense, there must be something wrong.
But the so-called True Person does not show their appearance. The smell of these people cannot be hidden from experts at all. At most, they are ordinary warlocks who have just built a building.
Looking for these people is not enough...
Sha LiFei asked around earlier and found out the reason.
However, a large number of ships were stranded here. Wanzhou City was not big enough to accommodate them. The county government was also afraid of trouble, so they banned them from entering the city.
But the people below the city found an opportunity.
They prepare meals at home and carry them directly to the dock to sell them. Even if they can only earn a few copper coins, it is considered as income.
Not being able to enter the city was a problem. Sha LiFei took the note and inquired at several stores before buying supplies. He hired a few porters and sent them to the ship along the river bank.
The pier is a troubled place. With so many people gathered together, there were naturally many people wandering around. Immediately, some people set up lanterns, put Drawing the Circle on the ground, and set up stalls to perform.
They are all people in the world. Those who sell counterfeit medicines or set up gambling bureaus to cheat people will naturally not come out to show their embarrassment.
Basically, they are all Jianghu entertainers.
Li Yan planned to leave, but the crowd cheered loudly, and then many people gathered, which immediately attracted his attention.
I saw a young man standing on the edge of the pier. He looked handsome, but his eyebrows were drawn in, making him look like he was being ignored.
He covered his face and wailed. "Junior Sister Liu, I am sincere. If you agree, we will get married tonight!"
"Bah!"
Opposite him stood a famous girl, her face flushed, "Cui, you are shameless. I heard you say this to several people."
"Really, I mean it."
The young man suddenly became anxious. He raised his hand and pointed to the sky and swore. "My ancestor Advisor is above me. I, Cui Song, am willing to marry Junior Sister Liu. If there is any lie..."
"Hahaha!"
The people next to him suddenly became happy and shouted, "Brother Cui, your name is already notorious in Wanzhou City. People in Jinlan Society say that you are only one step away from the flower-picking thief."
"We see that you are not in a hurry to get married, but in a hurry to enter the bridal chamber... Hahaha!"
"Bah, bah, bah!"
The girl suddenly turned red in the face, kicked the young man hard, turned around and jumped onto the boat, disappearing without a trace.
Li Yan narrowed his eyes slightly after seeing it.
This woman seemed to be just kicking out of anger, but she was using a snake-like step. Between kicking and retracting, she looked like a snake hesitating, and she was free and agile.
It's Emei Serpent Form Fist.
Sure enough, after entering Shu, there were many more disciples in Emei.
"Ouch~"
The young man Cui Song was kicked and immediately grinned, making the people around him laugh.
He was not angry either. He smiled bitterly and clasped his fists, saying, "Comrades, please don't mess with me anymore. If you don't find a wife this year, ugh~"
"What's so hard about finding a wife?"
A man who looked like a wealthy businessman in the crowd said with a smile, "Brother Cui is from the Yi Divination Sect. He is also a disciple of a famous family. Come with me to Chengdu. Many girls will like him."
"But there is something I want to ask about. I heard that you have seen 'Gray-robed Mad Monk'?"
Li Yan was about to leave, but when he heard the name, he stiffened and stopped immediately.
There are strange people in Shu, one of them is this "Gray-robed Mad Monk", and he also has an identity, that is, the senior Living Underworld Messenger, the disciple of Xing He Pu...