"Don't seek truth in everything..."
Sha LiFei was confused, "What does this mean?"
Wang Dao Xuan stroked his beard and shook his head and said, "Senior, you probably want us not to take things seriously when things happen. There are dragons and crouching tigers hidden in Shu. Our profession has offended Shu King Residence again, so we need to keep a low profile."
Li Yan looked at the other person's leaving figure, thoughtfully.
In his mind, he inexplicably thought of Chengdu Tycoon.
Is he a monk from Attendant Erlang Zhenjun, or...
At this moment, a voice next to him interrupted his thoughts.
"Young Hero Li."
"Fast Boat Zhang" said with cupped hands, "Since you all have to rush to Chongqing Prefecture by land, then I'll just say goodbye."
Li Yan clasped his fists sternly, "Brother Zhang, you've worked hard on this trip."
As he said that, he took a wooden box from Sha LiFei, handed it to "Fast Boat Zhang", and whispered, "There are some things in it. Brother, take it with you on the way. Open it after we leave."
"Hey, that should be done."
"Fast Boat Zhang" didn't take it seriously. After taking the box, he sighed, "Young Hero Li, you are loyal and affectionate. You are a good person, but your temper is still a bit tough."
"There is a saying in the rivers and lakes of Sichuan and Sichuan, there is no fame for a thousand miles, only friendship for a thousand miles."
"Sichuan Road is difficult. Make more friends and the journey will be easier."
"Yes, I took note of it."
Li Yan can see that "Fast Boat Zhang" said these words because he sincerely regards them as friends.
"Everyone, see you later!"
"See you later!"
After saying goodbye to each other, "Fast Boat Zhang" led his disciples to the east, towards Fengdu.
Shu King Residence knew that Li Yan were going to Chengdu, so the inspection of the waters in Fengdu was not strict.
With the experience of "Fast Boat Zhang", you can leave easily.
"Let's go too."
Li Yan turned to look at the mountain road, "Go to Chongqing first, find out some information, get some supplies, and then head to Chengdu by land!"
On the other end, "Fast Boat Zhang" opened the wooden box and took a casual look not long after he left.
Then, my heart started pounding.
There are two things in the box.
A banknote of five thousand taels.
It's okay to say that, firstly, it was the shipping fee on the road, and secondly, the ship that had been promised to send them had been seized by Shu King Residence, so they used money to offset it.
The other is a booklet.
It clearly says <Essentials of Tong Xuan>.
This book is very famous, and I have also heard of "Fast Boat Zhang". It is an introductory book to Xuan Gate Disciple, which mainly explains various Daoist knowledge.
With this book, he won't be blinded when encountering something. He can only use the experience passed down by the older generation to avoid it.
If anyone in future generations awakens to Divine Ability, they will not miss the opportunity.
"Master, where are we going?"
A disciple suddenly asked.
"Go to Xiangyang!"
"Fast Boat Zhang" said in a deep voice, "Wandering around in the world is not a problem after all. Master, I am old and want to put down roots."
"Whoever wants the name 'Clippers' should take it..."
As he said that, he turned his head and glanced at the mountains and rivers behind him.
He suddenly felt a little sad.
Jianghu Yilao, we promised to meet again in the future, but with people like Li Yan, it is estimated that it will be difficult to meet again in the future...
In the wild mountain suburbs, the autumn colors are in full bloom.
It was almost dusk at this time, the setting sun was shining slantingly, and the maple leaves in the mountains were like fire, Phoenix Tree Leaf yellow, and full of colors.
The autumn wind blows gently, and the fallen leaves are flying, paving a golden path.
In the mountains, an ancient road winds through the woods and ridges. The stone steps are mottled in the wind, and the traces of time are clearly visible.
The sound of horse hooves echoed in the valley.
A caravan moved along the ancient road.
They looked tired, and the mules and horses they were leading were laden with goods, neighing constantly, the carriages and horses rattling, and walking with difficulty. Occasionally, they would rest by the stream, drink from the horses to quench their thirst, hold water to cleanse their faces, and wash away the dust of the journey.
The leader of the caravan is a middle-aged man. Although he is a businessman, he can't hide his bookish air.
He leaned on a stick and climbed up to look far away. Suddenly he pointed to the distance and said happily, "A Fu, look, that's Lychee Ancient Road over there."
The personal servant looked around and saw a looming trail on the mountainside in the distance. He wiped his sweat and asked, "Sir, why is it called this? Is it possible that lychees are abundant nearby?"
"It's more or less the same, both producing and delivering."
The middle-aged man leaned on a stick and looked around, "During the Tianbao period, Yang Esteemed Consort liked to eat lychees, so Xuanzong built a post road for transportation."
"At that time, lychees were mainly produced in Lingnan, Bashu and Minzhou. Here we start from Fuling and pass through Zi-Wu Road to reach Chang'an."
"Lychee, if it is separated from the original branch, its color will change in one day, its fragrance will change in two days, and its taste will change in three days."
"Although Esteemed Consort grew up in Sichuan, lychees can relieve homesickness, but 'a red concubine laughed', the lychee road was built, and the Tang Dynasty also turned from prosperity to decline."
"The master is knowledgeable."
The servant flattered him, and then complained, "It's just that this road is too difficult to walk, not to mention the time wasted along the way, and the cost is higher. It's really better to take the waterway."
"Sir, why don't I think so?"
The middle-aged man sighed, "Sichuan Salt Gang and the Chamber of Commerce are fighting fiercely. On the waterways near Chongqing, Raft Sect and Cao Gang are plotting against each other. Many merchants have suffered, and no one can afford to offend."
"These Shu embroideries are the foundation for my Lu Family's turnaround. After the sea is opened, the supply exceeds the demand. As long as they are sent to Tianjin, everything can be solved."
The servant muttered, "We are the only ones walking on this deserted road. What should we do if we encounter a thief?"
The middle-aged man blinked, stroked his beard and said with a smile, "Because no one is walking, there are few bandits. If we take the waterway, not only will the officers and soldiers exploit us along the way, but there will also be many water bandits."
"Don't worry, as long as you take the Lizhi Road from Fuling, there are many caravans coming and going, so you don't need to worry anymore..."
"Hahaha!"
Before he finished speaking, the man driving the car in front suddenly laughed. Then he flicked the reins, took out the hatchet from his waist, and said happily, "Master Lu, you hit the abacus loud enough, but do you really think that we brothers are just the breadwinners?"
As he said that, he looked around and said with a smile, "Do you know why no one comes to this place? The government doesn't care. Anyone who dares to do this will never survive!"
When the middle-aged man saw it, his heart suddenly felt cold.
He had also heard about some martial arts circles and had vaguely guessed that he might have exposed his true identity when he was looking for someone at Chongqing Prefecture and was being targeted.
"He's only one person, so what's he afraid of?"
"Yes, kill this son of a bitch!"
Others in the caravan took out their weapons one after another.
They help people transport goods all year round, and they are not afraid of using knives.
The man hurriedly ran out, then stood on the slope, put his hand into his mouth, and puffed out his breath.
A loud whistle shook the mountains and fields.
Damn it, this guy is just stepping in...
After everyone saw it, they immediately became vigilant.
However, there was no movement around.
"What are you doing..."
The man muttered and blew twice.
However, there was still no response from the mountain forest.
The men in the caravan looked at each other.
"Get him!"
With a shout, everyone came forward, waving their whips and beating with sticks, beating the man until he howled like a ghost, and then tied him tightly.
At this moment, there was movement from the corner of the mountain road.
Everyone looked up and saw a tall man with thick hair walking out, carrying an ax in one hand and a bloody human head in the other.
"Monster... monster!"
When everyone in the caravan saw it, they suddenly felt frightened.
In Bashu, the art of witchcraft and ghosts has been prevalent since ancient times. There are many strange stories in the countryside, such as Xiong GuPo, Diao LianZi, Shan WaZi... there are many.
The thing in front of me doesn't look human at all.
Could it be that there is a man-eating Living King on this mountain road?
"Where are you guys going?"
Just as they were about to flee, another figure appeared behind the giant. He had a big bald head, a beard, and a fierce look on his face. At first glance, he was not a good person.
But at least, he looks like a person...
The visitors are none other than Sha LiFei and Wu Ba.
Seeing everyone's appearance, Sha LiFei muttered something and cursed, then touched his bald head and forced out a kind smile, "Don't be afraid, there is a group of bandits in front of you, they have been taken care of by us, just feel free to go."
"We are just asking, how to get to Chongqing Prefecture?"
The leader of the caravan breathed a sigh of relief, and did not dare to neglect him. He bowed his hands respectfully and said, "This good man, the front mountain road has been passing by for a long time, and Earth Dragon Turning Over has disappeared a few years ago."
"Follow this road and go over the mountain. There is a village named 'Lolo' (the ancient name of Yi People). There is a trail from there. If you follow it, you can continue the road directly to Chongqing Prefecture."
"Okay, thanks!"
Sha LiFei clasped his fists and was ready to leave.
When the middle-aged man saw this, his heart moved, and he cupped his hands and said, "Sir, wait a minute, listen to me, if you see anything, don't talk nonsense, especially don't offend 'Xi Po' and the big ghosts and little ghosts."
Sha LiFei narrowed his eyes slightly, "The village is not clean?"
"No."
The middle-aged man quickly explained, "The Lolo people believe in Ghost Lord, who is both a sacrifice and a tribal leader. Later, the imperial court implemented the chieftain system, and Ghost Lord, big and small, were named chieftains Tuguan. Xi Po is the sacrifice, also known as 'Bimo'."
"Now the Replace Tusi with centrally appointed officials, Lolo people of the imperial court have restored their old name of Ghost Lord. Although they do business with the Han people, they don't like to be disturbed. Moreover, the imperial court has to appoint officials, which they don't like very much."
"Got it!"
Sha LiFei understood immediately, slightly raised his hands, and jumped up the slope with Wu Ba, heading towards the dense forest on the mountain.
"Let's go!"
Seeing the two disappear, the middle-aged man quickly greeted them in a low voice.
The caravan sped up and soon turned around the mountainside. When they saw the scene ahead, their eyes widened.
I saw a large number of broken limbs and broken arms on the mountainside. The ground was in a mess, and weapons such as bows and arrows and simple knives were scattered everywhere.
"Brother! Brother!"
Seeing a human head rolling on the ground, the captured man burst into tears and struggled wildly.
Bang!
The caravan man next to him knocked him unconscious with a stick, and then said to the middle-aged Human Path: "Landlord Lu, we are afraid that we have encountered a good person in the world. Don't get into trouble. Leave Fuling quickly and get to Zi-Wu Road."
"Yes, yes."
The middle-aged man turned pale and quickly left with the caravan.
Behind him, the stumps on the ground gradually attracted wild animals to eat...
In the dense forest, Li Yan and his group are resting.
"We didn't go the wrong way."
Sha LiFei told the story again, pointed to the distance and said, "Climb that mountain and pass through a Lolo village, and you can continue on the road..."
After leaving Fuling, everyone went to Chongqing Prefecture.
The mountain road along the way was difficult and dangerous, and more importantly, there were many forked roads. Some were ancient post roads that had been abandoned, and some were built by local people. Due to the deep clouds and fog, I finally lost my way.
Fortunately, there is Falcon Li Dong of Lu San, so the general direction is correct.
As for the bandits, they originally wanted to ambush the caravan. When they saw that there were many women in the Li Yan team, although they were dressed in white and covered with faces, their figures were graceful, they became lustful and wanted to rob them of their wealth and sex.
Needless to say, the result was that Sha LiFei dominated the battle, and Wu Ba killed them all by himself.
Li Yan There is Ear Mystical Power. He heard everything the caravan just said. He frowned and shook his head and said, "Chongqing Prefecture, it doesn't seem to be peaceful over there. Several forces are fighting fiercely. It may be affected. It's better for us to dress up early."
"Young Hero Li is right."
Old Woman Bai Huan smiled and said, "Yang Opera Troupe, there are many popular places in the southwest, Bashu has a small population, and the village customs are different. If we want to take the land route, we will inevitably have to pass through it."
"Dress up as Yang Opera Troupe and you will be respected wherever you go."
"That's good!"
Sha LiFei said happily, "Thanks to my cleverness, when I was in Fengdu, I asked Brother Chang Gui to help me prepare the outfit. We can dress up and free up some empty suitcases."
After that, he led people forward and unloaded several wooden boxes from the mule. After opening them, they were all filled with costumes, props, cloaks, Nuo noodles and other items.
Old Woman Bai Huan said, "Yang Opera Troupe, all of them need to wear Nuo masks on their heads. If they travel frequently and have real skills, they will wear cloaks and Nuo masks at all times."
"The first is mystery, which shows our identity, and the second is cultivation, which is just right for us to hide our identity. No matter which village we go to, we will be respected by everyone."
"This Yang opera was born out of Nuo opera. It is mostly used to welcome the gods, reward the gods, send off the gods, pray for blessings and eliminate disasters, and is divided into Blessing Opera, Longevity Celebration Opera, Official Promotion Opera, Wedding Opera, Child Delivery Opera, Amusement Opera, etc."
"The opera is divided into the inner altar and the outer altar, with a total of Twenty-Four Operas, that is, Twenty-Four Altars Ritual. The opera in the outer altar is left to me, and the inner altar is hosted by Daoist Wang."
"Even if you encounter the real thing, you can't see the difference..."
After some explanation, everyone put on their cloaks and wore Nuo masks on their heads. At this time, the sky was getting dark, and they looked like a group of evil ghosts in the forest.
"This is good!"
Sha LiFei looked around and suddenly said happily, "On the way along, I was scared to death by everyone I encountered. How dare you come up to provoke me?"
"Let's go."
Li Yan put on the Nuo mask and looked forward, "Get to the village before dark. If you are not allowed to stay overnight, we will leave at night."
After everyone heard this, they set off immediately.
Because of the obstruction of the Salt Gang, they had been delayed for a long time on the road. It was already October, and it was still a long way to Chengdu.
"Ahem!"
Not long after walking, there was a coughing sound from ahead.
A woman wearing a Nuo mask was immediately helped by others, climbed onto the back of a mule, and fell asleep.
Li Yan frowned and walked to Bai Huan, "Senior, can she be cured?"
The one coughing is none other than Long Yan'er.
At that time, the opponent gave up Golden Silkworm Gu to buy time for everyone to kill the possessed Azure Ox Temple Abbot. However, after he came out, the situation became worse day by day.
Old Woman Bai Huan sighed, "Natal Gu is damaged, that's it. Unless there is another chance, I'm afraid it won't get better."
"Alas~ He is also a poor boy. There are some things that I will tell the young hero clearly later..."
While they were talking, they had climbed up the mountain ridge.
"Hey, why is it on fire?"
Wang Dao Xuan looked up and looked a little surprised.
I saw a raging fire rising into the sky on the mountainside opposite, which was extremely eye-catching in the dark night...