The river is rolling and light snow is falling.
Li Yan Wrapped in fur and clothes, he stood on the deck, feeling the biting cold wind blowing in his face, but he saw mist lingering on the river, both sides of the river covered with snow, and merchant ships coming and going non-stop.
"The weather this year is really weird!"
"In previous years, we would only wear cotton-padded jackets at this time, but this year it's much more comfortable. It's snowing and it's as cold as a dog..."
A short and stocky man walked out of the plywood. He seemed to be complaining about the weather, but in fact he was looking at Li Yan and wanted to talk to him.
He is the Boatman of this ship.
At the intersection of the Fu River and Qiong River, he was stopped by Li Yan and took a group of people onto the boat.
The wild mountains and ridges in that place frightened him, and he thought he was a bandit who was robbing him on the road, so he almost used a knife.
But along the way, he saw that these people were not simple.
Needless to say, his skills are also extremely generous.
He has been hanging out on the river all year round and is quite courageous. When encountering such a customer, of course he has to take stock of the situation to see if there may be any benefits in the future.
This is also a type of person in the world.
Generally speaking, when traveling in the world, you should keep your mouth shut and don't make random inquiries or cause trouble.
But there is also a group of people who are polite when things happen and have a very low attitude when serving tea and wine. Whether they are peddlers, footmen or literati, they all want to join in the fun and look like they are familiar with it.
If you scold him, he will apologize and go away quickly.
If you tell a story, he can also listen to you.
These people are all about news and have many things in their minds. They may be able to capture information from the conversation and make a small fortune.
Sha LiFei This was also the case before.
"Auspicious snow heralds a good year."
Li Yan laughed, dealt with it casually, and asked, "Boatman, tell me about Dragon Phoenix Town?"
"Dragon Phoenix Town."
Boatman squatted on the edge of the boat, picked up the dry tobacco pole and took a puff, "That place is a pier, close to Suining County. If you want to go Official Road into the mountains, or follow the river to other towns, that place is the most convenient."
"I heard that it used to be Golden Horse Field. There was an inexplicable fire more than ten years ago, which completely burned it. Later, we found an open land and rebuilt the town. It is the most lively place around Suining Prefecture..."
Li Yan listened carefully and nodded slightly.
After the matter was done, they also received a message from Wang Dao Xuan, saying that they had changed places and were waiting for them at Dragon Phoenix Town.
Moreover, Wang Dao Xuan seems to have been targeted.
I don't know where it came from.
After receiving the letter, Li Yan and others immediately took a boat to go north.
"Sir, we are just ahead!"
Boatman's words suddenly interrupted his thoughts.
Li Yan looked up and saw that after the passenger ship turned a bend in the river, a pier suddenly appeared on the left bank of the Fu River, located exactly at the intersection of the bifurcated rivers.
It was just after noon, the salt particles and snow were lightly sprinkled, and the wind was biting the bones, but the pier was still lively, with people coming and going, and the noise was constant.
There were so many boats parked at the pier that they even crowded into the river. From time to time, some people yelled and cursed because of the collision of boats.
After Li Yan saw it, he frowned slightly and said, "Boatman, is this Dragon Phoenix Town so busy on weekdays?"
"That's not true."
Boatman also looked puzzled, "Dragon Phoenix Town is prosperous, but it is just an ordinary dock. If it is so lively, the imperial court has already sent people to expand it."
"Something must have happened!"
This Boatman is also a clever guy. Without Li Yan having to say anything, he sent someone to row a boat close to him and find someone to inquire about the news.
Soon, there were results.
"It's Guangde Temple who is going to hold a Dharma conference."
After hearing the report from his subordinates, Boatman's face was full of excitement, "No wonder there are so many people. Guangde Temple is our Buddhist holy land in the middle of Sichuan. Every time a Dharma conference is held, it is a grand event in the middle of Sichuan."
"A few years ago, Guangde Temple suffered a fire. The imperial court allocated money to renovate it. It was just built last month."
"In a few days it will be November 17th, which is Amitabha's Christmas Day, and two days later it will be Sunlight Bodhisattva Christmas Day, followed immediately by the Winter Solstice."
"There will be religious ceremonies for several days in a row. All the faithful men and women from all over Shu will come, including many wealthy people. Evergreen Society will also invite people to set up a stage to perform operas outside."
"Anyway, it's very lively. You can go directly to Guangde Temple along the Dragon Phoenix Town river."
"My guest is staying here, so don't miss it."
"That's right, thank you very much."
Li Yan was thoughtful, slightly arched his hands, then turned around and entered the cabin, notifying Sha LiFei and Lu San.
The Yu family and his son are still staying at Bamboo Grove Abode to refine Spirit Tea. Calculating that the time is about the same, they will go to Qingcheng Mountain to meet them.
This time Qingcheng Mountain opened the cellar and it was Song Era's old cellar.
They are Treasure Hunter, so this opportunity cannot be missed.
As for Sha LiFei, although Divine Ability was successfully awakened, it consumed a lot of energy. In addition, he had to learn to concentrate, so he spent most of the time either sleeping or sitting cross-legged in meditation.
Lu San is always by his side to protect the Dharma.
After sitting on the boat for two consecutive days, Sha LiFei came out and felt the cold wind. He shivered immediately, "Hey guys, we're finally here."
"Sir, I haven't asked for advice yet..."
Boatman is still unwilling to give in and wants to use the name Li Yan to get many big customers in the future.
"You don't need to know each other to meet. It's troublesome to know."
Li Yan put the silver into his hand and smiled slightly.
"Okay."
Boatman was helpless and shouted to the waiter, "Go, launch the boat and send a few guests to the shore."
They are heading to Mianzhou on this trip, and they are only halfway there.
"Thank you very much."
Li Yan and others said goodbye one after another and took the boat away.
"What virtue!"
Looking at their retreating figures, one of the waiters curled his lips and couldn't help but muttered, "Niu Pi is so coaxing that he didn't even say his name."
"It's right not to say anything..."
Suddenly an old voice sounded on the boat.
But it was an old man in black who was traveling with him.
He sneered, shook his head and said, "If I'm not mistaken, this is the group of people who have caused a lot of commotion in the world recently and were tricked by Shu King Residence."
"Several seniors from the sect have been killed, and you are still messing around here without fear of getting into trouble!"
Boatman As soon as he heard this, cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
"The one who killed Master Pu'an Temple? Senior Luo, why did you just watch the show and not remind me?"
"Those are warlocks. You can't hide everything on the ship from them. I don't even dare to breathe, so how can I care about you?"
"This... doesn't look like a bad person."
"Right from wrong, right from wrong, black and white, many things cannot be distinguished clearly. Shu King Residence said they are thieves, so they are thieves."
"Anyway, please be careful in the future."
"Yes, thank you for your reminder..."
Not to mention the frightened Boatman.
Li Yan After the three of them landed ashore, they all wrapped themselves in cloaks and bamboo hats, covering their faces, and headed towards the town.
The town is not big, but a city gate has been built.
Above the city gate, the four characters "Dragon and Phoenix Ancient City" are not very old, but the handwriting is thick and full of ancient meaning.
On both sides of the city gate, there are soldiers guarding the city with guns.
In ordinary small towns and counties, most of the guards are a little lazy. After standing for a long time, their waists look a little slumped.
These sergeants had upright figures and cold faces, and they looked like they were well-trained, indicating that there must be a garrison stationed nearby.
Fortunately, the investigation is not strict.
Li Yan The three of them followed the flow of people and saw that the town was not big. It was a long strip, a main street paved with bluestones, running from east to west.
There are many shops on both sides and it is very lively.
Although it is winter, the atmosphere of fireworks in the market has not diminished but increased.
In the teahouse, the fire is blazing, and the tea guests are sitting around the fire, drinking tea and chatting, or listening to books and singing, and the music is constantly playing.
The restaurant was buzzing with people. Three Religions and Nine Schools gathered here, drinking and punching each other, talking in low voices, and looking around from time to time.
"Pengxi Ginger Cake, sweet and not cloying!"
"Five-Spice Dried Tofu, take it home and try it!"
"Bean skin, ancestral seasoning, Dragon Phoenix Unique!"
The food stalls along the way are constantly selling food.
In the restaurant, steamed buns are steaming in a basket. In the winter, the white mist is billowing, and the aroma fills the street.
The three of them never had a serious meal along the way.
Smelling this smell, even Lu San's stomach growled.
"Find the Daoist priest first!"
Seeing Sha LiFei's eyes wandering wildly, Li Yan whispered and followed the flow of people to the west of Zhenxi.
The inn where Wang Dao Xuan was staying was called Qingyuan Tower. The town was not big. After the three of them had walked away for a while, they saw the signboard from a distance.
After taking just two steps, Li Yan stopped, thoughtfully, and looked across from the inn.
"What's wrong?"
"There are people watching over there. They are ordinary Jianghu people. No need to pay attention to them. Meet with the Daoist first."
While they were talking, Li Yan and the other two people had arrived outside the inn.
"Objectively, you three are..."
"Booked a room, Rooster Daoist."
"Oh, please come in quickly."
The waiter's complexion changed and his expression became more respectful.
During this period of time, Wang Dao Xuan, he was doing activities under the name Rooster Daoist, and only gave some nicknames.
It seems that the Daoist priest is habitually modest again.
The waiter raised his hand and bent down, invited them to enter the inn, and led them up to the second floor, where he happened to see Wang Dao Xuan pushing the door open.
"Daoist Master, thank you for your hard work!"
Li Yan Without saying anything, he stepped forward and gave me a hug.
Although both he and Sha LiFei were in danger during this division of troops, the situation was more complicated than Wang Dao Xuan's.
"Oh, what are you doing..."
Wang Dao Xuan laughed dumbly. He was a little unaccustomed to this kind of enthusiasm, but he didn't say anything. He just opened the door and invited a few people in.
Watching the door close, the waiter swallowed and turned around to leave.
He thumped downstairs, rushed directly to the shopkeeper, pulled his sleeves and whispered, "Shopkeeper, it seems that there really is Twelve Yuan Chen, the three who came here should be it."
Wang Dao Xuan is not the only one who is famous.
Although "Youji" has a distinguished reputation, Wu Ba was responsible for several provocations. The name "Chou Niu" is also not weak.
Many people have speculated that Chou Niu has appeared, and maybe other Twelve Yuan Chen also really exist.
If it really existed, it would definitely be a considerable force.
After hearing this, the shopkeeper suddenly stared, grabbed the waiter's ear and whispered, "What nonsense are you talking about? Watch your mouth, and you can pretend to be confused if anyone asks."
"Yes yes yes."
The waiter grimaced in pain and did not dare to speak anymore.
They didn't know that their conversations were all heard clearly by Lu San and Li Yan who owned Ear Mystical Power.
Li Yan didn't care and said with a smile, "Daoist Priest, you are not telling the truth. It is not just a nickname."
Wang Dao Xuan smiled helplessly, shook his head and said, "I don't want to be troublesome at first, but Nanchong, I don't know who is spreading rumors everywhere, and even instigating people to come and provoke."
"Wu Ba beat up several groups of people and caused an uproar."
"Hey!"
Wu Ba seemed a little embarrassed, scratching his head and giggling.
Li Yan also looked at Wu Ba, and said solemnly, "Brother Wu Ba, thank you for your hard work. I thought about it on the way, and maybe Baji is the most suitable for you. During the Huangquan Meeting in the twelfth lunar month, I will ask someone to show you the entrance."
At this moment, he completely recognized Wu Ba.
"Hey, eat, eat..."
Wu Ba's face was a little red and he didn't know what to say. He picked up the baggage on the side and opened the oil paper bag, revealing a big fat chicken that was roasted and shiny.
"Brother Wu Ba is so sensible!"
Sha LiFei immediately took it, tore it up with chopsticks, and handed it to several people. He also took out a jar of wine from the bag and said, "I bought Tuo River Old Cellar from Boatman on the way. Let's have a drink first."
With that said, he served a bowl to everyone.
"Fuck!"
Several people picked up their bowls and drank them all in one gulp.
Sha LiFei stood up again, opened the door and told the waiter to prepare a banquet, and then sat at the table and ate and drank.
Li Yan took a bite of the roasted chicken belly and said, "What happened to the Daoist Priest? Let's talk while eating."
"It's nothing."
Wang Dao Xuan said, "After getting clues from Ghost Qiang Guzhai, Commandery Commandant Office and Enforcement Hall started searching for the Dragon Worship Sect everywhere."
"Several people died at that time. They were all famous green forest gangsters in the world, as well as masters of evil practices in the southwest."
"Following this line, Commandery Commandant Office found one of their secret halls, fought hard, and captured some survivors."
"But they made too much noise, and then they found two places that were already empty of people. There was no news after that."
"The new year is approaching and everything is busy. Iron Buddha Sect can't keep using it up, so we have transferred the experts away, and Commandery Commandant Office has also withdrawn most of its manpower."
"The poor Daoist saw that something was wrong, and they probably couldn't find it, so he found this place under the guise of catching monsters and eliminating monsters."
"Oh?"
Li Yan's eyes lit up after hearing this, "Is there a clue here?"
Wang Dao Xuan nodded and whispered, "According to Demon Hunter who helped Pindao run errands, they saw a fool in Dragon Phoenix Town. He was originally a fisherman. When he was fishing, he said he met 'Night Dragon King' and River Corpse who was wearing bridal clothes."
"The man was so frightened that he had been wandering around Dragon Phoenix Town begging for food, but this time he disappeared. Those Demon Hunters are looking everywhere."
"That's it."
Li Yan After listening, it suddenly became clear.
Others may not care about this news.
But they have a clear target and can naturally find some clues.
This is probably someone performing human sacrifice.
Maybe it's the Dragon Daughter Temple he's looking for.
Although those Demon Hunters are at the bottom of Xuanmen, in the arena, they are all old fools.
As they inquired for information, Li Yan was not in a hurry. After eating, drinking, and washing up with hot water, they went back to their rooms to rest and recuperate.
Back in the room, Li Yan lay on the bed, took out the Goujiu, and looked around.
Along the way, he had vaguely understood what he wanted to do.
The Yin Division's Gou Dao is intended to catch the underworld criminals who disrupt Yin and Yang.
Then this Thunder Manor Token from heaven,
The ones arrested are naturally those who offended <Heavenly Laws>.
Maybe,
And those who privately descend to earth and reincarnate...