In fact, Li Yan has already noticed something is wrong.
Through the courtyard wall, he could smell several scents, hidden in various key areas, and even the smell of wild beasts.
Moreover, Gangsha Energy is lingering around these people.
They are all sorcerers and have the same energy.
From a sect!
Not only that, there's another weird thing.
Originally on Qingcheng Mountain, Ming Shanzi said to go to Wu Family Gold and Silver Shop in the east of the city, and there would be someone there to make arrangements.
But they asked people about it on the way.
That Wu Family Gold and Silver Shop had an inexplicable fire at night some time ago and was robbed. No one was alive from top to bottom.
Combined with the expression of the man just now...
The Cheng family has probably left this matter to others!
"What a coward..."
Sha LiFei obviously also had a guess. After cursing, he asked in a low voice, "What should I do?"
Li Yan looked calm and said in a deep voice, "We have arrived at the agreed time and have not breached the contract. According to Jianghu Rules, we must at least get the things first."
He naturally has his reasons for getting mixed up in this muddy water.
First, it is the inheritance of Wang Dao Xuan.
The Cheng family treasures a copy of <Five Chapters Divine Secret>, which is Tang Yao Eight Immortals. The ancient Qi refining technique of "Chi Jiangziyu" is the source of the inheritance of Wang Dao Xuan.
The Cheng family promised to take this book as reward and must get it.
Secondly, it is the commission from Dragon Girl.
Not only do we have to compete with Jiang God Great Lord for luck, but we also need to help it regain its incense. Fifth Prince is also a help.
Because of this, Li Yan took the trouble to come here.
They are not nobody.
No matter what, there must be an explanation.
Not long after, the man walked out of the palace, threw the token casually, and said, "Follow me."
After that, he turned around and left.
This move is extremely rude.
Snap!
Li Yan took the token, narrowed his eyes slightly, but did not have any seizure. He winked at several people and followed him into Prince's house.
The main entrance of Prince Mansion has three doors, one large, two small and three.
According to the rules, only Prince and Prince are eligible to enter the main entrance, so the main door is closed and only the small door on the left is open.
After entering, there is another gate tower.
The surrounding courtyard wall is two meters high, and there are several men in Tsing Yi patrolling around, dressed exactly like the people leading the way.
The difference is that two of them are carrying muskets behind them.
And it is a new type of musket, the style is very similar to Divine Firearm.
When they saw Li Yan and others, their eyes were cold and they had no intention of coming up to say hello, with a hint of contempt.
"Interesting..."
Sha LiFei chuckled and shook his head.
The man leading the way suddenly turned his head, but what he met was the cold eyes of Li Yan.
For some reason, this man felt a chill in his heart.
"Hmph!"
He snorted coldly and continued to lead the way.
Li Yan looked around calmly.
He had already asked before coming.
This is the front door. Its function is somewhat similar to that of the Wengcheng. It is regarded as the defense of Prince Mansion. If a thief comes, he must break through the second door.
Generally speaking, Prince is not qualified as a soldier to guard the house, so he can only hire servants to guard the house.
If anything, the threshold is very high.
It can even reach a person's knees.
It is the so-called "high-ranking family".
After passing through the front door, the view suddenly opens up. The courtyard is deep, the ground is paved with huge gold bricks, and a row of green bamboos are planted in the distance.
Prince's house is not large in area, does not exceed regulations, and is not even luxurious, but the decoration is very tasteful.
Amid majesty, there is a hint of elegance.
This is the front hall, used for entertaining guests.
The hall door opened wide, and Chief Seat saw a young man in a brocade robe with handsome and fair facial features. He was reading a letter, and a maid was pouring tea next to him.
The man leading the way will report the situation as soon as he takes a step forward.
Li Yan and others were waiting behind with expressionless faces.
It's not like they haven't seen high-ranking officials, even Prince.
Naturally, we know what's going on in this kind of battle.
Even if you see it, you have to report it before entering.
These are the rules and symbolize status.
This is also the reason why Li Yan doesn't want to deal with people in the imperial court.
In his two lifetimes, he has never had a monarch or a minister in his mind, and he will never kneel down when he meets the emperor.
But the rules are not so easy to break.
Just "don't kneel",
I don't know how many people will die.
This world is far from that time yet.
"Report Prince."
The man in green bowed his hands respectfully and said, "Here we come."
After saying that, he raised his hand and made a gesture of invitation.
Li Yan entered the front hall with a few people. His face was calm, he cupped his fists and said, "I've seen Prince."
Since I have accepted the mission, I naturally need to find out the information.
He had already asked about Qingcheng Mountain. This Fifth Prince was called Xiao Jinghong. He not only read poetry and books, but also practiced spiritual practice since he was a child because his mother came from the Cheng family, and even awakened Divine Ability.
Of course, the cultivation talent is average.
Even with the resources of the Cheng family, it has only reached Second Floor.
If you want to go further, you will have no hope in this life.
But even so, he is still the most outstanding among the descendants of King of Shu, but he lives in seclusion and deliberately hides himself, so he is not known to outsiders.
"You don't need to be polite."
Fifth Prince Xiao Jinghong is not very old, and he is strict in doing things, but his words are gentle. He nodded and said, "Everyone, please sit down, Lan Zhu, serve tea to the guests."
"Yes, Prince."
The maid had a gentle temperament. Not long after she left, she came in with several maids, carrying saucers and serving tea one by one.
Li Yan was too lazy to talk nonsense. After sitting down, he cupped his hands and said directly, "Prince, we are all rough people. We should speak straightforwardly."
"Look at this, I'm afraid you've found someone else. Regarding our agreement with the Cheng family, who do you think we should look for?"
"Presumptuous!"
The man in green also followed into the main hall.
Seeing the appearance of Li Yan and others, he was already dissatisfied. After hearing this, he directly reprimanded. "Why are you talking so rudely?"
Li Yan glanced coldly, "I'm talking to Prince, why are you interrupting? Do you have the right to speak here?"
Originally we were all in the same martial arts world, we didn't see each other when we looked up.
But with the other person's appearance, he didn't bother to give him a good face.
"You..."
When the man in green heard this, he immediately clenched his fists.
"What are you doing!"
Xiao Jinghong in the hall frowned immediately when he saw this.
Seeing that his expression was not good, the man in green quickly bent down and handed over his hands, "Prince I'm sorry, but they are actually too rude."
Xiao Jinghong wants to compete for the position of King of Shu. Naturally, he is not a fool. He knows the thoughts of the man in green.
His face softened slightly, he shook his head slightly and said, "Since you are all of the same path, you are also our own people, so don't hurt your harmony."
After saying that, he turned to look at Li Yan and introduced, "This is Master Du Gate Cao Yuanhuai and also a disciple of the Hua Guang Sect. There are some misunderstandings. Don't blame Young Hero Li."
Duman?
Li Yan glanced lightly.
No wonder he is so arrogant, he turns out to be a disciple of Emei.
There is a saying in Emei called "Five Flowers Eight Leaves".
The five flowers are Qingniu, Dianyi, Iron Buddha, Qingcheng and Huangling.
The eight leaves are Seng, Yue, Zhao, Du, Hong, Hua, Zi and Hui, which are the eight characters of Menquan.
"Five Flowers" are basically sects.
As for the "Eight Leaves", most of them travel around the world, and the situation is relatively scattered. Some open martial arts and escort agencies, and some simply join Gelaohui.
The origin of this "Du" gate is also very ancient.
When Zhuge Wuhou published Eight Formations Diagram, there were eight gates. "Rest, life, injury, Du, scene, death, surprise, and open".
"Du" means blocking or closing. Therefore, the "Du" boxing method is good at blocking and preventing the enemy from attacking.
Use less fists and more palms, seal tightly, and be good at using gentle force.
Most of the boxing techniques in the sect have this characteristic.
This First Gate is mostly engaged in Guazi Trade and is a very good bodyguard.
But why are we connected with the Hua Guang Sect again?
Although "Five Flowers Eight Leaves" has become more and more distant from Emei, and even Qingcheng has been able to keep pace with Emei, Li Yan was still a little surprised to find another way to teach.
But this was a family matter, and he didn't bother to pay attention to it.
After a brief introduction, Xiao Jinghong said, "There is another reason for this matter. It is not that Xiao Wang intentionally broke the contract."
As he spoke, he said with a solemn expression, "A few days ago, my father was ill in bed, and several brothers were ready to make a move. Xiao Wang went to visit, but was blocked from entering."
"Just three days ago, the Cheng family's Dark Hall in Chengdu was suddenly unplugged. That night, someone sneaked in to spy. Fortunately, several servants fought to the death to repel the people."
"Master Xiao Wang is Great Confucian Yang Duo of Shuzhong. He spoke in person and invited the Dumen martyrs to come and protect him the next day..."
Listening to his story, Li Yan suddenly understood.
No wonder, someone has already taken action.
Also, Great Confucian Yang Duo of Shuzhong is a member of Confucianism. It was him who allowed the disciples in Beijing to exert their strength that gave Xiao Jinghong the opportunity.
Nowadays, there are rare things to live in, and Confucianism naturally wants a share of the pie.
Although Fifth Prince didn't explain it clearly, Li Yan also understood the meaning and sent Dumen to take over. It was Yang Duo's intention and it was hard for him to refuse.
And it was also a critical moment at that time.
Thinking of this, Li Yan no longer wanted to get involved in this matter, and nodded. "In that case, I will leave as soon as possible. Please also ask Prince to tell me where Chengdu Prefecture's Zhongcheng family members are. I have something to ask."
Xiao Jinghong heard this, was silent for a moment, and then said, "To be honest, there was a master of the Cheng family in the gold and silver shop at that time, Dao Progress Fourth Floor. His sword skills were amazing, but he also encountered unexpected events."
"Xiao Wang has sent someone to inform us that the weather is freezing and the journey is difficult. I'm afraid we won't be able to come here for a while."
After that, he spoke again, "Young Hero Li Don't be anxious. I have no intention of breaking the contract. I still ask you to come and protect me."
As soon as these words came out, not only Li Yan, but also Du Gate Cao Yuanhuai was stunned for a moment, with a trace of dissatisfaction flashing in his eyes.
Naturally, he has heard of the reputation of Li Yan.
But because of this, we cannot cooperate with it.
When he came, his master told him that Xiao Jinghong is likely to be the next King of Shu. It is Dumen's opportunity to do this well.
The reputation of Twelve Yuan Chen has been resounding throughout the world during this period.
If it succeeds, who does it belong to?
Moreover, it is inconsistent with Jianghu Rules.
"You two, listen to me."
Before they could speak, Xiao Jinghong said with a solemn face, "My senior Cheng, not only has a profound spiritual practice, but also has several disciples, but Xiao Wang has sent people to check, and he doesn't even have the strength to fight back!"
"The enemy is difficult to deal with. At the critical moment, we cannot do without the help of you two."
Li Yan thought for a moment, nodded and said, "Okay."
"So good."
Xiao Jinghong smiled and said, "Little Wang has heard of Twelve Yuan Chen's name for a long time. There is Master Dumen in the front house of the palace to ensure safety. Behind the palace is a wasteland, close to the city wall, which is also a weak point."
"The little king ordered people to plant a bamboo forest there and build Bamboo Grove Abode. It is very elegant. You can stay there."
When the man in green Cao Yuanhuai heard this, all his dissatisfaction disappeared.
To be honest, Prince's house is not big. Their senior brothers live here, with three people in one room, which is a bit crowded.
The Bamboo Grove Abode at the rear is more spacious and comfortable.
But some things can't just be taken at face value.
Although Bamboo Grove Abode is also the property of Prince, it is not in the palace. This immediately shows the difference between closeness and distance.
His purpose is to take this opportunity to curry favor with Xiao Jinghong, so he always regards himself as his subordinate, and does not want Twelve Yuan Chen to steal the limelight.
When Li Yan heard this, he nodded and said, "Okay, just follow Prince's wishes."
After making arrangements, Xiao Jinghong immediately ordered his servants to take them around the small garden of Prince's house and leave through the back door.
After exiting the small door, my eyes suddenly opened up.
But I saw that there were bamboo forests surrounding it, which grew very densely, and fences were erected. Through the towering bamboo forests, I could see the Chengdu Prefecture city wall in the distance.
There is a large open space in the middle of the bamboo forest, and a pond has been dug in the center. It is already frozen in the cold winter months.
But under the ice, you can still see colorful koi carps swimming around.
Next to the pond, several large and small rooms were built, which looked a bit like a thatched cottage. Small red lanterns were hung on them, reflecting the snow-covered bamboo forest, which was very elegant.
Li Yan is also a very particular person and fell in love with this place as soon as he saw it.
After entering Bamboo Grove Abode, I am more satisfied.
Although the room was a bit cold, the furniture was antique and spotlessly clean, and there was even a faint scent of sandalwood.
Since leaving Jin Prefecture Guild Hall, I have never stayed in such a clean room. At least my nose is not hurt.
"Gentlemen."
The servant smiled and cupped his hands and said, "Prince has already given instructions, and hot water and food will be delivered later. After this matter is completed, a reception banquet will be provided for you gentlemen."
"It's okay. Thank you Prince for waiting for me."
Li Yan nodded slightly and sent the servant away.
As soon as the servant left, Sha LiFei sneered and said, "Yan XiaoGe, this Fifth Prince is really mean-spirited."
"Knowing that Dumen was seeking power, he placed them in the palace and pushed them to the front to strengthen their defense."
"Knowing that we are seeking profit and not used to the royal palace's rules, we arranged it here, knowing that we will not complain."
Li Yan nodded and said, "After all, we have to fight for position. How can we do it without any brains?"
"It doesn't matter. Since Dumen wants to show off, let them suffer more. We just want to keep people and get things."
"The New Year is approaching, so I can take the opportunity to take a break."
"San Er, Daoist Priest, set up defenses first."
"Old Sha, follow and check the surrounding environment in case the enemy attacks with firearms..."
Everyone didn't talk nonsense after hearing what was said and went about their business.
Lu San released Falcon Li Dong to investigate, and asked Rat One Rat Two to gather a group of rats and hide in the surrounding bamboo forest.
Wang Dao Xuan set up a simple formation in the bamboo forest...
Sha LiFei, under the guidance of the falcon, climbed to various high points...
Everyone cooperates in a tacit understanding and works in an orderly manner.
All this was seen by the servants.
He ordered the hot water and food to be put down, then went to the study room at the back of the palace and narrated the performance of Li Yan and others.
In the study, there is another Palace Dress Woman, who is grinding ink for Xiao Jinghong. He has average facial features but a soft and gentle temperament.
After the servant left, the woman smiled and said, "The beast control, Feng Shui array, and firearms have all been taken into consideration, so there should be nothing wrong with it."
"After all, it is famous."
Xiao Jinghong didn't seem surprised. He put down the book in his hand, sighed slightly, and turned to look at the woman, "A Man, if it weren't for you, I really don't want to take King of Shu's seat."
"Is this really the only way you can survive?"