Toot--!
At Yin Shi Three Religions, Forbidden City a low horn sounded from the corner tower.
Vermilion Bird Gate burst open amidst the sound of the gear winch.
Five hundred Xuanjia Golden Guard, holding red lacquer "Silence" and "Avoidance" plaques with copper nails, lined up on both sides of the royal road. Behind them were Grand Master of Ceremonies ceremony officials holding nine-color black flags.
The Sui Lun True Monarch statue is more than two feet tall, and the surrounding crowd is extremely small. It is carried by 320 strong men in the army on the Mystic Iron chariot and moves forward slowly.
This is the National Sacrifice Hall, with solemn rituals and music. Officials from all over the dynasty, big and small, were present, but no one dared to make any noise and just followed the procession.
At the beginning of the Chen hour, the Jingyang Bell rang in the palace.
Emperor Xiao Qixuan ascended the chariot with twelve chapters in his crown, followed by Dragon Tiger Mountain Zhang Tianshi, Zhongnan Qiu Changchun and other solemn-looking Xuanmen Chief.
Altar of the God of Earth and Grain His Majesty Dan, Commandery Commandant Office The musketeers formed a human wall with Flintlock Gun props on the ground, and the barrels of the guns glowed cold blue in the morning light.
As the statue of the god was slowly moved into the main hall by the powerful man, Minister of the Ministry of Works chanted "The Artificers' Record·Yu Ren Pian" loudly, and twelve Court of the Imperial Clan white-haired Taizu shook the "mountain and river flags" decorated with copper bells.
Afterwards, there was a complicated consecration ceremony.
It is a grand event that has not happened in a hundred years for several Daoist leaders to preside over it at the same time. This kind of scene happened during the founding of the Great Xuan Dynasty.
However, Emperor Xiao Qixuan always had a gloomy face.
Falling short of success and giving in to each other is a bit unsightly after all.
At this moment, there was a commotion outside the palace, but four giant bulls dyed black were driven to the front of the steps, with bronze medals with the logo "Shuntian Prefecture Official Pasture" tied to their ears.
Taichang Shaoqing pierced the cow's neck with a jade dagger, and the cow's blood flowed into the bronze dew tray. Every link strictly complied with the ancient etiquette.
The officials of the imperial court who were guarding outside the temple had different expressions when they saw this situation.
If before, they were still a little confused about the emperor's grand construction of a statue of a god, now the appearance of the major Daoist leaders has made them fully understand the importance of this thing.
Of course, they don't know the inside story about these things.
What most people consider is how to stay on top of this change...
Inside and outside Jiumen, and in the neighborhoods and markets, there is also noisy bustle.
Vermilion Bird Avenue There was a huge crowd. Thick human walls formed one after another along both sides of the royal road cleared by Golden Guard. They all stood on tiptoe and looked toward the palace gate.
The second-story windows of teahouses and restaurants facing the street are packed with people, and there are even bold children lying next to the window lattice, their little heads crowded together.
Among the crowd, the vendors were as nimble as fishes, darting in and out of the crowd to sell. "Protect Peach Charms - be blessed with True Lord!"
"Mint water and sour plum soup are refreshing and thirst-quenching!"
The sound of the bells of the salesmen's burdens, mixed with the cries of the babies in the women's arms and the men's rough discussions, formed a buzzing noise.
The air was filled with the aroma of steamed wheat cakes and steamed buns, and the fumes of freshly fried fruits, mixed with the stench of crowd sweat, creating a strange smell.
In addition, folk music troupes in the streets and alleys are also adding to the fun. The percussion troupe plays gongs, drums, and cymbals, bringing a high-pitched and festive atmosphere unique to the North.
A few juggling groups temporarily circled an open space, and the lion dance's leaps and leaps attracted bursts of applause. There were also children who couldn't stop imitating the show, twisting around in colorful cloth strips, and worming their way through the crowd...
South City "Looking River Tower" is the highest restaurant in the south of the city.
Inside the fourth-floor Accord, looking out the window, one can see the dots of the Tonghui River sails and hear the sound of drums coming from the imperial city in the distance.
The smell of alcohol filled the air, and the table was already littered with cups and plates.
Kuai Dayou was picking his teeth, Fatty Lin had a smile on his round face, and he poured a full cup of wine for Luo MingZi attentively, "Daoist Master, drink this cup to the full, don't think about those bad things."
On the opposite side, the young scholar Kong Shangzhao lowered his head and unconsciously rubbed the edge of the rough porcelain wine glass with his fingertips.
Seeing that the time was almost here, Kuai Dayou winked, Fatty Lin coughed lightly, and said earnestly to Luo MingZi: "Daoist Luo, I am going to the south to look for the legendary 'Bohai Qiu Wood' this time. It would be impossible without Brother Shang Zhao!"
"The ancient books and maps in his stomach are neater than the shipping materials in my Fatty Lin warehouse! See if you can be accommodating..."
Commandery Commandant Office is again in charge of the great eunuch Zhao Wujiu.
This was a ruthless person, and they did not dare to use the plan they had prepared before. When they heard that Luo MingZi was recuperating at home, they felt depressed, so they invited him out to plead for mercy.
Luo MingZi did not answer when he heard this, but still leaned against the window lattice, looking at the hustle and bustle of the dock, and let out a short chuckle in his throat, as if he was mocking himself.
He didn't look back, holding the wine glass with his rough fingers, his knuckles turned white. "Lin Shaodong, even you are here to fool me..."
As he said that, he slowly turned his head, with a bit of fatigue on his face covered with green beard, and looked at Kong Shangzhao, and said calmly, "If you want to join Brother Li and others, go ahead. I won't stop you."
Kong Shangzhao was overjoyed when he heard this. He quickly stood up and handed over his hands, saying with a guilty look on his face, "Junior once promised Daoist Master Commandery Commandant Office, but now he has broken his promise..."
"No need to say anything more."
Luo MingZi waved his hand to stop him, raised his head and took a sip, drank all the wine in the glass, then put the glass down heavily, his eyes became cold and hard.
"The battle in Jingli this time..."
His voice deepened, with a hint of unnoticeable loneliness, "In the case of the Qiankun Academy, even Enforcement Hall and I stepped aside. The leaders of the Xuanmen religions came to Beijing. Although they forced His Majesty to compromise, there will definitely be more suppression of Xuanmen in the future."
"I heard that His Majesty has ordered Zhao Wujiu to be responsible for tracking down Jianmu. Now no one cares about Pindao. From now on, I guess I can only take orders from others."
"I, Luo MingZi, am not someone who covets Prosperity, but Jianmu Demon Man has not yet been killed. The situation in the capital is complicated. I wonder if there is hope in the future."
He exhaled, as if a heavy burden had been lifted:
"Let's go. Because of your extraordinary intelligence, you have already become a thorn in the eyes of some people in Commandery Commandant Office. With the current situation in the capital, I can't protect you. It's better to leave as soon as possible."
Kong Shangzhao nodded sharply, his eyes were slightly red, and he didn't know what to say.
Luo MingZi not only helped him solve his troubles, but also showed him the kindness of knowing him.
He has been regarded as a lunatic by his clan since he was a child. Although these days are tiring, it is Luo MingZi's unconditional trust that allows him to do all he can.
But before he could speak, Luo MingZi changed the topic again and his expression became solemn, "But if you follow Twelve Yuan Chen south, you have to help me with something along the way."
"Easy to say!"
"Don't say one thing, it's all a hundred!"
Fatty Lin and Kuai Dayou were delighted and hurriedly patted their chests and agreed.
Luo MingZi nodded slightly and glanced at the crowd, "The Japanese invasion has become serious along the southern coast. Many Xuanmen disciples have been hired with large sums of money to go overseas, leaving the interior empty, demons raging, and evil ways resurrecting."
"Especially recently, there is a 'Ghost Opera Troupe' who has committed several major cases one after another, and his methods are very evil! When they were in Sichuan, they colluded with the demon 'Jianmu'."
With that said, Luo MingZi leaned forward and lowered his voice and warned, "I will ask Brother Li for help later to investigate this matter. Mr. Kong, you have a sharp mind. Follow Li Yan and the others all the way south. Please help me check whether it is Jianmu Demon Man's plan behind it."
"I will still stay in the capital to avoid this matter being ignored."
Fatty Lin was the first to pat his chest. "Don't worry, Mr. Luo! I'm familiar with the doorways on the waterway dock! If there is really something evil, I will dig three feet into the ground and dig out clues for you!"
Kuai Dayou nodded like a fool. "Yes, yes! What kind of monster is on us!"
Although this Kuai Dayou is a powerful craftsman, he is still young and has a youthful nature. He also had conflicts with the elders of the craftsmen's sect and had long wanted to leave the capital and travel far away.
But I don't want to be lonely when I go alone.
I was very happy to be able to facilitate this.
As for the monster, I didn't take it to heart at all.
Fatty Lin, on the other hand, is eager to find spiritual wood to build a ship for Lineage.
Only Kong Shangzhao took a deep breath, picked up the wine bottle, stood up solemnly, filled the last sip of wine for Luo MingZi, held up his own wine glass with both hands, and touched it heavily with him.
Ding!
The wine is sloshing around, and everything is unspeakable...
The drizzle was hazy, and the hot and humid river breeze swept over the Tongzhou Pier.
The fog has not yet dissipated, and the outlines of several huge canal boats are looming on the river.
There is a two-story inn named "Cloud Arriving Inn" next to the pier. The private room facing the window is brightly lit, blocking out the hustle and bustle of people outside.
Li Yan, Wang Dao Xuan, Sha LiFei and others are sitting at the table. Opposite them are two special guests: the prince Xiao Jingyan, who is wearing a plain python robe and has a calm face. Sitting next to him are two stunning women, none other than Zhao Wan Fang and the Yanmen elder Su Yu.
The dishes are sumptuous and the atmosphere is solemn.
The matter in the capital was over, and the relationship between the emperor and Xuanmen was tense. Even the headmaster of Wudang, Yu Chanzi, did not want to cause more trouble and left early.
Coupled with the incident of Steam Engine, the environment in Beijing is really complicated.
Under this situation, Li Yan wanted to leave quietly, but unexpectedly, as soon as he reached the boundary of Tongzhou, he was stopped by Su Yu and Zhao Wan Fang, who took him here.
Unexpectedly, the prince would come to see him off in person.
"Prince His Highness, you are too polite."
Li Yan didn't know what he meant, so he had to get up and drink wine to say thank you.
"It should."
Prince Xiao Jingyan dismissed the attendants and poured a glass of wine for Li Yan himself. He still maintained his elegant and gentle tone and said, "I know about the academy. Thanks to Young Hero Li, a catastrophe was avoided."
"If the demon succeeds and parasitizes True Lord, the consequences will be disastrous. However, the current situation in the capital is complicated, and the matter cannot be publicized, so my father did not issue a reward. However, the academy has recorded great achievements for the young hero."
"Business matters."
Li Yan nodded slightly, not caring.
He already knew about the meritorious service of the Academy, but he had just re-refined the magical weapons and would not be able to use them for a while.
Besides, the biggest benefit is the reward from the Tianguan mission.
Five Ways Celestial Decree, Five Ways Divine Gang, is more rich than any previous mission.
Moreover, the prince came here in person, so he might have other things to do.
Sure enough, Prince Xiao Jingyan continued to speak, "Young Hero Li is going south on this trip. I don't want to disturb you, but there is something..."
Before he finished speaking, Li Yan shook his head and said, "Prince His Highness, we're afraid we won't be able to arrive in time."
When Su Yuan met for the first time, Prince Xiao Jingyan mentioned this matter.
Royal Fleet sank before, and a treasure fell into a strange sea area. I want to ask him to help salvage it.
It was nothing at first, but Li Yan has already agreed to Erlang Zhenjun to go to Mount Tai to investigate the situation there. This is a top priority, so why bother going to sea.
"Things have changed again."
The prince Xiao Jingyan was not annoyed when his words were interrupted. He shook his head helplessly and said, "To be honest, after our meeting that night, I ordered people to go to the outside to search, but it was a step too late. The things had already been salvaged."
"Oh?"
Li Yan asked, "Who took it away? What kind of treasure is it?"
"It's a Zhenhai Jade Gui."
Prince Xiao Jingyan said in a deep voice, "This object is an ancient treasure. According to legend, it was a sacrificial vessel for the ancient ancestors along the coast of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Placing it on a boat can calm the storm."
"This object was once owned by King of Wu Qian Liu, and then fell into the hands of the imperial court. I want to rebuild Imperial Family Fleet, and this object is the key."
"There are rumors that the pirates from Jiangsu and Zhejiang were responsible for the attack, but no one knows in whose hands it is. If Young Hero Li goes there, please help me pay attention."
Li Yan agreed, "It will be easy to handle if you don't rush. Li has written this down. If you find any clues, you will definitely pay attention."
The prince nodded slightly and raised his glass to see him off again.
After three rounds of drinking, the prince found it inconvenient to stay for a long time, so he took his people and left quietly.
Zhao Wan Fang then stepped forward, holding the wine glass and said, "Brother Li asked me to inquire about the information around Mount Tai. Manpower has been dispatched, but Mount Tai is an important place of Xuanmen after all. No matter what you do, you must be careful in everything."
Su Yu on the side smiled and said, "Look at what you said, you are looking down on Young Hero Li. Now Twelve Yuan Chen's reputation has already spread throughout the north and south."
"Young Hero Li, as agreed before, when you get to Jiangnan, I, Yanmen, will help you contact big jobs. The rewards will be generous, so don't always refuse."
"Elder Su is joking..."
After sending the two people away, Li Yan and others left the inn and were about to board the car when they saw two people flashing out of the shadows in the corner, it was Luo MingZi and Yan Jiuling.
"Brother Li, are you going to leave in such a sneaky way?"
Yan Jiuling came in stride, his face full of displeasure.
Looking at the tired face of the other party, Li Yan said helplessly, "Why should you and I do this? Now the academy is in dire need, so I only sent a message because I was afraid of trouble for you."
"No matter how much you have to do, you can always make time by giving it away!"
Yan Jiuling's eyes were a little red, "The capital is a whirlpool, but if I want to fulfill my grandfather's last wish, I can only wallow in this muddy pond. I really want to go with you."
"After this farewell, I'm afraid we won't see each other again for several years."
"There are close friends in the sea, and we are like neighbors across the world."
Li Yan smiled slightly, "Human Path The revolution has arrived. The academy is the core. Brother Yan will definitely be remembered in history."
Luo MingZi on the side also had a complicated expression. He patted Li Yan hard on the shoulder, quickly glanced around, lowered his voice and said quickly, "Brother Li, don't talk nonsense, Jianmu Demon Man will cause trouble to Divine Land, and we must not let it go. I will also find ways to promote this matter in the capital."
"And that 'Ghost Opera Troupe' is probably Jianmu's black hand reaching out to Divine Land. There must be a conspiracy. If you have any clues, be sure to dig deep!"
Li Yan also said seriously, "Daoist Master, don't worry."
Yan Jiuling stretched out his hand and someone brought him a farewell drink.
"Brother, the mountains are high and the rivers are far away, so be careful with everything you do!"
"Take care, both of you. Please pay more attention to the wind and rain in Beijing."
Farewell to Luo and Yan, Li Yan and his party strode towards the berth.
An exquisite two-masted Sand Ship flying the flag of the Lin Family is waiting quietly. The hull is brand new and made of fine wood. It is the "treasure ship" that Fatty Lin has prepared with all his heart.
Fatty Lin and Kong Shangzhao were already waving on the deck.
After boarding the ship, the river breeze blew the sails and blew away the last trace of farewell sadness at the dock.
Li Yan took one last look at the fog-shrouded Tongzhou Pier, turned around and stepped onto the gangplank, Lin Family the treasure ship slowly left the shore and sailed into the mighty smoke...