Railway Warden

Welcome aboard. Your destination is Xiezi Peak. You are traveling in first class.

Dear guests, welcome to the Ink Bamboo Mountain Railway Service. Please allow me, on behalf of the train crew, to extend our sincere greetings.

Your compartment is on your left after boarding. If you need to store your luggage, please do not hesitate to ask the Railway Warden on board for help. The entire train crew is happy to serve you to the best of their ability.

Your box is still in front. According to the relevant regulations of the Mozhushan Railway Institute, I will announce to all passengers the precautions for passengers with the word "" on boarding. First-class passengers can choose to skip repeated instructions. We apologize for the inconvenience caused to you...'

So you know that nagging can be inconvenient for people, right...?

Zheng Zetian patted his pocket. Although he was still a passenger with the 'Tian' character in his name, he was still a first-class passenger, and he had pills in his pocket.

Guided by Ying Suo, Zheng Zetian arrived at the private room and peeked Door Opening.

First class is truly different! Economy class is four people sitting face-to-face with luggage to store, and if you're tall, it's probably hard to stretch your legs. First class is much more spacious, at least seven or eight times the size of economy class. It's like a private room or cave, with a bed, chairs, and even an incense burner. You could even draw a magic circle and practice your magic on the train without any problem. Plus, there are fresh dried fruits and desserts prepared on the coffee table, all free of charge.

Zheng Zetian grabbed a handful of rice wine and chewed it for a while. He saw that there was warm rice wine on the stove, so he drank a cup as well, which finally relieved his stomach pain a bit.

That's true. An economy class ticket to Xiezi Peak costs only twelve taels, while a first class ticket costs six hundred taels, plus a 15% consumption tax and a 15% service tax, totaling seven hundred and eighty taels. Breakfast and lunch are definitely included in the ticket price, so what's wrong with giving you a few extra bananas and apples? But seriously, this rice wine is really refreshing, with a wonderful aroma, a lingering fragrance, and a sweet, soothing taste. Hmm? What's written on the back of this wine cup...? What?! It's chargeable! Fifteen taels for two bites! Is this robbery?! I can't believe drinks aren't included in the package! This is a betrayal!

After departure, the dining car will open for business. Today's first-class set menu includes: Sichuan-style snowflake beef, mandarin fish with lime juice, stir-fried scallops with asparagus and white jade, king oyster mushrooms with pork neck, and mixed seasonal vegetables. We also have fresh sea bream from the South China Sea. Quantities are limited, first come, first served.

This train offers room service for first-class passengers. If you have any other needs, please don't hesitate to call the Railway Warden...

Oh, that sounds pretty good.

Thinking that a major battle was coming up later and things might even revert to a previous state, Zheng Zetian shrugged and simply downed all the paid spirit wine and rice wine in one go. Instantly, his whole body felt warm, and his true spirit Dao Breath through his meridians, replenishing his energy. He didn't stay in the private room for long and went out reeking of alcohol.

After all, he wasn't really there for tourism. Once he had eaten and drunk his fill, he wiped his mouth, left the carriage, and continued looking for people. Fortunately, with the price of first class, there weren't many passengers. There were only two carriages, and it wasn't like the Moshan section was off-limits to leaving the station. Zheng Zetian quickly found the family he had just met.

"Excuse me, sir, this carriage has been reserved by my master. If you want to go to the dining car, you'll have to go back and find the Railway Warden."

The pageboy was standing guard at the entrance of the corridor, not wearing a raincoat, and was clearly also fed up with the nagging about being careful on the train and the advertisements. He immediately stopped Zheng Zetian when he saw him coming.

Zheng Zetian lifted the 'shadow cloak' to reveal his face, "I'm looking for your family's master."

No clue can be overlooked. After all, only five people boarded the train with Lou Guan City. Who knows if they're in cahoots with the thing hiding in the 'ghost' carriage? And who knows if those things are after Li Family Village or Song Dayou?

What Zheng Zetian couldn't understand most was that he and the cat-eared guardian were both killed instantly with a single move, without any regard for consequences. But the Qilin, with its heart and abdomen ripped out, was clearly tortured for a long time before it died.

It was as if the other party already knew Song Dayou, or as if they were interrogating him for some information...

Regardless, Zheng Zetian is currently still within Lou Guan City's territory, and is likely safe until he reaches Li Family Village or even enters the Moshan section.

After all, his life as a mere disciple of Lou Guan was insignificant. Since the other party was hiding in the car, they naturally wouldn't risk being exposed to kill him and delay their business.

Since we have the time and opportunity, we should naturally try our best to gather intelligence; it might come in handy.

The pageboy, upon recognizing the young Daoist priest who had just borrowed money, asked in surprise,

"Are you a disciple of Ink Bamboo Mountain? Outer Sect Disciple are allowed to travel in first class? What brings you here?"

Zheng Zetian didn't care and took out a handful of silver notes from his pocket.

He sent a telegram for 390 taels to activate the tycoon's two cheat codes, and bought a first-class ticket for 780 taels. Now he has 1,800 taels left out of the 3,000 taels. Not to mention the small bills of 10 or 100 taels, but the large denomination Banknotes of 1,000 taels was given to him by the other party's wife.

Zheng Zetian took out the Banknotes and pointed to the Banknotes with the following names: the first copy was from Ink Bamboo Mountain Finance Institute, the second copy was from Ink Bamboo Mountain Railway Institute, and the third copy was from Heshou Huangji Salt Shop.

"A thousand taels of silver notes are not common. Banks usually issue hundred-tael Banknotes, which is sufficient. This Banknotes was issued by your own bank, wasn't it? And the injured man in the wheelchair, is he Huang Jing, a disciple of Ink Bamboo Mountain?"

Upon hearing the other party reveal the young master's full name, the pageboy was filled with suspicion. "You are...?"

The maidservant appeared silently behind the pageboy, her eyes sweeping across Zheng Zetian's throat as a warning, staring at the 'Heaven' ticket pasted on his chest.

So Zheng Zetian introduced himself again.

"Zheng Zetian, a disciple of Ink Bamboo Mountain, is in the same year as Senior Brother Huang and has met him twice. I am fortunate to meet him again and would like to visit my classmate."

The page nodded. "So it's Fellow Daoist Zheng. I appreciate your kind intentions, but my young master has just fallen asleep..."

"Huang An, it's alright, let the young Daoist priest in."

"It's Madam."

Upon hearing the mistress's order, the page and maidservant naturally could no longer obstruct him. They accompanied Zheng Zetian into the private room one after the other. The Kunlun Slave was curled up in a corner, his four arms covering his head, his back twitching as if he were enduring great pain.

The boy, his body covered in burns, lay flat on the bed, half-asleep and groaning intermittently. The woman sat beside the bed, her face filled with worry. Seeing Zheng Zetian enter, she nodded and said...

"Young Daoist priest, you are very kind. My son's injuries have stabilized, and he should be fine."

Zheng Zetian glanced at the wounded Huang Jing and asked,

"My senior brother's injuries require rest; Lou Guan City has its own medicinal pools and elixirs for treating our disciples. Why are you in such a hurry to take him out of the city, Madam?"

The lady smiled wryly.

"When I heard that Jing'er was injured, I rushed here overnight. The alchemist said it was from Qi Refinement Stage. Hehe, although I am a woman, I know that Jing'er is only at the Foundation Establishment. What kind of Qi could she refine to be injured like this?"

I suppose Jing'er has been spoiled by me since she was little, living a life of luxury at home, unaware of the treacherous nature of people outside. She didn't listen to my advice, flaunted her wealth, or perhaps she was too competitive and offended someone, which led to her being punished.

It's pitiful that he's just a child, severely injured, lying alone in the medicine furnace, suffering agonizing pain. My Huang family is nothing more than a small merchant family. Although we have a few taels of gold and silver, we have no real foundation and cannot compare to those cultivation families with countless relatives and friends. We really dare not offend this hermit.

My son was of mediocre talent to begin with. Since he lacks good fortune and has even attracted trouble, then it's better if he doesn't pursue immortality. Today I'll take him back to the village and protect him for the rest of his life."

The pageboy Huang An, immediately comforted him.

"Don't worry, Madam. We'll arrive at Crane Head Peak by noon. I've already sent a telegram and asked the family to prepare medicinal soup and a bath. Young Master is a lucky man; he'll be fine. Besides, Zhenfeng Zhenren has received so much from our family's tribute; he'll surely give us face and come to see Young Master when he returns. Even if there's some misunderstanding, a little money can clear it up."

The lady also looked worried, saying, "If only it were that simple."

Zheng Zetian, then asked again,

"Since Madam is worried that Brother Huang has offended someone, with your family's wealth, why not quickly use your flying boat magic to bring Brother Huang home instead of taking this mechanical carriage?"

Madam Huang shook her head and sighed, "I was anxious too, but my son's injury was bad Moon. Yesterday, it seemed something happened in Lou Guan City. They're strictly checking the airport, prohibiting airships from taking off and landing, and forbidding unauthorized air raids. That's why we had to wait until this morning to cross the railway."

Huh? Something happened? Yesterday? Could it be...?

Zheng Zetian narrowed his eyes, and Huang An beside him chimed in.

"I've inquired and heard that yesterday some out-of-town rogue cultivators illegally accessed the city's spiritual veins to refine pills, causing two streets to explode and killing over a hundred people. Lou Guan Tower is furious, and the Discipline Institute has already summoned the guardians of each city and peak for a meeting on life, production, and safety. Even the guardians of Bamboo Mountain have been reprimanded."

However, as the saying goes, "A large forest has all kinds of birds." These rogue cultivators from out of town are so ungrateful, daring to cause trouble in Lou Guan City, clearly showing no respect for the Grand Master. To be on the safe side, it's better to take the railway, lest we get caught up in the Sword Light and chaos of a battle in the sky.

After all, there haven't been any major incidents with the railway in recent years, and Lou Guan skilled expert, is on board to guard the train. He's sure to ensure safety."

"Lou Guan is a master?"

Zheng Zetian pursed his lips.

"That Railway Warden seems to be from the Spirit Race, right? Is he really a powerful expert...?"

Huang An, however, did not take it to heart.

"Oh, that must be a spirit pet or mount, something that helps with chores. After all, what real person would be willing to Door Opening for you at the station and bring you food to your seat?"

However, the regulations of the railway bureau are formulated by a powerful figure, so there must be a proper Lou Guan Dao escorting me on the train. He's probably in seclusion in one of the carriages right now."

So, there are at least two Railway Warden on this train...

Zheng Zetian thought for a moment and realized that this group was indeed from the Huang family, not some demon in human skin. He stopped testing them and said frankly,

"I've heard about what happened to Senior Brother Huang. He didn't offend anyone; it's just that his cultivation was insufficient. Although he had the opportunity to see the true Dharma, he couldn't comprehend it, couldn't understand it, couldn't endure it, and couldn't withstand it. He just suffered a temporary qi deviation. Now, he's only burned a layer of flesh, and his meridians are not seriously affected. It's nothing serious. Once he recovers, it won't delay his cultivation."

The lady of the house let out a soft "Ah!" and stood up.

"Young Daoist priest, do you have a way to save my son? I am willing to pay a large sum of money for you!"

Zheng Zetian nodded, "Yes, there are many medicinal prescriptions in Ink Bamboo Mountain that can calm the mind, nourish the body, and promote sleep. You can decoct a few doses for him, and after three days of sleep, he will naturally get better."

I said it was an emergency, so I won't take more than you owe. Here's 1,800...15 taels left. I'll return it to you now, and we'll settle the rest of the score another day. I won't disturb Brother Huang's rest any longer, so I'll take my leave now."

After saying that, he shoved the silver notes in his hand into Huang An's hand, bowed, and turned to leave.

Seeing that the young Daoist priest was unwilling to accept more money, and knowing that many cultivators did indeed settle their karmic debts in this way, the lady, concerned for her son, did not press the matter further.

Zheng Zetian got out of Huang's carriage, walked a short distance, then suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked at the ugly maidservant following behind him. He didn't say anything, just stared at her.

The maid spoke coldly.

"I'll go get my food from the dining car."

Zheng Zetian then said,

"What a coincidence, I'll go too."

So the two of them remained silent and walked to the train door. The cat-ear Railway Warden was not there; it was unclear whether he had gone to check the economy class or the ghost cabin.

Zheng Zetian thought for a moment, ignoring the maid watching him from behind, and directly opened the hidden cabinet, took out the 'Ink' brand hat and put it on his head, then pulled open the 'Ghost Gate'!

A surge of malevolent energy erupted, startling the maidservant. She leaped onto the ceiling, hanging upside down like a bat, and cursed angrily.

"You stinking old man! Are you looking for death?!"

Zheng Zetian ignored her, checked behind the door and saw three lamps still hanging there, then closed the gate and turned to look at the maid.

There's something dirty in the car.

The ugly maidservant angrily retorted,

"Yes! You're the kind of crazy lunatic who's asking for death! If I ever become a demon, I'll tear you, you stinking old man, into eight pieces first!"

Zheng Zetian grinned.

"Fellow Daoist, with your abilities, becoming a protector in Ink Bamboo Mountain would be a piece of cake. Why reincarnate and hide in the Huang family, borrowing money to cultivate? Or have you taken a fancy to his wife? Give up, she's already a mother, her heart is set on her son, she won't tolerate you."

Ugly maidservant, ptooey!

"Pah! What's it to you, you stinking Daoist priest! I'm warning you this once, out of respect for Mountain Lord: whatever tricks you're up to, don't you dare scheme against the Huang family. If you harm a single hair on Madam's head, I'll eat you alive!"

Zheng Zetian laughed and said, "Okay, I believe you. Then we're on the same side."

The maid stared at her, her face contorted in disbelief.

"Huh?? Are you out of your mind or deliberately trying to get yourself killed?"

Zheng Zetian calculated with his fingers, thought for a moment, and then said to the maid...

"My Ink Bamboo Mountain is currently investigating the Lou Guan City bombing case. We suspect the suspect may be in the car. We hope you can help us apprehend the real culprit."

The ugly maid rolled her eyes at him, flipped off the roof of the car, and headed towards first class. "What's it to me?" she thought, her words leaving the rest unsaid.

Zheng Zetian glanced at her back and her height, then suddenly spoke.

"Were you a practitioner of the Purple Haze in your past life? If you don't help me, I'm afraid your wife won't even have a chance to get off the carriage at Crane Head Peak."

The maidservant abruptly stopped, turning her head to the side, one pupil staring at Zheng Zetian's throat, fierce as a lone wolf. Her aura Dao Breath! Purple Haze spread throughout her body like thorns on a rose!

But Zheng Zetian wasn't afraid at all; instead, he nodded. It really was her, that 'ghost'.

In other words, those five shadows were indeed these five people, but they weren't 'people'; they were hiding in their emptied bodies!

That thing had indeed infiltrated the train, and it had already made its move before reaching the Moshan section, killing all the first-class passengers and disguising itself as human to hide in the first-class compartment, thus evading the watchful eyes and ears of the guards and getting off at Li Family Village.

As for this reincarnated maid, she is still a 'human' now. She was the only one who managed to escape half her life from that thing and become a 'ghost'. This was probably because she possessed the abilities of a Nascent Soul Realm. Only she managed to use the pill hidden in the shadow cloak.

Judging from the drastic change in her personality, she probably took both pills at the same time.

Indeed, those of you who are as gifted as Ancestor Luo must have already understood this.

There is no 'cure' at all, only a 'placebo'.

If Ink Bamboo Mountain truly possessed a miraculous remedy for dispelling evil, why bother constructing a massive city protective shield and a colossal Mozhu Mountain wall, repeatedly issuing orders to prevent anyone from being exposed to the False Moon?

There is no cure for change.

After all, the transformation into a ghost is irreversible, and death is unavoidable. Once a person encounters a ghost, once they transform from a human into a ghost, it will be too late.

The ghost is the one who returns; when a person dies, he should die. This is the most basic law of Heaven.

Since you're dead and refuse to return, you must have been quite unhappy that day. So, you're left to rely on yourself, aren't you?

The blue pill in his left hand is some kind of hypnotic drug, or rather, a memory-sealing drug.

The red pill in your right hand has the opposite effect; it's probably similar to a reincarnated cicada, a supplementary pill that helps you solidify your primordial spirit and memories.

Waking up from a dream is like going back to sleep immediately. Dreams coming true, on the other hand, help you face reality.

After all, according to the Grand Master's view in "Introduction to the Transformation of the Primordial Chaos", "human evolution" requires a strong Dao heart to control it.

If a person lacks the courage to face reality, refuses to accept personal changes, and tries to reject and escape through dreams, how can they possibly control their own rebirth?

That would almost certainly lead to falling into the demonic path and becoming Devil Embryo. It's better to take drugs and fall into a deep sleep, at least to suffer less. Whether you wake up or not is another matter.

However, it cannot be ruled out that some people are truly talented, have a special affinity for the Dao, and possess the potential to actually see 'ghosts,' just like this ugly maid in front of us.

That would indeed be a chance to be accepted into the Mo Shan sect. Give them a chance, and who knows, one day they might awaken and transform from a 'Mo Mountain Ghosts' into a 'Mo Shan person'.

Unfortunately, although this ugly maid was talented, she lacked comprehension. She didn't listen to Zheng Zetian's explanation at all, and with an elbow strike, the thorny blade on her arm was already aimed straight at Daozi's left eye!

But Zheng Zetian was faster, or rather, earlier. Before the girl even said, "You won't help me," he had already thrown out a piece of blue gauze he had been holding under his raincoat, like a fishing net! It wrapped around her head and captured the ugly maid who had rushed towards him, binding her in the blue gauze!

"Bastard! Bastard! You brat! You despicable brat! Let me out!"

The ugly maid roared, rolling around like a cicada pupa, unable to move because she was wrapped in smoke and gauze.

Oh, the magical treasures of the Xuanmen sect are really useful! They say they can't break through your Nascent Soul Stage, Nascent Soul Stage can't break through it.

"What... what's going on??"

The Railway Warden, pushing a dining car, opened the door to economy class and was shocked by what he saw.

Zheng Zetian bowed expressionlessly and said...

"Zheng Zetian, a disciple of Ink Bamboo Mountain, has apprehended the suspect in last night's bombing in Lou Guan City. The Guardian Master is hereby ordered to immediately halt the carriages and summon the Discipline Institute for interrogation!"

Since every mountain peak and even every station has a telegraph machine, there must be one on this train too!

The maid was furious, writhing like a caterpillar, yelling, "You're talking nonsense! You're talking nonsense!"

"Ah, ah? This..." Leopard Ear Guardian scratched his head, looked at the maid on the ground, then at Zheng Zetian, and then looked up at what was behind Zheng Zetian. "Guardian Lu, what do you think we should do?"

In that instant, Zheng Zetian felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave. He didn't feel anyone behind him at all, but a hand reached out. The hand that had 'once' crushed his head gently landed on his shoulder this time, and then a man asked softly.

"Zheng Zetian... whose disciple are you?"