Chapter 343: Ziwei Sword Immortal
Chapter 343: Ziwei Sword Immortal
Amidst the mist and rain, the lower reaches of the Wulong River turned north in a crescent-shaped bay and finally merged into the Xiang River.
There is a valley somewhere by the river, with lush vegetation, tiger tracks and deer trails, but usually no one walks there.
"Finally it's out!"
Dozens of men from western Sichuan slid down the steep slope and landed on the flat ground in front of the river bay like seagulls, all of them with disheveled hair and tattered clothes.
After staying in the forest for more than ten days, they were bitten by mosquitoes and attacked by wild beasts, and they didn't get a good night's sleep. Not to mention the ordinary people of Qingcheng Sect, even several of their direct disciples showed signs of fatigue.
"Master, are we still looking?"
"try to find!"
"Have they already left Hengyang Prefecture?"
Yu Canghai just glanced at him, and Hong Renxiong immediately fell silent, not daring to ask any more questions.
Seeing his master's grim expression, Hou Renying said quickly, "We have been tracking them all the way, and they are so close. Lin Zhennan and his wife must not have escaped far. They are probably hiding somewhere nearby."
Yu Canghai nodded slightly, thinking that the eldest disciple's words were quite pleasing to the ear.
"Ying'er, which way do you think we should go?"
Hou Renying escorted Lin Zhennan and his wife from this road that day. He looked around at the mountains and rivers on both sides of the river and remembered the surrounding terrain.
"Master, there is a Shuangshui Wharf about seven or eight miles east along the river. Most of the ships that cross the Wulong River and enter the Xiangshui River will stop there for supplies. We can go to the wharf to make some repairs and maybe we can get some news."
"Let's go to Shuangshui Wharf. You lead the way."
"Yes."
The Qingcheng Sect trekked along the ridge where the river and the mountain met. The road was very rugged and the people were as small as ants.
Yu Canghai's purpose was not noble, either for personal ambition or family plot, but the tenacity he showed could be called that of a hero of the time. When such a person does bad things, his determination and the harm he causes are so great that they are not something that ordinary people can achieve.
There are often black-sailed boats traveling on the water.
Most of them were travelers or merchants who took boats from Hengshan City via the Wulong River and Xiang River to Changsha Prefecture in the north, or to Jiangxi and Fujian in the east. There were also wanderers who returned late after enjoying the ten scenic spots of Nanyue.
Shuangshui Wharf in Shuangshui Town is located in the northeast corner of Hengyang Prefecture, close to the confluence of two rivers. It is a small grass market gathered due to water conservancy, and it has prospered by providing wine, food, accommodation and lodging for boatmen, traveling merchants and wanderers.
At noon, there were only three tank ships and six or seven pontoon boats docked at the dock.
Peng’s wine shed has the largest frontage and the most tables and chairs.
"My fellow Taoists, what food would you like?"
The shopkeeper was delighted to see that more than thirty guests had come and almost filled up all the tables and chairs inside and outside the store. He found the one who was in charge among them and hurriedly served them attentively.
"We have the best liquor in our store, fat chickens are kept in cages, and we have dozens of kilograms of cured mutton, half of which..."
"No need to say more!"
Hou Renying stopped the shopkeeper and looked at Yu Canghai, seeing him nod slightly. Then he gave the order.
"Give the master a bowl of plain noodles and a pot of tea, and I will do the same. As for the other brothers, just give them enough wine and meat, and let them do as they please."
The Qingcheng Sect is neither Quanzhen nor Zhengyi. It is located in Sichuan and has its own inner alchemy system. It has never issued a ban on marriage and alcohol. Yu Canghai also married a wife and concubines and had children, but since he took over Songfeng Temple, he vowed to be a vegetarian.
"Master, please wait a moment. I will go and prepare it right away."
"Go ahead and bring my master's up first."
"understand."
As the first disciple of Qingcheng, Hou Renying was required to arrange food and lodging when traveling. This was both his duty as the eldest disciple and his right as the eldest senior brother. After everything was arranged, he looked at Yu Canghai, only to see that his master's eyes were on the two tables of guests outside the door.
"Master, should we chase them away?"
Yu Canghai shook his head and said in a deep voice: "Listen to what they are saying."
When the Qingcheng faction arrived, there were two tables of martial artists sitting outside, each holding a sword in hand. When they saw more than 30 people coming, all with Sichuan accents, they had no interactions with each other, so they just nodded and continued drinking and chatting.
From listening to their conversation, one party was Hu Feng, the elder of the Xiangxi Paijiao sect, who was going to Changsha Prefecture to sell wood, and the other party was Lu Buyun, a tycoon of Jiangxi water culture and the chief of the 18 water strongholds, Qingyun Stronghold, who was about to return to Jiujiang.
"The hand-washing conference could have been a great story in the martial arts world, but it turned out like this. It's really unexpected!"
“In fact, there were already signs.”
"What's the sign?"
"Boss Hu, didn't you notice that Mr. Mo Da never showed up? In my opinion, the rumors about his brothers falling out are true. Maybe the Songshan Sect leaked the news... just to avoid implicating the Hengshan Sect..."
When it came to the crucial point, the voice of the Paijiao elder suddenly lowered.
"I see. Even if he has retired from the underworld, he is still my junior brother. He has a cruel heart."
"Songshan sent out hundreds of Long Sword Hall disciples, led by two Taibao. If that man hadn't taken action, Liu Zhengfeng's entire family would have been in danger."
"He first captured the two great protectors, and defeated Huashan with one sword. People in the martial arts world called him Ziwei..."
"He is so young, and his martial arts are extraordinary. It's a pity that he is a member of the Demon Sect. I'm afraid it's not a good thing."
"That's not necessarily true. Judging from his actions, he is trustworthy and loyal. Even though he is in the Demon Sect, he is not necessarily a treacherous and evil person."
The Pai Cult originated from western Hunan, where they lived in deep mountains and dense forests and made a living by logging. Naturally, their feelings about the struggle between good and evil in the martial arts world were not as profound as Lu Buyun's. Qingyun Village was under the pressure of Suzaku Hall all year round, and they lost a piece of territory around Nanchang Prefecture every day, so they could only survive.
Lu Buyun shook his head and said, "After all, he is a member of the Demonic Cult."
Hu Feng chuckled and said, "Zuo Lengchan is so domineering. He is only the leader of the Five Mountains Sword Sect, but he is already calling for the killing of his fellow disciples and even their families. If the Sun Moon Divine Sect is gone, Zuo Lengchan will definitely command the martial arts world and become the leader of the entire martial arts world. By then, you and I will be like fish on a sticky board. It is better for us to be free and unrestrained now."
Lu Buyun thought about it and realized that it was true. There was a tiger in front and a wolf behind, blocking both ends.
He smiled bitterly and said, "Brother Hu has a clear view of things."
Both parties had just attended Liu Zhengfeng's retirement ceremony, and both were engaged in water business, so they met and got to know each other. They were talking about Liu Zhengfeng's retirement ceremony, and the rising star in the martial arts world. Although the other party was a member of the Demon Sect, there was no lack of respect in their words.
Yu Canghai listened to the general idea and retracted his gaze: "Ziwei Sword Immortal, Zhang Yu?"
Hou Renying was confused and somewhat unbelievable: "According to what they said, the appearance, dress, and deeds of this Ziwei Sword Immortal are very similar to... that Zhang Liyu? It's impossible, right? How can his martial arts be so high?"
At the Qun Yuyuan, Hou Renying and Hong Renxiong were both defeated by Zhang Liyu. They knew that the other party's martial arts were better than theirs, but they also thought that his skills were limited and they would never be a match for their master Yu Canghai.
Hong Renxiong didn't believe it at all, and said with a smile: "First he captured the two guardians, and then he defeated Huashan with one sword? If that's true, then wouldn't his martial arts be better than Master's... Impossible, absolutely impossible!"
Yu Canghai was also half-believing and half-doubting. The rumors in the world were most likely groundless and exaggerated.
Could it be that after I had been hiding in Nanshan for more than ten days, the weather outside had changed?
"Damn it, that damn Ziwei Sword Immortal, if he meets me, I will tear his head off!"
Yu Canghai sneered and put down his chopsticks.
The Qingcheng Sect disciples no longer dared to eat and listened attentively to the orders.
"The dock is full of people of all kinds. Look around and don't be stingy with your money. See if anyone has seen a man with a wolf head embroidered on his robe, taking a couple by. Which direction did he go?"
"Yes, Master."
The Qingcheng disciples scattered.
Shuangshui Wharf is close to Shuangshui Town, with hundreds of households, white walls and green tiles, well-connected neighborhoods, and several Buddhist temples. It is a prosperous place, with occasional donations, and many beggars from other places come here to beg for food upon hearing the news.
"Steamed buns? Or meat buns?"
There were five or six beggars squatting in the corner, looking at the buns held in the hands of the young man. He tore open the skin to reveal the greasy meat filling. The aroma was enough to make the diners fall over. They kept swallowing their saliva and felt even hungrier. "Do you want to eat?"
"I want to...I want to eat..."
Hong Renxiong pinched his nose and looked at the beggars squatting on the street corners like stink bugs lying in the ditch. He untied the paper bag in his hand, which contained four meat buns, and put them on the ground.
"Thank you, young man. Thank you, young man!"
The group of beggars rushed over like mad dogs, all reaching out to grab the meat buns.
"Suddenly~"
The long sword was unsheathed, and a cold light fell.
"what!"
The gray-haired middle-aged beggar screamed as the iron blade pierced through his palm and nailed it to the ground.
"Dare to rob? This is what happens."
Hong Renxiong laughed loudly, retracted his sword, and a few drops of blood splashed on the buns.
"I don't dare anymore, I don't dare anymore..."
The beggars retreated one after another, looking at Hong Renxiong, their faces pale with fear.
"If you want to eat steamed buns, I'll ask you one question. If you can answer it, I'll treat you to a meal for half a month. If you dare to cheat, this will be his fate."
Hong Renxiong put his sword on the middle-aged beggar's neck, and when he saw the beggars kneeling and bowing to him, he felt very happy. He didn't expect to learn the whereabouts of Lin Zhennan and his wife from the beggars, but he had been searching for them in Nanshan for nearly half a month, sleeping in the open air, and being scolded. He was very angry, so he wanted to have some fun.
“I haven’t seen it, I haven’t seen it…”
"Young man, spare us. We have never seen the couple you mentioned."
Hong Renxiong snorted coldly, kicked the bun into the stinky ditch, turned around and left.
After the Qingcheng Sect left the street, a young beggar turned out from behind the corner.
The bald beggar asked, "Brother Mu, where have you been?"
"I went to visit my relatives."
"did you find it?"
Lin Pingzhi glanced in the direction where Hong Renxiong left, squatted in the corner, and took half of the muddy beef bun.
"I found it, but there's a door blocking it, so I can't see it yet."
"Damn! I knew it would be like this. We are beggars. Who would recognize us? We don't even care about relatives. Did they let the dogs bite you?"
Lin Pingzhi shook his head and said, "No."
The bald-headed beggar said indignantly, "You are already very lucky. We are squatting here to enjoy the cool air, but we still provoke a mad dog. What kind of world is this! Lao Bai's hand was stabbed with a sword... He said he was looking for a man with a wolf head embroidered on his clothes, and there was a couple. Whoever can provide clues will be treated to half a month of buns. Bullshit!"
After Lin Pingzhi finished eating the buns, he looked down at the bloodstains on the ground, pondered for a while, and suddenly looked up and asked, "Laizi, do you want to eat buns for half a month?"
The bald beggar asked quickly, "Brother Mu, what do you mean?"
Lin Pingzhi smiled and said, "I know where the person they are looking for is. You can..."
When the bald beggar saw the smile on Brother Mu's face, he suddenly felt a little strange.
The bald beggar and Lin Pingzhi left one after another and walked in different directions.
After a while, a man came from the other end of the street. He had a tall figure, his whole body was covered in a black cloak, and he wore a bamboo hat on his head. The half circle of curtain just covered his face.
"mark?"
He stopped in front of a wall and caught a glimpse of a graffiti in an inconspicuous place, as if it was drawn by a child using a stone. It was a half-moon with a circle inside.
This is the symbol of the Sun and Moon Sect, Sun and Moon Yin.
"The direction of the moon's arc is northwest."
Fifteen or sixteen miles northwest of Shuangshui Wharf, there is an abandoned nunnery hidden behind a bamboo forest. There are also several mass graves next to it. Usually, few people come here, and only hungry wild dogs come here to look for bones.
At sunset, about thirty people sneaked into the bamboo forest and looked at the gate of Mantou Temple twenty steps away.
"You mean here?"
"Master Dao, it's... it's right here."
"Why didn't you tell me before?"
"I didn't know before. After the young man came, I heard from my friend that there were more than ten foreign men in Mantou Temple. They seemed a bit like the group you were looking for, so I came to report it immediately."
"If you dare to lie to us, we'll tear your head off!"
The bald beggar touched his head and begged for mercy, "I still want to keep my head and eat beef buns, how dare I do that?"
"You know what's going on!"
Hou Renying sneered, retracted the sword on the beggar's neck, walked to Yu Canghai and said, "Master, what he said is too coincidental. We can't find that 'Little Brother Mu'. We can't trust it completely. It's better to be careful."
Yu Canghai nodded and was about to send a disciple with good martial arts skills to enter the temple to investigate, but he saw two men coming out of Mantou Temple. They were the Wild Wolves wearing black robes. They looked around as if looking for something, and then gradually approached the bamboo forest where the Qingcheng Sect was hiding.
Hou Renying frowned and said, "They seem to have discovered it. Strange, we just got here."
Yu Canghai sneered and said, "If I'm not mistaken, it was the work of Brother Mu who led us here."
Hou Renying asked in confusion: "What does he want?"
Yu Canghai said coldly: "No matter what he wants, get rid of these people as soon as possible and find Lin Zhennan and his wife."
"Yes, Master!"
Two cold lights shot out from the bamboo forest first, and Hou Renying and Hong Renxiong attacked the two wild wolves with swords raised.
"It's indeed the bastard from Qingcheng Sect. Go and inform Miss Du and ask her to take her people away..."
The older Wild Wolf took out two ash bottles and threw them on the ground while talking to his companions. The ash spread out, but he failed to stop the other party. He was about to draw his sword to fight back, but he saw Hou Renying closing his eyes, passing through the layer of white ash, and with a "wind through the pine forest" move, the long sword pierced through his chest. It was not until the Wild Wolf fell to the ground that Hou Renying opened his eyes.
"The Qingcheng faction is attacking!"
"Come on!"
Another one of the Wild Wolfs ran out more than ten steps, and when he was almost in front of the gate, he was caught up by the Qingcheng Sect disciples and hacked to the ground with swords. Blood flowed down the steps and all over the ground. He died in a tragic way. Fortunately, the noise they made had already alerted the people inside.
"Fight in!"
"Remember, don't hurt Lin Zhennan and his wife's lives."
Yu Canghai gave an order.
The Qingcheng Sect disciples searched for half a month, but the opponent was as slippery as a loach, so they finally caught him this time.
Everyone held their breath and rushed into Mantou Temple with swords drawn.
Not long after, sounds of fighting were heard from inside.
(End of this chapter)