Mountain and sea lantern

Chapter 600 Why don’t you die?

jingle……

In front of a courtyard gate in a secluded corner, wind chimes rang in the wind. A person in gray quickly put on a veil before leaving the courtyard. Instead of leaving through the gate, the person climbed over the side wall and hurriedly disappeared into the nearby streets and alleys.

Several figures, both overt and covert, quickly triggered a coordinated attack.

Some even climbed over the wall and quietly entered the courtyard to investigate, pushing open each room to search.

A faint smell of blood in the main house caught the attention of the investigators. They quickly discovered another space underground. Pushing aside a large cabinet, they found the entrance to a secret passage. As soon as the entrance was opened, a pungent smell of blood filled the air.

There were men left outside on guard, and two others went down to check.

As a result, what was seen ten or so feet underground was horrifying: in the middle was a pool of blood, with hundreds of young men and women corpses piled up around it, clearly having been bled out, and the blood flowing into the pool.

Coupled with the glow of the sandalwood flames, even the most knowledgeable person would feel nauseous...

In the central area of ​​the northern district of Shenshan, the desolate night was filled with the stillness of a statue. His breathing was heavy, sometimes long and sometimes short, and his face was solemn. He seemed calm, but in reality, he was restless. The setting sun outside the window seemed to take forever to fall.

He wanted to run away, but the Phoenix Clan Chief ordered the mountain to be sealed off, and no one was allowed to go down the mountain without permission.

Didn't Situ Gu previously say that if his disciples weren't released by tomorrow, they would be arrested one by one? So Feng Xi wants to see if Situ Gu can still find the traitor after tomorrow.

Once the great formation is closed, ghosts cannot enter, and gods cannot leave.

In other words, Huang Ye can't escape now, and there's nothing the higher-ups can do to save him for the time being. They can only let him take it one step at a time. His biggest worry now is whether Jiang You'er will implicate him. This torment of waiting for judgment is indescribable...

When Shi Chun re-entered Chaoyue Pavilion in Dazhi City, he had already washed away all the bright red stains.

Since I entered alone, there was no need to be so conspicuous.

It wouldn't be good for her to come with Situ Gu. If she came with him, even if she came dressed as a ghost, let alone in red, the woman in red would probably suspect that the person next to Situ Gu was him. Once they compared and scrutinized each other, it would be hard to hide it.

As the bookstore was gradually emptying out, Shi Chun noticed that Dong Liangying was sitting behind the counter, but the woman in red was nowhere to be seen, which surprised him somewhat.

However, he still went up to the second-floor library. When he saw Dong Liangyu sitting cross-legged behind his desk, he was surprised to find that Dong Liangyu was meditating with his eyes closed, which was different from his usual style.

Her complexion is noticeably different now. Her previously sickly and pale face is now radiant and full of energy. She doesn't look like someone who was born with a sickly constitution at all.

He didn't disturb them and wandered around the library, seemingly looking for books but actually looking for people. Finally, he found a person lying on his back with his legs crossed, flipping through a book by a window. After confirming that it was Li Hongjiu, a smile appeared on his lips, and he visibly rubbed his stomach and breathed a sigh of relief.

He then grabbed a book and went downstairs. As soon as he stepped off the stairs and onto the ground, he looked back up, puzzled, and realized that the coughing that had been echoing in the library was gone.

After paying at the front desk with some doubts, I found a table to sit at and Dong Liangze immediately came over and filled my teacup.

A short while later, Situ Gu, who had separated from Shi Chun, also arrived in the agreed-upon order.

Upon entering, his gaze swept across the hall and immediately locked onto Shi Chun, who was seated there.

Shi Chun covered his face with a book and gestured for him to go straight.

So Situ Gu strode forward, passing directly through the hall and entering the old but elegant courtyard.

His attire and demeanor were unusual, and since he wasn't a regular customer, he was noticed by Dong Liangying and Dong Liangze as soon as he entered the library.

Seeing him go to the backyard, Dong Liangying stood up and peeked into the inner courtyard. Dong Liangze quickly ran over and stopped him in the backyard, apologetically reminding him, "Sir, the inner courtyard of the library is not open to the public. Please leave."

Dong Liangyi, who was busy at the kitchen door, also stood up when she heard the sound and craned her neck to look in this direction.

Situ Gu sized up Dong Liangze and calmly said, "I am Situ Gu of the Lian Tian Sect. I have been asked to come and take on a disciple. Who is Dong Liangyi?"

“Situ…” Dong Liangze stood there dumbfounded, barely managing to suppress the urge to call him by his name, his eyes filled with disbelief.

With a crash, the bowl that Dong Liangyi had just been holding, which contained crushed seasonings, shattered into pieces in her moment of distraction. She was equally shocked and incredulous.

"You...you are Elder Situ of the Refining Heaven Sect?" Dong Liangze mustered his courage and asked to confirm.

Situ Gu: "What's the point of impersonation?"

"No, no, no..." Dong Liangze waved his hands repeatedly, then suddenly realized and hurriedly turned around and shouted, "Sister, quickly call Father, Elder Situ of the Refining Heaven Sect is here."

Ignoring the broken things on the ground, Dong Liangyi hurriedly ran towards the second courtyard gate.

Dong Liangze bowed and scraped as he led the distinguished guest to the pavilion in front of him.

Before the tea could even be poured, Dong Wenshu rushed over in a fluster, showing the utmost respect and courtesy.

Of course, he wasn't out of his mind. He quietly instructed his son to go to the library and call Sword Saint Fuque to confirm.

Situ Gu was impatient with all the flattery. He had heard far too much flattery, and wherever he went, he was always bombarded with a bunch of irrelevant nonsense. So he interrupted directly, "Master, who is Dong Liangyi?"

Dong Liangyi, who had just poured tea for the guests, stood up nervously, quickly taking off her apron and wrapping it behind her back, afraid of leaving a bad impression.

Dong Wenshu pointed at her and said, "She is my eldest daughter, Dong Liangyi."

Situ Gu had already noticed Dong Liangyi taking off her apron. He looked her up and down and found her to be a dignified and intelligent woman, without any of the aura that would make one not want to be associated with her. Regardless of whether she was a genuine disciple he wanted to take on, at least her appearance was quite good.

However, upon closer examination, it was also discovered that his inherent cultivation potential was weak, and he was not actually suitable for cultivation. Even if I were willing to teach him, there would be no future for him.

Fortunately, it was just a formality.

Just then, a figure suddenly flashed out of the upstairs window of the library and into the pavilion; it was none other than the Sword Saint, Fu Que.

Situ Gu turned his head and saw him, somewhat surprised, "Fu Que?"

I had heard Shi Chun mention him before, but I didn't expect him to still be here.

The two had met a few times before, but they had no personal relationship or connection; they could only be said to have met before.

Fu Que was also surprised, "Situ Gu?"

Clearly, he hadn't expected to meet this master craftsman here. He then looked at Dong Liangyi and subconsciously added, "Here to take on apprentices?"

Situ Gu didn't deny it, just hummed in agreement, and asked in return, "What are you doing here?"

“Reading, there’s a rich collection of books here…” Fu Que paused slightly, then glanced at Dong Liangyi again, “Maybe we should do something else as well.”

Situ Gu didn't understand the implication in his words, nor did he want to beat around the bush. He stared directly at Dong Liangyi and asked, "Would you be willing to become my disciple?"

Dong Liangyi was instantly filled with enthusiasm, her face flushed, and she nodded repeatedly, "I'm willing, this junior is willing..."

Situ Gu said, "Since we are master and disciple, then I will accept your bow."

The entire family at the academy became excited the moment they arrived. Dong Wenshu quickly instructed his son to arrange the apprenticeship ceremony. Although Situ Gu suggested keeping everything simple, Dong Wenshu still felt that the ceremony should not be neglected and insisted on maintaining at least a proper ceremony.

Shi Chun, who was observing the inner quarters of the library with his right eye activated, suddenly had his ears twitched and was drawn to the commotion of a group of scholars.

They're saying something's happened at Bai's Rice Shop again, that the proprietress was just arrested by the city guards.

To confirm whether it was true, Shi Chun immediately threw down his book and left, heading straight for Bai's Rice Shop.

Upon arriving near the rice shop, there was almost no need to ask around; everyone in the surrounding shops was talking about Bai Qiru's arrest. With so many people having seen it, it couldn't be false.

He immediately turned into a secluded alley nearby, took out the talisman to contact the woman in red, and asked: Didn't you already ask someone to release Bai Qiru? Why did you arrest her again?
The woman in red was still in the attic of that antique courtyard, with Alan by her side.

Upon seeing the contents of the mother-child talisman, the woman in red snorted coldly. She had already heard Alan's report and knew about Bai Qiru's arrest. Alan had also secretly inquired and knew that it was not Dazhi City's decision, but the Phoenix Clan behind it.

Things have been very chaotic lately, one thing leading to another, and she hasn't made any hasty decisions. She's observing the situation calmly from the sidelines.

He also cast a spell on his hand and gave a reply: "I don't know."

Shi Chun replied: Then you should inquire again and see if you can put in a good word to get the person released.

The woman in red was actually a little unhappy about Bai Qiru being arrested again. Although she hadn't directly ordered Bai Qiru's release and hadn't let anyone know it was her decision, it was still someone from her side who had made the arrangements. What did the Phoenix Clan mean by this? Did they think that her side's words didn't carry enough weight?
Despite my displeasure, my reply did not meet Shi Chun's expectations. I informed him that I had already spoken to my cousin, but he forbade me from getting involved in the matter again.

Shi Chun replied: Then could you find someone with influence? I think the city would give you face.
The woman in red said: "I can't disobey my uncle. You go find Li Hongjiu. He's still at the library. He's a disciple of the Yanbao Sect. The Yanbao Sect has to give face to everyone. For the person he likes, Li Hongjiu wouldn't refuse to do even this little thing, would he?"

Since things had come to this point, Shi Chun had no choice but to stop. He also knew that the woman in red had no right to interfere in something that even the Empress's confidants had instructed her to avoid.

Therefore, Shi Chun hurriedly returned to the library and went straight to the second floor to find Li Hongjiu, who was leisurely drinking and reading. He looked like he was living a very comfortable life.

"Brother Jiu," Shi Chun greeted him cheerfully as he approached.

Turning his head to stare at him, Li Hongjiu recognized the disguised guy in front of him as soon as he heard the voice and greeting. He scoffed, "You're always appearing and disappearing like a ghost. Where did you come from? It's strange. Why do I have a bad feeling whenever you get close?"

"No way, Bai Qiru is in trouble. I'm here to deliver the news..." Shi Chun rattled off the news of Bai Qiru's arrest, hoping he could try to use his identity as a member of the Yanbao Sect to get him out of trouble.

Upon hearing this, Li Hongjiu nearly bristled with rage. She sat up abruptly, pointed at his nose, and yelled, "Are you crazy? I could have helped you out, but do you have to make it known that the entire Yanbao Sect or even the whole world has fallen for a married woman? Do you really think the stick in my master's hand is just for fun?"

Shi Chun pressed his hand to signal him to lower his voice, and said earnestly, "If you don't save her, won't you give yourself away? Won't we know that your so-called love for her is fake?"

Li Hongjiu retorted angrily, "Pah! Whatever, it's better if you're exposed. I'm not afraid of anything. I'm telling you, how dare someone like you call me 'brother' all the time? Why don't you just die?"

Shi Chun repeatedly clasped his hands in surrender, completely refusing to fight back or retaliate. If they wouldn't help him, so be it; after all, he had more important matters to ask them for help…

In the underground chamber of a grand mansion in the capital of Beiju, a few lamps flickered faintly on the blue brick walls.

On the stone bed in the center, Zhen'er lay quietly in a coma.

The group of people arrived through the secret passage. Ju Shihong, the former head of the patrol hall of the Lian Tian Sect, and the two experts who had kidnapped Zhen'er together were all there, as well as the gray-robed Shao Si wearing a mask, who accompanied an old man with a white beard in a black cloak to the stone bed.

The gray-robed Shao Si said, "Elder, Situ Gu has lost his temper. That guy's energy is considerable when he gets serious. The Holy Venerable's idea is that if we can successfully grasp the secret in the Fire Spirit's consciousness, returning it to Situ Gu in time to settle things would be a good option, giving the relevant personnel time to make a proper retreat. So, we have to ask the Elder for help with everything."

The white-bearded old man spoke in a frail voice, "Do your best."

After speaking, he walked to the other end of the stone bed, to Zhen'er's head, and with his hands he split open his cloak and stretched out, and immediately the rolling demonic energy in his palms surged into Zhen'er's head.

(End of this chapter)