Weird Cultivation, I have a five-organ temple

Chapter 335 Returning home in glory
Although it was night, after entering Luoshui County, Shang Lu and his companions encountered several teams of patrolling yamen runners and county soldiers along the way.

Such a scene has never been seen in other counties.

In other counties, it was considered a good thing if there were yamen runners patrolling the town at night.

However, the yamen runners and county soldiers of Luoshui County expanded the scope of night patrols to villages, official roads and other places.

Even Zhu Quan, who had worked in the Bandits' Office for many years and was well-informed, could not help but sigh: "It is worthy of being the place where the adults fought. The public security is really well done."

This statement was half heartfelt and half flattering Shang Lu.

Unfortunately, the picture was not taken accurately.

Shang Lu shook his head and said, "When I was in Luoshui County, I didn't make such arrangements."

This is the truth.

Unless there is a case, the yamen runners and county soldiers are concentrated in patrolling towns and a few larger villages.

After all, the wilderness at night is full of dangers, and there is no need to waste manpower in such places.

So Shang Lu was very curious, wondering if there was any case in Luoshui County?
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but his face changed slightly, and he cursed inwardly: I don't really have any special physique, so wherever I go, there will be cases happening, right?

Shang Lu stopped a group of yamen runners and asked about the situation.

This team of yamen runners were very excited after recognizing Shang Lu.

In particular, there was a dog demon wearing clothes in the team. When he saw Shang Lu, he screamed excitedly and knelt down on the spot to kowtow.

It's no wonder that the dog demon overreacted. These monsters can appear openly in the streets and alleys of Luoshui County, and even get a job in the government, all thanks to the rules set by Shang Lu.

In Luoshui County, there are many kind monsters who regard Shanglu as a great benefactor.

This dog demon is no exception.

Fortunately, it suppressed its primitive desire and just kowtowed without jumping on to lick the rhubarb, otherwise it would have been very embarrassing.

Shang Lu exchanged a few pleasantries with his former subordinates, helped the dog demon up, and then asked, "How is Luoshui County doing recently? Has any major case occurred?"

"Big case? I haven't heard of it."

The leading soldier was stunned at first, then he remembered Shang Lu's current status and suddenly became nervous. He asked, "Sir, what happened in our county?"

Shang Lu said, "You're asking me? I want to know. If there's no major case, why are you patrolling here in the middle of the night?"

The leader of the team said hurriedly: "This is an order issued by the witch officer."

"The witch officer's order?" Shang Lu raised his eyebrows and asked, "Did he say why?"

The official shook his head. "No, he just gave us some amulets to wear while on night patrol. He also gave us a few communication amulets, and told us to tear up the amulet paper and send a message if we found anything unusual."

Shang Lu asked a few more questions and found out that the night patrol arrangement had been going on for more than a month.

As for why this arrangement was made, was it a routine inspection to prevent someone from spying on the secret realm? Or was something really going on? Not to mention that the yamen runners didn't know, it was estimated that even the county magistrate and county lieutenant might not know.

Only wizards like Feng Boyuan know.

Shang Lu took out the Witch Academy jade token, thought about it, and put it away.

Now that we have arrived in Luoshui County, we must visit Feng Boyuan. It would be better to ask him about these things in person.

After bidding farewell to the group of yamen runners, Shang Lu led his team and continued to march towards Shuanggui Village.

The yamen runners wanted to escort Shang Lu, but he refused with a smile: "Do I need you to escort me? Can't I find my way home? Go and do your work, don't let me delay your work."

The yamen runners could only watch Shang Lu leave reluctantly.

Afterwards, they encountered several teams of county soldiers and yamen runners on night patrol.

When these people saw Shang Lu and his companions from afar, they were all shocked.

Those who ride horses in the middle of the night are either government soldiers or bandits.

They quickly lined up, shouted to stop, and checked their identities.

When they saw clearly that the person coming was Shang Lu, they became excited again and shouted all kinds of names such as County Lieutenant, Thief Cao Yuan, Sir...

This made Zhu Quan sigh again: "It is said that people forget about you after you leave, but you are still so popular after you left Luoshui County, which shows how popular you were when you were an official here."

Shang Lu did not refute him this time. Instead, he gave him an approving look, which showed that he was flattering him effectively.

It was because there were so many people here, otherwise Shang Lu might have really ordered, "If you can talk, talk more."

In fact, Shang Lu did not serve as an official in Luoshui County for a long time.

The reason why he is so popular among the people, besides the fact that he is generous enough and willing to give credit and rewards to his subordinates, is another important reason, which is the contrast with his peers.

Ever since Shang Lu left, the yamen runners and county soldiers in Luoshui County have been doing more work and enduring more hardships than before.

But the merits and rewards are far less than before.

They also have a scale in their hearts. After such a comparison, how can they not appreciate the goodness of Shanglu and miss it?
After all this trouble, Shang Lu and his companions did not arrive at Shuanggui Village until the late night.

Shuanggui Village was silent late at night; even the chickens and dogs were asleep.

Seeing this situation, Shang Lu was not in a hurry to enter the village, so as not to disturb the rest of his parents and fellow villagers.

He just went to the entrance of the village and burned a stick of incense at the temple under two osmanthus trees.

Thanks to the gods for protecting his parents and neighbors during his absence.

In the curling green smoke, the branches of the osmanthus tree swayed gently in the night, as if responding to Shang Lu's gratitude.

After burning incense, Shang Lu turned around and said to Zhu Quan and the others, "Five miles to the east there is a river god temple. Let's stay there for the night and come back when it's daybreak."

Zhu Quan and his companions naturally had no objection and accepted the order with a bow.

When they were on missions, it was common for them to sleep at night in the wilderness, using the sky as a roof and the ground as a bed.

The group mounted their horses and soon arrived at the river god temple five miles away.

There is a small river next to the temple, which is the source of water for several nearby villages. So people raised funds to build this temple, and every year they hold ceremonies to pray that the river water will not increase or dry up.

There is an old priest in the river god temple, who has fallen asleep at this moment.

Shang Lu and his men did not alarm this man, but arranged for a thief to climb over the wall into the courtyard and open the door.

Then the group tiptoed into the temple.

The war horses were tied in the courtyard, while the people rested in the temple.

The movements were performed silently and smoothly, showing his rich experience.

Shang Lu walked into the temple and burned a stick of incense to the river god.

It was a way of expressing apology and gratitude to these people for letting them stay overnight in the temple.

Afterwards, Shang Lu sat cross-legged on the cushion in the hall, breathing in and out, and practicing internal alchemy.

With the help of practice, you can reduce fatigue and restore your spirit.

Because Zhu Quan and others were still around, Shang Lu did not practice any spiritual techniques in the past few days.

He was afraid of involving Zhu Quan and others. If he couldn't resist the whispers of the gods, he would go crazy and become weird.

Zhu Quan made some arrangements for the thieves' night shifts, and then followed Shang Lu's example and replaced rest with practicing martial arts.

The thieves did not do this.

Their cultivation level is not as good as Shang Lu and Zhu Quan, and they don't know the method of cleansing marrow and refining qi. The practice method they mastered is to strain the body and temper the strength. It is impossible to use it to replace rest, and it will only make them more tired.

It would be better to lie down and have a good sleep.

In a blink of an eye, the night passed and nothing happened.

The river god in the temple did not appear because of Shang Lu and his friends' arrival.

There are no evil spirits coming here to cause trouble.

After daybreak, the old temple keeper pushed open the door and saw several war horses in the yard. He was stunned and muttered, "Oh my God, is this the river god appearing? I was talking about it a few days ago, saying that I was old and weak, and I wanted a donkey or a mule. Today, I got it? And so many? But why are these donkeys and mules so tall and strong?"

"Because they are not donkeys or mules, but war horses." Shang Lu, who had finished his morning exercise, walked out of the temple and bowed to the old temple priest with a smile.

It was at this moment that the old and dim-eyed temple keeper noticed that there were other people in the temple of the river god.

Fortunately, Shang Lu and his men changed into official robes and uniforms, otherwise the old temple keeper would probably have thought that some strongmen had entered the temple.

"We arrived here late last night without informing anyone and entered the temple without permission. I hope you will forgive us for that."

Shang Lu was wearing an official robe, had a sincere attitude, and spoke nicely. How could the temple keeper dare to get angry? He quickly returned the gift and said he dared not.

Zhu Quan came over at this time to report: "Sir, there are many people outside the temple. They look like your former subordinates."

"They came quite quickly." Shang Lu smiled, bowed to the old temple priest and left some money for him.

"This is the money for the river god and also the cost of staying overnight."

Shang Lu even made a joke: "This little money is definitely not enough to buy a donkey or a mule, but you can save it. A little bit adds up to a lot, and sooner or later you will be able to sell it."

As they were talking, a thief opened the temple door.

Shang Lu turned his head and saw that the people gathered outside the temple were indeed his former subordinates.

Tu Bin, Du Feng, Feng Nan, Xu Tai, and his original superior, Captain Niu, were all among them.

After the temple door opened, the group of people saw Shang Lu and cheered excitedly:
"It's really Lord Shang, the Lord is back!"

"The master is really here. Du Feng, you really understand the master!"

"Ah, after the lord went to the county government, his whole demeanor became different from before, more majestic and powerful..."

Shang Lu listened to everyone's words, walked out of the River God Temple with a smile, and greeted them with a bow: "Everyone, I haven't seen you for a few months. Are you all okay?"

There was an immediate response from outside.

Some said they were fine, some said they missed him, and some were anxious to greet Shang Lu.

This chaotic scene lasted for quite a while, until everyone calmed down.

Captain Niu also brought a message to Shang Lu: "Sir, when they heard that you were back home, the county magistrate and the county lieutenant wanted to come and visit you. But considering that you just returned to Luoshui County, you must go to visit your parents first, and they didn't want to steal the show, so they didn't come. But they have set up a banquet in the county town. When you are done here, please go to the county town so that they can welcome you."

Shang Lu smiled and shook his head: "No need for a welcome party, I'm just passing by on business this time, I'll ask them for a drink when I come back."

Then he asked about the recent situation in Luoshui County.

These people really didn't understand why the witch officer had people patrolling outside at night.

Shang Lu chatted with them while walking towards Shuanggui Village.

When they reached the village entrance, the elderly couple Shang Mingqiu and Wu Guizhi, who had received the news, had been looking around here for a long time.

Shang Lu went forward to meet his parents and introduced them to Zhu Quan and others. Then, amid the envious and awe-inspiring gazes of the villagers, he took his parents' hands and went home.

Du Feng and others were also very capable. Not only did they come to visit Shang Lu, they also brought a cook and bought ingredients.

As soon as they entered the village, they called the cook to quickly prepare nine large bowls to entertain the villagers.

When the people in Shuanggui Village heard that there would be a banquet, they were all very happy. They not only brought out their own tables, chairs and benches, but also came forward to help.

After entering the village, Shang Lu found that Feng Boyuan and the county magistrate had kept their promise.

The county magistrate sent several constables to be stationed in Shuanggui Village.

On the surface, he was responsible for the public security management of several surrounding villages, but in reality he was responsible for protecting Shang Mingqiu and Wu Guizhi nearby.

Feng Boyuan set up several altars in Shuanggui Village.

Shang Lu saw clearly that there was witchcraft energy surging above these altars.

Obviously, it is not just for show, but it is a person who has witchcraft and can mobilize ghosts and monsters.

These arrangements not only protected Shang Lu's parents, but also benefited several surrounding villages.

Shang Lu nodded secretly, feeling much more at ease.

After returning home, Shang Lu first chatted with the three elders in the village.

The three elders were also sensible. They knew that Shang Lu must have a lot to say to his parents when he came back this time, so they didn't sit for long and soon took the initiative to say goodbye.

Shang Lu escorted the three elders out of the house, bowed to the villagers, and formally invited them to a buffet to thank the neighbors for their care and help for his parents.

After doing all this, Shang Lu called Du Feng into the house and asked him how much it cost to hire the chef to buy ingredients, intending to settle the bill.

He couldn't let these former subordinates work hard and still have to pay for their work.

Du Feng said with a smile: "Sir, the cook and the ingredients were arranged by the county magistrate. We didn't spend any money."

Hearing him say this, Shang Lu also smiled: "Since it was arranged by the county magistrate, then I won't be polite. When you go back, thank the county magistrate for me."

Du Feng shook his head: "Sir, please ask someone to go back and pass on the message. I want to follow you."

Shang Lu looked at Du Feng for a few times and found that this boy's cultivation had improved significantly.

Although he has not reached the Tongmai realm, he has reached the peak of Fagu.

Upon asking, I found out that since Shang Lu left, Du Feng has been working hard and practicing diligently.

At the same time, he also asked Feng Nan, Xu Tai and others about the training methods of border troops.

He had been possessed by a rat demon before, and it was not known whether there was some special ability left that allowed him to become enlightened.

Although not as abnormal and outrageous as Shanglu, his progress is also rapid.

In just a few months, he reached the peak of the bone-breaking skill, which slapped the faces of many people who said that he got the job through backdoors.

After Du Feng finished telling about his experiences over the past few months, he spoke again, expressing his desire to go with Shang Lu.

Fearing that Shang Lu would not agree, he also said: "If you are unwilling to take me away, I will kneel outside your door forever."

"Good Du Feng, you're threatening me, right?"

Shang Lu smiled and kicked him, then took out a document from his arms and handed it to him.

"If you don't return to the county, how can you hand over this transfer document to the county magistrate?"

Du Feng took the document and saw that it was an official document transferring him and Tu Bin to the Bandit Cao's office. He was overjoyed.

After thanking Shang Lu, he turned around and ran out of the house, not forgetting to call out to Tu Xiong: "Old Tu, Old Tu, come with me to the county town, hahahaha...something good is going to happen, hurry up and follow me!"

After Du Feng left, Shang Lu gave Zhu Quan a few more instructions before closing the door and calling out Sanniang. Together with her, they went to pay their respects to Shang Qiumin and Wu Guizhi.

Shang Qiumin and Wu Guizhi were startled by the sudden appearance of Sanniang.

Before this, although they knew of Sanniang's existence, and Wu Guizhi had even touched Sanniang's hand, they had never seen what she looked like.

Now it seems that Sanniang is not the evil ghost in the legend with her tongue dragging on the ground and her eyeballs falling on her chest.

Although Sanniang was wearing a veil and her face could not be seen, her wedding dress could not hide her proud figure.

Shang Mingqiu was very curious, why he couldn’t see Sanniang before but could see her now?
Shang Lu explained: "Because Sanniang's cultivation has improved. As long as she is willing, she can let others see it."

After a pause, he smiled and said, "When your cultivation level is further improved, Sanniang will be able to condense her body and become the same as a living person."

No different from a living person?
Hearing this, Wu Guizhi's eyes lit up instantly.

Doesn’t that mean that Sanniang can also give birth to a baby?

Oh my goodness, look at Sanniang’s breasts and butt, she must be a good childbearer.

Wu Guizhi subconsciously took over and urged the two to have a baby.

But when the words came to his lips, he swallowed them back.

Let’s wait until Sanniang’s practice reaches that level before discussing these matters.

If we bring it up too early but fail to complete it in the end, wouldn't that just be causing trouble?
Shang Lu and San Niang had never imagined that this human-ghost couple would also have to face the pressure from their elders to have a baby...

(End of this chapter)