Weird Cultivation, I have a five-organ temple

Chapter 528: Familiar Person and Familiar Corpse
Shang Lu shook his head and said, "Captain Fan, you are overpraising me. I don't have that ability. If you hadn't arrived in time, I and my brothers would have been burned to ashes by the heavenly fire. When we get to the camp, I will report the matter truthfully and ask for credit and reward for Captain Fan and my brothers."

Fan Changsheng was very satisfied with Shang Lu's attitude and said with a smile: "Sima Shang, there is no need to be too modest. You are already very impressive for forcing Chu Wu to such a point. Excuse me for asking, how did you do it?"

It's no wonder that he was surprised. The two Chu witches who had sacrificed themselves to ask for the Heavenly Fire from the God of Heaven both had the cultivation level of Tongtian Realm.

In terms of attainment, he is one or two levels higher than Shang Lu.

Not to mention that these Chu witches also have elite soldiers like Shen Shi Xigui under their command.

Shang Lu was only accompanied by a group of county soldiers and civilians. Even if they set up a witch formation and built a defense line, it was amazing that such a group of scattered soldiers could withstand the elite Chu army.

"Captain Fan asked me this, and I dare not lie to you."

Shang Lu raised his hand and wiped his face, putting on Tu Bo's Nuo mask.

Although Fan Changsheng specialized in the art of war and witchcraft and was not familiar with Nuo witchcraft, he did not recognize which god the spiral Nuo mask represented.

But he could clearly sense the coldness and death emanating from this Nuo mask.

"I am an expert in Nuo witchcraft. In the critical moment, I forcefully asked the underworld gods for help. This saved my life and allowed me to hold on until Captain Fan and the other brothers arrived to rescue me."

"I see, that's not surprising."

Fan Changsheng nodded without any doubt.

Especially when he saw the strange injury on Shang Lu's forehead after he put away the Tubo Nuo mask, he said, "No wonder your forehead has strange changes, it was you who fought hard first."

Under the influence of Shang Lu's words, Fan Changsheng misunderstood and thought that it was Shang Lu who invited the gods first, which forced Chu Wu to go crazy.

He showed some concern: "Wait for Lingtai Ling to come over and ask him to help you take a look. If the strange change cannot be suppressed in time, it will cause big problems, especially in such an important position as the Dantian between the eyebrows."

"Thank you, Captain Fan."

"No need to thank me, we are all brothers."

Fan Changsheng waved his hand.

After talking about business, and with his men taking care of things like treating the wounded and transferring military supplies and fodder, Fan Changsheng finally had time to inquire about gossip.

He asked, "Is Sima Shang from Baiyi County?"

"Yes." Shang Lu nodded.

Fan Changsheng asked again: "I wonder which family or sect he is from?"

"I am from the Witch Academy in Baiyi County." Shang Lu replied.

Fan Changsheng shook his head: "That's not what I'm asking about. I'm asking about your background."

Shang Lu understood what he meant and said with a smile: "I was born as a minor official in Guizhou, and my ancestors were also ordinary people."

Fan Changsheng couldn't help but be stunned.

He had seen cultivators from ordinary families before.

However, those people are somewhat ashamed to talk about their origins, and if they have joined a certain sect or family, they will always mention the name of the sect or family and regard themselves as its disciples.

But he was unlike Shang Lu, who not only generously admitted his ordinary origin, but also spoke with pride in his tone.

Shang Lu is indeed very proud: I was born in an ordinary family and cannot rely on my parents for support. I have achieved what I have today entirely through my own efforts and the good marriage of a wife. How can I not be proud?

"It is rare for someone like Shang Sima to have achieved what he has today, given his background."

Fan Changsheng sighed and continued to ask curiously, "So, Shang Sima was sent to escort military supplies and fodder, not because of a dispute over sectarian interests... Did you offend anyone in Baiyi County?"

When Shang Lu heard this, he understood what Fan Changsheng was curious about.

The border troops in Xingshan had all heard about what happened in Baiyi County, and knew that the grain transport team sent by Baiyi County was doing nothing but taking the blame and committing suicide.

With Shang Lu's achievements and cultivation, he should have been the target of being won over by the aristocratic sects, and should not have been sent to die, unless he had offended some powerful people.

In particular, Fan Changsheng also noticed that the war horses ridden by Shang Lu were not ordinary creatures, and there were many monsters following in the team.

All these show that although Shang Sima was born into a commoner family, he had extraordinary opportunities.

It is probably because of this that someone is targeting him, and they want to kill him and steal his luck and opportunities.

Fan Changsheng had guessed correctly, but Shang Lu did not respond to his question. Instead, he pretended to be confused and asked, "Captain Fan, why do you say that?"

"You don't know yet?"

Fan Changsheng glanced at Shang Lu without any doubt, thinking that he was in a hurry to march and didn't know what was happening in Baiyi County. He said immediately:

"During this period, Wu Wei has been arresting people in your Baiyi County. He said that some aristocratic families and sects took advantage of the war to contact foreign tribes to plunder military supplies and grass to make a fortune in the national crisis..."

Fan Changsheng explained the matter in a few words, and then he said, "In the past few days, Wei Wu has also arrested several people involved in the case in our Xingshan. It's a pity for the brother in front of you who was escorting military supplies and food. At that time, we thought he was useless and was robbed by thieves. Now we know that he was plotted against. It's a pity that the brother has been punished by military law. We can only hope to kill a few more people involved in the case to pay tribute to his wronged soul."

After saying this, Fan Changsheng asked again: "You are from Baiyi County after all, and you are an eyewitness to this incident. Don't you know the inside story?"

Shang Lu spread his hands and said, "Since the other party wants me to die, how can they let me know the inside story?"

Fan Changsheng hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, "That makes sense."

If he wanted to harm someone, he would never let that person be on guard.

Of course, there was another reason why he did not doubt Shang Lu's words. He did not think that a man of commoner origin could bring Wei Wu here and stir up the turmoil in a county.

Fan Changsheng stopped asking about the affairs of Baizhi County and instead asked Shang Lu if he had encountered any grain-robbing thieves along the way, apart from the Chu army just now?
"I've encountered it."

Shang Lu did not hide this matter, and he could not hide it as so many people in the team were eyewitnesses.

However, it was dark at that time and most people were staying in the camp, so they had no idea of ​​the situation outside.

Since Shang Lu accepted the benefits from Baizhi County, he naturally wanted to help them and consolidate his "merit".

"Fortunately, the witch officer from Bozhi County came to our rescue in time and killed all the bandits who attacked our camp. We are now safe. Afterwards, I heard from the witch officer from Bozhi County that those who attacked our camp were all barbarian witches from the south."

"I've heard about this. Bozhi County even sent a letter to Xingshan to explain the matter and boast about their contributions in protecting the grain route. I didn't expect that this matter was actually related to you."

When Fan Changsheng said this, he looked at Shang Lu deeply and said with a smile: "You are lucky enough. You have encountered food robbery twice, but you have escaped danger."

Shang Lu smiled and said, "Yes, I have always had good luck."

Before Fan Changsheng could ask something, a few men who looked like personal soldiers came galloping over on horseback.

They dismounted a dozen steps away, walked quickly to Fan Changsheng, and reported with their hands crossed: "Captain, unfortunately, we only found Shen's corpse, which was burned to ashes by the heavenly fire. But we didn't find any trace of Chu Wu's corpse or Xi Gui."

"Oh?"

Fan Changsheng raised his eyebrows and asked seriously, "Sima Shang, do you know where the bodies of the Chu witches went?"

"After the two Chu witches were shot down, blazing flames ignited on their bodies..."

Shang Lu only said that the two Chu witches ignited the heavenly fire, but did not say that he killed them and sent their bodies and souls to the netherworld. He did not want to reveal the identity of this Yin messenger for the time being.

His words were full of eloquence, sophistry and hints, leading Fan Changsheng to make his own judgment.

"So, they were also burned to ashes by the heavenly fire? Yes, the heavenly fire on them was transformed by Dongjun's divine curse, and it was even more powerful! And before Dongjun left, he turned the sun into his eyes. I'm afraid he was confirming whether the two of them were dead or not?"

Shang Lu really wanted to give Fan Changsheng a thumbs up, but he held back.

Fan Changsheng sighed, "It's a pity that the spiritual roots of those two Chu witches were wasted." After a pause, he asked, "Besides those two Chu witches, there should be other Chu witches in this Chu army, right? Where are their bodies?"

This time, without waiting for Shang Lu's hint or guidance, he learned to answer quickly: "Yes, you forcefully summoned the Yin God of the Underworld before, and those Chu witches were probably directly detained by the Yin God of the Underworld, so the two Chu witches were scared and had to use Dongjun to fight to the death?"

Shang Lu nodded and said, "That's right! Captain Fan is so good at predicting things, I admire him."

Fan Changsheng expressed his regret again, waved at his personal soldiers, and did not investigate the matter any further.

But Shang Lu was a little unsure. Did he believe this explanation?
At this moment, another man wearing armor under a wizard's robe rode here on horseback.

Fan Changsheng introduced, "This is Zhao Yanfeng, the military spiritual commander. He invited Da Yu to put out the wildfire. He just went around to check the fire situation and prevent future troubles."

"Baiyi County Sima Shanglu greets Zhao Lingtai."

Shang Lu crossed his arms and saluted: "Thank you, Zhao Lingtai, for saving me by sending rain."

Lingtai Ling is good at stargazing and sacrifice, and also has the ability to change the celestial phenomena. He usually stays in Wushan Lingtai and only leaves Wushan Lingtai when natural disasters or wars break out, using his ability to change the celestial phenomena to provide disaster relief to the people and assist in the war.

"Sir Shang, you are welcome." Zhao Yanfeng had a thin face and was serious. He said in a cold tone, "Searching for and killing the Chu army is our mission on this trip."

"Sir Shang, don't worry too much. Zhao Lingtai is just like that. He is cold and indifferent to everyone."

Fan Changsheng smiled and further introduced: "After all, our Zhao Lingtai is a member of the emperor's personal army and the guard witches."

Zhao Lingtai is a Wei Wu? He is one of us.

Shang Lu's heart moved, and he was about to reveal his identity and recognize Zhao Lingtai, but out of the corner of his eye he caught a glimpse of Zhao Lingtai waving at him slightly.

Shang Lu also reacted quickly, and immediately suppressed the idea of ​​revealing his identity, and said instead: "So you are the emperor's guard witch, no wonder you have such powerful abilities! When I was with the witch academy to eliminate the rice bandits, I had the honor of seeing the rat on patrol."

"The Rat Patrol is my superior."

Zhao Lingtai still had a stern face, and there was no trace of intimacy in his tone.

However, Shang Lu read a clue from his words: since this person is a subordinate of Zishu Xunxiu, he must know his identity. Now he pretends not to know him and waves his hand to hint, which is nothing more than telling him not to reveal Wei Wu's identity.

Thinking of the task assigned to him by Zishu before his patrol, Shang Lu immediately made a judgment.

"You want me to investigate secretly? It seems that Xingshan is very wary of Wei Wu... Could it be that there is something strange about this national war, and it's not just on the Chu side?"

Although Zhao Lingtai acted indifferent, he still stepped forward and helped Shang Lu check the pollution between his eyebrows. He then chanted a mantra and drew a soul-purifying spell.

"This strange wound has not yet contaminated your upper dantian. But it must be purified as soon as possible to avoid any future troubles. I have left a soul-purifying spell on your wound. You need to inject witch spirit into the spell every day so that it will continue to be effective."

"Yes, thank you Zhao Lingtai." Shang Lu bowed again.

"No need to be polite. We are all serving the country." Zhao Lingtai still had a stern face.

With the help of this border army, military supplies and food were quickly transferred to the official road at the foot of the mountain.

Shang Lu reorganized his troops and continued to rush to Xingshan camp.

However, the border troops led by Fan Changsheng and Zhao Yanfeng did not go with them.

The two sides parted at the foot of the mountain.

"Sima Shang, be careful along the way. If you spot the enemy, immediately send out the alarm and call for support."

"Thank you Captain Fan for your reminder. I will definitely keep it in mind."

Shang Lu responded solemnly first, and then asked, "Captain Fan, are you going to stay here?"

"Yes."

Fan Changsheng did not hide it from him. He turned his head and glanced around, and said in a cold voice: "The strange phenomenon here just now is likely to attract the other Chu troops who sneaked in here to investigate the cause. We are just setting an ambush and waiting for them!"

Shang Lu bowed and said, "Then I wish Captain Fan, Zhao Lingtai and all the brothers a successful start and to capture the Chu army in one fell swoop!"

"I accept your good words."

Fan Changsheng smiled and bowed in return, and Zhao Yanfeng also returned the greeting.

After getting back on the road, Shang Lu and everyone else were highly focused and did not dare to let their guard down at all.

Because they learned from Fan Changsheng and others that it was not just one Chu army that plundered this grain route.

The previous Chu army almost wiped out their army. Neither Shang Lu, Zhu Quan, Zhuang Fan and others wanted to go through it again.

On the rest of the journey, they not only sent out a large number of scouts, but also sent out wooden kites, wooden dogs, paper figures, ink ghosts, etc. to expand the scope of reconnaissance.

Even Sanniang sent out all the soldiers in her soul flag and advanced on the reconnaissance journey.

The god of luck finally favored them.

Along the way, they did not encounter any more looting or attacks by the Chu army.

Instead, they encountered several patrol scouts sent by the garrison on the grain road, and saw the scene of an attack - military supplies and food were burned, and corpses were lying all over the ground.

The garrison troops who arrived here guarded the surroundings, collected the bodies, and held a ceremony to appease the souls of the dead.

Shang Lu and his companions noticed that all the corpses had been ripped open and drained of blood, turning into mummies like dead trees.

This made the county soldiers and civilians feel horrified, but at the same time they couldn't help but feel fortunate that they had Shang Sima, otherwise they would most likely end up like this.

Shang Lu saw a familiar face among these corpses with tragic deaths.

"That person... seems to be called Xiang Yang?"

Shang Lu didn't quite remember the name, but he remembered that when he was in Black Wind Ferry, this man was one of the witch officers patrolling the city.

I never thought that I was sent to escort military supplies and fodder.

It was probably his sect that wanted him to gain some military merit.

Unexpectedly, he was ambushed by the Chu army who came from behind to rob food and lost his life.

Shang Lu sighed secretly, thinking that the front line was indeed dangerous and he must not take it lightly.

They were so cautious along the way that they finally arrived at the Xingshan camp safely.

(End of this chapter)