Day and night tour

Chapter 399 The Two Elders Seeking the Dragon

"The Heavenly Book has shattered."

As Bifang gazed at the fragments of the Heavenly Book on the ground, he recalled his once glorious life.

The storyteller's method, which lasts for nine incense sticks, is the "Book of Will." Because he created this book, Bifang never considered himself an ordinary god.

"The other gods merely oversee the human realm, but I... with the Heavenly Book in hand, I control heaven and earth."

Now that the Heavenly Book is shattered, Bifang's deep-seated pride has completely crumbled.

"It's all because of you... Zhou Xuan... If there were no one like you in the mortal world, I, Bi Fang, would still be Bi Fang."

“It’s been three hundred years. I, Bifang, have controlled the storytelling hall for three hundred years.”

"In these three hundred years, not a single storyteller has reached the level of an eight-stick incense stick. There has never been one in the past three hundred years, and there will never be one in the next three hundred years... However... my path to godhood will be destroyed in your hands, by a mere disciple who is only five sticks incense."

"Zhou Xuan... if I do not kill you, how can I be a god!"

The impending defeat filled Bi Fang with extreme resentment and anger.

"Where is Jia Dao?!"

"Where is Jia Dao? Where is Jia Dao?!"

Bifang called out to Jiadao repeatedly.

“Sir, I’m here.” Jia Dao’s completely feminine voice reached Bi Fang’s ears.

"Where is the Abyssal Rat you mentioned? I want to join forces with him."

Although Bi Fang already knew that Zhou Xuan was in Jingchuan Prefecture.

Jingchuan is not like Mingjiang; without layers of defense, Zhou Xuan should be isolated and helpless. Moreover, Jingchuan Prefecture does not have the Ancient Tree Golden Bell.

Of the nine prefectures, only Jingchuan Prefecture had its Golden Bell destroyed three hundred years ago, thus losing its early warning capabilities.

In other prefectures, whenever a master who can burn six incense sticks arrives, the ancient tree's golden bell will ring, alerting the local officials in charge of patrolling the city.

With neither helpers nor police, Bi Fang still dared not act alone.

"I have taken excellent care of the Abyssal Rat and am just waiting for you to cooperate with it."

That's what Jia Dao said.

Bifang then asked, "What abilities does that abyssal rat possess?"

"He has a skill that is most impressive: his consciousness can be divided into dust particles and enter your storyteller's dream, becoming a dream within a dream. With two dreams by his side, even if Zhou Xuan grew wings, he would not be able to fly away."

"Oh? Such a skillful technique? Then let's join forces."

Bifang joined forces with the Abyss Rat not because he thought highly of the rat, but because the Great Demon Huangyuan looked down on him.

"I joined forces with the evil rat to go to Jingchuan Prefecture and kill Zhou Xuan."

Bi Fang was desperate and had lost all caution. Going to Jingchuan to kill Zhou Xuan was his only chance.

At this moment, the ninth golden token in the Divine Kingdom Thatched Cottage also started to rattle.

……

In Jingchuan Prefecture, news of Zhou Xuan's arrival at the Eight Immortals Covered Bridge spread like wildfire, and the number of onlookers grew larger and larger.

That largest pleasure boat in the entire prefecture was, after all, just a larger vessel; it couldn't possibly accommodate so many people.

The boatman, Ding, kept stopping passengers from boarding the pleasure boat at the bow, saying, "Sir, don't get on. If anyone else gets on, the boat will capsize."

"Please don't board, esteemed guests. My boat is too small to accommodate so many distinguished guests."

Many guests, unable to board the boat, simply climbed to the top of their own boats to enjoy the view and catch a glimpse of the elegant Mr. Mingjiang.

You should know that the storytelling session that Bi Fang prepared, which was to be performed by all the storytellers in the world, was originally intended to harm Zhou Xuan, but unexpectedly, it made Zhou Xuan famous instead.

Besides the people of Jingchuan watching Zhou Xuan on the river and along the riverbank, there were also two pairs of eyes watching Zhou Xuan from the sky.

They are Taoist priests who burn incense and gods of dreams.

The horn of the dream god was hidden within a cloud, and he was so angry that he was blowing his beard and glaring.

“Little Zhou Xuan actually tricked me, simply changing the name of Bi Fang to tell the story of what I did in a book.”

"How can you call it playing tricks on you?" The incense-burning Taoist priest openly sided with Zhou Xuan, saying, "Zhou Xuan discussed this with you beforehand, blocking Bi Fang and preventing the whole world from knowing your shameful deeds. Now, all the people believe that Bi Fang did it, not you."

Isn't that blocking it? If you keep nitpicking about Zhou Housheng's reasons, you're just nitpicking.

The Taoist priests who offered incense directly defined the nature of the matter.

"Then how do you explain his use of the book to call me the God of Dreams an old dog?"

"Look, the book clearly states that Bifang is an old dog! It's a direct insult to Bifang, and you insist it's an insult to you... You old Meng, you've been itching for a fight lately, you just like picking up insults and carrying them yourself?"

The incense-burning Taoist priest's sharp words made even the horns of the dream god turn crimson—his face flushed with anger.

"Fine, fine, fine, you old Taoist priest, is this how you play it?! I've settled my score with Zhou Xuan, but he better not fall into my hands again, or I'll make him regret it. Goodbye."

The Dream God knew what had happened today. Although Zhou Xuan had used the books of everyone in the world to curse him, it was difficult to find any fault with him. He could only swallow his anger and suffer in silence.

But in his heart, he had already sown the seeds of evil against Zhou Xuan.

"The more this descendant of the Nuo God grows, the more he will inevitably have to deal with gods and celestial beings. If I catch him in any wrongdoing, I'll make him pay."

He buried his hatred deep in his heart and then activated his "Horn" Dharma Body to leave the human world.

"Don't rush off, there's a lot of excitement here, let's take a look together."

The incense-burning Taoist priest flicked his whisk, and several white whiskers extended infinitely, pulling at the horn of the dream god.

"What's the excitement?"

"Look... Zhou Housheng has condensed another large wave of faith power. Although it is not as dense as it was in Mingjiang Prefecture yesterday, it will still benefit your strength. You can condense another ball of divine fire and try to seize it."

"Hmph! Not interested." The Dream God sneered.

"Is it a lack of interest, or a fear of it?"

The incense-offering Taoist priest made a sarcastic remark, but the Dream God simply snorted and remained silent.

"Oh dear, you also deserve credit for this wave of faith power. After all, it's your story that changed the book, not entirely Zhou Housheng's ability. You should have a share, but you didn't have the guts to take it, so you can only blame yourself."

The incense-burning Taoist priest's tongue was far from as kind as his appearance suggested; he was known for his sharp tongue, as evidenced by his previous incisive mockery of the God of Bitter Calamity.

"It seems that even gods can be easily disciplined; once they're punished, they learn their lesson."

"You Taoist priest, you kept Qiang here just to humiliate me? If you really push me too far, I'll descend to the mortal realm and fight you. Let's see who's the real deal when it comes to Taoist cultivation."

"Don't mention it. If I say there will be excitement, then there will be excitement."

The Taoist priest, beaming with joy, said, "So many years have passed, have you ever heard of the Colorful Opera Hall?"

"Those swindlers, Fengma Yanque and his gang?"

"Indeed, today, the wind and the swallows are about to return to the world." The incense-burning Taoist pointed to Zhou Xuan, who was meditating on the painted boat, and said, "This humble Zhou Xuan, on his fifth incense stick, is cultivating the Cai Xi Tang."

"The Caixi Hall was once forbidden by the Supreme Will, and was hunted down by several god-level beings and countless Daoists. Now, Zhou Xuan's entry into this hall is tantamount to rebellion..."

"No, back then, the magic theaters were hunted down because they had to manipulate people's wills. But a profession is just a profession; it all depends on who is using it."

The Taoist priest said with great interest, "Let's take a good look at this performance today and see if it's worth watching."

"I don't think there's anything worth seeing."

The Dream God was stubborn, but his actions betrayed him. He showed no intention of leaving, instead obediently hiding among the clouds, watching the movements on the Jingchuan River.

……

Zhou Xuan was still in meditation, and more and more people gathered around him.

These onlookers were almost all people who worshipped Zhou Xuan and had no malicious intent.

However, when a group of emaciated people holding paper banners gathered on the riverbank, their purpose was not simply to worship Zhou Xuan.

"Oh dear, Mr. Ye's men have arrived. Look at the color of those paper banners; they're not of low quality even among those in the brothel."

The Night Master's sect has an inherent responsibility: when the "Earth Seer" predicts that an ominous person will be born, the Night Master will organize his men to kill them overnight.

Therefore, they have a nickname—the executioners of the night.

Having spent years killing ominous people, they have become somewhat eccentric and their behavior has become extremely tyrannical due to their bloodlust.

Upon seeing Mr. Ye's large-scale mobilization, the people on the river immediately stopped their loud noises and only dared to whisper among themselves.

"Mr. Ye is here for the eldest master of Mingjiang, isn't he? I heard that during the disaster, the eldest master chopped down the paper fan at Mr. Ye's hall."

"This is an old grudge; Mr. Ye has come to collect a debt."

"There are quite a few people coming; this time, Master is probably in trouble."

Everyone was worried for Zhou Xuan.

But those Night Gentlemen simply stood on the riverbank, making no move. They waited quietly, not knowing who they were waiting for.

Finally, after a series of creaking sounds, a sedan chair was carried to the riverbank. On the bamboo chair on the chair sat an extremely obese man. The man wore sunglasses, held a pipe in his hand, and was puffing away.

"This is Mr. Ye's second-in-command, Li the Ghost Walker of Eight Incense Sticks. Mr. Ye is waiting for him."

When the bamboo sedan chair was carried to the riverbank, the people carrying it stopped.

This sedan chair was a simplified version of a palanquin. Li Zougui didn't use it; he simply patted his burial clothes, beckoned a disciple, and asked, "Is Zhou Xuan in that Eight Immortals Painted Boat?"

"Master Gui, three of your young disciples spotted Zhou Xuan on that pleasure boat."

"it is good."

After Li Zougui responded, he cleared his throat and called out to the pleasure boat, "Master of Mingjiang Prefecture, I, Li Zougui, have long admired your reputation. I have come here today to invite you to the main hall for a drink and a chat."

He spoke very politely, but everyone in Jingchuan Prefecture knew that Mr. Ye wanted to see Zhou Xuan for something.

It's nothing more than taking them to the gang, imprisoning them, and then... extorting money from them.

They wouldn't dare kill Zhou Xuan. Firstly, the life of a mere paper fan like Mr. Ye is naturally less precious than that of the Great Master.
Secondly, the Grand Master is now effectively in charge of Mingjiang Prefecture. Even the guardian spirits of Pingshui Prefecture are under his command.

If Mr. Ye can kill the people supported by the two prefectures' wandering gods at will, wouldn't that force the two prefectures' wandering gods to come to Jingchuan to fight to the death?

Therefore, while Mr. Ye might not dare to kill, they certainly had the guts to use Mr. Ye's paper fan to demand a large sum of compensation from Zhou Xuan.

However, Zhou Xuan was in deep meditation at the time and did not hear Li Zougui's "invitation," so he naturally did not respond.

Li Zougui chuckled and said to his disciple beside him, "This esteemed gentleman still won't give us face. Well then, if you won't listen to reason, you'll have to suffer the consequences."

"At thirteen o'clock, you'll still have to go and invite that Master Mingjiang."

In Master Ye's shrine, there are thirteen two-hour periods, corresponding to thirteen extremely outstanding disciples, each with more than six sticks of incense burning.

Their names correspond to the twelve two-hour periods in folk tradition—Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, and so on.

In addition to these hours, an extra hour was added, called "Kui".

Kui Shi is the first of the thirteen hours, and Master Kui is the head of the thirteen hours, leading these thirteen people.

Upon receiving Li Zougui's order, Mr. Kui immediately waved the paper banner, and several drowned walking corpses surged up from the river.

“Master of Mingjiang Prefecture, I’ve found eight walking corpses to carry you to the main hall. That’s a big favor for you.”

Mr. Kui pointed at the zombies in the water, and one by one they splashed the water. The force of the water rebounding made them climb onto the walls of the pleasure boat like monkeys, trying to climb towards the floor where Zhou Xuan was.

At this moment, Zhao Dengming stepped forward, standing at the bow of the boat, holding a compass in his hand, and shouted to Li Zougui: "Second Master Li, the Master is Master Zhou of our Xunlong Hall. Our experts in Xunlong are on their way here. If you want to invite our Master, you'll have to wait in line."

"Since when did this disciple, who has only been around for five incense sticks, become qualified to speak to me?"

Li Zougui exhaled a puff of smoke and gave Mr. Kui a sinister look. His expression was extremely ruthless, and his meaning was self-evident.

Without uttering a word, Mr. Kui immediately shook the paper banner in his hand. A cloud of black mist emerged from the banner, flowing like water and shooting towards Zhao Dengming.

Zhao Dengming knew he was no match for the black air current, but he was still fearless. He immediately controlled the wind and water to resist it.

Just then, the sound of a gavel slamming against a table came from the river.

"Oh!"

A folding fan flew out into the air, as light as a falling leaf, arriving before the black air current. The fan opened slightly, blocking the air current.

The black mist was like a gentle breath; when it reached the folding fan, the fan didn't move at all.

"It's Mr. Shirayuki."

Mr. Kui said to Li Zougui.

Li Zougui immediately became annoyed and cursed towards the Yunmo Theater area: "Bai Liu, you dead storyteller, are you trying to ruin Mr. Ye's plans?"

"Mr. Ye and Xunlongtang are both my listeners. Since they are listeners, let's not hurt our harmony. If we really have to fight, then for the sake of Yunmo Theater's future business, I, Bai Liu, will have no choice but to overestimate my abilities and act as a peacemaker."

"You're quite the talker. I, Li Zougui, am taking Zhou Xuan away. Let's see if you can stop me."

Li Zougui immediately stood up from the sedan chair, holding his pipe, and walked step by step toward the pleasure boat.

This round, fat man walked on the water with remarkable ease, taking only three or four steps before being less than two or three zhang away from the Eight Immortals' painted boat.

"Master Li, do you really want to take this folding fan from me?"

Mr. Bai Liu suddenly appeared, standing at the bow of the boat, holding a folding fan in his hand, and looking at Li Zougui.

"It's said in the martial arts world that a storyteller's seven incense sticks can rival the eight incense sticks of other gangs. I just don't believe in this nonsense. Fortunately, there are plenty of people around here who can be our witnesses. Let's see if you can really rival eight incense sticks."

Li Zougui was extremely domineering towards Mr. Bai Liu, but in his heart, there was actually a hint of unease—he came to invite Zhou Xuan while Zhou Xuan was in meditation, and if Zhou Xuan woke up, things would be difficult to handle.

Zhou Xuan possesses a "tree gate" that can draw down the wandering gods of Ping Shui Mansion, a fact already known to many highly respected figures in the Jing Kingdom.

According to Li Zougui's plan, he would first subdue Zhou Xuan, then use Mr. Ye's "Yellow Millet Dream" to keep Zhou Xuan from waking up, thereby threatening Mingjiang Prefecture and Pingshui Prefecture and extorting money from them.

However, if Mr. Bai Liu interferes and delays things for too long, his plan will fall through once Zhou Xuan wakes up.

Therefore, Li Zougui's plan was to quickly defeat Mr. Bai Liu and then capture Zhou Xuan. To defeat his opponent quickly, he needed to be more imposing. With his momentum and skill, he could win this high-stakes battle in a very short time.

"Master Li, I just want to ask you, are you really going to ignore my advice and pass over this folding fan?"

Mr. Bai Liu then questioned him.

"of course."

Li Zougui took another step forward, waiting for Mr. Bai Liu to make his move.

Unexpectedly, Mr. Bai Liu bent down, placed the folding fan in his hand on the gunwale, and said gently, "I won't stop you from taking my folding fan, but I still advise you, Li Er, that it would be better for everyone if you took a step back, especially for yourself."

"Ha, trying to play the empty city ploy with me?"

Seeing Mr. Bai Liu acting so mysteriously, Li Zougui grew annoyed and immediately walked forward, then leaped onto the covered bridge of the painted boat.

He was at one end of the covered bridge, while Zhou Xuan, who was in meditation, was at the other end of the covered bridge, and the two were less than five zhang apart.

He walked toward Zhou Xuan, and inadvertently passed by Mr. Bai Liu's folding fan.

"I've already passed your folding fan, what can you do to me now?"

Li Zougui raised an eyebrow and questioned Mr. Bai Liu.

"Second Master Li, you should look up at the sky."

Mr. Bai Liu pointed to the sky. Li Zougui did not look up immediately, but he heard the sound of thunder and lightning.

"The sky is clear and the sun is shining, where did the thunder come from?"

Li Zougui became suspicious and suddenly looked up.

A magnificent dragon was seen circling in the air.

This dragon is a five-clawed golden dragon, surrounded by lightning, exuding a fierce aura.

Around this great dragon, there were nine smaller dragons weaving through the clouds. These nine imperial dragons all had eyes that were captivating.

"Are these ten great dragons part of your dream?"

Li Zougui immediately asked.

"What merit do I possess to be born with such a dream of a great dragon?"

Mr. Bai Liu, looking relaxed, gripped the gunwale with both hands and said, "Without the aura of a dragon-seeker, one cannot see the true dragon. Locating the burial site and surveying the mountain's ancestral roots, one can find the true lineage in the Mysterious Heaven. This is the prophecy of the Grand Master of Dragon-Seeking at Hidden Dragon Mountain."

"Master Li, isn't it a coincidence? The Great Celestial Master of Canglong Mountain, who swept through the Taoist sects three hundred years ago, has reappeared in Jingchuan Prefecture with his great dragon!"

When Li Zougui heard the name of the Grand Celestial Master of Canglong Mountain, he was immediately stunned.

When Mr. Bai Liu mentions the Grand Celestial Master of Canglong Mountain, he only refers to one person... Yun Ziliang.

The great dragon of Jingchuan roared in the sky, and Yun Ziliang's voice also came from the distant Mingjiang Prefecture.

"Mr. Ye is now in charge in Jingchuan Prefecture, and I, the old master of the Dragon Seeking, am not convinced. Li Zougui, take two more steps in front of Zhou Xuan and give me a reason to kill you..."

Yun Ziliang's words exuded domineering power, as if ten great dragons were poised to unleash their power.

Li Zougui, who had been so arrogant just moments before, now seemed to have his feet rooted to the deck, unable to move an inch.

"Li, you little devil, be more alert, don't let Mr. Ye down."

Another voice, like that of a Confucian scholar, suddenly rang out above the river.

“Zhao Dengming, a disciple of the Dragon Seeking Sect, has already stated that Master Ye is Lord Zhou of our Dragon Seeking Hall. How dare you still try to snatch him? I have been in the Heavenly Realm for sixty years, and Master Ye has become this arrogant? He doesn’t take the Dragon Seeking Hall seriously at all?”

"You...you are again..."

Li Zougui felt a cramp in his calves. He was unfamiliar with the scholar's voice, but the content and tone of his words were extremely powerful.

"The Dragon Seeker God-level, Mountain Ancestor Li Changxun."

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Changxun, the Dragon-Seeking Celestial Master with nine incense sticks in his hand, had already controlled a gust of wind, stirring up raging waves on the river.

Locating auspicious burial sites, controlling wind and water, and utilizing the power of wind, water, terrain, and mountains as divine weapons...

(End of this chapter)