Starting from the Tiger Demon Yaksha, the demon immortality

Chapter 238

"Going down the mountain to perform a Buddhist ritual?"

"Yes. Although those demon-slaying missions offer high rewards, they also carry much greater risks, making them completely unsuitable for us newly initiated disciples."

"Actually, the imperial court and the puppet Qi have been fighting fiercely recently, and many people have died. Right now, the outer sect is mostly filled with various ritual and religious tasks."

Li Cunxiao nodded after hearing Ye Chengxiao's words.
"That's true. Louguandao has close ties with the powerful families in Huayin County. Whether it's simply performing rituals or building connections and finding a backer, it's all perfectly reasonable."

Zhaijiao refers to the rituals and ceremonies of fasting and offering sacrifices, commonly known as Dajiao, Daocheng, Jingchan, or Fashi.

The ritual process is complex, mainly consisting of setting up an altar, offering sacrifices, burning incense, ascending the altar, drawing talismans, chanting incantations, beating drums, lighting the incense burner, invoking the spirits, welcoming the deity, presenting memorials, reciting scriptures, praising, proclaiming words, and walking in the void, etc.

This is something that even a quack in the countryside couldn't possibly do.

As the saying goes, the dead are the greatest, and there is a long-standing folk custom of treating the dead as if they were alive. If the funeral rites are not performed well, one will inevitably be labeled as unfilial and disrespectful, and will be criticized behind one's back.

In the vast Huayin County, if you were to ask which family to perform a ritual that would be the most prestigious, it would undoubtedly be Louguandao on Sixiang Peak.

Of course, ordinary people don't have the face or the money to do so. Those who dare to step into the mountain gate must be at least a county baron, if not a duke or marquis.

The strength of outer disciples like Ye Chengxiao and Wei He in the muscle and internal organs realms is neither high nor low in the Jingji region.

It's not quite enough to fight people. But it's perfectly suitable for winning over worshippers and building relationships.

"Junior Brother Ye will have to work hard this time coming down the mountain."

Li Cunxiao glanced at Wei He, who was only focused on eating snacks. Given Wei He's taciturn nature, it would be difficult for him to even recite a simple rhyme, let alone perform rituals or chant incantations.

This time, the main force can only be Ye Chengxiao, who is better at dealing with people.

"Don't worry, senior brother," Ye Chengxiao said, feeling recognized, and unconsciously straightened his chest.

"But senior brother, what should we do if that man from County Li asks us for a favor?"

He was well aware of his own limitations. The two of them had only been in the outer sect for a little over a month and hadn't completed many missions. How could that man from County Li have known about them, and even specifically named them?
They must have discovered their connection with Li Cunxiao and were using this method to subtly express goodwill in order to make contact with Taiyi Zhenren's disciple.

"He's just a county boy, no need to pay him any more attention."

Li Cunxiao waved his hand. His status and position were now vastly different from before; those who were qualified to associate with him would not fail to send him a formal invitation.

Since we've chosen this roundabout approach, even if we decline, the other party won't be able to find anything wrong with it.

"I understand," Ye Chengxiao nodded, his eyes filled with even more admiration.

To be honest, there are countless members of the Li clan throughout the land, and the county baron is only the lowest rank among them. In a prefecture or county, he might have some standing, but in the capital region, he is nothing more than a minor figure.

But even such a minor character, if he only has the identity of an outer disciple of Louguandao, cannot be ignored.

But what can you do when the two of them are lucky enough to latch onto a powerful patron?

"Ritual rites? They're all useless things."

When Taiyi Zhenren heard Li Cunxiao tell this story, he scoffed at it.

People pray to gods and Buddhas, hoping to have their wishes fulfilled, but they don't realize that gods and Buddhas also have their own wishes.

"If you agree, I'll lend you a hand; if you disagree, I'll crush you in an instant, like crushing a swarm of ants."

"To put it bluntly, a Taoist priest is still a martial artist. If he is not strong enough, everything he does is in vain."

“Cunxiao, you are my disciple, therefore you are exempt from all sectarian affairs.”

"The time gained in this exchange cannot be wasted for even a moment. We must put in a lot of hard work in both alchemy and martial arts."

"Disciple understands," Li Cunxiao said without any objection; he thought so too.

Order is a tool for the strong to rule the world, and now that the dynasty has declined, the order of the Qin Dynasty is bound to collapse.

The reason why sects send their disciples to do these tasks is simply to maintain their own influence.

But right now, building up strength is more important than cultivating connections.

Before a grandmaster like Taiyi Zhenren, not to mention a county magistrate, even a high-ranking official could be treated with utter contempt.

Not to mention the level of Dao Tong Zhenren, a terrestrial immortal who could look down on dynasties.

In chaotic times, might makes right. Once order collapses, language quickly becomes ineffective for communication. Only fists remain.
After giving the admonition, Taiyi Zhenren tested Li Cunxiao again, listing several alchemical books from the library for him to borrow.

In the past few days, as the exploration progress on the dragon boat stalled due to insufficient cultivation level, Li Cunxiao gradually shifted more of his focus to reading.

Besides the "reference books" listed by Taiyi, he also readily accepted all kinds of miscellaneous notes and notes, absorbing all kinds of martial arts knowledge like a sponge.

Some things that are common knowledge for disciples of major sects are secrets for those from smaller or medium-sized forces.

Bridging the information gap is not something that yields immediate results, but it is essential for addressing shortcomings in the long run.

The knowledge he acquired will not only be useful to Li Cunxiao, but will also be a valuable asset if his forces gradually grow to a considerable size, even more attractive than mere wealth and rare treasures.

With the blessing of the two True Nature Realm True Essence ...

In just one afternoon, two piles of books, each as tall as an adult, had accumulated next to the desk. The Qinglong Peak disciples who passed by were secretly surprised and quietly walked around them.

"Louguan Taoism truly lives up to its reputation as the state religion of the Qin Dynasty, possessing all kinds of rare and unique books."

As my fingers brushed across the slightly frayed cover, the seven large characters "Wai Jin Dan Huang Bai Po Yu" (外金丹黄白破愚) were elegant and graceful. Judging from the font, layout, and the dense annotations, this was clearly a handwritten copy, not a printed one.

This book was not on Taiyi's reading list. Rather, Li Cunxiao found it cited by the author in one of the books on the list and then specifically sought it out to read.

This book, "External Golden Elixir, Yellow and White Elixir to Break Ignorance," was written by a man who called himself a guest in the clouds.

He said that there are many people in the world who seek immortality, and they are so eager to do so that they cannot distinguish between true and false. However, "the elixir of immortality and other mineral medicines each have their own nature and contain great poison. If one does not understand the fundamental nature and rashly refines and consumes them, there will be no one who does not die."

External alchemy, specifically the art of alchemy, was originally a legitimate path, but it was tainted by unorthodox and ignorant practitioners. To set things right, he wrote this book to correct these errors.

Whether external alchemy can grant immortality is debatable, but the book's analysis of the medicinal properties of various minerals and herbs is quite accurate.

Sometimes, a life-saving medicine can turn into a deadly poison with just the slightest increase or decrease, or a small change in temperature.

Li Cunxiao read it carefully and felt that he had benefited a lot. He wanted to copy it, but when he told the Taoist priest in charge of the scripture pavilion, the latter said that he could take the original back with him.

"It's good to have someone backing you up."

Li Cunxiao was filled with emotion as he returned to the courtyard in the setting sun.

He ran into Mucha rushing out anxiously. As soon as he saw him, he opened his mouth and then immediately closed it again.

Li Cunxiao immediately understood his brother's meaning. Once inside the house and with no outsiders present, he asked the question.

"What happened?"

"It's that county magistrate, Li Ding. He sent someone to deliver a message, saying that Senior Brother Ye and Senior Brother Wei are..." "Your Excellency, Ye Chengxiao and Wei He have already been imprisoned. The Louguan Sect has also sent someone to deliver a message."

Li Ding looked somewhat uneasy. Even though he was hunched over, Jingfeng and Mingli could see the beads of sweat on his forehead, which slowly slid down his neck into the round-necked robe embroidered with a magnificent pair of lions.

"My lords, isn't what we're doing a bit too risky?"

"Li Cunxiao is, after all, a disciple of Taiyi Zhenren. What if he attracts a grandmaster-level expert? This... this..."

"If we attract a grandmaster, we're all doomed."

Mingli wore a malicious smile. As soon as he said this, Li Ding's legs trembled like leaves, appearing even thinner under his huge belly, like two reeds that could not move on their own by the wind.

"Don't scare him anymore," Jingfeng said, seemingly helpless, turning to look at Li Ding.

"Your steward accidentally fell into the water and died. We originally wanted to invite a high-ranking Taoist priest from Louguandao to perform a ritual to comfort his soul."

"Who knew that Ye Chengxiao and Wei He were beasts in human form, and that upon seeing the widow and the orphaned girl, they were filled with lustful thoughts and wanted to commit filthy acts in front of the memorial tablets in the mourning hall."

"Fortunately, you treated your servants well, kept a close eye on them, and acted quickly to capture the two of them."

"Such a shameful matter, if reported to the government, will surely become known to everyone. At that time, both you, the county magistrate, and Li Cunxiao, the inner disciple of Louguandao, will look very bad."

"So, in order to properly resolve this matter, isn't it perfectly reasonable for you to invite him to your residence privately to discuss a solution?"

Upon hearing this, Li Ding's expression relaxed slightly, but a heavy weight still hung over his heart.
"But he's a grandmaster's disciple."

"Ye Chengxiao and Wei He are people around Li Cunxiao, not people around Taiyi."

Jingfeng interrupted him directly, "Don't you understand the difference?"

"Yes, yes. If I were Li Cunxiao, and I failed to manage my subordinates properly, and such a scandal occurred, I certainly wouldn't dare let my master know."

"He's only recently started learning the craft. If he wants to compete for the position of true disciple in the future, he certainly can't leave any leverage for others. He'll definitely come to their door in person."

Li Dingxian breathed a sigh of relief, but looking at the two people in front of him, a bitter feeling welled up in his heart.

Even if Master Taiyi doesn't come, and only Li Cunxiao comes, can they really sit down and have tea in a peaceful manner after he arrives?
These two are traitors to the Ming Cult.
"My lords," Jingfeng and Mingli said, stopping abruptly as the other party was about to turn and leave, pleading in a low voice.
“I deeply regret that I have not been sincere in the past and have not done enough for the Venerable One and the Holy Teachings. If I have the opportunity to leave this complicated place and have a chance to serve you personally, please give me your instructions.”

After saying this, Li Dingcai left with a gloomy expression. Mingli frowned, "What did he mean?"

"He said if we were to run away, we should take him with us."

Jingfeng smiled mockingly, "As expected of a powerful family, their sense of smell is quite sharp."

Mingli laughed upon hearing this, "The Holy Church can accept his family wealth, but we'll pass on the man himself."

"If Li Cunxiao is captured alive, the Louguan Sect will surely be shaken."

"The more people who stay behind, the greater the risk of exposure."

“Li Ding knows too much about the Holy Church. He should set off with his steward as soon as possible to avoid being too lonely.”

With a clap of his hands, Ming Cult members dressed in white and wearing black hats immediately poured out of the house and began pulling carts of goods out of the manor.

“I’ll go ahead with these ‘sacrifices’ and supplies. You can join me after you’ve captured Li Cunxiao.”

After finishing his sentence, Mingli got up and left without any further ado.

After Mingli and his men left, he clapped his hands again. This time, the Ming Cult members who came out were all fierce and clad in armor and armed with weapons.

"You all hide well and guard all the key passages in the manor. Once I succeed, I will kill everyone in the manor, especially that Li Ding."

"Remember, leave no one alive."

After making these preparations, Jingfeng strolled leisurely and slowly arrived at a dungeon.

The servants, having received Li Ding's instructions, dared not obstruct him and quickly led him to the deepest part of the place.

Ye Chengxiao and Wei He were hanging from the wall, their faces pale. They did not appear to have any external injuries, but the ropes made of demon beast hides rendered the two, who were only at the muscle-strength level, unable to move.

"White robes and a black hat... You're a demon from the Ming Cult!"

Upon seeing the newcomer, Wei He immediately roared in anger.

"I knew it! We didn't touch those two women at all. You framed us!"

Ye Chengxiao's expression was equally grim, and he was also somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected Wei He, who usually seemed dull-witted, to be so perceptive and to grasp the crux of the matter so quickly.

"Your Excellency does not seem to be an ordinary Ming Cult member, and Wei He and I are not worth such a great deal of trouble. You have come for Senior Brother Li, right?"

"Clever kid, too bad you didn't notice sooner."

Jingfeng's smile remained gentle, his eyes filled with a confident and composed air.

If a martial artist from the Xuan Guan realm were to capture a martial artist from the Huang Ting realm, it would be like catching a turtle in a jar—perfect and foolproof.

It remains to be seen whether, after capturing Li Cunxiao, Qici or Taiyi will be the first to be caught.
If we can actually obtain even the slightest information about a spiritual treasure as a result, that would be a great achievement.

Perhaps, there is even a chance to receive the protection of the patriarch and break through the primordial embryo.

Of course, if it were Taiyi who came, he would turn around and leave without saying a word, but that possibility is very small.

"We're just two small fry. Senior Brother Li is a rational person and won't fall for your tricks. Give up now."

Wei He cursed a few times and then stopped, knowing that there was no point in wasting words.

Ye Chengxiao, on the other hand, tried to calm himself down and tentatively tried to get more information.

“A mere pawn? As far as I know, you were specially brought here by Li Cunxiao from another region.”

“In today’s world, there is war everywhere. It’s worth it for him to do this. Your relationship is definitely not as simple as master and servant.”

"Let's talk again."

The insider in Xuanwu Gate made it very clear that Li Cunxiao rose to power quickly thanks to Taiyi's favoritism, but he was young and his cultivation was relatively low compared to the true disciples, which was a hidden danger.

If Ye Chengxiao and Wei He were to be exposed in a scandal at this time, even if it turns out to be false, Li Cunxiao would have already lost because the sect leader Yan Daotong was about to return.

Unless this person is cold-hearted enough to quickly sever ties with these two, he will truly have no chance.

These matters concern the inside agents within the Louguan Sect, so Jingfeng naturally wouldn't reveal them.

However, judging from the worried expressions on their faces, he already knew the answer to what he wanted to confirm.

"Li Cunxiao, you'd better hurry up and come!"

(End of this chapter)