Starting from the Tiger Demon Yaksha, the demon immortality

Chapter 259, Section 268: Casting the Net, The Twelve Protectors

"Master Qici? What happened to him?"

Li Cunxiao was startled by what he heard, but he wasn't too surprised.

There's no other reason than that, compared to the reclusive Master Taiyi, Monk Qici is nothing like a monk.

He was charitable, public-spirited, and intolerant of any wrongdoing; he was even more worldly-minded than Confucian scholar-officials.

In this kind of world, with this kind of personality, it was destined that the great monk would get into a lot of trouble.

“They are Ming Cult heretics,” Taiyi sneered.

"It was that bald thief who was so audacious that he actually sneaked into the Ming Cult's lair, only to be discovered by the Dharma King of the Demonic Cult and chased all over the place."

"Fortunately, he wasn't too unlucky. If he had encountered the leader of the Ming Cult, you and I would probably be collecting his corpse by now."

The old Taoist priest spoke harshly, but his expression wasn't too grave, which made Li Cunxiao breathe a slight sigh of relief.

Qi Ci is a veteran grandmaster with many years of experience. Not only is he powerful, but he also seems to possess the remaining half of the Pure Land Sect's spiritual treasure. It would be easy for two or three ordinary grandmasters to defeat him, but difficult to kill him.
Ok?
"Did Master Qici go to the Ming Cult for the other half of the spiritual treasure?"

Taiyi was somewhat surprised to hear this, not expecting his disciple to be so perceptive.

"Yes, although the bald thief suffered a loss this time, he also learned some secrets."

"The Ming Cult leader Faqing is suspected of colluding with Zhu Quanzhong to secretly sacrifice half of the spiritual treasure left behind by the Pure Land Sect. He will soon succeed."

"It's also because the other party was at a critical moment and the Grandmaster couldn't spare the time, otherwise how could this bald thief Qi have survived?"

"Blood sacrifice for a spiritual treasure?"

Li Cunxiao's face immediately darkened.

He had seen it in Louguandao's collection of books; it was an extremely cruel method of sacrificial refining.

Just as martial artists nourish their divine weapons with their blood and essence, the same principle applies to spiritual treasures. However, the latter is at a higher level, and its spirit is more difficult to subdue.

Each blood sacrifice involved thousands upon thousands of people as offerings.

In the past, when some sects were on their last legs, they would often resort to desperate measures, using evil methods to kill innocent people and forcibly create a "fake" spiritual treasure.

In these times of war and chaos, human life is cheap, and it would be incredibly easy for the Ming Cult to find a sacrifice.

Moreover, there are suspicions that Prince Liang, Zhu Quanzhong, is secretly colluding with them. The population of the entire Henan Province is well over ten million. It is perfectly normal for Monk Qici to be disgusted by these cult practices and to follow the clues to their doorstep.

'Zhu Quanzhong is cruel, but not stupid. Even if he were to kill someone, he wouldn't choose a prosperous prefecture or county.'

Moreover, Songzhou is located on the only route to the capital, and can be used to supply provisions when necessary.

'As long as he's not insane, Master and the others should be safe in Songzhou.'

Li Cunxiao's thoughts drifted away, and he secretly worried about the situation of the escort agency.

However, compared to other places, Songzhou has two seventh-realm martial artists, Bai Xiangshan and Dezheng. Even if it's just to win people's hearts, Zhu Quanzhong won't go too far.

But those places without the protection of strong figures are likely to suffer.
"In short, that bald thief is in a bit of trouble right now, but since he can pass on messages, there's nothing to worry about for the time being. I'll go see my senior brother, the sect leader, later, so you don't need to worry too much."

After finishing his sentence, Taiyi Zhenren changed the subject and picked up the pills that the two of them had just refined together, pointing out their advantages and disadvantages.

As a master of alchemy, one doesn't need to witness it firsthand; just by looking at the finished product, one can deduce any oversights in the refining process.

Upon hearing this, Li Cunxiao forced himself to compose himself. The master and disciple discussed the matter for a while until dusk.

The old Taoist priest was invited to stay for a vegetarian meal, and he left only after the moon had risen above the willow branches.

Feeling frustrated, Li Cunxiao lost all interest in practicing his skills and summoned Mu Cha to check on his progress.

With the Azure Phoenix Armor on his body, he didn't need to consciously activate his true essence; it would circulate automatically.

"Not bad, your Qi and blood are well-trained. If you were to break through with your magic now, you would at least reach the third stage of mastery."

After Mu Cha finished demonstrating his set of punches and kicks, he was slightly out of breath. Hearing his elder brother's praise, a smile appeared on his face.

"Big brother, I'll be fifteen after the Double Ninth Festival. Will I be able to break through my muscle barrier then?"

Li Cunxiao fell silent upon hearing this, noticing the expectation mixed with trepidation in his younger brother's eyes.

He hesitated.

To be fair, my younger brother had already reached the peak of his Qi and blood several months ago, and he could have used the seduction magic to enhance his muscles, but he suppressed it.

Now, Mu Cha's foundation has been forged to an extremely solid level, and his Qi and blood have reached a point where they can no longer be improved. There is no point in continuing to remain at the Qi and blood level.

But Li Cunxiao was still worried.

The cultivation of demonic martial arts is too difficult. Not everyone is like him, with the Vajra Pestle protecting his body and mind, so that he can go through the journey without any surprises or dangers.

There were people driven mad by the torment of demon flesh in the black market, Murong Bo, who came from a wealthy family but collapsed before reaching the Internal Organs Realm, and Li Qingtong, the biological son of Taiyi Zhenren.
He knew he couldn't protect his younger brother forever, and Li Mucha needed power, so he had to take the risk.

'I originally planned to deal with Yang Ying as soon as possible, and then deduce the rest of the divine skill, so that Mu Cha could follow the path I had taken and avoid many obstacles.'

'Plans can't keep up with changes. This area around the capital will inevitably become a battleground sooner or later. We can't delay any longer.'

Thinking of this, Li Cunxiao couldn't help but sigh.

If given enough time, it would be best to use the Vajra to improve the seduction magic, so that the younger brother could become the first martial artist unaffected by the demon's attacks.

Unfortunately, the building is about to collapse, and everyone is being driven forward by the whip of time. Even with a cheat code, it is impossible for everything to go smoothly.

"In that case, let me meet with the Li family of Longxi before breaking through. I will also refine some calming pills for you."

"You need to study the seduction magic part of the Horned Dragon Skill carefully these next few days. I will also have someone send you various notes from predecessors. Make sure you know them by heart."

Li Cunxiao explained each point in detail, even to the point of being verbose.

However, Li Mucha showed no impatience whatsoever, and diligently kept every word in mind.

'My elder brother has to cultivate and manage things on the mountain all by himself; it's really too tiring.'

I need to become stronger quickly so I can help him and make things easier for him.

Li Cunxiao naturally couldn't hear his younger brother's thoughts. If he did, perhaps he would have a more gratified smile on his face.

After giving some instructions, and once Li Mucha went to bed to rest, he summoned the servant disciples who had been waiting outside the door.

"Go reply to the invitation. Did Senior Brother Li say anything?"

"Senior Brother Li Siqi said he's looking forward to your arrival on the fifth day of the new year. Besides the elders of the clan, he'll also introduce you to some new friends."

"A new friend?" Li Cunxiao raised an eyebrow.

Whether it was the Louguan Daoists or the powerful figures of Xijing, under the enthusiastic invitation of Guo Zhao and several other true disciples, the past six months had been enough for him to get to know them all.

If Li Siqi's so-called new friend came with an elder from his clan, he probably wasn't from Gyeonggi Province.

Could it be some powerful regional military governor?
"Is that demonic cultist still unwilling to confess?"

Taiyi Zhenren walked under the moonlight to the mountainside of Liangyi Peak and pushed open the door of the small courtyard.

In the courtyard, Yan Daotong lay on his side on a low couch, looking up at the stars.

Upon hearing this, he simply pointed to a dry well in the courtyard.

The old Taoist priest stepped forward and saw moonlight shining into the bottom of the well, casting shadows that outlined a man who looked like skin and bones.

Several dark gold iron chains pierced through his hands, feet, and collarbones. Every moment, faint blood-red threads flowed from his body into the chains, making his face pale.

"Tsk tsk, how did the dignified Envoy of the Pure Wind end up like this?"

Upon hearing Taiyi's mockery, Jingfeng, who had been feigning sleep, suddenly opened his eyes, which were filled with hatred and resentment.

"It's all thanks to you! You used these chains to drain my vital energy, leaving me unable to live or die."

"A prestigious sect? Me... Waaah..." A piece of flatbread got stuck in Jingfeng's throat, choking him so much that his eyes rolled back and he couldn't utter a single word.

Taiyi casually flicked a sesame seed off his fingertip, his tone relaxed:

"When you're out in the game, it all boils down to two words: a horizontal line and a vertical line."

"You were outmatched and became a prisoner. What's there to say?"

"Not killing you immediately is already a great act of mercy."

"Perhaps your sect leader will come to your rescue once he has refined the spiritual treasure?"

Taiyi Zhenren's words seemed unintentional, but Jingfeng's pupils contracted and dilated upon hearing them, and he immediately began to cough and gag even louder to cover it up.

The old Taoist priest noticed this detail, smiled slightly, and with a casual wave of his hand, a huge rock flew up and fit perfectly over the well opening.

"Are you sure? Is Mingzun Faqing really repairing that magical artifact?"

Yan Daotong had gotten up from the low couch at some point and stood in front of the dry well with Taiyi.

"If we follow what this scoundrel Qici said, then we are probably close to completing our mission."

Taiyi responded, and the two looked at each other, both revealing a hint of worry in their eyes.

The leader of the Ming Cult is called Ming Zun, and the current Ming Zun is called Fa Qing, a grandmaster who has been famous for many years.

In the past, each holy land possessed a spiritual treasure, which allowed them to maintain a firm advantage.

If even this advantage is caught up now, things will become quite difficult.

"The Ming Cult had been flirting with Zhu Quanzhong for a long time, and Huang Chao was doing all the work for them without even realizing it."

"I'm afraid that once the day after tomorrow's bag is filled, the army will immediately enter the capital to defend the emperor. At that time, our Louguan Sect will be the first to bear the brunt."

Yan Daotong sighed. A new emperor brings a new court; the Louguan Dao being the state religion in the Qin Dynasty doesn't mean it can continue to be the state religion in the Liang or Wu Dynasties.

Of all the sects and sacred sites in the world, apart from Maoshan, which remains detached from worldly affairs, every single one has stepped forward to support the dragon.

Regardless of who ultimately prevails, they will likely not fare well.

"Senior brother is far-sighted, but the most urgent task is to help that thieving bald man, and while we're at it, see if we can kill a few Dharma Kings and cut off one of his arms."

Upon hearing this, Yan Daotong gently patted the iron ruyi and pondered for a moment.

"By revealing a flaw for no reason, I'm afraid they won't take the bait. Tell me, why were Jingfeng and Mingli, these two Ming envoys, specifically guarding your disciple before?"

"It's probably because the dragon boat incident was leaked. Hold on, you're trying to use my apprentice as bait?"

The old Taoist priest immediately became alert and looked at Yan Daotong with suspicion.

Yan Daotong didn't answer, but changed the subject:
"Gao Pian will come to observe the ceremony on the Double Ninth Festival. In any case, as the sect leader, I should lead a few sect leaders down the mountain to greet him."

Taiyi raised an eyebrow. "How should we greet them?"

"A hundred li outside the city."

"Did Changsun Chi and the others go?"

"Both go."

"Leave me all alone?"

"I'll leave you alone."

Master Taiyi nodded with a relaxed expression.

"can."

"At that time, I will have Guang Lei and Li Cunxiao stay together, so that all the people who have been to Songzhou will be there."

"This is their last chance before Gao Pian arrives."

As Yan Daotong spoke, he returned to the low couch, propped himself up with one hand, and looked up at the stars.

Taiyi also looked up and saw that Yinghuo's light was blazing, hovering in the position of the Azure Dragon's Heart Constellation, and couldn't help but murmur:
"When Mars invades the heart (heart constellation), it signifies the death of the ruler. When Mars invades the heart (heart constellation), it signifies the extinction of the imperial line."

"With fire burning in their hearts, the great leader rallies the troops, and the soldiers of the world are united."

September 5th.

Just after breakfast, Li Siqi sent someone to Li Cunxiao's courtyard to inquire about the time of his visit.

When they arrived at the other party's door, Li Siqi personally waited at the door, not to mention decorating with lanterns and colorful decorations, but at least he was very welcoming.

Even the servants who led the horses and put them in stirrups were dressed in fine clothes, clearly showing that they attached great importance to this meeting.

"Senior brother, your grand gesture is truly an honor for me."

Li Cunxiao had just cupped his hands in greeting when his arm was supported by the person opposite him.

“Junior brother is too polite. Even among family, we cannot be shortchanged in the slightest. Otherwise, people will say that the Li family of Longxi is all talk and no action, and has no way to treat guests.”

Li Siqi smiled and led him through the door, saying, "Besides, we have more than just Junior Brother as our guest today."

Li Cunxiao's eyes flickered. "I'm quite curious about that."

"Where did this friend come from, worthy of such treatment from my senior brother?"

"I am but a lowly soldier under the Prince of Jin. I wonder if I could possibly catch your eye, sir?"

A cheerful voice suddenly broke into the conversation. Li Siqi turned around in surprise, seemingly not expecting this scene.

Upon closer inspection, the speaker was a white-robed man dressed as a martial artist, wearing arm guards and a waist belt.

This man appeared to be in his thirties, and his speech and mannerisms exuded a rugged and capable air reminiscent of those in the military.

What is particularly striking is his yellowish-brown beard, which makes him look like a tiger from a distance.

"Under the Prince of Jin's command?"

Li Cunxiao raised an eyebrow, sensing something was amiss.

I thought it would be someone from the Prince of Qi's side, since the Li family of Longxi had their stronghold in Guanzhong, and they would inevitably have to deal with Li Zhengchen.

However, the people who came today were from the north, specifically from the group led by Prince Li Yisheng of Jin.

Just a month ago, weren't the two sides still locked in fierce combat?

How come even Li Yisheng's men have come to Li Siqi's residence in such a short time?

"This must be Li Cunxiao, the disciple of the Thirteenth Brother, right?"

An elderly man with a pale face and white hair emerged from the inner room and naturally stepped between the two.

Seemingly noticing Li Cunxiao's confusion, he spoke kindly:

“I am of the same generation as your master, and I am the twenty-first in the clan.”

“Your master, Pharmacist Li, is the thirteenth in his lineage, and he is my cousin.”

"The clan chief took Siqi's letter very seriously and specially sent me here to renew our kinship."

"As for this one," the old man said, looking at the yellow-bearded man.

“My dear nephew, you may have heard of his great name. He is none other than General Shi Jingsi, the eleventh Grand Protector under the Prince of Jin.”

Upon hearing this, a series of information flashed through Li Cunxiao's mind, which he quickly matched with the information:

"One of the Eight Great Generals of the Yaksha, Shi Jingsi in white robes?!"

(End of this chapter)