Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 893 There's Fun in It
In today's world, this is not feudal superstition, but a perfectly legitimate principle.

Therefore, it is not only the location of the highest-standard and most densely packed cemetery in the mortal world, but also, due to the accumulation of yin energy over thousands of years and the convergence of dragon vein and earth energy, several "places connecting yin and yang" have naturally formed deep within it.

It is a strange realm where the living are forbidden to tread and the dead linger.

Such a crucial and important location is naturally also a true den of dragons and tigers, fraught with unpredictable dangers.

Beneath the layers upon layers of mausoleums, there might be a powerful figure from the previous dynasty who has transformed into an immortal corpse, or perhaps some ancient and terrifying being born from the Yin energy of the dragon veins, who are far beyond the reach of ordinary ghost kings and demons.

The Five Directions Ghost Emperors' dojos are all tight-lipped about this, and even second-tier ghost kings like Qilicha don't know its true nature.

If this place weren't so close to the imperial city of Luoyang, Xu Xuan would never have rashly sent someone to gather information before his foundation was secure.

Therefore, when he privately summoned Qilicha to communicate, his wording was extremely tactful and subtle.

He only said, "I have heard that the geomantic energy of Beiman is unusual and there may be some unusual activity. I hope you will investigate carefully to put people at ease." Every word he said did not explicitly mention the danger, but he subtly conveyed his expectations and pressure.

How could Qilicha, being so cunning, not hear the unspoken meaning?
At that moment, he felt a chill run down his spine, but he could only swallow his anger and blood, forcing a look of intense loyalty onto his face.

Gritting his teeth, he volunteered: "Rest assured, Master! This important task is none other than mine, Qi Licha! I am willing to go through fire and water for you, Master, and I will definitely find out the truth about Beiman Mountain to repay your kindness!"

His words were righteous and awe-inspiring, and his sincere heart was evident in his words.

Seeing this, Xu Xuan was "deeply gratified" and readily "accepted" the other party's loyalty and courage.

On the other side, inside Jinshan Temple, incense smoke wafted.

The monk Baizhu, dressed in a moon-white robe and carrying a simple bag, was bidding farewell to the temple supervisor Guangliang and preparing to head north.

Guangliang's chubby face was devoid of its usual smile; his brows were furrowed. Looking at his young junior brother, whom the abbot had "entrusted with an important task," he hesitated for a long time before finally sighing and lowering his voice to instruct him:
"After the Illusion Sect's mountain gate was breached three hundred years ago, it rebuilt the Illusion Heart Array, which is difficult for outsiders to find, so you should go to the Hundred Pagoda Temple first."

"Although Senior Brother Dao Yi still has inner demons and acts eccentrically, never mind."

Both Guangliang and Daoyi were monks from the Prajna school, but Daoyi was much older and became famous much earlier.

The genius monk, who had just achieved the Holy Embryo stage, comprehended that all phenomena are like illusions, and broke through realms in his cultivation as easily as drinking water.

Then he encountered a true genius of cultivation from the Pure Land School, and from then on he was trapped in this shackle for hundreds of years.

In recent years, his actions have become somewhat extreme, and his frenzied pursuit of the White Lotus Sect has disturbed the peace of Buddhist communities in the north.

Guangliang knew perfectly well that his elusive Abbot Fahai had suddenly set his sights on such a troublesome person and even sent Baizhu to him, which was most likely not a good thing about "exchanging Buddhist teachings".

However, I still need to give some reminders.

"Although the Northern Righteous Path Alliance is mostly made up of vassal sects, it's hard to guarantee that there aren't a few core disciples from truly great Xuanmen sects who have come down the mountain for training. You... cough cough, I mean you need to be careful in your actions and not provoke others recklessly, lest you bring unnecessary trouble to Jinshan Temple... to the abbot."

These words were both a reminder and a hint of worry about being powerless to stop it.

The monk Baizhu appreciated the kindness shown to him.

He gave a kind smile to reassure the true master before him.

"Brother Guangliang, don't worry. The abbot only instructed me to go north as a disciple of the Zen sect of Jinshan Temple, to find an opportunity to integrate into the sect, to form a good relationship with Buddhist seniors like Master Daoyi, to exchange Buddhist teachings, and to enhance understanding."

"Senior brother, you're really overthinking it."

There was nothing wrong with his tone; he sounded like a Zen disciple.
Moreover, the more he said that, the more uneasy Guangliang felt, and he was not comforted at all.

He knew his abbot all too well, and he could vaguely sense that his junior brother Baizhu was not as "pure and innocent" as he appeared on the surface.

It's being said so casually now, but who knows how big the underlying causes and consequences might be.

In fact, the instructions that Monk Baizhu received at this moment were indeed that "simple".

As a rising star in Zen Buddhism, he approached Daoyi, a prominent figure who stirred up trouble in the northern Buddhist community, and tried to gain his favor and trust.

What should be done after gaining trust? What are the follow-up plans?
The monk Baizhu smiled inwardly, but his face remained solemn and dignified.

That was... a matter for later. In the blink of an eye, they crossed the Yangtze River and headed straight for their destination.

The last to set off was Master Mao.

He had already made preparations, and crossed the river carrying only some worldly possessions.

Master Xu made it clear that the primary task on this trip to the North was to provide medical care and medicine, cure the sick and save lives, and build good relationships. Since it was about doing good deeds and accumulating merit, it was better to do it sooner rather than later, so he didn't even bring the Three Divine Swords with him.

The Baoan Hall in the south is now self-sufficient and operates smoothly, requiring no further attention from him.

This is also a good opportunity to see for myself what the North is like and what kind of lives the people there lead, which is why the head of the hall is so concerned about it.

Of course, the Taoist priest did not rely on his own not-so-top-tier magical power or supernatural abilities to travel north this time.

The weapon he carried was a seal personally granted by Xu Xuan, which allowed him to mobilize most of the funds of Baoan Hall, as well as enormous authority to make decisions and act expediently on the spot.

It is a vast resource that would make any local government official or powerful figure take notice.

Thus, this old Taoist priest, who was usually somewhat down on his luck, now "approached people with immense power," and stepped into the northern land with a momentum as vast as mountains of gold and seas of silver.

Even the Dragon King glanced at the old Taoist priest.

Hmm, it has a bit of Xu Xuan's flavor.

Xu Xuan himself remained in Jiangnan to make his final farewells and arrangements.

With the Lunar New Year just over and the warm breezes beginning to blow, many talented young people who intend to head north to Luoyang to pursue their careers or broaden their horizons have already set off.

They mostly travel in groups of three or five, choosing different routes.

Some prefer natural landscapes and plan to travel to famous mountains and rivers, composing poems and drinking wine along the way. Others prioritize socializing, intending to visit relatives, friends, and teachers in various places to expand their network.

On this day, the "Three Heroes" and others came to pay their respects together, speaking earnestly and hoping that Xu Xuan could accompany them so that they could learn a lot from him along the way.

Xie Yu laughed and said, "Teacher Xu, although I studied in Jiangnan, I was born and raised in the North and am quite familiar with the customs and culture of the North, so I can be your guide. Moreover, my Xie family and Qian family have been operating in the North for many years, and we have countless relatives and friends, which can guarantee a smooth journey."

The implication is that there is no need to worry about money, accommodation, or meals during this trip; it is a top-tier, comfortable tour with no extra expenses.

However, Xu Xuan simply smiled and politely declined.

The reason is simple: it sounds too comfortable and orderly, and it's really not interesting.

Soon after, the "Three Wonders" also came to extend an invitation.

The three of them didn't have any prominent relatives or friends in the north, and their love for natural scenery was also limited.

Zao Tongxue longed to visit the various academies along the way, hoping to exchange knowledge with students from the North and experience the noble spirit that was so different from that of the South.

Ning Caichen wanted to seek out renowned qin masters in the north to make friends through the qin and verify his own skills.

Ji Rui was the most straightforward; he just wanted to experience the legendary northern scenery and even confidently offered to charter a boat for the trip.

Xu Xuan shook his head and declined again, while also giving the eager Ji Rui a light but not too harsh wake-up call.

He was beaten until he grimaced, and his desires, which had been suppressed for a month, were also extinguished, a condition commonly known as impotence.

This is a wonderful application of the Great Vajra's divine power combined with the Heart Sutra, and its effects are extraordinary.

The three were disappointed and left, with a scholar surnamed Ji even declaring that Master Xu did not understand the joys of life.

Xu Xuan sneered, "You don't understand my fun."

This trip north was planned and routed in advance; it was by no means a predetermined, comfortable journey filled with social obligations or romantic escapades.

The places he wants to go, the people he wants to meet, and the things he wants to do are the real joys.

(End of this chapter)