Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 998 Serious Infiltration
"Let's go without further ado."

Xu Xuan was well aware of the potential complications that might result from delays. Besides, he didn't have time to stay in one place for an extended period. With the imperial examinations approaching and unrest brewing in the north, he needed to resolve the troubles at Linji Academy as soon as possible.

"Now?" Hui Ren was slightly taken aback and subconsciously looked at the sky outside the window.

"Of course, while the sun is shining brightly and the yang energy is abundant, we can blend into the crowd and openly take a look."

Upon hearing this, the senior monk gave an embarrassed smile, raised his hand to touch his shiny forehead, and said with a touch of shame, "Amitabha, this humble monk misunderstood. I thought... the Zen Master would choose to sneak into Ebotai at night."

This time, Xu Xuan fell silent.

He gave Hui Ren a strange once-over, scrutinizing look, and a question arose in his mind:
You monk... what were you doing before you became a monk? Why do you think like this... the martial arts world?
Ever since meeting Shen, the seemingly refined headmaster of Bailu Academy who had actually engaged in "business without capital," Xu Xuan has harbored deep suspicions about the past experiences of these famous figures.

What's wrong with the monk?
Wasn't he himself outwardly the glamorous Zen Master Fahai, but secretly the White Lotus Saint Father stirring up trouble?
Of course, despite the complaints, the necessary preparations still need to be made.

Before leaving, Xu Xuan cautiously cast a spell on the three of them, transforming them into ordinary people.

Since the people of the Liang Prince's Mansion were capable of such a thing, they might also send someone to secretly monitor Ebotai, who is related to the God of Fire. It's best to be careful.

A soft light flashed by, and the appearance and demeanor of the three people had changed.

Hui Ren sensed the fluctuations of the illusion magic surrounding him, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and he sincerely praised:

"Master, your illusion technique is truly exquisite, its energy perfectly integrated, without any flaws. In my humble opinion, it is even comparable to the techniques of the Illusion Sect, which is renowned for its illusions!"

Xu Xuan was quite pleased with the flattery, nodded slightly, and also praised the other party, saying, "Master has excellent eyesight."

This is the core cultivation technique that the White Lotus Holy Mother 'borrowed' from the Illusionary Transformation Sect and improved upon.

I learned it personally from that senior monk, the Painted Wall Demon Monk, how could it be bad?
As the saying goes, the true path to enlightenment lies in the Pure Land.

Once the illusion was complete, the three people's appearances had changed drastically.

Xu Xuan transformed into a wealthy young master dressed in brocade robes, holding a folding fan, with a leisurely and noble air about him.

And the two people following behind him...

Shi Wang was still dressed as a guard, with a burly build, but his temperament had been adjusted to be more honest and simple, like a common household servant.

Hui Ren... was also transformed into a guard, but the fierce aura and sharp eyes that emanated from his bones, even after being softened by illusion, still appeared sharp and imposing, and his temperament was very...江湖 (jianghu, the martial arts world), even faintly carrying a bit of murderous aura, just like an experienced head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) or a close bodyguard hired by a wealthy family at great expense.

After the three of them had walked through the mountains and forests for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the view suddenly opened up before them.

The bustling scene of the pilgrimage to Ebotai and the surrounding temple fair immediately comes to mind.

Beneath the majestic Ebo Terrace, a bustling crowd of people and carriages thronged the area, their noise reaching the heavens. The lively atmosphere made even the legendary Nine Streets and Three Markets seem cramped and narrow.

The Ebo Terrace itself is about ten zhang high. It is built by ramming layers of loess, and is simple and majestic. It has stood firm through wind and rain.

A temple stands on the platform, with flying eaves and brackets. Although not luxurious, it exudes a solemn and dignified atmosphere. Inside, the shrine of Ebo, the fire official of the Shang Dynasty, is enshrined.

The area below the stage was even more bustling, with all sorts of stalls lined up densely for miles outward from the massive platform.

There were fine silks from Jiangnan, mellow wines from Lu, exquisite lacquerware from Chu, and fish and salt from the coast of Qi... There were also fortune tellers, interpreters, storytellers, and historians among them.

The shouts, cheers, and discussions mingled together, transforming this place, which should have been sacred and tranquil, into a bustling and noisy folk market.

In the open space created by the crowd, folk actors dressed as ghosts and gods, wearing ferocious or strange masks, played ancient musical instruments such as the ocarina and leather drum, and danced vigorous and powerful dances full of primitive vitality.

This is to thank the gods, pray for the continuation of the fire element, and to bless this year with favorable weather and abundant harvests.

On the other side, young girls, holding fragrant orchids, danced gracefully to the long and mysterious chants of the shaman, their skirts fluttering and their movements exquisite, adding a touch of gentleness and spirituality to this magnificent sacrificial dance.

This scene, brimming with the warmth of everyday life and the intertwining of ancient beliefs, fell into Xu Xuan's eyes.
"Your jumping... isn't as good as mine."

When it comes to spiritual dances like Nuo dance and sacrificial dance, I'm not exaggerating. In the entire Nine Provinces right now, Old Xu is definitely a top-tier dancer.

He had once communicated with the remnants of the ancient sage emperor Yu the Great on Taihu Lake, personally experienced the dance steps that resonated with heaven and earth in Luoyang City, and even "ate" the dream-devouring monster on a spiritual level, absorbing its original power.

Having gone through all of this, Xu Xuan is indeed extremely skilled at communicating and resonating with higher-level beings through dance, and even invoking power.

If placed in the era when ancient shamanistic rituals were prevalent, she would definitely be the top shaman capable of presiding over national-level sacrifices, and her dance and rhythm would be comparable to the legendary "Ten Spirit Shamans".

But what's most attractive about temple fairs, besides the performances for thanking the gods and praying for blessings, is naturally the enticing aroma of delicious food that fills the air.

All that could be seen were various food stalls set up along the roadside, their stoves blazing, emitting fragrant aromas, weaving together an invisible yet alluring net.

The bubbling broth in the large pot exuded a rich, warm aroma; the roasted jerky sizzled and released a strong, caramelized fragrance; and the freshly steamed millet in the steamer emitted plumes of hot steam. These smells tempted people's stomachs, making them irresistibly drawn to the stalls.

Shi Wang followed quietly behind Xu Xuan, feeling nothing particularly special about the bustling world before him.

It has witnessed too many years, too many rise and fall of dynasties and changes in the world, and this brief noise and fragrance cannot cause the slightest ripple.

Apart from Xu Xuan, there is nothing in the world that can easily move him.

Abbot Huiren also remained calm.

He had seen too much of this worldly life, and since this place was not far from Linji Temple, and this was not his first time attending the Ebotai Temple Fair, he was already familiar with it. Therefore, he did not have too many special feelings in his heart, but was more vigilantly observing the possible abnormalities around him.

Only one person had a completely different mindset.

Xu Xuan's gaze swept over the food stalls, his nostrils twitching as he inhaled the familiar yet unfamiliar aromas, a complex ripple stirring in his heart.

"Temple fairs...it really hasn't changed its essence even after a thousand years. It's still so lively, so...appetizing."

Food has long transcended simply being something to fill one's stomach; it is part of civilization and a symbol of everyday life.

Even the deep-seated memories of "living" and "celebrating" etched into the very bones of a certain ethnic group.

It even stirred up a deep-seated divine thought from a "demonic being from beyond the realm".

"When I was little, my favorite thing to do was go to temple fairs. Only then could I rightfully squeeze a few yuan out of my parents to buy snacks that I couldn't usually afford."

What about the crystal-clear, viscous lotus root starch brewed in a traditional large copper kettle, sprinkled with candied fruit and dried fruit; what about the fried sausages pan-fried until fragrant and crispy on an iron plate, eaten with garlic sauce; what about the sizzling, oily skewers of grilled meat skewered on iron sticks and sprinkled with chili powder and cumin...

But every time after eating, I would inevitably hear my parents nagging for a long time, saying things like "the food at the temple fair is the dirtiest", "it's all dusty", "it's unhygienic", and so on, which would linger in my ears.

However, those "unhygienic" foods that were once criticized, and those moments filled with the warmth of home cooking and the care of loved ones...

"Now, there's nothing left."

Putting aside the inappropriate sentiments that had been triggered by chance, the three of them followed the bustling crowd, climbing the steps until they arrived at the tightly closed temple gates of Ebotai.

Logically, this place, being a site for worshipping the Fire God Ebo, should be open to the public. However, the imperial court issued a decree this year prohibiting the unauthorized gathering of people to worship human ancestors and various miscellaneous gods in order to prevent the proliferation of "immoral worship."

Therefore, after the official grand ceremony held by the government on the second day of the second lunar month, this Ebo Terrace was locked up with a copper lock on ordinary days.

But... rules are rigid, people are flexible.

Xu Xuan is rich.

Owning numerous businesses in Jiangnan Baoan Hall and even secretly controlled by them, they may not show off in ordinary times, but when it comes to bribing connections, they are not stingy at all.

"Here's a reward for you, just doing me a favor." Xu Xuan's tone was indifferent, as if he were merely dismissing a beggar casually.

The temple keeper, who had been wearing a stern face, suddenly had a face that blossomed like a chrysanthemum.

With a smile, he took out his key and deftly unlocked the seemingly heavy brass lock. He not only let them in, but also very "thoughtfully" offered to "go outside and keep watch, and report if anyone comes."

This is actually not a sensitive issue at all.

The temple keeper knew perfectly well that there were many things he was forbidden from doing "from above," so how could he expect those "below" to obediently comply?

On the contrary, it was precisely because of this decree 'prohibiting private sacrifices' that this position was given a great opportunity to accept bribes and make extra money.

As a famous tourist attraction within the Liang Kingdom, countless scholars travel here every year. Since you're here, how can you not try to go inside and see this ancient Ebo Terrace?
Thus, with one side willing to give and the other willing to receive, a new, unspoken "industrial chain" naturally formed.

Xu Xuan and his "Squad of Justice" gently closed the temple door behind them.

The temple suddenly dimmed, with only a few rays of sunlight filtering through the cracks in the windows, illuminating the dust particles floating in the air.

The three of them composed themselves, held their breath, and carefully examined the temple's interior structure, atmosphere, and any possible anomalies.

The real story begins.

The statue of Ebo sat majestically on the red altar, about ten feet tall. It was carved entirely from dark red sandalwood, and the wood grain seemed to be imbued with the flames of time in the dim light. Under the illumination of the ever-burning lamp, it seemed as if there were dark flames flowing slowly and flickering within it.

The statue's face was as red as a jujube, with slanted eyebrows that swept upwards towards its temples, exuding a dignified and resolute air. A flame-shaped golden pattern adorned the center of its brow, its material unknown, yet it seemed to flow subtly in the dim light.

His eyes shone like bright stars, the pupils not painted, but inlaid with rare glass, clear and deep. His nose was high and straight like a mountain, showing his fortitude. His lips were tightly pressed together, the corners slightly downturned, revealing no emotion.

(End of this chapter)