Chapter 227: Extra : Past Dust, a Dream, and a Name (Part )
(Foreword: The plot here continues from Chapter 191, which is considered the second theater. It is not closely related to the main plot. If you don’t like it, please skip it.)
"If you see Miss Lingxiang, please tell her one thing: it is impossible to turn back the sky, and it is all in vain for a fool to dream."
……
"That's what she said..." Long Qi patted his head and turned to Lingxiang.
"It seems that's what is said..." Zhao Wuyang pinched his chin and said with a mature look.
Seeing him like this, Xinyi ruffled his hair, raised the corner of her mouth, and then nodded to Lingxiang to indicate that he was also there at the time.
Seeing this, Lingxiang couldn't help but frown and think deeply: How could Liu Yaoyi know what she was going to do? From the sound of it, she knew who she was from the beginning? How did she know?
Tumi, ah Tumi, what is there about you that others don't know?
Just as Lingxiang was pondering, Banxia asked, "The disturbance here has calmed down. What are your plans now?"
Naturally, she wanted to travel with Lingxiang, but after Liu Xia came out of the secret room, something was not right. And now the Bagua Plate was completely silent. For a moment, she didn't know what to do.
Hearing this, Liu Xia looked up at her, then lowered his head again, not knowing what to think. Seeing him like this, Lingxiang was even more certain that something must have happened in the Xuanwu formation.
"I originally wanted to reminisce about the past and visit the old house, but I didn't expect to run into Uncle Sheng halfway and learn about the sword manual. Now that I have the sword manual, I really don't know where to go for the time being." Long Qi scratched his head and looked at Xin Yi: "Is there any place you want to go?"
After experiencing some recent events, Long Qi felt somewhat relieved. He thought Xinyi would want to see the place where she lived when she was a child, just like him, but Xinyi shook her head.
For Xinyi, the past is the past. After learning about Uncle Cheng, Long Qi's advice made him feel relieved. Although the illusion in the Azure Dragon Formation disturbed his mind, he now felt that dwelling on the past would only make him stagnate.
After all, one has to look forward in life. I think the sword spirit's test in Xuancang Cave was to convey this to him.
Seeing Xin Yi shaking her head, Long Qi turned around and looked at Liu Xia, only to see him lowering his head, looking thoughtful. Although Liu Xia was usually stupid and always tried to make a splash, he rarely acted like this today.
For a moment, Long Qi didn't know whether to ask him or not. After hesitating for a long time, he turned his head and asked Zhao Wuyang if there was anywhere he wanted to go.
In the past, Zhao Wuyang had only gone to the palace in Kyoto with his father to pay homage to the emperor during the New Year holidays. He had never been out like he was doing now. Naturally, he wanted to go everywhere, but he didn't know where to go.
Looking at Zhao Wuyang who was also shaking his head, Long Qi raised an eyebrow, shrugged and looked at Lingxiang, who couldn't help but sighed when he saw this.
She was an elder of the Yuanqing Sect, and was supposed to be a generation older than the people present, so it was inconvenient for her to interfere with their training. Besides, she had originally wanted to meet Liu Yaoyi before going to Yunmengze alone.
But Long Qi’s expression just now seemed to be saying: Look, we don’t know where to go, why don’t you give us some advice?
What does your training have to do with me? I am not your nanny!
But now, except for Liu Xia who was still looking down, thinking about something, everyone else was staring at him motionlessly, as if he would be letting them down if he didn't tell them where he was going.
"Alas..." Lingxiang sighed heavily again: "It seems destined that we can meet. Forget it, since you all have nowhere to go, just follow me to Liangcheng. Who knows, then we'll have a goal..."
The group did not follow the original route they came from, but took a small path led by Long Qi. However, although it was a small path, it was not as rugged as the one they took to Cangzhou, which made Zhao Wuyang feel relieved - after seeing Liu Xia's ability to lead the way, he really didn't trust Long Qi.
Thinking of this, Zhao Wuyang couldn't help but look at Liu Xia, but seeing that he looked absent-minded, he was very confused and hurriedly asked Xinyi the reason, but how could Xinyi know?
"It's probably something that happened in the Four Symbols Formation. That formation can reveal people's hearts. I think his mind and body were traumatized, and it's hard for him to recover for a while."
Hearing what Xinyi said, Zhao Wuyang agreed deeply. He had experienced it before, so he naturally knew how powerful the Four Symbols Formation was. Thinking of this, Zhao Wuyang sighed deeply, and pretended to be mature, which made Xinyi laugh and rub his head again.
About two and a half days later, they arrived at a lake and were about to rest when they heard Banxia shouting. When they looked in the direction of the voice, they saw her and Lingxiang pointing at the lake in amazement.
Everyone was curious, so they looked into the lake and saw a small island in the middle of the lake with two bridges connected to the shore. From a distance, it looked like a swimming dragon.
Especially the two bridges, which are shaped like dragon bones, winding and with water bridges corresponding to them, are quite spectacular.
Just when everyone was finding it incredible, they discovered that there seemed to be a small town on the island. It was getting dark, so Banxia suggested that they stop in the town for a rest.
Lingxiang agreed, contrary to her usual behavior, and was not as eager to get on the road as before, which surprised the others. However, Xinyi saw that Lingxiang seemed to be hesitant at this time, and when she looked at the island again, she could not see anything wrong.
We followed the river bank to the bridge. The scenery from the bridge was different. It was surrounded by greenery, fish were swimming leisurely in the water, and mayflies were flying in groups, making us feel as if we were in another world.
When you arrive on the island, you can see a jade door with the words "Longqiao Town" standing out. The scene in the town is even more peculiar. It looks quiet from a distance, but unexpectedly, the town is bustling with people.
Banxia's eyes lit up as she watched, and from time to time she would peek into the stalls on both sides, just like a child.
It's not that she was uninformed, but the things in this town were truly bizarre, such as lifelike paper butterflies flying in the air, lively tiger puppets that looked lifelike, and even self-performed shadow puppets that were like a dream.
Normally, people who practice cultivation should be no stranger to these magic tricks, but what is surprising is that such magic tricks can be seen everywhere on the streets, and passers-by all look as if they are used to it.
This was unusual. Even though the world had been filled with spiritual fragrance for many years, it had never heard of such a place where hidden dragons and crouching tigers existed.
At this moment, a sound of music was heard, and then someone sang: "The Immortal Su Tong is here, please do not listen or look, and make way for her!"
As soon as the singing ended, pedestrians were seen retreating to both sides, with pious faces, nodding their heads and touching their chests, performing religious rituals. The originally noisy street suddenly became quiet, and in broad daylight, you could hear a pin drop.
Even if it was the emperor's royal carriage, it would not have been more than this level of pomp and circumstance. Who is this so-called Su Tong Immortal?
Besides, people who practice cultivation are aloof from the world and will never show off. Take for example the head of Yuanqing Sect, Shangqing Zhenren. He has such a high level of cultivation, but whenever someone goes up the mountain to ask to see him, he always looks friendly. How could he have been like that before?
Several people were stunned at the moment, and then suddenly a force pulled them to the side one by one. Looking back, it turned out to be...
"Chengqi!"
It was indeed Cheng Qi, whom he had not seen for many days. He quickly asked everyone to be quiet, motioned for them to follow him, and then crouched down and went into an alley.
As soon as Fang Yi stood still, Long Qi couldn't help but ask, "Why are you here?"
"This is my home, so of course I'm here," Cheng Yu said as if it was a matter of course. "I didn't expect that I would meet you guys when I was just having a drink." As he said that, he bowed to Lingxiang.
Only then did they realize that he was holding a few wine jars in his hands, with "Bai Mo Zhi" written in black on red paper on the jars.
"Bai Mozhi?" Lingxiang frowned, "Is the wine from Liangcheng going to be used for a sacrifice recently?"
Cheng Yu's face froze when he heard this, and he paused for a moment before saying, "This is a long story. By the way, Master-sister is new here, and I think she hasn't found a place to live yet. Why don't you stay at my house?"
He looked worried, and there must be something hidden behind this. They looked at each other and followed him.
After a few turns, they arrived at the home that Cheng Yu mentioned, which turned out to be the escort agency. Looking at the riveted door and the four large characters "Chengfeng Escort Agency" on the plaque, Zhao Wuyang and Banxia couldn't help but exclaimed - this is really too grand.
But the difference is that once you enter the door, you will feel a sense of loneliness. The sparse pomegranate trees and the deserted courtyard are all filled with a dead feeling.
Lingxiang frowned inadvertently but did not speak. Instead, Chengqi scratched his head embarrassedly and said, "All the escorts in the bureau have gone out, and there are only three of us left at home, including the master's wife, the young lady and me, so..."
No wonder it was like this, so everyone suddenly understood. But just as Cheng Qi took them to their respective houses, Lingxiang suddenly asked, "Is anyone in the family sick?"
Banxia was startled when she heard this. Lingxiang was really rude when she said this. How could she say this about the host when she was a guest? Wasn't she cursing others? She didn't understand. She could have said these words after Chengqi left. Why did she have to ask them now?
Cheng Yu didn't seem angry, he just stood at the door without moving. At this time, he heard Ling Xiang say:
"Feng Shui is the subject of Senior Brother Donghui. If he were here, I wouldn't dare to show off my skills. But since I ran into this, I have to ask. The escort agency is a very sunny place, but your house is cold and deserted. When I entered the house, I saw withered trees. It's really a bit inconsistent." "Besides, although the escort agency is a place in the mortal world, it also follows the rules. There are women in the family, and Banxia and I are women. When we enter the courtyard, we should be entertained by them. However, it is a bit unreasonable that even a place like residence needs to be led by a man like you."
Banxia was shocked when she heard that. How could Lingxiang see through all this while they were just walking?
Cheng Xi often heard his master say that he should not underestimate Elder Fu Cang, but he never thought that she was so insightful that she could see through him even before he said anything. When he saw a group of people on the street, he was really surprised, but he had never asked for help since he was a child, so he really didn't know how to start.
Ling Xiang seemed to have made a final conclusion and said, "If I am not mistaken, the person who is ill in the mansion should be the master's wife you mentioned just now."
……
What Lingxiang didn't expect was that, although it was clearly stated that there was a young lady in the family, there was no one serving by the master's wife's bedside. As soon as she entered the room, she could only hear bursts of light coughing, which sounded extremely desolate.
She looked at Cheng Yu in confusion, and the latter just smiled bitterly and led her into the house.
After a round of examination, Lingxiang could only sigh and shake her head. Although she was not good at medicine, Madam Cheng was already terminally ill. Even if Senior Brother Fuyin came in person, it would only delay the treatment. It would be a waste of time for her to suffer for a few more days.
"Really... there is no other way?" Cheng Yu looked panicked. "What if we use elixirs? Master Auntie is an expert in elixirs, so she will surely be able to cure the disease, right?"
But Lingxiang shook her head again: "Madam has no cultivation and has been suffering from tuberculosis for a long time. She cannot bear the poison of the elixir. Forcing herself to take the elixir is tantamount to drinking poison."
Cheng Yu was still unwilling to give up, and he held Lingxiang to beg her again. At this time, Madam Cheng coughed and said, "Ah Yu, I know my own body. Life and death are determined by heaven, so please don't make things difficult for the fairy lady."
"But...but..."
Cheng Yu has been with Madam Cheng since he was a child. Madam Cheng treats him as her own son, and he has long regarded her as his mother. Seeing Madam Cheng like this, how can he accept it for a while?
At this time, Madam Cheng asked weakly, "I hope you can tell me the truth, how much time I have left?"
Looking at Madam Cheng lying on the bed with a calm expression, Lingxiang also had a calm expression. Although she was not very old, she had been down the mountain for some time. During those years in Youranju, she had seen many things of life and death.
"I'm afraid it's almost there."
Cheng Yu was shocked when he heard this. Although his wife was bedridden, she looked much better than before. How could she be so close to death?
Madam Cheng was very calm and only sighed: "This is a relief. There is only one thing that still worries me, which is the Chengfeng Escort Agency. Your master has devoted his entire life to it, but Dan Ruo..."
……
"What!" Long Qi exclaimed: "They are all dead?!"
Xinyi also frowned: "The so-called immortal is probably just a monster, otherwise he wouldn't do such a thing as taking someone's life."
It turned out that Madam Cheng had no one to serve her because her daughter Dan Ruo had been chosen to be a saint and was now in Su Tong's cave. And the reason why there was no one in the mansion was not because everyone had gone out for a walk.
When some escort soldiers came back from escorting goods and learned about their young ladies, they went to look for the immortal Su Tong, but after that, there was no news from her again.
"I think it's more dangerous than good..." Liu Xia frowned and said, "How can a mortal with flesh and blood defeat a powerful demon?"
Cheng Qi frowned and sighed: "This is all my fault..."
It turns out that Cheng Xi was an abandoned baby that Cheng Biaotou and his wife found when they were escorting. They kept him with them and later had a daughter, Cheng. Cheng Biaotou and his wife never treated Cheng Xi as an outsider and taught him carefully, but they also did not hide his background.
Later, when leader Cheng was escorting a caravan, he had an accident. When Mrs. Cheng found out, her old illness relapsed and she has been bedridden ever since. At that time, Cheng Xi was learning martial arts from Yuan Qing, and the burden of the whole family fell on Miss Cheng alone.
When Cheng Biaotou was still alive, he intended to bring Cheng Yu together with Miss Cheng, but Cheng Yu refused, saying that he had always treated Miss Cheng as a younger sister and had never had any improper thoughts about her.
The palms and backs of the hands are all made of flesh, so Chief Cheng would naturally not force it. But Miss Cheng did not think so. She had never regarded Cheng Qi as a brother, and had long been in love with him.
On the day Cheng Xi left home, Miss Cheng found him crying and expressed her feelings to him, but Cheng Xi was devoted to cultivating Buddhism and Miss Cheng refused to listen to her kind words.
During the time when Yuanqing Sect was practicing, an unknown immortal named Su Tong appeared in the town and declared that everyone could practice Taoism.
Naturally no one believed her at first, but after she performed some mysterious magic and trained a group of ordinary people who were now able to perform magic, now almost everyone in Longqiao Town has become her believer.
Due to unexpected changes in her family and rejection by her lover, Miss Cheng was really depressed for a while. After hearing about the story of the immortal Su Tong, she became deeply involved in it. No matter how others advised her, she was unwilling to turn back.
Now, she has been chosen to be a saint.
Since this damn immortal founded the Dawn Cult, he has chosen four saints. Each of them died inexplicably in an extremely strange way, as if their blood had been sucked out and their bodies were shriveled. They also seemed to have been poisoned and their bodies turned black.
However, despite such a bizarre way of death, those believers remained steadfast in their faith.
"I'm afraid she used a very powerful illusion..." Cheng Yu guessed, "I heard that the fairy Su Tong is an extremely beautiful woman, her beauty is comparable to that of a fairy."
Illusion? Beauty?
Long Qi couldn't help but think of Liu Yaoyi, so he blurted out: "No matter how beautiful she is, can she be more beautiful than Liu Yaoyi in Liangcheng? She is really beautiful in both wine and beauty, not to mention her unique illusion skills..."
Before he could finish his words, he suddenly felt a chill on his back. This chill made him look back quickly, but he didn't find anything wrong. However, he clearly felt the murderous intent just now, which was definitely fake.
Could it be that the immortal Su Tong used some magic and hid here?
Long Qi quickly leaned over to whisper his guess into Xinyi's ear, but Xinyi had a half-smile on her face and raised her eyebrows as she looked at Lingxiang.
Following Xin Yi's gaze, Long Qi was immediately shocked: Yes, how could he have forgotten? He had suffered a lot for praising Liu Yaoyi before!
But Lingxiang didn't seem angry either...
But in order to ease the embarrassment, he quickly changed his words and said, "If something is abnormal, it must be a demon. No matter what, it is necessary to pay a visit to this Su Tong Immortal." Then he looked at Ling Xiang and said, "Don't you agree?"
Long Qi was just feeling proud of himself for this time, but he heard a voice of "Yo~" with a gentle, tortuous and melodious tone, which made him shudder instantly.
"I am a natural beauty, unlike some people who are like tigresses! Oh! That's right, after all, some people don't have what they should have, and they are also rude and unjust, how can they compare to me! Otherwise, they wouldn't be so obsessed with me, right?"
Lingxiang's words were nonsensical, and everyone around was also confused after hearing them, but Long Qi knew what was going on. He couldn't help but complain in his heart: It's been such a long time since it happened, why is this woman still holding a grudge? She is so petty.
Long Qi coughed twice and said to the puzzled people seriously: "This matter concerns human life and death. In my opinion, it is best to investigate it as soon as possible."
This was indeed true, but just when they thought it should be so, they saw Lingxiang sitting on the armchair beside them, took out a handful of pine seeds, crossed her legs and started peeling them with a "crunch, crunch" sound.
"In that case, then go ahead." His tone was extremely lazy, as if it had nothing to do with him.
"You...you're not going?" Long Qi looked surprised.
"Why should I go?" Ling Xiang said as if it was a matter of course. "Everything I encountered during this trip down the mountain was for you to learn. As an elder of the sect, why should I get involved in your affairs?"
When these words came out, everyone present was stunned, but after they came back to their senses and thought about it carefully, it seemed that these words did make sense...
(End of this chapter)
