Chapter 210: Demonic Cult Robs Divine Monk, Old Urchin Leaves the Island
High winds scatter leaves, carrying frost, a lone goose’s cry echoes, flying against the water.
Late autumn in the West Mountains, morning mist enshrouded Zhou Yan’s figure. He guided energy with his intent, his pure Internal Force flowing along the three main meridians of the Foot Three Yang. Using thirty-six Major Acupoints as anchors, he completed a cycle in an instant.
With each breath he took, his exhalations were like a tiger’s roar from the mountain, his inhalations like a dragon drawing water. His Pelvis, shoulder blades, and Coccyx expanded, and he suddenly felt as light as a swallow, drifting with the wind.
Zhou Yan obtained the cultivation method for the Ancient Tomb Lightness Skill from Li Mochou on Zhongnan Mountain. Relying on his profound foundation and superior talent, he diligently practiced and achieved mastery while Ouyang Feng and others arrived for a confrontation.
Ten days had passed since Huo Du hosted the Heroes’ Banquet. He had spoken to Zhang Wangyue about his resignation, but he wanted to leave Fu’an lightheartedly, waiting for Duan Huai’an and Duan Zhaoxi to return.
Genghis Khan convened a grand assembly on the grasslands. Guo Jing headed north, and the conflict between Mongolia and the Jin Dynasty ceased, leading to a gradual recovery in the Escort Bureau’s business.
Zhou Yan took advantage of his brief leisure time to cultivate in the West Mountains. After less than half a month, he had mastered the Ancient Tomb Lightness Skill.
The autumn wind rustled. As Zhou Yan guided energy and felt a sense of soaring to the peak, his figure suddenly moved, disappearing into a flurry of falling leaves. His grey robes flickered like an elusive phantom, his posture exceptionally graceful, his movements infinitely varied, truly appearing divine in his advances and retreats within a radius of several zhang.
Suddenly, he let out a long cry. With one foot planted and the other sweeping in a continuous circle, the thick fallen leaves on the ground swirled like a fierce wind, bursting into the air and scattering, fluttering and spinning.
Zhou Yan swung his arms, and palm shadows appeared in all directions, drawing the leaves into the momentum of his palms. At first glance, it truly seemed as if a sudden gale had swept through a peach grove, causing countless blossoms to fall.
Amidst the flying flowers and falling leaves, Zhou Yan’s posture was elegant, like a graceful dancer, yet his palm momentum was as sharp as a sword.
A “swish” sound followed, and then the sound became continuous. Piece after piece of fallen leaves were cut in half by Zhou Yan’s palm-sword. Initially, the cuts were not perfectly even, but as his Cultivation Technique and Techniques became more refined, and his Guiding Energy became as natural as his own limbs, the cut leaves became increasingly uniform.
After nearly the time it takes to eat a meal, the leaves within Zhou Yan’s palm momentum grew denser. From a distance, it looked as if a golden dragon was leaping and twisting between his palms and fingers.
“Hoo!”
Zhou Yan exhaled like thunder. The Falling Ying Divine Sword Palm Cultivation Technique instantly transformed into the Subduing Dragon Eighteen Palms.
His left leg bent slightly, his right arm drew inward, and his right palm drew a circle, pushing outward with a whoosh.
The powerful palm wind tore through the air, emitting a sharp, hissing sound like a red-hot iron rod plunging into ice water. Carrying golden leaves, it shot straight out for a zhang, and at first glance, the leaves resembled scales, and a dragon seemed to exist in the void.
Zhou Yan retracted his form, a look of satisfaction on his face.
The Peerless Skill of Peach Blossom Island, “Falling Ying Divine Sword Palm,” had reached minor completion. Due to the continuous improvement of his Internal Force from cultivating the “Yijin Forging Bone Chapter,” the power of the “Subduing Dragon Eighteen Palms” had also reached a new level.
Zhou Yan felt that if he were to encounter Qiu Qianren again, with whom he had had the most direct and intense fight, it would no longer be possible for the opponent to catch up to him easily. Fighting for dozens of moves would be no problem.
As the sun gradually rose higher, the wilderness was filled with active wild animals. After a sound of a bowstring, he shot four Mountain Chickens and one yellow antelope.
He packed the Mountain Chickens into a cloth bag, placed the yellow antelope on his horse, and Zhou Yan headed straight for the city.
Passing through the Western Suburbs, he saw wisps of cooking smoke. The Night-Shining Jade Lion stopped in front of a riverside courtyard gate. Zhou Yan, carrying the yellow antelope, called out, “Elder Yang.”
He had spoken about his resignation, and now he referred to Yang Tiexin as Elder Brother.
The Yang Family’s riverside courtyard, after being expanded due to Bao Xiruo’s return, Yang Tiexin’s father and daughter’s increased income, and a growing number of visitors, had become a two-story building with a courtyard. On the riverside, a terrace extended outwards, possessing a touch of Jiangnan elegance. Zhou Yan guessed that this change in architectural style was likely for Bao Xiruo.
Inside the courtyard, there was a chicken coop, and outside the building was a vegetable patch enclosed by a fence. It was full of the atmosphere of daily life.
This was the change that occurred after Bao Xiruo returned with Yang Tiexin.
The curtain under the eaves lifted with Zhou Yan’s call. Bao Xiruo, wearing a cloth skirt and possessing a beautiful appearance, appeared in the autumn sunlight. “Head Escort Zhou, come in quickly and sit.”
Yang Tiexin also came out with his wife. “Escort, you’ve arrived at just the right time. Let’s eat together.”
“Good,” Zhou Yan said with a smile as he entered the courtyard. “I shot a yellow antelope this morning; I brought it for you, Elder Brother.”
When Zhou Yan went to the Western Suburbs to cultivate, he would always hunt on his way back, either bringing game for Huyan Lei and others, or for Yang Tiexin. Bao Xiruo was now long accustomed to this.
Happiness shone on the woman’s face, a happiness Zhou Yan had not seen when he had secretly investigated Zhao Wang Manor. She thanked him and said, “When the smoked meat is ready, I’ll send some to the Escort.”
“Good.”
Zhou Yan washed his hands and entered the room. Bao Xiruo served him meat porridge and placed an extra dish of pickles. While he ate, they chatted casually. After filling his stomach, he and Yang Tiexin headed to the Escort Bureau.
…
As Zhou Yan and Yang Tiexin arrived at the Escort Bureau on horseback, a faint clamor could be heard in the air.
“It seems something has happened?” Yang Tiexin said.
“Indeed.”
The Runner on duty at the gatehouse had already seen them. The Runner quickly stepped forward, his expression somewhat somber, and said, “Head Escort, has something happened to Escort Liang?”
“What’s the situation?”
“Escort Liang hasn’t returned. A Runner arrived at the Escort Bureau and collapsed.”
Zhou Yan’s heart sank. He dismounted, handed the reins to the Runner, and rushed towards the Escort Bureau.
…
Autumn sunlight fell through the window, forming a dividing line of light and shadow indoors. Zhang Wangyue and Huyan Lei’s expressions were somewhat somber.
As Zhou Yan entered, he saw the unconscious Runner.
“Brother Zhou, come sit. I’ll tell you the situation,” Zhang Wangyue said.
“He’s awake?” Zhou Yan asked, looking at the Runner.
“After being given some sugar water, he woke up for a short while. His body is fine; it’s mainly exhaustion.”
Zhou Yan and Yang Tiexin sat down. Zhang Wangyue said, “The incident happened in Yueyang.”
“How so?”
“Escort Liang was escorting an Indian Monk through Yueyang when they encountered more than ten Jianghu People.”
Zhou Yan listened quietly without interrupting.
“Nearly half of these people were injured, and the Monk was treating them.”
Zhou Yan nodded then. Escort Liang, when on escort duty, would strictly adhere to the Escort Bureau’s rules and avoid trouble. The Indian Monk saving people was entirely consistent with his nature. Xiao Wu couldn’t do anything about it, especially since the Monk had rescued Duan Huai’an.
Zhang Wangyue continued, “The Monk’s healing skills were miraculous, and he treated all those Jianghu People. Who would have thought that these people, seeing the Monk’s excellent Medical Skill, would harbor malicious intentions and consider kidnapping him?”
“If that’s the case, these people are not ordinary Jianghu figures. They are very likely bandits occupying the mountain forests.”
“More or less. The Runner said that while the Monk was treating them, the other party mentioned Poyang Lake and Hall Master in their conversation.”
A thought instantly formed in Zhou Yan’s mind.
The Demonic Cult.
Zhang Sanqiang was active in the Jiangxi, Guangdong, and Guangxi regions.
“What about Xiao Wu and the others?”
“Their whereabouts are unknown. When the fight broke out, Escort Liang desperately protected the Runner as he broke through to report.”
“I’m preparing to go. Once the Runner has recovered his strength, he will accompany me to Jiangxi.”
“I’ll go with Brother Zhou,” Huyan Lei said.
“The Escort Bureau is now left with only you, Elder Brother, as the Head Escort. How can you go to Jiangxi? I am free now and can resolve this matter.”
Zhang Wangyue was a person who made decisions decisively. Hearing this, he nodded. “Alright, pick a few more skilled Escorts and Runners.” “I will accompany Head Escort Zhou.”
Zhou Yan said, “Thank you, Elder Yang. Only one Runner is needed. If there are any Tricky matters, I know Heroes in Western Hunan who can be visited for aid.”
Yang Tiexin knew Zhou Yan was resolute, so he said, “That’s fine too.”
Around noon, the Runner woke up. Zhou Yan gave him a Nine Flowers Jade Dew Pill. The Pill had the effect of nourishing the brain and strengthening the body. After taking it, the Runner’s spirits improved greatly.
He recounted the entire incident in detail, adding many specifics. He mentioned that the other party had spoken with the Monk and mentioned the Western Regions.
Zhou Yan was completely certain that it was the Demonic Cult that had abducted them.
The next day at noon, Zhou Yan, carrying his spear, sword, and bow, mounted his horse, and with the Runner, whose spirits and strength had recovered, headed straight for Jiangxi.
…
Peach Blossom Island was a riot of color, vibrant and beautiful. Peach trees covered the island, connected by winding floating bridges, with clear streams gurgling. The peach blossoms, floating bridges, clear streams, and the sea complemented each other, forming a breathtakingly beautiful panorama.
Huang Yaoshi, having returned from Zhongdu, proceeded to a mountain cave on the island.
“Huang Laoxie, you’ve arrived?”
Looking towards the source of the voice, he saw a person sitting cross-legged inside the cave. Their long hair hung down to the ground, their eyebrows and beard were long, covering their nose and mouth, making it difficult to discern their features clearly.
However, the person in the cave spoke with a nodding and shaking head, which clearly indicated a mischievous disposition.
Huang Yaoshi said to the person, “Brother Tong, you can leave Peach Blossom Island now. I have prepared a banquet, and I apologize and will see you off the island.”
“Haha, Huang Laoxie, you think I’ll fall for that? Such a clumsy lie to get me to leave the mountain cave.”
Huang Yaoshi directly addressed him as “Brother Tong,” so the person in the cave was naturally the Old Urchin, Zhou Botong.
He suddenly spun his body, twirling on the ground, then lay back down, crossing his legs:
“I’m not going, I’m not going anywhere.”
