Chapter 157: Why Seek Death?
Chen Shun’an shook his head and walked alone, the firelight casting his shadow ahead, gradually distancing him from those fishermen.
Only after Chen Shun’an had completely walked away did the fishermen long exhale, livening up again and chatting animatedly with brows dancing.
Returning to the Public Office.
Patrol guards gripped their Sabers, producing clinking sounds from the rings.
Upon meeting, both sides nodded to each other, a wordless acknowledgment in the cold night.
Entering the room, Chen Shun’an lay on the couch fully clothed but did not sleep.
His eyes slightly closed, Qi and Blood surged like undercurrents within his body, silently circulating.
Daily cultivation must not be forgotten.
He pondered silently at the same time.
Now that he was the Crouching Tiger Well Shopkeeper, some methods for separating dew water that he couldn’t use before could now be put on the agenda.
Even Chicken Head Sweet Water and Ran Yi Calming Water could fully exert their effects, harvesting massive Wishes, even Incense.
However, Crouching Tiger Well was not like Grit Well; it had heavy water usage and many Clients, with its Water Carriers uneven in skill and varied in origins, likely to cause trouble again.
Zhao Guangxi, new to his position, needed to build momentum.
As the newly appointed Shopkeeper, he also had to assert authority through intimidation.
Especially since Chen Shun’an’s means of seizing Crouching Tiger Well were somewhat ‘dishonorable,’ liable to give others ammunition, likely offending the current Crouching Tiger Well Shopkeeper.
But not being envied marks a Mediocre Talent.
When it was time to fight, Chen Shun’an would not hold back.
When it was time to yield, Chen Shun’an would not hesitate.
Moreover, having become a Well Shopkeeper, it wasn’t far from subscribing to a Water Well and becoming the Landlord.
Generally, after serving as Shopkeeper for years and accumulating experience, if a new Water Well was dug in Wuqing County or other Landlords sold theirs, Shopkeepers had the qualification to bid and subscribe.
Upgrading the Grass Talisman to the Ninth-rank Divine Position【Sweet Spring Illuminating Envoy】 and obtaining the Ninth-Rank Dugong Talisman required Chen Shun’an to Control Any Spring Well.
Only by becoming the【Sweet Spring Illuminating Envoy】 could one truly step onto the Path of Divinity, gaining the divine Authority to fully Manifest Divine Power.
Of course, besides this, there were other ways to become a Landlord.
For instance, marrying in… Liu Ru Yue was one such shortcut.
For instance, becoming a foster son, apprenticing under a Landlord like Guo Guanfu who had no heirs.
Or even… taking out the one blocking the path above and replacing them.
“Zhao Guangxi promoted to Wellhead, what will happen to his Landlord position? Concurrently hold it? Or start grooming his heirs to take over the business?”
A contemplative look appeared in Chen Shun’an’s eyes.
“High God, High God…”
It was already late at night when a clear calling voice suddenly came.
The Grass Talisman trembled lightly, emitting Mysterious Light.
Chen Shun’an’s mind sank, already seated upon the Throne in the Divine Palace.
He cast his gaze down and saw the Silver Scholar prostrating in the water.
“Mysterious Stone Block, Body Recovery Team… Iron Buddha Nie Zheng?”
Walking down from the Throne and returning to reality, Chen Shun’an abruptly opened his eyes, a chill flashing in them.
He suddenly understood why Zhao Guanghui would stand under a dangerous wall and come to Banye Ferry Crossing!
His corpse-refining site was probably hidden somewhere in Banye Ferry Crossing, even in that Mourning Hall!
And his corpse sources were the recent Righteous Persons who sacrificed while Slaying Demons, plus River Drifters stolen from graves around Wuqing County, floating down and gathering at the Three Forked Road!
“Wanting to refine Nie Zheng?”
Chen Shun’an sneered, immediately rising, taking the Shadowless and Formless Dagger, and slipping into the night like a clear breeze.
With Chen Shun’an’s current Cultivation, searching all of Banye Ferry Crossing, unless Lu Jing came personally, no one could detect his presence.
Slay Four Thieves complete, Internal Energy flowing, Chen Shun’an exerted force underfoot, striding swiftly without stirring the slightest wind.
Air waves touching his Flying Immortal Strength vanished like clay oxen into the sea, turning into dead silence.
He moved with ease, as if becoming the sole Deity in this patch of night.
Patrolling guards saw right through him.
Fishermen who had drunk several cups of liquor, swaying homeward, were utterly unaware.
“Hm?”
Suddenly, Chen Shun’an narrowed his eyes; through the sparse starlight, he saw a black-clad man, Wall-crawling Thieves style, exceptional Lightness Skill, heading straight for his residence.
Even sneaking on tiptoe, flipping into the Courtyard!
Judging by the movements, light and nimble, it should be a young fellow.
“Someone’s targeting me?”
Chen Shun’an was stunned, somewhat puzzled.
He, Chen Shun’an, had always been amicable; how had a young fellow taken notice of him?
Hadn’t offended anyone recently…
Chen Shun’an’s thoughts turned, and he immediately leaped back to his dwelling, standing atop the courtyard wall.
He saw the black-clad man, seemingly discovering Chen Shun’an wasn’t home, somewhat surprised, actually holding his breath on tiptoe, slipping into the room, rummaging through boxes and cabinets in search of something.
Chen Shun’an vaguely recognized the person.
“Li Yaozu? Why is he troubling me, Chen Mou, or has he discovered something?”
Chen Shun’an’s gaze was profound.
He clearly remembered that Li Yaozu, that little wolf cub, had also received the court’s wanted notice, tracking the reward for the mysterious Slay Four Thieves expert.
Even the former Guo Lu Society contact point, Biao Shou Wo, was uncovered by him leading a group of Wuguan Camp soldiers.
Considered a rising star in Wuguan Camp.
“Sigh, why seek death…”
A vague sigh dissipated under the pale moonlight.
Several dim stars hung; Chen Shun’an’s figure suddenly appeared on the courtyard wall, making a faint sound, then swiftly darted into the distance.
……
Inside the house.
Li Yaozu held a long axe inverted, breathing lightly, quickly flipping through various items related to Chen Shun’an, then quietly replacing them, leaving almost no trace.
“Is it him? Or am I overthinking?”
Li Yaozu pondered inwardly.
Though the Guo Lu Society had recently gone quiet, with Wuqing County’s major factions and Government Offices distracted by Slaying Demons.
The pursuit of Guo Lu Society rebels had continued apace in tight coordination.
Li Yaozu wanted to advance too badly.
Wanted to bring glory to his ancestors too badly.
He had reviewed all the files from the past half year in Wuqing County on the Guo Lu Society and bizarre deaths.
He even visited multiple sites, including the burned Warehouse of Wanlong Pounding House on Rice Barn Mountain.
He vaguely discovered that every Guo Lu Society appearance involved Water Station people.
Yet Water Stations repeatedly escaped unscathed, suffering far less loss than others.
Among them, the most conspicuous were the Water Carriers of Grit Well.
And since that day the scheme to redirect disaster eastward failed, after first direct contact with Chen Shun’an, an persistent thought lingered in Li Yaozu’s mind.
Chen Shun’an had risen too quickly.
Always at just the right moment, breaking through Realms or revealing Three Refinements Martial Body.
Everyone thought that mysterious Slay Four Thieves expert was some renowned Martial World Elder, or even a Guo Lu Society helmsman, covertly heading to the capital, one overt and one covert with Red Fifth Master and others.
But what if that person wasn’t some big shot at all.
Even someone who had only recently surged forward, cultivating to the Slay Four Thieves Realm?
Could it be Chen Shun’an?
This suspicion was like a fatal poison.
Shaking Li Yaozu deeply, both fearful and exhilarated.
If he truly found related evidence…
Great merit!
First Class great merit!
Soaring career, meteoric rise!
He, Li Yaozu, would truly bring glory to his ancestors!
His parents under the nine springs would surely be gratified, right?
“But… where is he?”
Looking at the empty room, bewilderment showed in Li Yaozu’s eyes.
He had watched Chen Shun’an leave the Flower Boat and return to the Public Office.
How had he vanished in the blink of an eye?
Pfft!
A concealed sound of stepping on bricks and tiles came from outside.
Li Yaozu’s eyes lit up; he quietly chased out, spotting a figure from afar vanishing into the darkness.
The silhouette somewhat hunched.
“Chen Shun’an? What is he up to?”
Li Yaozu narrowed his eyes slightly, vaguely feeling there might be a big catch tonight.
He felt the cool intent slowly circulating in his dantian; passing each place, his Qi and Blood, even heartbeat, and bodily functions dropped to extremes.
For today, Li Yaozu had made full preparations.
Exchanged merit points for Breath-Holding Pill, carried a top Precious Weapon in his bosom, and wore a pair of Flowing Cloud Boots.
“Just take a look, only a look.”
Li Yaozu was well aware of his own Strength.
If Chen Shun’an was truly that mysterious Slay Four Thieves expert, he was no match at all.
But he would just follow from afar, see where Chen Shun’an was going and what he was doing.
Thus, his Flowing Cloud Boots lightly tapped, following like a falling leaf.
……
“Young people nowadays have such guts…”
Clearly sensing the timid figure trailing a hundred zhang behind.
Chen Shun’an felt some emotion inwardly.
For an ordinary True Intent, even a Slay Four Thieves expert, unless they had Slay Mind Thief and Tongue Thief.
It would really be hard to detect Li Yaozu at such a distance with no killing intent toward him.
But he had encountered Chen Shun’an.
Chen Shun’an walked along the Riverside, gradually into the Reed Clumps depths, paused briefly, then shook onward swiftly, threading wild paths heedlessly.
Not long after Chen Shun’an left, Li Yaozu appeared on the bank.
He strangely glanced at the river surface.
Water glistened, ripples stirring on the calm surface as a few fish broke the water, then vanished.
Besides that, nothing unusual.
“Strange, could this old man be sleepless at night, out for a stroll?”
Doubt showed in Li Yaozu’s eyes, yet he continued following.
……
Moonlight like frost spilled on the Mourning Hall perched alone on the Hillside, dyeing the Green Tiles rooftop a clear cold white.
Tu Tan Zi Yi Zhuang, main gate tightly shut, two plain white Lanterns swaying slightly in the night wind.
When this Mourning Hall was built and by whom was long untraceable.
Even a proper name hadn’t been passed down.
Simply because this Hillside was called Tu Tan Zi, Banye Ferry Crossing fishermen habitually called it ‘Tu Tan Zi Yi Zhuang’.
This Mourning Hall wasn’t dilapidated; the Courtyard was unusually clean, free of weeds, and it was the base of the Sancha Body Recovery Team.
Many unclaimed River Drifters would be temporarily placed in the Mourning Hall via the Body Recovery Team.
“Found the big haul?”
“Found it, in the Coffin.”
“Good, put it in the Back Hall; this deal earned quite a bit, enough for brothers to eat, drink, and play well for three years.”
“Boss, who wants these corpses, and what for with so many?”
“Why ask so much! Take the money and do the job; don’t ask what you shouldn’t, knowing would bring you close to death!”
“Yes, yes, yes…”
In the Main Hall, seven or eight unpainted thin Coffins were neatly placed along both sides.
Several Body Recovery men grunted as they carried a brand-new Coffin, placing it on the Stone Slab in the Back Hall.
Lighting a perpetual lamp, a Body Recovery man reverently offered Incense and bowed, saying,
“People gone, tea cools, abacus clacks, ghosts and gods don’t blame… Debts have owners, Lord Nie, don’t trouble us.”
Truly Nie Zheng’s remains?
Chen Shun’an stood right by the Coffin, yet the men inside were utterly unaware; even gazing at his position, it was as if seeing nothing, their eyes passing straight through to behind.
Chen Shun’an extended a finger, Flying Immortal Strength striking from afar, penetrating the Coffin.
Whatever iron-hard, jade-like white bones, lingering Intent, all crumbled like paper under this strand of Flying Immortal Strength.
Even the Corpse Blocks nearly turned to powder.
“I mishandled this matter.”
Chen Shun’an self-reflected, silently reciting the correction,
“There are mystical methods in the world to turn corpse bits into spirits; henceforth, simply smashing into pulp won’t suffice, fearing I must pulverize bones and scatter ashes, burn to utter destruction.”
“Must cultivate Five Thunders Orthodox Method, Subduing Demons Commands, to shatter malevolent spirits Nascent Spirits to pieces, utterly dispersing the soul, never to reincarnate for ten thousand ages.”
“A lesson learned, never underestimate the world’s heroes, remember, remember.”
