Dongfang An left Xuan Mingdao and came to Jianzhou City, but did not go to Dingxiang Tower. The worshipers and shopkeepers there must not be able to extract useful information.
Following his memory, he came to a secluded alley. Few pedestrians in the city came to this place, and they never even noticed that there was a passage here. Looking inside from the entrance of the alley, it is very dark. The sun has not yet set, but the shops inside have already lit up lanterns. It is a mysterious place at first glance. He took a few steps forward, and just as he was about to enter the alley, the air rippled slightly, and two monks in black cloaks appeared.
Dongfang An secretly took a quick look and knew that these two people were Foundation Establishment monks. With their level of cultivation, they were just gatekeepers. He thought that those monks who had just arrived would definitely sigh: "It's like a small city in a big city. It's so arrogant." "
The two monks each said one sentence:
"This is the cultivator's market."
"You need to hide your identity to get inside."
One of them reached out for money, and the other took out a bamboo sign, a black cloak and a hat.
This market was originally created for transactions between casual cultivators, and what they feared most was that their identities would be exposed. This kind of place cannot be said openly, but Tianfu and the major sects cannot prohibit it. As long as there are casual cultivators, there will be similar markets. It is better to leave it under your own control.
Although there are many evils hidden in the blessing of Tuofang City, it has generally prevented the oppression of casual cultivators by aristocratic families or sects. All parties can gain some benefits from it, and naturally strive to maintain the status quo.
Dongfang An did not have the style of a great master, so he paid money to buy an identity tag, put on a hat and cloak, and wrapped himself tightly before being let in.
Entering the formation, the blind spots outside are naturally eliminated. What you see is a very spacious street, but it has been divided into two streets, one in and one out, by various vendors setting up stalls. There are a dazzling array of goods on the left and right. .
"Fellow Taoist, would you like a hundred-year-old spiritual grass? I have everything here."
"Three sword talismans, a specialty of Xuanming Dao, first come, first served."
"Come and see, come and see, high-grade black crystal iron is most suitable for refining flying swords."
Dongfang Dark flashed by without stopping at all. The sellers at the door shouted passionately and whistled loudly. When asked, they said they were selling specialties from Jianzhou City. But the items are all ordinary items that can be found in ordinary shops. The local monks will not buy them. They are all used to deceive the monks from other places.
The truly experienced and knowledgeable monks will go further inside to meet the casual cultivators who are actually doing business. Dongfang secretly also had experience. He continued to walk inside, passing the crowded stalls, and the few casual cultivators displaying their trophies did not catch his eye. It wasn't until the front became completely quiet and shops began to appear that Dongfang An slowly slowed down.
He carefully identified the sign in front of the store and found the most unique one.
Until I found a plaque with no name and only a simple line depicting a pigeon. The pigeon's chest was carved with patterns, indicating that it was a miscellaneous feather. But Dongfang secretly knew what the lines represented, and his friend was inside.
Dongfang An pushed the door open and came face to face with a pigeon in a cage, hanging from the beam, blocking his entrance.
The pigeon said in a rather strange tone: "We are a guest, welcome."
The shopkeeper in the room seemed too lazy to respond. He only waved a hand behind the counter. Quan Zuo greeted the customer, and then pointed to the side, as if to tell the customer to find a seat over there to sit down.
Before Dongfang An made a move, the pigeon suddenly trembled, spread its wings tremblingly, and shouted: "Are you here? Please help me, this poor monster. The black-hearted shopkeeper here makes me do hard work without any food." , this is against the laws of Tianfu, please help me report him and give me my freedom..."
Dongfang An was too lazy to pay attention to the pigeon, walked around it and said, "You just put it here? Are you afraid of affecting your business?"
"There are too many common people, and I don't want to do that kind of business, so I can block it." Dongfang An's voice sounded familiar, and the shopkeeper finally stopped hiding. He struggled for a while, only supporting his arms and head. On the counter, "Senior Brother An? What brought you here?"
"Of course I came to you if I had something to do. The job of janitor is very tiring, and you didn't go to see me, so I had no choice but to come to you."
The shopkeeper had a slender face, and his body was covered with books. He moved all the books away before he stood up, "My business here is not important, but I still have to do the tasks. I really can't leave. But your brother's The matter has been resolved, so let’s find someone else to guard it. It’s not like Xuan Ming Dao doesn’t have suitable disciples.”
"Those boys and girls are all very noisy. Let's talk about it later when we have the opportunity. By the way, why did you, my dear, change your words and still know the laws of heaven?"
The shopkeeper said helplessly: "Last time, I accidentally punished all the officials of the Demon Country, and there were sequelae."
Dongfang smiled secretly and said, "I'm so sorry to have it, otherwise you would be the one talking nonsense."
The shopkeeper walked out of the counter, took Dongfang An aside and sat down. He made hot tea and served refreshments, all in one smooth motion.
Dongfang An took a sip of tea, then picked up two sweet dates and put them into his mouth.
"What other mission indicators does your Tianji Pavilion have? Isn't it just collecting information? That's not your job."
"It is an extremely difficult thing for me."
Dongfang An chuckled, "Is there anything else that you, Yu Zi, really can't solve?"
Yu Zizhen smiled and said: "Master asked me to solve the financial problem by myself, which is really difficult for me."
"Then why don't you quickly take down that noisy strange bird?"
"But I want to read quietly for a while."
Dongfang An was too lazy to pay attention to him and directly explained his purpose.
"I want to know what's going on with the Ji family recently."
Yu Zizhen said in surprise: "Senior brother asked them what they were doing? Could it be that Xuan Mingdao can't stand it anymore?"
Dongfang An was confused for a while, "What does this mean?"
Yu Zizhen's eyes that had already lit up narrowed again, "I thought you already knew that the Ji family was going to cooperate with Shan Zong and form an alliance with the third party Governor's Mansion."
Dongfang An was horrified, "How can this be done? Is this what Mr. Ji meant? Why did the Shan Sect also start causing trouble?"
No wonder Dongfang An was surprised, Tianji Pavilion and Shan Zong were both one of the seven gates in Longzhou, and they always followed Xuan Ming Dao. Since the establishment of Tianfu, six major sects have been cooperating with the Governor-General to manage and supervise each other. The alliance between Shanzong, the governor, and the Ji family, the most powerful business family in Longzhou, is hard not to think of elsewhere.
Yu Zi was so proud of the news that he still couldn't accept it, "That's right. What does senior brother want to ask the Ji family?"
"I would like to ask about the internal situation of the Ji family. There seems to be a change in the people in charge of them. Now I think it has a lot to do with what you said."
"The people in power have indeed changed. The Ji family is divided into three factions. One faction is dominated by the eldest son of the current head of the family. It advocates doing high-end business and only serving practitioners. To put it bluntly, it is fully cooperating with the Shanzong and the Governor's Office. This move is tantamount to seeking skin from a tiger. One group adheres to the policy of the previous family chief, Ji Longwei, who has business all over Longzhou and has a wide network of people. Although it is not hugely profitable, it is safe. The last group is the current family chief Ji Longwei. He seems to be still waiting and watching. It also made the fight between the other two factions more dangerous."
Dongfang secretly said: "It seems that the Ji family's current situation is a bit serious. Where is Mr. Ji?"
Yu Zizhen said: "It's not just serious, it's not an exaggeration to say it's a matter of life and death. The subordinate families of the Ji family, including shopkeepers and ministers, are all on the side of the eldest son Ji Wenhong. They all want to make contributions to gain benefits for themselves after the alliance, and for themselves." People have also made a killing move, and Ji Longwei can't stop it now even if he wants to. As for Mr. Ji's prestige, he can suppress it, but at the moment he is kept in the dark and is resting in the backyard. "
Dongfang An was shocked and said angrily: "Do they still dare to put Mr. Ji under house arrest now?"
Yu Zi sighed helplessly: "In half a month, the old man will have his eightieth birthday, and he will have to show up no matter what. Unfortunately, by the time the old man comes out, it will be too late, and no matter how great his ability is, there will be no way to save him."
"You mean the alliance can settle matters in the next few days?"
"pretty close."
Dongfang An took a deep breath and said, "I thought it was just a minor matter, but I didn't expect it to be so serious. I will pass the news back to the sect."
Seeing that he was about to leave, Yu Zizhen hurriedly stood up and stopped him, saying: "Brother, the money hasn't been paid yet."
Dongfang An was surprised: "What? You want more money?"
Yu Zizhen showed a shy smile, "Brother, you are quite clear-minded. Besides, junior brother, the task has not been completed. Senior brother, please help me."
Dongfang secretly wanted to help his friend, so he said, "Okay, who asked you to be my friend? How much does it cost?"
Yu Zizhen took out his abacus, crackled it, and said: "The total is one hundred and twenty-eight taels of silver."
"So expensive?!"
Yu Zizhen explained: "It's been a long time since I opened the business. I have to make a profit. Besides, you can pay Xuan Mingdao for the information. I also have an excerpt of the information to give to you."
"Then what do these twenty-eight taels mean, and there are still four coins? Isn't it usually the case that there are odd and round amounts?"
Yu Zizhen pointed to the table and said, "This spirit tea is worth some silver. The four coins are the two sweet dates you ate."
Dongfang secretly laughed and cursed: "You shady businessman! I will make money back from you when I get the chance."
Yu Zizhen didn't care at all, "I'm a well-known poor guy. If you want to make money from me, there's no way."
He handed Dongfang An a jade slip, and all the information had been put into it. Dongfang An An felt that the matter was urgent, so he called Xiao Miao out and gave the jade slip of information to Gu Xuan first, while he drank the tea before leaving.
…
Gu Xuan and others were still discussing at Chihuo Peak when they suddenly saw a green sword light cut through the sky and landed here, transforming into a little Taoist boy.
"This is the information the master just brought."
Gu Xuan took the jade slip from Xiao Miao's hand and placed it between his eyebrows. He penetrated it with his spiritual consciousness and quickly browsed the information inside. He handed the jade slip to Hao Lianfeng with a solemn expression. After a moment, the same expression appeared on Hao Lianfeng's face, and he said angrily: "Ji Zibai's juniors are really fooling around!"
Ji Zibai is Ji Wenyi's grandfather. When Ji Wenyi heard this, he immediately asked anxiously: "Uncle Hao, what happened to my family?"
Hao Lianfeng gave him the jade slip and said softly: "See for yourself."
Soon, Ji Wenyi's face turned pale, and he didn't even know that the jade slip had been taken away by the three brothers Bao Shan.
Hao Lianfeng discussed with Gu Xuan.
"What do the people in the Governor's Palace want to do?"
Gu Xuandao: "Xu is a local emperor who has been in Longzhou for several years. He is dazzled by power and wants to gain greater real power. Even with Tianfu's current situation, it will be easy to deal with him. We can just watch from the sidelines. . It’s just that Shan Zong and we have always been on the same page, so why did they start causing trouble this time? As for the Ji family, it’s easiest to deal with it. Let Mr. Ji come forward and everything can be solved."
After all, Hao Lianfeng is the elder who knows many secrets, "Shan Sect is mainly engaged in talismans and elixirs, and has very frequent contacts with Tianfu and merchants, so they will be involved to some extent. As long as they can keep the bottom line, they can get out of it. "
Gu Xuan thought for a while and said: "In this case, the leader of this trip must think carefully. He must warn them but not be too harsh."
Hao Lianfeng said: "What else? I am acquainted with the Shan Sect's people, but not familiar with them, and I am friends with Ji Zibai. I can easily meet him, so it is the most suitable."
Gu Xuandao: "Then I'll trouble Uncle Hao. I have one more request. If this trip is a rare opportunity, why don't I take a few more disciples with me so that I can have a buffer with the Shan Sect and see the world along the way."
Hao Lianfeng naturally had no objections to this point, but just expressed his opinion, "Young boy wants to go with me. I am going to use his hand to destroy two Ji family's magic weapons and kill their spirit."
Gu Xuan also thought so and said, "That's what I mean. As for other candidates, I still have to think about it."
Bao Shan on the side interjected: "I think besides Junior Brother Ji and Junior Brother You, Zhang Xingwen and Yao Yi are the two with lower cultivation levels, so I'll take them two with me."
Hao Lianfeng continued: "There are so many brats, I can't handle them. You can follow Bao Shan."
"Then it's settled, I'll send them a few messages."
…
You Ziji soon received a message. He was very cautious and did not open it. Instead, he put it in his pocket and went directly to Dongfang Ming. In the dark forest, he loomed like a firefly.
"You're not staying at home in the middle of the night. What are you doing out here? Have you finished refining all the elixirs?"
Dongfang Ming noticed You Ziji coming here a long time ago and was confused as to what this kid was doing.
You Ziji climbed up the tree trunk, took out the golden message light, and waved it on Dongfang Ming's face. Dongfang Ming then opened his eyes with a puzzled look on his face, "Is there anyone else writing to you? Where's your friend?"
"It was sent by Second Senior Brother, I haven't read it yet."
Dongfang Ming immediately became energetic. He stood up and grabbed the golden light of the message in his hand, "Why don't you read it?"
You Ziji said solemnly: "What if I break it."
The corner of Dongfang Ming's mouth twitched, "You're a very thoughtful guy." He grinned after reading the contents of the golden light and handed it back, "Something good has come to my door. Hao Xiaozi is going to take a few disciples out to play. Among them There is one for you.”
After You Ziji saw Dongfang Ming looking at it, he also put the golden light between his eyebrows. As expected, it collapsed after a moment. Fortunately, You Ziji was prepared and browsed through it at a very fast speed.
"Uncle, you are really not taking the matter seriously. The matter mentioned in the letter is obviously very urgent, and it has a huge relationship with my senior brother Ji."
Dongfang Ming still disagreed, "Boy, you are still too immature. These are nothing, you are just going through the motions. What is the identity of Hao Xiaozi, plus the big guy Bao Shan, just don't cause trouble to others along the way. What danger can there be? Everything about the Ji family will be solved as long as Ji Zibai comes forward. Shanzong can have a good talk. As for the people in the Governor's Mansion, just let him fend for himself. You don't understand your sect at all. Strength, now it’s time to go out and have a long experience.”
You Ziji didn't argue with him, "Send a message saying we'll leave tomorrow. I'll go back and make preparations."
Seeing that he was about to leave, Dongfang Ming quickly warned: "As long as Hao Chaozi is here, I won't worry about your safety, so I have some things to tell you. Going out of the mountain gate will represent Xuan Mingdao's face. I haven't been out for many years and I don't understand the current situation." You must read more and learn more about the world's market conditions, get into fashionable looks, and increase the reputation of Xuan Ming Dao if you have the opportunity."
You Ziji looked contemptuous, "When you are released from confinement and can go out of the mountain, go and study it yourself."
Dongfang Ming cursed at You Ziji's back: "You stinky boy, you won't open any pot."
…
On top of a flat-topped mountain, Hua Yunying was guiding a young girl to practice.
"If you want to become Master's disciple, you must pass Master's test. There are a total of one hundred and eight interlocking formations on Pingding Mountain. You need to unravel them one by one. This test is used by your senior brother. Half an hour. Senior brother is a rare formation wizard in the world. Although you don’t have to compare with him, you can’t be too inferior."
Hua Yunying spoke in a serious manner, but the girl in front of her didn't feel nervous at all. She asked, "Sister, how long did it take you?"
"long time."
The girl pouted her little mouth and said: "Senior sister, I still know my own weight. Let alone you and senior brother, I may not be able to solve it even if you give me a month. I don't think so. It’s so hard to be bad.”
"There should never be any negotiable matters regarding cultivation."
Hua Yunying felt a little helpless towards the girl in front of her. Her talent was good, but not the best. The master intended to teach her what he had learned throughout his life, but he knew there was no rush. At this time, Yan Dan had gone to Beihuang to help his senior brother get promoted, so Hua Yunying had to teach him on his behalf.
Seeing the girl sitting on the ground, hugging her knees and looking at the night sky, she asked, "What is junior sister thinking about?"
"I'm looking at the stars in the sky. Senior sister, do you think it's really possible to put the stars in the sky into an array?"
This idea was proposed by a young girl, and Yan Dan found it interesting, so he began research in this area. Hua Yunying looked at the girl with relief. This must be the reason why the master wanted to close her as a disciple.
"Of course. It is said that Tianji Pavilion and the once fallen sect called Xingchen Pavilion have similar methods."
The girl didn't think so, "Are the stars packed into the formation still stars?"
Hua Yunying smiled bitterly and said, "Then you can't carve a big formation in the sky."
Before the girl could speak, a golden light suddenly broke in and flew into her hand.
Hua Yunying said in surprise: "It's the golden light from the second senior brother. Junior sister, please take a look and see what it says."
"Haha, I don't have to break the formation anymore." The girl shouted excitedly after reading the message.
Hua Yunying took the message in her hand, looked at it, and said, "Since it was arranged by the second senior brother, I can't stop it, but it's a bit naive for the junior sister to think that we can avoid studying here."
After that, Hua Yunying took out a scroll and unfolded it. It was the same formation as the Pingdingshan formation at her feet. She said with a smile: "Junior sister needs to take this out together."
"No, senior sister, I hate you."
Hua Yunying couldn't help but shake her head when she saw Junior Sister's crazy look. It seemed that starting from Junior Sister Yao Yi, the disciples of Xuan Ming Dao were all very famous living treasures.
…
At night, Ji Wenyi returned to his residence. He wanted to pack his luggage and rush home with his classmates tomorrow. Although he felt a little anxious and anxious, with the support of his sect and the guidance of his senior brothers, his mood calmed down. many.
But soon he lost his composure. There seemed to be a figure on the roof of his house. Ji Wenyi exclaimed: "Who is on the roof?"
When the man on the roof heard the sound, he slowly stopped looking up at the sky. It seemed that it was not that he was delaying on purpose, but that he had cast a spell that could not be lifted quickly.
"Junior brother, you are finally back. I have been waiting for you for a long time."
The man's voice was very familiar, and his bright eyes were very conspicuous, like the bright moon in the night sky. Ji Wenyi said in surprise: "Senior brother? Why did you go to my roof to look at the stars today?"
This person is none other than Zhang Xingwen. He often sleeps during the day and comes out to watch the stars at night. He is a famous night owl in Xuan Ming Road, and he was also the person who was specially taken care of by Gu Xuan before Ji Wenyi.
It was midnight, when he was at his most energetic, and from a distance you could see Ji Wenyi's face full of exhaustion and confusion.
"I received a message from Second Senior Brother and came over immediately to see how your kid is doing and whether he's crying."
"Brother, don't laugh at me. That all happened when I first came here a few years ago." Ji Wenyi remembered that when he first came to Xuanming Road, he was not familiar with the place. Zhang Xingwen took him to climb mountains during the day and watch the stars at night, and his heart surged. Feeling warm.
Then he suddenly woke up. He was only worried about his family on the Red Fire Peak, but he didn't even hear what Gu Xuan and Hao Lianfeng said, "Senior brother, are you going with me too?"
"Haha, you once told me that you would take me to your house to play in the future, do you still count?"
"Of course, I will take you fishing in the river. I have seen some monks catch fish weighing more than a hundred pounds. That was my childhood dream."
Zhang Xingwen jumped down from the roof. The light in his eyes slowly dissipated and he returned to normal.
"We are all in the Xuan realm now, so this kind of thing must not be difficult. Are there any difficult things?"
Ji Wenyi put all his worries behind him and searched for memories, "By the way, mist rises from the river every morning, and there are often strange sounds. People say there are water animals in it. We can try to catch it." come out."
