Chapter 003: Rain Prayer Platform

Chi Xiaoran was secretly startled upon hearing this, and spoke in a low voice, "Hua Jian Tao? What evidence do you have? What is your relationship with that young man from earlier?"

The sound of a shaman's bell rang out, signaling the arrival of the season for offering sacrifices. People stretched their necks to gaze into the distance

He enjoys watching the fearful expressions of others, relishes their earnest pleas for mercy, and finds the more spirited the hero, the more melodious their cries of anguish. This time, the prey he pursues is of his favorite kind: a young hero, fresh and full of righteous vigor, akin to tender reeds in early spring, particularly delightful when harvested

The formation of Lingjiu Palace is a relic from ancient times, said to be unpredictable and exceptionally perilous. No matter how skilled one may be, entering the formation guarantees no chance of survival. However, the Elder of Chang Kong is extraordinary; he managed to escape after being trapped for a time, though all of his disciples perished. By the time he returned to Lingjiu Palace to seek revenge, Madam Wen had already sealed off the entrance to the palace, cutting off all connections to the outside world.

The Real Man Chongyi was about to signal with his eyes when he noticed the young man looking over, smiling apologetically. He then took off the hat from his head, curled his fingers to his lips, and let out a clear, short whistle.

Only because of his brutal and violent nature, the misdeeds he committed could not be recounted even after ten days and nights. He also took in a group of unrepentant disciples who, relying on their power, bullied others and committed numerous atrocities. On one occasion, he even abducted the female disciple of the master of Lingjiu Palace.

The young girl is still asleep, her cheeks rosy and delicate, her lips soft as jade, resembling a sweet and exquisite sugar figurine, tender and innocent, completely unaware of the dangers she has faced. The young man looks on and smiles faintly, feeling a wave of relief in his heart

The shaman's incantations grew louder, and the butcher stepped forward, swiftly slicing with his steel knife, causing the blood of the sheep to splatter everywhere. The cries of the lamb were drowned out by the cacophony, and three bloody animal heads were placed on the altar before the earth dragon. The young girl's face on the platform turned pale, likely shocked by the bloody scene, and soon she left her seat accompanied by her maid.

The sounds from the rear hall began to mingle, likely indicating that the rain prayer ceremony had concluded, and the womenfolk were coming over to rest.

Surrounded by a sea of heads, filled with city officials, laborers, and the entire populace, it is certainly not a suitable place for murder. The attention drawn here quickly turns into a target for all. The closed city of Jingzhou is like an iron vat; neither the enemy can escape, nor can we.

The reason is simple; today, out of a moment of weakness, I released Su Xuan. My intention was to let this young man catch his breath, but I did not expect the commotion for the rain to be so great. The entire city of Jingzhou turned out, and all sorts of demons and spirits emerged. After Master Chongyi took a look around, he was secretly alarmed. Soon after, he spotted another one, and now he truly felt a headache coming on

A branch of hibiscus suddenly fell from the vase, landing with a soft thud on the table, its delicate petals half open and half closed

Under the tutelage of the venerable Chang Kong, there are two attendants, rumored to have hearts like snakes and faces like wolves, who are indeed the flower-like figures that shatter fragrance and break jade.

The flower stem struck the acupoint, and the maid opened her eyes in a daze.

People are not foolish; they would have known to hide far away long ago. What is the use of making threats, especially when relying on the power of others? Chi Xiaoran said coldly, "If I had known which faction it was, I would have killed them long ago. Would it still be your turn?"

The man in gray had elongated cheeks, with nostrils shaped like hooks, exuding an air of lewdness as he squeezed through the crowd to gaze at the pavilion of King Chu. He unconsciously licked his teeth with the tip of his tongue, revealing yellowed teeth that were sharp and long, resembling those of a wolf

This time, the city officials personally presided over the rain prayer, with the gentry and wealthy families contributing funds. The money raised was used to purchase rice and grains, continuously providing porridge to relieve the impoverished households. The gentry performed charitable deeds, while also publicly enhancing their reputation, which was quite dignified and glorious, even attracting the attention of women who usually did not go out. The pavilions and gauze curtains fluttered, filled with the ladies of the gentry, while the stage was adorned with silk garments and gold and jade, shining brightly and particularly eye-catching

He placed the person in his arms onto a soft chair, allowing the young girl to comfortably lean against the desk and sleep

The sound of the howl was brief, yet it resonated with true power, drawing the attention of the nearby martial artists.

One fled, and one pursued, circling around the rooftops of the city for a moment. Suddenly, the youth leaped up and sprang onto the old palace of King Chu

The Immortal Chongyi was completely disheartened in his prayer for rain, and began to search for Su Xuan's figure, hoping that the Grandmaster of the Three Purities above would allow this young man to be a bit more clever, to find a corner to hide in, and absolutely not to confront his opponent directly, engaging in a fierce battle in the city. Unfortunately, the Grandmaster seemed to be dozing off, completely unaware of his prayers. When he finally managed to find Su Xuan amidst the dense crowd, he was instantly taken aback.

Hua Jian Tiao became increasingly furious, almost spitting blood, "Who is that brat to dare ruin my plans? I will annihilate his entire family!"

The man in gray was unexpectedly attacked, initially feeling extremely furious. However, the opponent's swordsmanship was fierce and not to be underestimated, compelling him to suppress his anger and inquire, "Who are you? Why did you launch a surprise attack without any reason? Do you think I, Hua Jian Tao, am easy to provoke?"

Before long, two people arrived, and a shadow flashed outside the window as the young man silently leaped in

Chi Xiaoran is a very patient person; he can be the only one to survive among a group of young companions, and he can endure for many years until he becomes skilled enough to betray the Hall of Ignorance. His past experiences have cultivated his peculiar habits and have also made his temperament extremely extreme, leading him to act with exceptional ruthlessness.

The Master Chongyi never expected such a situation, his face turned dark. However, he had no choice but to comply, standing stiffly with a straight back, performing the entire ritual on stage. With a peach wood sword in hand, he danced, creating a whistling wind of the sword, exuding an extraordinary celestial aura, which harmonized beautifully with the dance of the shaman, making it particularly captivating

This person is widely rumored in the martial arts world. It is said that in his youth, he was forced to become a catamite by a powerful figure. Later, he entered the Hall of Unenlightenment and trained in martial arts, ultimately betraying the sect and even killing his own master. Such actions are naturally despised by the righteous path, and the Hall of Unenlightenment pursued him relentlessly until he sought refuge in the Celestial Star Sect, which finally brought an end to the pursuit

Chi Xiaoran was very satisfied, but hesitated for a moment

However, unlike the reclusive Jing Xuan Zhenren who has laid down his sword, the mere mention of Chang Kong Lao Zu sends a chill down the spines of those in the martial world

The old palace of the King of Chu has been preserved for several hundred years, with each beam and pillar remaining intact. The layout is grand and imposing, and both the interior and exterior are meticulously maintained. Silk curtains and soft drapes hang above, serving as a viewing platform and resting place for the noblewomen, exuding elegance and solemnity, making it highly functional. The entrances and exits are strictly guarded by attendants. However, who would have thought that masters of the martial arts could scale the several zhang high walls, leaping from eaves and walls to infiltrate the premises

The blazing sun casts its light upon the ancient and serene old palace, where the shadows of the building linger heavily. A beautiful woman leans against the table in slumber, as a gentle warm breeze sweeps in, and everything is tranquil and peaceful

In front of the shaman stood a large vat, from which he splashed water using willow branches, loudly reciting an incantation that no one could understand. Nearby, dozens of strong men carried a black clay dragon over three meters long, its form fierce and imposing, with bared teeth and claws, and its whiskers and tail raised in anger, exuding an air of majesty. To the side, a priestess dressed as the Thunder God, Lightning, Wind Goddess, and Dragon Mother performed, singing in a theatrical manner with a high-pitched voice, her face painted in shades of black, red, and purple, and her garments a blend of red and green.

The youth leaped across the dark, scaled roof, rising and falling like the wind, more agile than a flying swan, swiftly evading a slash. Chi Xiaoran closely followed him, her vibrant purple sleeves billowing in the air, concealing the sharpness of the blades hidden within, and in the blink of an eye, she had unleashed several strikes.

Su Xuan observed from a distance, unsure of which family this young lady belonged to. She must be a daughter of a noble family, as even the most audacious scoundrels would not dare to abduct her in front of thousands. One simply needed to avoid being alone.

The one who caught his attention was a beautiful young girl on the terrace, dressed in light apricot-red silk, only about twelve or thirteen years old. Her hair was as dark as ink, her eyebrows were delicately arched, her cheeks resembled glistening lychee, and around her neck hung a square peach jade. From a distance, she appeared like a fresh and vibrant lotus flower, poised and graceful even before blooming

The altar on this side is lively, and the towers of the Chu King’s palace across the way also present a picturesque scene

The citizens of Jingzhou City were all eagerly watching, fearing that missing even a glance would diminish their future conversations

The ceremony of ascending the altar and performing the sacrificial rites, praying for favorable weather and abundant harvests, is a set of rituals that concerns the livelihoods of the populace and has always attracted widespread attention

Chi Xiaoran did not expect that the young man had reinforcements. After a few exchanges, he noticed that the movements and techniques of the gray-clad man were completely different from those of the young man, and his weapon was a rare golden hook. At once, he sensed something was amiss. Distracted, he glanced around, and sure enough, the young man had vanished without a trace. In that instant, he realized he had been deceived

Especially this year, the drought has been excessive, and the significance of this rain prayer is particularly different. The old palace of King Chu in the northern city has even been thoroughly cleaned and decorated, and an unprecedentedly grand altar has been set up in front of the building. The scene is expansive, with colorful banners fluttering, making it very suitable for inviting deities from all directions

At the height of the rain prayer ceremony, the ladies were all gathered in the front hall's pavilion, while only a few servants occupied the more than ten rooms in the back hall, which were eerily quiet. The young man darted into the rooms like lightning, stepping out of the window, and in an instant, he swept into the next room.

Beside her stood a young lady with a full forehead, bright eyes, and jade-like skin, whose complexion appeared slightly haggard, as if she had just recovered from an illness. The two shared similar features, both exuding an innate aristocratic elegance, and they conversed with an intimate familiarity, suggesting that they were sisters

Fortunately, Su Xuan followed the instructions, practicing meditation in the temple every day without going out. Seeing him so obedient, Chong Yi felt a twinge of reluctance. After more than ten days, the officials of Jingzhou City came to request again. Real Person Chong Yi observed that the celestial signs indicated that rain clouds were indeed approaching, and he no longer declined, agreeing to the request.

The Daoist priest Chongyi donned his ceremonial robe, and the high monk from Zhanghua Temple wore his kasaya. However, when compared to the bizarre and grotesque wild shamans and the shrill wailing of the spirit mediums, the influence of Buddhism and Daoism was considerably less.

Su Xuan was ten zhang away at an angle, neither too far nor too close to Chi Xiaoran.

However, it seems somewhat unusual. A seemingly ordinary young man is surprisingly difficult to discern in terms of martial arts skills. After pursuing him for several hundred miles, he has managed to escape further and further away. Just when it seemed hopeless, a turn of events has now brought us to Jingzhou City.

Chi Xiaoran felt disdain in her heart; after all, the old ghost behind this person was difficult to deal with. He suppressed his killing intent and casually asked, "Where is the beauty you wanted?"

The young man must know that the flower garden is not to be trifled with, deliberately provoking enmity between both parties, and Chi Xiaoran's aura grew threefold colder.

The prepared pigs, cattle, and sheep were brought forward, and the first knife was thrust into the pig's neck. The pig, bound to the table, struggled desperately, letting out a chilling cry that several people could not restrain. Following that, the cattle were slaughtered, and finally, a sheep was dragged out. The little lamb, with its pure white fleece and still undeveloped horns, bleated in panic, frightened and retreating, unable to break free from the ropes.

Regarding such villains, of course, Master Chongyi would wish to eliminate them swiftly. However, with the Blood Mirror of Lingjiu Palace at hand, it would not be wise to disturb the reclusive Master Jingxuan, so they could only avoid conflict. He feared that Su Xuan, being young and impulsive, might act recklessly, so he took the time to give specific instructions, detailing the appearance of the adversary, yet still felt somewhat uneasy. This child possesses extraordinary talent, and the sect has high hopes for him; it is imperative that nothing goes amiss.

Chi Xiaoran also thought the same, casting a shadowy glance at the departing figure, then she sheathed her knife and leaped in another direction

The sound of footsteps and voices grew closer, and the nearby compartment doors opened one after another. Su Xuan no longer lingered, swiftly plucking a flower stem and gracefully sweeping it out of the window

Chi Xiaoran pursued step by step, always falling just short. When she finally chased into one of the side rooms, the boy's figure unexpectedly paused. Chi Xiaoran would certainly not miss this opportunity; she swiftly drew the dagger from her sleeve, and suddenly the boy darted to the side, revealing a man in gray before her. The boy took refuge behind him, and the dagger was directed straight at the gray-clad man.

Turning a corner, the two individuals vanished in an instant

"What credentials do you need? Is there anyone who dares to impersonate?" The gray-clad man realized he had fallen into the young man's trap, his anger surged, nearly causing him to burst into a tirade. "The ancestor is in Yuzhou, and I came here to capture a beauty as an offering. I didn't expect you to barge in and attack me right away. Who knew where that brat came from!"

Both the master and the servant were struck at their acupoints from behind. With Hua Jian Tao's skills, they likely did not even notice the approach of another person. The mastery of controlling energy is exquisite, and the duration of the conflict was brief, allowing the items in the room to remain intact. Such a fleeting incident should not cause excessive disturbance.

Su Xuanli's situation was dire, and she quickly scanned the crowd. As expected, Hua Jian Tao had indeed vanished without a trace

The venerable Chang Kong has gained fame for many years and can be considered a contemporary of Su Xuan's grandmaster, the previous headmaster of Zhengyang Palace, Jing Xuan Zhenren.

Su Xuan wanted to laugh but dared not to. Although he wore a bamboo hat, his master uncle had sharp eyes and would surely be even more furious if he noticed. The weather was hot and prone to irritability; if, by chance, the anger caused the Master to leave in a huff before the crowd, it would indeed be a grave offense

Before he could even feel surprised or angry, the man in the striking purple attire raised his head amidst the crowd, his eyes glancing lightly, already having spotted his prey

Everyone has fled; continuing to strike would only turn it into a joke. Chi Xiaoran suddenly sheathed her knife and coldly surveyed her surroundings. The room was elegantly arranged, with a table set with tea and fruit, and a vase of freshly picked hibiscus flowers. By the door lay a maid, who seemed either faint or dead, clearly confirming the truth of the other party's words

The audience below was captivated, occasionally pointing and gesturing, and there were sharp cheers from those who were well-versed in the arts, offering haphazard critiques.

Seeing the young man heading towards the direction of the youth, Chi Xiaoran was delighted and followed him without hesitation

Thirty zhang to the west stood a man dressed in a striking purple robe, with a handsome face and meticulously groomed hair, appearing androgynous. Was he not precisely the rival mentioned by Su Xuan, the second master of the Tianxing Sect, Chi Xiaoran

Thousands of common people crowded below the stage, their eyes dazzled as they looked around, listening to the chaotic sounds of gongs and drums, with laughter and shouting incessantly filling the air

Chong Yi Zhenren danced with his sword on stage while keeping a watchful eye on the audience below, despite feeling frustrated in his heart, his eyes were never idle.

Not only were the abbot of Xuanyao Temple and the eminent monks of Zhanghua Temple involved in the rain prayer, but also the villagers who held the Dragon God and the Rain God. With the local shaman and wild sorcerers present, along with the three sacrificial animals prepared for the live offering, the sounds of pigs squealing and sheep bleating were incessant

The young girl sleeps peacefully, her delicate beauty complemented by the snow-like petals, resembling the spring with its dark brows, clear and bright.

The most intense conflict resulted in mutual destruction. After this setback, the Elder of the Long Sky finally managed to restrain himself somewhat. Most of the misdeeds were committed by his two later disciples, who were ridiculed by the people of the martial world as the "Two Servants." Among them, the gluttonous and bloodthirsty one was called "Smiling Glutton," while the greedy and lecherous one was referred to as "Flowering Scoundrel." Both were utterly unashamed and grew increasingly arrogant and overbearing, repeatedly inflicting harm on small sects or commoners.

The man in gray narrowed his pupils, his anger extraordinary, and counterattacked with a swift motion, the two instantly engaged in a flurry of moves.

The master of Lingjiu Palace, Wen Feiyi, was proud and arrogant. Upon hearing the news, he was greatly enraged and personally pursued several villains, slaying them under his sword. As a result, he provoked the wrath of the Elder Chang Kong, who attacked Lingjiu Palace, severely injuring Wen Feiyi and killing dozens of palace attendants. If it were not for Madam Wen's clever words and schemes, luring him into the ancient formation of Lingjiu Palace, the sect would likely have faced annihilation.

The flower between the gaps has already made the two of them hate each other. However, just now, after exchanging blows, they realized that they were formidable opponents. If they were to fight here, it would not only benefit the fisherman but also cause too much commotion. Gritting his teeth, he leaped out of the window, leaving behind a harsh remark, "Enough, today I have been outsmarted, I will remember this. When I see that brat again, I will skin him alive!"

A brief reminder, amidst the flowers, he was startled and looked around. This sight made his long face twist in anger, "Damn it, I've been hunting geese all year, yet I got pecked in the eye by one! I was still lying here, and that little brat actually managed to take someone away right under my nose."

Su Xuan's gaze swept over the dense crowd, already noticing several figures from the martial world. Fortunately, each of them was restrained and had no intention of causing trouble. However, upon seeing a man in a purple shirt, Su Xuan immediately turned her head to avoid him, only to unexpectedly catch sight of a man in gray, instantly fixating her eyes on him