Chapter 3, Heretical Cultivation, Swordsman

Tie Jun was not beaten; he was merely a novice who had just entered the field. No one would expect him to have any significant role or contribution in this matter. However, the atmosphere within the yamen also had an impact on him.

The few individuals just now were contaminated by the black banner of the black-clad Taoist. This black banner is forged from numerous foul substances gathered from the world, possessing extreme toxicity. A mere inhalation can render an ordinary person unconscious, and if not treated promptly, it poses a serious threat to their life

At this moment, Tie Jun, under unavoidable circumstances, found himself mingling among a group of constables, making their way in a grand procession towards the potter's field.

A strange laugh echoed through the dark clouds, and in an instant, a figure in black robes descended before Lei Dong and two other constables.

However, after running a few steps, he distinctly felt a sense of fear rising from the depths of his heart. This terrifying feeling consumed his soul, causing him to run faster and faster, with an increasingly terrified expression on his face. Therefore, when he encountered Lei Dong, he did not stop running.

The three individuals conducted a thorough inspection of the desolate graveyard. Aside from the chilling winds and a few old crows, they truly found nothing. Just as they were preparing to wrap up and return, a sudden scream echoed from not far away.

Upon reaching the edge of the mass grave, Lei Dong began to assign tasks. Every three constables formed a group to search the area, hoping to find the black-clad Taoist. However, it was evident that everyone held little hope for this endeavor, and some even felt resistance. Tie Jun understood that everyone was merely eager to finish the task quickly and return to report back. The reason for their presence today was to provide an account to their superiors in the court, stating that they had searched the area, but found nothing. In any case, the experts from the Six Doors were soon to arrive, and by tomorrow at the latest, they would take over the case, thus relieving them of their duties. Although they were still being ordered around, they would no longer need to take responsibility; at most, they would just be running errands. Moreover, the experts from the Six Doors were known for their high standards, and they likely would not even regard them as worthy of running errands. If that were the case, it would indeed be a relief.

Tie Jun was initially somewhat indecisive, but when Lao Qin pulled him, he instinctively followed and ran. Of course, this was merely a psychological consolation he offered himself; he was indeed frightened.

... ...

Puff ! ! !

They were all terrified. As mentioned earlier, if they truly encountered a malevolent practitioner, even if they filled all of them in, it would not be enough. Now there were only three of them; rushing over would be tantamount to seeking death. No one is a fool, and no one wishes to die.

At that moment, for some reason, he suddenly felt that someone was speaking near the old locust tree not far away. He instinctively turned his head to look, but he could see nothing. There was no one under the old locust tree, not even a shadow of a ghost.

This old locust tree has been around for quite some time. The elders in Dongling County say that this old locust tree is very mystical, with its lush branches entwined with wandering souls and restless spirits. It is precisely because of its connection to the lonely souls in the mass grave that Dongling County can enjoy peace. Therefore, every year on the fourteenth day of the seventh month, when the gates of the underworld are wide open, the elders of Dongling County come here to burn incense. After so many years of this practice, the side of the tree facing Dongling City, which is large enough for five adults to encircle, has been darkened by the incense ash. In front of the tree, there is a small incense altar adorned with some fruits.

The liquor mixed with the medicine transformed into a swirling mass of green mist, cascading down upon Lei Dong and the two constables.

Suddenly, a beam of white light flew in from a distance, flashing by in an instant, striking the black banner that was about to fall.

The itinerant Taoist in black attire provided a clue, establishing a certain objective. The constables once again conducted an investigation targeting this itinerant Taoist in black, and finally received another piece of information

Oh no, it's Huzi, something has happened

The groups were assigned before departure, and without any surprises, Tie Jun was placed in the same group as Lao Qin and Wang Lao Qi, beginning their journey towards the eastern part of the mass grave site.

The longsword in the backpack dimmed its brilliance, concealed within the bag, revealing only the hilt, with a black tassel fluttering in the wind

Either this Taoist has reached the innate secret realm, or he possesses a powerful magical artifact. Whichever possibility it may be, neither is something they can withstand.

At the moment he paused, he had already fallen a bit behind. Beside him, Wang Laoqi tugged at him, pulling him back into the group. "Junzi, today Qin Tou is leading us two as a team. You must remember, no matter what happens, do not panic, understand? Everything will be according to Qin Tou's instructions, got it?"

At the critical moment, a sharp rebuke suddenly echoed from afar, "Demonic path, do not act so arrogantly!"

"Not good, hurry up, this black gas is toxic!" Lei Dong, being capable enough to become a constable, naturally had his own skills. Sensing something was amiss, he immediately circulated his true energy to counter this foul odor, while pulling a constable with one hand and retreating.

"Yes, yes, I know!" Tie Jun nodded, quickened his pace to catch up with the large group. However, a faint whisper seemed to drift over from the old locust tree, sending a chill down his spine. Despite the fear, he was no longer afraid to linger here, so he hurried a few steps and followed closely behind Wang Lao Qi

Old Qin held an iron ruler in his hand, while Wang Laoqi brandished a waist knife. Tie Junshou and Tushuli also carried a knife, and the three of them cautiously advanced as if they were on the brink of chaos

Upon hearing the scream, the three individuals simultaneously changed their expressions and instinctively ran towards the source of the cry. However, after just a few steps, they all halted, exchanging glances with one another

"Junzi, what happened? Hurry up and catch up!"

"Junzi, take it easy, don't be nervous, it's all right. Today, we are just here to make an appearance, to give a report to our superiors. If this is indeed a case involving evil cultivators, even if we were to sacrifice our lives, it would be of no use. However, these cultivators also look down on us. As long as we do not confront them, they will not take action against us"

Over there, Lei Dong not only failed to capture Old Qin but also collided with Tie Jun. Upon seeing him crash headfirst into the old locust tree, a tightness gripped his heart. Tie Dan was his master; he had been following Tie Dan since he entered the officialdom. If anything were to happen to Tie Jun, he would not know how to explain it to Tie Dan. Just now, seeing how hard Tie Jun had crashed, he could not care less about the scream and was about to go check if Tie Jun was truly injured. However, before he could take a step forward to investigate, a mass of black clouds flew over from the depths of the chaotic graveyard.

"Why is there still one?" He was somewhat surprised. As he walked under the locust tree, he seemed to sense something, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. The long sword behind him emitted a bright sword cry.

"Who are you?" Although Lei Dong was quite self-assured, upon witnessing the manner in which the other party made their entrance, he couldn't help but feel a sudden jolt in his heart, silently exclaiming, "This is bad."

"Useless things!" Upon seeing this result, the Taoist could not help but feel somewhat disheartened. At first, he thought it was the people from the Six Doors who had come to investigate, but who would have thought it was merely a group of ordinary constables. "Damn it, since you have disturbed the Taoist's enjoyment, you shall die!"

Hmph, cowardly scoundrels

Everyone be careful, we have already entered the area of the mass grave, where the negative energy is quite strong. If you can't withstand it, just call for some ginger soup!" Lei Dong's voice echoed in his ear

Hmph, the gathering of Yin energy condenses into essence and spirit, almost allowing you to become a force to be reckoned with

The mass grave on the west side of Dongling County has a history of several hundred years, and no one knows exactly how many people are buried there, nor does anyone know its origins. In any case, unless absolutely necessary, no one goes to that cursed place to invite misfortune

The mist sprayed onto their faces, and after a while, their bodies suddenly began to tremble, displaying expressions of pain. Subsequently, a series of "puff puff puff" sounds were heard, and a foul odor emanated from their bodies

Seeing the black-clad Taoist transform into a cloud of black smoke and escape, there was no intention to pursue. Instead, he took out a dark pill, put it in his mouth, chewed a few times, then uncapped the gourd at his waist, took a swig of liquor, swished it around in his mouth, and suddenly sprayed it towards Lei Dong and the others.

If they are truly covered by this black banner, then even if Lei Dong and the others had ten lives, they would still be lost

As a group of constables approached the old locust tree, a chill wind blew from the mass grave behind it, causing everyone to shiver despite it being noon with the sun directly overhead. However, this gust of cold air instinctively made them all pull their collars tighter, and Tie Jun was no exception. A warm current rose from his dantian, coursing through his body, yet it still could not dispel the chill that enveloped him. As they passed by the old locust tree, the temperature around them suddenly dropped, even several degrees lower than before.

Hasn't Tie Touer ever told you? These cultivators all have their own rules. Even the evil cultivators would not attack ordinary people without reason, unless you truly provoke them.

The area of the mass grave is vast, and no one knows how many people have been buried here over the past few centuries. As a result, the atmosphere is extremely heavy with a sense of gloom. Apart from a few annoying crows in the sky, even the city foxes and rats are reluctant to approach this haunted place

Indeed, it has gone awry. A mass of dark clouds is approaching, which is entirely beyond the capability of the local constables in such a county to handle. No one anticipated that what was supposed to be a mere routine task would lead them to the real deal. Confronted with this individual, who is clearly a well-practiced cultivator, it is evident that he is no ordinary person. At the very least, the ability to fly is something they cannot achieve.

Are you familiar with heretical practices?

Why? Tie Jun is perplexed

Because of karma, heavenly tribulations, and similar concepts, the more innocent people they kill, the greater the troubles they will face when their retribution arrives. Therefore, whether one is righteous or evil, there must be a measure in their actions

Before the figures in black made their appearance, the three individuals were already overwhelmed by an incredibly foul odor that assaulted their senses, nearly causing them to faint.

"It is precisely because of the wickedness of his actions that this matter is given such importance," Old Qin said with a bitter smile. "Don't ask me why; these are all things I heard from those experts at the Six Doors back in the day. As for whether they are true or not, to be honest, in my entire life, I have never actually seen a real cultivator." Old Qin said self-deprecatingly

After taking a few sips of ginger soup, Tie Jun felt that it was more effective than that slight bit of lesser yang internal energy, and he immediately sensed a warmth spreading through his body

The county office in Dongling is as dilapidated as ever, now infused with an additional sense of despondency. The two constables stationed at the entrance of the county office lean listlessly on their staffs, standing loosely beside the office, as if all the strength had been drained from their bodies, lacking even a trace of vitality.

Discretion, does this fellow have any restraint when practicing with the purple river vehicle?

Today, after more than ten days of investigation, a lead has finally emerged. Zhang Wulang, a street vendor who sells goods from place to place, reported that he had seen a black-clad Taoist priest appear at the door of the third victim's house. However, he vanished in the blink of an eye. Dongling County is not large, and the population is not many; everyone knows each other, so the appearance of a stranger is quite noticeable. Zhang Wulang is very certain that this black-clad Taoist is not from Dongling County. At that time, he only caught a glimpse before the priest disappeared. Initially, he thought he was seeing things, which is why he did not get a clear look at the Taoist's features. He only remembered that the priest was carrying a long banner. He even thought that the priest might be a wandering fortune-teller.

Something has happened! Lao Qin saw Lei Dong but did not stop his pace. Tie Jun followed closely behind him, not knowing why. Initially, there was nothing unusual; he was just somewhat dazed and running behind.

The sharp white light unexpectedly pierced through the black banner

The Luanzanggang is approximately more than 10 li from the Dongling County town. After crossing a small river and heading west along the official road, one can see an old locust tree in the distance, which indicates that one is almost at the destination

This cannot be blamed on them. Just this morning, the third murder occurred, and the victim was once again a pregnant woman, from whom an underdeveloped fetus was also removed. Three murders, four lives lost, three infants; it feels like a heavy stone pressing down on everyone's hearts. County magistrate Li Yuannian's hair is thinning day by day, with hardly a few strands left. Half of the constables in the yamen have been beaten, while the other half are trembling in fear, worried that they might be next.

The three of them fled in disarray, and after running about a hundred steps, they unexpectedly collided head-on with Lei Dong and others who had come rushing over upon hearing the screams.

Instead, he rushed forward recklessly. Lei Dong was furious and reached out to grab Old Qin's head, but Old Qin's speed was too great; he failed to catch him and was instead knocked off balance by the force of Old Qin's charge, colliding directly into Tie Jun.

The black banner in the sky suddenly swept over towards Lei Dong and the others

The black-clad Taoist, as if struck hard, began to turn pale. He reached out with a gesture, and the pierced black banner transformed into a cloud of black mist that enveloped him, swiftly flying away into the distance

Gagagagaga, I was wondering who had the audacity to come and trouble me, only to find out it is you useless beings!

This man stands approximately six feet tall, with a full face of curly beard, tiger-like eyes, and a lion-like nose. He is dressed in a somewhat tattered grayish-blue robe, and at his waist hangs a gourd made from yellow leather, the age of which is unknown, its exterior shiny and polished.

Once again retracting the sword, the man let out a cold laugh, no longer casting a glance at the locust tree. He swiftly picked up the iron rod, and at the same time, the unconscious Lei Dong and others began to emit faint groans, regaining consciousness

Flying Sword

Puff ! !

"Can a mere little constable escape from the grasp of the Daoist?" The Daoist let out a strange laugh, and with a sudden movement, he launched a large black banner into the air. As the banner flew out, it expanded against the wind, growing to a size of three zhang. Amidst the swirling black mist, the intense smell of blood could not be concealed. Poor Lei Dong could only feel the stench rushing to his mind, causing his body, which was fleeing backward, to lurch forward and crash to the ground.

Before arriving, Lei Dong had the kitchen of the county office brew a large pot of ginger soup, claiming it was to ward off the cold. At that time, Tie Jun thought he was just being pretentious, but it now appears that he truly had foresight

Thus, after stopping, Lao Qin turned around and immediately ran away, not forgetting to pull Tie Jun along as he left, whispering, "Run quickly, or it will be too late."

Who Dao Ye is, you need not know; you only need to understand that disturbing Dao Ye's secluded cultivation is a grave offense!" The Taoist shouted fiercely, and with a flick of his sleeve, two clouds of black mist flew towards them.

Old Qin, what happened

Lei Dong was a robust individual, while Tie Jun was merely a young man of about sixteen or seventeen, whose physique appeared somewhat frail. With his inherent speed, he was unexpectedly knocked aside by Lei Dong's collision, stumbling two steps forward. Just then, his foot was caught by a protruding stone on the ground, causing him to lurch forward. The ground sloped downward, and after being struck and tripped, Tie Jun completely lost his balance, falling to the ground and rolling down the slope. He rolled for approximately twenty zhang before crashing headfirst into an old locust tree, his head striking the trunk with a loud thud, rendering him unconscious.

The gatekeeper of the charity granary outside the city, Old Li, and a traveling merchant named Song Yi both reported having seen a black-clad Taoist at the mass grave in the west of the city. Both sightings were fleeting, and both figures were accompanied by a long banner trailing behind them. However, Old Li saw this apparition five days ago, while Song Yi encountered it just a day ago.

As the person arrived, a flash of white light appeared in the sky, transforming into a long sword that fell into the visitor's backpack

Thus, the West City mass grave and the black-clad Taoist became their only clues.

The man with the sword furrowed his brow, took a few steps back, and upon turning his head, he saw Tie Jun still unconscious beneath the large locust tree

In an instant, a flash of sword light appeared, and the ancient locust tree, whose existence was unknown for how long, was unexpectedly severed in half beneath the brilliance of his sword.