Chapter 497 - 289 Jianghan Academy

"Prince Mansion’s treasure vault?"

Li Yan paused with the wine cup in his hand and inquired, "What do you want from the Prince’s place?"

Hu Ming began to speak, "During the Da Xing period, the Han River altered its course, and from the upstream emerged a crystalline sacrificial altar, clear and without any impurities. Every night, moonlight and starlight gather upon it."

"This item is rumored to be from the cave dwelling of Ancient Immortals, later obtained by Prince Wuchang. It is the finest material for making a Stargazing Mirror."

"Taibai Mountain is the highest peak east of Qiangtang, towering skyward. Our Jade Emperor Temple does not have such conditions, so we could only use this material as a substitute."

An immortal’s possession?

Upon hearing this, Li Yan quickly shook his head and said, "Daoist Hu, you must be joking. I do not have such status."

"Don’t even mention stealing treasure. That would be courting death."

Prince Wuchang liked to collect treasures. Many were envious, but few succeeded.

The treasure vault was considered forbidden in Ezhou, where countless people had died.

Even the Tian Family’s ’Rejuvenator’ had to infiltrate it and scheme for several years before succeeding.

Yet these two had the nerve to dream.

"Young Hero Li, you’ve misunderstood."

Hu Ming was taken aback, then shook his head and said, "Though I’m not successful, I am from the Proper Xuan Sect, how dare I act recklessly?"

"To be honest, we have already attempted. But Prince Wuchang sides more with the Buddhist sect, ignoring us."

Li Yan was speechless, "Even the face of the Proper Xuan Sect doesn’t work, so what can I do?"

Hu Ming smiled subtly, with implication, "Others may not manage it, but the face of Baotong Zen Temple, Prince Wuchang definitely respects."

"And Young Hero Li, you’ve just helped Baotong Zen Temple with a great favor..."

Li Yan put down the wine cup, glanced faintly, "Your information is quite well-informed."

Hu Ming smiled silently, saying nothing more.

Li Yan pondered for a moment, "I can plead on your behalf, but I can’t guarantee success."

Hu Ming’s eyes immediately showed joy, "As long as Young Hero Li is willing to mediate, Master Lu will assist regardless of success or failure."

Hearing this, Li Yan glanced at the old man beside him.

Seeing Master Lu, with a drunken look on his face, he shook his head, "I only refine artifacts, I don’t care about other matters. If Hu Ming says it will work, then I’ll stay a while longer."

"Great!"

Li Yan immediately breathed a sigh of relief; a major issue finally had some direction.

Thinking of this, he hurriedly stood up and said, "I will immediately have the materials sent over. If the Master needs anything else, just tell me."

Master Lu glanced around, shaking his head, "This place isn’t suitable for refining the Magic Artifact you want."

"Fifteen miles east of the city is Yuquan Temple, where Blade Clash Spring is located. It is said to be the place where Emperor Guan sharpened his weapons in Jiangling. The water is chilling, and Earth Vein Qi gathers, making it an excellent place for artifact refining."

"On the thirteenth of May, it’s Emperor Guan’s birthday. If it rains that day, it’s called ’Sharpener Rain.’ Using the power of the heavens then, you can refine superb Magic Artifacts."

"Yuquan Temple is also under the management of Baotong Zen Temple. Since you’re going to plead, might as well mention borrowing their treasured site."

"As for what else is needed—bring the materials, and we’ll decide then."

"Alright, I’ll handle it right away!"

Li Yan raised his hand in a salute, quickly turned, and left.

As soon as he left, Master Lu shook his head at Hu Ming, "What he wants to forge is a new type of firearm, the cause and effect are significant."

Hu Ming dismissed it, standing up, "I’m aware of the new firearms, and they have already spread in secret. Many forces are forging them privately, otherwise why would the court have loosened control?"

"According to my master’s deductions, changes in the Human Dao of the Divine State have come. There’s already an Observatory on Taibai Mountain. If our Jade Emperor Temple doesn’t keep up, we’ll fall behind and end up begging them in the future."

"Master, just proceed. After obtaining the materials, we’ll return to Jinzhou immediately. The chaos stems from the southwest war, which likely won’t settle soon..."

...

On the other side, Li Yan had returned to the Ezhou Chamber of Commerce.

With light rain pattering incessantly, he was in a rather good mood. Upon seeing Landlord Tian and his family, he immediately said, "Landlord Tian, I have a lead on the matter."

"I’m planning a trip back to Han Yang and can bring your family here to stay at the Chamber of Commerce. What do you say?"

"That would be excellent."

Landlord Tian breathed a sigh of relief, "I’ve been worried all day about them. It’s safer here at the Chamber of Commerce, and staying here for a while until things completely resolve is preferable."

The Ezhou Chamber of Commerce had small courtyards for wealthy merchants from all directions to reside. As a member, living here felt just like home.

More importantly, it was safer here.

Compared to Han Yang, filled with the Three Religions and Nine Sects of the pugilistic world, Wuchang City with the Prince Mansion and many government offices, along with the Buddhist temples on guard, was where the one behind the scenes dared not act openly.

For now, they had the advantage.

The powers of the Buddhist sects and the court had been set in motion. As long as these demons were captured, the mission would be complete.

Seeing Landlord Tian agree, Li Yan promptly headed to the dock to board a boat to Han Yang City.

Despite the light rain today, the mist over the river, the nearing Dragon Boat Festival brought people already practicing dragon boat racing, prepared to seize glory during the grand event.

Together with the bustling merchants, traveling performers, and street hawkers... it all seemed livelier than usual.

The two cities were separated by just a river, and in less than an hour, Li Yan reached Parrot Island.

Having listened to the grand monk explain Fengshui at Baotong Zen Temple last night, Li Yan now saw this place and immediately sensed the mystery.

The Turtle and Snake Mountains seemed like guardian deities, gathering the Fengshui fortune of thousands of lakes and rivers, with Parrot Island akin to a bottle that firmly caught it all.