Chapter 108: Visitor at the Abandoned Temple

Traveling at night is treacherous, even within the city. Without streetlights to guide the way, relying solely on moonlight and one’s own sight, an ordinary person would struggle. Fortunately, Yi Fan was no ordinary man. The thief accompanying him was a local expert, a creature of the night who could find his way blindfolded.

Before long, they reached the ruins of a broken wall. The courtyard was in disarray, scorched wood scattered about, a complete mess that looked as if a fierce battle had taken place—yet no marks of swords or blades were visible.

“So, this is Linshan Temple?”

Linshan Temple served as a liaison point for the Shu Mountain Sword Sect in Xunyang County, also functioning as a resting place. When disciples of Shu Mountain traveled to the area, they could stay here and pass along messages. Such locations were common among sects, scattered throughout their territories.

“Big brother, this is definitely Linshan Temple. I wouldn’t dare lie to you even if I had ten lives,” the thief said, still afraid to look back, fearing the unknown swordsman behind him might strike him down at any moment. In these times, a human life was worth little.

Fearing Yi Fan’s disbelief, he continued, “Linshan Temple’s reputation in Xunyang County is well known. In past years, whenever there were natural disasters or calamities, they’d open porridge kitchens to aid refugees.”

“Then why is it in such a state? What happened to the people inside?” Yi Fan asked coldly.

“Big brother, I don’t know why. A few months ago, one night, there was sudden lightning and thunder, flames shot high into the sky. The next day, it looked like this. At first, the government sent officials to investigate, but anyone who approached died mysteriously and tragically. Since then, no one’s dared enter.”

Yi Fan’s voice hardened. “Then why did you want me to check it out just now?”

The thief trembled all over, his legs weak. “Big brother, it’s safe to go in now. It was only dangerous at the very beginning.”

“How do you know it’s safe now?”

Swallowing nervously, the thief hesitated, then said, “I was short on cash recently. Wealthy families in the city all had guards, so I dared not break in. I had no choice but to set my sights on Linshan Temple. You know, it was always careless with its wealth, so surely it kept plenty of gold and silver. That’s why I went to have a look.”

“What did you see?”

“I saw nothing. There was nothing inside but some chaotic documents and scriptures. No valuables at all.”

Nothing at all? It seemed the temple had suffered some great calamity. The lack of sword marks suggested that some powerful sorcery or divine technique had caused the destruction. The officials' inability to approach likely stemmed from lingering magical forces—residual spells that brought death to intruders.

Since this was a liaison point of the Shu Mountain Sword Sect, although the exact incident was unknown, disciples would surely come to investigate and clean up, erasing all traces.

But who dared attack a Shu Mountain outpost? That remained a mystery. One thing was certain: the Shu Mountain Sect would not let the matter rest.

As one of the world’s top sword cultivation sects, even a minor liaison point would never be destroyed without consequence.

Since he planned to investigate, there must be Shu Mountain disciples involved. Yet, amidst the vast sea of people, where could they be found?

Zhuge Liuyun had only mentioned this one liaison point, and since Yan Chixia was nearby, he would naturally stay here. But with Linshan Temple destroyed, Yan Chixia would not be here now.

Thinking this, Yi Fan felt helpless. He was not a Shu Mountain cultivator and knew no other contacts. For now, he would have to take things as they came. Whether the message could be delivered was left to fate.

“Big brother? Big brother?”

After a long pause without any response, the thief nervously glanced back—only to see no one. A chill ran through him, making him wonder if he had been possessed or dreaming. Whatever the case, it was best to run.

…

Leaving the city with Old Donkey and Yan Gui in tow, Yi Fan felt lost, uncertain where to go. The message couldn’t be delivered for now, the road ahead was perilous, and he had no way to contact Shu Mountain people.

“Let’s find a place to stay for a while. If we can’t find anyone after some time, we’ll return to Guobei County.”

It had been over a year since leaving the Yitian Temple. After months of hardship and many close calls with death, it was time to rest and settle down for a while.

Half a month later, at a dilapidated temple several miles outside Xunyang County, Yi Fan had Yan Gui clean the courtyard while he repaired the gate. After much effort, the place finally took shape.

During these two weeks, he sought information throughout Xunyang County. He met a few fellow cultivators, but most were traveling for experience, and none knew the whereabouts of any Shu Mountain disciples.

As for the temple itself, he repaired it day by day until it could shield from wind and rain. The clay statues inside, however, he threw out. Although he had occupied someone else’s territory, he had no intention of maintaining any incense offerings. Planning to stay here for some time, facing an unknown deity’s statue every day felt unsettling, so he decisively removed it.

The temple lay in a wild, deserted area. Though there was a small path leading to a nearby village, it had long been abandoned; the river had broken through the farmland, leaving only weeds.

This seemingly lifeless place was unusually lively today. Before evening, a light rain began to fall. Yi Fan, preparing to light a fire and cook, suddenly heard the sound of horse hooves.

Soon, the hooves reached the temple gate. The wooden boards blocking the entrance rattled as if struck by metal—definitely not ordinary passersby. Yi Fan frowned; this place wasn’t on any thoroughfare, so who could it be?

The knocking came again. The visitors said nothing but did not force their way in. Yi Fan sighed; if they insisted on entering, a single wooden board wouldn’t hold them back. Yet, since they bore no ill will, they were not enemies.

He waved for Yan Gui to open the door, but the creature simply turned away, pretending ignorance.

Cursing inwardly, Yi Fan had no choice but to open the door himself.

Removing the wooden board, the wind and rain blew inside. Outside stood two men in straw raincoats and bamboo hats, each leading a horse.

“Taoist?” one man asked suspiciously, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword tightly.

“Who are you?” Yi Fan asked coldly, merely glancing at him without answering.

Surprised that a Taoist was the one opening the door, they sensed he was searching for someone.

When Yi Fan remained silent, the man behind lightly flicked his sword’s scabbard, ready to draw. The first man signaled him to stop and said, “Taoist, might we stay here for the night?”

“The temple is small. No horses inside,” Yi Fan replied, pointing to a nearby shelter. “You can keep your horses there.”

Without further words, he returned inside to continue cooking his porridge.

“Of course, thank you, Taoist,” the man bowed and led his horse towards the shelter.

After a few steps, the man behind spoke, “Third senior brother, didn’t second senior brother say someone from our side would meet us at this ruined temple? This is a Taoist, not one of us. Could something have changed?”

“Zi Lin, don’t jump to conclusions. We are all fellow disciples on this mission. Our senior brother is personally overseeing it. Nothing will go wrong. As for the contact person, there must be a reason. Let’s wait and see.”

The third senior brother shook his head. “This Taoist doesn’t seem malicious, nor does he carry the killing aura of our Jianghu. He must be an ordinary hermit. Do not harm or deceive him.”