The Blade-Wielding Legend

Chapter 1587 - 806: Treasure Banner of Yuanchen (Part 3)

"He is a coachman under Duan Chengshi, named Lu Shentong. Every time there is a martial contest in the army, Lu Shentong likes to show off, wearing a stone bamboo hat and six hundred-pound stone shoes, and biting through dozens of hard stone nuts. This man has a Heavenly King tattoo on his back and claims his divine strength is bestowed by the Heavenly King. The more spectators there are, the stronger he gets. On the first and fifteenth of every month, he prepares offerings, removes his shirt, burns incense while sitting with his back to his family, and has his wife and children bow to the god towards his back..."

As he recounted, everyone’s eyes focused on him.

Kong Shangzhao quickened his pace of speaking, with a hint of reminiscence, "I read in the Song Mystical Sect talks within the Library Pavilion in Qufu about a book mentioning Lu Shentong existing in reality. However, he only temporarily resided under Duan Chengshi, later resigned, wandered the pugilistic world, and established his own Magic Veins, named ’Lu’s Style.’ The book stated he ’could tattoo human skin, creating painted images of birds, beasts, flora, immortals, and ghosts, all vividly lifelike. More astonishingly, the tattooed creatures could summon the wind, gather energy, or exorcise evils as if they were alive, incredibly magical!’"

"They could even integrate talismanic charm into tattoos, combining with the Summoning God Skill, rendering them tremendously powerful."

"Unfortunately, his descendants joined Fang La in rebellion, and upon failure, were killed, leading this lineage to disappear. But the book also mentioned, descendants appeared in the last dynasty, emerging in the pugilistic world once, using a secret technique to slay a Drought Demon, then disappearing again."

"I think this lineage might not be extinct."

"’Youyang Zazu’... Lu Shentong..."

Li Yan mused, "It certainly is a clue. I’ll head to the Golden Swallow Sect; they are well-informed and might have some intelligence."

Without delay, after a brief explanation to everyone, Li Yan immediately set off again towards the Qiyuan Building by the Qinhuai River.

The Jinling officialdom was filled with treachery and bloodshed, but at least on the surface, it had stabilized, and the Qinhuai River had become bustling once again.

Inside Qiyuan Building, the sounds of silk and bamboo blended with the clamor of drinking games, while the scents of fragrance and alcoholic meats mingled.

However, the crowd differed as it mainly comprised merchants and travelers, with not a single official from Jinling Prefecture present.

"Young Hero Li, you are quite the rare guest."

Squad Leader Murong Yan teased upon meeting, "Haven’t seen you since the great victory at Tai Lake, just the occasion for a celebratory feast for you today..."

"No need for a celebratory feast, but I do have a favor to ask."

Li Yan got straight to the point, bypassing small talk, and requested Murong Yan’s assistance in gathering information.

"Tattooed Lu family?"

Murong Yan furrowed her elegant brows, then smiled wryly, "Young Hero Li, this is no easy task."

"In the last dynasty, the Golden Swallow Sect hadn’t yet been established, so we’d have to spread the word to various places..."

Just as she said this, Li Yan suddenly looked up towards the door.

Soon after, Murong Yan heard familiar footsteps and smiled warmly, hurriedly going out to greet.

"Elder Zhou, you’ve come too?"

The visitor was none other than Jinling’s Earth Immortal, Zhou Yinyao.

His complexion looked significantly better than last time, evidently benefiting much from the successful Dragon Sacrifice Ceremony.

"Oh? Mr. Li, you’re here too?"

Upon entering and seeing Li Yan, a hint of surprise flashed in Zhou Yinyao’s eyes.

"Young Hero Li is here to inquire about something..."

Murong Yan smiled, "Just as well, elder, with your vast knowledge, you might offer some guidance."

With that, she briefly explained Li Yan’s quest to find the Lu family.

Li Yan was not concerned, as Zhou Yinyao’s ties with the Golden Swallow Sect were even closer than his, so it didn’t hurt to seek his help.

Unexpectedly, as Zhou Yinyao listened, his face turned oddly perplexing:

"You’re looking for that old man, I happen to know him."

Li Yan furrowed his brow, "Is that elder also an Earth Immortal?"

"Yes."

Zhou Yinyao nodded, gazing out the window, speaking plainly:

"Just a few years ago, he was exiled to the Netherworld by your ’living Yin messengers.’"