Chapter 246: Headless Rider

Sha Lifei immediately looked displeased as he snapped, "You lot, do you think you've lived too long?"

People of the jianghu were especially taboo about this sort of thing. When they swore brotherhood, they would burn yellow paper and behead a chicken before Lord Guan. Who would be willing to hear words like that?

Even Wang Daoxuan's expression turned ugly.

"Gentlemen, please don't misunderstand..." Sweat appeared on the caravan leader's forehead as he hurriedly explained, "I'm also a man of the jianghu. How would I dare offend Sage Emperor Guan? It's just that this matter has already caused a huge uproar."

Li Yan narrowed his eyes. "Explain clearly. What exactly happened?"

The caravan leader revealed a bitter smile. "I didn't witness this personally either. I only heard it from others. It's said that after Sage Emperor Guan was buried back then, his head and body were separated, so he could not rest peacefully in the earth. Thus, every night, his soul wandered around Fuchuan Mountain near Jade Spring Temple, shouting: Return my head! Return my head!

“It frightened the whole of Dangyang County, until the abbot of Jade Spring Temple persuaded Emperor Guan, saying, 'How many heads did you take in your lifetime? Countless souls died beneath your blade. Did you ever spare a thought for them?' When Emperor Guan heard this, he felt deeply ashamed. From then on, his soul returned to his mausoleum and no longer caused trouble."

"Utter nonsense!" Even the usually honest Wang Daoxuan became angry. "Buddhism only entered China during the Han Dynasty, when it was still called the Futu religion. The Jade Spring Temple itself wasn't even founded until the Sui Dynasty. Since when could it have had anything to do with Sage Emperor Guan?"

"This..." The caravan leader looked close to tears. "I never studied much. I only heard the locals tell the story that way. Please forgive me!"

Li Yan shook his head slightly and said in a deep voice, "Keep going."

"I really only heard this from someone else." The caravan leader prefaced his explanation once more before continuing, "Some time ago, a string of murders occurred in Dangyang County. People walking at night would often be found with their heads cut off.

“The county constables laid a trap to catch the killer, but that night, a headless rider suddenly emerged from the fog. He wore a green robe, wielded a guandao, and rode a crimson horse. He cut off the heads of several constables in succession. Afterward, the headless rider shouted, 'Return my head!' and vanished into the thick fog."

Sha Lifei cursed, "That obviously sounds like some bandit scoundrel causing trouble. Daring to impersonate Lord Guan! Doesn't he fear his life might be cut short?!"

The caravan leader smiled bitterly. "That was exactly what the constables thought at first. Just like you gentlemen, they were furious. You may not know this, but every year on the thirteenth day of the fifth month, the people of Dangyang hold an Emperor Guan temple fair known as the Single Saber Gathering. According to local tradition, that day is Sage Emperor Guan's birthday.

"There is also a large Guan clan here, descended from the family members left behind when Sage Emperor Guan guarded Jingzhou. Every time the Single Saber Gathering is held, the surrounding commoners, officials, gentry, and prominent figures all come to offer sacrifices. It's one of Dangyang's grandest annual occasions.

"After something like this happened, everyone in Dangyang cursed the culprit and swore to find him, cut off his head, and place it as an offering at Lord Guan's Mausoleum.

"But what happened afterward was rather strange. Within Dangyang lies a blessed land, Mount Zigai. It's even said that Immortal Elder Ge once cultivated in those mountains, so practitioners were immediately sent to investigate. They also managed to corner the headless rider, but in full view of everyone present, he somehow vanished without a trace.

"And that's not all. Lord Guan's Mausoleum has also been struck by lightning repeatedly during this period. The trees behind the burial mound have all had their crowns blasted off. That's why the rumors have become such a sensation.

"The Guan clan has already posted a large reward, and I even heard that some spirit mediums and shamans have gone to investigate."

At those words, both Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan grew solemn. "Lightning strikes?"

If some evil practitioner had used illusion arts or escape techniques, appearing and disappearing without a trace was certainly possible. But once lightning became involved, the matter was no longer so simple.

Lightning arose from the transformation of yin and yang, and all evil recoiled before it. Even if the Taixuan Orthodox Sect wanted to employ lightning arts, they would have to construct a large ritual altar, gather numerous senior Daoists, and perhaps even calculate the proper timing in advance. Ordinary jianghu practitioners could never accomplish such a thing.

The caravan leader cupped his hands. "I really only heard all this from others. Please don't blame me."

He then retreated to one side and started a fire with his men, no longer daring to provoke them.

Rumble!

Just then, another peal of thunder sounded outside. The conversation had ended unpleasantly, and neither side had any desire to continue talking. Each group lit its own campfire, ate some dry rations, wrapped themselves in their clothes, and went to sleep.

The violent wind and thunderstorm came and left just as quickly. In less than half an hour, the thunder had ceased, but the sky remained black as ink. Rain continued pouring down without weakening in the slightest.

By nightfall, the rainwater had gathered into mountain torrents that rushed down both sides of the Mountain God temple, scouring the mountain road below.

At a time like this, no one dared sleep too deeply. Everyone remained alert, watching the surroundings. If anything looked wrong, they would immediately brave the rain and evacuate.

Fortunately, the storm gradually subsided during the latter half of the night. Before dawn, the merchant caravan lit torches, hitched the donkeys to the carts, and hurried along the muddy road. If they became trapped in the mountains, their cartloads of goods would all be ruined.

Li Yan and the others also packed their belongings and descended along another mountain road. After traveling for an hour, they finally reached the plains.

The terrain of Dangyang County was higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast. Now that they had crossed the ridges from Yichang, they could already see Dangyang County in the distance once they descended the mountain. It was not large, and the surrounding countryside was crisscrossed with fields and paths, with numerous mountain villages scattered everywhere.

However, the weather remained poor. Dark clouds hung across the sky like spilled ink, blanketing the whole of Dangyang County and inexplicably filling people with a sense of oppression.

Sha Lifei said, "I already asked around. Lord Guan's Mausoleum is northwest of Dangyang; Jade Spring Temple is to the southwest; and Mount Zigai is to the southeast. Where do we go first?"

Li Yan thought for a moment. "Something has gone wrong at the Taixuan Orthodox Sect's Daoist temple on Mount Zigai. I originally thought that was the only issue, but now there's this headless rider causing trouble as well.

“I'm afraid there's more going on behind the scenes than we thought. There's no need to rush things. We'll stay in the county town first, gather some information, then decide how to proceed."

With the plan settled, the group immediately urged their horses forward. Along the way, whenever the local people saw these outsiders, they either lowered their heads and avoided them or stared suspiciously with hostile expressions.

The headless rider incidents had clearly affected the area greatly. When they reached the city gate, they were stopped again. But once Li Yan produced his black Dao Permit, the soldiers immediately became respectful and even offered to send someone to guide them.

After politely declining, the group entered the city. Although Dangyang County was recorded in the histories, it had been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to war and was not particularly large. Since it lay inland and had no river port, trade was not especially prosperous either.

After asking around, they headed toward the largest inn in the city, intending to settle in first before deciding their next move.

However, just as they reached the inn entrance, someone called out to them.

"Gentlemen, please wait!"

A wealthy-looking man in brocade robes came riding toward them, followed by several household servants, his face filled with urgency. He was tall and broad, with sturdy features, a somewhat dark complexion, and a long beard hanging to his chest.

The moment he approached, he quickly dismounted and respectfully cupped his fists together. "Are you Young Hero Li, recently arrived from Yichang?"

Li Yan narrowed his eyes. "And you are?"

"My name is Guan Peide." The wealthy elder smiled and cupped his hands. "I heard that Young Hero Li had arrived in Dangyang and immediately came over. I hope you gentlemen will honor me by visiting my estate so that I may fulfill my duties as host."

Li Yan looked somewhat puzzled. "Old Sir, I don't believe we know each other."

"Hahaha..." The old man did not seem bothered. Stroking his beard, he laughed. "I had some urgent business to attend to, so I sent my eldest son, Guan Shanxing, in my place to the Yan Family's residence's banquet in Yichang for Dingguo's one month old celebration. Naturally, I heard all about Young Hero Li.

"Keeping your word as though it were worth a thousand gold, traveling a thousand li to deliver medicine! Everyone has praised your righteousness. Wouldn't it be a shame to miss the chance to meet a righteous hero such as yourself?"

His words sounded pleasant enough, but Li Yan did not believe them. The man had arrived far too quickly. Moreover, the man's boots were covered in mud, clearly showing that he had just come from outside the city and had business to handle within. Most likely, one of the soldiers at the gate had let something slip, and this man had hurried after them.

Li Yan did not bother pretending otherwise. He said calmly, "Old Sir Guan, you came because of something else, didn't you?"

"Ah..." Guan Peide sighed. "Nothing escapes Young Hero Li. I had just arrived at the county courthouse and met County Magistrate Zhang. When I heard that Young Hero Li had come, I hurried over at once."

Li Yan's heart stirred. "Very well, please explain."

According to the merchant caravan, the headless rider had thrown all of Dangyang County into panic, while the Guan Clan had been especially enraged and posted a huge reward.

It seemed they truly are desperate.

That suited him just fine. He could visit them and gather more information. No matter how many advantages one had, none were as valuable as a good reputation.

Word of the events at the Yan Family's residence's banquet had already spread among the officials of Yichang. They were all also extremely good at reading the situation. The Yan Family, the Military Surveillance Department, the City God Temple, and even the great jianghu figure Lei Zhen all spoke highly of Li Yan. Clearly, he possessed genuine ability. Who would dare neglect someone like that?

The Guan Clan did not live inside the city, but in Guan Family Village outside the walls. They owned thousands of mu of fertile farmland and could be considered one of the local great clans.

After leaving the city, Li Yan asked directly, "Old Sir Guan, did you seek me out because of the headless rider?"

Guan Peide froze for a moment, then delight flashed through his eyes. "You already know about it, Young Hero Li? Could it be that you have accepted a task from the City God Temple and came specifically to deal with this matter?"

"No." Li Yan shook his head. "I’m in the area for something else. We merely happened to pass through Dangyang and heard about it along the way."

A trace of disappointment passed through Guan Peide's eyes. "That makes sense. The southwest is in chaos now, and experts from every faction have all been reassigned elsewhere.

“I also went to Mount Zigai before, but the various establishments up there were all in much the same situation. The disciples they sent over were not capable enough and nearly fell victim to that headless rider themselves."

Li Yan looked thoughtful. "Did they discover anything unusual?"

Guan Peide smiled bitterly. "If they had found the cause, why would I be so anxious?"

"Next month will be Lord Guan's Mausoleum temple fair, the Single Saber Gathering. Officials from both Jingzhou and Yichang will come to attend. If this matter cannot be resolved, the rumors will inevitably spread even further.

"Our ancestor was personally enshrined by the imperial court as Sage Emperor Guan. If we allow these villains to succeed, how could our Guan Clan ever face our ancestor again?"

Li Yan nodded. "That's true."

He then asked a few careful questions about the matter. The details were largely the same as what the traveling merchant had said. A headless rider dressed in the likeness of Sage Emperor Guan was killing people everywhere, appearing and disappearing without a trace, spreading panic throughout the region.

Meanwhile, Lord Guan's Mausoleum had also been repeatedly struck by lightning. The Guan clan was already burning with anxiety.

Li Yan said gravely, "I heard that Old Sir Guan posted a large reward, and attracted quite a few shamans and spirit mediums. Did any of them discover anything?"

Guan Peide’s irritation was plain as he scowled. "Ah, don't even mention it. I was simply desperate and had run out of ideas. Even the orthodox mystic sect disciples on Mount Zigai could not determine the cause. What could those people possibly do? More than half of them were frauds, using cheap jianghu tricks to try and swindle money. Fortunately, our Guan Clan also has people familiar with the jianghu, so their scams were exposed.

"There was, however, one rice-divination spirit medium who was well known throughout the surrounding region and truly had some ability. But she uses rice divination to commune with spirits, and I don't know what taboo she encountered. She suddenly collapsed unconscious and still hasn't awakened."

"Oh? Where is she?"

"She's at the estate. We have people looking after her."

After hearing him, Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan exchanged a glance.

Rice divination used to commune with spirits undoubtedly meant she had awakened the rare Intent Root. This practitioner could then perceive information ordinary practitioners could not detect through various techniques and physical objects. Among the divine abilities of the Six Yang Roots, it was the most mysterious.

For someone like that to encounter something strange and fall unconscious meant there was definitely a serious problem...

Lord Guan's Mausoleum lay fifteen li north of the city, while Guan Family Village was only seven li outside the walls. Before long, the group reached the village.

The place was extremely old. Many of the houses had foundations made from enormous blocks of stone, clearly salvaged from ancient military fortifications. The layout of the village was also highly deliberate. One could faintly make out the structure of an orderly and disciplined military formation.

There were several large open spaces in the village where young men practiced martial arts. Bare-chested, they shouted loudly as they trained, their bodies thick with corded muscle. Yet the style they practiced was Tang Boxing.

Tang Boxing was also known as Blocking Fist, referring to free-hand techniques used to block, intercept, cover, and ward off attacks. Since it had become extremely popular during the Tang Dynasty, it later came to be called Tang Boxing.

Seeing Li Yan's puzzled expression, Guan Peide said somewhat awkwardly, "After so many years of warfare, our ancestor's martial arts have long since been lost. So the descendants of the Guan Clan mainly practice Tang Boxing now."

Just then, they passed a house. A crowd had gathered there, helping raise the main roof beam.

Li Yan was about to continue on, but after sniffing the air, he suddenly stopped and narrowed his eyes. "What's happening here?"

Guan Peide replied, "This house belongs to the Wu Family who married into the village from outside. They began building the house before the New Year, and today they're raising the beam. Even though the village has other troubles, this can't be delayed."

"Mm. Let's take a look first."

Li Yan casually dismounted and walked over to watch.

Although Guan Peide found it somewhat strange, he could only follow Li Yan. In Ezhou, the rites for raising the main beam of a house were generally presided over by the carpenter. The homeowner had already placed a square table in the middle of the main hall. Two bricks sat on top, with the wooden beam laid horizontally across them. There was also an incense bowl, two red candles, two tea bowls, a bundle of incense, a stack of yellow ritual paper, a wine pot, three wine cups, two bags of rice cakes, and other offerings.

The carpenters and tilers stood on either side, while a rooster had been tied up and placed beneath the table.

The homeowner was a dark, thin man. He lit the candles and incense, then knelt and bowed respectfully, his face full of reverence as he murmured continuously.

The master carpenter responsible for the ink line stepped up to the table and called loudly, "Do not say Lu Ban has come too late, for now is the time to raise the beam. Do not say Lu Ban has come too soon, for this moment is exactly right!"

With that, he hung a five chi strip of cloth from one end of the beam to the other and tied an axe to the beam. He lit several sticks of incense, bowed toward the timber, and called out, "Fine timber, heed the wind. I call to you, fine timber, listen clearly. You stood upon an immortal mountain and grew beneath a lofty cliff. You are rare and excellent timber. Your season has matured, and now you are fit for great use. May you protect this household and keep all things safe. Thus are you respectfully offered here!"

Then he picked up the rooster from beneath the table and held it before the beam.

As he chanted, he pinched open the rooster's comb and smeared its blood onto different parts of the timber, reciting, "When the golden rooster flies across the beam, generation after generation shall enter the imperial court!"

The moment those words left his mouth, his eyes widened. Scarlet blood had begun seeping out of the wooden beam itself!