Chapter 44: Sneaky and Shady
Li Tianqing and the old man followed Chen Shi home, where they met Chen Shi’s grandfather and the large black dog, Black Pot. Tianqing’s gaze fell on a Red Barbarian Cannon propped against a corner and the pile of black iron cannonballs in Black Pot’s doghouse. His heart skipped a beat, and he coughed lightly. “Grandfather, perhaps we shouldn’t trouble them further. Let’s stay under the Spirit Guardian tree tonight instead.”
The old man, not noticing the cannon, chuckled. “We’ve already come as guests; it wouldn’t be polite to leave now.” Turning to Chen Shi’s grandfather, he said, “I’m Li Jindou from Quanzhou. I hope we aren’t imposing.”
Chen Shi’s grandfather returned the courtesy. “I am Chen Yindu from Qianyang Mountain. My humble home is small, but we have two spare rooms. I hope they will suffice.”
Li Jindou noted his refined demeanor and was pleased. “Not at all, not at all.”
Tianqing tugged at his grandfather’s sleeve and gestured toward the cannon in the corner. Only then did Li Jindou notice it, his heart tightening. He also glanced toward the hall, where an ancestral altar with lit candles and incense stood, along with a spirit tablet bearing a name: Chen Yindu.
A chill ran down his spine. The name matches!
“Must be a rural tradition... No, wait. There’s the scent of a corpse on him!”
Li Jindou quickly realized that Chen Yindu’s body was deceased yet still moving. Not a full-blown malevolent spirit, but teetering dangerously close. His mind raced, scouring his knowledge of secret arts for anything resembling this phenomenon.
What kind of forbidden art could keep someone alive after death? Could they also be after the True King’s Tomb? Was Chen Yindu involved in Li Kefa’s death?
Feigning ease, he smiled and handed over a silver ingot. “We can’t stay for free. Please accept this token of gratitude.” Chen Yindu’s pale face broke into a faint smile as he accepted it. “You’re too kind, my friend.”
The moment their hands touched, a fierce wind arose, howling upward into the sky. Within the Chen family courtyard, everything remained still, but high above, a lone cloud dissipated as if melted by the wind. The gust vanished as suddenly as it appeared, leaving the area calm once more.
Li Jindou felt a shift in the air. Though he had tried to probe Chen Yindu’s strength with his gesture, the results were inconclusive. The elder seemed even more enigmatic, his warm and lifelike touch deepening the mystery.
Before noon, Chen Yindu announced, “I’ve lost my sense of taste, so I dare not cook for guests. Please help yourselves.”
Li Jindou hastily replied, “Not at all. We brought some dried provisions and will manage.”
As he bowed slightly, a thunderous crack echoed through the yard. Radiant divine light erupted behind him, illuminating Huangpo Village in brilliant white. A three-story-tall primordial spirit appeared briefly before vanishing.
Li Jindou staggered but quickly steadied himself, masking his unease with a forced laugh. “I’ll step outside for some air.”
Under the Spirit Guardian tree, he finally coughed up blood, quickly swallowing a spiritual pill. Though he regained some strength, his complexion remained pale. This Chen Yindu is beyond my understanding, yet he has completely read me.
Meanwhile, Chen Shi eagerly showed Tianqing the Red Barbarian Cannon. The village boy couldn’t resist bragging. “Check this out—rescued from the battlefield where I fought alongside Xiao Wangsun himself!”
Tianqing froze. Xiao Wangsun? Aren’t these people his accomplices? Are we in a bandit’s lair?
Chen Shi hefted the cannon onto his shoulder. “Here, you load the cannonball and light the fuse. Let’s blast that hill over there!”
Tianqing recoiled in shock. “That’s too dangerous!” He explained the proper use of gunpowder and modern firing mechanisms, hoping to dissuade him.
Chen Shi’s eyes sparkled. “Where can I get one?”
Regretting his words, Tianqing muttered, “Those are exclusive to the Divine Mechanism Battalion. Impossible to acquire easily.”
But it was too late—Chen Shi was already plotting. He tasked Tianqing with preparing gunpowder while he conspired with Black Pot. After some “negotiations,” the dog reluctantly allowed Chen Shi to use its blood for crafting talismans.
In no time, Chen Shi had drawn dozens of Yellow Turban Warrior Talismans using a mixture of cinnabar and dog’s blood, fueled by his immense righteous qi. Tianqing was amazed at the sheer vitality of Chen Shi’s energy.
Just as the boys prepared to sneak off with the cannon, Li Jindou appeared. “Hold it right there! Your grandfather told me you know where the kiln factory is. Take us there instead. You can play later.”
Reluctantly, Chen Shi returned the cannon to its corner, while Tianqing placed the cannonballs back in the doghouse. What am I doing? I’m supposed to be investigating my uncle’s death, not playing with cannons!
The group entered the forest, where ancient trees and ruins hinted at a forgotten world. Strange white mist floated at chest level, creating a serene and sacred atmosphere. Chen Shi led them along marked paths, stopping occasionally to replace red ribbons and offer incense to ancient trees and stone idols.
“These are the paths villagers and mountain traders use,” he explained. “The ribbons guide them, and the incense honors the mountain spirits who protect travelers from harm.”
Tianqing, skeptical at first, listened intently as Chen Shi shared how a tree spirit once saved him from a malevolent entity. The elder Li Jindou, observing the rituals with his celestial vision, saw faint spirit forms receiving the offerings—a little girl in red, a chubby child perched on a statue—proof of the spirits’ gratitude.
Chen Shi’s reverence for the land was evident as he spoke of the spirits’ sacrifices. “They protect us. The least we can do is honor them.”
Tianqing couldn’t help but admire his guide. This village boy is... unique.