If we look at the map of Dagan, Jingzhou and Yunzhou are close to each other. Jingzhou is in the east and Yunzhou is in the southwest. But in fact, from Jingzhou to Yunzhou, we have to go to Shuzhou from the north first, and then go south from Shuzhou to enter Yunzhou. On the western border of Jingzhou, the continuous and majestic Hongyun Mountains began to gradually rise up, and together with the endless primitive forests that accompanied it, blocked everyone's footsteps. It was a secret realm with poisonous snakes and beasts, densely populated with miasma, and monsters. Even the native Yunzhou barbarians could only move in a few areas that they were already familiar with and controlled, so it was almost impossible to travel between Jingyun and the two states.

However, when the rainfall is the most abundant in summer every year, you can follow the rainy flood to the south and go directly into the sea from Yunzhou, and then travel hundreds of miles east to reach the southern end of Jingzhou. Next, whether you take land or take advantage of the south wind to go north to the Sanggu River mouth of Jingzhou, it is a great and smooth road. Although this seems troublesome, it is already much more convenient than trekking between the rugged mountain roads of Yunshu and the two prefectures. Especially for some mountain tribes that penetrate deep into Yunzhou, this is almost the only way to reach the outside world.

In fact, the southern tip of Jingzhou was once a wilderness with dense forests. It was just that there was such a business road, and the specialties in Yunzhou were always in full swing and sales in other places. So it gradually flourished in decades, and Wuxi City is the most typical one.

"Speaking of this, the south of Jingzhou is somewhat similar to that of Qingzhou, and it is also because of the waterway business roads. However, the order here seems to be better than that there. There are no fighting and fighting among gang forces along the way. It seems that the governor of Jingzhou seems to be much more capable than Lord Liu Junfeng of Qingzhou."

Looking at the rows of cargo sheds and ships parked by the river, the peddlers and pawns passing by were similar to those in Luoshui City, Xiao Xia couldn't help but sigh. However, Shifang shook his head after hearing this: "It's not so. Lord Liu of Qingzhou is a capable minister appointed by the emperor. He is the most profound master of the Confucian school in the past ten years. He not only has profound knowledge, but also has a real accumulation of talents from the county magistrate. He can be regarded as the most capable of several provincial governors. However, the situation in Qingzhou is very different from that in Jingzhou. Qingzhou has always been poor and is close to Jizhou. In his early years, wars have been rampant, and even become the hunting ground for the Xidi barbarians, but with the wolf The Lord was sleeping, and the internal storm of Xidi was shrinking. The national strength of the big cavalry was growing day by day before it was regained. After the canal was opened, it gradually became vital. These were all thanks to Lord Liu Junfeng's good governance. However, when the commercial road was opened, people naturally had to divide their interests. Most of the people who migrated to Qingzhou were refugees and desperate gangs. It was inevitable that they would fight each other. Those people went to surrender everywhere, and there were many big families that were brought in. How could the power of the government be managed? Lord Liu could mediate and turn around in it so that they could not make too much trouble. It would be valuable to be able to protect the people's livelihood and not wither. This is also my usual countermeasure to the affairs of the big cavalry."

"I didn't expect that Master Shifang knew all these things so well." Xiao Xia was really surprised. He didn't expect that this little monk who was full of Buddhist principles and Zen all day long and seemed to be inconsistent with affairs was so clear about these things.

"Amitabha. What is the world not Bodhi? Who is not a Buddhist son? There is still a common view in my heart, which means that I have not yet been able to break the world." He recited the Buddha's name sincerely and smiled embarrassedly again because he was not enough. "But I just said it. In fact, I also think that these are all vulgar things in my heart. It can be seen that they are still a submissive monk. And these words are only heard from the mouths of several uncles, and they are not my own views."

"Hahahaha..." Xiao Xia couldn't help laughing. "The master is really free and easy. Then how can this southern Jingzhou be like this peaceful scene?"

Shifang Yixiao: "This matter is that Donor Xia is blinding his eyes. Can't you tell it based on your experience in the world? Who is the biggest in the south of Jingzhou?"

"Oh! So that's it, I'm really confused." Xiao Xia suddenly realized.

Who is the biggest south of Jingzhou? If you ask ten people in the world, you will have ten exactly the same answers, because this is simply something you don’t need to think about, just like asking what is the brightest in the sky. The brightest in the sky south of Jingzhou is not the emperor or the imperial court. Their light is not very dazzling in the eyes of the people in the world. Moreover, both the emperor and Daqian have only been glorious for nearly a hundred years. The mountain standing here and the sect have stood in the world for hundreds of years.

That is Longhu Mountain, the Tianshi Teaching.

Hundreds of years ago, Zhang Daoling established a sect in Longhu Mountain, the southern tip of Jingzhou, to eliminate demons and subdue demons, save lives and heal the wounded. The Tianshi Sect spread all over the world for decades and has never declined. Even the Shangqing, which later was called the Three Mountains Talisman, and the two schools of Lingbao gradually became different from the Tianshi Sect. The emperor of the previous dynasty issued an imperial edict, and named Longhu Mountain Zhengyi Dao as the leader of the Taoist sect in the world and commanded the Three Mountains Talisman. To this day, even if the previous dynasty was destroyed and the demon sect in the middle was prosperous, it would have been

It did not affect the supreme status of the Tianshi Sect in the world. Later, Daqian established the country and did not dare to activate the status of the Tianshi Sect. The law also continued the old rules of the previous dynasties. All the Taoist priests in the world had to come out of Longhu Mountain. Although this was not the case, it was not necessary to mention the Shangqing Lingbao Sect, and the later Zhenwu Sect also obtained the power of enfeoffment and granting talismans from the court, but the general trend of the Longhu Mountain Tianshi Sect in commanding the Tianshi Sect in the world was still there.

To maintain the status and pomp, of course, we cannot just rely on burning incense and worshiping gods, cultivating gods and painting talismans. In addition to the Luyin issued by the court every year, Longhu Mountain still has industries and livelihoods. Especially in Jingnan, after hundreds of years of operation, it is almost the same as the Tianshi Sect. Where can there be no eyes dare to come here to share a meal? Those notorious gangsters like lone thieves will never cause trouble here unless they are necessary, so it seems safe and peaceful.

"I can't even understand what you are saying. Little monk. What do you want to do if you let us follow you all the way here? I feel like you are hiding something in your heart from us."

At this time, the three of them happened to ride into Wuxi City together, and there were more pedestrians and merchants around them. From time to time, people looked at the three of them with curiosity. Many of them were stunned when they looked at the appearance of Miss Mingyue. Mingyue became a little impatient and couldn't help asking.

It has been four days since I left Jingyang City. I was fast horses and slept all the way, which was quite hard. But this was actually accommodating Xiao Xia. If there were only Mingyue and Shifang, there was no need to ride a horse. Now I would say that Mingyue is tired, but boredom is certain. Miss Mingyue is not worried at all about the Shadow Guard and the Tang family in Shuzhou. She is just as simple as before.

"Miss Mingyue's heart is as bright as a mirror, exquisite and clear. Those who don't understand are actually just nonsense. Miss Mingyue doesn't need to worry about it, but those who have not been said can be seen through at a glance." Shifang Heshen smiled. "Didn't I say it a long time ago? I'm having some trouble here. It's a little difficult for one person to complete. So I want to ask Master Xia and Miss Mingyue to help me."

"But why do we want to help you?" Mingyue snorted coldly without regard.

"It is common for fellow practitioners in the world to help each other. When we are in trouble, Master Shifang will help us. Of course, we should also help our masters in trouble." Xiaoxia scratched her head with a wry smile. Putting aside those Zen and Buddhist principles that seem to be making jokes, Xiaoxia was also quite moved by the two big troubles of Shifang, who are willing to take care of himself and Mingyue. After all, there are not many people in the world who dare to ignore the two major forces of the Yingwei and the Tang family. Now it is nothing to help Shifang by the way.

"Okay. No matter how much the little monk is, it's good to help." Mingyue nodded. Although Mingyue seemed to have a little grudge against Shifang because she let the man in the mysterious sedan. She was no longer as intimate as she was at the beginning, but her favor for him was always better than the young heroes of the Zhengdao League. She was also very happy that Xiaoxia finally stopped walking with those people.

"Amitabha, I will thank Miss Mingyue." Shifang smiled like Maitreya Buddha.

While talking, the three of them rode their horses and walked out from the city gate on the other side. After walking for a while, they arrived at the entrance of a temple outside the city. Shifang took the lead and said, "This is the temple here in my Pure Land Zen Temple. Let's settle in Puji Temple first, and then I will talk about this matter slowly to you and listen to it."

Xiao Xia looked at the temple and the more he looked, the more strange it became. The plaque of "Puji Temple" was hung crookedly above the temple gate, the eaves of the doors and windows, and the surrounding ground were covered with dust. In addition, the remote place outside the city seemed to have been abandoned for many years, but when you look closely, the brick walls and pillars had no trace of weathering and peeling, and it was clearly not long after the construction.

Shifang saw Xiao Xia's strange expression looking around, and explained: "Master Xia, don't be surprised. Most of the Buddhist temples in southern Jingzhou look like this. In fact, this is all considered good. At least there can be a house. If those originally built in the city had long been flattened into shops or houses or directly converted into Taoist temples."

Xiao Xia understood after thinking a little, and said, "Is it because of the Tianshi Sect?"

Shifang also smiled bitterly and nodded: "That's right."

At this time, a sound of horse hooves sounded from afar. The three of them looked and saw six fast horses galloping towards here. The knights on the horse were all wearing apricot yellow Taoist robes, and they were all Taoist priests. In a moment, the six Taoists came to the gate of the temple. Among these Taoists, the leader was a middle-aged Taoist priest in his forties, and the others were young people in his twenty or thirty years old. The middle-aged Taoist priest was still frowning and looking at the three people, especially Xiao Xia and Mingyue. A younger Taoist priest in his thirties behind him shouted angrily at Shifang: "It's really you bald donkey again! Didn't you tell you that you are not allowed to come here again? Everything that happened here should naturally be handled by my Tianshi. Your bald donkey's hand is too long, right?"

"Amitabha, this Taoist priest's words are so domineering." Shifang clasped his head and shook his head and sighed. "Not saying that the people in the world are in charge of the affairs of the world, my Dakan Law also stipulates that there must be Buddhist temples and Taoist temples in every county town. It would be fine if you pressed our Buddhist temples everywhere, and even people were not allowed to come, but it was a bit too much right?"

The young Taoist was about to open his mouth and scold him, but the middle-aged Taoist reached out to him to stop, and then bowed to Xiaoxia and Mingyue and asked, "Dare you asking about the origin of those two masters. Are you with this monk?"

These Taoist priests came so quickly that they clearly received news. It seemed that Shifang had been seen after entering the city. Moreover, these Taoist priests seemed to have been prepared. Xiao Xia vaguely felt that this matter was not simple, and of course it was not the time to report to his own house, so he just clasped his fists and said, "This girl and I are friends with Master Shifang. I heard that Master Shifang has some difficult things here, so we came to help him. I don't know what is there..."

When the young Taoist heard this, he immediately sneered: "Okay, it's indeed the helper I invited. But what can you do with you two? Do you still dare to be tough with us Longhu Mountain?"

Of course, it is impossible for such three people to dare to be a tough guy with Longhushan. This is a question that doesn't need to be asked at all, but the young Taoist still asked. Xiao Xia could only frown with laughter and cry. At the same time, the impression of the children of Longhushan in their hearts was lowered.

The young Taoist said coldly to the leading middle-aged Taoist, "Uncle Master, we have reminded these bald donkeys that they have to knowingly commit crimes. Now we can't blame us. Let's take it off. We tie it up and send it back to the Pure Land Zen Temple to stir up their faces and let them come and meddle in other people's business."

"Let's go." Fortunately, the middle-aged Taoist in the lead waved his hand to stop him. Then his eyes slowly turned around on Xiao Xia Mingyue twice, and suddenly asked in a deep voice: "Are you two people from Shadow Shirt Guards?"

Xiao Xia was stunned by this question. He could hardly help but find a mirror to see why he could make people mistakenly think that he would be the Shadow Guardian at first glance.

But Xiao Xia's shocked expression fell into the eyes of the middle-aged Taoist, and he didn't know what thoughts overlapped with him and changed his taste. The middle-aged Taoist smiled coldly: "Okay, for the sake of the royal family, we are not inconvenient today. Just ask the two to remember that this is Jingnan. It is my Tianshi Sect. Even if you favor these monks, there should be a limit. If it is really too much, even if you make trouble in the Golden Palace, we may not be at a disadvantage. Don't underestimate my Zhongyuan Taoist Sect!"

After saying this, the middle-aged Taoist left a cold warning look, turned his horse's head and galloped towards the way he came. Several other young Taoist also looked at them with bad eyes and followed them. But after a while, these Taoist Taoists disappeared again as before, leaving only a flying dust on the ground.

"What are these people here to do?" Mingyue was puzzled.

"Master Shifang, what's going on?" Xiao Xia was also puzzled, but he could feel something strange.

"Amitabha. Isn't it just those extremely vulgar views?" Shifang sighed helplessly. "There seems to be monsters appearing in the area near Wuxi City recently, but the Taoist priests of Longhu Mountain tried every means to find out. When I learned about this, I wanted to capture the monster and send it back to the Pure Land Zen Temple, suppressing it under the Pure World Glass Relic Tower in Shifang, so as not to hurt his life. As a result, these Taoist priests obstructed them in every way..."

"...This..." Xiao Xia was no less shocked than being identified by the Taoist as the Shadow Guard just now. She said that the monks in the Ten Directions were proficient in ordinary affairs, but now she immediately came up with such a nonsense. Speaking of which, this is indeed a gateway view, but this is the biggest gateway view in the world. A monk took the monster at the foot of Longhu Mountain. Where can the face of this gate's ancestral court be put? Not to mention the Taoist priests of the Tianshi Sect, even Xiao Xia felt a little unhappy.

###

At this time, several Taoist priests who had just been in front of the three people in Shifang had already rushed into Wuxi County and discussed countermeasures in a quiet room in the Tianshi Temple in the city.

The quiet room was spacious and bright. The good incense had been burned in it for a long time, and the fragrant tea had been prepared by the servants. Although these enjoyments were not as luxurious and exquisite as the Nangong family, they were rare in the world. The six Taoists were still in the head of the middle-aged Taoist, in the order they had been on the horse before.

A young Taoist asked: "Uncle Master, are those two young men and women really people from the Shadow Guard? I heard that the identities of each Shadow Guard are top secrets. Although there are also some young and promising people, they should be a minority after all. Most of the others are people with certain status and power in the world. How can you tell at a glance that the young men and women are Shadow Guards?"

The middle-aged Taoist smiled coldly: "Even if you are not the Shadow Guard, you should be a Shadow Guard. Otherwise, how brave are you to be the Shifang monk? Do you dare to come back without any support?"

Another young Taoist said hesitantly: "But when I saw the uncle inquiring, the man looked shocked, as if he was not a fake."

Immediately another young Taoist said, "Even if you can help the Shadow Guard as a traitor, they are all cunning and ghost-like figures. It is the expression that is not fake that shows that there is something wrong!"

The middle-aged Taoist stroked his long beard with his hands and said with a faint smile: "These details are nothing. Even if I close my eyes, I can conclude that those two must be Shadow Guardians."

"Oh? Uncle Butong is really smart." Several young Taoist priests nodded, all of whom were full of admiration.

"Actually, it's simple, these are the trends of the general trend. You should also be careful. You should not just look at the surface of things, but look at the deeper essence. For example, this time, I predicted in advance that the bald donkeys would not give up and would definitely come again, so I arranged for people to watch and inquire in the city. This time, we will know the bald donkeys once they enter the city. Therefore, it is useless to spend their energy on the details, as long as they grasp the general trend in their hearts."

"The trend?" The admiration on the faces of the other five young Taoists even more.

"Yes, the general trend. Let me first talk about the lower trend. Since the monk Shifang has returned this time, he must have some support. But the one who came here is not his fellow disciples, but a man and a woman dressed in a secular family. He looks young and his cultivation may not be very high, and there must be other things to rely on. And what are the bald donkey feet in the Pure Land Zen Temple rely on? This depends on the trend to the next level. I ask you, the Pure Land Zen Temple has been prosperous over the years. What is the reason?"

A young Taoist priest thought about it and replied: "It's just that the empress dowager and the queen both believe in Buddhism, and even the emperor has a bit of preference."

The middle-aged Taoist snorted coldly: "That's just a superficial reason. Do you think the royal people worship Buddha are really those bald donkeys who are better than my Taoist sect? Didn't it be that my Taoist sect is powerful and gathers the hearts of the people in the world, so they have to use these bald donkeys to deceive people's hearts and balance it? The Confucian scholars gradually declined after a disaster in the previous dynasty, and it was difficult to make great use. Even the imperial examinations did not pay much attention to the Confucian classics. Now only these bald donkeys have a few tricks to fool people's hearts, so they can support it. Shadow Guard is a dog of the royal family. It is natural to help those bald donkeys openly and secretly. Do you understand?"

"So that's it!" Several young Taoists suddenly realized. "Uncle Wu is really smart!"

"But...if Shadow Guard is so obviously partial to those bald donkeys, would we instigate the bald donkey to come and go freely in Jingnan? What if he really..."

"It's okay." The person who did not know the passage smiled faintly. "Since everything was as expected, I was naturally prepared for the way to deal with it. Even if I couldn't really take the life of the bald donkey, I would still make him look dirty and dare not set foot in Jingnan again in my life." (To be continued...)
Chapter completed!