The Lord of Void and Real
Chapter 487

Chapter 487: Chapter 483: The Coachman Admires the Fairy Chapter 487: Chapter 483: The Coachman Admires the Fairy Shen Luo knew in his heart that as long as he could break through this critical point, he could use the Xuan Yin Opening Vein Method and open up his meridians.

Regarding the cultivation of the Nameless Cultivation Technique, things were going fairly well for him as well. With the help of the residual Dual-element True Water, his cultivation level had made a rapid progress, quickly advancing towards the Mid-stage Soul Condensation.

Unfortunately, not long ago, he had completely consumed the Dual-element True Water.

Without the aid of external elements, his inherent qualifications only allowed him to progress at a snail's pace through meditation and cultivation. Unable to bear such slow advancement, he had created the previous scene in a fit of impatience.

“No, I'm running out of time. I cannot stop cultivating the Nameless Cultivation Technique. The Great Tang Dynasty Government wields immense power and should have information on Dual-element True Water in places like the Treasure Hall and Bowu Line. I should ask Lu Huaming.” Shen Luo weighed his options in his heart, then stood up from the water bucket.

Dual-element True Water is a valuable commodity, not something that can be purchased with immortal jade. Treasure like this, when it appears, is immediately collected and hoarded by powerful entities. The odds of finding it through his own efforts are slight at best.

Although it meant involving Lu Huaming once more, this matter concerned his own life. He would have to repay the favor another day.

Shen Luo changed into a fresh robe, applied the Bone Pinching Disguise Technique to alter his appearance, and only then did he step out to hail a carriage destined for the Great Tang Dynasty Government.

As he looked out from the window of the carriage, a look of surprise crossed his face.

It was nearing autumn, and the weather was cool. Normally, the bustling streets of Chang'an City should've been crowded, but they were considerably sparse, even less crowded than during the frigid winter months. Moreover, everyone seemed to be hastening along, sporting a frightened look.

“Coachman, Chang'an City seems quite deserted today. What happened?” Shen Luo asked the coachman.

“You must be a traveller, unaware of the rumors of haunting in the city? Recently, these rumors have been stirring up quite a fuss in different districts, scaring everyone into staying indoors. Out-of-town merchants have also heard about it, which is why we have fewer visitors these days.” The coachman happened to be a talkative little man in his thirties; prompted by Shen Luo's question, he launched into a spiel.

“Hauntings?” Shen Luo was taken aback.

“Yes, it started about a month ago. There have been sporadic incidents of ghosts hurting people throughout the city. Initially, these ghosts would only appear at night. But lately, some people have also been hurt by these ghosts during the day. The government has declared martial law across the city, which is why there are so few people on the streets….” The short coachman rattled on.

“The Great Tang Dynasty Government isn't doing anything about this?” Shen Luo hadn't expected that such events would take place in the city while he was in seclusion.

“Of course they are. But there have also been grave incidents near Yinling Mountain, which isn't far from Chang'an City. Many ghosts have appeared, killing and injuring people randomly. I heard that many of the government's immortal masters have been dispatched there, leaving only a few in the city. Though they continue to investigate, the ghost problem here hasn't been resolved yet.” The coachman added.

“Yinling Mountain!” Upon hearing about this, a chill ran through Shen Luo's heart. “Could it be that there's a problem with the ghosts in that ancient tomb?” he thought silently.

Shen Luo's thoughts raced as he continued to inquire about the ghost problems in the city and the situation at Yinling Mountain.

As the short coachman spends all day moving around different parts of the city, he has heard a lot of gossip. Seeing Shen Luo's curiosity, he shared some of these stories, both true and false.

The more Shen Luo heard, the more shocked he felt.

The situation in Chang'an City was looking ominously similar to that in Jianye City all those years ago.

“Could someone be causing mischief again? This is Chang'an City, the seat of the Great Tang Dynasty Government. Who would dare act so recklessly here!” Although he managed to maintain a composed expression, his mind was in turmoil.

As for the situation at Yinling Mountain, the coachman didn't seem to know much. Apparently, not only representatives of the Great Tang Dynasty Government, but also cultivators from Hua Sheng Temple and Mount Putuo had rushed there, indicating that the situation was quite grave.

The conversation had barely ended when the carriage arrived near the Great Tang Dynasty Government.

Shen Luo alighted a distance away from the government's premises, paid the coachman, and dismissed him. He then walked towards the entrance of the government building, intending to declare his arrival.

“Ah, it's Master Shen! Have you come to see Mr. Lu again?” A young guard seemed to recognize Shen Luo and initiated the conversation.

Shen Luo looked up and saw that the speaker was indeed the young guard who had announced his arrival last time.

“I'm honored that Your Excellency remembers me. Is Brother Lu present?” He smiled and then asked.

“Master Shen, you're unfortunately a bit late. Mr. Lu was dispatched to Yinling Mountain a few days ago, and he hasn't returned yet.” The young guard replied, shaking his head.

“I see. Do you know when he might return?” A shadow crossed Shen Luo's eyes as he asked.

“I'm not quite sure about that. But I heard that the situation at Yinling Mountain is severe. It might be a while before Mr. Lu returns. Do you have any urgent business with Mr. Lu, Master Shen? If it's not too sensitive, I could relay the message for you.” The young guard said, rather apologetically.

“It's nothing. I just hadn't seen him for a while, so I thought of paying him a visit.” was Shen Luo's casual reply.

He chatted for a bit with the young guard, but didn't gain much useful information, so he bid his farewell and left shortly after.

As soon as he left the premises of the Great Tang Dynasty Government, Shen Luo's expression became grave.

With Lu Huaming absent and no established relationship with any other personnel of the Great Tang Dynasty Government, trying to gather information on Dual-element True Water would be a struggle.

“Young Master, were you just visiting the Great Tang Dynasty Government? Are you perhaps a cultivator?” Shen Luo wasn't too far away when he heard the sound of a carriage approaching. It was the short coachman, who had apparently followed him and didn't leave after all.

“Yes, I am a cultivator. Is there a problem with that?” Shen Luo asked.

“No, no… since my childhood, I have been in awe of the Immortal Path. Unfortunately, I lack the celestial favor and so I've been driving carriages in Chang'an City. After more than a year of being a coachman, I finally had the honor to drive an Immortal Master!” The short coachman excitedly explained, waving his hand dismissively.

Shen Luo didn't say anything and turned to leave.

“Immortal Master, where do you need to go? Let me take you there, no charge necessary. I'll return your fare from before too. Having the opportunity to drive an immortal master is my honor. How could I possibly accept your money?” The short coachman followed with his carriage, producing the previous carriage fare from his pocket.

“That's unnecessary. This is what you're entitled to.” Shen Luo responded, waving his hand as he quickly walked away.

“Immortal Master, you asked so many questions about the ghost disturbances. Are you planning on exorcising them? I, Tian Buduo, am very familiar with different areas of Chang'an City. My information is also fairly accurate. I can surely be of help!” The short coachman, Tian Buduo, continued to jog along and catch up, trying to strike up a closer relationship.

Shen Luo had initially intended to ignore him, but Tian Buduo was surprisingly persistent, following him through several streets, much to Shen Luo's amusement.

While Tian Buduo could be clingy, he also knew how to maintain a certain respect, avoiding any action that might irritate Shen Luo. Furthermore, his reverence for the Immortal Path reminded Shen Luo of his sickly self from his past life.

“Alright then, take me to the Changping Alley in the southern part of the city.” Seeing Tian Buduo's earnest eyes, Shen Luo finally agreed and boarded the carriage.

“Right away, sir. Please take a seat.” Tian Buduo rejoiced and drove the carriage forward.