Chapter 452: Xianglan Temple
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Yu Niaoniao recalled the previous night’s experience and knew that the “weeping” was actually the sound of the wind passing through the rock gap. It did sound a little like a woman crying, but in fact, there were no ghosts at all.
Xiao Juan continued, “That person just said that there’s a village ahead. We can go there to rest.”
After a day and night, they were already tired. They continued to find a place to rest.
The group walked along the road and quickly saw the village the middle-aged man had mentioned.
Knowing that they were important guests from the Imperial Capital, the village chief did not dare to delay. He killed chickens and sheep and prepared a very sumptuous meal to entertain them.
After eating dry food for two days, Yu Niaoniao could finally eat a hot dish today. Naturally, she was very happy.
Seeing that she was eating to her heart’s content, Xiao Juan was especially generous when he paid.
The village chief held the heavy silver ingots and smiled from ear to ear.
Yu Niaoniao took the opportunity to ask for the route to Jinwu City.
After receiving the reward, the village chief naturally answered everything he knew and quickly told them everything he knew.
Although Cheng Qi had tricked them into the Ghost Weeping Forest, there was something he wasn’t lying about—
This place was indeed not far from Jinwu City.
As long as they walked along the road, they would see the official road. After walking along the official road for half a day, they would see Jinwu City.
Yu Niaoniao turned to ask again.
“Have you seen a large group of people driving past here in carriages recently?” The village chief spoke in accented official language.
“Yes, although this place is remote, we can reach Jinwu City from here. Some caravans who could not bear to pay on the official road would choose to take our path. Sometimes, they will even come to our village to rest. We can also take the opportunity to earn some tea money.”
Yu Niaoniao asked, “Was there a strange-looking team among them? The kind of people who don’t like to talk and are obviously not to be trifled with. They’re very vigilant. ”
The village chief thought about it carefully. “No, I don’t think so. I’ve never seen anyone like them.”
“What about the others in your village?”
“I don’t know about that. I’ll ask for you.’
“The village chief was about to leave when his son suddenly spoke from behind, “I saw a team not long ago. They passed in front of our village. I was returning from herding sheep.”
“There were many people on their team and it was getting late. I thought that if they could stay in the village for the night, we could earn a lot by providing accommodation.”
“Unexpectedly, as soon as I asked, they glared at me. It was terrifying. It was as if they were going to kill me if I dared to say another word. I was so frightened that I hurried home.”
The village chief quickly asked, “Why didn’t you tell me about this before?” His son scratched his head. “It was just a small matter so I forgot. If this lady hadn’t asked today, I wouldn’t have remembered that.”
Yu Niaoniao asked, “Did you see which direction they went?”
The village chief’s son said, “I remember they were heading for Xianglan Mountain.”
The village chief was very surprised. “Why did they go to Xianglan Mountain? No one dared to go to that place for a long time. Did you remember wrongly?”
His son hesitated. “I don’t think I remember…”
Seeing the village chief’s strange expression, Xiao Juan asked.
“Is there a problem with Xianglan Mountain?”
The village chief hesitated for a moment, but in the end, on account of the large reward, he told the truth.
“There’s nothing wrong with Xianglan Mountain, but there’s something wrong with Xianglan Temple in the mountains. There were clearly no incense offerings in that temple.”
“However, the monks in the temple never came out to ask for alms and never interacted with the commoners living around. It was very strange!”
“Not long ago, the temple was on fire. The entire temple was burned clean. Logically speaking, there shouldn’t be anyone in the temple. However, someone saw figures moving in the temple at night.”
“Everyone said that that temple was haunted. Anyone who dared to approach the temple would be pestered by evil spirits. As time passed, no one dared to approach it again.”
Yu Niaoniao and Xiao Juan exchanged glances. They already understood each other.
It seemed that they had to visit the “haunted” Xianglan Temple.
The group filled their water bags with fresh water again and fed the horses before setting off again.
They saw the rumored Xianglan Temple the next afternoon.
It happened to be a cloudy day. The sky was misty and there were mountain rocks everywhere. Xianglan Temple, which had been burned to ruins, stood alone.
From afar, it really looked a little sinister.
Xiao Juan was about to go in and investigate personally when he was stopped by Yan Nanguan.
“We don’t even know what’s going on inside. It won’t be good if you encounter danger inside. Why don’t you let me go in and investigate the situation for you first?”
Xiao Juan said, “It’s getting late. When you go in and come out, it’ll probably be dark. We don’t have much time left. We have to investigate this place today. Take someone to keep watch outside. I’ll bring a team in. If the situation inside is wrong, I’ll ignite the quiver and inform you.”
Seeing that he was determined to leave, Yan Nanguan could only compromise.
“Alright, you have to be careful.”
At this moment, Wei Liao walked over and said to Xiao Juan.
“I have nothing to do anyway. I might as well go down with you.”
Xiao Juan refused expressionlessly. “No.”
Wei Liao smiled. “Why? You don’t trust me?”
If it were anyone else, they would more or less hide it, but Xiao Juan admitted it frankly, “Yes, I’m afraid you’ll stab me in the back.”
With that, he left with the Eagle Guards.
Wei Liao’s mission this time was to keep an eye on Xiao Juan. He could not let Xiao Juan leave his field of vision.
He was about to follow when Yan Nanguan blocked his way.
Yan Nanguan said solemnly, “His Highness has said that you can’t follow him in. Please don’t disobey His Highness and wait here in peace.”
Wei Liao’s expression turned cold. “Get lost!”
Yan Nanguan stood still.
Wei Liao sneered. “You asked for it!”
Just as he was about to make a move, Yu Niaoniao stopped him.
“What are you doing? Duke Lang has just left, and you’re already planning to rebel?”
Wei Liao snapped, “It has nothing to do with you. Move.”
Yu Niaoniao placed her hands on her hips and said righteously.
“What do you mean it has nothing to do with me? I heard it all just now. You want to cause trouble for Duke Lang. Duke Lang is my husband. This has a lot to do with me!”
Wei Liao laughed in anger. “Hehe, are you saying I’m causing trouble?”
Yu Niaoniao did not want to fall out with him at this time.
After all, Xiao Juan was not around. If Wei Liao really fought, no one present could suppress him.
Hence, Yu Niaoniao softened her tone. “Alright, we’ve been traveling for so long. Don’t you feel tired? Hurry up and rest.”
Wei Liao said, “I’m not tired.”
Yu Niaoniao rubbed the back of her waist. “But I’m tired. My back hurts from riding in the carriage every day. It’s so uncomfortable.”
Wei Liao said disdainfully, “Delicate!”
Yu Niaoniao said, “Yes, yes, yes, I’m delicate! How can I compare to Young Master Wei? You were born with thick skin.
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