Although it was left unsaid, Li Yan imdiately understood.
He was talking about the identity of a living Yin ssenger.
Li Yan opened the Daoist certificate, glanced at it, spotting his na and place of origin; apart from those, nothing much was said about the inheritance or his Dao.
Curious, he thought, "What is different about this black Daoist certificate?"
The old Daoist stroked his beard and smiled, "The orthodox sect is endorsed by the court, tasked with the responsibility of protecting the nation. Therefore, the Daoist certificate naturally brings many conveniences."
"One is that it won’t easily leak information; two, if a critical issue arises, you could go to the local governnt office and request for leniency in handling the matter."
"So that’s how it is."
Li Yan understood instantly and was very satisfied.
Regarding the classification of this Daoist certificate, he roughly had an idea.
Black for respect, considered one of their own.
Red, secondly, less guarded by the court. After all, the Magic Veins have deep roots; if there is trouble, you can escape the monk, but not the temple.
White, the main focus of local orthodox priests.
Having gained an advantage, naturally, Li Yan felt good. He stood up, clasped his hands and said, "Thank you, senior. I wish to visit Daoist Luo Mingzi, may I ask for permission to pass the ssage?"
The old Daoist shook his head, "Daoist Luo Mingzi has urgent matters, has left Chang’an, and I don’t know when he will return."
Was the injury just right for a new assignnt?
Li Yan wasn’t disappointed, nodding he said, "I’ll leave a ssage, if Daoist Luo returns, please pass it on, senior."
...
Although Luo Mingzi wasn’t around, getting the Daoist certificate was still settling a big matter.
Li Yan was in a good mood, after exiting, he and Wang Daoxuan road around.
"Over there is the Tang Dynasty West Market."
Wang Daoxuan was relatively familiar with Chang’an, pointing at a dilapidated mud wall in the distance, "The Tang Dynasty West Market was famous worldwide, hundreds of industries, tens of thousands of shops, from the Western Regions to the South Seas, rchants gathered, bustling with activity..."
"Oh?"
Hearing this piqued Li Yan’s interest, "Let’s go take a look."
In his past life, he had long heard of this "Chang’an West Market", never thought it still existed in this world, naturally wanting to experience it for himself.
Unexpectedly, Wang Daoxuan shook his head, "The West Market is long gone."
"During the Tang, all districts were closed, prohibiting private trading, and there were curfews at night, naturally, all trading could only be centralized in the West Market."
"Now, in the Great Xuan Dynasty, there is no curfew, comrcial activities are encouraged, and shops abound in every district; moreover, the West Market, having been through wars, is no longer a market."
"What is it now?"
"A polo field. When Chang’an was repaired, the West Market was to be leveled, but then the Governor of Shan State made a submission, and the area was turned into a polo field."
"People of the Great Xuan Dynasty are fond of polo, all trades have their teams, competing regularly. Every ti there’s a temple fair or during the Lantern Festival, it also gets bustling here..."
Ultimately, Li Yan still went to take a look.
Unfortunately, the result was disappointing, perhaps due to just after the winter solstice, the withered yellow grassland was covered in snow, hardly any people around.
But a few Hu people passing by the gate caught his attention.
"They are rchants from the Western Regions."
Wang Daoxuan whispered, "Opposite in Liquan Square, there’s a Zoroastrian temple, and in Yining Square, there’s a Nestorian church."
"Though Tang Dynasty is gone, its reputation abroad hasn’t decreased, rchants from the Western Regions often choose Chang’an as their first stop, along with the descendants, now all residing in these two districts."
Saying this, he seed to think of sothing, chuckled and said, "Among the Hu, there are also mbers of the Mystical Sect, heard that a wealthy rchant in Chang’an has converted to this faith, not only donating incense money but also calling on them when needed."
"It’s just I wonder if these foreign spells can catch the local ghosts..."
Li Yan, picturing the scene, also chuckled quietly.
The two wandered aimlessly, unconsciously arriving at the forr Taiji Palace and Great Ming Palace for sightseeing.
Sadly, the once glorious palaces of the past now only had remnants of walls, overgrown with wild grass, with locals farming, and shepherds grazing sheep.
Looking around, it was a desolate sight.
Wang Daoxuan shook his head, "The old palace was destroyed in the war, but the foundation of the city walls is difficult to clear. Since Chang’an city isn’t short on space, this area has remained abandoned, occasionally attracting scholars and writers coming here to reflect on the past."
Speaking softly, he said, "But, I’ve heard that this place is the site of the Chang’an Ghost Market, both figures from the pugilistic world disposing of stolen goods, and people from the Mystical Sect trading Magic Artifacts and Heavenly Spirit Earth Treasure."
"Yet, the location is secretive and often changes; without soone to lead, it’s difficult to enter."
Li Yan’s mind stirred, "Daoist, to build a three-story building, do you need Heavenly Spirit Earth Treasure?"
Wang Daoxuan nodded, "Yes, once we settle down, I’ll see if I can find a Hidden Treasure Man to help. If that doesn’t work, we’ll have to look in the black market. The City God Temple has so, but the Taixuan Orthodox Sect is asking for way too much."
Li Yan smiled, "Maybe you could contact Zhao Lvzi. After all, Brother Zhao is a Hidden Treasure Man, he knows the ins and outs."
"This guy, didn’t he say he had saved enough money to get married? I don’t even know if he found soone..."
...
Chang’an City was quite large, and by the ti Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan had visited a few places and returned to the inn, night had fallen.
Amid the snowy night, the city lights were brilliant, making Chang’an even more dazzling.
"Ah, you guys are finally back!"
Sha Lifei was waiting in the inn’s main hall. Upon seeing them return, he imdiately started complaining, "What’s so great about those lousy places you visited? I wanted to take you out for sothing good to eat, but now there might not be any space left."
"Where?" Wang Daoxuan quickly asked.
"At Huawei Building in Pingkang Square!"
Sha Lifei’s eyes filled with longing, "I heard that place is the Holy Land for chefs in Chang’an, gathering masters from both the north and south. I’ve been craving it for many years, but alas, my pockets have been light."
"Now that I have money, I’m determined to fulfill my wish!"
"Oh, Huawei Building..."
Wang Daoxuan clearly knew the place too and nodded, "No worries, we’ll find an opportunity soon and go early."
That was their group for you.
Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan were focused on cultivating Dao, while Sha Lifei, though greedy, was the type to burn through money when he had it.
ntion anything fun or delicious, and he would dive headfirst into it.
Li Yan naturally didn’t object. He looked upstairs and wondered, "Where’s Sister Hong? Still drinking with Boss Feng?"
"She left in the afternoon."
Sha Lifei replied, "She said she had so things to take care of and told us to rest early since we’re taking Brother Yan to et his master tomorrow."
"Did you find a house?"
"Ah, don’t ntion it. Do people in Chang’an not know Qian Jingu? They dared to ask for three thousand taels for a few rundown houses. Only a fool would buy that."
"If it really doesn’t work out, we could just rent a place for now, preferably sowhere quiet."
"Yeah, let’s wait. I’ve asked the broker friends to keep an eye out. If nothing cos up, we’ll just rent for the long-term..."
The three chatted as they made their way back to their courtyard, casually ordering so noodles tossed in hot oil and so dishes with wine.
After dinner, Sha Lifei headed back to his room and fell into a deep sleep, while Wang Daoxuan and Li Yan each returned to their rooms.
One studied classic rituals while the other practiced various hand seals and Dharma Seals, both cultivating their spirit around midnight.
They knew, to make a stand in Chang’an’s Mystical Sect, they needed so unique skills...
...
The next day, the light snow finally ceased.
The three of them got up early, but it wasn’t until the sun was well up in the sky that the Crimson Yaksha hurried over, her face worn and with a chill still lingering on her body.
"Sister Hong, what’s the matter?"
Noticing the fatigue on Crimson Yaksha’s face, Li Yan quickly inquired.
"It’s nothing, just gathering so intel."
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