Chapter 147

Gradually, more and more people left. More girls bid farewell to Trandol. Quite a few of them were bought Hu girls and Hu people. Hongjun even recognized a few of them who had come to Shili River Han to solicit business from him in the past.

Atay and Trandol spoke to the Hu people. Atay drew a simple map on the ground, meaning that since they had been abandoned, they should leave. Return their freedom, pass through the Guanzhong Plains, head to Liangzhou, and return home.

The Hu girls and Hu people bowed to Atay one after another. Atay, Ashina Chong, and Trandol stood in front of the three people. Atay's hands were in the shape of flames as he muttered scriptures. The lamplight elongated everyone's shadows, accompanied by the prayers of the Hu people.

This was the Zoroastrianism's sacrificial rites. It was used to send their dead compatriots to the afterlife, and also to pray for God Mazda to grant them peace. In the end, the Hu people also supported each other and left along Shili River Han.

After a fierce battle, everyone was exhausted. Under Li Jinglong's lead, they arrived at the small wine shop where Hongjun and Li Bai had met in the past. Li Jinglong's entire body pressed down on Hongjun, and he collapsed heavily. Together with his armor, he weighed close to two hundred and fifty jin.

"Apart from Yongsi, everyone is finally here." Li Jinglong said.

The rest of the people either sat or lay down, resting on the dimly lit floor of the wine shop. Hongjun and Lu Xu split up to light the lamps on the second floor of the wine shop. The light crisscrossed, like a floating dream.

Mo Rigen bent one leg and rested his elbow on his knee. He leaned against the railing of the wine shop and looked out. Shili River Han was a scene of desolation. The golden age of the past had disappeared without a trace.

"I don't know how many times I've thought about reuniting." Mo Rigen said, "But I didn't think it would be today, here, under such circumstances."

Atay said, "Reality has proven that I still need to learn how to use weapons."

Everyone burst into laughter. Ashina Chong said impatiently, "Wasn't it you who asked me to enter the pagoda?"

Hongjun looked at everyone with a smile, feeling indescribably happy.

"I don't know why," Li Jinglong said again, "Looking at the ceiling here reminds me of the Lanling amber."

Trandol loved cleanliness. He took a piece of cloth and wiped the table in front of everyone. He said casually, "What's there to think about? Don't you all think that my cooking is too salty?"

"I miss your cooking," Hongjun said with a smile.

"And your wine," Mo Rigen said again.

"I miss your dishes that go well with wine." Li Jinglong pulled himself together and took off his armor piece by piece. He threw his shoulder guards and wrist guards to the side and said, "Look around. Is there any wine?"

Lu Xu said, "There are two jars below. Do you want to drink?"

Everyone drank and drank. Trandol didn't throw away the dishes that went well with wine. He found a few plates and put them together. Lu Xu took out some wine bowls and served the wine one by one.

"Cheers!" Li Jinglong said.

Everyone raised their wine bowls and drank it all in one gulp to celebrate their reunion.

"To Yongsi." Li Jinglong said again.

Everyone raised their wine bowls again. After drinking, Li Jinglong said again, "To Zhao Zilong." Everyone laughed again. Everyone drank the wine.

Hongjun thought about the Carp Demon that Lu Xu mentioned. He didn't know how it was doing in You Zhou. He couldn't help but sigh.

"It's really been hard on you this time." Li Jinglong said, "After this, the world will be peaceful."

Mo Rigen said, "You always say it's the last time. When has it really been peaceful?"

"Don't jinx it!" Lu Xu angrily rebuked.

Everyone hurriedly agreed and let Mo Rigen punish himself by drinking a bowl.

Mo Rigen rubbed his head and had no choice but to drink. Li Jinglong said, "I'm unlucky, and I've brought everyone down with me. There's nothing I can do about it."

Hongjun said, "No, I think it's really the last time."

Li Jinglong meant that they just had to wait for An Lushan to enter the city and successfully ambush him. Then, perhaps all of this would be over. However, the last time they ambushed An Lushan, they also took every conceivable possibility into account. Unfortunately, an unforeseen event happened at the end, causing them to fall short of success.

"Although that's true." Li Jinglong said again, "A year and a half ago, we also successfully weakened him. Now, An Lushan doesn't have long to live, and he doesn't have the Divine Fire to protect him. It shouldn't be difficult."

Tianbao Year 14, December 12th.

Case: Exorcism

Difficulty: Heaven

Region: Luoyang

Case: An Lushan (Tianma)

Case: On the 9th of November, An Lushan joined forces with Shi Siming to rebel. They captured cities and towns in Hebei, entered Henan, and led their troops south. On the 12th of December, Imperial Envoy Bi Sichen defected to the enemy, and Luoyang fell. An Lushan will enter Luoyang. All members of the Exorcism Division must do their best to expel Tianma.

Reward: A thousand years of peace in the human world.

It happened again. Everyone thought, please don't let it happen a third time.

"Our plan actually worked." Li Jinglong dipped his finger in some wine and drew a map on the table. He said, "A year and a half ago, after Tianma escaped, chasing him to Youzhou was definitely not a good idea. We had to lure him out and lure him away from Youzhou before fighting again. "

Mo Rigen threw the seal and token back to Li Jinglong. Li Jinglong caught them. Mo Rigen said, "If we lost, then so be it. If there's nothing else, let's ambush him by the Yellow River first."

Li Jinglong sighed heavily and said, "There's no other way."

Hongjun said, "What do you plan to do this time?"

In the past, when Li Jinglong discussed plans, Hongjun basically didn't listen. But this time, he couldn't ignore it anymore. If he let Li Jinglong go that night when he contacted Daming Palace to ambush Xie Yu and An Lushan, he was afraid that he would burn his primordial spirit again.

"I plan to do this this time." Li Jinglong said to Hongjun, "Remember that day when we fought An Lushan's subordinates in the Earth Vein?"

Wine, Lust, Wealth, and Qi were two of the four monsters. Hongjun naturally remembered.

"The power contained in the Earth Vein can be controlled by people." Li Jinglong said to everyone, "That day, under Kun Shen's guidance, I borrowed the power of the Earth Vein for a short period of time."

"The power is too great." Lu Xu glanced at Mo Rigen and said to Li Jinglong, "Your meridians can't take it."

"I have the Heart Lantern to protect my heart." Li Jinglong said, "At that time, I successfully controlled it once. Luoyang's Seven God Watchtowers are connected to the Earth Vein. It can temporarily give me great power …"

"You want to use Spirit Bestowal again?" Hongjun frowned.

Li Jinglong said, "This is the only way. As long as I protect my heart, I won't die. At least this is better than burning my primordial spirit, isn't it?"

Among the people present, Hongjun was the most knowledgeable about medicine. He also understood what this meant.

"Do you know the consequences of doing this?" Hongjun said, "Even if you temporarily control the power of the Earth Vein, your meridians won't be able to take the impact and will be burned! You'll be crippled! You won't be able to practice martial arts anymore! You won't even be able to move! "

Li Jinglong said, "Meridians can be repaired."

Hongjun didn't say anything. He frowned deeply and his eyes were filled with anger.

"I'll go." Mo Rigen said, "The Grey Wolf is a half-demon. He can take it."

Lu Xu immediately said, "No! You're in more danger! "

Hongjun and Li Jinglong looked at each other in silence. Li Jinglong suddenly said, "Your father's Phoenix power can reconstruct meridians, right?"

"It can." Hongjun said, "But it requires a very long process."

Once Li Jinglong guided the energy of the Earth Vein into his body, although he could raise his cultivation and strength to an unimaginable level for a short period of time, his meridians would be burned and destroyed. Moreover, what if this couldn't destroy Tianma? What should he do?

"It definitely can." Li Jinglong said, "Tianma is already quite weak. The battle in the Daming Palace proved that as long as I have enough strength, I can use Divine Bestowal again. It's effective."

"But you can't summon the Unmovable Wisdom King." Hongjun said.

"Dideng is enough." Li Jinglong said.

"That's too dangerous." Hongjun really couldn't accept it. His mind was in a mess.

"Don't just sit there. Help me persuade Hongjun." Li Jinglong smiled at Yuren. "When I'm paralyzed in bed, I'll have to rely on him to take care of me."

When these words came out, everyone was even more silent. They all knew the relationship between Hongjun and Li Jinglong. This time, they had to pay such a huge price. Who could persuade them?

"I want to go for you." Ashina Chong said, "But I can't."

Only Li Jinglong's Mind's Lamp was effective in restraining Tianma. Everyone knew this very well. Moreover, they had no other choice.

"How long will it take to repair the meridians?" Atay asked. "The Western Regions might have some elixirs that can help."

"At least three years." Hongjun stood up and walked to the railing to look out. He answered to himself, "At most a lifetime."

Li Jinglong said, "Hey, Hongjun, I promised you that we would be together for the rest of our lives. But you have to understand that there are many things in the world that are difficult to achieve. Look at the current Luoyang and think about the future Chang 'an. I think … "

"… It's worth it."

Li Jinglong said calmly in the silence of the hall.

"Is there no other way?" Trandol asked.

Hongjun knew that Li Jinglong was confident that he could convince him. Because as matters stood, they had no other choice.

He looked back at Li Jinglong. Li Jinglong smiled and looked at him with infatuation.

They were separated by a few steps and looked at each other quietly.

Everyone felt that the two of them needed to be alone, so they went their separate ways, wanting to find an excuse to leave. Li Jinglong said, "First, I'll give everyone some benefits. I'm too incompetent as a superior. We agreed to rest for a few days, but something happened in the Dragon Subduing Pagoda. When I came back, I couldn't even catch my breath and had to fight. This will be my compensation."

As he said this, Li Jinglong spread out four dragon scales. Everyone cried out in surprise.

Lu Xu said, "What is this?!"

These were the scales that the five Dragon King in the Dragon Subduing Pagoda had given to Li Jinglong. Li Jinglong explained to everyone and pushed a piece to Atay, saying, "This is for you and Trandol. You two are family."

Atay looked at the dragon scale, saying, "Can you really summon it?"

Li Jinglong said, "Just inject your magic and burn it. Don't try it randomly. This one is for you, Ashina Chong. "

Ashina Chong took it and put it away carefully.

Li Jinglong handed Mo Rigen a third piece, saying to him, "This one is for you and Little Lu. You two are together."

"On what basis are you counting us together?" Lu Xu asked.

Everyone: "…"

Ashina Chong said, "No way, you two aren't together yet?! How long has it been! "

Once this was said, the situation became even more awkward. Mo Rigen said, "Don't listen to his nonsense. He's angry with me."

"Hey!" Lu Xu said angrily, "Don't talk nonsense!"

Seeing that the situation was so awkward, Mo Rigen said casually, "I'll give it to you. Keep it well. I'm going down for a walk. " As he said this, he quickly left. Lu Xu held the dragon scale, his expression a bit stiff. Hongjun thought, no way! Is he going to cry?! It felt like he was going to cry. He quickly forgot about his troubles and wanted to change the topic. Unexpectedly, Lu Xu strode to the front of the railing, picked up the dragon scale and threw it down.

Mo Rigen had just stepped out of the door when a gust of wind hit him from behind. When he turned around, the dragon scale brushed past his face. The edge of the scale was sharp, leaving a bloody mark on the side of his face.

"Do you want to die?!" Mo Rigen flew into a rage and grabbed the dragon scale.

Everyone only looked at Lu Xu, and the atmosphere was tense. Li Jinglong thought that the two of them would never stop arguing. What time is it now? Why are they still arguing?

"I've already given Yongsi's to him." Li Jinglong explained, "I'll give the last one to Hongjun."

Hongjun went forward to take it. He knew that to him and Li Jinglong, they had gone through life and death together, so this was nothing. He raised his eyebrows at Li Jinglong with a questioning look in his eyes. After a long time of tacit understanding, Li Jinglong immediately understood what he was thinking.

Li Jinglong nodded. Hongjun then handed the dragon scale to Lu Xu and said, "I'll give you mine."

Lu Xu did not take it and only shook his head. He stepped on the fence and flipped over to the roof. Hongjun hurriedly said, "Lu Xu!"

Hongjun poked his head out, and the rest of the people dispersed.

Hongjun: "… …"

"Shall I go with you to find him?" Li Jinglong asked.

"Let him be alone for a while." Hongjun thought for a while and answered. Li Jinglong never commented on his subordinates' feelings. He did not play matchmaker, nor did he console them. He let them solve it themselves.

Li Jinglong said, "Come over and massage Big Brother's arm. It's exhausted."

Hongjun was silent for a moment. When he saw Mo Rigen and Lu Xu quarrel, he suddenly felt that Li Jinglong was really good. Ever since they got together, they rarely quarreled. He did not know why, but those two guys were completely different from them. They always found ways to torment each other.

"I love you so much." Hongjun said.

Li Jinglong said, "I've always known."

Li Jinglong sat down. He was wearing an unlined shirt and his hair was messy. He had drunk wine, so his body reeked of blood and alcohol.

"Look at my eyes." Li Jinglong said, "I'm always saying this."

Hongjun sighed and walked over. He sat cross-legged in front of Li Jinglong, pulled his arm, and massaged his shoulder. Li Jinglong swung his right arm a few times and said, "Ever since I was bitten by Xie Yu's snake spirit that year, I always feel exhausted."

"You're still accurate with your archery." Hongjun said.

"I haven't shot in a long time." Li Jinglong said, "Help me wipe my body."

Once again Hong Jun went to fetch water. After the two of them finished fighting, their bodies were drenched in blood and sweat. Li Jinglong stripped naked first, letting Hong Jun wipe his body. Hong Jun wiped Li Jinglong's strong and thin muscles with the wet cloth in his hand. He could not help but hug Li Jinglong from behind, leaning his head on Li Jinglong's back.

"Wait until this battle is over." Li Jinglong teased, "I'll have to lie in bed for two or three years before you can touch me."

Hongjun did not say a word and only wiped his body from his hip to his ankle. It was as if he was serving a god who was about to burn himself and bring light to the world.

"You can do whatever you want to me." Li Jinglong smiled and said, "I'm guessing that you won't be able to resist …"

As he spoke, he winked at Hongjun evilly.

Hongjun laughed. He did not know why, but he suddenly thought of a certain future that Yuan Kun showed him.

Until now, he still did not understand why he saw that scene.

"Let me go." Li Jinglong said.

Hongjun said, "If I say no, will you not go?"

Li Jinglong said, "If you weren't you and you said it, I might not go. But this is not only for Luoyang and Chang 'an, but also for you. Using such a price to exchange for a lifetime of our love is really suitable. "

Hongjun understood this sentence. Li Jinglong did not only want to eradicate An Lushan, but also to get rid of Tianma. He wanted to get rid of the curse that had accompanied Hongjun for too many years. He wanted to make it completely disappear from their lives.

"Promise me that you will live." Hongjun said, "Otherwise, I will become a demon and kill the Divine Prefecture that you protect."

"You won't." Li Jinglong said with a smile, "You just want to threaten me. Come, get up."

Hongjun wiped Li Jinglong's body clean. Li Jinglong made Hongjun stand up and said, "Take it all off."

It was Li Jinglong's turn to draw water from the well and wiped Hongjun clean. Hongjun closed his eyes and felt the cold wet cloth wipe across his skin.

"But I promise that I will come back alive." Li Jinglong said, "I will definitely do what I promise you, no matter how many times."

"Last time, you didn't …"

"Last time, I didn't say anything." Li Jinglong held Hongjun's waist with one hand and wiped his chest with the other. He explained, "When An Lushan enters the city, we will first launch a sneak attack. I will disguise myself and fail the sneak attack and be caught by him. At that time, he will definitely interrogate me."

"As long as he is face to face with me." Li Jinglong said, "You will activate the array in the Seven Imperial Palaces and I will launch the decisive attack."

"Bring the dragon scale." Hongjun opened his eyes and said.

Li Jinglong turned to Hongjun. The two faced each other and Li Jinglong said in a low voice, "Okay."

He lowered his head and kissed Hongjun. Then, he knelt on one knee in front of him and raised his head to kiss his body. Hongjun felt a burst of numbness pass to his scalp. He lowered his head and found that Li Jinglong was licking him.

A moment later, Li Jinglong motioned for him to lie down. The two embraced each other in the wine shop.

"I'll do it when I come back." Hongjun suddenly pressed Li Jinglong's chest.

"Ah — —!" Li Jinglong didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He said, "Who taught you?"

"I'll do it when I come back." Hongjun's eyes were smiling. He leaned forward and kissed Li Jinglong's lips.