"Wait." Hongjun hurriedly motioned for Yang Yuhuan to stop talking. "Let me think."
He might not understand people's minds, but he wasn't stupid. After thinking about the cause and effect, he slowly became clear. The Yu Zaoyun that Madam Guo mentioned … was probably another fox demon, the white fox that Yang Yuhuan saw!
Wu Qiyu and Yu Zaoyun were sisters! In an instant, Hongjun grasped the key point. Wu Qiyu first took over Madam Guo's body, then let Yu Zaoyun take advantage of the situation and take over Yang Yuhuan's body … The fox demon used the soul-sucking technique to imprison the souls of the scholars in her body, and then used this to replace the imperial examination candidates.
However, his father, Kong Xuan, seemed to know that Yu Zaoyun's target was Yang Yuhuan, so he helped her and successfully avoided this disaster. Hongjun seemed to see Yu Zaoyun coming to absorb Yang Yuhuan's essence in the middle of the night, but the talisman that his father drew on her body launched a counterattack and destroyed her demon power.
"What was the talisman like?" Hongjun asked, "Do you still remember?"
Yang Yuhuan hesitated for a moment, looked at Hongjun, and shook her head. The talisman was drawn on her back, so Yang Yuhuan didn't see it with her own eyes.
However, what did Wu Qiyu mean when he caught Yang Yuhuan on the stargazing platform? Hongjun's heart beat wildly. Maybe Yu Zaoyun was still alive! Maybe she was still alive in Yang Yuhuan's body! If that was the case, then his father only sealed the fox demon and didn't completely kill her?
"Let me check again." Hongjun didn't say anything and put his finger on Yang Yuhuan's pulse for the third time.
Yang Yuhuan let Hongjun do what he wanted and said, "In the end, it was Doctor Kong who mixed the medicine for me and let me take it that I slowly recovered."
"Did you take any medicine after that?" Hongjun asked again.
Yang Yuhuan smiled and answered, "It was completely cured."
Hongjun checked one last time and didn't find anything. At least one thing was certain. He didn't know what happened when the fox demon stole her soul, but there was no demon power left in her body.
"Congratulations." Hongjun thought about it and decided not to tell Yang Yuhuan. He said, "Wu Qiyu wanted to take over your body, but she failed... I think that it was around the year you fell ill.."
Yang Yuhuan said, "So she was the older sister for more than ten years? No wonder she didn't like me when I was young, but after I fell ill, she took good care of me. Over the years, she … But since she's already a demon, why does she care so much about me? "
Hongjun looked into Yang Yuhuan's eyes and said after a long time, "Maybe she really wants a younger sister?"
Tears welled up in Yang Yuhuan's eyes. She was silent for a long time. Then, tears flowed down her cheeks. She choked with sobs and replied, "I don't dare to cry. My elder sister is actually a monster that brings disaster to the country and the people. Although His Majesty is kind enough to let go of the Yang Family, in my eyes, she's still my elder sister, whether she's a demon or a human. Do you understand? "
Hongjun didn't expect Yang Yuhuan to cry. He gradually understood her sadness. Although Madam Guo was a fox demon, she was a family member in her eyes. How could it not be sad to lose a family member? But she didn't dare to say anything. She didn't dare to show too much grief in front of Li Longji.
Hongjun folded his sleeve, which smelled of fish, and put it in front of Yang Yuhuan. Yang Yuhuan reluctantly wiped her tears. Hongjun just silently accompanied her without saying a word.
"Shall I sing a song for you?" Hongjun said.
Yang Yuhuan didn't answer. Hongjun sang in a low voice, "The spring river tide is connected to the sea, and the bright moon on the sea rises with the tide …"
He heard Li Guinian sing it that day, so he learned this song. At this moment, the young man sang in a low voice. Although there was no music, it was still gentle and comforting.
The night wind was bone-chilling. Li Longji and Li Jinglong walked on the drill ground. Li Jinglong was young and vigorous and didn't fear the cold. Li Longji was old. Li Jinglong was afraid that the emperor would catch a cold after working hard for days and being exposed to the cold wind. He proposed to go back to the hall and wait. Li Longji said it was okay.
"When I was your age, I hid my strength and bided my time all day. I was also attacked by many people in the palace with rumors. Now that I think about it, I'm very similar to you a few years ago."
Li Jinglong had heard of the past. When Empress Wu was on the throne, Li Longji played around all day in order to protect himself. He acted like a loser who couldn't help a wall. That was how he survived until he defeated Shangguan Wan 'er and others. He thought to himself, You were hiding your strength and biding your time. I was just unlucky.
"But in life, even if gold and jade are covered in dust, there will be a day when it can shine." Li Longji added, "In this aspect, you and I are very similar."
Li Jinglong hurriedly said he didn't dare and replied, "If it weren't for the brothers of the Exorcism Division who risked their lives to subdue demons, this subject would be nothing more than a hooligan."
Li Longji laughed and patted Li Jinglong's shoulder. He said with some emotion, "But once you choose this path, you should know that it won't be easy to walk in the future. Although it's unreasonable to say this, perhaps you'll never have a day when you're under Li Heng's command. "
Tonight, Li Jinglong heard Li Heng say, "I hope that you, this sharp sword, will never have a chance to be unsheathed." He already understood. The power of the Exorcism Division was a double-edged sword. It could protect the Tang Dynasty. Once it rebelled, it would shake the foundation of the country and cause suffering. Now that Li Longji mentioned it again, it was a warning.
Logically speaking, the way to prevent the Exorcism Division from ever being a threat to the Imperial Court was to have them maintain absolute independence. They wouldn't participate in politics, wouldn't form cliques, and wouldn't have any opportunities to discuss politics. Even the ministers of the Imperial Court couldn't know too much about the Exorcism Division.
Li Longji's meaning was very clear. From now on, they shouldn't have any extravagant hopes of being promoted, receiving rewards based on their contributions, interacting with the ministers of the Imperial Court, or participating in politics. They had to only listen to the Crown Prince and keep a low profile. Otherwise, once they were worshipped by too many people and their prestige grew, there would only be more and more trouble in the future.
This was also the only solution Li Longji could think of.
But how many men in this world could accept to live their lives in obscurity?
Li Jinglong was silent for a moment, then said, "This subject understands."
Li Longji nodded.
In the carriage, when Hongjun sang the last line, Yang Yuhuan's mood finally calmed down. Her eyes were still red, and there was a sad smile on her lips.
"This time, you returned to Chang 'an." Yang Yuhuan asked, "Did you come to investigate the matter of your parents?"
Hongjun nodded. Yang Yuhuan said, "After the plague, your maternal grandfather's family is almost dead. But your maternal uncle's family was a prominent family in Hexi. Your maternal grandfather was once the Hexi Jiedushi. I still remember that you have an uncle, but I can't remember his name. Fifteen years ago, he was promoted to the Jinchang Provincial Governor. Later, because of the Xiongnu incident, he was demoted to Shazhou or Guazhou."
"You are all my saviors. If you need anything, you can go to the Prime Minister's residence and ask the housekeeper to tell my brother. At that time, he will help you investigate. When he returns to the court to report on his work, he will have the thought of reuniting with his family."
Hongjun hurriedly thanked her. Yang Yuhuan took out a box of food from the side and said, "I also brought some of your favorite pastries for you."
"Thank you!" This time, Hongjun was sincere and immediately smiled.
Hongjun left the carriage. The weather was cold, so he told Yang Yuhuan not to come down. Li Longji and Li Jinglong strolled back. The carriage turned around. Li Jinglong's brows slightly furrowed as he looked at Hongjun.
Hongjun noticed that Li Jinglong seemed a bit depressed after talking with the Emperor. He asked, "What's wrong?"
Li Jinglong did not answer. Hongjun opened the box and said, "I'll give you a piece to cheer you up."
"I really envy you." Li Jinglong said seriously, "You're happy every day."
Hongjun laughed. When he heard about his parents' past, he was actually a bit sad, but he also felt happy. It was as if he found a strange sense of belonging in front of people who knew about the past. When Yang Yuhuan mentioned the names of his father and mother, who had long lost his memories, it was as if he had a strange connection with the human race. He was also one of them. This all-encompassing world of mortals accepted him with a natural attitude.
When Hongjun and Li Jinglong returned to the Exorcism Department that night, every room was lit with warm yellow light. Even the Carp Demon's pond was lit with a glass lamp.
Hongjun yawned. Li Jinglong said seriously, "What are you thinking about at this time?"
Hongjun thought about it. Without waiting for him to answer, Li Jinglong said, "I want to knock on the doors of each room and talk to them."
Hongjun stood in the corridor and looked at the lights behind the door. He said, "I think it's really good to see them like this."
Li Jinglong nodded and said, "So forget it. Rest early. Tomorrow we'll go to Pure Flowers Palace to soak in the hot springs."
"Really?!" Hongjun cheered.
"What?" When the people in the room heard the noise, Li Jinglong quickly turned and left. Qiu Yongsi did not ask any more questions. Hongjun returned to his room to sleep.
One night later, when Li Jinglong woke up, he saw Qiu Yongsi, Mo Rigen, Atay, Hongjun, and the Carp Demon standing outside the main entrance of the Exorcism Department. They were studying the door.
"Good morning, Chief Inspector." Mo Rigen smiled.
Li Jinglong looked at the door. Qiu Yongsi dipped a brush in cinnabar and was drawing a talisman on the door.
"What's it for?" Li Jinglong asked.
Hongjun replied, "Brother Yongsi was inspired by Madam Guo's talisman. He wants to try and see if he can seal the place where the Exorcism Department is located."
Atay explained, "Otherwise, if someone mistakenly barges in or a thief comes, it won't be a good idea."
Li Jinglong suddenly thought that it was a good idea! If they could use a camouflage or spatial technique to separate the Exorcism Department, the situation of the Emperor inspecting everyone while they were still sleeping would not happen again.
"Bend a little more this way." Hongjun pointed at the talisman on the door and said.
"Look at this." Qiu Yongsi motioned for Hongjun to look to the side and replied, "The Flying Stone Moving Mountain and Filling Sea Spell."
"Yes, yes!" Hongjun was at the age where he was interested in everything. At present, he admired Qiu Yongsi the most. Atay had a fan and could produce wind, fire, ice, and sand. After all, it was the power of the Five Elements. Mo Rigen's Nailhead Seven Arrows could track enemies and could transform into a Grey Wolf. It was still acceptable.
Only Qiu Yongsi could not only flatten monsters into a painting with a brush, but also summon things out of the painting. He was also a master of talismans. This was beyond Hongjun's knowledge. Moreover, he knew a lot about magic treasures, which made him admire him very much.
"You can add some decorations," Hongjun said again.
"You do it?" Qiu Yongsi said with a smile.
Hongjun picked up the brush and pondered for a moment. He drew a few small decorations beside the symbol and said, "It's done."
Everyone retreated. Qiu Yongsi said, "It's your first time opening and closing the door. Elder Shi, why don't you do it? In the future, you can think of a way to make it into a mechanism. For now, let's just make do with it. "
As he spoke, Mo Rigen taught Li Jinglong how to activate the talisman. Li Jinglong stood in the middle of the alley and his hand emitted the light of the Mind Lamp.
The entire alley was strangely distorted. With a buzzing sound, the modified talisman emitted light. Bricks and stones flew from all directions and sealed the door.
"It's a success!" Hongjun felt that it was very magical.
"The reverse rotation of the talisman can unlock it." Qiu Yongsi reminded again.
Li Jinglong pushed forward with one hand and the bricks and stones emitted light. The talisman on the door emitted another sound and rotated in the opposite direction. All the bricks and stones flew away, revealing the door. The door opened inwards. The statue of the Immovable Wisdom King stood high in the front hall, watching the five people in the alley.
"Great!" Li Jinglong was very satisfied. Everyone tried it one by one and finally solved a problem. From now on, the Exorcism Department was no longer an independent government office that anyone could enter. Even if the Crown Prince came in person, he would still have to wait for someone to open the door.
Coincidentally, Li Longji's reward arrived. Li Jinglong was still the Elder Shi, but he gave them six horses, forty pieces of brocade, two hundred taels of gold, forty shi of grain, and six pieces of gold-rimmed phoebe zhennan wood to be used as the Exorcism Department's identity token.
There was also a small box that contained Master Xuan Zang's Buddha bone. The Carp Demon hugged the Buddha bone and couldn't help but feel a little sad.
Li Longji rewarded them with fine horses. What was even rarer was that the six horses were of different colors. The Carp Demon was immediately dumbfounded and said, "How do I ride them?"
Everyone: "…"
The Carp Demon rode on the saddle and couldn't even step on the stirrups. He could only reluctantly clamp the saddle and raise his fish head to look at the sky. He could only see the sides and couldn't see the front. If he rode a horse out like this, many people would probably be scared out of their wits.
"That …" Hongjun said, "You should stay on my back."
"If you go out, take my horse with you." The Carp Demon said, "Everyone is leaving. It's too pitiful to leave it at home."
Li Jinglong could only agree and said, "Let's go to Mount Li to soak in the hot springs. Let's go."
Everyone cheered and urged their horses around the back alley, through the West Gate, and left Chang 'an, heading towards Mount Li.
Hongjun chose a white horse and took the lead, galloping across the plains with a gust of wind. Li Jinglong rode a red Ferghana horse to catch up from behind. Qiu Yongsi's horse was grey, Mo Rigen's was black, and Atay's was light yellow. Finally, there was a blue horse that was free, galloping like the wind.
Li Jinglong said, "Your horse control skills are not as good as mine."
"Come and catch me." Hongjun turned his head and said, "My horse is definitely faster than yours!"
"I don't believe it! Let's see whose horse reaches Mount Li first! "Mo Rigen shouted as he galloped past.
"Yo!" Atay said, "Let's bet?"
"Sure!" Qiu Yongsi said loudly, "We'll bet a jar of amber wine! The one who reaches first will drink it all! "
Li Jinglong said, "You will lose miserably! Whoever reaches Mount Li first will be the boss of the Exorcist Division! "
"Okay —!" The rest of the people shouted.
After he finished speaking, he whistled and the Ferghana horse instantly sped up. The rest of the people urged their horses and galloped towards Mount Li.
Four hours later, the outcome of the battle was clear.
The first horse to reach Mount Li was the free Ferghana horse. Li Jinglong was second, Mo Rigen was third, Qiu Yongsi was fourth, Atay was fifth, and Hongjun was last.
Everyone was speechless.
"Am I going to be the boss?" Carp Demon was confused. Miracles always came too quickly, catching fish unprepared.
Li Jinglong said, "This doesn't count … there will be no one soon."
"But Mo Rigen just said," Hongjun said, "'Whose horse' will reach Mount Li first? 'He didn't say' who will reach Mount Li first '."
The carp monster rode on Hongjun's back and said, "A gentleman's words cannot be taken back. Quickly call him boss."
Li Jinglong said, "This … boss … boss …"
Li Jinglong couldn't call a Carp Demon boss. If the Exorcist Division was mobilized in the future, the thought of a carp leading the imperial court officials of the Tang Dynasty and five exorcists … That scene was simply too frightening.
Yuren looked at Li Jinglong and thought to himself, 'Don't call him boss, don't call him boss. If you don't want to admit it, we can all deny it. Once you acknowledge this hairy carp as boss, you can't deny it.'
"Boss … boss." Li Jinglong said.
"I can't hear you. Louder?" Carp Demon said with his hands on his hips.
Li Jinglong could only say, "Boss! Boss! "
"Hey, Number Two." Carp Demon said.
At this moment, he had mixed feelings. Chang Shi hated his bitter life. After saying that, he practically gave up on life. With a gloomy face, he rode his horse up the mountain.
The rest of the people could only come over to be his lackeys. Even Hongjun couldn't say it out loud. He just said "boss" and replied, "Gone, gone! Gone to soak in the hot springs! "