In the darkness, someone knocked on the door of the Luoyang Bureau of Exorcism.
"Who is it? It's the middle of the night. " Wen Bin opened the door with sleepy eyes. He shone the light outside and saw a fair-skinned young man.
"Lu Xu, the exorcist."
Lu Xu pushed the door open and asked Wen Bin, "Is Tegra here?"
In the winter night, Lu Xu kicked the door and shouted, "Atay! Wake up! "
Trandol scolded. Atay walked out quickly. Seeing Lu Xu, he said in surprise, "You're here?"
"We just arrived. Da Lang is guarding the north gate." Lu Xu said, "An Lushan's army is heading south. Go take a look!"
Luoyang had been in a state of panic these days. Hebei had lost twelve cities, and everyone was terrified of An Lushan. As soon as the army arrived, they opened the city and surrendered. In a few days, Luoyang had received a flurry of military reports. If they surrendered without a fight, the city guards, city guards, Dongjing Garrison, Imperial Censor, and Henan's Deputy Governor would all be beheaded. Monster Trainer Bi Sichen was recruiting soldiers and horses in the city and moving the people into the Heluo Plains. Dongdu was crowded with foreigners overnight.
However, this had nothing to do with Atay. As exorcists, their only target was An Lushan and the demons under his command. The Tang army was defending the city, and the Tang army was also attacking the city. This was a civil war. If the army attacked, they could not kill the mortals, but they could run. Even if the city fell, it would not be difficult for them to withdraw.
In other words, if Luoyang fell, An Lushan would most likely enter the city. When that happened, it would be the best opportunity for them to make their move.
However, since Lu Xu and Mo Rigen were here, Atay could not ignore them. He hurriedly wrapped himself in a cloak and went to the top of the city tower. The wind was biting cold. Mo Rigen was on the city gate, looking into the distance.
"The Chief said," Atay said, "we can't participate in the war."
"You can't participate in the battle as an exorcist," Mo Rigen reminded him. "But I didn't say that you can't participate as a mortal."
"Is it interesting?" Atay smiled tiredly.
Mo Rigen sighed and said, "Once too many people die, there will be resentment. Resentment is the best food for demons. If the war doesn't stop, An Lushan will only become stronger and stronger. The Elder is still in the Pagoda, aren't you afraid?"
Atay said, "You think it would be best if the whole city of Luoyang surrenders, without any slaughter? But after An Lushan entered the city, he wanted to absorb resentment, so he naturally created it. "
"As long as he enters the city, it's no longer up to him." Mo Rigen replied, "Before we entered the pagoda, the Seven Celestial Palaces of Luoyang were the protective formations set up by Di Gong in the past. We have to activate them one by one. It shouldn't be difficult to capture and kill An Lushan here."
"When did he say that?" Atay was rather surprised and muttered, "He can't be that good at foretelling things, can he … He can even predict this?"
Mo Rigen said, "When we left Chang 'an, didn't we speculate about the possibility of An Lushan rebelling? Since he fled back to Youzhou, he wouldn't just sit and wait for death. "
"So that's how it is …" Atay recalled the discussion everyone had a year and a half ago. That day, Lu Xu, Hongjun, and the others had all fallen asleep, and only he, Qiu Yongsi, Mo Rigen, and Li Jinglong had participated in the discussion. At that time, Li Jinglong had guessed that the decisive battle with Tianma would most likely take place in Luoyang. However, there was a sudden change in the Dragon-Subduing Pagoda, and Li Jinglong had entered the pagoda, so there were no further arrangements. Mo Rigen could only follow the previous plan. After confirming with Lu Xu that An Lushan rebelled, he returned to Luoyang first to make arrangements.
"Tomorrow, check the seven buildings in Luoyang," Mo Rigen said.
"The Chief Scribe hasn't left the pagoda yet," Atay said, "Without the Mind's Lantern, I'm afraid that we won't be able to stop An Lushan once he enters the city."
Mo Rigen insisted, "This is our best chance."
Atay reminded him, "We only have one chance."
The two looked at each other. Atay, who was usually carefree, was extremely serious this time.
"Then what do you say?" Mo Rigen said, "What do you think we should do?"
Atay said, "Wait for the Chief Scribe to return."
The two were in a deadlock for a while. Lu Xu sat by the city gate and looked into the dark distance, saying, "He might not be here yet. Don't be in such a hurry to argue."
Mo Rigen was still inferior to Li Jinglong in terms of prestige in the Exorcism Division. But in reality, he also admitted that in the absence of Li Jinglong, he couldn't give his companions the most reliable plan. That was why he needed to seek Atay's approval. It was just like when he proposed to go undercover by An Lushan's side in Chang 'an.
Now that the one who spoke was Li Jinglong, it went without saying that everyone would agree. They would consider all aspects and wouldn't even have a chance to object.
"Go rest for a while," Atay said. "You're very tired." He smiled at Lu Xu and said, "You didn't take good care of him."
"He can take care of himself," Lu Xu said, bored. "He doesn't need me to take care of him."
Mo Rigen glanced meaningfully at Atay. Atay put a hand on Mo Rigen's shoulder and said, "Brother, long time no see. Let's have a drink first. Why are you always frowning? Let's go, let's go. "He then helped Mo Rigen down the city gate tower.
In the dead of night, the gentle night covered the Grand Canal. The whistling sound of the wind passed through the giant boat. Li Jinglong got up and closed the door. He covered Hongjun with a blanket and turned to turn off the light.
"What time is it?" Hongjun woke up and got up to look for water.
"It's just past midnight. It'll be dawn in four hours," Li Jinglong replied. "Sleep a little longer."
Hongjun was in a daze. After drinking water, he became slightly more awake. Li Jinglong covered the oil lamp and the room was dark.
Hongjun suddenly said, "Are you in a bad mood?"
Li Jinglong, "…"
Li Jinglong groped his way over in the dark and kissed Hongjun's cheek. He smiled and said, "I can't hide anything from you."
"The power of the Heart's Lamp has weakened." Hongjun could feel that the seal that Li Jinglong had placed on his heart was faintly dimming.
Li Jinglong sighed and said, "It's my fault. I have to adjust myself."
Hongjun smiled. Li Jinglong took off his outer robe and lay on the bed with his chest bare. He muttered to himself, "I've been quite unlucky recently. No, I've been unlucky on and off. My luck isn't good."
Li Jinglong's meticulously planned schemes always had a problem with luck at the last minute. For example, he handed the Chang 'an over to Li Guinian and brought the exorcists all the way to Jiangnan. He was sure that Xie Yu would follow them and attack them on the way to snatch back Ye Ming's ashes.
Who knew that Xie Yu would follow them from afar and never make a move. When they arrived at Fuyun Mountain Villa, Li Jinglong thought that it wouldn't show up at this time. Even if it did, he wouldn't be afraid. He would just set up a trap and wait for it to walk right into it. However, who would have thought that Qiu Yongsi would leave at the last minute without saying goodbye and run into the array with Hongjun and be attacked by Xie Yu?
He thought that Xie Yu had entered the Dragon-subduing Pagoda and he could just chase after it. However, he was caught off guard and it escaped, trapping him in the pagoda.
Li Jinglong was completely convinced. Not only that, he had always considered himself as the successor of the Acalanatha. He was proud of reviving the Exorcism Division, inheriting Di Renjie's last wish, and protecting the Tang Dynasty.
However, who would have thought that the Acalanatha's ritual implement would not recognize him as its successor?
Hongjun always found ways to comfort him. Even if it didn't recognize him now, it didn't mean that it wouldn't recognize him in the future. Don't be depressed. Besides, even if it didn't recognize him, it wouldn't be a big deal.
Li Jinglong sometimes had a glimmer of hope, but sometimes he felt that the future was hopeless. He was worried about his gains and losses, and his mood was extremely conflicted. However, he couldn't complain, and he didn't dare to complain. He supported the entire Exorcism Division, and he couldn't let anyone know that his confidence was wavering.
Now, his only hope was that Yuan Kun had promised him that An Lushan would be left to Chong Ming, Qing Xiong, and the other demons in the northeast front. There wouldn't be any more problems. An Lushan had already sent its army south, but there was still no movement from the Dazzling Gold Palace.
Hongjun still didn't know anything and always lived in optimism. This was also a habit that Li Jinglong had worked hard to cultivate. "With me around, you don't have to be afraid of anything." However, Li Jinglong finally realized that what he had to face wasn't just demons, demons, and the dark forces that were filled with hostility between heaven and earth. Instead, after losing the power of the Acalanatha, the belief that had supported him all this time, his confidence was greatly shaken.
The artifact wasn't willing to acknowledge him, which meant that the future was very dangerous. Unless he immediately found a true successor, if Hongjun were to encounter danger, Li Jinglong only had the Mind's Lamp, and there were too many variables.
Sometimes, the future wasn't necessarily in his hands as he believed.
Was there something that he didn't do well? These days, Li Jinglong often asked himself this question, especially after coming out of the Dragon Subduing Pagoda. Was he too arrogant, underestimating the enemy, and thinking of things too simply? Or was the heavens deliberately playing a joke on him?
After thinking about it, he could only attribute it all to luck.
But no matter what, Hongjun felt his uncertainty and uneasiness. After all, the power of the Mind's Lamp directly affected the seal in the depths of his heart.
"Trust me." Li Jinglong only said.
"I've always trusted you." Hongjun said with a smile. "When have you ever lied to me?"
Although the future was hopeless, at least in the present, Li Jinglong hugged Hongjun, and his heart finally gradually calmed down. Hongjun's bare shoulders and skin were pressed against Li Jinglong's thick chest. They could both feel each other's scorching body temperature.
At this moment, they were unusually silent. They didn't want to do anything. They just wanted to quietly snuggle up to each other like this. He gave him the strength and courage to face the future, even if the future was filled with layers of fog.
The sound of the canal's water splashing could be heard. In the darkness, they hugged each other and fell asleep. Hongjun once again entered a dream. The world was strangely quiet. Only the sound of the river's water could be heard. They should have reached Luoyang by daybreak.
On the dark river, the ship's progress became slower and slower. The speed of the river's water seemed to be imperceptibly changing.
Suddenly, there was a loud sound!
A dark monster appeared in the water. It roared and rushed out, bringing with it a huge wave. It drew an arc in the air.
Li Jinglong instantly opened his eyes.
Immediately, the room's ceiling broke open, and the outer wall was crushed. The monstrous river water poured in! The bed tilted rapidly. Hongjun was splashed with cold water. He shouted in panic, "What's wrong?!"
It was the middle of winter, and the river water was incomparably cold. Hongjun had just turned over when Li Jinglong shouted, "Hongjun! I'm here! "
The entire ship was smashed by the monster and instantly broke apart. In just a few breaths, it sank into the water. Other than Li Jinglong and Hongjun, there were also a large number of merchants on the way north, especially those who lived in Guanzhong, Yuzhou, and other places. They were anxious to go back to visit their wives and children. Instantly, there were loud shouts on the canal. Hundreds of people either sank with the ship or jumped off the ship to escape.
With another roar, Li Jinglong grabbed Hongjun's waist with one hand and jumped out of the earth-shattering ship. Hongjun used the Five-colored Divine Light to block the wooden beams and deck debris falling from above. Unexpectedly, the monster rushed straight down toward the two of them. In an instant, it opened its bloody mouth —
Li Jinglong saw it clearly in an instant. The monster had two wings, a ferocious snake head, and closed fangs as it bit down toward them.
Hongjun had just shaken off his Mo Sword, but it sank into the water. Being poured with cold water, he couldn't tell north from south. He heard Li Jinglong shout and wave his Wisdom Sword. The light in the heart of the Wisdom Sword flashed, and the river surface seemed to explode with a big flash.
"Huashe!" Hongjun had just floated up and shouted.
He saw that the monster called Huashe was only a little smaller than a flood dragon. It stirred up huge waves in the river. Black Qi rolled around its body. Driven away by the Heart Lamp, it flew away a little and flapped its wings again. It stirred up a wall of waves about three zhang high upstream, rushing toward the two of them.
As the huge wave rushed over, Li Jinglong was immediately knocked away. While he was in the air, he nimbly grabbed the broken deck under his feet and threw it toward Hongjun like a meteor. He shouted, "Catch!"
Hongjun threw himself on the wooden board. He was so cold that his whole body was trembling. Li Jinglong turned over again and jumped onto the boat that was about to sink completely. He waved his Wisdom Sword.
However, Huashe fiercely dived into the water and disappeared. In just a few short breaths, it came up again under Li Jinglong's feet.
Li Jinglong used the power of the Heart Lamp to draw his bow. He was about to shoot an arrow, but this time he was completely interrupted and fell into the water again. Immediately, Huashe swept its tail. Even though the two of them had monstrous skills in the river, they were no match for this monster.
The surface of the canal was very quiet. Huashe dived into the water again and disappeared without a trace.
Hongjun was struggling when a hand grabbed him. The Ashina Chong shouted, "It's me!"
Hongjun choked a few mouthfuls of water. The huge wave rushed over, and he was separated from the Ashina Chong again.
Li Jinglong shouted, "Hongjun!"
With a "splash", Huashe rushed out and wrapped around Li Jinglong. It lowered its head to look at him. As soon as it heard Li Jinglong shout "Hongjun", it threw him back into the water.
Hongjun floated and sank on the canal, looking for the light of Li Jinglong's Heart Lamp. However, his body was tightened and he was wrapped around by Huashe. When Hongjun was about to pull out his saber, he was thrown to the shore and his whole body fell into the bushes.
Hongjun's whole body was soaked. He held a long saber in his hand and stared vigilantly into the darkness.
A pair of shining eyes stared at him in the darkness. Hongjun said, "Who are you?"
"A fish asked me to save you. Don't harm your life." The Huashe Chong said, "You don't know how to swim."
Hongjun, "…"
As soon as his voice fell, Huashe Chong turned around and jumped into the canal again.