The Post Sky Tipping Era
Chapter 753 - 538: Nighttime Strange Events

Chapter 753: Chapter 538: Nighttime Strange Events

Li Yi did not scrutinize the divine statue in the temple for long. To him, the statue seemed too weak, the level of cosmic energy it emitted posed no danger to him and wasn’t worth much attention, confirming his earlier judgment about this world’s low level of danger.

Then his gaze turned to the few people inside the temple.

"I am Taiyi, a wandering Daoist. The sky has darkened, and while passing by, I noticed a light in this temple, so I stopped to seek shelter for the night. I hope I haven’t disturbed you all."

Li Yi spoke, bowing courteously. Although he didn’t look like a Daoist, he was indeed a cultivator in reality.

Old Liu was doubtful but quickly returned the bow: "Daoist, you are too polite. I am the guide in this area, everyone calls me Old Liu. In these desolate wilds, ghosts and spirit monsters roam, but this Mountain God Temple worships a Mountain God who can protect travelers. We were delayed on our journey due to ongoing rain and early nightfall, so we stopped here. Meeting a Daoist today is our fortune, how could you disturb us."

"Daoist, come in quickly, warm up by the fire. It’s cold and damp outside, take care not to fall ill."

He invited Li Yi inside the temple, observing him to discern if he was a real Daoist or a spirit monster in disguise.

If he were a mere spirit monster, he wouldn’t dare enter the temple through the main door.

Because the front has the divine statue watching, enough to deter the forest spirits. If a spirit monster wanted to cause harm, they’d sneak inside through windows, back doors, and such, avoiding the statue.

"Thank you." Li Yi nodded and strode into the temple.

Old Liu, seeing this, was slightly relieved. Obviously, this person wasn’t a spirit monster but a legitimate Daoist. It seemed that the mouse in his pocket had sensed the presence of a master, feared being subdued as a demon or spirit monster, hence it trembled in fear. But... what about the incense that wouldn’t light?

He was puzzled but remained vigilant internally.

"Alright, all is well, nothing happened. Everyone, close the doors and windows, at this hour, no more travelers are likely to stop by. Also, sprinkle the incense, don’t be lazy."

Old Liu said, before inviting Li Yi to sit by the fire, thoughtfully moving a wooden stump for him as a seat.

"Daoist, please sit."

Unceremoniously, Li Yi sat down and asked, "Are there many ghosts and spirit monsters in this area that one needs the shelter of a Mountain God Temple to dare spend the night? Even the windows need incense to ward off evil?"

"From your accent, Daoist, you don’t seem to be a local. This place is where the three provinces converge, with many mountains but few main roads, the court finds it hard to govern. So spirit monsters appear often. Just beyond in the forest, about a decade ago, a Mountain Lord emerged, and there’s a grave area where other guides have seen ghosts. Additionally, that forest has foxes, snakes, and mice, all forming their climates. The most eerie is Three Mountains Road. They say that at night, extra roads appear there, and if unfamiliar, one could get completely lost."

Old Liu continued, "So travelers in this area prefer to hire a guide to lead them safely, avoiding taboos. I’ve been a guide here for over ten years and never made a mistake, all thanks to being cautious. When I lead, I avoid dangerous routes, setting off at morning hour, exiting by You hour, never stopping in between."

"Even today, when delayed, one needn’t worry, for staying in this Mountain God Temple tonight means we’ll safely travel onwards tomorrow without trouble. Although the Mountain God Temple is secluded, it’s one of the few good places for us guides. Outsiders wouldn’t even know it exists. If only focused on traveling, they might miss it and end up on Three Mountains Road by night, then entering is easy, but exiting is difficult."

He shared his stories confidently but then shifted the topic, "Which famous mountain does the Daoist cultivate in, under which master, and where are you headed now?"

"I cultivated with an Immortal at Dao Court Mountain and now plan to wander the world, searching for a relative, without a fixed destination." Li Yi replied.

"Dao Court Mountain?" Old Liu repeated, unfamiliar with the place. Yet, the name seemed too specific to be fabricated, so he continued chatting, "The Daoist has been cultivating for some years then?"

"I have cultivated for less than a year." Li Yi said with a smile.

"Only a year in cultivation? Then, has the Daoist learned any spells?" Suddenly, the young scholar eagerly interjected, "Right, Daoist, I’m Lu Yue, a student heading to Fengzhou for my studies."

Li Yi replied, "I’ve learned three Great Spells and over a hundred minor spells. Without such skills, I wouldn’t dare travel alone through these wilds; by now, I’d have been eaten by wolves or tigers."

"Who would’ve thought the Daoist was a master? I salute you." Lu Yue quickly stood up, respectfully bowing upon hearing this.

"I’m no master, just an ordinary person." Li Yi shook his head humbly.

Old Liu was also intrigued, could it be that they truly had the fortune to meet an accomplished master today?

At this time, another man gathered some courage to speak, "Daoist, I’ve heard that some people, after learning spells, can transform stones into gold, ensuring a lifetime free of worry. Could you show us a spell, Daoist, to broaden our limited horizons?"