r18novel Chapter 1913 11912 The Ghost of the Western Mountain Cave
Chapter 1913 11912 The Ghost of the Western Mountain Cave
Chapter 1913 1.1912 A Cave of Ghosts in the Western Hills
The story goes that Beitunbao, a strategically important border town of the Northern Song Dynasty, had been a battleground for centuries, where soldiers fought fiercely against the Western Xia to defend the territory. Countless loyal ministers and martyrs perished in the desert sands, their bones buried far from home, their whereabouts unknown. Taking advantage of the border negotiations and the resulting relaxation of military preparedness, the Western Xia launched a surprise attack on Beitunbao. A fierce battle ensued, resulting in countless deaths and injuries. The current commander, Han Jinglue, and his officials were defeated and died in battle. Beitunbao was subsequently abandoned, gradually becoming uninhabited except for a few remaining soldiers.
Scholar He Yunqing, entrusted by Abbot Fayuan of Haiyin Temple, is tasked with copying the *Mahamudra* sutra to help the souls of the dead find peace. Because copying Buddhist scriptures requires a quiet and tranquil environment, and unaware that Beitunbao has fallen and that Cui Hongzhi, a military advisor under General Han, has become a wandering ghost, the monk Huiming of Haiyin Temple recommends He Yunqing to temporarily reside in Beitunbao, a strategically important border town guarded by his friend Cui Hongzhi, to copy the sutra. However, upon arriving in Beitunbao, strange occurrences begin to happen. A kind neighbor, Granny Wang, hosts a welcome feast and arranges for her daughter, Le Niang (Xu Feng), to become He Yunqing's apprentice and perform music. One night, after a night of heavy drinking, He Yunqing is shocked to find himself in the same room as Le Niang. Le Niang tearfully confesses that they have consummated their marriage, and He Yunqing agrees to marry her.
It turns out that the Wang mother and daughter are vengeful ghosts from the underworld, waiting for He Yunqing to finish copying the "Mahamudra" so they can steal the scripture. The Tibetan monk who has been following He Yunqing tries to stop them, but he is no match for Le Niang's sorcery, so he joins forces with Master Yang (the Black Sheep Spirit). On their way to the market, He Yunqing and Cui Hongzhi meet another pair of ghosts, Madam Zhuang (Tian Shu) and Zhuang Yiyun (Sylvia Chang), and from then on they are caught in a complex web of relationships, including battles between monks and Taoists and ghosts, love and infatuation between humans and ghosts, and jealousy and conflict between vengeful and benevolent ghosts.
In Piaoyanzhai, Cui Hongzhi, drunk, revealed the truth, warning He Yunqing that his wife, Le Niang, was not a simple woman, and that prolonged contact with her would bring harm. He Yunqing was puzzled. He and Yiyun gradually developed feelings for each other and began a casual affair. When Le Niang discovered this, she flew into a rage and used magic to bind He Yunqing's legs, forcing him to stay home and copy scriptures. Yiyun followed and rescued He Yunqing. Guided by a Tibetan monk, Yunqing realized he had entered a ghost realm, and the reason the ghosts were harassing him was because of the *Mahamudra* scripture. After He Yunqing finished copying the scripture, he discovered two Yiyuns, making it difficult to distinguish the real one. In the crisis, He Yunqing threw his prayer beads at them, and both turned to ashes. In the end, all the illusions vanished, revealing that everything was merely the work of a group of ghosts in the Western Hills.
"Master Yang appeared to be a Taoist priest, but in reality, he was a black sheep spirit. Because he pitied Le Niang for dying with her eyes open, he took her soul as his disciple and taught her the art of drumming. Later, seeing that Le Niang's power was growing, he allowed her to run rampant and was eventually killed by Le Niang." Princess's strategist, Li Huixin, recounted the whole story in detail.
"And what is Le Niang's background?" Elder Wei Yueji from the Western Regions pressed for details.
"The vengeful ghost Le Niang is shrewish, strong-willed, and jealous. She was originally the favorite concubine of Han Jinglue, the garrison commander of Beitun Fort. After her death, she could not rest in peace because of her lingering resentment, so she learned magic from the old black sheep spirit. She wanted to seize the scripture 'Great Seal' and plotted to marry the scholar He Yunqing, waiting for an opportunity to strike."
"And who is Granny Wang?"
"Wang Mama was the steward of Han Jinglue's mansion before she died. She was not Le Niang's biological mother. She was drowned by Le Niang's magic while washing clothes by the river and became a vengeful ghost, controlled by Le Niang. She seemed to be kind and hospitable, and warmly welcomed the scholar He Yunqing, but in reality, she coveted the 'Great Seal' and always wanted to steal the scripture."
"And why did Zhuang Yiyun and her daughter become vengeful ghosts?" Elder Honghua, the sword-forging elder, asked again.
"Zhuang Yiyun was a newly acquired singing girl in the military governor's mansion, pure and refined, gentle and virtuous. Caught off guard by her innocent nature, she was approached by the jealous Le Niang, who feigned affection and then pushed her off a stone bridge, killing her. Her mother, Madam Zhuang, died by striking her daughter's grave. Both mother and daughter became wandering spirits, using the pretext of opening a vegetarian restaurant to meet He Yunqing, intending to steal his scriptures. However, during their time together, Zhuang Yiyun secretly developed feelings for He Yunqing, unable to bring herself to harm him and repeatedly saving him. In the end, she and Le Niang were both struck by He Yunqing's protective Buddhist beads, their souls scattered."
"So, Piaoyanzhai was originally a ghost shop run by the Zhuang mother and daughter." Elder Honghua, the sword-forging elder, nodded slightly. "Why was it taken over by the Black Sheep Demon Taoist?"
"This must be due to the plot intrusion," Princess's strategist Li Huixin replied softly.
“In that case, let’s investigate this ghost shop tonight,” Right Protector Xiahou Ying declared decisively.
"Understood." The Demon Hunter Sect was united in purpose.
That night, in Beitunbao.
The desolate mountains and wilderness were shrouded in gloom and despair. A chilling wind howled, accompanied by the wails of ghosts and wolves.
Four horses pulled a mechanical cloud chariot, which arrived gracefully.
At a glance, the fortress gates were wide open, and it was pitch black. Broken walls and rubble, along with scattered sand and broken halberds, testified to the fierce battle that had taken place.
"Drive the vehicle inside," Right Protector Xiahou Ying decided immediately.
"Hmm." This time, Princess's strategist, Li Huixin, will act as the charioteer. This also marks the first time the three female protagonists of "The Nine Swords of Dugu" will join forces. This was also Wu Chen's suggestion via telepathy. The reason is simple and convincing: a female protagonist's own exclusive storyline can counteract a significant amount of plot-driven death.
It's worth noting that in "Legend of the Mountain," Wang Leniang and Zhuang Yiyun also feature a classic dual-female lead setup. A three-female lead team has a significant advantage over a two-female lead team. Furthermore, Wang Leniang and Zhuang Yiyun are not truly united; their combined strength is not insurmountable.
The official carriage traveled smoothly all the way to Beitunbao.
As I passed through the fortress gate, my vision blurred and the scenery suddenly changed.
From afar, the lifeless, collapsed fortresses appeared, but in the blink of an eye, bright lights shone high in the sky, and the moon was full.
Those streets and shops that had long been destroyed by war have not only been restored to their original state, but their carved beams and painted rafters are even more magnificent than before.
What a bustling ghost market!
Before they arrived, Elder Gu Xianniang whispered to them that there was a bustling ghost market in the realm, which welcomed many wandering souls who crossed the Ink Bridge and entered the Painted Wall. This mysterious ghost market must be both far away and right before their eyes.
"Why did Beitunbao attract wandering ghosts to linger in the mural?" Left Protector Sai Xiaojing held her breath and remained on guard the whole way.
"Precisely because it is a border battlefield where countless people have died." Right Protector Xiahou Ying subconsciously glanced at the Hunyuan Golden Pill that was faintly glowing on the hilt of his sword.
"Lonely ghosts and zombies are not the same. The former feed on essence, while the latter can devour flesh and blood." Princess's strategist Li Huixin kept her eyes straight ahead, concentrating on driving the chariot: "We all have magical treasures that can exorcise demons and ward off evil. Ordinary demons would avoid us like the plague, let alone dare to approach us and cast spells."
"This place has far more to do than just Piaoyanzhai." Left Protector Sai Xiaojing glanced around and saw shops lining the street, their neon signs all strikingly similar, exuding a cyberpunk, immortal cultivation vibe.
Among them, the one that occupies the best location in the heart of the street is called "Chang Le Fang".
"It comes from 'The Twelve Houses of Brothels'," Wu Chen transmitted his voice from afar, informing him of the details.
During the Tang Dynasty, the head of the "Chang Le Fang" (a type of entertainment venue) was Su Wu Niang (played by Weng Hong), known as "Fifth Sister." Together with her sworn brother, the master of "bedroom tricks," she upheld the principle that "prostitutes should be hired regardless of wealth or social status, and those who become prostitutes should not be judged by beauty or age." They made Chang Le Fang a thriving business, renowned far and wide, even gaining fame in the imperial court. Countless suitors flocked to the venue, profiting immensely from the tricks of the bedroom.
Just like the Fifth Sister's catchphrase: "Isn't it enough to have money? A hundred taels is money, and one tael is money too." From royalty to beggars, everyone felt at home.
The four top courtesans of the entertainment district are Mei Lan Zhu Ju (Yuen Qiu-dan), Ju (Wu Si-min), Mei (Xia Hong), and Lan (Zeng Yu-juan). Also featured are newcomers Xiao Qing (Cheng Xue-yan) and the sexy Persian cat Xiao Huai-ya from the Western Regions.
"They should be human, so why are they living in the Ghost Market?" Left Protector Sai Xiaojing asked, puzzled.
"It's still unknown." Princess's strategist, Li Huixin, also asked, "Who is this master of bedroom mechanisms?"
"This man is the adopted son of the former madam. He and the Fifth Miss have been together since childhood, and feelings have secretly developed between them. He usually does his best to assist her but dares not reveal his true feelings. His skills in mechanical arts are specialized in cunning and ingenious techniques. The 'Twelve Chambers' are named after them, such as Overlord Lifting the Tripod, Heaven and Earth Spinning, Stormy Waves, and Promotion and Wealth." Wu Chen transmitted his voice from afar, "This man and Tian Canzi, who reattached Wei Yangsheng's limbs, are each other's opposite-dimensional counterparts."
"I see."