Estranged

July 13th, You Country.

The stone tablet named Youdu came into view, and after tens of miles from here, it was time to enter the city gate.

It is said that after passing through the city gate, one can see the most majestic and majestic city gate in the world, and behind the city gate, the capital city of Youguo, which has been described by many literati and poets in the world.

secluded capital.

He Qingmo found that after he left the teacher's door and went down the mountain to travel, he had been to many places, but he had never been to Youdu.

"This city gate is indeed taller and more beautiful than other places, but it is not amazing. The person who said this has never traveled far before!"

Standing under the city gate, the young man sneered and said the same thoughts as him.

He Qingmo glanced at him and said nothing.

We met by chance, casual acquaintance, and soon parted ways, so there is no need to have too much friendship.

Seeing him like this, Zhang Zhang just thought that his famous disciple looked down on his wild way, gave a low sigh, and walked into the city first.

"Brother He Dao, don't mind, Zhang Daoyou just has a higher self-esteem, and he is not a bad friend."

Compared with the chapters, He Xiyun, who was smoothing things over at the moment, seemed much more pleasing to the eye.

Not because she is a woman, but because she is better at handling things than Zhang Zhang.

He Qingmo shook his head: "It's okay."

He had a good impression of He Xiyun, and he was willing to talk to her more.

"Although Youdu is the capital city of You Country, there are also many capable people and strange men. Hidden dragons and crouching tigers hide in the city. Congratulations to fellow Taoist priests entering the city, it's best not to wander around."

He Xiyun nodded with a smile: "Thank you, Fellow Daoist He, for reminding me. I've heard that there will be a transcendence ceremony on July 15th. It's a grand scale. Nine out of ten Buddhist worshipers in the world will come to worship and commemorate. Although I'm not a Buddhist disciple, I also want to come over to watch the excitement, Fellow Daoist He is well-informed, do you know if the Dharma conference is the same as in the rumors, can you tell my little sister about it?"

He Qingmo just wanted to say that he had never been here before, but before he could say anything, he had already forgotten what he wanted to say.

The same goes for He Xiyun.

What comes into view is exquisite houses, all of which are well-proportioned and orderly, as if they were made by the same craftsman.

The roof tiles seem to be mixed with glass and other materials, even if it is not completely transparent glass, it still shines in the sun, as if there is light.

Lotus flowers were planted in front of many common people's houses, every household, and it happened to be the season when lotus flowers were in full bloom.

At the end of the road, a higher-lying imperial palace stands at the gate of the imperial city, which can be seen from a distance, like the kingdom of God in Buddhist legends, blurred but clear.

Magnificent, holy.

When the wind comes, the bell rings.

He Qingmo followed the prestige and saw that there were copper bells hanging under the eaves of the house. When there was a slight movement, thousands of bells rang one after another, like a beautiful piece of music, better than a thousand words in the world.

There is no need to read the Buddha's voice, the Buddha's voice is at ease.

Not to mention He Qingmo and He Xiyun, even the chapters ahead were stunned, and it took a long time to come back to their senses, and let out a long breath.

This is the reaction that almost everyone who enters Youdu for the first time will have, and the local people have long been familiar with it.

He Xiyun exclaimed: "As expected of the secluded capital of Chongshan Buddhism, it is true that the brand of Buddhism is everywhere!"

While amazed, but also envious.

You country worships Buddha, from top to bottom, almost pours the power of the whole country, from the court to the people, everyone is devout, which shows that Wanlian Buddha Land not only has a lofty status in You country, but also has great power.

In contrast, although the Daoist sect is respected, it is far from such a status.

However, this is only the secular influence, which shows that Buddhist monks are far more familiar with the rules of secular power games than Taoist monks. right.

Thinking of this, He Xiyun felt much more comfortable.

Even the disciple of the Shenxiao Immortal Mansion beside her became more and more powerful in her mind.

"Before entering this gate, I didn't know that there is such a magnificent city in the world. No wonder Youdu is also called the Buddha's capital!"

He Xiyun seemed to remember something and looked around.

"I don't know where the Ten Thousand Lotus Buddha Land of the second sect of Buddhism is?"

"There." He Qingmo raised his hand and pointed.

On the mountainside in the distance, a courtyard is looming among the clouds, and the Buddha light on the golden top seems to be far away.

"I heard that Wanlian Buddha Land is only called the two saints in Buddhism, and it is not as good as Qingyun Temple. I didn't expect the status in Youdu to be so lofty. When others told me before, I didn't believe it."

Seeing that He Qingmo came from a famous family, Zhang Zhang stared at him for a long time like a country bumpkin like himself. He couldn't help being satisfied, and his attitude was much more friendly.

He Xiyun said: "You two fellow Taoists, why don't you find a place to stay first. I heard that the fifteenth day of the seventh month is approaching, and within five days before and after, Youdu will be very lively at night. We can wait until after dark before going out for a walk."

Zhang Zhang naturally had no objection, he was originally out to travel, and wherever he went, it counted.

But He Qingmo said: "You guys go first, I will walk around again, we will meet again by fate, goodbye!"

He Xiyun wanted to stop him: "Hey, Fellow Daoist!"

Before she could say anything to persuade her to stay, He Qingmo had already walked away.

Zhang Zhang sneered: "Look, I just said that he disdains to go with us, the master of Shenxiao Xianfu personally passed on his disciples, he is so majestic, how can he take those from a small sect like us in his eyes?"

He Xiyun sighed, feeling a little regretful, she thought she would have a chance to exchange ideas with He Qingmo.

"You don't need to worry too much, Fellow Daoist Zhang. Maybe Fellow Daoist He really has something to do. We met by chance. It's not easy to ask too many questions. Don't think too much about it."

Chapter snorted coldly.

Qingbei Mountain is indeed a little-known sect, the only one who is famous is Lu Zhiyuan, the elder of the sect, but He Xiyun's master has no friendship with Elder Lu. After crossing the catastrophe and resolving the war, she couldn't even see her master for the last time. After crying a lot, He Xiyun simply bid farewell to the head of the sect, traveled down the mountain, and never went back.

As for Zhang Zhang, his background is even more remote, he has never even heard of He Xiyun, but Zhang Zhang's aptitude is not bad, if He Xiyun hadn't had that adventure in the underworld, it would be a tie with Zhang Zhang at this time .

"These famous disciples always have their eyes above the top. He Qingmo will not be the first, nor will he be the last. I'm used to it!"

Chapter doesn't take her comfort seriously.

"The stronger the cultivation base, the more arrogant the attitude will be. I have seen this kind of person a lot!"

"no."

At least one person doesn't.

A figure suddenly appeared in He Xiyun's heart.

The other party said that his name was Chang Ming, and he had no background and no memory, but he was so powerful that it dazzled people.

But without him, he would have died in that terrible place long ago, with no bones left.

I don't know how the other party is doing in Qixianmen now.

"By the way, Zhang Daoyou, didn't you come from Dragon Blood Mountain before? It's close to Qixian Gate. I have an old friend named Chang Ming who lives at the foot of Qixian Gate. I don't know if you've heard of him. What's going on?"

"The Qixian Gate? The Qixian Gate has been destroyed, don't you know?"

He Xiyun was greatly astonished.

"When did it happen?!"

Chapter: "I don't know, I also have a friend in Qixianmen. At that time, I wanted to stop by to visit, but when I got to the foot of the mountain, I found that the village there was completely deserted. The things were still there, and the meal was half cooked. Yes, the Qixian Gate on the mountain is also the same, as if, as if all the people disappeared suddenly. After inquiring, it is said that the Blood Sect and the surrounding sects, big and small, were all wiped out, and I don’t know who did it of."

He Xiyun was inexplicably shocked: "Seeing that Zhou Ke, the Patriarch of the Blood Sect, is also one of the most master masters in the world, could it be that something unexpected happened to him?"

Chapter: "The Demon Sect has many enemies. I heard that Zhou Ke can often use living people as furnaces to practice kung fu to overcome the barrier. If he fails to keep it, he has captured the favorite student of some great master, and he will be retaliated and wiped out! Alas, what a pity I That friend, he suffered from the misfortune of the pond for no reason, and he didn't see anyone alive or dead, and now he doesn't know what's going on!"

That Changming...

He Xiyun was a little upset, not even interested in admiring the scenery of Youdu, so he and Zhang Zhang casually found an inn to rest, and meditated for an entire afternoon, until nightfall, when his mood gradually eased down.

Zhang Zhang came to look for her and invited her to go for a walk, and He Xiyun agreed.

Although Youdu worships Buddhism, it is not that there is no singing, dancing and entertainment at all. It is said that like Luodu, the east and west cities sing and sing every night, and the music hall is brightly lit all night long. Most of the guests who come to Youdu from other places settle here.

He Xiyun and the others live in an inn on the edge of the West Market. It is very convenient to go to the West Market, but it is just across the street and within walking distance.

It's just that I didn't expect that my companion who hadn't been separated for a long time would meet again in West Market so soon.

"Fellow Daoist He!"

Among the bustling crowd, He Qingmo turned around, surprised.

"Is it you?"

He Xiyun stepped forward quickly, seeing his surprise and disappointment.

"Who do you think it is?"

He Qingmo: "It's nothing, I seem to have seen an old friend just now, but it must be a mistake."

He Xiyun thought of Chang Ming, and felt sad.

"You Daoist He left in a hurry before, did you go to find that old friend?"

He Qingmo shook his head: "I went to Wanlian Buddha Land."

He Xiyun: "An appointment?"

He Qingmo: "No, just look outside."

Just before he got close to Wanlian Buddha's Land, he could feel the blockade of numerous formations and barriers. He Qingmo was the best at forming formations in Shenxiao Immortal Mansion, but he stood outside Wanlian Buddha's Land for a long time, unexpectedly He Qingmo couldn't see the other party's flaws, and seeing that it might be exposed if he stayed any longer, He Qingmo turned and left.

He Xiyun felt that He Qingmo's trip was not aimless like theirs, it might be for someone or something, but if the other party didn't say anything, she couldn't ask.

Zhang Zhang originally thought He Qingmo was not pleasing to the eye, and he was not willing to stay with them any longer when he saw this, so he just walked a few steps quickly and went to the front for a stroll.

When the lights come on, there is a spark in the world.

Looking up, the lanterns are connected together, shining brightly on the bustling crowd, illuminating the secluded city as if it were daytime.

As the Hungry Ghost Festival approaches, many stalls are hung with ghost masks. Some are hideous and lifelike, and some are cute and colorful. For the living, the Hungry Ghost Festival is not a color of sadness and remembrance. It can also be used to worship ghosts and gods and pray for safety. , bless the weather and the family's well-being.

The three of He Qingmo are monks, and they don't have the habit of celebrating the Ghost Festival. They just treat them like tourists, experiencing the folk customs of Youdu, and watching the flowers on horseback.

The chatter of the people on the side lingered in their ears from time to time.

"Father, why don't we burn paper? Didn't we burn paper last year?" This was asked by an ignorant child.

"Nonsense, paper is burned every year on the 15th day, you remember wrongly."

"On the day of burning paper, you can eat roast duck!"

"Just remember to eat it! It's a sacrifice to the ghosts and gods. We can only use it after the ghosts and gods have eaten it. Don't talk nonsense, be careful of being caught as a substitute!"

"What is a stand-in?"

…

The voice of admonishing the children fell farther and farther behind, He Xiyun remembered that she was scolded by her master when she was a child, and she couldn't help but smile knowingly.

"There's a noodle stall over there, why don't you two fellow Taoists go over and have a seat?"

If He Qingmo suggested it, Zhang Zhang would definitely ignore it, but for He Xiyun, he would still save face.

The three of them found a seat and sat down, He Xiyun ordered a bowl of cat's ears, and He Qingmo and Zhang Zhang asked for Xunzi noodles.

Served in a bowl full, the ingredients are enough, but the money spent is very cheap. You can’t buy such a bowl of noodles at the same price in Luodu.

The chapter saw He Qingmo eating noodles, and couldn't help but twitch and mock: "I didn't expect He Daoyou, who came from a famous family, to eat human fireworks like us. I thought you were bigu every day!"

He Qingmo said calmly: "Bigu can be bigu, so can Zhang Daoyou, but if there is no food to eat in the deep mountains and old forests, who would treat themselves harshly?"

He Xiyun was afraid that they would start arguing again, so she hurriedly interrupted: "My cat's ears are too bland, without any salty taste, how about you?"

Chapter: "Mine doesn't taste good either."

He asked the boss for salt and vinegar to put in by himself, but even if he did, his bowl of Xaozi noodles was still bland and tasteless.

The three of them were a little disappointed, hurriedly finished the noodles, paid the bill, and left the noodle stall.

"I still think there's something special about the things in Youdu. The noodles are not expensive, but such bland noodles are like drinking plain water. How can there be so many people eating them? Can't they taste the taste?" Chapter endured Can't stop complaining.

If He Xiyun felt something, she took a few steps and turned her head.

There are indeed many customers at the noodle stall.

They just buried their heads in eating noodles without talking, as if they had been hungry for three days and three nights.

But judging from their attire, they are clearly dressed neatly. Although they can't be called rich and powerful, they can't even afford a bowl of noodles.

A strange feeling rose in He Xiyun's heart.

She followed the trend and looked at the noodle stall owner.

The latter seemed to notice something, and happened to raise his head too. The two looked at each other for a moment, and the latter smiled at He Xiyun.

A weird, creepy smile.

He Xiyun's hairs all over his body exploded, he turned around suddenly and rushed towards the boss in two or three steps.

The noodle stall owner was taken aback by her.

"What is this lady doing?"

He Xiyun stared at the other party with her beautiful eyes.

The boss had an innocent face and was frightened by her aura. He wanted to retreat but dared not.

There was no abnormality, just like her illusion.

He Xiyun turned back to look at the guests at each table.

Just now, some people got up and left after eating. The food money was put on the table, and only one table was still waiting. The family of three talked and laughed.

"He Daoyou, what's wrong?"

He Qingmo's voice rang in his ears, and He Xiyun loosened the frown between his brows.

"It's nothing, maybe I read it wrong, where is Zhang Daoyou?"

He Qingmo didn't care: "Maybe I just walked too fast, so I got separated."

Crowds of people come and go, and you can't see the end at a glance. Where can you see the shadow of the chapter?

But it's okay to get separated, I'm no longer a child, I will always go back to the inn by myself.

He Xiyun still felt something was wrong.

She walked with He Qingmo for a while, and couldn't help but turn back to look at the noodle stall.

Seeing this, his face turned pale.

"What about the noodle stall?!"

He Qingmo turned around and realized that something was wrong.

The huge noodle stall disappeared completely in place, and the place turned into a stall selling sweets and cakes.

"Selling sugar cakes! Selling sugar cakes! Mrs. Lang, would you like a piece of sugar cakes, keep them sweet!"

The hawker has also completely changed his appearance, he is not the middle-aged noodle stall owner just now.

He Xiyun: "Where's the noodle stall just now?!"

The peddler was puzzled: "What kind of noodle stall? There is no noodle stall around here. I have been selling sugar cakes here for two years!"

He Xiyun wanted to say more, but was held down by He Qingmo.

She was dragged aside.

"These people are not monks."

"But just now..."

"Ever since I entered the city, I have felt uncomfortable." He Qingmo said, he thought it was because he was not used to smelling those Buddha lotus sandalwood, and he didn't care. vigilance.

He now knew that it was the ubiquitous breath here that made him feel uncomfortable.

Those breaths are not sandalwood, not the turbid air that is rubbing shoulders one after another, but—

ghostly.

A ghostly aura that is like smoke and everywhere.

"Look!" He Xiyun suddenly raised her voice, then forcibly lowered it, "What is that!"

He Qingmo looked at the sugar cake that had been inserted on a bamboo skewer. The white, plump, soft and appetizing sugar cake slowly squirmed under the lantern.

A huge maggot.

Then the noodles they ate just now...

He Xiyun didn't dare to continue to think deeply, she felt that she might never want to eat noodles again.

He Qingmo suddenly stretched out his hand to grab the candy peddler, and the other party let him grab it without struggling, but dragged his tone and softly begged for mercy.

"Lang, Jun, you, this, yes, what, what, ah—"

With a little force from He Qingmo, the head on the peddler's shoulders was shaken off, and Gululu rolled away.

"Kill, man, la!"

"You, kill, man, la!"

One after another, there were questions all around, but these questions were all gloomy, and they didn't seem to be issued by living people at all.

Looking around again, the crowd who were wandering around looked at them one after another. He Xiyun even saw that his back was facing them. Grinning upwards, like wearing a mask, there is terror from head to toe.

This is not a night market, it is clearly a ghost market!

A pair of hands stretched out towards them, and He Qingmo unsheathed the long sword behind him, and slashed out ruthlessly. Where the sword light rose and fell, countless human heads and bones fell to the ground, but more people came around behind him, and they couldn't kill them all.

And the two of them were already surrounded by groups.

He Xiyun wanted to use spiritual power, but found that his dantian was empty, and there was nothing there. Looking at He Qingmo, although his sword was powerful, it was only the aura brought by the blade itself, not the spiritual power to control the sword.

What about their spiritual power? !

"Killing for life, you stay."

A chuckle came from nowhere, faint resentment, seeming far away, but like a tangible force, pulling thousands of ghost hands towards He Qingmo and the two of them.

At the critical moment, a hand stretched out from behind and put it on his shoulder.

He Qingmo originally wanted to cut it open, but found that the hand seemed to have expected it, easily avoided the attack, and held his arm again.

"follow me."

The familiar voice made He and He turn their heads at the same time.

Hosta hairpin with black hair, plain clothes and broad robe, deep eyebrows, as high as a mountain.

This kind of demeanor is even more intriguing than what He Xiyun saw at the foot of Weiqing Mountain that day.

The author has something to say:

ps1, regarding the psychological changes of the master and the apprentice, the refined comment id "early to bed and early to rise" is very detailed. He has speculated and analyzed many things that cannot be explained in the text like explanatory texts. Topic floor The discussion and analysis of everyone below is also very exciting, and may be able to answer some of the confusion of some friends.

ps2, there are many kinds of feelings in the world, many mixed flavors, love and hate, can't be summed up and interpreted simply with love, family affection, etc., such as Zhou Ke's psychology towards the teacher.