Weird Cultivation, I have a five-organ temple

Chapter 709 Close Eyes and Ears
As soon as the wizard finished speaking, other wizards nearby immediately surrounded him with soldiers clad in wizard armor, their killing intent palpable.

At the same time, spells and incantations emerged from the steep, straight cliffs of Wushan, shooting out five-colored magical light that enveloped Shang Lu and the others.

Du Feng and Tu Bi were terrified, thinking that their identities had really been exposed. They were about to draw their weapons and charge out with Shang Lu, Bai Lingxu and the others.

At the critical moment, the pokeweed remained calm.

He keenly noticed a strange, cold smile appearing on the face of the wizard in front of him.

His expression didn't seem like he had seen through their disguise, but rather like he had gotten revenge.

A guess suddenly occurred to Shang Lu.

He reacted quickly, immediately protesting his innocence: "How can the sorcerer distort the truth for his own personal grudge? We came to Wushan on the orders of our patriarch, bringing precious elixirs to present to the King and the noble! If your personal grudge causes the elixirs to malfunction and delays the King and the noble's treatment, can you bear the responsibility?!"

This shout, delivered with eloquence and sophistry, though spoken at an extremely fast pace, clearly reached everyone's ears.

Many people immediately took his words to heart and believed them, and there was much discussion about it.

Although the nearby shamans and soldiers still surrounded them, they did not rush to arrest the man. Instead, they looked at Shang Lu and the shaman official who had revealed their identities with suspicion, and kept their distance from the bundles of medicinal herbs carried on the horse's back.

These medicinal herbs may not be to the liking of the king and noblemen. But whether the king and noblemen approve of them is their business; the king and noblemen must not make decisions for the noblemen, much less act rashly.

Otherwise, if the news reached the ears of the king and nobles, and they truly believed that their actions were motivated by ulterior motives, even if they had seven or eight heads and five or six souls, they wouldn't be enough to kill them.

After hearing Shang Lu's angry shout, Du Feng, Tu Bi, and the others immediately calmed down, no longer panicked, and did not rashly draw their weapons.

It is reasonable for caravan guards to carry weapons, after all, there are not only bandits along the way, but also demons and evil spirits. However, if they were to draw their weapons and confront government soldiers and sorcerers, the nature of the situation would change.

The shaman standing in front of Shang Lu, seeing that he had failed to intimidate the other party and that his thoughts had been exposed, instantly turned ugly.

If Shang Lu hadn't shouted, he could have called a deer a horse without anyone saying anything.

Unfortunately, Shang Lu's shout was heard by many people around, and it also dragged the sick king and nobleman into the fray.

To reiterate, whether the King and the nobleman approve of this medicine is one thing. But if these people dare to obstruct the delivery of the medicine to the nobleman, that's a completely different matter.

Even if they have a thousand reasons, if Your Majesty and Your Highness do not listen, they will be sentenced to death!
The sorcerer gritted his teeth in hatred, but dared not make a move. He coldly questioned, "The Jin family recently lost Jin Yutang. They should be focused on catching the murderer. Why would they send someone to Wushan to deliver medicine? You must be imposters!"

Upon hearing this, Shang Lu knew he had guessed correctly.

The sorcerer didn't see through their scheme; he simply had a grudge against the Jin family and wanted to vent his anger on them.

If we don't handle it well, we might really be tricked by him.

Judging from the shaman's gritted teeth when he mentioned Jin Yutang, the grudge was most likely caused by Jin Yutang.

Shang Lu had no time to ponder what grudge or animosity existed between the shaman and Jin Yutang. He used his silver tongue to exclaim in surprise, "The shaman is far away in Wushan, yet he is also concerned about the affairs of my Jin family?"

Then he said, “When we set off, my third brother was still fine. On the way, we heard the news of his death and sent a message to the head of the family. The head of the family said that the health of the king and the nobleman is far better than the life of my third brother. He told us not to worry about anything else and to make sure that the elixir is delivered to Wushan and given to the king and the nobleman.”

At this point, Shang Lu paused, then countered, "Does the shaman's questioning mean he thinks the death of my third brother is more important than the health and well-being of the King and the Nobleman?"

"you……"

The shaman's face turned pale, especially with so many people nearby listening and watching, which made him even more flustered. He hurriedly protested, "I don't think so, don't talk nonsense!"

He now felt like he had gotten himself into a hot potato, so he hurriedly threw the documents and vouchers back to Shang Lu, not daring to make things difficult any further. He pinched his nose and had someone check the things carried on the horse's back. After confirming that they were all medicines, and that there were indeed several rare and precious medicinal herbs, his expression became even more unpleasant, and he waved for them to pass.

However, as Shang Lu and his group were about to leave, the shaman official was still unwilling to give up. He coldly snorted and warned, "Once you enter Wushan, behave yourselves. This is the capital, not Baiyi County, and it's not a place where you can run wild!"

"Thank you for telling me," Shang Lu replied with his hands clasped, not wanting to provoke the other party too much.

After the inspection, the group continued forward with the procession to board the witch basket and head to the city at the top of Wushan Mountain.

During the journey, Bai Lingxu's lips moved slightly, and he said in a very soft voice, "This person is called Yan Yun. He is also from Baiyi County. He had a feud with my third brother and was forced to leave the Witch Academy. Fortunately, the Yan family is a middle-class family, so he was able to come to Wushan and get a guard post."

At the foot of Mount Wu, although a quick glance reveals nothing unusual, the Wu script that had just appeared on the rock wall made it clear to Shang Lu and Bai Lingxu that they could not speak casually in this place.

While telepathic communication is certainly discreet, it's easily detected as a sign of witchcraft. Speaking in a low voice, as if speaking in the voice of a member of the Jin family, is more in line with their status. Even if overheard, it wouldn't arouse suspicion.

"I never imagined that our Jin family would have enemies in Wushan."

Shang Lu sighed, silently giving Bai Lingxu a thumbs up.

He truly lives up to his reputation as a know-it-all; he knows everything.

He instructed everyone: "We are here to deliver medicine to the King and the nobleman. Do not meddle in other matters. If this stern sorcerer insists on bothering us, please be tolerant."

Bai Lingxu, Zhu Quan, and the others clasped their hands in agreement, but they understood the unspoken message from Shang Lu, warning them to be careful of Yan Yun.

Although Yan Yun is not a formidable character, he has a grudge against Jin Yutang and was humiliated in front of his colleagues and many outsiders today. He must be holding a grudge and might cause some trouble.

Perhaps we should find an opportunity to get rid of him first?

But on second thought, Shang Lu felt that Yan Yun might not be entirely useless.

If used properly, it can not only turn bad things into good things, but also bring unexpected benefits.

Shang Lu pondered in his heart, but his feet never stopped, and soon he followed the group to the front of the witch basket.

These witch baskets were many times larger than ordinary hanging baskets. Each witch basket could hold hundreds of people. And around Mount Wu, countless witch baskets went up and down, transporting people up the mountain and into the city.

At first glance, all the witch baskets were woven from a special kind of vine, incredibly sturdy and with a strong load-bearing capacity. Upon closer inspection, one could also see mysterious witch runes on each vine, like naturally formed tree patterns, creating a levitation effect.

Needless to say, these vines must be a special variety cultivated by wizards who follow the path of agronomy and spiritual plants.

These things could theoretically be used to improve people's lives. But the powerful sorcerers were clearly unwilling to do so.

In the eyes of these people, only the lowly have ever offered them everything. How could they possibly serve the lowly? Wouldn't that be to degrade themselves and lower their status? They disdain it and are unwilling to do so.

Shang Lu led his horse, along with Bai Lingxu, Du Feng, and others, and surged onto the witch's basket with the crowd.

Soon, the witch's basket they were on was packed with hundreds of people.

Hearing the muffled creaking of the vines beneath their feet, Du Feng and Tu Bi couldn't help but feel worried, muttering under their breath:

"Why is this thing wobbling from side to side? Is it sturdy?"

"Don't let us be suspended in mid-air and then suddenly break apart! If that happens, we'll be left with no one to turn to for help!"

A merchant with a goatee standing nearby chuckled upon hearing their conversation.

Seeing the two glaring at him with displeasure, he weighed his options for a moment. Realizing he couldn't win and was afraid of being taken advantage of, he waved his hand and said, "Don't be nervous, gentlemen. The first time I rode in the witch basket, I was also worried and afraid of this and that. But after riding it many times, I realized that this thing is much safer than taking a boat. After all, it is a product of witchcraft and should not be taken lightly." As he spoke, the witch basket shook violently. If it weren't for the railing at the edge, many people would probably have been thrown off.

Immediately, the witch basket began to rise. At first, the speed was not fast, but in just a few breaths, it soared like a flying shuttle.

Everyone felt the wind whistling past their ears, their hearts pounding uncontrollably, and a strange buzzing sound in their ears, along with a peculiar stinging pain.

If you look down, you can see the ground rapidly receding through the gaps in the vines under your feet.

"what--"

From the witch's basket, someone let out a terrified scream.

However, no one made any move, not because they didn't want to, but because the vines woven into the witch's basket bound them, preventing them from moving and thus averting chaos and disaster.

The goatee-bearded merchant who had previously appeased Du Feng and Tu Bi said with an arrogant tone, shaking his head, "These uncomfortable feelings are a normal reaction to riding the witch basket. You bunch of ignorant fools."

Shang Lu glanced at the man and thought to himself that he hadn't been beaten up because everyone was too busy dealing with their own discomfort to bother him.

The weightlessness and discomfort brought about by this high-speed ascent were nothing to Shang Lu; he had long been accustomed to flying around in his magical artifacts.

However, to avoid arousing suspicion, he pretended to be nervous and uncomfortable.

But soon, his heart skipped a beat.

His keen senses told him that something had taken advantage of the moment to climb onto him.

But just as he was about to investigate what it was, it mysteriously vanished without a trace.

Shang Lu thought he was hallucinating, but then he saw San Niang suddenly appear in front of him and point at his abdomen.

Without needing San Niang to say anything, Shang Lu immediately understood her meaning and silently activated the internal vision technique, turning his gaze to the five internal organs within his body.

Inside the stomach, the strange mist that had appeared earlier was still there, and even a bit thicker.

Fortunately, these mists did not affect the functioning of the internal organs. On the contrary, they suppressed the new divine power that Shang Lu had absorbed in the Divine Dream Land, as well as the terrifying and eerie blood mist.

Shang Lu guessed that the reappearance of the mist was not a bad thing for the Five Internal Organs Temple, so he did not deal with it. At this moment, the mist did affect Shang Lu's inspection of the Five Internal Organs Temple, but fortunately it was not serious. He soon saw a new "offering" on the offering table.

A strange, thin worm, as thin as a hair and only the length of a grain of rice, white with a hint of yellow.

After the insect was placed on the offering table, it was still struggling and wriggling, trying to escape.

But it clearly doesn't have that ability.

"Gu insect?"

Shang Lu raised an eyebrow, but still felt it didn't quite match, especially the aura.

Most Gu creatures are cultivated using witchcraft, and they carry more or less witchcraft and malevolent energy. However, this strange little worm does not possess any of those auras.

Regardless of whether it was a Gu worm or not, Shang Lu was pondering one thing: this thing couldn't have just appeared on him for no reason and even burrowed directly into his body.

It should be noted that even though Shang Lu concealed his cultivation level, his protective witch aura still remained.

This strange, tiny worm, which hadn't been killed by the protective magical energy, had silently burrowed into his body, was clearly unusual. Not to mention, it had almost escaped his senses and search!

This is clearly not an ordinary strange insect; it must have been deliberately released by someone.

I just don't know if this strange worm is only targeting him, or if it's also present in other people's bodies.

With a question in his mind, Shang Lu turned to look at the others crammed into the witch's basket.

He secretly activated his spiritual insight. Although he couldn't see into the bodies of others, he did see fresh pores on the skin of some people.

These holes are so fine, like mosquito bites, that they would be hard to spot without a keen eye.

But strangely, such pores were not seen on another group of people.

After a moment's thought, the pokeweed understood.

People without pores must have been to Wushan before—like that goatee-bearded merchant who had a rude way of talking.

The reason they don't have pores is that they were implanted with this strange worm very early on.

Those who developed small pores on their bodies, including him, were all returning to Wushan for the first time.

"Are these strange, tiny insects part of Wushan's surveillance system for people coming and going?" Shang Lu immediately made a judgment and further speculated: "Their function may not even be limited to surveillance."

Last night, when the paper figures and the two sorcerers were sent to Wushan, strange insects may have crawled into their bodies.

However, the paper figure's body was made of flesh and blood by divine power, and Shang Lu was unable to sense the situation inside that flesh and blood, which is why he did not discover the existence of the strange worms in advance.

Fortunately, it's not too late now.

The strange, tiny worms in the stomach will not be noticed or suspected as long as they are not digested.

However, they need to find a way to shield Bai Lingxu, Du Feng, and the others from the strange worms inside their bodies. Otherwise, even if they manage to infiltrate Wushan, they won't be able to do anything with this strange thing watching them.

Just as he was thinking this, Wulan had already ascended to the top of the mountain.

The crowd filed down, and many of them were unsteady on their feet after leaving the witch's basket, some even leaning against trees and vomiting.

Although Shang Lu and Bai Lingxu did not feel this discomfort, they still pretended to have weak legs in order not to arouse suspicion.

Several warhorses were also a bit weak in the knees, but only Hei Yun wanted to show off. Shang Lu secretly pinched him, and he finally came to his senses. He hurriedly pretended to be frightened and even took the opportunity to kick Shang Lu, which was somewhat like settling a personal score.

After resting for a while, and estimating that it was about time, Shang Lu and the others led their horses towards Wushan City.

After successfully entering the city, we found an inn and asked for a private courtyard.

Shang Lu first instructed Zhu Quan, Du Feng, and others to unload the medicinal herbs, brush the horses, and feed them. Then he gave Bai Lingxu a wink.

The latter understood immediately and went into the house with him.

Once inside the house, Shang Lu was pondering how to bring up the strange worm he had mentioned so that Bai Lingxu would know what it looked like, without the worm overhearing him.

Suddenly, Third Sister appeared behind Bai Lingxu, raised her hand, and with lightning speed, reached into his body...

(End of this chapter)