Chapter 701: Bounty, Pursuit
When they charged into the core area, the crowd’s footsteps
abruptly came to a stop. Everyone’s expression turned extremely dark and stiff
in an instant. They couldn’t stop their hearts from spasming. A few cowardly
fighters couldn’t help but look at the sky. They were afraid that Gong Wuji,
high up in the sky, would suddenly go berserk and slaughter them all.
Indeed, they’d seen Gong Qi.
More accurately speaking, they saw a partial Gong Qi.
Gong Qi was hung on a tree and swaying slightly in midair. He
was barely alive, and his back was engraved with words that had been made by a
sharp weapon. “Gong Wuji, this is but the start of my revenge for the
destruction of my sect. Neither the Eternal Celestial Capital nor the Great
Scarlet Mid Region will escape Jiang Chen’s wrath!”
These bloody words appeared incredibly sinister as they were
engraved directly into Gong Qi’s back. To add onto that, his arms had been
completely hacked off, and his meridians and dantian completely shattered as
well. Even if he were to survive, he would just be trash. In any case, he was
dead for sure with those kinds of injuries. Gong Wuji’s bitter screams rained
down from the sky. He immediately landed beside Gong Qi and held his grandson
in his arms. The burning fury in his eyes looked like they could reduce the
entire Myriad Domain to ashes. “Jiang Chen!!”
Gong Wuji threw his head back and howled, his unbridled
anger and killing intent sweeping through the entire area and causing passing
birds and land animals to explode into masses of bloody gore. The landscape in
a two kilometer radius around him were completely decimated. Gong Qi’s two
bodyguards were also absolutely terrified by this revelation. They were Gong
Qi’s bodyguards, but they had failed to protect him and allowed him to fall
into Jiang Chen’s hands, even if it had been a consequence that Gong Qi had
brought unto himself. It was undeniable that they had neglected their duties as
Gong Qi’s bodyguards. Therefore, they were infinitely afraid that Gong Wuji
would sacrifice them as an offering to Gong Qi.
Gong Wuji finally lifted his head once more a long time
later. His entire being felt so sharp like a blade that the people around him
couldn’t help but pull away from him.
“Come over, you two,” Gong Wuji beckoned the bodyguards.
“Take Qi’er’s body away and bury it properly. One of the Gong family cannot be
exposed like this,” Gong Wuji’s tone was heavy and dark.
He absolutely wouldn’t minded slaughtering everyone here in
exchange for his grandson’s life, if that could’ve revived him. But he also
knew that venting his anger on others by killing them would only make him an
even greater laughingstock than he already was in the eyes of those present.
Right now, the most important thing to do was to hunt down Jiang Chen. Now that
Gong Qi was gone, they no longer needed to fear for his safety. They would be
able to chase and hunt down Jiang Chen without any concerns.
…...
Jiang Chen had kept his promise. He had left plenty of
Divine Befuddlement Miasma antidotes around the borders of Myriad Domain. If
that Zhang Ole Third could leave the Myriad Domain alive and reach the borders,
it was entirely possible for him to find the antidotes. Once he was done with
all this, Jiang Chen took a deep look back at the Myriad Domain before
exchanging a glance with Huang’er, “Let’s go.”
The two figures drew extremely long shadows beneath the
sunset before they gradually vanished along an ancient path. Although Jiang
Chen was racked with worry after learning that Gou Yu and the others had been
sold to the Veluriyam Capital, he was at least comforted by the knowledge that
their lives weren’t at risk. Even though he had figured out their rough
locations, Jiang Chen had decided to visit the Great Scarlet Mid Region first.
He had no doubts that the news he learned was genuine. He was just afraid that
not everyone had been traded to the Veluriyam Capital, and that someone might
have been left behind.
After all, the Regal Pill Palace were not lacking in
geniuses. Mu Gaoqi was one such example. There was also Elder Yun Nie. He might
not be a pill king, but his talent in pills was absolutely deserving of a seat
in Great Scarlet Mid Region. At the same time, he was hoping to test his luck
and see if he could find the missing sect head Dan Chi, Ling Bi’er and more.
The road to the Great Scarlet Mid Region didn’t really count
as a detour. If someone wanted to make their way to the Veluriyam Capital from
the Myriad Domain, passing through the Great Scarlet Mid Region was a must. One
would also have to go through another two lower regions and one middle more
region after crossing through the Great Scarlet Mid Region, before they could
enter Upper Eight Regions territory.
They would also have to pass through the territory of quite
a number of factions after entering Upper Eight Regions territory before they
could finally enter the Veluriyam Capital. Even if they were to encounter no
obstacles whatsoever along the way, the trip would still take a minimum of
several months time. Plus, he didn’t doubt for a second that they would
encounter countless hardships and obstacles on their way to the Veluriyam
Capital.
There were countless wandering cultivators in the Great
Scarlet Mid Region. Both Huang’er and Jiang Chen had disguised themselves as
such, and although they encountered countless roadblocks and were questioned
many times along the way, they had unique methods that could suppress the
ripples of their internal energy. This kept any outsider from figuring out
their true strength. And so, they calmly entered into the capital of Great
Scarlet Mid Region as earth origin realm cultivators.
The Great Scarlet Mid Region was absolutely bustling with
activity. Even the old Myriad Empire couldn’t compare to the current Great
Scarlet Mid Region. Except, Jiang Chen couldn’t appreciate the Great Scarlet
Mid Region’s prosperity at all. If saving his sect members from the Veluriyam
Capital wasn’t top priority, he would’ve caused rivers of blood to flow in the
streets from the slaughter of these citizens. However, his rationality warned
him that this was not the best time to take revenge. The Great Scarlet Mid
Region royal household alone contained an unknown number of experts.
After entering the capital, the duo frequented many taverns
and tea shops. These were the easiest places to learn about the latest news. On
this day, the duo appeared at the empire’s most reputable tavern, the Dragon
& Phoenix. Of course, they couldn’t just book a private room outright with
their current disguises. It so happened that there were many southern guests
making a trip to the north gathered in the lobby, and so Jiang Chen requested a
table that was close to the edge of the room and ordered some dishes.
The great hall was noisy and bustling with activity. He
extended his consciousness a little and continuously gathered information from
the surrounding tables. But although some of these people were talking about
Myriad Domain, the content of their discussion were rather unimportant as it
was of lower importance. Jiang Chen didn’t rush things. He continued to extend
his consciousness slowly. Suddenly, he locked his consciousness onto a
particular table. There were four of them, and they were all dressed like sect
disciples.
“Hehe, the commotion is quite big this time. Thank goodness
we haven’t been sent to the Regal Pill Palace, or it would’ve been a great
misfortune.”
“I know, right? Everyone thought at first that the Regal
Pill Palace was rich and easy pickings. They were all lamenting their bad luck
for not getting a chance to tag along. Now it would seem that it was a deadly
task, hahaha.”
Jiang Chen had figured out that these four people were
probably part of a sect that had assigned to attack Myriad Domain. It was just
that their target hadn’t been the Regal Pill Palace.
“That’s why they say risk and return are two sides of the
same coin. If the Regal Pill Palace didn’t have an unknown factor like Jiang
Chen, they would’ve been a rich mark to rob. Did you see what we got from the
Walkabout Sect? They had nothing but a bunch of poisonous stuff.”
“Hehe, speaking of the Walkabout Sect, I heard that the
poison Jiang Chen used to ambush the Thunder Note Hall and the Great Roc Sect
was none other than the Walkabout Sect’s Spirit Restraint Powder.”
“Yeah, I heard about that too. How weird, I thought Jiang
Chen is a Regal Pill Palace disciple, so how did he know how to use Walkabout
Sect poison?”
“Who knows? C’mon, drink up!”
Jiang Chen sneered inwardly. He wasn’t lacking in Spirit
Restraint Powders alright. He’d picked up quite a bit of this poison back when
he killed the Walkabout Sect’s elder Wei Wudao and confiscated his space ring,
and had obtained even more from killing Wei Qing. He’d used up most of it after
he had set up the traps and attacked the Thunder Note Hall and the Great Roc
Sect in that offensive barrage. However, Jiang Chen could easily mass produce
more given enough time when it came to poison.
“The Thunder Note Hall and the Great Roc Sect is so out of
luck this time. I heard that a holy king’s grandson of the Eternal Celestial
Capital died, alarming even our Great Scarlet Emperor himself. This definitely
is one hell of an incident.”
“Yeah. But weird, how did the Eternal Celestial Capital get
involved?”
Jiang Chen was first surprised by this dialogue, then
realized immediately after that the Eternal Celestial Capital had kept its
involvement hidden in the beginning, but the truth had gradually spilled out
into the open as their clash against the Ninesuns Sky Sect had gradually
escalated. It would appear that the Eternal Celestial Capital had fully emerged
into the open now.
“I guess the situation of the Divine Abyss Continent is just
so mysterious. Sigh, in the end a fourth rank sect like us is just too weak.”
“Yeah, we’re nothing in front of a first rank sect.”
“I heard that the Great Scarlet Mid Region’s bounty is about
to come out today. I’m so curious! What kind of bounty do you think the empire
will give out this time?”
Bounty? Jiang Chen immediately understood that the bounty
must be directed at him.
“Hehe, everyone, I heard that this Jiang Chen may very well
come to our empire in an attempt to save his sect members. Who knows, maybe we
could use this chance to rise to the top!”
“Stop dreaming already! Just us alone? Jiang Chen killed
even Ding Rong of the Thunder Note Hall!”
“Even a holy king of the Eternal Celestial Capital was
played like a fool, much less Ding Rong! There’s no way people like us could
deal with that Jiang Chen.”
“Ssh! Be quiet. Do you want to die, talking about a holy
king of the Eternal Celestial Capital like that?” The group of people
immediately fell silent and drowned themselves in alcohol. They obviously all
thought that their conversation had gone a little overboard and decided not to
gossip any further.
It was at this moment a couple of energetic-looking
cultivators rushed into the restaurant. The leader of the group yelled loudly,
“Boss, bring us a couple of jugs of alcohol, quickly!”
“Haha, boss, the empire is definitely sparing no effort to
capture Jiang Chen. Any person who manages to capture that guy would be granted
the title of duke, a thousand acres of land, and awarded the Great Scarlet
Patriot Order. They would also gain five million sage spirit stones, three
thousand Heroic Sage Pills, one sky rank spirit herb and the chance to found a
sect and be ruler of his own territory in the Great Scarlet Mid Region.”
“Boss, this is the our chance as the Ghost Cave Five!”
These noisy wandering cultivators were actually quite
powerful. One of them was actually at earth sage realm while the remaining four
were all at mortal sage realm. The leader of the group was a one-eyed man. He
gripped his wine cup and said slowly, “I didn’t think that we would encounter
such a great opportunity travelling to the Great Scarlet Mid Region this time.
Considering all the years we’ve spent wandering around the lands, it is
probably time to find a good place to settle. Are you guys sure you want to do
this?” The one-eyed boss looked at his brothers and asked for their opinions
with a serious expression on his face.
“Let’s do it!”
“Of course we’re doing it, the one who freaking thinks
otherwise is a coward!”
“This is a rare opportunity for wandering cultivators like
us. We must make this gamble no matter what!”
Wandering cultivators had always been more rough and direct
type. When the table of sect disciples heard of their discussion, they all
walked over and asked, “Hey brothers, has the bounty came out already?”
Chapter 702: New Journey, Veluriyam Capital
These wandering cultivators were all fierce people. They
instinctively wanted to yell at the newcomers who’d butted in on their
conversation. However, when they noticed that the strangers’ attire seemed to
identify them as sect disciples from the Great Scarlet Mid Region, they
forcefully swallowed the abuses that had formed on the tip of their tongues.
The one-eyed man cast the strangers a glance, then nodded indifferently. “It
just did. That’s what everyone outside is talking about at the moment. Haven’t
you heard?”
The sect disciples weren’t as strong as the wandering
cultivators, nor did they have any wish to cause unnecessary trouble. As such,
they quickly stepped outside to check the bounty notice for themselves. Jiang
Chen wasn’t surprised to learn about the bounty on his head. After so many
conflicts, he and the Great Scarlet Mid Region were at complete odds with one
another. It was only natural that the Great Scarlet Empire had issued a bounty
for his head.
The crowd that was checking out the bounty notice was
enormous. Thankfully, the empire had stuck similar notices in several different
places. As he was just one of the many people checking out the bounty notice,
Jiang Chen didn’t stand out at all. He sneered inwardly as he stared at the
bounty notice. A bounty on my head, eh? He wasn’t afraid of this sort of thing
in the slightest. It was true that a bounty such as this would draw many
desperate cultivators like hungry wolves. However, despite this, Jiang Chen
wouldn’t be afraid of trash like them, no matter how many of them there were.
Jiang Chen returned to the Dragon & Phoenix once he’d
checked out the bounty notice on him. He’d only just returned when he noticed a
group of people walking down from the second floor. A young man dressed in
oriental clothing stood in the center of the group, while bodyguards stood
closeby both in front of and behind him. The bodyguards were obviously on high
alert as they eyed their surroundings with hawk-like eyes. Besides the young
man’s group, there was also another group of people, who were obviously of high
status as well. The head of that group was actually a first level emperor realm
cultivator.
“I’m really sorry, Elder Gui. I would’ve saved him for you
if you’d notified me earlier. It’s this prince’s fault for not noticing that he
possessed an innate wood constitution of high order.” The young man in oriental
clothing had called himself a ‘prince’. Could it be that he was a prince of the
Great Scarlet Empire?
The person next to him seemed to be called ‘Elder Gui’. He
had an average build, and was dressed in light blue clothing. He didn’t look
special at all. However, his first level emperor realm cultivation caused an
aura of natural dignity and power to radiate off of him.
“Forget it. There’s no point in talking about this any
further since you’ve already sold it. It’s simply unfortunate that we missed
out on that innate wood constitution;it was already too late when I heard the
news.” Elder Gui sighed softly and looked incredibly regretful.
Even though the duo had conversed in hushed tones, Jiang
Chen’s consciousness was extremely powerful. He’d heard every word of what they
said. An innate wood constitution of high order? Could it be that they’re
talking about Mu Gaoqi?
“Indeed. I might not have agreed to sell all of those people
to them so quickly if they weren’t from the Veluriyam Capital. Even this prince
can’t afford to offend the Veluriyam Capital, not to mention the fact that
we’ve more than likely already forced all of the information out of them that we
could,” The third prince explained.
Elder Gui nodded, then casually asked, “I’ve heard that
you’ve obtained the recipe for a pill called the Longevity Pill. The Great
Scarlet Empire is planning to gift it to the Eternal Celestial Capital, is it
not?”
Eternal Celestial Capital? Jiang Chen immediately understood
who this Elder Gui belonged to when he heard this. As he’d guessed earlier, the
elder was a member of the Eternal Celestial Capital. It was no wonder that even
the imperial prince had to speak so cautiously in front of him.
“Well… my father is in fact preparing to gift the recipe for
the Longevity Pill to the Eternal Celestial Capital. However… the empire’s
finances have been a little tight in recent years. As such… it would be
wonderful if Elder Gui could put in a good word for us so that we can share in
the Longevity Pill’s profits as well.”
Elder Gui smiled calmly and replied, “The sect master has
already declared that the empire shall receive twenty percent of the total
profits. Don’t worry, the higher-ups of the Eternal Celestial Capital aren’t
unreasonable.”
The third prince murmured in agreement, but internally felt
quite skeptical. The Great Scarlet Empire was the one who would obtain the
recipe for the Longevity Pill, yet not only was the Eternal Celestial Capital taking
it for free, they were also only doling out twenty percent of the total
profits. How could this be anything but unreasonable? Yet despite this, he
could only complain about this silently.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen had rage had grown to towering heights
as he sat at his table. The Longevity Pill was his exclusive recipe, yet these
bastards were going to divide the proceeds amongst themselves! How dare these
bastards talk about dividing their ill-gotten gains so openly and shamelessly
in public! However, it wasn’t like it was entirely bad news. Judging from this
third prince’s tone, everyone in the Regal Pill Palace had likely been sold to
the Veluriyam Capital.
Jiang Chen had originally planned to inquire about details
of the trade, but after a moment of careful consideration, he decided that it
would be easy enough to find such a large group of people when he entered the
Veluriyam Capital. He immediately withdrew his consciousness from the group and
moved his gaze away from them. Now that he’d confirmed that there weren’t any
Regal Pill Palace members left in the Great Scarlet Empire, he no longer had
any need to eavesdrop on their conversation. On the off chance that his enemies
discovered him eavesdropping, he’d simply be putting himself in danger instead.
This was the capital of the Great Scarlet Empire; if his
identity were to be exposed, his movements would be greatly obstructed. Jiang
Chen and Huang’er departed from the capital the next day, and headed for the
Veluriyam Capital. However, he felt slightly depressed at the fact that he
hadn’t been able to wreak absolute havoc and bloodshed in the capital. At the
same time, the divulgence of the Longevity Pill recipe, the wood spirit spring
falling into Gong Wuji’s hands, and the fact that so many of his sect members
were sold to Veluriyam Capital were all simultaneously clouding his mood. Only
Palace Head Dan Chi and Elder Yun Nie were privy to the recipe. As such, the
Longevity Pill’s recipe must ‘ve been forced out of Elder Yun Nie. This
revelation caused Jiang Chen to feel quite dejected, as he hadn’t thought that
of Elder Yun Nie as a cravenly person. Huang’er consoled him when she saw that
Jiang Chen was feeling a little down, “Sir Jiang, everything will turn out
alright in the end. It’s better that they were sold to the Veluriyam Capital
than falling into the Eternal Celestial Capital’s hands.”
This was also true. Since they’d been sold to the Veluriyam
Capital, he still at least had some leeway to rescue them. If they’d fallen
into the Eternal Celestial Capital or the Great Scarlet Mid Region’s hands,
then he wouldn’t have had any leeway. Jiang Chen had originally wanted to
exchange Gong Qi for his sect members, but unfortunately… he’d been a step too
late.
…...
Meanwhile, Gong Wuji and his men had just returned to the
capital of the Great Scarlet Empire. Almost all of the important figures in the
Great Scarlet Mid Region were present for this meeting. Amongst them were three
third-rank sect heads and even some important royalty from the Great Scarlet
Empire. While it was undeniable that these third-rank sect heads were at least
equal to or stronger than Gong Wuji, they didn’t dare to act rudely in front of
him. Even though Gong Wuji was only at the fourth level emperor realm, he held
a prominent level of status as the holy king of the Eternal Celestial Capital;
he represented the Eternal Celestial Capital itself! As such, even the emperor
of the Great Scarlet Mid Region had to show him some respect.
“Holy King Gong, we’re also much aggrieved by this news. No
one could’ve imagined that a mere Regal Pill Palace could produce such an
irregular cultivator. However, we’ve already issued bounty notices for him
throughout the region. We’ll capture him even if he grows wings,” The Great
Scarlet emperor spoke with a heavy tone.
Gong Wuji nodded indifferently. “I appreciate your kindness.
However, while it’s true that the bounty notice can draw the public’s passion,
I doubt that they’ll actually be able to hunt Jiang Chen down. That bastard is
as cunning as a fox; he was able to slip through my grasp even when I’d laid
down flawless plans.”
“He can run for now, but he can’t run forever. Someone will
definitely keep an eye on him the moment he appears, and when that happens, the
news will quickly pass from one person to the next. It will be extremely
difficult for him to escape when that happens.”
Gong Wuji nodded noncommittally, then spread open a map. His
gaze swivelled back and forth between the Myriad Domain and the Veluriyam
Capital. “This kid must be heading towards the Veluriyam Capital. How many
routes are there between the Myriad Domain and the Veluriyam Capital?”
Everyone started looking when they heard his question. In
the end, several main routes were identified.
“Here, here, and here,” Gong Wuji noted and circled several
important places on the map. “If Jiang Chen plans to escape, he’ll eventually
consume whatever resources he has on him. Once he’s used up all of his
resources, he’ll have to resupply somewhere, not to mention the fact that items
such as high rank escape talismans can’t be reused. Furthermore, the Regal Pill
Palace doesn’t have the ability to create high rank escape talismans. As such,
he’ll have to go to one of these places if he wants to buy more. That’s why we
must pay close attention to these few important points.”
Gong Wuji’s analysis was quite logical. Everyone nodded in
agreement with his assessment. Suddenly, a person stood up and smiled. “Master
Gong, this prince has a plan in mind. May I offer my thoughts?”
This man was none other than the third prince of the Great
Scarlet Empire that Jiang Chen had seen earlier at the Dragon & Phoenix.
“Hehe, please allow me to introduce myself first: My name is Yan Wanyu,” The
third prince hastily introduced himself when he saw the doubt and evaluative look
that had appeared in Gong Wuji’s eyes.
The Great Scarlet Emperor hastily added, “Holy King Gong,
this is one of the princes of the Great Scarlet Empire, and is our third son.
He’s always been resourceful, and is the one who was responsible for the interrogation
of the Regal Pill Palace’s captives.”
Gong Wuji couldn’t help but feel a bit of discomfort when he
heard about the captives, even though it had been a while. If the Great Scarlet
Empire hadn’t sold the captives to the Veluriyam Capital, his grandson Gong Qi
might yet still be alive. Of course, hypothetical situations like these held no
meaning whatsoever, but the knot in his heart couldn’t be resolved that easily.
That was why his expression had become a lot frostier when he heard that Yan Wanyu
was the person responsible for the captives. In fact, Yan Wanyu had stood up to
present his plan exactly because he knew about the entire situation and was
worried that Gong Wuji might hold a grudge towards him; he was trying to make
up for this mistake.
Seeing Gong Wuji’s noncommittal response, Yan Wanyu
continued brazenly, “Considering how much Jiang Chen values the relationships
of his sect, I believe that we can use this to target his weakness. Didn’t we
fail to capture the Regal Pill Palace’s sect head, Dan Chi? We could absolutely
pretend that we’ve captured Dan Chi at one of the strongholds, then lure Jiang
Chen into a trap. According to the intelligence I’ve acquired, Jiang Chen owes
a debt of gratitude to this Dan Chi. There’s no way that he wouldn’t come and
save his sect head when he hears that Dan Chi is in captivity.”
This suggestion caused everyone’s eyes to light up. It was
true that they might not necessarily be able to capture Jiang Chen if they
simply tried to track him. It would be akin to searching for a needle in a
haystack. As such, it would be far easier to make him come to them.
This was both a covert and an overt scheme. This scheme was
doable so long as Jiang Chen and Dan Chi hadn’t met each other yet. The only
flaw in the plan was that they had no idea if Jiang Chen and Dan Chi had met up
yet. Regardless of this, it was still worth a shot. Logically speaking, Jiang
Chen and Dan Chi shouldn’t have run into each other yet. Considering their
current circumstances, it wouldn’t be easy for them to meet up since they’d
split up. With everywhere being under strict lockdown, it wasn’t too likely
that they’d coincidentally met up either. A message glyph could only work
within a certain range, and only if they both knew each other’s locations. If
they were located at two different corners of the world, it would be impossible
for them to communicate with each other.
Chapter 703: Dan Chi Captured?
Jiang Cheng and Huang’er were far away from the Great
Scarlet Mid Region half a year later. But because of the bounty notice issued
by the Great Scarlet Empire, there were fanatic bounty hunters hunting for them
everywhere they went, even though they were a long distance away from the Great
Scarlet Mid Region. Therefore, Jiang Chen and Huang’er weren’t able to make
their way to the Veluriyam Capital at top speed. That being said, since they
were dressed as origin realm wandering cultivators, they weren’t suspected even
though they were questioned a few of times along the way.
Since he had a sufficient amount of Heroic Sage Pills, Jiang
Chen achieved a breakthrough once more during this time. He’d successfully
ascended to the third level sage realm. Since Jiang Chen didn’t wish to attract
any attention while he was undergoing his ascension, he activated a formation
and completed the ascension inside of it. Huang’er watched over Jiang Chen
outside the formation. The entire process thankfully progressed without a
hitch.
After associating with each other for half a year, the duo
quite enjoyed journeying in each other’s company. In fact, their joint flute
and zither performance of the ‘Ethereal Soothing Melody’ had practically
reached perfection. Compared to the time she’d spent at the Regal Pill Palace,
Huang’er found that she didn’t dislike this kind of wandering life at all. In
fact, she reveled in it. Talking with Jiang Chen had also given her a better
understanding of this mysterious young man. Thanks to the unparalleled memories
he possessed from his past life, he spoke and acted with superior knowledge and
manner, even though he didn’t try to show it off on purpose. Huang’er had to
hide her surprise many times because of it.
The duo arrived at a small city today. Jiang Chen’s bounty
notice was hung on the city gates, and Jiang Chen had long since become numb to
this fact. Their plan had originally been to avoid densely populated cities as
much as they could. They couldn’t skip this small city, however. If they did,
they would be forced to make even more wandering detours, not to mention that
they wanted to enter a densely populated area and receive word of the latest
news. After entering the city, they’d just found a tavern to sit down at when
they heard a group of wandering cultivators chatting with each other with great
gusto.
“Have you heard? The Regal Pill Palace’s palace head, Dan
Chi was caught not long ago!”
“Pfft, that’s old news already. It’s been seven to eight
days since then, hasn’t it been?”
“Hehe, the Myriad Domain’s fate is truly tragic. I wonder
how they’d offended a first rank sect in the first place. This was literally an
annihilation.”
“What do you mean tragic? In the world of martial dao, the
laws of the jungle apply. A first rank sect is powerful, and the Myriad Domain
is weak. It’s only natural that they are devoured by the powerful.”
“You’re right, but as wandering cultivators we may be even
worse off than the Myriad Domain if we somehow provoked the ire of a powerful
force too.”
Jiang Chen was shocked when he heard the news.Palace Head
Dan Chi was captured? The shocking news struck Jiang Chen so hard that his mind
almost went completely blank. Out of everyone in the Regal Pill Palace, the
person he respected the most was Palace Head Dan Chi. Whether the news of his
capture was real or not, Jiang Chen still couldn’t help but be worried about
it.
Huang’er hurriedly sent him a silent message, “Sir Jiang,
rumors are just rumors. They cannot be believed until they’re proven to be the
truth.”
Huang’er’s voice sounded ever so soothing and warm like the
sun in March. Jiang Chen fought back his anxiety and continued to listen in on
the conversation.
“What’s the point of capturing Palace Head Dan Chi? I hear
that the Eternal Celestial Capital and Great Scarlet Mid Region fear Jiang Chen
the most, not Dan Chi.”
“Yeah, I heard that Jiang Chen killed a lot of Great Scarlet
Mid Region people. In fact, he even killed off the grandson of a holy king in
the Eternal Celestial Capital. This Jiang Chen is truly monstrous. I can’t
believe that an insignificant fourth rank sect disciple in Myriad Domain can be
this insane! If this person was picked up and nurtured by another first rank
sect, then it is only a matter of time before he becomes a huge threat.”
“Forget it all. All this has nothing to do with us. Let’s
not bother ourselves with those things and drink instead.”
What annoyed Jiang Chen was that they’d stopped talking
about the subject at this point. The pause caused his heart to itch restlessly.
An idea came to his mind as he lifted his cup and walked up to the group of
wandering cultivators, “Good day, fellow brothers.”
Jiang Chen was dressed like a wandering cultivator, and his
apparent strength was lesser than the rest of them. This was why those
cultivators didn’t look guarded or wary when he approached them.
“Mm? What do you want?” the wandering cultivators looked at
him and asked.
“Oh, I accidentally overheard you talking about the Regal
Pill Palace. Dan Chi being caught is an excellent opportunity, don’t you
think?” Jiang Chen purposely spoke with an exaggerated tone.
“What opportunity? Go scram somewhere else and stop
bothering us from drinking!” a wandering cultivator said impatiently.
“Look, if Dan Chi is captured, then Jiang Chen will
definitely come out to rescue him, right? If he shows up, and we work together
to take down that Jiang Chen… the bounty is amazing, you know! The mere thought
makes me itch with anticipation,” Jiang Chen said with a rapt look on his face.
“Pfft!” A cultivator immediately spat out the mouthful of
alcohol in his mouth when he heard Jiang Chen’s words.
“Hahaha!” The rest of the cultivators also laughed loudly
after they were stunned for an instant after hearing Jiang Chen’s words. One of
them was even slapping his thighs repeatedly while laughing, looking he had
just heard the funniest joke in the world.
“What are you laughing at, brothers?” Jiang Chen scratched
his head like a simple-minded fool.
It took a long while before these people finally managed to
restrain their laughter and stare at Jiang Chen with a teasing look on their
faces. “Look, younger brother, I’m not trying to insult you, but do you think
that you’re more capable than the Eternal Celestial Capital? Do you think that
you’re more capable than those sects in the Great Scarlet Mid Region? These are
people who’ve failed to capture Jiang Chen. What makes you think that you’ll
succeed?”
Jiang Chen chuckled and said, “What if we get lucky?”
“Alright, if you think that your luck is so good, why don’t
you go give it a try instead of bothering us? You’re a pretty funny guy though,
so here’s a toast for making us laugh,” The wandering cultivator raised his cup
casually. He obviously wasn’t trying to raise a toast to Jiang Chen. He was
just mocking the younger man.
“So, erm… may I know where that Dan Chi is being held,
brothers?” This was the information Jiang Chen was really trying to fish for.
“He’s at Tai-ah City, Swordland Mid Region. Dan Chi will be
executed publicly in a month. Alright, go now. I hope that your lucky stars
explode for you and help you catch Jiang Chen in one go!” The man’s reply was
completely perfunctory. It appeared to be a blessing, but the thick sarcasm
behind the words couldn’t be ignored.
Tai-ah City, the Swordland Mid Region. Jiang Chen wasn’t
unfamiliar with this place because they had to pass through the city on their
way to the Veluriyam Capital. Plus, it wasn’t too far away from where they were
right now.
Jiang Chen chuckled and said, “Tai-ah City? That isn’t too
far away from here. Is it really there? I guess I’ll have to go there and test
my luck then. Even if I failed, it would be nice to watch from sidelines.”
“Alright go away now, I’ve already told you all you need to
know. Now scram and stop pulling me away from my drink.”
Jiang Chen continued to radiate with delight when he
returned to his seat, but the rock in his chest only grew heavier and heavier.
The wandering cultivator’s explanation was right and proper, and as the saying
went, there is no smoke without fire. It was very likely that this rumor was
not unfounded. Jiang Chen and Huang’er drank gloomily for a while before they
finally left.
“Sir Jiang, Tai-ah City is not really far away here. If we
are quick, then we will reach there in half a month’s time. We can head over
there and take a look.”
He absolutely had to make a trip. He owed Palace Head Dan
Chi his patronage, and his life had been greatly influenced thanks to the
palace head taking him away from that miniscule sixteen kingdoms alliance to
the Regal Pill Palace. Jiang Chen hadn’t been able to do anything when the
Regal Pill Palace collapsed. He was already feeling a lot of regret about this
matter already, so it was literally impossible for him to ignore even the rumor
that Palace Head Dan Chi might be in trouble.
“We must check out whether or not it’s the truth.” Jiang
Chen nodded, “However, the Eternal Celestial Capital has always been good at
plotting. This rumor may not necessarily be real. If I have to guess, it might
be a trap to lure me to them.” Jiang Chen didn’t have a one track mind. He
quickly deduced many possible scenarios of what might have truly happened.
Huang’er had actually thought of this too. It was just that
she knew just how much Jiang Chen respected Palace Head Dan Chi. While Dan Chi
might not be Jiang Chen’s master, the duo shared a relationship that was akin
to a master-disciple or even friends. She had no reason to object to Jiang
Chen’s desires in this matter.
“If it’s fake, then it must be a trap. They know about your
relationship with Palace Head Dan Chi, and that you’ll show up because you’re
unwilling to bet on the off chance they do have him in captivity.”
“Mm. Tai-ah City will be very interesting when the time
comes. However, I don’t mind teaching them a lesson again if this really is
just bait.”
…...
Jiang Chen and Huang’er entered Tai-ah City twenty days
later. The duo acted with great caution, and decided to split up and enter
Tai-ah City separately before meeting up later inside the city. This way, they
would be less likely to make a mistake when questioned at the city gates.
Seeing that Jiang Chen was alone and a wandering cultivator,
the guards didn’t question him too closely before letting him in. However,
Jiang Chen also knew that Tai-ah City only looked calm on the surface. He was
sure that many undercurrents were running deep inside it. Entering Tai-ah City
was easy, but exiting it would be an entirely different matter.
Jiang Chen had just walked through the city gates when a few
groups of people suddenly emerged from the roadside and blocked his path
completely. Jiang Chen’s heart sank as he stood still and extended his
consciousness.
“Relax, brother, relax!”
“Brother, I see that you’re alone on your journey. Would you
like to join us?”
“Brother, ignore what he says and join our team instead. We
have three sage realm cultivators in our team!”
“Blech, what’s the use of just three sage realm cultivators?
My boss is an earth sage realm cultivator, brother. I think you should join us
instead.”
“Don’t listen to them and join us! Our team is evenly split
in strength so no rewards will be monopolized by a sage realm cultivator even
if we do catch Jiang Chen.”
Jiang Chen relaxed when he’d listened up to this point. He
wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry on the inside. As it turned out, these
people were the groups of wandering cultivators who were chasing after him. A
simple sweep of his consciousness revealed that there were at least seven to
eight teams of cultivators among these people. In fact, there were a lot more
teams further ahead. It was just that those teams consisted of stronger members
who thought little of his ‘earth origin realm’ level strength.
He’d never thought that someone would want him even though
he had disguised himself as an earth origin realm expert. It would seem that
this bounty truly was the latest fad amongst wandering cultivators right now.
“Everyone, I am weak and of average combat ability. I’m
afraid that I would only drag you all down if I join your team,” Jiang Chen
made up a random excuse. However, he had obviously underestimated these
people’s passion.
“Come on, aren’t most of us at origin realm too? We
wandering cultivators are different from those big sects in that we rely on our
numbers! United we stand, I say!”
“Yeah, even ants can kill an elephant if there are enough of
them, plus it’s not like Jiang Chen has three heads and six arms. If five
aren’t enough, then twenty should enough, right? If twenty aren’t enough, then
30, 50 or even 100 people should do the job, right?”
Jiang Chen was going to turn him down again, but in the end
he recalled something and didn’t turn them down completely, “Slowly, slowly.
Allow me some time to think, okay?”
He suddenly thought that joining a team of wandering cultivators
was an excellent way to cover up his tracks. Plus, considering how many
wandering cultivators there were, he might be able to listen in on some useful
intelligence from them.
Chapter 704: The Tyrannical Eternal Celestial Capital
After meeting up with Huang’er through use of the secret
signal they’d established, the two were actually in no hurry to join a team.
They’d realized these teams were everywhere in Tai-ah City. There were at least
a couple thousand of them floating about the city in various groups.
“Money can make even ghosts turn millstones. What a true
saying,” Jiang Chen sighed secretly, despite knowing that these so-called
wandering cultivators posed no threat to him at all. Jiang Chen couldn’t help
but feel some remorse after seeing a single bounty notice cause such a chaotic
scene. Birds die for food while men die for wealth.
Resources were scarce in the world of martial dao, a fact
particularly obvious for wandering cultivators. That’s why bounty notices from
major sects or empires always caused an immense stir within the Divine Abyss
Continent. Things had been no exception this time.
Only ten days remained until the announced date of Dan Chi’s
public execution. Although Jiang Chen was nervous, he couldn’t ask around
carelessly. The numerous wandering cultivators each had their own opinion, and
the news they offered were often hearsay at best. Jiang Chen and Huang’er
joined a team later on in order to avoid drawing attention.
There were only eight people in the team before they joined.
The leader was a burly middle-aged man called Ke Ding, a cultivator at the
third level of the sage realm who claimed to have come from the Upper Eight
Regions.
“These two brothers, you chose to join my team out of the so
many out there. I’m not one for flowery speeches but I promise you this—if we
do get the reward, you will not be mistreated!” This Ke Ding laughed in a
forthright manner, seemingly a role model of great friendship and loyalty.
Jiang Chen however, didn’t take the declaration very seriously. These were
people willing to sell their lives for bounty—he found it hard to believe they
had any sort of bottom line.
“Boss Ke, we trust you!” the other wandering cultivators
declared heatedly.
Jiang Chen also replied with a smile, “We greatly admire
Boss Ke’s strength. By the way, since there are so many wandering cultivator
groups here, do we have a specific plan?”
“They have a point, boss. There are too many groups out
there. It's an absolute mess. It’ll be hard for us to get any benefits without
an organized plan.”
Ke Ding chuckled, “There’s no way to form a plan with all
this happening. Let’s just play it by ear.”
Clamorous noises traveled in from the outskirts as they were
talking. “All wandering cultivator groups listen up! Have your leaders
immediately come forth to to be interrogated!”
Interrogation?
There were tens of thousands of wandering cultivators on
site, and a large number of teams as well. The entire area erupted in hisses
and boos after hearing this tyrannical voice. It was evident that it was a great
humiliation for them to be interrogated.
“Silence!” A thunderous voice reverberated through the air.
A powerful emperor realm aura swiftly crashed down on the whole plaza.
All the wandering cultivators immediately quieted down in
the face of this suppression. It was almost as if the area had been cleared
out—not a sound was to be heard.
An emperor realm cultivator! From looks of this aura, it was
evident that the cultivator wasn’t any old initial emperor realm cultivator. He
was at least mid emperor realm, anywhere between fourth and sixth level emperor
realm. Row after row of uniformed sect disciples poured into seal off the plaza
from all sides. It was clear that one batch was from the Eternal Celestial
Capital, while many more were from the Great Scarlet Mid Region. Although this
area was under the jurisdiction of the Swordland Mid Region, it was obvious
that the latter was on good terms for the Eternal Celestial Capital. Not only
had it not imposed restrictions on the forces from the Eternal Celestial
Capital and the Great Scarlet Mid Region, but it’d also sent a large force to
assist them.
A weighty atmosphere suddenly descended upon the plaza.
Although they were inwardly upset, the team captains all walked up to be
interrogated. Jiang Chen and Huang’er remained in their group. They weren’t
very apprehensive despite encountering such a large scale of operations.
There were tens of thousands of wandering cultivators. It
would be a difficult task to obtain any useful information by interrogating
them all. Moreover, the two felt confident that they hadn’t any flaws in their
cover. Ke Ding returned after a while, followed by some disciples from the
Eternal Celestial Capital. He addressed Jiang Chen and Huang’er, “I’m truly
sorry, brothers. All cultivators who showed up in pairs are to be interrogated
to the Eternal Celestial Capital. Apologies, but our group no longer needs you
two.”
This Ke Ding had been brimming with loyalty and friendship
just a short while ago. But now, he was falling out as readily as flipping a
book. He couldn’t wait to kick them out, as if they were gods of pestilence.
“Step out,” the leader of the group of disciples said while
sizing them up. Jiang Chen secretly surged with killing intent, but managed to
forcefully suppress it. He glanced indifferently at Ke Ding as he walked out of
the group but didn’t say anything. Fortunately, there were no shortage of wandering
cultivators who had come in pairs. Even still, the nearly tens of thousands of
cultivators had been cut down to something slightly over a thousand after
calling out all the pairs. The thousand strong group was then gathered
together.
“Holy King Gong, this should be all of them.” A supervisor
from the Eternal Celestial Capital reported respectfully. This was Jiang Chen’s
first time seeing Gong Wuji in half a year—the man’s killing intent had grown
even denser than before. It was apparent that he hadn't gotten over Gong Qi’s
death.
“Take them away,” Gong Wuji said nothing else. He only
gestured with his hand and issued the order.
The wandering cultivators were all indignant now.
“What gives you the right to do this?!”
“We are all wandering cultivators. What grievance do we have
with your Eternal Celestial Capital? What gives you the right to take us away?”
“You’ve completely failed to recognize our goodwill. We are
all here to help capture Jiang Chen! What wrong have we done?”
“That’s right! Brothers, they are willing to kill a thousand
in order to capture a single person! We can’t leave with them. Only death
awaits otherwise!” The thousand wandering cultivators all protested together.
They weren’t idiots; it was obvious that they would definitely lose a layer of
skin once they were taken prisoner, if not end up dead. Jiang Chen also played
along with the crowd and protested furiously.
“Be quiet!” Gong Wuji’s expression became frosty. The
surrounding temperature suddenly dropped as if countless icy mountains had
descended from the sky. His ice-cold gaze swept across the thousand wandering
cultivators. “The reason for detaining you is that we suspect some stragglers
from the Myriad Domain are in your midst. As long as you can prove yourselves innocent,
I promise everyone will return safe and unharmed.”
“Hmph, why should we trust you?”
“That’s right, empty words are meaningless. Do it here if
you want to interrogate us!” These wandering cultivators were unwilling to
submit readily. After all, their survival was at stake. Who even knew how they
would interrogate the prisoners? If the Eternal Celestial Palace resorted to
extreme methods, they’d be crippled even if they managed to survive!
An emperor realm cultivator beside Gong Wuji snorted and
jumped into the crowd. He single-handedly plucked out the protesters yelling
the loudest and tossed them out one after another. He was like a lion capturing
sheep; the victims had no ability to resist at all as he hurled them out.
Large flowers of blood blossomed wherever they landed as the
victims splattered into a mess of blood and gore. The cruel method caused the
hooting cultivators to quiet down in fear. Gong Wuji’s expression was cold and
detached. “Who else doesn’t want to accept the situation?”
This bloody scene infuriated the wandering cultivators, but
no one dared voice anything else. Some of the cultivators who hadn’t been
detained stood out to persuade their arrested brethren, “Friends, this type of
inspection takes place once every few days. Your lives will not be endangered
as long as you have no relationship with the Myriad Domain.”
“Yes, just comply.”
Seeing that even the other wandering cultivators weren’t on
their side, the morale of the thousand captives hit rock bottom.
“Move!” The sect disciples came to urge the detainees
forward.
These ruthless disciples were more than enough to kill these
wandering cultivators, not to mention an emperor realm cultivator like Gong
Wuji. Although the prisoners were full of resentment, they could only adhere to
the rules as they followed the group further into the city.
Jiang Chen was secretly shaken as he followed along with the
group. Although he didn’t know how things would turn out, he was certain that
the methods used by the Eternal Celestial Capital would not be easily overcome.
But, he still had the time to escape if he wanted to.
If he chose to stay, it might become more difficult to
escape once they reached sect territory. The Eternal Celestial Capital could
confine all of them by simply laying down a formation. But if he fled right
now, what would become of Palace Head Dan Chi?
Jiang Chen was seriously suspecting at the moment whether
everything was just a ruse set up by the Eternal Celestial Capital, and whether
Dan Chi’s execution was just a pretense.
As Jiang Chen was hesitating, a huge commotion stirred up
ahead. An abrupt voice suddenly rang out from the front.
“A ferocious fight has broken out east of the city! Jiang
Chen has appeared and is currently surrounded by a group of wandering
cultivators!”
“Powerful, that Jiang Chen is so powerful! He instantly tied
several hundred wandering cultivators with countless vines!”
“Fellow cultivators, let's go to their rescue!” Many voices
rang out pell-mell after hearing the news as countless wandering cultivators
charged frantically towards the east.
The group from the Eternal Celestial Capital all looked at
Gong Wuji. He was also stunned. He’d been tricked by Jiang Chen so many times
that he subconsciously felt this to be fake news. But after hearing about the
countless vines, his heart started racing. He turned towards the emperor realm
cultivators beside him, “Let’s go take a look.” However, he’d learnt from past
mistakes. He left two emperor realm cultivators in charge and reminded them,
“This group of people must not allowed to escape. Bring them back and proceed
with the interrogation.”
After that, he flew swiftly toward the east with a group of
elites. Tens of thousands of wandering cultivators were also madly making their
way toward the eastern side of the city. Someone from the detained roared.
“Brothers, Jiang Chen’s appearance proves our innocence! Why should we follow
them to be interrogated? If they can go to the eastern side of the city, why
can’t we?”
“That’s right, let’s go!”
“Let’s go!” One person shouting was enough for the others to
follow suit. The thousand-strong wandering cultivator group began to rebel.
They immediately dispersed into the tens of thousands of other cultivators and
very soon, the thousand detainees had vanished into the torrential crowd.
It was very much like a bowl of water being poured into the
river. Who would be able to differentiate between the original bowl of water
and the river after one surge of the waves? Thus, Jiang Chen and Huang’er
easily merged into the crowd. They felt rather odd—how could a Jiang Chen have
appeared out of nowhere towards the east of the city? Although he had no idea
who was behind this disinformation, it had indeed helped him out. But who could
be the one helping him? It would be difficult for even Palace Head Dan Chi to
recognize him after he’d changed his appearance.
Chapter 705: Encountering Old Acquaintances
Jiang Chen recalled the voice he’d heard earlier, but felt
it to be rather unfamiliar. It probably belonged to someone he didn’t know.
That being said, a person’s voice could be changed. Although Jiang Chen looked
like he was pushing his way out along with the bustling crowd as best he could,
he eventually split away from the traffic and fell to the back of the crowd on
purpose. Suddenly, he glimpsed a man and a woman standing at the city gates.
These two figures caused him a great deal of shock.
The woman wasn’t tall, and her countenance wasn’t one that
Jiang Chen recognized. However, the curve of her full breasts gave Jiang Chen a
distinct sense of deja vu. He was further shocked when he swept his
consciousness across the man and found out who they were. Why are they here?
He never would have imagined that he would encounter them in
this place! No wonder the curve of that woman’s breasts had seemed so familiar
to him. She was none other than Ling Hui’er! Moreover, the man next to her was
none other than Ling Hui’er and Ling Bi’er’s father, Ling Su!
Ling Hui’er had disguised herself slightly, but her
awe-inspiring breasts were still eye-catching. Jiang Chen naturally wasn’t
unfamiliar with them. Although he’d never observed Ling Hui’er’s wonderful
breasts on purpose, the woman herself had once daringly grabbed his hand and
pushed it onto her own breasts. This incident had left a deep imprint in Jiang
Chen’s mind. That was why it was almost impossible for him to mistake Ling
Hui’er’s curves. Ling Su himself hadn’t changed much in temperament, although
he had gone to the effort of altering his appearance too. Jiang Chen naturally
recognized him with a single glance.
Jiang Chen had always thought that the father and daughter
duo had been killed back when the Regal Pill Palace had been destroyed. If not
dead, he’d thought that they’d at least been captured and sold to the Veluriyam
Capital already. How had they possibly turned up here?
For a while, Jiang Chen almost suspected that this was yet
another ploy by the Eternal Celestial Capital. However, upon closer inspection,
he discovered that the presence they projected was absolutely genuine. He
immediately used his consciousness to send them a message, “Junior sister
Hui’er, is that you? If it is you, then please head to the eastern side of the
city. Don’t say anything or change your expression. I’ll watch over you two.”
Ling Hui’er had obviously been paying attention to the
exiting cultivators. She was overjoyed when she heard Jiang Chen’s voice out of
nowhere, but immediately calmed down after hearing the instructions that came
after. She led her father Ling Su in a dead run to the eastern side of the
city.
The Ling father and daughter duo stopped at a certain corner
at the eastern side of the city roughly fifteen minutes later. By now, roughly
one hundred thousand people had gathered at this part of the city. Jiang Chen
and Huang’er took advantage of the crowd to walk up to them. It was obvious
that no one was paying attention to them, and they hadn’t drawn any suspicion
despite now gathering as a group of four.
“Is that you, senior brother?” Ling Hui’er’s eyes overflowed
with expectation. She looked like a lost child who had suddenly found a
relative and could hardly hold in her excitement.
“Why are you here, junior sister Hui’er? How did you escape
the destruction of the Regal Pill Palace?” Jiang Chen was also curious.
Ling Hui’er’s eyes were dim when she spoke, as if she was
about to cry, “When the Regal Pill Palace was destroyed, father and I happened
to be picking herbs away from the palace. We heard of the Great Scarlet Mid
Region’s invasion when we were outside. I wanted to go back, but father wouldn’t
allow me to. Wahhh, senior brother, I miss big sis so much…”
Ling Su stood beside Ling Hui’er. He knew that the person
standing right in front of him was Jiang Chen, his benefactor. “Little brother
Jiang, Ling Su has not had the chance to thank you for saving my life. I didn’t
allow Hui’er to return to the Regal Pill Palace during its plight, and I hope
that you won’t blame Hui’er for it. You can place the blame firmly on me…”
Jiang Chen shook his head, “Uncle Ling, you did the right
thing. You couldn’t have changed anything even if you had returned. There is
more meaning to keeping the hopes of the Regal Pill Palace alive than heading
towards certain death. I’m just wondering if the news of the Eternal Celestial
Capital capturing Palace Head Dan Chi is real…”
“It’s most likely false. I’ve also heard about this, which
is why I’d come to Tai-ah City at the first sign of those rumors. I wasn’t
afraid of their inspections since I’m not part of the Regal Pill Palace to
begin with. I’ve observed the situation in secret for a while, and believe that
it’s a trap set up by the Eternal Celestial Capital. To put it bluntly, they’ve
set up a trap right in the open and waited to see if you would step into it,”
Ling Su analyzed the situation skillfully.
Jiang Chen nodded, “I too suspected that this is a trap for
me. You were the one who shouted just now, right?”
Ling Su chuckled, “I saw that they were moving a large group
of wandering cultivators away and worried that you might be inside that group.
It would be extremely troublesome if you were taken away by them. I had the
idea to announce false news so that things would become just chaotic enough for
you to escape. To be honest, it was a pure gamble, but you really were part of
that group!”
Jiang Chen was inwardly impressed by Ling Su’s ability to
adapt and deal with unexpected situations. While he wasn’t a member of the
Regal Pill Palace, he wasn’t lacking in worldly experience in the jianghu at
all.
“Oh right. Little brother Jiang,[1] you attended the Myriad
Grand Ceremony too, right? How is my daughter Bi’er doing?” Ling Su was
obviously worried for his other daughter.
“Senior sister Bi’er and I got split up from each other, but
she’d already escaped danger when we parted ways. I’m not sure where she is
either right now.” Jiang Chen was sad as well when he recalled the destruction
of the Regal Pill Palace, and how everyone had become separated from each other
once again.
Ling Su’s worries abated when he heard that Ling Bi’er had
escaped danger and hadn’t been captured by their enemies. “Bi’er is a lucky
girl. I believe that she is fine as well,” Ling Su consoled himself.
Jiang Chen nodded and asked, “Uncle Ling, you’ve just
recovered. Why did you suddenly think of picking herbs?”
Ling Su looked a little embarrassed, “Well, I’m not afraid
if you laugh at me for this. Back then, I had gotten greedy and accidentally
gotten poisoned with the Divine Befuddlement Miasma, right? But this time I
have the antidote you made, which is why I thought of going back to check if
the fortuitous occurrence I found back then was still around.”
A single stroke of fortune could change a person’s life
forever in the martial dao world. It was common for cultivators to take risks
in order to discover their fortune. Jiang Chen naturally wouldn’t judge Ling
Su’s desire to do so.
“Did you find anything?” Jiang Chen asked curiously.
“That place is far too dangerous, and there were a lot more
poisonous things in there besides the Divine Befuddlement Miasma. Although I am
a spirit alchemist, I was unable to go any deeper. I was going to head back and
make some more preparations, but the news of the great changes happening in the
Myriad Domain reached us right after we emerged from that place. That was why
we didn’t dare return. We’ve been roaming around for the past half year until
we heard of Palace Head Dan Chi’s capture. That’s why we came to Tai-ah City,”
Ling Su sighed when he recounted this experience.
“Wait. Where is that place you mentioned earlier? Is it very
close to Tai-ah City?”
“It’s not far. It’s at best a three to four day journey from
here. Are you interested as well, little brother Jiang?” Ling Su asked
curiously.
Jiang Chen’s response was noncommittal. He asked again,
“What’s that place called? Do you have a map?”
“I do.” Ling Su took out a simple map while he said this,
“This place is a valley called Infant Shriek. Eerie, strange noises that sound
like howling and crying babies echo all year long . At the same time, it’s a
deserted place that’s very difficult to find. Most cultivators aren’t willing
to enter that place at all because of how much yin energy there is. However,
this is a characteristic that actually attracts spirit alchemists. The thicker
the yin energy, the more likely there are to be valuable spirit herbs.”
Jiang Chen accepted the map and looked at it for a moment
before returning it to Ling Su. A valley called Infant Shriek. Jiang Chen
memorized the name. He suddenly asked again, “Uncle Ling, were you poisoned by
the Divine Befuddlement Miasma in the valley?”
Ling Su smiled wryly, “Indeed. As the saying goes, the goose
hunter had his eyes poked out by a goose instead. I had only entered the outskirts
back then, but was poisoned before I’d known it. If I had gone any deeper, I
may have been lost entirely.”
“Did you notice anything amiss after you were poisoned?”
Jiang Chen asked curiously.
“It was impossible for me to detect anything. I wouldn’t
have left at all if I hadn’t hurt my leg. In fact, I didn’t even realize what
was going on even after the poison took effect, much less detected that it was
the Miasma. It was only after I woke up that I learned from Bi’er it was the
Miasma. Speaking of which, your skills are amazing, little brother Jiang.”
Jiang Chen nodded quietly. Ling Su’s experience actually
shed some light on certain things. He didn’t delve any deeper into the topic.
Ling Hui’er walked up to Jiang Chen and asked, “Senior brother, can we travel
together from here on out?”
Jiang Chen smiled wryly, “Junior sister Hui’er, Uncle Ling
and you are already safer without anyone interrogating you. You may be in more
danger if you come along with us.”
This was the truth. Jiang Chen had a bounty on his head, and
who knew how many pairs eyes were watching out for him. Even the slightest
mistake could trigger an endless onslaught. Ling Su and Ling Hui’er were both
origin realm cultivators. They hadn’t even reached the sage realm yet. If they
were to come with him, they would actually become a large burden if the group
were ever to be hunted. Ling Hui’er pursed her lips and asked, “You wouldn’t
have turned my sis down if she was the one asking, would you?”
Jiang Chen smiled wryly, but wasn’t sure how to answer. Ling
Su took over the conversation and scolded her, “Stop making trouble, Hui’er.
Little brother Jiang is right. We are both safer if we part ways.”
Ling Su had a wealth of experience and naturally understood
that they would only be burden if they were to join Jiang Chen. They wouldn’t
draw attention if they were to part ways. Jiang Chen didn’t remain conflicted
on this matter. Instead, he took out several high rank escape talismans, “Uncle
Ling, here are three high rank escape talismans. If you encounter any forces
that you can’t battle, you only need to crush one to escape. I will be heading
to the Veluriyam Capital next. If possible, let’s meet there.”
Ling Su wasn’t one to put on airs, but he still accepted
only one escape glyph, “Little brother Jiang, these escape talismans are far
more useful to you right now. The two of us only need one.”
The quartet had been conversing with each other through
silent transmission. That was why they hadn’t drawn anyone’s attention.
However, a clamor of swearing suddenly broke out from the front, “Bloody hell,
which bastard sent out that fake news just now? There isn’t any great battle on
the eastern side of the city at all!”
“Damn it! I’ll dismember that heartless bastard alive!”
“Alright, alright, time to go back. Who knows, maybe Jiang
Chen’s already slipped into Tai-ah City and rescued Palace Head Dan Chi
already!”
“Hehe, is this another diversion?” There were plenty of
furious looking wandering cultivators returning back to the city, cursing
loudly as they jockeyed for the best position.
Jiang Chen threw Ling Su a glance and parted ways with the
father daughter duo. He wasn’t being cruel, but that it really wasn’t
convenient for them to stay in contact with each other for much longer. If he
was discovered, he would only implicate the Ling father and daughter as well.
It was at this moment an enormous amount of sect disciples suddenly appeared in
this area. The leader of the group cried out, “All wandering cultivators are
not allowed to leave the city! You will all enter the city! Only those who have
been inspected will be allowed to leave! All those who do not heed our orders
will be killed!”
Chapter 706: Dog Eat Dog Between First Rank Sects
The Eternal Celestial Capital had locked down the entire
city. Almost all of the wandering cultivators were gathered in a five kilometer
area east of the city with no means of escape. They were soon driven back into
Tai-ah City amid loud objections and complaints. Ling Su and his daughter were
no exception as they were also forced to return. However Jiang Chen wasn’t
overly worried about them. The difference in gender and age would make it
rather easy for them to be ruled out during the interrogation.
The inspection processes had become noticeably more
stringent upon their return. Entry was simple, but if one wished to leave, they
would have to undergo several rounds of inspections and interrogations.
Apparently, the Eternal Celestial Capital had not yet given up on the search
for Jiang Chen. The commotion just now had renewed Gong Wuji’s feeling that
Jiang Chen was already in Tai-ah City. Moreover, he was likely within the group
of a thousand wandering cultivators. How could such fake news have spread otherwise?
It was obviously a programmed diversion to help Jiang Chen
slip away during the confusion. This was why they had doubled the severity of
their inspections.
Another commotion started to become heard above the noise.
Furious curses were being thrown about, “The Eternal Celestial Palace has
business here. Everyone else, get the hell away!”
A seemingly effeminate voice was immediately heard
afterwards, “Tsk tsk... If I remember correctly, this isn’t your Eternal
Celestial Capital’s domain. Does our Ninesuns Sky Sect require your permission
to be here?
The Ninesuns Sky Sect? The crowd became somewhat restless.
They were stunned by this new and sudden development. One first rank sect
within the Swordland Mid Region was terrifying enough already. Now that another
group from a first rank sect had appeared—this was beyond odd. Jiang Chen was
also astonished as he witnessed this scene from within the crowd. He slowly
waded his way forward to get a better look. The two forces in conflict had no
shortage of manpower. There were hundreds from the Ninesuns Sky Sect and
hundreds from the Eternal Celestial Capital facing each other. They stood to
each side like two fighting bulls grunting at each other.
“The Ninesuns Sky Sect has come as well?” Jiang Chen was
happy after his initial surprise. He knew that the arrival of the Ninesuns Sky
Sect likely had something to do with him. As things stood, Jiang Chen was not
afraid of itches when he was already covered in lice. He had already thoroughly
offended the Eternal Celestial Capital; adding the Ninesuns Sky Sect to the
list made no difference. In fact, his enmity with the Ninesuns Sky Sect had
been established much earlier.
But after seeing the Eternal Celestial Capital and the
Ninesuns Sky Sect’s hostile attitudes towards each other, Jiang Chen was quite
astonished. It appeared that the two first rank sects were really not on the
best of terms. They might even have a death feud with each other. It all became
clear to him after some pondering.
The two sects had pursued Emperor Featherflight ages ago
with limited cooperation. But their relationship had largely been that of
competitors in all other scenarios. Two first rank sects erupting in
hostilities over the inheritance of an ancient empyrean cultivator was no big
surprise. It appeared the Ninesuns Sky Sect had come to deliberately upset the
Eternal Celestial Capital’s operations. Jiang Chen was suddenly in a position
of cheering them on in secret.
Dogs eating each other will only result in mouthfuls of fur
all around. Its best you bite each other even more ferociously! Jiang Chen
already had bad impressions of both sects and was filled with disgust and
overflowing loathing. It was true that the Eternal Celestial Capital was
sinister, but those from the Ninesuns Sky Sect were no saints either. They were
the ones who had first spread rumors about the Imperial Jade Seal and the
Guardian Dragon Seal, undoubtedly to lure the Great Scarlet Mid Region into
dealing with the Myriad Domain. Frankly speaking, they were just getting
another to do their dirty work.
However, the crafty Eternal Celestial Capital had beaten
them at their own game. They had long since taken control of the Great Scarlet
Mid Region, allowing them to stay one step ahead of the opponent and take
control of the whole situation. The Ninesuns Sky Sect now could no longer get
involved in the affairs of the Myriad Domain.
Gong Wuji strode in with long strides after hearing about
the disturbance. He gazed indifferently at the people from the Ninesuns Sky
Sect. “It seems that your Ninesuns Sky Sect is so tyrannical that you wish to
cause a ruckus in someone else’s domain?”
A mid emperor realm cultivator from the Ninesuns Sky Sect
walked out with a laugh. “Holy King Gong, I don’t quite understand. What’s this
about the Ninesuns Sky Sect being tyrannical? Is your Eternal Celestial Capital
made up of saints? If I remember correctly, the ones who caused an upheaval in
the Myriad Domain were your people. Besides, this is the Swordland Mid Region,
not your Eternal Celestial Capital’s domain. Why can’t our Ninesuns Sky Sect
come over?”
These words stung deep and left Gong Wuji absolutely no
face. He was even being mocked for acting wildly in the Myriad Domain and
losing his beloved grandson in the process. Gong Wuji’s face turned dark purple
as he glared daggers at the cultivator from the Ninesuns Sky Sect. “Elder Hao,
have you made up your mind to oppose us?”
Elder Hao laughed. “Holy King Gong, you’re overthinking
things. Our Ninesuns Sky Sect is also here in pursuit of an enemy. How could
this be considered opposing you?”
“What enemy are you after?” Gong Wuji inquired with fury.
“Some disciples from our Ninesuns Sky Sect have gone missing
and all clues point to the Myriad Domain. Now that you lot have annihilated the
Myriad Domain, we can’t even find a single shadow. We heard that you captured
the palace head of the Regal Pill Palace and thought you might be able to lure
out a few survivors that we can interrogate.” Elder Hao’s voice was without the
slightest inflection, “We’ve said what we will. Holy King Gong, it isn’t up to
your Eternal Celestial Capital to criticize how our Ninesuns Sky Sect
operates.”
Gong Wuji had been in a violent rage, but surprisingly, he
regained his composure upon hearing Elder Hao’s words. It made no sense to
accuse the Ninesuns Sky Sect of being ornery to spite him. Could it be that…
the Ninesuns Sky Sect had found some leads regarding Emperor Featherflight?
Not everyone within the Eternal Celestial Capital and the
Ninesuns Sky Sect knew about the affair regarding Emperor Featherflight. Only a
select few of the upper echelon who were a part of the original operation were
privy to this information. As a holy king of the Eternal Celestial Capital,
Gong Wuji was also one of its directors. As such, he was very familiar with
that operation. In fact, the ultimate goal of taking control of the Great Scarlet
Mid Region had been to investigate the fate of Emperor Featherflight. As for
how overblown the circumstances had gotten with the Regal Pill Palace and the
bounty on Jiang Chen’s head, they were secondary grievances that had been
brought about incidentally.
“Since this is the case Elder Hao, why is your Ninesuns Sky
Sect sabotaging our search for the enemy?” Gong Wuji had realized the
intricacies of this situation and sought a platform to negotiate, suppressing
his anger.
“We’re merely spectating. What sabotage were you talking
about?” Elder Hao smiled faintly.
Jiang Chen suddenly had an idea after seeing the two sects’
verbal spar. He could clearly sense the undercurrent of hostility between them.
He secretly left the crowd, unnoticed by all. He entered a well hidden corner
before momentarily walking out with a completely different appearance. He
didn’t go toward the hostile area this time, but toward the city gates where he
approached a disciple of the Eternal Celestial Capital. “Greetings, senior
brother.”
The disciple from the Eternal Celestial Capital glanced at
him. Jiang Chen was clad in a disciple’s uniform and appeared just like a
citizen of the Great Scarlet Empire.
“Eh? What business do you have?” The people from the Eternal
Celestial Capital naturally felt a sense of superiority over those from the
Great Scarlet Mid Region. It was a natural arrogance of someone who belonged to
a first rank sect.
“Senior brother, I have been tasked by Great Scarlet royalty
to return an important item to Master Gong. He forgot it in the palace and thus
the Great Scarlet emperor ordered me to travel this vast distance and deliver
it with all haste, lest the holy king have need of it. However, a conflict
seems to have taken place over there, and us low level disciples are unable to
enter. I humbly beseech this senior brother to return this item to Master Gong
Wuji in my stead.”
“Is that all?”
“That would be all. I’ll also have to trouble senior brother
to explain things personally to Master Gong. Please.” With that, Jiang Chen
produced a sword and offered it with both hands.
The disciple received the blade and was full of praises
after a single glance. “A good blade indeed.”
“Master Gong’s sword is definitely of supreme quality. I
hope the senior brother will deliver it with all due haste. Conflict appears to
be brewing even as we speak—Master Gong might require it if a battle breaks
out.”
The Eternal Celestial Capital disciple was alarmed after
hearing Jiang Chen’s reminder and nodded quickly. “Since that is the case, I’ll
complete this mission for you. You’ve done well!”
“Thank you very much. Please convey the Great Scarlet
emperor’s greetings to Master Gong,” Jiang Chen left with a bow, turning back
to wave repeatedly.
The Eternal Celestial Capital disciple didn’t dare neglect
this task. It was indeed a good sword and the unsuspecting disciple had found
no traps or mechanisms on it. He promptly carried the sword towards the central
area. The disciple was delighted to accept such a task since it was, after all,
a good opportunity to present himself to Master Gong. Moreover, he would be
able to personally deliver Master Gong’s weapon to him. This should more or
less gain him some favor, right?
The ecstatic disciple squeezed through the crowds and met no
resistance, swiftly arriving before Master Gong. “Sire Holy King,” the disciple
bowed ceremoniously.
Gong Wuji glanced at him. He was wondering why this low
level disciple had come to join the excitement and even dared to appear before
him! But he found it difficult to berate his sect’s disciple under the current
circumstances and merely let out a nasally “hmm” in acknowledgement.
The disciple didn’t mind at all. With his identity, it was
normal for the holy king to maintain a dignified air. He would surely be
delighted after being presented with the treasured sword. “Sire Holy King, the
Great Scarlet emperor dispatched a messenger to deliver the sword you forgot at
the Great Scarlet Empire. Please accept it, sir.” The disciple raised both
hands as he spoke and presented the treasured sword to Gong Wuji.
Gong Wuji was baffled; when had he ever left his sword at
the Great Scarlet Empire? But he noticed that it was an extraordinary blade at
first glance. Gong Wuji supposed that the Great Scarlet emperor must have felt
that he had let Gong Wuji down and thus had sent this sword as a form of
apology. He swept his consciousness over the blade, and after making certain
there were no hidden traps, accepted the sword and nodded lightly, “Understood.
What is your name?”
“This disciple is called Zhao Neng.” The disciple replied hurriedly,
positively bursting with delight.
“Zhao Neng, this seat will remember you. You may withdraw,”
Gong Wuji was perplexed by the brief interlude but didn’t comment on it. Since
this sword had no problems, why wouldn’t he accept the gift? It was, after all,
a true emperor realm weapon. Zhao Neng left in high spirits after hearing Gong
Wuji’s words. Gong Wuji raised the sword to examine it once more, and was about
to put it away when Elder Hao’s expression changed abruptly, his eyes fixed on
the sword, “Hold!”
Chapter 707: The Tragedy Caused by a Single Sword
Elder Hao’s sudden command caused Gong Wuji to arch an
eyebrow. He said with an obviously displeased tone, “What do you want now,
Elder Hao?”
Elder Hao ignored Gong Wuji completely. He stared closely at
the sword Gong Wuji was holding, “Holy King Gong, did you say that this sword
is yours?”
Gong Wuji’s patience had already reached its limit. Elder
Hao’s impolite question only added fuel to his rage. “What the hell does it
have to do with you?!”
He didn’t expect Elder Hao’s anger to be worse than his, “So
you mean this sword is really yours?!”
Gong Wuji was so furious that he had started to smile,
“What, is it yours then? Is your name on the sword or something?”
Elder Hao stared closely at Gong Wuji, “So, you’re saying
that you really are the one who left this sword in the Great Scarlet Mid
Region?”
“So. What. If. I. Was?” Gong Wuji still thought that Elder
Hao was purposely picking a quarrel with him. “You’re not going to say that
this sword is yours, are you? If I remember correctly, you don’t even use a
sword, Hao!”
Elder Hao nodded with an extremely ugly look on his face. He
said, “Good, very good! So you admit that this is your sword. How very good of
you to take responsibility of your actions! Dare you to tell me where you got
this sword?!”
Gong Wuji had lived as a tyrant all his life. He had always
been the interrogator, never the recipient. Therefore, his anger soared when he
heard this tone, “Where, you say? Do I have to report to you where I’ve gotten
this sword? Let’s just say I killed someone and took his property. What are you
going to do about it!?”
The moment he said that, a look of enlightenment immediately
sprung to Elder Hao’s face. It was quickly overwhelmed by a look of terrible
grief and indignation. He abruptly unsheathed a cruel looking warblade with
both hands and cried out, “Heed my order, disciples of the Ninesuns Sky Sect!
Gong Wuji is the murderer of our Ninesuns Sky Sect true disciple, Cao Jin! The
Eternal Celestial Capital is now the Ninesuns Sky Sect’s sworn enemy!”
Even before his words had the chance to ring through the
air, Elder Hao slashed fiercely at Gong Wuji.
The momentum behind his blade and the aura of a powerful
emperor realm cultivator immediately enveloped everyone within a thousand
meters around him. All of them were instantly shoved several hundred meters
away from Elder Hao.
Gong Wuji himself hadn’t expected that Elder Hao would start
a fight just like that. Rage clouded his mind as he swung his own weapon, a
golden short axe, with both hands. A sharp blade beam with a rainbow like tail
met his axe’s fierce upswing.
Two middle level emperor realm cultivators had actually
thrown aside any pretense of talk and started a fight in the most crowded area
of Tai-ah City! Naturally, the disciples of both sects were triggered when they
saw their best experts clashing against each other. They all joined the fray
with a roar.
For a while, the cries of battle shook even heaven itself.
The two great sects hadn’t seen eye to eye to begin with.
The Eternal Celestial Capital felt that the Ninesuns Sky Sect was undermining
them on purpose, and the Ninesuns Sky Sect was naturally filled with hatred
towards the Eternal Celestial Capital when they heard that Gong Wuji had killed
Cao Jin. They were all from first rank sects, so no one was inclined to try and
bow to the other. The battle spun out of control the second it began. Even some
wandering cultivators who were standing a little too close were dragged into
it.
The battle became crazier the moment blood was shed.
Cultivators fell left and right as the fighting grew madder. As their fellow
disciples fell, the eyes of the survivors only grew more bloodshot. They fought
ever more recklessly as the situation started to take on the uncontrolled
atmosphere of a true battlefield.
The wandering cultivators had taken shelter far, far away,
but they weren’t willing to leave just like this. A battle between sects was
something they would normally never have the chance to witness. Now that they
finally had the chance, they weren’t going to give it up just because they
hadn’t the slightest clue what was going on. In fact, they even hoped that the
battle could grow even more intense.
After all, the wandering cultivators had always held a kind
of enmity towards sect disciples. This enmity was born out of envy, even
jealousy. They had always been incomparable to sect disciples in every way. The
sects laid claim to most of the resources for themselves, standing right at the
top of the status quo. They could order the wandering cultivators around
however they liked. The power imbalance that was brought about by the
monopolization of resources and training caused no small amount of resentment
to build within the wandering cultivators. As a result, it was only natural for
them to find joy in the fierce battle between the sects. They were extremely
happy to see sects tearing each other apart. They would only hope that things
would become more desperate and bloodier.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen had changed back to his original
clothing and was calmly watching the battle unfold as part of the rapt
audience. He only felt boundless elation as Eternal Celestial Capital and the
Ninesuns Sky Sect disciples fell one after another. More and more people
started to join the fray. Although the Eternal Celestial Capital had the
advantage of numbers, it was obvious that the Ninesuns Sky Sect had sent out their
elites this time. No matter how desperate the battle got, the deadlock
continued.
Jiang Chen cast Huang’er a glance. The duo didn’t tarry any
longer and made their way to the city gates.
Many cautious wandering cultivators were also heading
towards the city gates. It was obvious that these people had realized that
Tai-ah City was so chaotic right now that it was better to leave as soon as
possible. Otherwise, it was only a matter of time before wandering cultivators
like them were dragged into the mess. There was no way these two great first
rank sects had erupted into battle over something as simple as a sword.
Something bigger lay underneath all this. Therefore, the wise ones weren’t
willing to be turned into cannon fodder for a cause they didn’t even know
about.
Tai-ah City was hosting at least two hundred thousand
wandering cultivators, and at least a couple of thousand of them were heading
towards the city gates. While there were plenty of Eternal Celestial Capital
disciples guarding the gates, they had dispatched their elites to join the
battle against the Ninesuns Sky Sect. The remaining disciples were obviously
incapable of stopping several thousands of cultivators on their own.
While Tai-ah City’s forces had provided the Eternal
Celestial Capital the leeway to go about their business, the city weren’t
willing to deal with these wandering cultivators itself. This was the city’s
territory after all. If they offended these wandering cultivators too much,
Tai-ah City would be the one to suffer when they exacted their revenge.
Therefore, Tai-ah City officials turned a blind eye and allowed the wandering
cultivators to dash outside.
It didn’t take long before the Eternal Celestial Capital’s
blockade was swept away. Several thousand wandering cultivators broke through
the gates in an instant. Jiang Chen and Huang’er were easily able to dash away
from the city as well, hiding amidst the crowd.
Ling Su had also seized the opportunity to exit the city
with Ling Hui’er. Jiang Chen didn’t meet up with them. He simply bid them
goodbye with his consciousness and made a promise to meet up at Veluriyam
Capital. Their journey was already ripe with danger. Jiang Chen knew very well
that he would only be putting the Ling duo in danger if they were to follow
him.
After they had left Tai-ah City, Jiang Chen mentally
revisited the battle between the Eternal Celestial Capital and the Ninesuns Sky
Sect and finally couldn’t restrain his laughter any longer. He began to laugh
loudly. Even Huang’er couldn’t help but smile, “That was truly an amazing ploy,
Sir Jiang. I suppose the Ninesuns Sky Sect true disciple who was causing
trouble at the Regal Pill Palace has already been eliminated by Sir Jiang?”
Jiang Chen knew that he couldn’t hide this from Huang’er,
and nodded, “That person was called Cao Jin, and it was true that he was almost
unparalleled at the level he was at. If it wasn’t thanks to various
coincidences, it would’ve been infinitely difficult to kill him.”
Cao Jin’s death was the result of many factors that had come
together at precisely the right moment. It wouldn’t have happened if any single
factor had been absent. Yet, ultimately, it had been Cao Jin’s own fault for
entering Mt. Rippling Mirage and trespassing on Jiang Chen’s domain. It
would’ve been quite difficult for Jiang Chen to kill him if he hadn’t presented
himself so.
“These two sects plotted and schemed, but they were all
danced to Sir Jiang’s tune with a casual trick. That was quite the display of
intelligence!” Huang’er smiled. She was rather impressed by Jiang Chen’s
ability to think on his feet.
Jiang Chen didn’t think that highly of himself. It was just
a sudden inspiration, and while it had both sects fighting each other, it
hadn’t actually solved his problem. In fact there was a flaw in this ploy, and
that was that he had just exposed the fact that he’d killed Cao Jin.
The two sects might be embroiled in a costly battle right
now, but it would not take much to calm them down. Once they analyzed the
situation, they would soon come to a realization that they’d been tricked.
Resolving the misunderstanding would only take a matter of moments once that
happened. When that happened, these two first rank sects would join forces and
come after him together. That being said, the two sects were likely to target
him even if he hadn’t driven a wedge between them. So in that case, he might as
well plot against them a little. This terrible battle must have been a very
expensive misunderstanding. On a certain level, the casualties from this battle
would more or less relieve the pressure on him as well.
“Sir Jiang, the two sects may put more effort into hunting
you after this incident is over. We should quicken our pace. Veluriyam Capital
is still some distance away.”
Jiang Chen nodded slightly, but revealed the hint of an
eerie smile as he answered, “Miss Huang’er, the journey must go on, but I would
like to wait a little longer before we continue.”
“We’re waiting some more?” Huang’er was slightly surprised
by his decision, but she smiled and asked nothing about his plans. She knew
that Jiang Chen must have something else up his sleeves if he was choosing to
wait in this situation.
After being in his company for a couple of years, Huang’er
had to admit that even she couldn’t see through this young man. He always
managed to pleasantly surprise her.
…...
Two hours of battle had passed before most of Tai-ah City’s
reputable experts made their way to the scene. This also included some top
experts native to Swordland Region who happened to be nearby. The two first
rank sects finally stopped fighting after a good amount of persuasion.
Tai-ah City was a local hegemon that possessed many experts,
some were even stronger than Gong Wuji and Elder Hao, but it was ultimately
just a mid region faction. They were still a long way from competing with a
first rank sect in the Upper Eight Regions. Although city leaders were enraged
by the chaos, they could only wear a smile and do their best to mollify the two
participants. They didn’t dare to put on a tough front in front of these two
first rank sects.
Once the two sects were done calculating their casualties,
they realized that this had been a far more expensive battle than they’d first
thought. The Eternal Celestial Capital had lost at least a hundred people,
whereas the Ninesuns Sky Sect had also lost dozens of men. In fact, two emperor
realm experts had driven each other to death due to the ferocity of their
battle.
The losses could only be described as horrific. But although
the battle was ultimately halted, neither Gong Wuji nor Elder Hao looked like
they truly wanted a cease fire. They were still glaring and snorting at each
other. They looked like they would restart the fight at any moment. It was
obvious that both parties had completely fallen out with each other.
“Please, please, listen to this old man for a bit,” The one
who spoke up was the city lord of Tai-ah City, a seventh level emperor realm
cultivator.
Tai-ah City was one of the five great cities of the
Swordland Region. Naturally, its city head possessed a powerful cultivation.
Gong Wuji and Elder Hao had no choice but to give the city head of Tai-ah City
some face since he had come out to meet them personally. Moreover, he was a
high level emperor realm cultivator to boot.
Chapter 708: Tricked by Jiang Chen
“Holy King Gong, would you like to start?” The head of the
Tai-ah City suggested with a laugh. He couldn’t take sides since he was here to
play the mediator, and neither could he afford to offend either side when all
was said and done.
Gong Wuji snorted coldly, “The Ninesun Sky Sect came with
the intention of picking a fight, greatly affecting our Eternal Celestial
Capital’s search for Jiang Chen. It became even more ludicrous later on—they
claimed I killed their true disciple—what bullshit! I’ve killed countless
people in my life and I’ll admit to whoever I’ve actually killed. But this old
man has never even seen this so-called true disciple of theirs! How could I
have killed him?”
Gong Wuji was absolutely furious at this point in the
conversation. The head of Tai-ah City smiled and turned to Elder Hao of the
Ninesun Sky Sect. “Elder Hao, you insist that Holy King Gong killed a true
disciple from your Ninesuns Sky Sect. Do you have any evidence to back that
claim?”
“Evidence?” Elder Hao was almost apoplectic with anger as he
pointed at the sword on Gong Wuji’s back. “That sword is proof. Its name is
‘Ocean Cover’ and is our true disciple Cao Jin’s personal weapon. That man and
sword acted as one in this life. Their separation signifies the death of the
wielder or the destruction of his blade. Cao Jin’s soul lamp has long since
shattered and today we find ‘Ocean Cover’ in Gong Wuji’s possession. He’s also
admitted that he killed the owner to obtain the sword. Who else could be the
murderer if not him!?” Elder Hao’s temper had only grown with his accusations.
He was ready to make a move at the slightest disagreement.
The head of Tai-ah City was placed in a difficult position
after hearing Elder Hao’s explanation. After all, the latter’s reasoning was
fairly justified. Gong Wuji, on the other hand, flew into a rage, “This sword
is absolutely not mine!”
Elder Hao sneered, “You claimed it was yours just a moment
ago. How come you’re afraid to admit it now? Wasn’t the sword delivered by a
disciple from your sect, saying that you forgot it at the Great Scarlet Mid
Region? Can you deny that?”
Gong Wuji’s anger had reached its peak. He had a faint
suspicion that he’d been made a fool of. Not only himself, but he had the
feeling that everyone here had been toyed with as well. It was just that he
refused to offer any explanation in order to maintain his dignity. It would
give others the feeling that he was afraid of the Ninesuns Sky Sect if he
persistently attempted to clarify the matter. His eyes turning cold, Gong Wuji
turned around and issued an order, “Summon Zhao Neng.”
Zhao Neng was soon brought before him. The disciple was
still thinking he would be praised and promoted as he bowed. “Sire Holy King,
disciple Zhao Neng…”
Gong Wuji gestured angrily, “Who asked you to deliver this
sword to me?”
Zhao Neng took a moment to think before he recounted, “It
was a certain sect disciple from the Great Scarlet Mid Region. I don’t quite
remember which sect he was from. He claimed to have been entrusted by the Great
Scarlet emperor to return this sword. He said the blade must be delivered
directly to Sire Holy King and asked me to convey the Great Scarlet emperor’s
greetings.”
“What did this courier look like?” someone beside Gong Wuji
inquired.
Zhao Neng scratched his head nervously. He was no idiot and
had already caught on that something about the sword was amiss. But how was he
supposed to accurately describe a person? He suddenly became tongue-tied and
was unable to describe the person’s appearance. He stammered, “I only remember
that this person said the sword was of the utmost importance…”
“Then why didn’t he deliver it himself?”
Zhao Neng replied with a miserable expression, “He claimed
that the security at the site was too strict for an inferior sect disciple such
as himself to enter. Hence, he entrusted me with its delivery.”
Increasingly irritated with the explanation, Gong Wuji
yelled at the disciple. “Get lost!”
He understood immediately that Zhao Neng had been tricked.
Moreover, the perpetrator had done so deliberately, at the most opportune
moment, in order to draw the two sects into a conflict. The enemy tactics were
clearly as effective as they was sinister. Pale and trembling in fright, Zhao
Neng duly took his leave.
The head of Tai-ah City forced a smile, “Gentlemen, I
suspect that someone deliberately sprung a trap for you. Their aim was to
instigate a battle between the two of you.”
Elder Hao was also no fool. He had determined from Gong
Wuji’s expression that there was more to this incident than was immediately
apparent. After careful thought, if it really was Gong Wuji who had killed Cao
Jin, he would’ve kept this matter firmly under wraps. There was no way he would
display the sword publicly, let alone leave it in the Great Scarlet Mid Region.
More suspicious points about the whole matter started to appear as he
contemplated everything he’d seen and heard. But even so, it wasn’t enough to
completely dispel Elder Hao’s doubts. Although things were rather ambiguous, it
was insufficient to rule out Gong Wuji as a suspect.
A sect head from the Great Scarlet Mid Region suddenly
asked, “Elder Hao, may I ask when it was that the soul lamp of your sect’s esteemed
Cao Jin shattered?
Elder Hao could not be bothered to reply. However, someone
from the Ninesuns Sky Sect stepped in to answer. All those from the Great
Scarlet Mid Region laughed ruefully after the date was announced. “Elder Hao,
this means that the demise of your esteemed sect’s Sir Cao indeed has nothing
to do with Master Gong. Both Master Gong’s arrival at the Great Scarlet Region
and his subsequent departure for the Myriad Domain were obviously after Sir
Cao’s death. The dates just don’t match up.”
Elder Hao also felt that the dates didn’t conform as he took
in this information. Moreover, the Ninesuns Sky Sect had several agents
throughout the Myriad Domain. If a big shot like Gong Wuji had in fact
appeared, it would have been impossible to not hear of it.
The city lord of Tai-ah City promptly spoke, “Elder Hao,
there are obvious indications of a third party involving themselves in this
matter. Zhao Neng admitted a moment ago that a sect disciple had given him the
sword. Things will be made clear if we call out all the sect disciples from the
Great Scarlet Mid Region and have Zhao Neng identify them. If there is such a
person, he’ll be easily recognized. If there isn’t, we can confirm this as a
case of impersonation.”
This method also received the approval of the neutral
parties standing around. “Yes, this method is good.”
Those from the Great Scarlet Mid Region were happy to
cooperate. They were not being compliant for the Ninesuns Sky Sect’s sake, but
for the Eternal Celestial Capital. They were unwilling to see Gong Wuji
doubted. From their standpoint, they definitely did not want to fall out with
the Ninesuns Sky Sect. Hence it would be for the best if Master Gong Wuji was
cleared of suspicion.
The sects of the Great Scarlet Mid Region had brought no
small amount of people. They each stood there to be identified by Zhao Neng,
who went through them for several times before shaking his head. “He’s not
among them.”
The head of the Tai-ah City enquired, “Are all of your sect
disciples in attendance?”
“They are. No one is absent,” the various sects replied.
The head of the Tai-ah City glanced at Elder Hao. “Elder
Hao, this matter is basically confirmed. You have all been tricked.”
Elder Hao was also already ninety percent certain at this
point. But, it was impossible for him to admit his mistake in public. He walked
over to Gong Wuji huffily and extended his hand, “Hand over the sword.”
Gong Wuji was incensed. “What gives you the right to attack
people on a whim? Do you think everything you do is justified? You have the
audacity to demand now that I hand over the sword?”
“The sword belongs to the Ninesuns Sky Sect! It is only
right and proper that I take it back.” Elder Hao went tit-for-tat, convinced
that his demand was rational.
“Nonsense! You come to pick a fight without cause or reason
and inflicted severe casualties on my Eternal Celestial Capital. Now, you want
to take back this sword without a single explanation?! What kind of pushover do
you think I am, ah!?” Gong Wuji was obviously not going to let this slide.
Elder Hao laughed coldly, “How do you suggest we settle this
with strength, then?”
Gong Wuji replied indignantly, “You think I’m afraid of you?!”
The head of Tai-ah City hastily interjected. “The two of
you, please calm down! We all know this incident was instigated by a third
party. What good would it do to fight each other anymore? You will only injure
yourselves and make the enemy happy. Please, give this old man some face and
talk this over peacefully. Elder Hao, you attacked the other party without
clarifying things and should offer Holy King Gong an apology. As for Holy King
Gong, you should return the sword since it belongs to the Ninesun Sky Sect.”
The head of Tai-ah City was actually not willing to play the
mediator. However, since the two heavyweights were threatening to start a
battle in his territory, the role had been thrust on him and no one else. Hence
he had to brace himself and attempt to broker some kind of peace.
Gong Wuji laughed coldly, “Apologize first.”
“Return the sword first,” Elder Hao was also stubborn.
The two were diametrically opposed—the dispute had turned
into a matter of pride. Reports started to come in from the surroundings as
they glared at each other. “Master Gong, the wandering cultivators have broken
our blockade and are escaping by the thousands. At least two thirds of the
hundred thousand have run.”
“Master Gong, at least half of the people we were monitoring
have escaped…”
Bad news trickled in as each report only made Gong Wuji’s
expression grow increasingly uglier. He hadn’t just been tricked this time, but
made an absolute fool out of! A face suddenly appeared within Gong Wuji’s mind.
Jiang Chen!
Although he didn’t know who had actually delivered the
sword, Gong Wuji immediately thought of Jiang Chen. The kid could’ve easily
disguised himself as a sect disciple from the Great Scarlet Mid Region and
completely fooled that moron Zhao Neng. The unsuspecting disciple had then
delivered the ominous blade into his hands, inciting this whole bloody
incident. Gong Wuji felt a sudden surge of sweetness well up in his throat. He
was on the verge of spitting out a glob of blood. Jiang Chen had made an utter
fool of him once again, without a doubt! He no longer paid attention to Elder
Hao and instead led his sect elites towards the outskirts. “More importantly,
exactly how many among the monitored wandering cultivators have escaped?” Gong
Wuji asked with a dark expression.
“Sire, the pairs we detained from among the wandering
cultivators numbered over four hundred. Among them, two hundred teams have
escaped, but we were able to recapture over a hundred pairs. That leaves over a
hundred teams still loose. Although they have gone pretty far, we have people
chasing after most of them.”
Gong Wuji asked with a long face, “How many of those pairs
are headed in the direction of Veluriyam Capital?”
“There are seven in total.”
Gong Wuji nodded. “Prioritize tracking those seven pairs.
Don’t forget to bring any pair you capture to me. Report immediately if anyone
resists or goes missing.”
“Everyone, chase down those traveling in the direction of
the Veluriyam Capital!” Gong Wuji, for all his faults, possessed a flexible and
mature mindset. His greatest target at the moment was still Jiang Chen. The
grievances with the Ninesuns Sky Sect would have to be settled at a later date.
He had a strong premonition that Jiang Chen had already come to Tai-ah City and
had personally delivered the sword. Gong Wuji couldn’t help but burn with rage
at that thought. Not once, not twice, but Jiang Chen had made fun of him
several times now! This deeply offended Gong Wuji’s dignity. He was certainly
amongst the seven pairs that were headed toward the Veluriyam Capital!
Gong Wuji was almost completely certain of this. “Jiang
Chen, I want to see how you can escape my grasp! You think you’re so smart but
what you don’t know is that once someone is marked by the eternal imprint of
our sect, he can only dream of getting away!” Gong Wuji gnashed his teeth while
his cold eyes looked in the direction of Veluriyam Capital. His frosty
countenance was brimming with killing intent. Gong Wuji was enraged beyond words
after successive failures and repeatedly falling victim to Jiang Chen’s
schemes.
Chapter 709: Gifting Huang’er an Opportunity
As for the Ninesuns Sky Sect, Elder Hao also brought a large
group of elites back to the inn they were staying at.
“Elder Hao, are we really just going to let it go like this?
Venerated elder Chen Lei has declared that he will seek revenge for Cao Jin’s
death…”
Elder Hao sneered as he answered in a dark mood, “Let it go?
Of course not! However, Cao Jin’s death probably has nothing to do with the
Eternal Celestial Capital.”
“Are they really not responsible for this?” The Ninesuns Sky
Sect crowd were all surprised by this revelation.
Elder Hao frowned and said, “What’s the current situation of
the Eternal Celestial Capital?”
“They’re acting suspiciously, like they’ve found a clue.
They all look very confident in themselves. Could it be that they’ve found
something about Jiang Chen?”
Elder Hao nodded, “Watch them closely regardless of what
happens. I suspect that Cao Jin’s death may have something to do with that
Jiang Chen.”
“Ah?” The crowd were taken aback when they heard that. It
was obvious why they couldn’t quite wrap their heads around that revelation.
They had heard a lot about Jiang Chen lately. He’d been trapped in Mt. Rippling
Mirage, but had somehow appeared at the Myriad Grand Ceremony. They’d heard
that the entire Myriad Grand Ceremony had been blockaded, but he’d mysteriously
slipped through Great Scarlet Mid Region’s grasp with ease. They’d even heard
that Jiang Chen had returned to the Myriad Domain and dealt a severe blow to
Gong Wuji, killing the man’s most beloved grandson. These first rank sect
disciples had to admit that Jiang Chen’s repeated, almost legendary
performances had stunned them greatly.
Once upon a time, Jiang Chen had just been a small fry in
the sixteen kingdom alliance. If it hadn’t been for the murder of Long Juxue,
no one would know of his existence. It was because Jiang Chen had murdered Long
Juxue and ruined the Ninesuns Sky Sect’s plans for the sixteen kingdom alliance
that they’d first heard mention of this character.
Of course, the reason they remembered Jiang Chen wasn’t
because he’d successfully destroyed their plans, but because Long Juxue had
been the cultivation furnace that senior brother Yong Xingyun had selected for
himself. Yong Xingyun was the third ranked out of the top ten true disciples in
the Ninesuns Sky Sect. The fact that Jiang Chen had dared destroy senior
brother Yong Xingyun’s plans was the biggest reason why everyone in Ninesuns
Sky Sect had committed this name to memory. They’d never imagined that Jiang
Chen could grow so swiftly in just a few years. But how could he possibly kill
one of their ten true disciples, Cao Jin?
Why did this sound so utterly ridiculous?
However, Elder Hao wouldn’t be so bored as to create an
imaginary enemy after that large battle not long ago. With his temper, such
acts were beneath him. Everyone exchanged looks with each other; he was
serious.
“Elder Hao, Jiang Chen was said to be at the initial stage
sage realm. Even if he did run into some fortune, he still shouldn’t be a match
for Cao Jin.”
“Indeed, Cao Jin is half step emperor realm. He may be
ranked ninth among the top ten true disciples of Ninesuns Sky Sect, but even an
initial stage emperor realm wouldn’t dare claim that they could beat him with
absolute certainty.” The crowd threw in their opinions one after another. The
meaning behind their words was quite obvious. Jiang Chen might be a monstrous
genius, but he shouldn’t be able to threaten Cao Jin at his current level. They
didn’t even think that a person who could kill Cao Jin existed in the entirety
of the Myriad Domain.
Elder Hao sighed, “Under normal circumstances, I too would
believe that Jiang Chen is absolutely not a match for Cao Jin. However,
according to the latest results of the sect’s investigation, Cao Jin once
suffered a loss when he visited the Regal Pill Palace. After that, he joined
hands with the second rank pill king Shi Zhen and formation genius Wu Heng, and
all signs point to the fact that they headed to Mt. Rippling Mirage. I don’t
need to tell you that Jiang Chen was the only living person present there at
the time. Even if Jiang Chen hadn’t killed Cao Jin personally, he must’ve used
a restriction or killing move already present inside Mt. Rippling Mirage. If we
then factor in today’s incident where the Eternal Celestial Capital’s hunt for
Jiang Chen was coincidentally interrupted by Cao Jin’s Ocean Cover being
delivered to Gong Wuji... It’s obvious that the purpose of the delivery was to
antagonize the two sects into fighting each other. Therefore, there’s a ninety
nine percent chance that the mastermind behind this all is Jiang Chen!”
Although Elder Hao had not seen any of this with his own
eyes, the plethora of clues were almost all pointing towards Jiang Chen.
Moreover, none of the deductions he’d made based on these clues contradicted
each other. Accounting for all the factors, Jiang Chen’s name practically bent
over backwards to present itself as the answer. Everyone’s expressions was ugly
as they processed Elder Hao’s analysis.
“I can’t believe that brute Jiang Chen is so cunning!”
“Sigh, as much as a genius as Cao Jin was, he was too
reckless in the end. What a shame!”
“If that Jiang Chen really is this despicable, then we
cannot possibly let him off easy, Elder Hao!”
Elder Hao sneered, “Let him off easy? Of course not! Have
you forgotten what we’re here for?”
The crowd came to a sudden realization. Indeed, what exactly
are we here for? They were here to take advantage of the confusion! They were
here to capture the Myriad Domain geniuses who’d made a trip into the Paramount
Realm! Without a doubt, Jiang Chen had just made the top of their target list.
They’d originally had a lot of targets to capture, such as
the Great Cathedral’s Xiang Qin, Yue Baize and more. But now, Elder Hao
realized that Jiang Chen was their true top target. In fact, he was even more
important since they had lost all contact with the spy they had sent into the
Regal Pill Palace after he entered the Paramount Realm.
According to their intelligence, Jun Mobai hadn’t come out
of the Paramount Realm. They’d also heard that the Great Scarlet Mid Region sects
that’d attacked the Myriad Grand Ceremony and locked down the Paramount Realm
had captured a bunch of geniuses who’d emerged. However, Jun Mobai was not
amongst that group of captives. As a pawn of the Ninesuns Sky Sect, Jun Mobai
possessed many trump cards that could’ve helped him escape unhindered.
Moreover, the group of captives had ultimately been rescued by someone else.
They deduced that the person most likely to have rescued them was also Jiang
Chen.
If Jun Mobai really had been amongst those freed captives,
he would have tried to contact the Ninesuns Sky Sect. However, they hadn’t
received any such signal. All the clues pointed to Jun Mobai’s death in the
Paramount Realm. But he’d entered the Paramount Realm to carry out a special
mission. He would not have involved himself in pointless conflict. So, why had
Jun Mobai perished in the Paramount Realm?
Elder Hao deduced that Jun Mobai had most likely discovered
some clues inside the Paramount Realm. If the clues really were related to
Emperor Featherflight’s inheritance, then the situation would be complicated.
Just who had killed Jun Mobai?
The Ninesuns Sky Sect’s upper echelon had made their
deductions, and they all thought that the Great Cathedral’s Xiang Qin and Yue
Baize were the only ones who had the raw power to kill Jun Mobai. Of course,
Jiang Chen was one of the suspects as well. After all, Jiang Chen did defeat
Xiang Qin in the Myriad Grand Ceremony. But he’d just been a secondary suspect.
But after this incident, Elder Hao was now listing Jiang Chen as a primary
suspect and their number one target. Whether or not Jiang Chen had really
discovered Emperor Featherflight’s inheritance in the Paramount Realm, Elder
Hao felt that he had to capture Jiang Chen as soon as possible!
“Everyone, your mission is to do all you can to capture
Jiang Chen. We absolutely must not allow Jiang Chen to fall into the Eternal
Celestial Capital’s hands!” Elder Hao wasted no time in giving out new orders
when his thoughts had travelled to this point. “Remember, Jiang Chen must be
captured alive at all cost!”
“Also, deploy all the available forces we have to obstruct
and hunt down Jiang Chen along the routes to Veluriyam Capital. If necessary,
you may shed all pretenses of cordiality with the Eternal Celestial Capital!”
Elder Hao was this operation’s highest authority. Naturally, his words were
law.
Someone came in with a report at this time, “Elder Hao, Gong
Wuji has departed personally towards the northwest with a large group of men.”
After a moment’s astonishment, Elder Hao hurriedly ordered,
“We depart immediately.”
They had failed to track down Jiang Chen, but there was a
dumb tactic they could use; chase after the Eternal Celestial Capital wherever
they went. He would definitely be able to find Jiang Chen as long as he stuck
close to Gong Wuji.
…...
Huang’er was slightly surprised as the two of them
travelled. This was because Jiang Chen had slowed down so much that they
weren’t even travelling at half their usual speed. In fact, it didn’t look like
they were escaping a pursuit. They looked like they were on a vacation. After
watching the sun dip below the horizon, Jiang Chen found a relatively secluded
spot and entered deep underground as usual. This time however, he summoned the
little cicada.
“Hi~ Do you need anything, big brother Chen?” The little
cicada’s life had been pretty comfortable as of late. Ever since it’d been
baptized by the wood spirit spring, its bloodline had been improving by leaps
and bounds.
Jiang Chen chuckled and said, “Little cicada, I want to
borrow a drop of blood from you…”
Jiang Chen was prepared to haggle with the little cicada,
but to his surprise it grinned and answered without hesitation, “Big brother
Chen, I’ll give you anything you ask for.”
Jiang Chen was slightly surprised by its words. He
discovered that the little cicada’s tone and expression were growing more and
more like a human’s. Could it be that this little cicada was about to assume
human form?
“Teehee, big brother Chen, I’ve already entered the sage
realm, but I planned to cultivate some more before attempting my
transformation! Here you go! Here’s a drop of blood for you.” The little cicada
had bartered a couple of times with Jiang Chen and had haggled greatly with him
at the beginning. But after the baptism of the wood spirit spring, the little
cicada had taken Jiang Chen for its master and the two of them had gotten
closer. It was obvious that the little fellow understood that a race like it
needed a powerful patron to survive. Jiang Chen was without a doubt its best
choice.
Jiang Chen was about to say some more after he received the
droplet of blood, but the little cicada didn’t give him a chance to say a word,
“Big brother Chen, I’m going to cultivate now. When I can transform I’ll talk
to you and relieve your boredom then, okay?”
The little fellow flashed and vanished immediately. Jiang
Chen chuckled and shook his head. He looked at Huang’er. She was no longer
surprised by Jiang Chen’s various fortuitous encounters. It wasn’t really
surprising that a man who possessed even a true dragon would possess a
Thundercloud Cicada too.
“Miss Huang’er, this is a drop of cicada blood. Please
refine it.”
“Me?” Huang’er was slightly surprised by this.
“Mmhmm. This cicada blood will ensure that you’re immune to
poison and lightning. It is incredibly precious,” There were no arrogance in
Jiang Chen’s eyes, just complete sincerity.
“I… I haven’t done anything to earn it though,” Huang’er was
shocked when she heard of the benefits of refining cicada blood. Even in her
world, there were very few people who dared to claim that they were immune to
poison and lightning.
“Miss Huang’er, I would never hurt you,” Jiang Chen’s eyes
were sincere.
They could both see the sincerity in each other’s eyes.
Huang’er was a worldly child, and wasn’t the type to play coy. After a moment’s
thought, she nodded, “Okay. I owe you a great favor again, Sir Jiang.”
Jiang Chen also smiled cheerfully when he saw Huang’er
accepting his gift without hesitation.
Chapter 710: Huang’er’s True Face Is Revealed
Huang’er’s comprehension ability and talent far exceeded
Jiang Chen’s imagination. The speed at which she refined the cicada’s blood was
so fast that it left him stupefied. Jiang Chen himself had spent quite a lot of
time to refine the cicada’s blood, but Huang’er actually completed it in just a
few hours. Moreover, Jiang Chen had checked the degree of her assimilation and
found it to be no poorer than his.
“Miss Huang’er, I’m not a gossipy person, but sometimes I
really can’t help but wonder just where on the Divine Abyss Continent could
someone as smart and talented as you be raised?” Jiang Chen’s exclamation
wasn’t just empty praise; his breath really had been stolen away by the
surprise that Huang’er had brought him. Huang’er’s bearing, temperament and
talent couldn’t be found in even the first rank sects of the Upper Eight
Regions, much less the Myriad Domain.
Jiang Chen had seen plenty of first rank sect disciples in
the past, such as Cao Jin and Gong Qi. Setting aside Gong Qi, while Cao Jin’s
composure was decent and not as frivolous as the geniuses of the Myriad Domain,
it was still a far cry from Huang’er’s. The difference between them was night
and day, like the gap between Wang Han and Cao Jin. There was an enormous gulf
between the two.
Huang’er’s expression turned stiff for a brief moment, as
near indiscernible sadness flashed across her eyes. It was there only for a
fleeting instant, but Jiang Chen didn’t miss it. He couldn’t help but be
startled, before a bit of regret surfaced in his heart. He realized that his
question might have been a little too forward, and that it would be difficult
for Huang’er to answer. After the time they’d spent together, Jiang Chen had
come to admire Huang’er’s character and conduct. This was especially true when
they were performing music together. It made him feel like he’d found a soul
mate.
He had never experienced this feeling from any other woman.
In fact, Jiang Chen had almost forgotten about her background and her looks. It
was as if her mortal shell no longer mattered to him.
Huang’er suddenly let out a sigh. “Sir Jiang, there is something
I’ve wanted to apologize for, actually, for the longest time now. It all
started because a silly thought of mine that I’ve perpetuated to this day…” She
looked up and stared at him with eyes that shone with sincerity. Then, she
raised a hand, and wiped off the disguise she wore on her face in one pass. A
face that was as exquisite as a painting abruptly appeared in front of Jiang
Chen.
He was completely flabbergasted for a moment. Countless
words used to describe a woman’s beauty flashed through his mind, but at that
moment, they all seemed so dull and lacking. He was a loss for words; nothing
seemed to encapsulate his feelings right then. No turn of phrase, no metaphor
or analogy could describe how shocked he was right then. Just what kind of
force of creation did it take to create such a perfect and flawless human
fairy? Her skin was creamy white, her breath the scent of orchids. She was as
beautiful as a bright flower blooming through the mist, a painting within a
painting. Even if the beautiful women of his past life were to descend to this
realm he was in right now, they would still be inferior before Huang’er.
“Sir Jiang, back when Elder Shun took me along to find a
cure for my sickness, I was timidly worried that I would encounter many
lechers. That was why I changed my appearance on purpose. But I didn’t realize
that Sir Jiang is a true gentleman until later on, and it would appear that it
was I whose thinking was too narrow-minded. Please forgive my past mistakes,
Sir Jiang.”
Jiang Chen broke free of his reverie and sighed softly,
“Unbelievable, truly unbelievable. It is entirely normal that you would decide
to hide such an unworldly, exquisite countenance, Miss Huang’er. Otherwise, you
would attract attention wherever you go.”
Huang’er had heard countless words of praise as she’d grown
up, but she’d never been so pleased to hear them as she was today. Praise from
someone one disliked was only torture. Only the praise from someone beloved
would elicit true happiness. On the other side, Jiang Chen’s composure slowly
returned. He may have been somewhat startled at the transformation, but he
hadn’t completely forgotten himself. .
“Sir Jiang, it wasn’t that I wanted to hide things from you.
It’s just that my background and origins involve too many complications. If I
were to tell you, then I may bring trouble upon you instead.”
If a regular people had said these words, then they were
likely just maintaining a half-hearted pretense. However, Jiang Chen knew that
Huang’er was absolutely not such a person. Moreover, Huang’er’s clear,
endlessly pure eyes were proof of her sincerity. The clarity in her eyes
brooked not even the slightest inkling of lies. Jiang Chen had never seen such
a pure and clean pair of eyes in either his past or current life. He nodded and
didn’t ask further into her background. Instead, he smiled broadly, “Miss
Huang’er, I was simply blurting out my thoughts without thinking just now. I
wasn’t trying to inquire into your background on purpose.”
“Mm, I know,” Huang’er smiled faintly at him.
“In any case, it’s about time. We should be going now,”
Jiang Chen stood up and revealed a trace of a meaningful smile. “I think
they’ve almost caught up to us.”
“Oh?” Huang’er was startled for a brief moment before she
smiled faintly in response, “I thought that you hadn’t noticed it yet, Sir
Jiang. Does this mean that you sensed them from the start?”
Jiang Chen smiled and nodded to her, “That little trick of
theirs might have been well hidden, but they can’t fool my senses just yet.
That being said, I couldn’t have stopped them from applying a mark on me in
that kind of situation anyway.”
“Mm, I took a look at this mark just now. I believe that it
will be rather troublesome to wipe it off. It might be very difficult to erase
it without at least three days of time,” Huang’er’s slender brows raised
slightly.
“Hehe, it’s true that erasing it won’t be a simple task, but
I have my own ways to conceal it from detection. That being said, we don’t need
to do that right now.” Jiang Chen was familiar with this kind of tracking mark
from his past life. He had also seen marks that were at least tens or hundreds
of times better than this one. But he was loath to give up such a good
opportunity.
Back when they had hidden amongst the thousands of wandering
cultivators, they had been singled out by the Eternal Celestial Capital because
they were travelling as a pair. There, they’d been tagged with unique tracker
mark. Jiang Chen was different from the other wandering cultivators. He knew
very well what they had done to him and Huang’er. He’d just been incapable of
stopping them from doing so at the time. Doing so would only reveal their
identities.
Considering that there were thousands of people who had been
tagged with the same tracker mark, it was unlikely that the Eternal Celestial
Capital would quickly hone in on him. That was why Jiang Chen had chosen to
wait patiently. However, as time passed, the Eternal Celestial Capital would
remove more and more suspects from their lists. He figured that it was about
time they’d narrowed their targets to the two of them. Moreover, Jiang Chen had
purposely left behind many clues along the way because he wanted to draw his
pursuers over.
He had a new plan.
After the duo emerged from the ground, their relationship
didn’t change just because Huang’er had revealed her true appearance.
Everything was as usual. However, Huang’er was feeling like a weight had just
been lifted off her shoulders. She was no longer burdened by self-blame and
guilt. She didn’t think to ask Jiang Chen where they were going at all. She
simply thought that travelling and adventuring with Jiang Chen like this was
the happiest and most pleasant experience she had ever had in her twenty years
of life.
The duo travelled in secret for an entire day, eventually
arriving at a dark valley. Almost entirely covered in shadow, the valley seemed
to sink into the depths of darkness, with no way to tell how deep or long it
was. It looked like the personification of hell in the Divine Abyss Continent.
An eerie atmosphere pervaded its outskirts, and it only seemed to grow more
sinister further in.
“What is this place?” Huang’er asked curiously.
“A valley called Infant Shriek,” Jiang Chen answered calmly.
Its name alone sent chills down one’s spine.
…...
Gong Wuji appeared on an open plain about three hundred
kilometers away from Infant Shriek. This open plain was rather large, serving
as a crossroads for many travellers who sought to cross the region. Roads lined
every cardinal direction, with many splitting off in the distance.
“Master Gong, we have tracked down four out of the seven
pairs of solo cultivators who were travelling towards Veluriyam Capital. We’ve
also homed onto another two pairs who’ve entered another city. The last pair
has strayed slightly away from the path leading towards Veluriyam Capital, but
only slightly.”
Intelligence flowed in steadily to Gong Wuji. He spread open
his map and looked at it for a moment. Then, he ordered, “Contact the local
forces of those cities, and send some men to arrest the two pairs who’ve
entered the city!”
“Aren’t we going after them, Master Gong?”
“We will be heading towards the northwest. I have a strong
feeling that the pair on the northwest path is the real target!” Gong Wuji
smiled savagely. He pointed at the map and searched up and down, finally
pointing at a certain location, “This is the place. There’s no way they could
bypass Infant Shriek no matter how hard they try!”
Some expressions changed slightly when they heard the name
‘Infant Shriek’. “Master Gong, I’ve heard that that Infant Shriek contains an
enormous amount of yin energy. Even the locals don’t visit it too often. These
kind of places are only frequented by spirit alchemists.”
Gong Wuji sneered, “Locals? Are there any places we cultivators
are afraid to travel to? If someone like Jiang Chen isn’t afraid of that place,
then why should we be afraid of it?”
Jiang Chen had become Gong Wuji’s internal demon. Be it for
revenge or for the secrets of the Paramount Realm, Gong Wuji had more than
enough reason to capture Jiang Chen. He was tired of this endless tug-of-war
already. This time, he would kill Jiang Chen no matter what the cost!
“Anyone amongst you afraid to go can stand forth now!” Gong
Wuji’s cold gaze swept across everyone’s faces.
Their group was extremely powerful in their own right. Three
thousand strong, they were all elites from the Eternal Celestial Capital as
well as the Great Scarlet Mid Region. Which cultivator would admit to
cowardice? This was especially true when they were standing right in front of
Gong Wuji. The Great Scarlet Mid Region forces only wished that they could
demonstrate on the spot just how courageous they were. What better opportunity
was there to flatter Gong Wuji than now? They all cried out, “There’s nothing
to be afraid of! We’re willing to follow the holy king and kill that little rat
Jiang Chen as soon as possible!”
“We will listen to the holy king and grind that maggot to
pieces! If we fail to catch that little rat Jiang Chen, then what joy is there
to be found in our purposeless lives?”
“That’s right, I will not be able be able to sleep or eat
well if I don’t catch this kid!”
“Let’s go, we’ll all go! Anyone who doesn’t go is a coward!”
A tiny smile finally appeared on Gong Wuji’s face. He
nodded, “Alright, I’ll say this to all of you. I have not forgotten your hard
work, and if we really manage to catch Jiang Chen, then I will owe all of you a
favor. I will not stand by in the future if anyone troubles your sects in the
future!”
Every Great Scarlet Mid Region sect became highly motivated
upon hearing Gong Wuji’s promise. Obtaining the favor of an Eternal Celestial
Capital holy king was no different from finding a patron who was willing to
support their sects!
