Chapter 175: Forbidden Land |
Moonlight like water spilled onto the stone table and chairs in the courtyard.
On the table sat a pot of freshly brewed sobering tea, its fragrance wafting upward.
Shen Xiuyong leaned back comfortably in his chair, looking at Qiao Hongyun across from him who was still somewhat sullen, a faint trace of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
Qiao Hongyun glared at him without good humor, but finally spoke first, "You old fellow, you never visit without cause. This time coming here, is it really for that Gathering Treasure Workshop auction?"
"What else?"
Shen Xiuyong picked up his teacup and blew on the steam, "Naturally to buy some fine Black Iron Essence, then go to the Forging Weapons Hall to reforge a suitable weapon. Having reached True Aura, one must have some proper appearance, right?"
His tone carried his usual teasing, but when mentioning the new saber, a trace of anticipation showed in his eyes.
Qiao Hongyun snorted, "I guessed as much. Recently, Lin'an Prefecture City has seen quite a few unfamiliar faces. It seems they've all come for this 'largest in five years' gimmick."
"Oh?"
Having walked the martial world for many years, he was well versed in the promotional tricks of various merchant associations.
"Your information is behind, isn't it?"
Qiao Hongyun glanced at him and lowered his voice somewhat, "You only know one part, not the other. That pair of saber and sword is not simple. They were personally forged with great effort by Old Hong from the Forging Weapons Hall, named 'Azure Depths Twin Radiance.'"
He paused, then continued, "Though this pair of weapons currently remains at the grade of superior treasure weapons, their cores already contain a trace of spiritual embryo, worthy of being called 'half-spirit treasures.' You know, the reason true spirit treasures are so rare is because they possess 'spirit.' Their owners can use true qi and True Aura to nurture them. Over time, spirituality gradually develops and their power continuously increases."
"This pair of 'Azure Depths Twin Radiance' possesses this potential! If a True Aura expert is willing to expend their origin True Aura to nurture and refine them over many years, in the future there may well be a chance to fully activate them, gestate complete weapon spirits, and achieve true spirit treasures!"
"They're actually half-spirit treasures?!"
Hearing this, Shen Xiuyong immediately sat up straight, a gleam flashing in his eyes, "No wonder they can serve as the finale... In that case, the value of this saber and sword pair far exceeds ordinary superior-grade treasure weapons!"
"Now you understand?"
Qiao Hongyun wore an expression of 'you're only now realizing this,' "Though the news hasn't spread completely, the influential forces that should know have basically received word. Otherwise, do you think why it could attract so many people?"
Shen Xiuyong stroked his chin thoughtfully, "People came from Fengle Prefecture and Pingyang Prefecture? Who else?"
"Quite a few experts have come."
Qiao Hongyun's expression became slightly more serious, "As far as I know, from Fengle Prefecture, the deputy pavilion master of 'Listening to Rain Pavilion,' 'Startling Waves Hand' Wan Chongshan has already arrived. An elder from Pingyang Prefecture's 'Blazing Sun Sect' has also secretly checked into the city. And also..."
He paused, lowering his voice even further, "That Grand Elder from your Yunlin Prefecture's Hanyu Valley, 'Granny Lingshuang,' has also quietly arrived. She even went to visit the Earth Origin Sect's Sect Master first."
"Granny Lingshuang came too?"
Shen Xiuyong's eyebrow raised slightly. This old woman's strength was unfathomable, with revered status within Hanyu Valley, "If she takes action, her target is probably not as simple as that saber and sword pair. She may have other aims... It seems this auction will be even livelier than imagined."
"More than just lively."
Qiao Hongyun looked at him meaningfully, "The waters are already muddied. When the time comes for dragons and tigers to contend, conflict will be unavoidable."
Hearing this, a trace of excited light passed through Shen Xiuyong's eyes, the corners of his mouth hooking up, "Muddied waters are good. When waters are muddy, there might be opportunities to fish in troubled waters."
His nature inherently carried elements of shrewd calculation.
Qiao Hongyun knew his old friend's temperament well and reminded him, "Don't act recklessly. The True Aura experts coming both openly and secretly this time can't be counted on two hands. Your cultivation having just broken through may not be enough."
"Don't worry."
Shen Xiuyong smiled and resumed a somewhat lazy posture, leaning back in his chair, "I'm the type who values my life most. If the waters aren't muddy enough, or I can't catch a big fish, I definitely won't enter the fray lightly. Just watching the excitement is good enough."
Only then did Qiao Hongyun nod, knowing that though Shen Xiuyong seemed unpredictable, he actually had his own measure and was extremely prudent.
The topic seemed to reach a temporary conclusion. The two fell silent for a moment.
Night wind blew through the courtyard. Bamboo leaves rustled.
Qiao Hongyun gazed at the tea leaves in his cup and suddenly asked softly, "Speaking of which... have you seen Ruan Lingxiu these past few years?"
Suddenly hearing this name, Shen Xiuyong's hand holding the teacup paused slightly. The smile on his face faded, his gaze drifting away for an instant.
He remained silent for several breaths before slowly shaking his head, "No. It's been six years. Since we parted in the depths of the Ten Thousand Poisons Marsh last time, I've never seen her again."
Qiao Hongyun also sighed, "Same for me. The last time I received news of her was still six years ago. I heard that not long after she returned to her clan, she successfully broke through to True Aura."
His tone carried some complex emotion.
Shen Xiuyong said in a deep voice, "The foundation of a thousand-year clan is truly extraordinary. Moreover... she's also a disciple of the Tianbao Upper Sect. That place, its resources and opportunities, far exceed what we local sects can compare to. She and us... are ultimately different."
These words seemed to be stating a fact, yet also seemed to be convincing himself.
"Yes."
Qiao Hongyun looked up at the night sky. The starlight was dim, "That sky is truly the place that can nurture real dragons. We may seem glorious here in Lin'an Prefecture and Yunlin Prefecture, but in reality..."
He didn't finish speaking. The two fell into silence again.
After saying this, Qiao Hongyun stood up and patted his robes, "The auction is the day after tomorrow. When the time comes, I'll come find you, and we'll go together."
Hearing this, Shen Xiuyong laughed, "With you, a local snake, leading the way, we'll avoid being unfamiliar with the place and taking unnecessary detours."
…
Lin'an City, a certain villa courtyard.
News of Chen Qing defeating Chen Lin spread throughout Lin'an Prefecture as if it had grown wings.
When Miao Zhiheng heard this news, it stirred his blood and qi, making it difficult to calm his mind.
Chen Qing!
That Five Terraces Sect youngster who had stolen his black iron box, causing his efforts to fail and leaving him in a disheveled state!
Not only had he not died at the hands of the Netherworld Twin Guards, but he had actually appeared brazenly in Lin'an Prefecture, and even... at the Sea Sand Sect's martial training ground, directly defeated "Overturning Sea Sword" Chen Lin!
"How is this possible?!"
Miao Zhiheng was filled with disbelief and palpitations.
What kind of figure was Chen Lin?
That was a true genius ranked third on the Sea Sand Sect's Sect Master Candidate list, with actual combat power said to rank second!
His Azure Cloud Sword Formula had reached perfection, his Vast Sea true qi was deep and enduring, and he wielded the superior-grade treasure weapon "Overturning Sea Sword."
His strength, Miao Zhiheng knew for certain he absolutely was no match yet that Chen Qing had actually won!
After intense jealousy came even deeper wariness and fear.
With the terrifying combat power Chen Qing displayed, once he reached perfection, his success rate at breaking through to True Aura would certainly be extremely high!
He might very likely... advance ahead of himself!
Just thinking that Chen Qing might step into True Aura before him made Miao Zhiheng feel a suffocating sense of oppression.
"No! I absolutely cannot let this happen!"
A trace of viciousness flashed in Miao Zhiheng's eyes, "I must trip him up before he breaks through. I absolutely cannot let him cultivate so smoothly!"
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, his mind rapidly calculating.
Take action directly?
Absolutely impossible.
Never mind that Chen Qing's current strength exceeded his own, just that newly advanced True Aura master uncle Shen Xiuyong beside him was absolutely not someone he could provoke.
Borrow a blade to kill? Sow discord?
Miao Zhiheng's eyes flickered as thoughts flashed through his mind one after another.
…
Two days later, Qiao Hongyun led Shen Xiuyong, Chen Qing, and several accompanying Sea Sand Sect disciples. The group rode horses down from Dinghai Peak toward Lin'an Prefecture City.
Lin'an Prefecture City's walls were high and thick with magnificent bearing, completely different from Yunlin Prefecture City's water-built, canal-crisscrossed appearance.
The streets within the city were wide, mostly paved with bluestone slabs. Carriages, horses, and pedestrians came and went in an endless stream. Shops lined both sides, many selling ore, weapons, and armor.
At a distant street corner stood a stage where a local theater troupe was singing high-pitched and bold local opera. The watching common people occasionally called out approval. The atmosphere was heated.
The aroma of street food also had unique characteristics. Various baked breads, smoked meats, and cakes made from some local specialty root vegetable were commonly seen, unlike Yunlin Prefecture's abundant fish and shrimp aquatic products.
This place was close to the interior with numerous mountain ranges. The local customs also seemed somewhat more simple and bold.
Qiao Hongyun expertly led everyone through several bustling streets, arriving at a rather quiet courtyard area within the city.
As one of Lin'an Prefecture's two major powers, the Sea Sand Sect naturally owned numerous properties in the prefecture city.
This courtyard had white walls and black tiles, tranquil within the bustle. The interior furnishings were elegant and complete. Sect servants had already tidied everything properly.
"You can rest here. I've already given instructions. All your needs will be attended to."
Qiao Hongyun arranged, "I still need to visit several old friends who came this time to participate in the auction and gather some information. I'll come by later."
Shen Xiuyong smiled, "You handle your business. We'll just rest our feet."
After Qiao Hongyun left, Shen Xiuyong sat down on a stone bench in the courtyard, indicating for Chen Qing to sit as well, smiling as he asked, "How is it? Walking all this way, what do you feel are the differences between this Lin'an Prefecture and our Yunlin Prefecture? Are the arrangements satisfactory?"
"The scenery is vastly different with a unique atmosphere. The arrangements are extremely thorough and proper. Thank you for your trouble, Master Uncle and Senior Qiao."
Chen Qing nodded in agreement, also pondering inwardly.
With the personal connections of famous sect elders, matters were indeed much more convenient. Whether lodging or information channels, they far exceeded what he could achieve coming alone.
Personal connections themselves were an extremely important resource. At critical moments they could save countless troubles and even produce unexpected effects.
He should deliberately cultivate this himself in the future.
Thinking of this, Chen Qing naturally inquired, "Master Uncle, you and Senior Qiao seem to be old acquaintances with deep friendship. May I ask how you met?"
Hearing this, Shen Xiuyong smiled, "That was many years ago. At that time I hadn't yet been promoted to elder. I accompanied my master to the Sea Sand Sect for an exchange. That fellow Qiao Hongyun was already an outstanding figure among the Sea Sand Sect's younger generation at the time, famous in his youth with momentum at its peak."
"I wasn't bad in the Five Terraces Sect either. Young people, you know, inevitably compete secretly and found each other displeasing to the eye. Later through coincidence, we didn't know each other without fighting, and instead came to admire each other."
He paused, then continued, "Afterward we often arranged to go out training together. You should know, even the outer areas of the Ten Thousand Poisons Marsh are extremely dangerous. The depths are even more fraught with killing intent at every step. Traveling alone is extremely unwise. Going in a team is the best choice, but team members must be absolutely trustworthy."
"He and I, along with several other like-minded friends, traveled deep into the outer areas of the Ten Thousand Poisons Marsh multiple times, searching for medicinal treasures, hunting exotic beasts, honing martial skills. We even... once attempted to venture deep into the core area, but that place was truly too bizarre and dangerous. Ultimately unable to penetrate deeply, we withdrew."
"Besides the Ten Thousand Poisons Marsh, we also went to 'Soul Breaking Forest.'" Shen Xiuyong added.
"Soul Breaking Forest?"
Chen Qing's heart stirred, recalling records he had seen in sect texts.
The three circuits and fifty-one prefectures were boundlessly vast. Besides ordinary mountains, rivers, and streams, there were six great forbidden lands with fierce reputations, their danger level far exceeding ordinary perilous places.
Besides the well-known Ten Thousand Poisons Marsh, there were Black Wind Gorge, Red Flame Lake, Soul Breaking Forest, Falling Star Slope, and the most mysterious Sunken Dragon Abyss.
According to records, Soul Breaking Forest was located in Qiulong. Ancient trees towered to the sky, gloomy and sun-blocking. Entering made it extremely easy to lose direction. Even more, it was inhabited by an extremely fierce blade mantis exotic beast species that guarded the rare medicinal treasures within the forest.
As for the most mysterious Sunken Dragon Abyss, legend said a black dragon that had lived for who knows how many years truly lurked within, with towering fierce might, publicly recognized as an exotic beast overlord. The abyss supposedly hid it, but over hundreds of years few who ventured deep had returned alive.
"Mm, Soul Breaking Forest is an evil place. The trees all grow identically. Going in makes you dizzy..."
Shen Xiuyong seemed unwilling to discuss these old matters much. He waved his hand, "Forget it, these are all old stories. Best not to mention them."
He changed the topic, telling Chen Qing the news about the auction's finale item "Azure Depths Twin Radiance."
Chen Qing listened with secret amazement. No wonder he had seen quite a few experts in the city upon arrival. So they had all come for these saber and sword treasures.
This level of competition was absolutely not something the current him could participate in.
What concerned him most was still that Wood Yang Jade. He inquired, "Master Uncle, for tomorrow's auction, how do you plan to help me obtain that Wood Yang Jade?"
He knew very well that even though the Wood Yang Jade's efficacy wasn't as mysterious as the Earth Essence Marrow Pearl, as a five element exotic treasure with a starting bid of one hundred twenty thousand taels of silver, competition would certainly be fierce and far from easy.
Hearing this, Shen Xiuyong chuckled, "Simple. When the time comes, you give me the bank notes, and I'll bid in my name!"
"So in the end I still have to pay myself?" Chen Qing was stunned.
"What do you know?"
Shen Xiuyong glanced at him without good humor, "Bidding in my name, first, quite a few people in the venue will give face to my newly advanced True Aura status and Five Terraces Sect elder position. Unless they particularly urgently need it, most won't deliberately fight with me to the death, which can save a lot of unnecessary bidding."
"Second, even if some petty villains covet the treasure, they'll weigh the cost of snatching things from a True Aura expert's hands. This can avoid much subsequent trouble. If you bid for it yourself, who knows which blind fool will think you're easy to bully, follow you in raising prices all the way, or even harbor crooked thoughts afterward. Rest assured, would Master Uncle really cheat you out of your silver? I guarantee you'll get it at a relatively reasonable price."
Chen Qing thought carefully. It was indeed so.
Having Shen Xiuyong come forward could both leverage his power to suppress some competitors, avoiding prices being maliciously inflated, and deter potential dangers. It was indeed the most secure plan.
…
Inside the Earth Origin Sect stronghold.
The hall atmosphere was oppressive. Candlelight flickered.
Yu He sat at the head seat, his expression somewhat gloomy.
The recent surprise attack by the Demon Sect's Yunlin branch altar had caused the Earth Origin Sect to lose several inner sect disciples.
Adding to the previous Yunlin Prefecture trip where Elder Shi Long had perished and the Earth Essence Marrow Pearl's whereabouts remained unknown with fruitless results, there were already quite a few questioning voices surging secretly within the sect, making him extremely vexed.
Footsteps sounded. Miao Zhiheng carefully walked in, his face wearing a respectful smile as he bowed, "Senior Yu."
Yu He didn't even lift his eyelids. His voice was cold and hard, "What matter brings you to seek me this time?"
His tone revealed obvious impatience.
Miao Zhiheng seemed completely unconcerned with his attitude, still smiling, "This junior knows senior has been troubled by many affairs recently. I've specially come to help you with your worries."
"Help with worries?"
Yu He finally raised his eyes, "Speak then. How will you help me with my worries?"
He wanted to see what tricks this youngster from Golden Sand Fortress could play.
Miao Zhiheng stepped forward, lowering his voice, "It's about the Earth Essence Marrow Pearl. This junior knows in whose hands that treasure is."
"Oh?"
Yu He's eyes narrowed slightly, brilliant light contained within, "Continue!"
"It's in that Chen Qing from the Five Terraces Sect's hands!" Miao Zhiheng said with decisive certainty.
Yu He's gaze sharply fixed on him but didn't immediately express an opinion, only indicating he should continue.
Miao Zhiheng took a deep breath and analyzed, "Senior Yu, please think. That day at Blackwater Dock inn during the chaotic battle, all sides suffered heavy casualties. The Netherworld Twin Guards mysteriously disappeared. The Demon Sect has yet to find them, instead blaming you for this and coming for revenge. But as far as this junior knows, those who ultimately left there alive with clear whereabouts, besides your sect's Brother Lu Da and this junior, there was only Chen Qing from the Five Terraces Sect!"
He observed Yu He's expression and continued, "What kind of figures are the Netherworld Twin Guards? Blood Rakshasa's elite subordinates. Joining hands, few below True Aura are their match. If they had seized the treasure pearl, would they not return to the Demon Sect to report? Since they didn't return, that can only mean... they couldn't return. And Chen Qing not only came back alive, but completely unharmed! Don't you think this is too coincidental?"
"Are the Netherworld Twin Guards so easily killed?"
Yu He snorted coldly, though his tone wasn't as certain as before, "Though Chen Qing has some talent, he's ultimately just a youngster."
Though he said this, his mind involuntarily recalled that night in the forest exchanging palm strikes from a distance, that figure's quick reaction, decisive retreat after receiving his palm, solid foundation absolutely not comparable to ordinary embracing elixir realm.
Seeing this, Miao Zhiheng immediately struck while the iron was hot, "Chen Qing, this person's strength absolutely cannot be judged by common sense! He recently defeated Chen Lin at the Sea Sand Sect. How could he be easy to deal with? Perhaps he secretly used some special means, or perhaps... he fundamentally hid his strength! Senior Yu, think again about that night when someone spied in the forest yet could escape from your palm... that person's figure, that reaction, doesn't it bear some resemblance to Chen Qing?"
He lowered his voice even further, "They pinned the Netherworld Twin Guards' deaths, pinned this enormous scapegoat entirely on you, making you endure the Demon Sect's mad retaliation and internal pressure for nothing."
"And the true beneficiary, that youngster who took the Earth Essence Marrow Pearl, who perhaps even killed the Netherworld Twin Guards, is safely hidden in the Five Terraces Sect. Who knows, right now he might be secretly laughing at us!"
Yu He remained silent without speaking.
Miao Zhiheng's words were like poisoned needles precisely piercing the doubts in his heart.
Indeed, when many things were connected, Chen Qing's suspicion was too great.
That Earth Essence Marrow Pearl concerned the prospects of the younger generation in his lineage.
Better to believe it exists than to believe it doesn't!
But he was after all an old hand in the martial world. He wouldn't fully believe based solely on Miao Zhiheng's one-sided words.
He suddenly waved his hand, interrupting Miao Zhiheng, "Enough!"
Miao Zhiheng immediately fell silent, respectfully lowering his head.
He knew the seed of doubt had been planted. That was enough.
Yu He's gaze stared deeply at the dancing candlelight. After a long while he slowly said, "These are all just your speculations, without any solid evidence. Chen Qing is the Five Terraces Sect's Chief Disciple. This matter concerns relations between two sects. How can we act rashly?"
Miao Zhiheng quickly said, "This junior understands. This junior is merely informing senior of my thoughts for your consideration. How to decide naturally depends entirely on senior's wise judgment."
"Mm."
Yu He responded noncommittally and waved his hand, "I'm aware of this matter now. You may withdraw first."
"Yes, this junior takes his leave." Miao Zhiheng bowed and slowly withdrew from the hall.
In the empty hall, only Yu He remained alone.
The candlelight stretched his shadow long, projecting it on the wall, swaying slightly.
"Chen Qing... Five Terraces Sect..."
He murmured these two names in a low voice, cold light flickering in his eyes, constantly changing.
If the Earth Essence Marrow Pearl truly was in this youngster's hands... if the Netherworld Twin Guards truly died at his hands...
Then this matter was absolutely not a simple struggle between disciples.