Chapter 199: Enemies |
The next morning, by the shores of Dingbo Lake.
Sect Master He Yuzhou personally stood at the mountain gate entrance to see them off.
Elder Sang Yanping and Chu Jinyun stood at the very front, with the disciples departing for Tianbao City behind them.
Chen Qing, Nie Shanshan, Yan Yaoyang, Li Wang, Li Lei, and other core disciples of the Five Terraces Sect were prominently among them, along with six other disciples at late-stage embracing elixir strength whose auras were deep and composed.
To the side were also Shi Ziyi, Fang Rui, and others from Xuanjia Gate. Everyone was fully prepared to depart.
Over a dozen magnificent steeds with extraordinary beast bloodlines stood with raised heads, exhaling scorching white breath.
These horses were far larger and more robust than ordinary steeds, with smooth muscle lines and glossy, sleek coats.
Most remarkable were their eyes, which faintly revealed a trace of spiritual light, and a small tuft of mane on their foreheads that was a different color from the rest.
These were Azure Cloud Horses that the Five Terraces Sect had purchased at great expense from the northern great pastures. Legend had it their ancestors contained a trace of the weak bloodline of the exotic beast 'Mountain-Moving Rhinoceros,' thus their stamina was astonishing. They could traverse mountains and ford waters as if on level ground, and could travel two thousand li daily without showing fatigue.
Li Wang looked at the magnificent Azure Cloud Horse beside him with immense fondness, but when his gaze drifted to the snow-white steed beside Shen Xiuyong at the front, his eyes couldn't help but reveal deep envy.
"Master Uncle Shen, your Treading Snow is truly magnificent! Compared to it, my Azure Cloud Horse seems like an inferior nag." Li Wang couldn't help but sigh.
Chen Qing also glanced at it several times. The sect's Azure Cloud Horses were already quite excellent, but compared to the precious steed Shen Xiuyong had personally cultivated, they still fell somewhat short.
That Treading Snow was not only more remarkable in appearance, but obviously had a richer exotic beast bloodline within.
Hearing this, Shen Xiuyong smiled faintly, "I've raised this Treading Snow since it was young, feeding it countless treasure pills and great medicines, spending enormous amounts of vital blood. But it's really nothing special."
His gaze swept over several people as he continued, "When we reach Tianbao City, you'll know that some great sects, and even disciples of Tianbao Upper Sect, ride true exotic beasts in considerable numbers. Especially Tianbao Upper Sect, which is said to possess secret methods for taming the exotic beast 'Golden Feather Eagle.' Those Golden Feather Eagles have wingspans of several zhang, with plumage harder than refined steel. When upper sect elites travel, they often use Golden Feather Eagles for transport. That's true grandeur and power."
"These exotic beasts... can truly be tamed?" Fang Rui listened with stirring emotions, unable to resist asking.
Precious steeds with a trace of exotic beast bloodline were already extremely rare and valuable. To directly tame powerful and wildly untamable exotic beasts, what kind of methods would that require?
"Naturally they can."
Chu Jinyun said from the side, "The martial world is vast with all kinds of wonders. Though methods to tame exotic beasts are rare, they're not nonexistent. Either capture exotic beast cubs from a young age and carefully raise and nurture them with secret methods and treasure medicines, establishing deep bonds, or use absolute strength to suppress adult exotic beasts and force them into submission."
"Not to mention Golden Feather Eagles, even the rumored dragon descendants in the Sunken Dragon Abyss have the possibility of being subdued, though it's extremely difficult."
Hearing about taming dragons, all the young disciples present, including Nie Shanshan and Shi Ziyi, showed expressions of disbelief on their faces.
They had all heard of the Sunken Dragon Abyss's fearsome reputation.
It was an extreme danger where even External Aura realm experts might perish. Its perils could be imagined.
And dragons were even more powerful exotic beasts that only existed in legends, their traces elusive, with power to destroy cities.
Taming a dragon?
Such a thought was almost like a fantasy.
Hearing this, Shen Xiuyong also secretly shook his head.
In his view, the possibility of success in such a matter was negligible, virtually nonexistent.
Records of such exotic beasts being tamed were extremely rare. Even some exotic beasts containing dragon bloodlines were extremely powerful existences, difficult to tame, let alone true dragons.
He Yuzhou took in everyone's reactions, then slowly stepped forward and solemnly instructed Sang Yanping and Chu Jinyun, "Junior Brother Sang, Junior Sister Chu, this journey is long and distant, crossing several prefectures. You'll inevitably encounter various situations. These disciples are entrusted to you both. You must safely deliver them to Tianbao City. Along the way, you must be cautious and careful, and send news back in a timely manner."
Sang Yanping's expression was solemn as he nodded heavily, "Sect Master, rest assured. I will do my utmost to protect everyone's safety and send timely reports."
Chu Jinyun also nodded slightly, "Senior Brother Sect Master need not worry excessively. We will naturally be careful."
He Yuzhou's gaze swept over each of the fully prepared disciples one by one. He exhaled lightly and waved his hand, "Depart!"
"Depart!"
Elder Sang Yanping called out loudly.
Everyone mounted their horses one after another. For a moment, the steeds neighed and hoofbeats thundered.
Chen Qing sat upright on horseback, taking one last look at the Five Terraces Sect mountain gate, then pulled the reins. The Azure Cloud Horse understood, stretched out its four legs, and like an arrow released from a bowstring, closely followed the group, galloping toward the distance.
He Yuzhou stood alone at the mountain gate entrance, gazing for a long time at the dust raised by the departing group.
At this time, Peng Zhen and Tan Yang also came forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with him, watching the group of riders gradually disappear on the horizon.
The lake breeze blew over. Peng Zhen was first to break the silence, his voice low, "We've sent out almost all the best seedlings of our generation... Xuwang Mountain, Tianbao Upper Sect."
Tan Yang sighed softly and continued, "We can only hope they can stand firm in Tianbao City. Even if... even if only one or two can be favored by the upper sect, it would be an enormous blessing for our Five Terraces Sect."
If disciples were selected by the upper sect, not only could the sect save five years of tribute, but they would also become strong support for the sect within the upper sect.
Internally and externally, the benefits would be great.
He Yuzhou's gaze still looked toward the distance as he slowly said, "We've done everything we can. What remains depends on their individual fortunes."
Hoofbeats rumbled, dust billowed.
Thirteen magnificent Azure Cloud Horses galloped along the official road, like a streak of azure wind, sweeping past mountains and rivers.
The group of over ten people from the Five Terraces Sect and Xuanjia Gate had been traveling for five days.
During these five days, everyone had been dusty from travel.
Elder Sang Yanping was experienced and seasoned, arranging the journey with proper balance between intensity and rest, ensuring both travel speed and consideration for the disciples' rest and cultivation.
Moreover, along the way, Elder Sang frequently pointed out scenery and explained various local powers to the disciples.
Chu Jinyun was more attentive, monitoring the disciples' conditions and occasionally conversing softly with Nie Shanshan and other female disciples.
Shen Xiuyong often rode at the head, scouting the path ahead.
Chen Qing seized every moment to silently circulate his techniques. After all, possessing the [Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success Guaranteed] fate pattern, he naturally wouldn't slack off.
Seeing Chen Qing like this, Nie Shanshan and Yan Yaoyang also didn't dare to be the slightest bit lax.
Li Wang had never traveled before either. He was full of curiosity about everything along the way, frequently inquiring of Elder Sang.
Xuanjia Gate's Shi Ziyi and Fang Rui were relatively silent, occasionally exchanging glances.
This day, the group arrived at Maple Leaf County. Though the mountains outside the city hadn't yet reached deep autumn, red spots could already be seen dotting the greenery.
Sang Yanping observed and spoke, "Maple Leaf County's location is quite special. It belongs to a junction of three prefectures and is a major transportation route."
Chu Jinyun's tone was gentler, carrying some sentiment, "If we wait until September or October, when the autumn frost descends, the maple leaves covering the mountains will turn completely red, the forest layers all dyed crimson like fire, reflecting the setting sun. It truly is an extremely beautiful sight."
Hearing this, Nie Shanshan's cool gaze looked toward the distant mountains, imagining that scene of maple red like the sea.
Chen Qing also raised his eyes to look. He saw the county town wasn't large but was quite tranquil, nestled against mountains and beside water, with cooking smoke curling up. It was indeed a good place to rest.
Just then, from the bend in the road ahead, a strange, muffled sound different from hoofbeats suddenly came, accompanied by the sound of metal scraping.
Everyone immediately looked alertly.
They saw dozens of figures appear. They weren't riding horses, but seated on mechanical beasts resembling giant wolves or cheetahs!
These mechanical beasts were entirely constructed of some kind of dark metal. Though their movements were somewhat stiff, they were steady and powerful, each step causing the ground to tremble slightly.
Those riding them all wore uniform dark blue training outfits, with intricate patterns embroidered on collars and cuffs.
"It's the Puppet Control Sect!" Chu Jinyun said in a low voice.
"The Puppet Control Sect!?"
Chen Qing thought to himself as his gaze quickly swept over the opposing group.
The explanations Elder Sang had given these past days immediately surfaced in his mind. This sect specialized in mechanical puppets with strange methods. This sect didn't have much interaction with the Five Terraces Sect.
The group immediately stopped.
The opposing group had obviously also discovered them. An elder at their head, riding an especially imposing puppet beast, emerged from the crowd.
He wore a smile and cupped his hands, "Are the friends ahead from the Five Terraces Sect? I am an elder of the Puppet Control Sect, Fang Hongtao."
Sang Yanping took a deep breath, urged his horse forward a step, and returned the salute with cupped hands, "That's correct. I am Sang Yanping of the Five Terraces Sect, traveling through this area with sect disciples. A pleasure to meet you."
"A pleasure, a pleasure!"
Fang Hongtao's smile grew wider, but his gaze seemed to casually sweep over the disciples behind Sang Yanping as he praised, "The Five Terraces Sect truly has talented people in abundance. The younger generation is formidable!"
"Elder Fang flatters us. Your sect's talents also emerge in great numbers."
Sang Yanping smiled modestly, his gaze also looking toward the Puppet Control Sect group.
Chen Qing was likewise sizing up the opposition. He saw that behind the Puppet Control Sect members, most followed two to three puppets!
Adding the puppet beasts everyone was riding, the dark mass was indeed extremely imposing.
Both sides briefly introduced their sect disciples.
Chen Qing noticed that the Puppet Control Sect had a total of seven disciples heading to Tianbao City this time. The leader among them was named Duan Shan, whose aura was steady and deep, with True Aura faintly circulating around his body. He was definitely not newly entered into True Aura realm, and his strength was likely not to be underestimated.
Fang Hongtao smiled and said, "Elder Sang, there's still quite a distance to Tianbao City. Why don't our two sects travel together? We can look after each other."
Sang Yanping pondered briefly, then nodded in agreement, "Elder Fang's words are extremely apt. This is excellent."
He calculated in his heart that on this long road, having one more ally was better than one more enemy, especially since the Puppet Control Sect's strength was considerable, and their puppet techniques might have miraculous effects in certain situations.
Hearing this, Fang Hongtao's smile grew even wider as he pointed to Maple Leaf County ahead, "Excellent! Maple Leaf County is just ahead. Why don't we rest there for a while and depart together tomorrow? What do you think?"
Sang Yanping smiled, "That suits me perfectly."
After five continuous days of travel, the disciples indeed needed to rest and recuperate.
Thus, the two sects' groups merged into one and headed toward Maple Leaf County.
Sang Yanping, Chu Jinyun, and Fang Hongtao, the three elders, conversed at the front.
The disciples of both sects naturally fell behind.
The disciples of the Five Terraces Sect and Xuanjia Gate were all full of curiosity about the Puppet Control Sect's peculiar puppet methods.
Li Wang couldn't restrain himself. Looking at Duan Shan, he asked, "Senior Brother Duan, what exactly is the strength of your sect's puppets?"
A trace of a smile appeared on Duan Shan's face. He patted an especially large blade-wielding puppet beside him and said, "Like my 'Iron Guard' here, its entire body is forged from hundred-refined wrought iron mixed with profound steel. Its core drive uses our Puppet Control Sect's secret method. When fully activated, it fights fearlessly, combining offense and defense, sufficient to match an early-stage True Aura expert."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone from the Five Terraces Sect and Xuanjia Gate was inwardly shocked, and their gazes toward those silent puppets immediately changed.
A single puppet could actually rival an early-stage True Aura expert?
The Puppet Control Sect's methods were indeed strange and powerful!
Even Shen Xiuyong couldn't help but praise, "Your sect's puppet techniques are truly profoundly marvelous."
Chen Qing also couldn't help but examine that "Iron Guard" several more times but his thoughts raced. He knew this matter was definitely not so simple.
Such powerful puppets must consume enormously when activated, and their movements must not be as flexible and adaptable as real people. There must be inherent drawbacks.
However, these involved the Puppet Control Sect's secrets and obviously wouldn't be easily disclosed.
Afterward, the group entered Guiyun Residence, the largest inn in Maple Leaf County.
They handed their Azure Cloud Horses to the inn attendants to be carefully tended in the rear courtyard.
Just as they stepped into the inn's main hall, noisy, clamorous voices assaulted them.
However, Sang Yanping and Chu Jinyun's gazes were almost instantly drawn to a group of people in the corner of the hall, their footsteps involuntarily pausing slightly.
They saw over ten martial artists seated there, all wearing uniform crimson-yellow training outfits with a sun rising from a sea of clouds embroidered on their lapels—precisely the symbol of Tianping Prefecture's hegemon, Chaoyong Sect!
The leader was a middle-aged man, about forty or fifty years old, with an aura as deep and composed as mountains. His entire body seemed to have an invisible force field that made even the surrounding air feel somewhat stagnant.
He was leisurely savoring his tea, as if completely oblivious to the surrounding commotion.
"It's Chaoyong Sect's Ruan Wenzhu!" Sang Yanping's pupils constricted. His voice was extremely low as his brow immediately furrowed tightly.
Chu Jinyun's heart also tightened.
Chaoyong Sect and the Five Terraces Sect had been on bad terms for decades, with extremely deep old grudges. Though various parties had mediated to barely maintain surface peace, everyone understood that enmity had long been deeply rooted and difficult to truly resolve.
And this Ruan Wenzhu was even more a famous External Aura realm expert within Chaoyong Sect, his strength unfathomably deep, definitely not someone easy to deal with.
They hadn't expected the two sects to encounter each other by chance in this Maple Leaf County. Truly, enemies are bound to meet!
The Five Terraces Sect disciples naturally also recognized the opposition's origin. Sensing the heavy atmosphere, their originally relaxed mood from reaching the inn instantly tensed.
Chen Qing was naturally no exception. His gaze swept over that group of Chaoyong Sect disciples before finally settling on Ruan Wenzhu, his heart vigilant.
He had also heard of Chaoyong Sect and its long-standing grievances with the Five Terraces Sect. Especially Master Li, who had killed quite a few of Chaoyong Sect's young elites years ago and had even been personally pursued by their sect master.
"This Chaoyong Sect... they wouldn't settle the old generation's accounts on a junior like me, would they?"
Chen Qing muttered secretly to himself, though his face remained composed. He simply became several degrees more alert.
On the other side, the Chaoyong Sect people had obviously also noticed the two sects' newly arrived group.
When their gazes fell on the Five Terraces Sect members, their movements all paused in unison, their eyes instantly becoming sharp.
Several hot-blooded young Chaoyong Sect disciples even instinctively grasped the weapons at their sides.
The originally peaceful and lively inn hall's temperature seemed to suddenly drop several degrees, becoming tense with drawn swords, the atmosphere subtle and strained.
Elder Fang Hongtao of the Puppet Control Sect obviously hadn't expected to encounter Chaoyong Sect here, much less anticipated the frigid atmosphere between them and the Five Terraces Sect.
Regarding the grievances between Chaoyong Sect and the Five Terraces Sect, which had caused quite a stir back then, Fang Hongtao naturally had heard something.
Tianping Prefecture's Chaoyong Sect was a massive power, far beyond what his Puppet Control Sect could compare to.
A trace of embarrassment and calculation flashed across his face. He then showed Sang Yanping a slightly apologetic smile and said in a low voice, "Elder Sang, this..."
His meaning was self-evident.
If he truly had to choose between the Five Terraces Sect and Chaoyong Sect, without question it would be the latter with greater power.
Sang Yanping nodded understandingly, saying nothing more.
Such was the reality of the martial world.
Fang Hongtao then led the Puppet Control Sect disciples to deliberately distance themselves somewhat from the Five Terraces Sect members, then with a smile plastered on his face, cupped his hands toward Ruan Wenzhu, "Elder Ruan, it's been a while? I didn't expect to encounter you by chance here."
Only then did Ruan Wenzhu slowly set down his teacup, raise his eyes to glance at Fang Hongtao, and say in a flat tone, "So it's Elder Fang. We've finished and were just about to go upstairs to rest."
Having said that, he stood up. Without acknowledging the Puppet Control Sect members further or sparing the Five Terraces Sect direction another glance, he led the Chaoyong Sect disciples to turn and ascend the stairs.
As those Chaoyong Sect disciples passed by the Five Terraces Sect members, most cast cold or even hostile glances.
As the Chaoyong Sect group disappeared at the top of the stairs, the suffocating pressure in the hall suddenly dissipated. Many other guests and Five Terraces Sect disciples secretly breathed sighs of relief.
"Honored guests, for lodging, please come this way."
The inn attendant who had been holding his breath and observing from the side only now dared to step forward, carefully and cautiously calling out.
Fang Hongtao and the others also ascended the stairs with somewhat embarrassed expressions.
As for the matter of traveling together to Tianbao City, that naturally fell through.
Sang Yanping took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and said to the disciples behind him in a deep voice, "First go to your respective rooms to settle in and tidy up. Come down for dinner together in half an hour."
"Yes!"
Everyone responded in unison.