Chapter 271: The Gu Family |
Chen Qing's group enjoyed much calmer travels afterward, finally arriving at East Pole City several days later.
This massive city, standing majestically at the easternmost point of Qiulong Province, had its back against rolling mountain ranges and faced the boundless azure sea. Its walls towered high, constructed from enormous bluish-green sea rocks. Having endured a thousand years of sea wind erosion, it still stood firm and imposing.
Before they even approached, a salty, briny sea breeze struck their faces.
The city gates bustled with traffic as merchant caravans from the interior and ship gangs returning from overseas formed an endless stream, the clamor of voices filling the air.
Chen Qing's group was travel-worn. After days of continuous travel and the recent battle, many showed fatigue on their faces, but upon seeing East Pole City, they still felt a trace of curiosity.
Just as the group arrived at the post road outside the city, they saw several figures already waiting there.
The leader was a woman in her forties wearing the attire of a Tianbao Upper Sect steward. This was Huang Mei, the steward permanently stationed in East Pole City.
Behind her followed several garrison disciples.
Upon seeing Deng Ziheng and Chen Qing, Huang Mei's eyes lit up. She hurried forward to greet them, first bowing respectfully to Deng Ziheng, her tone deferential, "East Pole City Steward Huang Mei welcomes Elder Deng! The Elder has had a hard journey!"
Only then did Huang Mei turn to Chen Qing, her smile broadening as she bowed again. "Welcome, True Disciple Chen! The True Disciple's name has long spread throughout the sect. Seeing you today, you are indeed extraordinarily impressive!"
Her words were appropriate, her tone showing no neglect or contempt whatsoever.
True Disciples carried considerable weight in Tianbao Upper Sect.
Chen Qing's expression remained calm as he cupped his hands in return. "Steward Huang is too kind. It is merely my duty. Having just arrived, I will need Steward Huang's assistance going forward."
"The True Disciple is too modest. This is my duty as a subordinate. I will certainly do my utmost to support the True Disciple and Elder Deng."
Huang Mei promptly replied, then stepped aside to lead the way. "Elder Deng, True Disciple Chen, and all junior brothers and sisters, you have had an arduous journey. The quarters and welcome banquet are all prepared. Please follow me into the city to settle in."
Chen Qing's group followed Steward Huang Mei through the bustling harbor district and officially entered East Pole City.
Unlike Tianbao City's grand antiquity built against the mountains, East Pole City presented an entirely different appearance.
The city did not pursue imposing heights but rather spread along the winding coastline, offering an extremely open view.
The city walls were mostly constructed from massive bluish-green sea rocks, covered with dark green seaweed and moss, giving off a faint salty, briny scent.
Buildings within the city stood row upon row in various styles.
There were traditional Yan Kingdom structures with upturned eaves and flying corners, as well as many squat, sturdy stone houses with narrow windows.
Some buildings clearly bore an overseas flair, brightly colored and decorated with exotic shells and coral. Some even used entire massive bones from unknown beasts as beams and pillars, appearing extremely rugged.
People flowed like a weaving stream, shoulder to shoulder.
On both sides of the streets, shops lined up. There were not only silk shops and medicine stores selling inland specialties but even more seafood markets, fishing gear shops, boat repair workshops, and merchant houses with strange signs that bought and sold overseas treasures. The dazzling array was overwhelming.
Steward Huang Mei was clearly very familiar with this place. As she walked, she briefly introduced the important shops and power bases along the way, noting which were Gu family properties, which had close ties to the Cloudwater Upper Sect, and which served as permanent establishments for the Seventy-Two Islands.
After about the time it takes an incense stick to burn, the group arrived at an area slightly north of the city center.
The security here was noticeably more stringent, with patrolling disciples wearing Tianbao Upper Sect attire.
A fairly expansive mansion appeared before their eyes. This was Tianbao Upper Sect's core stronghold in East Pole City.
Inside the mansion was another world entirely, isolated from the clamor and heat outside.
The courtyards were deep, the covered walkways winding, with running water brought in to create ponds and artificial hills, appearing serene and elegant.
Within the main hall, cooling tea and fresh fruits had already been prepared.
Everyone took their seats. Steward Huang Mei personally poured tea for Deng Ziheng and Chen Qing, her attitude respectful yet measured.
Chen Qing did not waste time with pleasantries and went straight to the point. "Steward Huang, what is the specific situation here in East Pole City right now? To what extent has the Demon Sect's activity reached?"
Huang Mei set down the teapot, the relaxed expression on her face fading as she sighed. "Reporting to True Disciple Chen, the situation is not optimistic. About two months ago, it started with just a small group of Demon Sect criminals raiding some isolated merchant ships. Though it caused some losses, it was still within controllable limits. But in the past month, their activities have become increasingly rampant, and their methods more vicious."
Her tone grew heavier. "Just ten days ago, they attacked one of our Tianbao Upper Sect's treasure ships. That ship was returning from 'Shattered Star Island' carrying a batch of precious 'Deep Sea Cold Iron' and 'Moonlight Coral.' On board were not only cargo but also eight inner and outer sect disciples responsible for escort and patrol duties in the nearby waters... Only two survived. The other six perished."
"According to the two disciples who narrowly escaped, the Demon Sect experts who attacked were numerous and extremely powerful."
Moonlight Coral was precisely one of the materials for refining premium Aura Tempering Pills.
Chen Qing nodded slightly. "Do we know the current whereabouts of these people?"
Huang Mei furrowed her brow and shook her head. "They are very difficult to track. These people are extremely cunning, coming and going like the wind. They use the vast 'Thousand Reef Sea Domain' as a barrier, hiding among its scattered islands and complex environment. We have organized search parties several times, all returning empty-handed. In fact, one time we were ambushed and lost some people."
She lowered her voice. "Based on scattered information from our informants, this batch of Demon Sect criminals is very likely hiding within the territory of the 'Celestial Star Seventy-Two Islands' and may even have the tacit approval or protection of certain island powers."
"The Seventy-Two Islands?"
Chen Qing's brow furrowed slightly. This name was not unfamiliar to him; he had seen related records in the sect's archives.
"Correct."
Huang Mei confirmed, her tone carrying deep resignation. "The 'Celestial Star Seventy-Two Islands' is just a general term, broadly referring to all the island powers in the more vast waters beyond the Thousand Reef Sea Domain. Their numbers definitely far exceed seventy-two, but seventy-two larger, more powerful islands serve as representatives. They conduct business and trade at sea, and even... piracy. Our Tianbao Upper Sect has some necessary dealings with them, purchasing overseas medicinal herbs and minerals unique to those regions, but our relationship is not deep. It is mostly an exchange of interests."
She explained further, "Moreover, the Seventy-Two Islands have many internal factions. Several powers, such as Black Dragon Island and Swallow Fortress, are extremely formidable and act domineeringly. Their relationships with both our Tianbao Upper Sect and Cloudwater Upper Sect are quite delicate. The Demon Sect and them... probably have some unclear connections."
As she said this, Huang Mei's tone grew increasingly grave.
Chen Qing's brow darkened as well. As expected, things were not simple.
For the Demon Sect to have opposed Tianbao Upper Sect for so many years, its tentacles had long extended in all directions. Behind it must lie an intricate network of powers.
Overseas forces like the Celestial Star Seventy-Two Islands, which were not entirely under Yan Kingdom's jurisdiction, were a mixed bag. Among them were plenty who pursued profit at any cost and had audacious ambitions.
In the Yan Kingdom, in the three provinces controlled by Tianbao Upper Sect, the Limitless Demon Sect was universally recognized as an evil, wicked cult that had to be eradicated.
But in the eyes of some Seventy-Two Islands powers, the Demon Sect might merely be a faction they could cooperate with, trade with, or even leverage against the two Upper Sects.
If they wanted to venture deep into Seventy-Two Islands territory to intercept Demon Sect members, it would involve the power struggles of multiple factions.
After all, the combined strength of the Seventy-Two Islands was enough to give even the Cloudwater Upper Sect, which dominated four provinces, a headache.
"What's behind the Demon Sect is not simple, and it's certainly not just the Seventy-Two Islands."
At this point, Elder Deng Ziheng, who had been silently sipping tea, set down his cup and spoke slowly. "The depth of their roots and the breadth of their connections far exceeds your imagination."
Chen Qing nodded, keeping the Elder's warning in mind.
For such a massive underground force to have survived and developed to this extent, it certainly could not be simple.
Chen Qing said in a deep voice, "With insufficient intelligence at present, rash action would indeed be unwise. The most urgent priority is to first find a way to determine the exact whereabouts and hiding place of this batch of Demon Sect criminals, then plan our next move."
"True Disciple Chen is absolutely right."
A smile returned to Huang Mei's face. "I have already dispatched additional personnel to gather information and have also sent inquiries through certain channels to several islands with which we have decent relations. You have all had an exhausting journey. Why not rest for now? Once I have more definite news, I will discuss countermeasures in detail with True Disciple Chen and Elder Deng."
"Thank you for your trouble, Steward Huang." Chen Qing cupped his hands.
Afterward, Huang Mei summoned several capable disciples to respectfully lead Deng Ziheng, Chen Qing, and the other Xuwang Mountain disciples to the peaceful courtyards that had already been arranged for their rest.
Chen Qing returned to the room assigned to him. It was spacious and tidy.
He closed the door, and his mind settled.
"The waters of East Pole City are indeed deep."
Chen Qing thought to himself.
From Steward Huang Mei's report, the Demon Sect experts here might not be top-tier, but their actions were cunning. Relying on the complex environment and intricate web of powers, they were like slippery eels, their roots difficult to catch.
The core of their mission this time was to assist in defense and elimination. The primary objective was to stabilize the situation in East Pole City and ensure the sect's interests were no longer harmed. Only secondarily should they try to kill as many Demon Sect members as possible to earn contribution points.
"With the enemy situation unclear, it's best to wait until the situation is investigated thoroughly."
Chen Qing quickly organized his thoughts. "For now, hold back and wait for further news from Steward Huang. At the same time, we should also find ways to obtain intelligence from other channels."
He knew well that in a place where various powers intertwined, intelligence was often more important than martial force.
Having sorted out his thoughts, Chen Qing stopped overthinking. Improving his own strength was the fundamental priority.
He swallowed a pill, sat cross-legged on the couch, and soon entered a state of cultivation where self and surroundings merged into one.
The formulas of the Mixed Origin Five Elements True Solution circulated slowly within his body, absorbing the elemental qi of heaven and earth and transforming it into pure True Aura.
Throughout this journey, despite the hardships of travel, Chen Qing had not slackened his cultivation for a single day.
"At this rate, when I return and cultivate with the help of the Grotto Heaven, breaking through to the True Origin realm should come quickly."
Chen Qing estimated in his mind.
Once he stepped into the True Origin realm, not only would his strength undergo a qualitative leap, but his position as True Disciple would be completely secured. Many problems that currently seemed thorny might be easily resolved.
Time passed unknowingly during cultivation. When the sky outside the window gradually darkened, a disciple came to knock on his door, informing him that Steward Huang Mei had prepared a welcome banquet in the dining hall.
At the banquet, the atmosphere was quite harmonious.
Huang Mei's arrangements were thoughtful and meticulous. The fine wines and delicacies were mostly seafood delicacies unique to East Pole City, making one's mouth water.
Chen Qing maintained a calm demeanor, occasionally exchanging a few words with Huang Mei.
The Xuwang Mountain disciples, after days of tension, also relaxed somewhat. As cups were raised and exchanged, the fatigue from days of travel seemed to dissipate.
After eating and drinking their fill, everyone rose to take their leave and returned to their quarters to rest.
Just as Chen Qing and Elder Deng Ziheng were about to leave, Huang Mei quickly walked over, a trace of solemnity on her face, holding an invitation in her hand.
"Elder Deng, True Disciple Chen, please wait."
Huang Mei presented the invitation. "Just now, the Gu family sent someone to deliver an invitation, inviting both of you to visit their residence tomorrow for a banquet."
Deng Ziheng took the invitation, glanced at it, and casually handed it to Chen Qing. His gaze carried a hint of deeper meaning. "The Gu family has very well-informed eyes and ears in this East Pole City. We've barely arrived, and the invitation has already been sent. Looking at this wording, though it invites both of us, the one they mainly want to meet is probably you, the newly appointed True Disciple."
Chen Qing took the invitation, his brow furrowing slightly.
Having just arrived, and already the local power was approaching them.
He looked at Huang Mei beside him and asked, "Steward Huang, you have been stationed here for years and understand the Gu family best. In your view, what is the Gu family's purpose in extending this invitation?"
Huang Mei pondered for a moment, organizing her words before speaking slowly. "The Gu family... is indeed very complicated. Though they are located within our Tianbao Upper Sect's jurisdiction, their family strategy has always been to hedge their bets. Outstanding children of the clan cultivate not only in our sect but also in the Cloudwater Upper Sect. They even have close ties with Black Dragon Island, the strongest among the overseas Seventy-Two Islands. They play all sides, having been entrenched in this area for a thousand years with an extremely deep foundation."
She paused, then continued her analysis. "It is precisely because of this that the Limitless Demon Sect, despite operating in this area, is unwilling to easily provoke the Gu family. If we could gain the Gu family's assistance, even if they only provide some conveniences or information, our pursuit of the Demon Sect would certainly go much more smoothly. In my view, this invitation is more likely an attempt to probe and establish connections."
"The Gu family is accustomed to assessing the situation. True Disciple Chen is young and accomplished, ranked among the True Disciples, with a limitless future. They probably want to use this opportunity to establish good relations with the True Disciple."
Chen Qing nodded upon hearing this.
Huang Mei's analysis largely matched his own speculation.
"The current head of the Gu family has abilities that can only be considered mediocre."
Deng Ziheng added from the side, "The true anchor of the Gu family is their old ancestor, Gu Xing. He is a great expert at the late True Origin realm."
"Late True Origin realm?" Chen Qing's heart stirred as he looked at Deng Ziheng.
Elder Deng had completed three refinements and was at the early True Origin realm, yet he could already crush a Demon Sect Elder like Mo He. What kind of powerful existence would late True Origin realm be?
Such a figure would definitely be among the top echelons even within Tianbao Upper Sect.
Deng Ziheng seemed to know what he was thinking and nodded slightly, his tone carrying a trace of sentiment. "Indeed, late True Origin realm already stands at the pinnacle of this realm. One step further, and it would be an entirely different world. However..."
His tone shifted. "This Gu family ancestor, I have heard, is nearing the end of his lifespan. Moreover, in his earlier years, he was afflicted by a strange poison. Though he preserved his life, it has significantly affected his strength and even his appearance."
"A strange poison? What kind of poison?" Chen Qing pressed.
Deng Ziheng shook his head. "The Gu family keeps this matter strictly confidential, and the outside world knows very little. There are only vague rumors that when the poison flares up, his entire body grows bizarre white fur, making him look like a monster. Normally, he also keeps to himself and rarely sees outsiders."
White fur covering his entire body?
Chen Qing was filled with doubt. What kind of strange poison could this be?
"Since the Gu family has extended an invitation, both reason and courtesy dictate that we should go."
Chen Qing pondered for a moment. "It's also a good opportunity to probe their attitude."
Deng Ziheng nodded slightly without speaking.
He was mainly responsible for protecting Chen Qing. The specific matters were for the latter to decide.
The next day, the weather was fine.
Chen Qing and Elder Deng Ziheng went to the Gu family residence as agreed.
As a noble family that had been entrenched in East Pole City for a thousand years, the Gu family's residence covered an extremely vast area. It was not located in the most bustling part of the city but rather nestled against the mountains and facing the sea, occupying a secluded stretch of land all its own.
Looking from afar, one could see high walls and deep courtyards stretching endlessly.
The vermillion-lacquered main gate was several zhang tall. Above the lintel hung a dark wooden plaque with two boldly flourishing characters written in gilded script: Gu Residence.
Flanking the main gate were not the usual stone lions but two strangely shaped beast sculptures. They resembled flood dragons yet had fish tails. These were chiwen, legendary guardians of the seas. They were lifelike, adding an air of heritage.
An elderly man in brocade robes had been waiting at the gate. Upon seeing Chen Qing and the other, he quickly stepped forward to greet them, wearing an appropriately warm smile. He cupped his hands and said, "This old man is Gu Mingde, External Affairs Elder of the Gu family. I respectfully welcome Elder Deng and True Disciple Chen! Your presence brings great honor to our Gu family!"
This person's aura was deep and profound. He was clearly an expert at the late True Aura realm. Having him personally come out to receive them showed how much importance the Gu family placed on this meeting.
Deng Ziheng did not speak. Chen Qing cupped his fists in return. "Thank you for coming to receive us, Elder Gu."
Under Gu Mingde's guidance, the two entered the Gu residence.
The scenery within the mansion was completely different from the rugged coastal city style outside. Pavilions and terraces, small bridges over flowing water, the layout was exquisite and elegant.
Passing through several courtyards, the group arrived at a delicate pavilion built beside the water, named "Sea-Viewing Pavilion."
The pavilion's interior was elegantly furnished, with windows on all four sides that offered views of the courtyard scenery and the distant line where sea met sky.
In the seat of honor sat a middle-aged man of about fifty years, wearing purple robes with refined, scholarly features. This was the current head of the Gu family, Gu Yunzhou.
Upon seeing Chen Qing and Deng Ziheng enter, Gu Yunzhou immediately stood and quickly descended from his seat to welcome them, his manner quite courteous. "Elder Deng, True Disciple Chen, your presence honors us greatly. I failed to meet you properly outside. Please forgive me!"
"Family Head Gu is too kind. It is we who have intruded," Deng Ziheng replied calmly.
Chen Qing also smiled and cupped his fists, his tone neither humble nor arrogant. "This junior is Chen Qing. I greet Family Head Gu. I have long heard that the Gu family dominates East Pole City with deep heritage. Seeing it today, it truly lives up to its reputation."
"True Disciple Chen is accomplished at such a young age, renowned throughout the sect. You are the true dragon among men. I have long admired you from afar, and meeting you today is truly a blessing!"
Gu Yunzhou's face was full of smiles. He personally led the two to the guest seats of honor and ordered the maids to serve fragrant tea.
The tea was not a variety commonly found in the interior but rather a spirit tea produced on a remote overseas island. The leaves were azure blue. After brewing, the tea was clear and bright with an exotic fragrance. Drinking it cleared and refreshed the mind. It was clearly no ordinary product.
After exchanging pleasantries, the topic naturally turned to the situation in East Pole City and the Limitless Demon Sect.
Gu Yunzhou gently set down his teacup, his expression becoming serious. "Elder Deng, True Disciple Chen, I have some understanding of what you have come from afar to accomplish. It is nothing more than to eliminate the recently rampant Limitless Demon Sect and protect the peace of East Pole City. To speak frankly, as hosts, our Gu family's failure to contain the demonic flames in time, necessitating the Upper Sect to send you two here, is truly..."
He sighed, then shifted his tone. "However, as the master of this place, I shall naturally do my utmost to assist. Speaking of which, it happens that just a few days ago, one of our Gu family's merchant fleets encountered a small group of Demon Sect harassment in the southwest direction of the Thousand Reef Sea Domain. Though no major losses were incurred, when tracking their retreat, we accidentally discovered some clues."
Here comes the main topic!
Hearing this, Chen Qing set down his teacup. "Oh? What information has Family Head Gu obtained?"
Gu Yunzhou said gravely, "According to our multiple verifications, the base of that group of Demon Sect criminals who have been frequently raiding merchant ships and attacking your sect's disciples is very likely located on 'Black Mysterious Island'!"
"Black Mysterious Island?"
Chen Qing pondered for a moment. He was not familiar with the island distribution in the Thousand Reef Sea Domain. "What power controls this island? What is its background?"
Gu Yunzhou explained, "Black Mysterious Island is located on the southwestern edge of the Thousand Reef Sea Domain. It is vast in area and rich in resources, one of the largest islands in the Thousand Reef Sea Domain. And it... is within the sphere of influence of 'Swallow Fortress.'"
Swallow Fortress!?
Chen Qing had learned from Huang Mei that Swallow Fortress was one of the three major powers of the Seventy-Two Islands, an alliance formed by several islands and families with many experts among them.
Gu Yunzhou continued, "As far as I know, Swallow Fortress has complex internal factions. It seems someone has... some unclear dealings with the Limitless Demon Sect."
Chen Qing narrowed his eyes.
This involved a major power of the Seventy-Two Islands!?
Was this information true or false?
The Gu family had not told Tianbao Upper Sect this information before but only revealed it after his arrival. What exactly was their purpose?
In a flash, Chen Qing's thoughts raced, but on the surface, he smiled and said, "The information Family Head Gu has provided is crucial. Chen Qing thanks you here."
"True Disciple Chen is too polite."
Gu Yunzhou quickly waved his hand, speaking earnestly. "The Limitless Demon Sect runs rampant everywhere. Opposing the Demon Sect and maintaining peace in this region is our Gu family's duty. Being able to contribute even this small effort is our Gu family's honor."
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