Chapter 226 - 254: Li Huo Sect, Red-clothed Ancestor; Entering Canglan, Undercurrents Rising
"Senior, we still have dozens of miles to go to reach Canglan City. If we walk at a leisurely pace, I’m afraid we won’t get there until late tonight."
Xu Ningxiu said to Su Bai, "If we speed up a bit, we can make it into the city to rest before dusk. It’s just a shame we’d miss the scenery along the way. What will you choose, Senior?"
"When one comes out for a stroll, it’s only natural to enjoy the scenery."
Su Bai said slowly.
He wasn’t in any hurry on this trip to Canglan City.
After all, Su Bai had already sensed it when that Ming Luo Ancestor sent someone to the Bi River to spy on him with the Heaven-Peeping Mirror.
’He also knew that after his opponent got a rough idea of his strength, they wouldn’t act rashly right away. They would probably summon some experts in secret to ambush and kill him.’
And Su Bai, for his part, hoped that the Ming Luo Ancestor would gather as many Demon Path Powerhouses as possible.
In a way, their goals aligned perfectly.
For this very reason, Su Bai had to give his opponent some time to gather those experts.
Only then could both sides achieve their respective goals.
’In a sense, you could say we’re both working toward the same thing.’
"Your thinking is wise indeed, Senior."
Xu Ningxiu walked at the very front, a slight smile on her face. "I heard my master say that on the road from Purple Origin City to Canglan City, this final stretch is the most famous. It’s known as the ’Ten-Mile Gallery,’ and its scenery, both in the morning and evening, has its own unique charm."
"Besides, a huge number of people from Jianghu Sects, as well as ordinary tourists, have been flocking to Canglan City lately. Even though Canglan City is a major city with plenty of inns, it can’t possibly accommodate so many people."
"I’m afraid even the dilapidated temples and courtyards outside the city are all occupied. Even if we get into the city, it will be hard to find a place to stay."
Xu Ningxiu continued speaking as if to herself. Mu Yu, cradling his sword, scanned their surroundings like a sword-bearing guard.
Su Bai, meanwhile, gazed at the lush woods around them, his eyes eventually settling on the colorful clouds at the horizon before he nodded and spoke.
"That makes sense."
"Conveniently, I also enjoy walking."
"Oh, right. About Canglan City..."
The two walked off into the distance, chatting idly.
The path to Canglan City sometimes wound over mountaintops, sometimes through valley floors, and sometimes clung to the mountainside.
Traveling merchants passed by, their horses moving in files, the jingle of their bells like a symphony.
Dozens of miles of mountain road unfolded beneath their feet.
Mu Yu trailed alongside them in silence, as if he couldn’t hear their conversation.
His gaze swept all around, checking not only the surrounding weeds for hidden dangers but also assessing the passersby, gauging their Cultivation and whether they harbored ill intentions.
The three of them continued on their way.
The Ten-Mile Gallery at dusk was truly extraordinary, like a landscape from a master’s ink wash painting slowly blooming into view.
It was enhanced by the seven-hued light of the heavens, which reflected in the adjacent river and created a sense of tranquil beauty.
By the time they were halfway there, the sky had also halfway darkened.
How perfect. They could enjoy the end of the sunset today, and the beginning of the sunrise tomorrow.
Here, there was a pavilion called Yanxian Pavilion.
Flanking the pavilion were swallow statues, each ten feet tall. In front was a stone trough filled with soil and stuck full of burnt-out incense stubs.
It was likely built by the locals to worship a certain "Yan Immortal."
"Senior, let’s rest here for the night."
Xu Ningxiu suggested excitedly, seeing that the pavilion was empty.
"Alright."
Su Bai nodded.
The three of them entered Yanxian Pavilion and started a bonfire. Mu Yu took out a small pot and boiled some water, and the trio ate their dinner of beef, griddle cakes, and other food.
A moment later, the three sat inside the small pavilion as Mu Yu prepared tea for the other two.
Su Bai looked up at the sky.
His gaze was met by a sky full of stars and a bright moon.
The sound of Mu Yu preparing tea and the cheerful chirping of a few birds reached their ears.
Everything felt peaceful and leisurely.
RUSTLE!
...
RUSTLE!
「Cangzhou, Li Huo Sect.」
Inside a brightly lit and lavishly decorated pavilion.
The Ming Luo Ancestor of the Sun and Moon Sect was discussing something with several powerful ancestors from the Li Huo Sect.
Beside them, a servant with downcast eyes and a slightly trembling body was preparing tea.
After the tea was ready, one of the Li Huo Sect ancestors waved a hand to dismiss the servant.
Then, he looked at the Ming Luo Ancestor before him and frowned. "Fellow Daoist Ming Luo, with our thousand years of friendship, the Li Huo Sect will naturally help you with this favor."
"However..."
His eyes shifted slightly before he said in a low voice, "You don’t even know the specific Cultivation or strength of the mysterious expert who killed Zhou Xiao."
"If we were to help you rashly, I fear it would be somewhat... inappropriate, wouldn’t it?"
Upon hearing this, the Ming Luo Ancestor understood instantly.
’They think the payment I just offered was too low!’
"That’s right! Fellow Daoist Ming Luo, you should also be aware."
"Thirty years ago, because of the ritual sacrifice incident, our Li Huo Sect had several ancestors hunted down and killed one after another by the Orthodox Lineage."
"If not for the Red-clothed Ancestor still supporting us from above, I’m afraid our Li Huo Sect would have lost its status as one of the Seven Demonic Sects in Cangzhou."
Another Li Huo Sect ancestor added.
"Indeed..."
Before the third Li Huo Sect ancestor could add anything more with a sorrowful expression...
...the black-robed Ming Luo Ancestor calmly took something out.
Everyone looked down and their breathing instantly quickened!
It was a bottle of crimson elixirs.
The translucent jade bottle was engraved with ancient markings.
"After this is done, one bottle of Ancient Blood Pills for each of you. How does that sound?"
The Ming Luo Ancestor looked around at the group and made his promise.
"Haha! Fellow Daoist Ming Luo, you’re too kind!"
"This matter is easily settled!"
One of the Li Huo Sect ancestors, his eyes fixed feverishly on the crimson elixirs, laughed heartily. "Just leave that mysterious expert to our Li Huo Sect!"
The Ming Luo Ancestor, a warm smile on his face, began chatting with them once more.
Inwardly, however, he was sneering.
’At their level, any friendship is useless compared to tangible benefits.’
After the men had talked for a while...
...at a certain point, the Ming Luo Ancestor suddenly proposed:
"I was wondering, is the Red-clothed Ancestor currently within the Li Huo Sect?"
"If he is, could you perhaps make an introduction for me?"
Hearing this, the Li Huo Sect ancestors present all fell silent.
Finally, the Li Huo Sect ancestor with the highest Cultivation spoke with a grave expression, "The Red-clothed Ancestor is indeed in the sect, but as for whether he will see you..."
"...that’s hard to say."
"I must trouble you, Fellow Daoist. Please take this item to the Red-clothed Ancestor and tell him that Zhou Ming Luo of the Sun and Moon Sect requests an audience."
The Ming Luo Ancestor smiled and took out a piece of black jade, handing it to the man.
The man gave the jade a deep look, then reached out, took it, and vanished on the spot.
A short while later, that ancestor returned.
Moreover, he gave the Ming Luo Ancestor a rather surprised glance.
Because the Red-clothed Ancestor actually intended to meet with him.
This was completely unprecedented!
"Many thanks, Fellow Daoist!"
With a smile in his eyes, the Ming Luo Ancestor proceeded to the Red-clothed Ancestor’s place of seclusion.
Upon arriving, he saw the Red-clothed Ancestor.
He saw an old man with grizzled hair, closed eyes, and a ruddy complexion, dressed in a bright Red Robe and seated cross-legged on a blood-colored meditation cushion.
After truly seeing the Red-clothed Ancestor, even someone as powerful as the Ming Luo Ancestor couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.
"Speak. What do you want my help with?"
The Red-clothed Ancestor spoke faintly, without opening his eyes.
The piece of black jade was clutched in his palm, emitting a deep, dark glow.
"This junior wishes to ask the Ancestor to act and eliminate someone!"
The Ming Luo Ancestor took a deep breath and explained the whole story.
"Fine."
The Red-clothed Ancestor gave a slight nod after listening.
"Thank you, Ancestor!"
"Then this junior will no longer disturb the Ancestor’s Cultivation."
Hearing the affirmative answer, the Ming Luo Ancestor was overjoyed and quickly retreated.
He levitated away, standing atop the clouds with a savage grin on his face.
’This time, with the Void Realm Red-clothed Ancestor taking action, even if my opponent possesses heaven-defying abilities, he will die here filled with regret!’
’I need to find Xuantian Daoist and have him divine this person’s exact location.’
A moment later, the Ming Luo Ancestor came to his senses.
Then, he sped off toward the east.
WHOOSH!
...
WHOOSH!
「The next morning.」
Su Bai and his two companions entered Canglan City. At that moment, something seemed different within the city; the atmosphere was somewhat heavy.
From time to time, experts with astonishing auras would tear through the sky, land somewhere in Canglan City, and then vanish without a trace.
And along the way, both Mu Yu and Xu Ningxiu had sensed faint wisps of malice coming from all directions.
"It seems someone has their eyes on you, Senior!"
Mu Yu’s expression grew solemn, his gaze turning grim.
Su Bai’s gaze, however, fell upon the Sun and Moon Sect’s building in the distance.
After a moment, he seemed to sense something, and a look of delight appeared on his face.
"They’re finally here..."