Chapter 212 - 206: Whispers
The Cangyang Mountain Range stretched endlessly, snaking for over a hundred thousand li. Its verdant peaks towered like a slumbering dragon coiled upon the land. Shrouded in clouds and mist, the range was a hazy, indistinct panorama, its mountains veiled in a thin gauze, their peaks like lotus blossoms.
It served as the border of the Wanxiang Sect, connecting to Cangzhou in the north. The terrain was majestic, teeming with abundant resources and countless Spirit Beasts. As a result, many Cultivation Forces had established themselves throughout the range.
Dongyang City was the foremost stronghold nestled at the foot of the Cangyang Mountain Range. The powers within were a complex and tangled web. It was only because the Yu Family had recently produced a Foundation Establishment Ancestor that they dared to send people here to investigate the situation.
The distance from Wanxiang City to Dongyang City was immense. Even for a Foundation Establishment Cultivator like Yu Changsheng, the flight took nearly three days and three nights before the city finally came into view.
Suns rose and set, stars wheeled in the sky. He reached Dongyang City at dusk, just as the sun was setting.
From a distance, the great city lay upon the land, nearly five times larger than Bright Moon City. The setting sun, peeking through the clouds, cast a crimson glow over half the city, lending it a unique charm. The sight was majestic, with ancient, unadorned walls, and behind it stretched the boundless Cangyang Mountain Range.
’This Cultivation Realm is truly enormous. The distance I’ve flown these past three days... I bet I could have circled the Earth in my past life with that kind of travel. And I’ve only just made it to Dongyang City.’
Yu Changsheng shook his head in amazement. After a moment of reflection, he descended, paid a single Spirit Coin, and entered the city without any trouble.
The city was bustling and vibrant. Shops lined the streets, which were crowded mostly with Cultivators; mortals were a rare sight. However, the majority were only at the Qi Refining level. A Foundation Establishment Cultivator was a rare find.
Following the crowds and the address Yu Dahai had given him, Yu Changsheng navigated a series of winding turns until he finally stopped in a narrow alley. At its end stood a small courtyard house.
BANG-BANG-BANG, BANG-BANG, BANG-BANG-BANG...
After observing for a moment, Yu Changsheng lifted the knocker and rapped out the pattern. Not long after, a sound came from within the courtyard.
"Who is it? What do you want?"
"It’s Yu Changsheng," he said softly, simultaneously slipping his Yu Family Identity Token through a crack in the door.
The person on the other side of the door clearly hesitated. After taking the Token, he slowly opened the door a crack. A pair of eyes stared out for a moment, and then the door swung wide open, revealing a tall figure.
"It really is you! Changsheng, you’re here."
Yu Changao looked thrilled. He gave Yu Changsheng a quick hug and led him inside, saying:
"Lately, a lot of Cultivators have been flocking to the city, and all the inns are full. It’s a good thing we rented this place in advance. It serves as a temporary foothold."
Ever since Yu Changsheng’s Realm had grown stronger and his backing more formidable, Yu Changao’s attitude toward him had improved dramatically, losing all of its former cold arrogance.
As Yu Changao spoke, he chuckled and ordered a subordinate to prepare tea and fruit.
"Is it because of the news about the Cyan Luo Beast?" Yu Changsheng asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.
"Yes, that’s it," Yu Changao nodded. "The news about the Cyan Luo Beast has spread far and wide. After all, it’s a rare Spirit Beast. Beast Masters and other Cultivators alike are all eager for a piece of the action."
"You could say the Cyan Luo Beast is a treasure trove. Its combat abilities aren’t particularly strong, and whether you sell it or use it for Alchemy, its parts are all excellent materials. It’s only natural that it would attract so many people."
Yu Changao explained, while Yu Changsheng, looking thoughtful, continued to ask:
"A Cyan Luo Beast is certainly rare. Have things been going smoothly these past few days? Have you encountered any obstacles?"
"Not so far. We’ve been keeping a very low profile." Yu Changao paused, thought for a moment, then shook his head.
"Is that so?" A glint flashed in Yu Changsheng’s eyes. He lifted his cup, took a small sip, and his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed.
"As I recall, the Tang Family’s main base is right here in Dongyang City, isn’t it? Have you noticed any activity from them?"
"No. I’ve been keeping an eye on the Tang Family, but they probably haven’t noticed us yet. Or maybe they don’t want to get involved... or don’t dare?"
Yu Changao hesitated, his tone probing as he watched Yu Changsheng’s face.
"Perhaps," Yu Changsheng said with a faint smile, not elaborating further. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes just before they closed, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.
"Is the information about the Cyan Luo Beast reliable?"
After a good while, Yu Changsheng exhaled a steamy breath and asked.
"It should be. Otherwise, so many Cultivators wouldn’t have come. We don’t know the exact location, but we’re certain it’s somewhere around Red Lake Mountain."
Yu Changao answered truthfully, then glanced at the sky. "It’s getting late, though. Changsheng, you’re covered in dust from your journey. You should rest here for the night. We can set out together tomorrow."
"Alright. I’ll be in your care then, Brother Changao."
Yu Changsheng nodded. Yu Changao was a good deal older than him, so calling him ’Brother’ was perfectly appropriate.
The two chatted idly for a while longer. Soon, the moon had risen high in the sky, and Yu Changsheng returned to his room. As he was closing the door, he suddenly turned his head to look toward a specific point to the east, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
About the time it takes an incense stick to burn, a figure in black slowly emerged from a patch of shadow. They appeared on the rooftop of a tall building to the east—the very spot Yu Changsheng had been staring at, a vantage point that overlooked his courtyard.
The black-robed figure’s aura was faint. As they appeared, the air rippled like water—the telltale sign of a special concealment technique that rendered them invisible to the naked eye.
’That guy... he’s Yu Changsheng? Why do I get the feeling he saw me?’
The black-robed figure’s face was a mask of shock and uncertainty. Staring at Yu Changsheng’s closed door, they were baffled and hesitant.
’Impossible. Even a Golden Core Cultivator might not notice my Shadow Merging Skill if they aren’t paying close attention, let alone a young brat like him.’
’Whatever. I’ll report back to the Patriarch first. I must be overthinking things.’
The black-robed figure mulled it over, then shook their head after a moment. They cast one last glance in the direction of Yu Changsheng’s room before rising, melting into the night, and speeding off in a specific direction, leaving a faint afterimage that slowly faded in the moonlight.
Judging by their speed, this was no Qi Refining Cultivator, but one at Foundation Establishment!
In the time it takes half an incense stick to burn, the black-robed Cultivator reached the southeastern corner of Dongyang City. Before him stood the magnificent and brightly lit Tang Mansion. Without alerting anyone, he slipped quietly into a study through a side door of the estate.
Inside the study, a figure stood with one hand clasped behind his back. With the other, he wielded an ink brush, slowly practicing calligraphy on a sheet of Xuan paper.
"Patriarch, it’s confirmed. Yu Changsheng has arrived in Dongyang City."
The black-robed Cultivator knelt on one knee, bowing with his fists clasped as he spoke respectfully.
The figure practicing calligraphy before him paused, his brush hovering over the paper. He wore a cyan brocade robe under a light, white fur-trimmed cloak, secured at the waist with a matching sash. He had the appearance of a middle-aged man, with an air of world-weary maturity. His cultivation was like the sun at its zenith—powerful, yet concealed. This was none other than the current Patriarch of the Tang Family, Tang He.