"Come with me." Hua Chenglu picked up Hua Chenglu and flew out of the canopy like a bird, flying towards the top of the mountain.
"Zijian, wait for me!" Hua Chenglu turned around and called out, but all she saw was a swath of greenery. She had already travelled very far away from the courtyard.
Her voice lingered, and the branches and leaves trembled. Yu Zijian exhaled gently. If it were not for the assistance of these kind people, who knew what kind of situation she would be in. Regardless of the outcome, she thanked them from the bottom of her heart.
If people did not possess these warm feelings, what was the point of living in this world? However, if someone were to be harmed because of her, she really had no idea what she would do.
Niu Juxia, you better be fine!
… …
As they advanced through the fierce winds, the wind whistled past their ears. Hua Chenglu asked, "Brother, what's your mission here?"
"It's a secret." Hwa Seung-zan smiled, but his brows were rather solemn.
Obviously, he could not hide this from his younger sister, Hua Chenglu. She pouted unhappily, but she did not ask any further. She wondered, Apart from that woman, just what can give this omnipotent brother of hers a headache?
"Is it related to the Herb Gathering ceremony of the three mountains?"
Hwa Seung-zan did not reply. Suddenly, he took off into the air and overlooked the entire Green Vine mountain.
All Hua Chenglu saw was the square in front of the hall engraved with the image of the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams. Smoke curled up from the nine three-legged, bronze cauldrons. Gazing into the distance, the mountains seemed hazy, giving off a sense of otherworldliness. The Green Vine mountain could be regarded as a rare blessed land.
She saw the Green Vine Elder standing with his arms behind his back, waiting in front of the hall.
Many disciples of the three mountains had gathered on the square. Hearing the disturbance, they hurried up the mountain. Raising their heads, they saw a handsome man and a girl flying up the mountain with the wind. They were like a white crane flying over the mountains, without the slightest hint of danger.
The lower level Qi Practitioners did not feel anything, but the higher the level of the Qi Practitioners, the more serious their expressions became.
This feeling of being one with the world had only been experienced by Foundation Establishment cultivators. Sure enough, he lived up to his reputation as the greatest below Foundation Establishment.
Hwa Seung-zan and Hua Chenglu landed gently on the steps.
Hwa Seung-zan cupped his fists and said, "Junior Hwa Seung-zan greets Elder Ivy." No matter how good one's family background was, or how talented one was, this was the basic respect that a Qi warrior should have for a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
On the path of cultivation, the strong were revered.
The Green Vine Elder stroked his beard with a smile and returned half a bow. "Commander, why didn't you inform me earlier? I could've come to the foot of the mountain to receive you. If that's the case, it does seem like I'm taking advantage of my seniority and treating an esteemed guest lightly."
However, he secretly blamed Hwa Seung-zan for not paying respects to the mountain first, directly passing through the formation and climbing up the Green Vine mountain. However, he was truly amazed by the ability to pass through the formation without making a sound.
Hwa Seung-zan said, "Because I was worried about my little sister, I panicked. Please forgive me, Senior. Xiao Mei has been disturbing you on the mountain for many days, I am afraid that my words and actions are improper. Thank you Senior is magnanimous and did not argue with me. Cheng Lu, quickly thank Senior. "
"Thank you, senior Green Vine." Hua Chenglu bowed rather reluctantly.
Hwa Seung-zan patted Hua Chenglu's head gently and said helplessly, "My little sister is young and ignorant, and she has always been spoiled. There's nothing I can do about her, so I hope senior doesn't take offense."
"Your little sister is naive and innocent, so why would I take offense?" The Green Vine Elder laughed aloud. Even though he was rather displeased, he could not stoop to the level of a little girl, or he would seem far too petty.
Hwa Seung-zan resolved the conflict from the past in a few words. He smiled and clasped his hands. "I still have some official matters to attend to, so I want to meet with the sect masters of the three mountains. This isn't a place to talk, so let's go in!"
At this moment, he was no longer the elder brother who apologized for his little sister, nor was he a junior who respected his senior. Instead, he was the commander of the Hawkwolf Guard, representing the dignity of the law. He naturally treated him as an equal, even taking the upper hand and taking control of the situation.
The Green Vine Elder could not help but become stern. He raised his hand. "Please!" He could not help but sigh inside. This child is graceful and composure in handling matters. He's actually much better than all of his disciples. He's worthy of great responsibility. If a disciple like him could inherit the legacy, would the Green Vine mountain not prosper?
Hwa Seung-zan made Hua Chenglu wait outside. When the Green Vine Elder entered the hall and was about to enter, he suddenly turned around and glanced past every single face on the square. Afterwards, he became slightly disappointed. He mocked himself inside, If that person could appear here so easily, then I wouldn't have gone through so much trouble.
As expected, the Golden Pheasant Elder and the Lone Grave Elder were already seated in the hall. When they saw Hwa Seung-zan walk in, they stood up slightly before sitting down again. Their eyes were filled with caution. They wanted to maintain their dignity as sect masters, but they also did not want to offend the Hawkwolf Guard.
Hwa Seung-zan seemed to have already grown accustomed to this treatment. He only clasped his hands and did not act like a junior.
"What orders do you have for us, commander?" The Green Vine Elder dismissed all of his disciples. Only the four of them were left in the large hall. Their voices echoed through the hall, and the vermillion pillars seemed to extend into the darkness. It seemed extremely lonely.
Hwa Seung-zan pondered as he paced around. He seemed to be organising his words, but he also seemed to be thinking about something. Suddenly, he stopped and said, "I've come to warn the three of you. Someone is coming to take over the three mountains. The three of you need to be prepared."
"What?" The Green Vine Elder was surprised.
"You're s-" The Golden Pheasant Elder directly leapt to his feet. He had been in an extremely horrible mood these past few days, so vulgarities slipped out of his mouth. He only managed to stop himself halfway through.
"Oh?" The Lone Grave Elder rolled his eyes. Many expressions immediately appeared on his corpse-like face.
The Green Vine Elder lowered his eyes. "Don't be an alarmist, commander. Our alliance of the three mountains has existed for several generations. It's a thousand-year foundation, so how can it be taken over so easily?"
The Golden Pheasant Elder waved his hands about violently. "With the three of us working together, who do we have to be afraid of? Don't tell me commander Gu of the White Hawk has taken an interest in our foundation?"
"That's right!" said the Lone Grave Elder.
Their confidence was not without reason. Great Xia had been established for several thousand years, and the situation across the nine provinces was peaceful. There were not even many conflicts between sects. Although there were some undercurrents, the three Foundation Establishment cultivators could basically fend them off if they worked together.
Golden Core cultivators were obviously not people they could fend off, but all Golden Core cultivators came from large clans and businesses, so why would they take an interest in the three mountains? And, the Hawkwolf Guard had never interfered with the conflicts between sects. They would rather fan the flames, so why would they be so kind as to inform them?
Hwa Seung-zan purposefully fell silent for a while, giving the three of them enough time to respond. Only then did he say, "This person comes from the Sword Collection palace!"
The three agitated old men seemed to be choked by an invisible hand at the same time. They were rendered speechless, unable to say anything at all.
The Sword Collection palace was a great sect renowned across the entire Green province. It was said that only those who had reached Foundation Establishment had the right to become inner disciples. To all the smaller and medium-sized sects of the Green province, this was an undefeatable name.
After quite a while, the Golden Pheasant Elder was the first to return to his senses. He bellowed, "You're lying! The Sword Collection palace is a righteous sect, so why would they attack other sects so easily? What do we have that's worth their attention?"
The Green Vine Elder smiled bitterly. "If you're not joking, commander, we can go prepare to change our allegiance. How are we supposed to contend against the Sword Collection palace?"
The Lone Grave Elder's face darkened. His body had already tensed up, making him seem more and more like a corpse.
Hwa Seung-zan said, "Not attack, but control and recruitment? Actually, there's no need for the three of you to worry too much. I've received accurate information that the person who has come is only an inner disciple of the Sword Collection palace. He's only undergone the heavenly tribulation recently. This is the first time he has left the mountain for training. As long as the three of you defeat him, there'll obviously be nothing to worry about. "
The three old men looked at one another. A disciple of the Sword Collection palace had actually come to deal with them. This was utterly humiliating, but they just could not get angry, as this was the Sword Collection palace. As a matter of fact, they even felt slightly relieved. If he was just an early Foundation Establishment cultivator, would they still have to worry about not being able to deal with him with their cultivations?
Hwa Seung-zan shook his head inside. The knowledge of people from sects was still limited to stories passed down by word of mouth at the end of the day. It was impossible for them to analyse things as clearly and in detail as the Hawkwolf Guard.
… …
Hua Chenglu sat in front of the hall, hugging her knees. No matter who tried to talk to her, she would say viciously, "Piss off!"
Just as she was bored from waiting, Hwa Seung-zan emerged from the hall. The sect masters of the three mountains personally came to see him off.
This kind of courteous treatment surprised all the disciples in the square.
The eyes of the female cultivators even lit up. If they wanted to choose a partner, they just happened to need a man like him.
If it were in the past, perhaps Hwa Seung-zan would have smiled at them and spread his reputation as a promiscuous playboy. But right now, he was not in the mood to do that.
He was still worried, so he said sternly, "I'll be in the town below the mountain. If he appears, send someone to contact me. By then, the three of you will definitely have to work together against him, or the three mountains will be in danger. "
He was clearly saying that if they fought one by one, they would not be able to defeat a disciple of the Sword Collection palace. If the Golden Pheasant Elder heard that normally, he definitely would have cursed aloud, but right now, he seemed very cautious. He nodded. After listening to Hwa Seung-zan's analysis, they no longer dared to underestimate him at all.
Compared to their pride, the foundations of the three mountains were more important. The Sword Collection palace was impressive, but everyone understood the principle of being the head of a chicken rather than the tail of a cow.
"Just … what … does … the Sword Collection palace … want?" Who knew how many years it had been since the Lone Grave Elder had spoken so much. He stuttered as he spoke.
This was also the question that the Green Vine Elder and Golden Pheasant Elder wanted to ask the most. Just what did they possess that could catch the attention of a large sect thousands of kilometers away?
Hwa Seung-zan hesitated. "As for what he wants, I can't say. However, no matter what request he has, you must not agree to it, or the world will be in danger!"
The three elders looked at one another. Although they each ruled over a region, they still had an extremely clear understanding of their own capabilities. Even if the three mountains worked together, they probably would not be able to influence the world at all. That was a little too alarmist, so they wanted to ask a few more questions.
Hwa Seung-zan clasped his hands and made his way down the stairs, flying off with Hua Chenglu. They flew over the sea of trees and even flew over the residences of the outer disciples.
Hua Chenglu asked in a hurry, "Where's Zijian? Where's Zijian? "
Hwa Seung-zan said, "Don't fret. Once I'm done with my matters, I'll obviously take you back to Clear River city." He was in no hurry to ask the Green Vine Elder for her. He would only ask when he felt confident, and when he asked, they definitely would not turn him down.
Of course, it would be best if he did not even have to ask. If he succeeded, the Green Vine Elder would probably thank him for his warning. There would be no need for him to say anything, and he would just send Yu Zijian off the mountain. There was no need for him to be in such a hurry.
Hua Chenglu said, "But the Herb Gathering ceremony is right around the corner. Who knows how dangerous it will be for Zijian to go underground with them."
Hwa Seung-zan said, "Can't you see that there's already someone who's willing to take care of her? There won't be any danger. It's actually a good thing. "
"But!"
"No buts. If there were danger, there wouldn't be so many Qi Practitioners going underground. It'll be fine as long as they don't go too deep. We've been on the Green Vine mountain for so long, so how can we leave without making some profits?"
Hwa Seung-zan seemed to think of something. He muttered to himself, "In terms of danger, I'd be more worried about the daemons."
"What?" Hua Chenglu asked in confusion.
"Nothing?"
The greenery dispersed, and the wind and snow blew over.
… …
Below the Green Vine mountain, the town was currently at its busiest. The Herb Gathering ceremony was right around the corner, so almost a thousand Qi Practitioners had gathered here. All of them wanted to make some last-minute preparations. This was the busiest time for trade.
But at this moment, the ruckus outside the northern entrance of the town had fallen silent. A wide path had been opened up on the jostling streets, allowing a group of Qi Practitioners to pass through.
The person in the lead was Wu Gen. His scarlet clothes were eye-catching, while the black robes of the commanders behind him fluttered in the wind. They were dignified and somber.
"Why has the Hawkwolf Guard come here?"
"Don't tell me they're also participating in the Herb Gathering ceremony?"
"Surely not! There's never been a precedent like this!"
Wu Gen's face was so sunken that it seemed like it was about to drip water. He made his way into an inn quickly, and the commanders behind him entered as well. Their faces were all ugly.
The owner of the inn went up to receive him with a bow. "Sir Wu, you've finally returned! Please come in. I've even saved the best room for you! "
Wu Gen said, "Close the door!"
The owner said, "I still have business to do!"
"Close the door!" Wu Gen's voice became even deeper.
The owner closed the door in a hurry. Wu Gen cursed aloud, "You're all a bunch of trash. You can't even catch an injured person. Every single one of you looks impressive, but you're useless. How am I supposed to report back?"
The door upstairs slowly opened up a crack. Seeing a group of Hawkwolf Guards below, he immediately shut the door tightly.
Fang Enshang said, "Senior brother, the terrain underground is complicated. The caverns criss-cross with one another. There's nothing we can do if we can't find him."
The other commanders nodded in agreement. Qiu Ruiliu's cave was not just a short, secret tunnel. Instead, it was directly connected to the underground caverns. They followed the trail and followed it all the way. In the end, they lost track of it in an underground river. When they found the trail again, they were led to a daemon nest. It took them quite a lot of effort to escape, and they ended up in a sorry state.
Although they governed different regions, there were quite a few criminals who had escaped underground on the blacklist. They were unable to capture them.
Wu Gen just happened to have nowhere to vent his anger. He roared at Fang Enshang, "Haven't you learned tracking techniques from the Hundred Schools of Thought? Have you? Hmm!? "
Fang Enshang lowered his head. "I have."
"Why can't we find him if we do? Huh!? "
Fang Enshang whispered, "Didn't you learn it too, senior brother?"
The commanders all pursed their lips, but no one dared to laugh out loud.
Wu Gen's expression immediately seemed like he was about to explode. Qian Rongzhi pulled Fang Enshang aside in a hurry and advised, "Don't be angry, sir. We've finally destroyed the Truth-seeking Society, a branch of the Evil White Lotus Cult. After Qiu Ruiliu suffered, he definitely won't show himself for a very long time. Even Commander Gu couldn't find the White Lotus Mother."
Wu Gen's anger subsided slightly after being advised by a beautiful woman who even compared him to Gu Yanying. He glared at Fang Enshang viciously. Just when he was about to say something, a lazy voice came from upstairs.
"Hey, it's not good to talk about your superior in private."
Wu Gen suddenly turned around. "Who is it!? How dare you eavesdrop on us? How dare you … Commander Hua! "
Hwa Seung-zan leaned against the railing on the second floor and smiled. "Sir Wu, your temper has grown! Who's the brave one? "
Wu Gen's face became bitter. "I'm the brave one, alright? Why are you here?"
Hwa Seung-zan said, "I just lost a criminal. There's no need for you to be like this. The net of justice is broad and thorough, so why would you worry about not having an opportunity in the future? It's just like what Rongzhi said. Boss Gu didn't kill the White Lotus Mother either. "He shifted his gaze and looked at Qian Rongzhi.
"I was just speaking carelessly. Please forgive me, commander. I never thought you'd still remember my name." Qian Rongzhi bowed politely. She did not try to play up to him at all. Although they had only met once, this commander Hua had left a very deep impression on her. She concluded that he was difficult to use.
She personally believed her beauty and arts of charm were nowhere close to the sect master's opponent, and even the sect master did not seem to be able to control her completely. Moreover, at this point, taking the initiative to throw herself into his arms would only make him look down on her.
Hwa Seung-zan smiled. "As long as it's a beauty's name, I'll remember it. Oh right, have you found the one called Li Qingshan who joined the Hawkwolf Guard with you?"
Qian Rongzhi said, "Commander, although Li Qingshan and I joined the Hawkwolf Guard at the same time, we're not familiar with each other. I haven't heard from him in so long, so he's probably dead underground already."
"Really? I feel like we might be able to see him again. " Hwa Seung-zan waved his hand and casually tossed down a painting scroll. It unfurled in the air, depicting a man in green clothes.
The artist's technique was excellent. The man looked very young, no more than twenty years of age, but he was full of melancholy. His emaciated body supported his loose green robe, and there was even a hint of emaciation in his bones.
"This is your new mission. Identify this person. Once he appears in the vicinity of the Green Vine mountain, contact me immediately. Remember, you can't touch him no matter what! "
With Wu Gen in the lead, the Hawkwolf guards answered loudly, "Yes sir!"
… …
Clang!
Yu Zijian paced around the courtyard alone. Suddenly, the sword on her waist thrummed gently. She stopped in surprise and drew the sword. The blade that was as clear as autumn reflected her confused face.
She looked at the sword again and again, but she was confused. In the end, she could only sheath it.
Clang!
She leapt in fright and took a step back. She drew the sword again and looked at it again and again.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
