Chapter 80 of 100

Chapter 80: Movements

19 min read4,676 words

That night, at the northern gate of Tianyin City.

Shi Yan, Han Feng, and Ku Long quietly left the northern gate and arrived outside the city.

A large carriage pulled by four horses was parked alone amidst the scattered graves outside the northern gate. An old man outside the carriage looked up at the starry sky, his expression wooden.

Murmurs came from inside the carriage.

Graves of varying heights were scattered around the carriage. Occasionally, strange phosphorescent lights flickered beside some graves, making the quiet night seem somewhat eerie.

"That's the carriage of the Zuo family," Ku Long said softly after a quick glance at the graves.

Shi Yan nodded and said indifferently, "It seems we are a bit late."

The old man on the carriage clearly heard their conversation. He turned his gaze from the sky, glanced at them from a distance, and raised the whip in his hand.

Shi Yan, Han Feng, and Ku Long wisely approached.

"Miss, the Shi family has arrived," the old man lowered his voice and reported to the carriage.

"Wait for them to come over," Zuo Shi's voice came from inside the carriage.

A dignified and graceful woman in white quietly emerged from the carriage, glanced at Shi Yan, and smiled at Zuo Shi inside, "That boy is here."

"Aunt Lian!" Zuo Shi called out, indignant, "I already told you, there's nothing between us. Don't always tease me!"

"Hehe, I know," the woman smiled, stood beside the carriage, and waved to Shi Yan. When Shi Yan approached, she said, "Young Master Yan, do you three not have a carriage?"

"We will have arrangements made when we reach Snow莱 City in the north," Shi Yan replied indifferently, his gaze sweeping over the woman, secretly admiring her. He then walked unhurriedly to the carriage and placed a large package inside, saying, "Xiao Shi, this is your Dragon Turtle Spirit Armor. My grandfather asked me to return it to you."

"Oh," Zuo Shi replied, then muttered, "What a stubborn guy, wasting our good intentions, he didn't even use it..."

Shi Yan chuckled, "You said it yourself, whoever uses the Dragon Turtle Spirit Armor is a turtle. I don't want to be a turtle."

"Ha ha!"

A soft laugh came from inside the carriage, "You remember that so clearly. I was trying to give you the Dragon Turtle Spirit Armor, and I was just pretending to anger my grandfather. You helped me break the shell and get the treasure, so it's only right that the armor goes to you."

"Our Shi family's martial soul is good at defense; we don't need to wear an extra turtle shell," Shi Yan shook his head.

"Miss, can we set off now?" The Zuo family's retainer got on the carriage, waved the whip, and asked softly.

"Sure, let's go."

"Wait, let me introduce you. This is Chu Ping, at the first level of Nirvana. I am Wu Yunlian," the dignified woman smiled and said to Han Feng, "I've met Brother Han before. Who is this?" She looked at Ku Long.

"Ku Long, at the first level of Nirvana," Ku Long introduced himself kindly, scratching his head, "I used to live in the outer city. I came back this time for the martial arts competition. Ha, you probably haven't seen me before."

"Ku Long Brother, I see," Wu Yunlian smiled and nodded, "It's an honor to travel with Brother Han and Brother Ku Long. Please take care of me on the journey."

"You're too polite," Han Feng and Ku Long said together.

This woman was dignified and graceful, with a cultivation at the first level of Nirvana. She was said to be a warrior from the Yunwu Mountains.

Because she had once received a favor from Chixiao, she entered the Zuo family through Chixiao's introduction. She was highly regarded by Zuo Xu and had a very close relationship with Zuo Shi.

Han Feng and Ku Long knew her strength and did not dare to be disrespectful, showing no hint of contempt in their words and actions.

"Let's set off then," Shi Yan looked up at the sky, suddenly frowned, and pointed at a black dot under the moon, "Hey, what's that?"

Chu Ping, Han Feng, Ku Long, and Wu Yunlian all looked up.

"Cloud Eagle!"

Han Feng's face changed slightly, and he said softly, "It's raised by the Beiming family! The Cloud Eagle has excellent eyesight and can see the faces of people on the ground while flying in the sky!"

"Is the Beiming family watching us?" Ku Long was stunned, a hint of confusion in his eyes, "Could the Beiming family know we're leaving the city?"

"Not necessarily," Chu Ping was also surprised, looking at the Cloud Eagle that was gradually flying away, "It might just be returning to the Beiming family from somewhere else, coincidentally passing by here. It's not necessarily watching us specifically."

"It seems we need to be more cautious," Wu Yunlian took a deep breath, "We shouldn't delay. Let's set off as soon as possible. Even if the Beiming family is watching us, as long as we are careful, they won't be able to discover our movements."

"Right."

...

Deep into the night, at the Beiming family's Ice Pavilion.

"Father, we received news that people from the Shi family and the Zuo family secretly left through the northern gate. The Shi family members are Han Feng, Ku Long, and Shi Yan. The Zuo family members are Chu Ping and Wu Yunlian. There is also one person in the carriage, who is likely to be the Zuo family's Miss Zuo Shi."

Beiming Qie hurried to the Ice Pavilion, bowed, and reported the latest news.

Beiming Ce was also in the Ice Pavilion, cultivating with the help of the cold air. Upon hearing this, he opened his eyes and exclaimed, "It's actually the Shi family and the Zuo family!"

Beiming Shang's face was dark, sitting motionless, but his eyes were filled with cold light.

After a long while, Beiming Shang said, "The other half of the treasure map is likely in the hands of the Zuo family and the Shi family. The one who went to the Ethereal Pavilion to steal the map was probably Chixiao. The girl from the Ethereal Pavilion is very cunning, using Mo Tuo to create a diversion. If we hadn't been cautious and had Cloud Eagles stationed at all the city gates, we might have been deceived."

"Father, what should we do?"

"I will secretly follow them to see where they are going," Beiming Shang said, "Will Ce also go?"

"Will Ce also go?"

"Recently, Tianyin City has been a bit chaotic. I will take Yin Kui and Jushan with me, and I'm not comfortable leaving Ce in the city. You stay and manage the family, and announce that I am in seclusion to recover, so no one will suspect."

"Understood."

"Grandfather, the Zuo family and the Shi family must have reached an agreement with the Ethereal Pavilion. If Chixiao teams up with that woman, will you be in danger facing them both?" Beiming Ce asked, puzzled.

Beiming Shang took a deep breath and said calmly, "I have been prepared for this."

Beiming Ce's eyes lit up.

"The leader of the Dark Netherworld, the Dark Lord, sent a message some time ago, specifically asking for Mu Yudie. I haven't replied yet," Beiming Shang pondered for a moment, looking deeply at Beiming Ce, "The Dark Lord is also at the Celestial level. With his help, it won't be a problem. Even if Chixiao and that girl try to team up against me, they won't succeed. We will explore the Heavenly Gate together."

"The Dark Lord of the Dark Netherworld!"

Beiming Ce looked shocked, his face darkening, and after a long while, he murmured, "Grandfather, what do you mean?"

"Mu Yudie's martial soul is powerful, but it's useless to our Beiming family. However, that girl Di Yalan might be able to fuse with our Beiming family's Extreme Cold Flame martial soul," Beiming Shang stared at him, "It's just a woman. Can't you let it go?"

Beiming Ce frowned, shook his head, and said, "No, it's just a bit surprising. For the sake of the Beiming family, I can give up anything."

"Good, you will lead the Beiming family in the future. Don't let emotions cloud your judgment," Beiming Shang nodded in satisfaction and comforted him, "Don't worry, the Dark Lord only wants to use Mu Yudie's martial soul to practice. He won't care if she is still a virgin. Before I hand her over to him, I will let you enjoy her for three days."

"Thank you, Grandfather." Beiming Ce suddenly smiled.

"This time, take Mu Yudie and Di Yalan with you. Afterward, I will hand Mu Yudie directly to the Dark Lord without letting Di Yalan know," Beiming Shang instructed.

"Understood."

...

Beiming Ce left the Ice Pavilion and, regardless of the late hour, went directly to the small island in the Beiming family's lake.

Mu Yudie and Di Yalan were not asleep but were quietly cultivating.

Upon seeing Beiming Ce, the two women tidied their appearances and came out to greet him.

Beiming Ce smiled and said, "Get ready. We will leave the city before dawn."

"What's going on?" Mu Yudie was surprised.

"The treasure map for the Heavenly Gate is complete, and someone has already set out to explore it. We will secretly follow them," Beiming Ce said sincerely to Mu Yudie, "Xiao Die, the Heavenly Gate may contain secret treasures. My grandfather thinks you and Yalan can seize this opportunity. You might gain a lot from the Heavenly Gate. This is a rare chance, don't miss it!"

Mu Yudie and Di Yalan's eyes lit up.

"Thank you, Lord Ce," Mu Yudie bowed, her face full of joy, "If I can gain something from the Heavenly Gate, I will remember your kindness."

"What are you talking about?" Beiming Ce pretended to be angry, "Do we need to say such things between us?"

"I know, I will get ready," Mu Yudie smiled.

"Good, I will wait for you outside. Hurry up. Remember, don't let anyone discover us. This must be kept secret," Beiming Ce comforted them, his face wearing a warm smile, and quickly left the lakeside.

"Xiao Die, I suddenly remembered..." Di Yalan's expression darkened, her face filled with sorrow, "The treasure map being complete means Ding Yan has definitely been found. Given the methods of the five major families, Ding Yan is likely already..."

Reminded by her, Mu Yudie thought about this, her face changing slightly, also feeling a bit sad.

However, thinking about the secret treasures in the Heavenly Gate that she might obtain in the future, Mu Yudie's sadness was quickly overshadowed.

"Don't worry, he might be fine. They might only want the treasure map and not necessarily his life. Sister Lan, we must seize this opportunity! We might gain a great chance through this exploration of the Heavenly Gate. Whether we can seek revenge depends on this," Mu Yudie clenched her small fists, ambitious.

"Hope he is really fine," Di Yalan shook her head, sighing helplessly.

"Stop thinking about him. Let's focus on how to maximize our benefits. We need to plan carefully," Mu Yudie was highly motivated.

She could almost see the Dark Netherworld being destroyed by her in the near future, and her enemies falling in pools of blood.

Thinking about these things, she felt secretly pleased, ——she was already blinded by hatred.

---