Chapter 52: Cloud Devouring Force
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Qian Jijiang’s face flushed red as he observed the candle burning rapidly in his hand, causing him to breathe a sigh of relief. When he turned his head to look at the others, he noticed that they had already followed him. However, just as he was about to avert his gaze, his eyes caught sight of Feng Yu, the elderly woman.
To his surprise, Feng Yu’s face had turned green, but that was not the most unsettling part. Her eyes had transformed into a pitch-black hue, unnoticed by anyone else. They lacked normal human emotions and exuded only a chilling coldness.
Chen Fei, who was trailing behind Qian Jijiang, felt his heart tremble when he witnessed the sudden and drastic change in Qian Jijiang’s expression. He turned around and beheld the peculiar countenance of Feng Yu.
Seemingly aware of their scrutiny, Feng Yu’s lips gradually curled into a smile that extended all the way to her ears. A shiver coursed down Qian Jijiang’s spine, causing his senses to heighten.
Without wasting any time, he reached for his bow and swiftly aimed it at Feng Yu.
The urgency of the situation propelled everyone to sprint with all their might, but Chen Fei managed to retain some strength. Sensing an opportunity, Chen Fei abruptly turned around and released the arrow he held, sending it hurtling toward Feng Yu.
“Bang!”
…..
Just as the arrow was about to reach Feng Yu, an unexpected and gruesome occurrence unfolded. Her head violently exploded, resulting in a gruesome spectacle of flesh, blood, and a peculiar green mist dispersing in all directions. Chen Fei instinctively held his breath, yet he still felt a wave of dizziness engulfing his mind. He glanced down at his exposed skin, which had already taken on a sickly green hue.
Emerging from the dissipating green mist, Chen Fei found a medicine bottle materializing in his hand. Reacting swiftly, he consumed three to four Detoxification Pills from the bottle, hoping to counteract the mysterious toxin.
Realizing the urgency of the situation, Chen Fei tossed the remaining pills to his companions. Acting on instinct, they caught the pills and swiftly ingested them upon realizing they were antidotes.
Caught off guard by Feng Yu’s sudden attack, the group relied on their extensive martial arts experience to instinctively hold their breath, averting immediate danger. Consuming the antidote pills had successfully suppressed the poison coursing through their bodies. A heavy silence enveloped them as they remained oblivious to the moment Feng Yu had become possessed.
Pressing forward, they covered their heads and continued running, uncertain of the duration that had elapsed. Eventually, it was Qian Jijiang who halted first, his body trembling with exertion. He forcefully expelled a mouthful of blood, and his flushed face gradually eased.
Remarkably, the red candle he held burned serenely, and the fog that had once enshrouded him had dissipated, granting a temporary respite.
Chi Defeng’s complexion turned alarmingly pale, indicating his imminent collapse. Yan Qing and Yan Ding, on the other hand, were drenched in blood, their faces displaying a bone-chilling pallor.
Chen Fei, though exhausted, fared relatively better compared to his companions. The intense battle had drained his physical strength even more due to the rampant gangrene that had afflicted him. Nevertheless, his condition remained superior to that of the others.
Qian Jijiang, taking a deep breath, suggested, “Let’s proceed a bit further and find a place to rest.” Despite being out of immediate danger, he felt an overwhelming sense of unease lingering in their vicinity.
To ensure their safety, he believed it was prudent to put more distance between themselves and their previous location. No one voiced any objections, recognizing the importance of prioritizing their well-being.
By this point, the group had developed a significant level of trust in Qian Jijiang. The three hundred taels they had invested in him proved to be a worthwhile expenditure. Without his guidance and leadership, the consequences of today’s events would have been disastrous, potentially resulting in numerous casualties or even the annihilation of the entire army.
Chen Fei’s gaze shifted toward the red candle still held in Qian Jijiang’s hand. He made a silent vow to himself that once they had a chance to clarify the situation, he would purchase several dozen candles and store them in their space compartment. The outside world was fraught with danger, and having a supply of these candles seemed like a necessary precaution.
After walking for half an hour, Qian Jijiang eventually came to a stop. He meticulously surveyed their surroundings, ensuring their safety, before nodding at everyone. Only then did a collective sense of relief wash over the group. After surviving a calamity, he still had lingering fears.
Having found a suitable location to establish their camp, the group settled down for a nap. Chen Fei positioned himself in a cross-legged posture, engaging in the cultivation of the Suspending Force to gradually restore his strength. The night passed without any untoward incidents, and they resumed their journey during the day.
However, despite their continuous progress, the weariness that plagued them seemed to dissipate. Each member appeared to possess an unprecedented level of energy, surpassing even their previous state of relaxation.
Chi Defeng, in particular, expressed his exhaustion by lamenting, “1 must be extremely fatigued. 1 can even smell the tantalizing aroma of roast meat from the Drunken Fragrance Restaurant. It’s so tempting!”
Pausing momentarily to catch his breath, Chen Fei glanced at Chi Defeng, marveling at his remarkable sense of smell. In a desperate attempt to appease him earlier, Chen Fei had retrieved some roasted meat from their space compartment and devoured it discreetly while Chi Defeng was away attending to nature’s call. Yet, upon his return, Chi Defeng immediately detected the scent.
Chuckling at Chi Defeng’s remark, Qian Jijiang interjected, “The roast meat from the Drunken Fragrance Restaurant is nothing compared to what awaits us in Apricot Fen City tomorrow. Consider it my treat!” His eyes twinkled mischievously as he playfully teased Chi Defeng.
Despite having used up a significant portion of the red candle, and the white candle being completely depleted, reaching Apricot Fen City safely would still be considered a triumph for Qian Jijiang. As the city’s silhouette came into view, a surge of relief washed over the entire group. Their hearts stirred with a mixture of emotions, realizing that they had finally arrived at their destination.
Chi Defeng chuckled, acknowledging Qian Jijiang’s leadership with a respectful wave of his hand. No further words were necessary; their unspoken appreciation was deeply felt among them. Pressing on with their journey, alternating between periods of hurried travel and necessary rest, they had managed to overcome various challenges along the way.
Finally, the distinct outline of Apricot Fen City came into focus, casting a sense of anticipation in everyone’s hearts. They couldn’t help but feel a jolt of excitement, knowing that they had successfully reached their destination. Reflecting on the past five days, they realized that, despite encountering difficulties, it hadn’t been an excessively arduous journey for martial artists of their physical prowess had it not been for the unexpected events in that village.
Nevertheless, the eerie and horrifying events they had witnessed along the way had left the five of them shaken to their cores. The untimely demise of Feng Yu, in particular, had cast a deep shadow over their spirits. Subconsciously, they quickened their pace, propelled by a mix of fear and urgency.
After an hour’s journey, they finally reached the gates of Apricot Fen City. Compared to the comparatively modest walls of Pingyin County, Apricot Fen City loomed larger and more imposing. The sheer height of the city walls served as a testament to its grandeur. Contrasting with the lifelessness of Pingyin County, Apricot Fen City bustled with vitality, its streets teeming with people.
Having paid the entrance fee, the five of them stood on the vibrant street, exchanging glances. Yan Qing and his wife filled with gratitude for their companions, bowed respectfully and swiftly disappeared from the corner of the street. “Since we have arrived in Apricot Fen City, we will no longer trouble the three of you,” Yan Qing conveyed with heartfelt sincerity.
Turning his attention to Chen Fei, Chi Defeng inquired, “What are your plans?” His gaze held a mixture of curiosity and expectation. After a brief moment of contemplation, Chen Fei responded, “1 intend to continue my journey toward Immortal Cloud City.” His decision firmly formed in his mind, and he expressed his determination.
Considering the stable environment and potential access to a wider array of cultivation techniques manuals, Immortal Cloud City held great appeal to Chen Fei. It offered a stark contrast to Pingyin County, where resources were tightly guarded. The prospects of joining the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect aside, Chen Fei believed that the city would provide a conducive environment for his gradual development.
Qian Jijiang, wearing a smile, suggested, “Apricot Fen City should have caravans heading to Immortal Cloud City. It would be safer for you to travel with one of them.” He offered his advice with genuine concern for Chen Fei’s well-being.
“Indeed, the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect’s reputation precedes it, unparalleled in the world,” Chi Defeng interjected, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He turned to Chen Fei, soft laughter escaping his lips. “Why don’t we go together? I’m eager to see it for myself.”
Chen Fei, appreciating the invitation, cupped his hands in gratitude. “I would be honored to have the accompany of you both.”
With their plans settled, the trio felt a surge of excitement. Qian Jijiang’s suggestion prompted them to take action. “Let’s not waste time standing around. We should find a good inn and enjoy a hearty meal!” Qian Jijiang declared, the sound of laughter resonating among them. They continued along the lively street, eagerly venturing toward their next destination.
Night descended upon Apricot Fen City, and within the comfort of his guest room, Chen Fei assumed a cross-legged position. Having indulged in a satisfying meal and drink, he now focused on his cultivation practice.
Meanwhile, Qian Jijiang ventured outside, taking a stroll in search of information. It didn’t take long before he received news that the Immortal Cloud Merchant Band, after over a month’s journey from various locations, was scheduled to arrive in Apricot Fen City. The caravan’s ultimate destination was Immortal Cloud City, a name that carried considerable weight and significance. This indicated the immense power and influence of the merchant band.
The prospect of hitching a ride with the Immortal Cloud Merchant Band presented a significant advantage. It ensured a secure and protected journey to Immortal Cloud City. With this realization, the three companions could envision the safety and reliability that such a powerful caravan would provide.
With the intention of acquiring new pill formulas and cultivation techniques, Chen Fei acknowledged the substantial cost involved and was willing to spend the necessary amount. He understood the importance of having a diverse range of resources in order to continue their pill-selling endeavors.
Muttering to himself, Chen Fei contemplated the possibilities as he closed his eyes, allowing his thoughts to drift.
The following morning, Chen Fei found himself standing in front of a shop that specialized in selling various items, including weapons, pills, and cultivation techniques. Determined to find an inner strength cultivation technique, he expressed his request to the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper responded promptly by presenting a secret manual from the shelf, explaining that it was obtained from a sect disciple who had been compelled to sell it.
As Chen Fei laid eyes on the secret manual, his expression underwent a subtle change.. It was the Cloud Devouring Force!