The caravan galloped, kicking up dust.
Roar—
Finally, a mountain wolf, unable to suppress its bloodthirsty craving, pounced towards the caravan.
These mountain wolves were noticeably larger than ordinary mountain wolves, with thick bloody auras, indicating they had devoured countless corpses.
Whoosh...
Several pebbles cut through the air and landed precisely on the mountain wolves' foreheads.
Accompanied by the crunching sound of bones shattering, these robust mountain wolves were sent flying backward, crashing heavily to the ground, their vitality completely gone.
It was Bai Can who made the move, still toying with a few broken stones in his hand.
Since stepping onto this dirt road, he would occasionally strike down suddenly attacking mountain wolves and beasts, as well as bandits and thieves blocking the road.
The caravan did not slow down, and in just the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, it had already traveled dozens of miles.
When passing through a dense forest, it suddenly stopped. The reason was none other than two dozen burly men, their faces covered with scarves and holding weapons, emerging from the forests on both sides, blocking the center of the road, looking greedily at the caravan.
“Here they come again, it’s endless…”
Seeing this, Bai Can’s face showed helplessness. He looked at Jin Yang, who was expressionless beside him.
“Me or you?”
“You do it,” Jin Yang said indifferently.
“Tch, you all are really lazy to the core…”
Upon seeing this, Bai Can couldn't help but scoff. Without another word, he leaped from his horse, transforming into a blur, and without any wasted words, charged directly into the group of bandits.
Soon, there was a series of painful wails, but after just ten breaths, everything returned to silence, with only bodies lying on both sides of the road, their eyes wide open in fear.
“I didn't expect Northern Yan to be like this. It's truly tragic…”
Nong Yu, who witnessed this scene from the back of the caravan, sighed with a hint of melancholy.
Originally, she had been quite curious about Southern Qi, after all, even the Tianhai Sect had no one who had ever been to Southern Qi.
The result, however, clearly left her somewhat disappointed.
“This is, after all, the front line of the war. Southern Qi was defeated and is now controlled by Northern Yan, but the war is not yet settled. Northern Yan’s attention is mostly focused on its war with Southern Qi, so it naturally won’t put too much effort into reorganizing Northern Yan.”
“Without official forces to suppress it, and with most major powers having already withdrawn from Northern Yan, it’s likely that large areas of Northern Yan are in chaos, and burning, killing, and looting are inevitable.”
Lin Sheng’s voice came from inside the carriage.
Although it sounded calm, he was also surprised by the chaos he had witnessed throughout Northern Yan.
“Yes, I didn’t expect that in a war between two nations, it’s always the common people who suffer the most. Martial Artists at least have the ability to migrate, but ordinary people can only helplessly accept everything.”
Nong Yu seemed to fall into a reverie, her voice soft and a little melancholic.
“Many times, weakness is the original sin. You can only blame yourself for not being strong enough.”
The carriage fell silent for a moment, then a calm voice emerged.
Nong Yu’s body trembled, and her low spirits suddenly dissipated.
“Yes, I can only blame myself for not being strong enough.”
If she were strong enough, the Tianhai Sect wouldn't have been in such a situation. Even if they encountered court experts, they could have retreated safely, taking the Disciples of the sect with them, or even, like the Young Master, killed everyone.
She couldn't help but recall how, in Yu Hai Pass City, the situation had clearly fallen into despair, but with Lin Sheng's sudden outburst, everything was instantly reversed, and he led everyone to safety.
“If I had the Young Master’s strength, I would have certainly been able to protect the Tianhai Sect back then…”
Amidst Nong Yu’s soft murmurs, the caravan set off again, kicking up a large cloud of dust.
As night fell.
The caravan passed through the forest and gradually slowed down by a small stream.
At the front of the team, Shui Zhi's eyes narrowed as he looked at a patch of verdant bamboo forest at the end of the stream.
“That should be the Jade Bamboo Forest ahead. According to the previous mission route, this bamboo forest is the rendezvous point for Southern Qi.”
“Really? We’ve traveled so far, have we finally arrived?”
Bai Can’s face showed a hint of joy, and he relaxed, speaking with a smile.
“Yes, once we meet the contact person, it will be much easier, and we won’t have to worry about encountering any more dangers.”
Shui Zhi also breathed a sigh of relief. Ever since leaving Yu Hai Pass, his heart had been in his throat, fearing another ambush by the imperial court along the way. Fortunately, the journey had been smooth.
Inside the carriage at the back of the team.
Lin Sheng opened his eyes at this moment, the black light in his eyes dissipated, and the chilling aura emanating from his body was rapidly fading.
“It’s a pity, just a little bit more, and I would have met the requirements for shedding the demonic corpse.”
He shook his head slightly and sighed.
He had originally intended to try shedding the first layer of the demonic corpse before reaching his destination, but now it seemed impossible.
Bai Can had already informed him in the morning that the rendezvous point was not far, so the carriage stopping now most likely meant they had arrived.
Indeed, shortly after, Nong Yu’s voice was heard from outside the carriage.
“Young Master, Senior Bai just came over and asked me to tell you that the rendezvous point has been reached. Please come over.”
“Alright.”
Lin Sheng responded faintly. Another quarter of an hour passed before he finally digested the backlash from the demonic charm.
He then got out of the carriage and walked towards the front of the team.
As the person in charge of this mission, it was only natural for him to step forward upon reaching the destination.
Before long, the caravan started moving again.
Towards the bamboo forest at the end of the stream.
Half an hour passed.
They were already not far from the bamboo forest when several black-robed figures suddenly emerged from the stream.
“Are you guests who have traveled a long way from Northern Yan?”
The black-robed man’s gaze fell upon Lin Sheng, Shui Zhi, and others at the front of the caravan, and he spoke in somewhat awkward Great Yan language.
Although his words were respectful, his tone lacked emotion.
“That’s right, entrusted by someone, we have come a long way.”
Shui Zhi glanced at Lin Sheng, and seeing that he had no intention of speaking, he spoke up.
Upon hearing this, the tone of the black-robed men softened, and they bowed slightly, performing a somewhat awkward Northern Yan etiquette.
“Guests, the Saint has been ordered to meet you in the Jade Bamboo Forest and has been waiting for a long time. Please follow us.”
With that, the black-robed man had already leaped out of the water and was leading the way.
Looking at the attire of these black-robed men, Lin Sheng felt a sense of familiarity, as if he had seen them somewhere before.
At this moment, Bai Can, who was beside him, frowned slightly, leaned closer to Lin Sheng, and whispered.
“Young Master, I didn’t expect that the ones responsible for receiving us this time would be people from the Tianluo Sect.”
“Tianluo Sect?”
Upon hearing this, Lin Sheng immediately understood the source of that familiar feeling.
When he was in the Congyun Mountains, searching for the Ling Shu Jade Soul Elephant tusk, he had clashed with the Black-Clothed Envoys of the Tianluo Sect.
The attire of those Black-Clothed Envoys at that time was exactly the same as these black-robed men.
“Yes, I don’t know how Southern Qi arranged this, to actually let these madmen receive us.”
Jin Yang, who was usually taciturn, also chimed in, shaking his head.
Hearing what the two said, information about the Tianluo Sect immediately flashed through Lin Sheng’s mind.
The Tianluo Sect is a top-tier power in the Western Regions.
It is also one of the few top-tier powers in Southern Qi. The Cultivation Technique cultivated by its members is insidious, as they enjoy consuming human flesh and blood, leading to extremely fast cultivation progress, but the backlash is equally severe, making it a thorough evil cult.
Clearly, Bai Can and Jin Yang had some understanding of the Tianluo Sect, which is why they spoke as they did.
“Whether it’s the Tianluo Sect or other forces, with Northern Yan pressing down now, the survival of Southern Qi is at stake. As a local top-tier power in Southern Qi, the Tianluo Sect naturally has to contribute. Since we’ve encountered them, there’s no need to overthink it.”
Lin Sheng, riding on horseback, didn't feel anything particular.
Since they had already reached the rendezvous point, once the red crystal stone was handed over and he received what belonged to him, this mission would be complete, and he wouldn't stay here long.
So, no matter what the Tianluo Sect members were like, they wouldn't have much interaction anyway.
The group moved very quickly, reaching the edge of the bamboo forest in just a moment.
At this time, music was playing in the bamboo forest.
Though called music, it wasn't pleasant to the ear; instead, it carried a strange, unsettling quality that made people inexplicably uncomfortable.
The convoy stopped outside the bamboo forest, and Lin Sheng, Shui Zhi, Bai Can, and Jin Yang followed the black-robed man into the forest.
Soon, they saw a small courtyard built of green bamboo within the bamboo forest.
The courtyard gate was wide open, and a black palanquin, resembling a small palace, rested beside the entrance.
Through the courtyard gate, a young man dressed in a black and red robe, with delicate and handsome features but a pale, bloodless complexion, was holding a human skull to his lips and gently blowing on it.
Evidently, the eerie music originated from this.
As if noticing the arrival of Lin Sheng and the others, the effeminate man put down the skull, a smile appearing on his face, and rose to walk towards them.
“It is a joy to have friends come from afar. Kamura, the First Saint of the Tianluo Sect, greets these friends who have traveled a long way.”
As soon as Kamura spoke, it was in perfectly standard Great Yan language. One might have thought the person in front of them was a native of the Great Yan Kingdom.
“Dark Star Blazing Star Envoy Ghost Face greets Saint Kamura.”
He also showed a slight smile and spoke.
“A pleasure to meet you.”
As Kamura finished speaking, he took a step and was already close to Lin Sheng and the others, his face full of smiles.
However, as he spoke, the smile on his face suddenly paused, but instantly returned to normal.
Lin Sheng’s eyes flickered slightly, his smile deepened a bit, and he also said, “A pleasure to meet you.”
“This is Tuo Mi Guardian of my Tianluo Sect.”
Kamura then introduced the tall, black-robed old man beside him.
“Tuomi greets you all.” Tuomi stepped forward, nodding slightly.
“Blazing Star Envoy Shui Zhi, Bai Can, Jin Yang…”
Shui Zhi and the other two also announced their names and nodded in greeting.
“Alright, you have all traveled a long way and must be weary from the journey. I, the Saint, have already prepared a feast to welcome you.”
Kamura’s gaze swept over Shui Zhi, then he flicked his sleeve and clapped his hands.
Soon, black-robed Tianluo Sect members set up tables and chairs, and various dishes and fine wines were brought out.
As Lin Sheng and the others took their seats, several alluring and charming female sect members came to the center of the courtyard and began to dance gracefully.
Although these sect members were also dressed in black robes, the fabric was noticeably scantier, revealing large areas of skin with their movements, allowing for an unobstructed view. They seemed to have cultivated some form of charm art, emitting a unique attraction.
However, Lin Sheng, Shui Zhi, and the others were not ordinary people and showed no reaction to this, focusing only on the delicacies on the table while smilingly interacting with Kamura and Tuomi.
“I heard that Your Excellency Ghost Face is the new Disciple of Senior Divine Lord Li. Seeing you today, you are indeed extraordinary. I, Kamura, have always enjoyed befriending strong individuals.”
Kamura said, raising his wine cup towards Lin Sheng.
“Saint Kamura is jesting. I have only just become a Disciple under the Divine Lord and have shallow cultivation. How can I be called a strong individual?”
Lin Sheng raised his wine cup and laughed, shaking his head.
“Your Excellency Ghost Face is being modest. But speaking of which, Your Excellency’s cultivation indeed doesn’t seem very high. This mission is a long journey, and Senior Divine Lord is truly trusting. For Your Excellency Ghost Face to be sent out before even Bones Transformation is somewhat beyond my expectation as the Saint.”
Kamura spoke with a slight smile, yet he had already put down his wine cup, and his tone seemed to have changed.
“I wonder if Senior Divine Lord trusts Your Excellency Ghost Face too much, or if he intends for Your Excellency Ghost Face to make up the numbers…”
Upon hearing this, Shui Zhi, Bai Can, and Jin Yang all frowned, their faces immediately showing displeasure.
Lin Sheng, however, maintained the smile on his face, as if he hadn't heard the implication in his words. He drained the wine in his cup and nodded in response.
“That’s something you’ll have to ask my Master, the old man, about.”
“Hahaha… I didn’t realize Your Excellency Ghost Face had such a glib tongue.”
Kamura chuckled, then changed the subject, seemingly asking casually.
“Your Excellency Ghost Face, I wonder if you have ever dealt with my Tianluo Sect members before?”
Lin Sheng lowered his gaze, a thoughtful expression on his face. After a long moment, he finally nodded slightly.
“It seems I had a brief encounter once, but at that time, my cultivation was low, so there wasn’t much interaction.”
“A brief encounter? Tsk tsk, it seems Your Excellency Ghost Face and my Tianluo Sect do have some fate.”
Kamura narrowed his eyes, looking at Lin Sheng, then chuckled after a moment.
The atmosphere of the banquet seemed to fall into a strange silence.
For a moment, no one spoke again, only the few female sect members in the courtyard dancing alluringly, their movements becoming bolder and more captivating.
Lin Sheng, meanwhile, kept his head down, occasionally putting various foods from the table into his mouth.
These foods were mostly things he had never seen in Great Yan, complete in color, aroma, and taste, with a unique flavor.
Having eaten tasteless dried meat for much of the journey, facing these delicacies now, he couldn't help but feel a strong urge to eat.
In just a short while, the plates on the table in front of Lin Sheng were already empty.
Lin Sheng wiped his mouth, breaking the silence.
“Saint Kamura, since the Crimson Crystal Mine has been delivered, the mission is complete. If I remember correctly, there should be something else for me to take back.”
Kamura, who was playing with the human skull in his hand, paused his movement upon hearing this, then smiled faintly.
“That’s right, Your Excellency Ghost Face has a good memory.”
Saying that, his gaze fell upon Tuomi, who had not spoken yet.
“Tuo Mi Guardian.”
Hearing this, Tuomi nodded, and with a withered hand, starkly contrasting his robust physique, he took out a crystalline jade bottle from his embrace.
The jade bottle was translucent, and a faint glowing liquid could be seen inside.
Even through the jade bottle, Bai Can and the others present immediately felt the powerful energy emanating from it.