Chapter 72: Shuibian Cheng

The Kandao region is full of mountains and rivers; between towering peaks and great rivers, there are countless ferrymen.

Yan Buji changed into the attire of a wealthy man, sat on the boat, and prepared to head toward the nearby Shuibian Cheng.

The city is built at the foot of a high mountain, beside a great river; a few hundred li north lies Zhi Sheng Dian.

"I don't know how formidable the Heavenly Person Realm of Zhi Sheng Dian is; if it's formidable, it might be hard to obtain. But since the other side seeks the full Blood Essence Skill, they're probably aiming to advance further."

Yan Buji would never be foolish enough to force the Blood Flow Sect Remnant Faction to escort him to Zhi Sheng Dian; after all, the Blood Flow Sect is a regional power and an evil sect that intruded into Kandao. For the demonic Zhi Sheng Dian, if it weren't for the Boundless Sword Sect's excessive bullying, they would have already subdued them and demanded the whereabouts of the full Blood Essence Skill.

Now that Kandao is in such Chaos, Yan Buji really doesn't want to waste time starting from the Blood Flow Sect; that would involve too many tasks and also have to consider the court and local armies.

After all, once a rebellious force gains momentum, who dares to underestimate it?

It would be better to go alone, first investigate the situation of Zhi Sheng Dian's Heavenly Person Realm, and at most negotiate an exchange.

If a peaceful exchange of mutually needed items can be made, Yan Buji naturally won't cause any trouble.

Nevertheless, he can't ignore the risk of being double‑crossed, so Yan Buji isn't rushing over right now.

"Sir, Shuibian Cheng has arrived!"

"Very well."

Yan Buji smiled as he stepped onto the shore and made his way to the entrance of Shuibian Cheng.

At the gate, two well‑trained soldiers inspected passing travelers; Yan Buji queued, produced his forged credentials, paid, and entered without trouble.

"I just wonder if the people of Zhi Sheng Dian would fly into a rage if they learned I killed their saints," Yan Buji chuckled.

For others, their holy masters would probably be very angry.

But I possess the full Blood Essence Skill they covet; even if they move against me, they'll surely be well prepared.

Upon entering the city, Yan Buji could distinctly smell a fishy odor; for people of Kandao, hunting in the mountains and fishing in the waters is a common way of life.

The majority here are hunters and fishermen; Yan Buji walked the streets absentmindedly, then suddenly sensed something odd.

It wasn't a hidden strength on any individual, but a uniquely distinct sword intent that arrived; Yan Buji raised an eyebrow but kept moving forward without any action.

At that moment, a young boy in the crowd looked up, puzzled, scanning his surroundings.

"What's wrong, senior brother?" a cute girl in a dark long robe asked beside him.

"My sword heart sensed something; there seems to be a great villain nearby!" the boy said seriously.

"Ah, senior brother, we're not far from Zhi Sheng Dian; aren't some miscreants normal here? Besides, we're here this time for the sect's grand plan, don't forget that."

The boy shook his head, eyes gazing skyward, fists clenched: "Of course not. If I can't slay these scourges causing trouble, I won't stop."

"Then I'll go shopping first!"

"Hey, junior sister!"

The boy stared at the girl who ran off giggling, eyes widened in surprise.

"You said we should be careful for the sect's grand plan, why are you acting like a rabbit out of a cage?!"

He hurried after her, staying behind the girl to prevent her from causing trouble.

Meanwhile, Yan Buji, sipping a drink atop the tavern, squinted at the scene.

"This feels strange, as if someone is watching me again. But I have the Yan King Judgment Ghost tattoo; that shouldn't happen."

Even cultivators can't discern his strength; although Yan Buji doesn't think a mere tattoo can fool the world, why would a mere half‑step Sect Master boy emit such a bizarre sword intent?

And that girl's strength is surprisingly high; she looks only seventeen or eighteen yet has reached the edge of the Sect Master realm— in the mortal martial world, she'd be called a prodigy of the heavens!

What kind of force could cultivate these two youthful prodigies?

The Boundless Sword Sect?

Their courteous and calm demeanor doesn't seem like that of demonic cultivators, yet this is near Zhi Sheng Dian's territory; could their appearance be linked to Zhi Sheng Dian?

"Let's observe first, then decide."

Yan Buji chuckled and descended from the tavern.

At that moment, the boy grabbed the angry girl; in front of them stood several thug‑like adults, claiming they had broken his belongings.

"Clearly you approached first; I never pushed you!" the girl said, fuming.

The boy frowned, his anger toward the thugs simmering, but he knew causing a bigger mess to punish them would be unacceptable.

"It was you who bumped into me, causing me to drop a jar of century‑old fine wine. You don't even apologize or compensate, but instead slander us out of thin air. Anyone here think that's reasonable?" a man shouted loudly, and others joined in.

"Exactly, apologize and compensate!"

"Apologize and compensate!"

The surrounding crowd, confused, echoed the chant.

In an instant, the boy and girl's faces turned sour; both were young and already showing signs of a fight.

"Hold it!"

Yan Buji strode over and stood before them.

The boy cautiously glanced at Yan Buji, then wore a puzzled expression.

"This guy… really gets on my nerves!"

Yan Buji chuckled, clasped his hands and said, "You're all adults; there's no need to set a trap for two children, right?"

"Set a trap? Who are you, and what relation do you have with them?"

"No, I just can't stand you using such low‑brow tricks to swindle. The wine you mention is merely the cheapest foul brew. If that doesn't work, we could go to the authorities and have an official judge the matter, how about that?"

"You…"

"Haha, of course I understand you're angry; let's make a good connection today and I hope you'll be generous. If a real fight broke out, it would be entirely unnecessary, wouldn't it?"

Yan Buji tossed a purse toward them; the recipient opened it, and his face immediately broke into a smile.

"Hmph, girl, be more careful next time!"

The girl glared at him, "What did you say?!"

Yan Buji quickly turned, stopping the girl about to strike: "Alright, alright, both of you, it's better to settle than to feud. They're local big‑shots; causing trouble serves no one."

The boy remained wary, staring at Yan Buji: "Who are you again? What business do you have helping us?"

"It's fine, you two are so young; even the big and small folks in this city need to be careful. Farewell." Yan Buji clasped his fist and turned to leave.

"Thank you, uncle," the girl shouted.

The boy frowned; this person who mysteriously came to help them and then left always gave him a bad feeling.

"Senior brother, what's wrong?"

"Let's go back to our lodgings first and talk."

"Mm!"