Chapter 193

Longhu Temple!

The noise before the city gate suddenly vanished; all eyes fell upon the sturdy, unremarkable youth.

The Da Yun Dynasty was founded on martial prowess and ruled through sects; this sect was the Fu Sect, the Zhou Sect, but in most people's minds, it was the Dao Sect.

The Five Great Dao Sects of Da Yun dominated the world; Longhu Temple was the master of Hengshandao Sect and the foremost among the top hundred sects.

"Yu Yu Xuanfeng?"

Yan Yan Qingyuan squinted slightly: "Brother Yu, has Yan done something to offend you?"

Longhu Temple is indeed Hengshandao Sect, but it currently has over twenty thousand disciples, and its eighty thousand Longhu Soldiers all call themselves Longhu disciples.

With his Wu Gong status, ordinary inner and outer sect disciples would not frighten him.

"Offend..."

Yu Yu Xuanfeng let out a light snort, just as he felt a weight settle on his shoulder; his expression changed instantly.

"The child is ignorant, Brother Yan, please forgive him."

A tall woman in yellow stepped out from behind Yu Yu Xuanfeng, bowing slightly: "Inner sect disciple of Longhu Temple, Yu Yu Xuanji, greetings, Brother Yan."

"So it's Sister Yu."

Yan Yan Qingyuan's expression softened slightly; he had a faint memory: "Sister Yu, are you heading to Shenbing Valley? Then we may travel together."

"Merely passing through; another disciple is responsible for this place."

Yu Yu Xuanji gripped her younger brother's hand, her voice gentle: "We won't trouble you."

Saying this, she did not wait for a reply; she pulled Yu Yu Xuanfeng, whose face was full of resentment, away in quick steps—both had excellent lightness skills and vanished into the crowd entering the city soon after.

"Longhu Temple."

Yan Yan Qingyuan cast a faint glance at the old driver; seeing him give a slight nod, he turned and walked toward Shenbing Mountain.

"That Yan Yan Qingyuan has no connection to us—why did you provoke him?"

In the tavern, Yu Yu Xuanji's face was full of displeasure.

"I just can't stand his pretentious manner; anyone who doesn't know would think he's a true heir of the Dao Sect!"

Yu Yu Xuanfeng's eyes burned with defiance: "Back in Huizhou City, he had streets cleared for his passage—these people are ruining the reputations of all sects!"

"I shouldn't have brought you out."

Yu Yu Xuanji glared at him: "Until our master arrives, don't leave the city—don't cause any more trouble!"

"Huh? When will our master arrive?"

Yu Yu Xuanfeng's face drooped; he remembered their master had gone to seek the forging master of Qixing Palace.

"Don't think Longhu Temple's name will scare everyone off—when Daoist Tianyun Daoist Tianyun Xuanbing is involved, there are countless desperate men."

Yu Yu Xuanji was very cautious.

How could she not know what Daoist Tianyun Daoist Tianyun Xuanbing meant?

The Zhenwu King holds the top spot on the Divine List precisely because of that Fumo Longshen Dao.

"Hmph."

Seeing Yu Yu Xuanfeng still defiant, she considered a moment—perhaps she should tie him up to keep him quiet.

Huh huh~

On the Da Yun River, a lone boat drifted downstream; Wan Chuan sat at the bow, while Brother Qiao Tianhe boiled fish soup behind him.

"Master, are we leaving already? The Liehai Yu Xuanjing Hammer—I'd at least like to see it!"

Brother Qiao Tianhe couldn't stop thinking about it.

"Keep boiling your fish soup."

Wan Chuan's face was grim; he deeply regretted coming on this trip—gained nothing, lost plenty.

He had foolishly joined Zhaixing Tower, been held by the throat with incriminating evidence; just thinking of it, a nameless fire surged in his chest.

"Brother Wan!"

Suddenly, Wan Chuan looked up and saw someone waving from the riverbank.

"Hmm?"

Wan Chuan's eyelids flickered: "Gong Gong Jiuchuan?"

Shua!

A commotion arose on the bank; a figure moved with the wind, stepping across the water, approaching swiftly.

Brother Qiao Tianhe lifted his head.

The newcomer wore a dark, loose robe, with jet-black hair and beard, but two long eyebrows were pure silver, untainted by any gray.

"Brother Gong! You're not supposed to be secluded in the mountains—what brings you here?"

Wan Chuan rose to greet him, slightly startled.

Even this old man was dragged out by Daoist Tianyun Daoist Tianyun Xuanbing?

One of the Ten Elders of Longhu Temple, this man ranked last, was youngest in age, yet was personally trained by Grandmaster Long Long Yingchan.

His "Longhu Zhen Gang" was unmatched on Mount Hengshan, famed throughout the world.

"As the saying goes, when stillness reaches its peak, movement arises—I haven't left the mountain in thirty years, and I've truly grown restless."

Gong Gong Jiuchuan walked on water as if on solid ground, without any visible motion, yet remained perfectly level with the downstream boat.

"When leaving the world, leave it; when entering the world, enter it—Brother Gong, how carefree."

Wan Chuan smiled and invited him aboard: "A few days ago, I passed through Shenbing Valley and caught a Red Dragon Fish—if you don't mind, care to taste it?"

"Then I shall trouble you."

Gong Gong Jiuchuan smiled faintly, stepped onto the small boat; it was not large, and the two sat facing each other, leaving Brother Qiao Tianhe crouching in the cabin after bowing in greeting.

"These fish are truly delicious."

Gong Gong Jiuchuan tasted two bites, then pulled a wine gourd from his sleeve: "Home-brewed liquor—does Brother Wan still remember it?"

"Lawful wine?"

Wan Chuan's eyes lit up, and he quickly reached out to take it.

Longhu Lawful Wine is brewed by the master brewer of Longhu Temple, distilled from the essences of a hundred herbs, fruits, and flowers—sweet yet potent, with the added benefit of nourishing the body and replenishing the spirit.

The two took turns drinking, and soon the wine was gone, the fish finished.

Brother Qiao Tianhe crouched to the side, swallowing saliva—those two old bastards hadn't left him a single bite…

"Thank you, Brother Wan, for your hospitality."

Only then did Gong Gong Jiuchuan speak: "Actually, I've come with several requests for you, Brother Wan."

"Brother Gong, you jest—you're a senior elder of Longhu Temple, of the highest status; why would you need Brother Wan's help?"

Wan Chuan was wary.

The more important the request from a powerful figure, the less you should agree—no need to think, it's certainly no good.

"It's nothing major."

Gong Gong Jiuchuan wiped the grease from his hands: "The Longhu Army needs to order a batch of high-grade blades—roughly 120,000 pieces, mostly knives, swords, and hammers. Also, two thousand sets of heavy armor, and thirty thousand Jiao horses…"

"Huh? That many?"

Wan Chuan sucked in a breath, straightening instantly: "I'll help with this, Brother Wan absolutely will!"

"Also, I'd like to borrow your 'Chiyan Bihuo Pearl'…"

Negotiating terms!

Wan Chuan narrowed his eyes slightly, but after considering the massive deal, he hesitated briefly, then produced the Chiyan Bihuo Pearl:

"Longhu Temple doesn't lack Jiao blood—Brother Gong must have prepared some?"

"Naturally."

Gong Gong Jiuchuan reached out and took the Bihuo Pearl: "Thirdly, I need to borrow your disciple."

"Impossible!"

Wan Chuan's face darkened; he flatly refused.

"Won't you at least hear why?"

"No!"

Wan Chuan's face hardened: "Brother Gong, Longhu Temple has no shortage of geniuses—why target my disciple?"

"Though Longhu Temple has no lack of talented disciples, forging prodigies are rare."

Gong Gong Jiuchuan paused slightly, then said:

"Or perhaps, Brother Wan, you could tell me—what exactly happened that day beneath the Divine Weapon Valley? Did the Shan Xuan Bing Mi Jing ever emerge?"

His face still carried a faint smile, but Wan Chuan frowned: "Brother Gong suspects me?"

"The sect's message came thirty-two days ago: in Zhe Long Prefecture, Divine Weapon Mountain experienced a slight tremor—suspected emergence of the Shan Xuan Bing Mi Jing…"

Gong Gong Jiuchuan's expression grew slightly serious: "Brother Wan, you are a Divine Smith, of high status—but even you cannot hold onto Daoist Tianyun Daoist Tianyun Xuanbing, nor can Qixing Palace protect it."

"…You think I took the Liehai Yu Xuanjing Hammer?"

Wan Chuan's face was filled with shock.

"Compared to the others, you have the best talent, and the forging gift—you're clearly the most likely. Of course, I don't suspect you."

Gong Gong Jiuchuan glanced at Brother Qiao Tianhe, who shuddered and shrank back into the cabin.

"But…"

"But what?"

Wan Chuan was growing impatient—he couldn't take this blame; if he did, his sect and clan would be annihilated.

"Once the leader of the Xieshen Sect casts his next divination, things may no longer be under control."

Gong Gong Jiuchuan gave him a long look, then turned and left: "The Xieshen Sect isn't as reasonable as I am…"

"…."

Watching Gong Gong Jiuchuan's retreating figure, Wan Chuan stood bewildered in the wind—what in the world was going on?

"Master?"

Brother Qiao Tianhe stepped forward, eyes gleaming: "You didn't actually get the Liehai Yu Xuanjing Hammer, did you?"

"Get lost!"

Wan Chuan kicked him.

Brother Qiao Tianhe splashed into the water.

…

…

After staying two days in Yunju County, on the third day, Li Yuan and the other took two swift horses and set off.

Traveling light, though two days late, they quickly caught up with the earlier escort caravan.

But…

As dusk approached, the wild winds howled.

In the fields beside the road, corpses lay scattered haphazardly, along with over a dozen dead horses.

"One cut, one death—brutal, ruthless. Killed without looting—the perpetrators aren't bandits—they're assassins!"

Fang Fang Bao Luo dismounted and swiftly examined the battlefield: "As I suspected—the Dingyuan Escort Guild was carrying a covert shipment."

"They were ambushed last night."

Li Yuan scanned the area, frowning slightly: "It's probably not a high-level expert—looks like they poisoned first."

Warriors have strong physiques, but poison still works effectively; he had studied some pharmacology and could discern certain things.

"There must be an inside man."

Fang Fang Bao Luo squinted slightly: "If this really is a covert escort, trouble might come our way…"

He paused briefly, turning to Li Yuan:

"Just in case, I'll go ahead and scout the path."

"Alright."

Li Yuan had no objection—Daoist Tianyun Daoist Tianyun Xuanbing disciples always crushed danger at its source.

Whatever the reason, if there's even a chance you're being watched, you must eliminate that "possibility."

Soon, the two split up: Li Yuan strolled along at his usual pace, while Fang Fang Bao Luo spurred his horse forward.

"Fang Senior Brother acts prudently—no need to worry."

Watching Fang Fang Bao Luo disappear into the distance, Li Yuan led his horse around the nearby Lin Zili, then emerged with a completely altered appearance.

Following Han Han Chuijun's advice, he'd applied medicinal ointment—his scent had changed drastically, so much so that even the little rat nearly failed to recognize him.

…

Riding alone through the martial world, Li Yuan found it dull.

Along the way, he hadn't seen a single soul; even sleeping at night made him uneasy, forcing him to hang the little rat from a tree branch.

Traveling alone in the wilds, Li Yuan slowed his pace, walking slowly each day, spending most of his time either practicing Wu Gong or reading.

The transformation techniques left by Old Han were invaluable, and each rereading revealed new insights.

Every time Li Yuan gained something new, he'd test it in the Shan Xuan Bing Mi Jing—and after many attempts, his Wu Gong had advanced further.

And on his second ascent of the mountain, he had already reached the thirteen-hundredth step.

The higher up the inverted mountain, the stronger the warriors encountered, but the fewer in number, and the greater the rewards from each clash.

Four days later, the two brothers reunited.

"A few bands of bandits, plus rivals from Dingyuan Escort Bureau lurking in the shadows—I killed a batch, and the rest scattered."

Fang Fang Bao Luo spoke casually, his body still reeking of blood.

"As long as they're not after us, it's fine."

Li Yuan felt a slight easing in his chest—he'd already planned to seek out Fang Fang Bao Luo in two more days; luckily, their meeting was merely coincidence.

"Traveling the martial world—caution is paramount. Even mere suspicion demands striking first!"

Fang Fang Bao Luo instructed his junior brother.

Li Yuan nodded repeatedly, committing every word to memory.

…

…

With no further incidents, ten days later, Li Yuan saw the familiar Fa Jiu Mountain—and the Bishui Lake he had often mentioned but never visited.

Below the mountain lay a lake, filled with fish; numerous villages dotted the foothills and lakeshore, their people relying on the mountains and waters for survival.

"Gao Liu County!"

Far off, Li Yuan spotted the walls of Gao Liu County, his heart stirring slightly.

He felt no special attachment to Gao Liu County, but all his kin in this life resided here.

"Junior brother, you head back to Huicheng first—I'll wander nearby."

Fang Fang Bao Luo reined in his horse: "Just now on the road, I spotted the mark of Shenbing Valley—I'll take a detour to check it out."

"Alright."

Li Yuan nodded and immediately took leave of Fang Fang Bao Luo, leading his horse toward Gao Liu County.

It was midsummer, the weather excellent.

The gates of Gao Liu County bustled with people—woodcutters, nearby mountain folk, merchants, and passing travelers.

After two years apart, seeing the familiar city stirred emotions in Li Yuan.

"Huh?"

As Li Yuan prepared to enter, a glance to the side made his eyelid twitch—he'd caught two flashes of blue light.

"Famed weapons?"

Li Yuan narrowed his eyes—such weapons appearing in Gao Liu County were far too conspicuous.

Still, he merely noted the two men in his mind and led his horse into the city.

…

…

After two years apart, Gao Liu County had changed somewhat, but not drastically.

The old Chaiyu Gang was gone; a new Chaiyu Gang had risen, and all the factions Han Han Chuijun had wiped out had been replaced.

The forge shop remained.

Upon returning to Rongsheng Alley, Li Yuan saw the forge shop had transformed—its gate tower now towered much higher, crowds flowed incessantly, and business thrived.

Li Yuan looked up and spotted a notice on the nearby wall recruiting apprentices—its benefits far surpassed what he'd received in his day.

Free meals and lodging, seventy cash per month—enough to buy three jin of pork, double what he'd earned before.

"Sun Fatty wasn't this generous—was it Second Sister's idea?"

Li Yuan smiled as he drew closer, hearing the familiar clang of hammer on steel, and faintly, Zhang Ben's shouts.

Old Zhang truly loved forging—even now as Shopkeeper, he spent most of his time in the forge room.

"I still owe Old Zhang a famed weapon—well, I'll make one for him to see."

Li Yuan was already looking forward to Old Zhang's expression—he had now reached such a height in forging that it would shock the old man terribly.

"Cough, cough~"

Li Yuan was about to stop by the forge to see Zhang Ben when he suddenly sensed something and turned around, seeing an old man in a coarse tunic coughing lightly as he gazed at him:

"Master Wang?"

Li Yuan's heart leapt—despite his current Wu Gong, even now he could not fathom this old teacher.

Or was he truly without Wu Gong?

Wang Wen Yuan coughed lightly and smiled:

"Little Yuan, it's been a long time."