Chapter 485: Seizing the Cauldron on a Rainy Night

Crack.

Thunderclouds churned, rain poured in torrents, mist billowed between the mountains, visibility extremely low!

Wang Fuzi was generous after all, directly granting a pass token, no need to wait for an audience with the Master of the Star-Plucking Tower!

Through the night rain and forest, Li Yuan strode forward, the gale and sudden rain unable to touch his body; Shan Xuan Jing true Qi radiated outward like a shield, not a drop could cling!

The benefit of thirty-six qi veins was now displayed in full!

His vigorous true Qi, channeled through the qi veins, could form small circulations even outside the body; so long as he wished, he could maintain it for an entire day without dispersing!

"Traveling on a rainy night is still comfortable!"

Walking through wind and rain, Li Yuan felt an indescribable sense of exhilaration; the pent-up pressure of ordinary days was mostly vented in the running!

He could not even tell whether he had come for the Yun Xiang Ding, or whether he simply wanted to go out!

But soon, he had gathered his thoughts; mid-stride he switched into a bamboo hat, hemp clothes, boots, a human-skin mask — this whole set of travel gear!

And with a single tremor of his body, he forcibly grew over a chi taller; from build to features, to clothing, to aura, everything changed — Shan Xuan Jing Hammer, Shan Xuan Jing Dou Hammer, Long Kun Jun Tian Hammer, Thunder Dragon Diao Tian Hammer, Divine Fire Thousand Beasts Boots Transformation, Divine Fire Hundred Beasts Boots…

Withdrawing his true Qi, wind and rain immediately rushed at his face; Li Yuan came to a halt atop a desolate mountain, taking stock of his various weapons while also surveying the surrounding peaks!

Within the Dinglong Mountain Range, there was only one mountain road passable by carts and horses!

If he did not make a move tonight, it would truly be a waste of such fine wind and rain…

Muttering this to himself, Li Yuan pressed down his bamboo hat, withdrew his true Qi, and followed the mountain road along one side, searching for people!

The weapon glows of Brother Brother Sikong, Jin Jin Zhu Feng and the others, he had all committed to memory; so long as they were in the mountains, there was no fear of not finding them

"Dinglong Mountain has only one road; if Jin Jin Zhu Feng wants to transport the Yun Xiang Ding, he must pass through here."

In a dense grove growing from the cliff face, Brother Brother Sikong, who had just soaked in a medicinal bath, wrapped in a greatcoat, stared fixedly at the mountain road below the cliff!

This mountain road was called the Dinglong Ancient Road, cutting through the lands of two Dao; thus, although perilous, merchant caravans had never been lacking here.

As the saying goes, those who live by the mountain eat from the mountain, those who live by the water eat from the water!

Naturally, this mountain also bred a great many bandits, who lived by plundering passing caravans and the nearby mountain folk!

Where Brother Brother Sikong was now was a small Shanzhai; a friend who was also a man of the green forest, naturally he was staying here!

"You really are a born thief's bone; even in this state, still thinking of pulling a job!"

The speaker was a woman in black, tall and slender, a long saber at her waist; her name was Yun Zheyue, also a figure of note on the Divine Thief Rankings!

But Bi Qi Wu Gong, what she was more talked about was her connections among the green forest folk!

At this moment, in the dense grove where she was, dozens of green forest experts were hidden, not lacking bandit chiefs who had plundered entire regions!

Brother Brother Sikong's chest felt tight; he had nearly died at Jin Jin Zhu Feng's hands, yet he still shook his head: "The Yun Xiang Ding, I cannot touch it again."

"I, want to avenge this arrow's grudge; that Jin Jin Zhu Feng, he bullies too far…"

At this point, Yun Zheyue keenly noticed Brother Brother Sikong's reddened eye sockets; he had ground his teeth to dust!

Don't touch that Yun Xiang Ding, then everything is easy to discuss!

Hearing the two's discussion, some green forest experts felt slightly relieved; a constable from the Jingping Bureau was not as precious as the Yun Xiang Ding!

At least the former, even if several died, would not bring down an imperial

edict!

"Revenge for grudge, vengeance for grievance; so long as Brother Brother Sikong does not set his mind on the Yun Xiang Ding, we brothers will surely give our full aid!"

When someone opened the door, naturally there were those who echoed; in the night rain it was not so obvious!

This group, not easy to deal with…

A sidelong glance swept over the bandit chiefs; Brother Brother Sikong had actually been watching this lot the whole time, although he too was classed among the green forest folk!

But in his heart he felt he and these bandits were not of the same sort; what he did was skilled work, these people were too crude!

"Speaking of which, Brother Brother Sikong truly is a tough bone!"

In the dense grove, a

very tall big man spoke, and the surrounding bandits immediately fell silent, seemingly taking him as their leader!

Yun Zheyue also lowered her head slightly!

This big man was named Yun Jun, her elder brother, and also the head of the thirty-six green forest gangs of the Thunder Sound Great Province, a figure who had nearly made it onto the Hero Rankings!

The big man held a broad-bladed greatsword, his gaze very sharp: "I heard from my men that you were tortured by that Jingping Bureau constable over a dozen times, preferring to be beheaded rather than reveal the whereabouts of that senior behind you?"

Brother Brother Sikong's face turned green, nearly spitting blood!

If he had any idea who that old thing was, what he looked like, he could never have endured so many rounds of vinegar-style torture!

Heaven have mercy, he had never dreamed in his sleep that he would become the tough bone in the mouths of these desperadoes

"Yun, Brother Yun, see clearly into me; I truly, truly do not know!"

Feeling the gazes from all around, Brother Brother Sikong lowered his head in stifled frustration!

Yun Jun said nothing, but the green forest experts could no longer hold back: "Could Brother Brother Sikong still be treating us as outsiders?"

"Damn it, so many of us brothers have died, and you still hiding and holding back?"

"Surnamed Brother Sikong, you best answer Big Brother's question."

The mountain forest immediately erupted in argument; it was Yun Zheyue who transmitted her voice to scold them into silence, while she herself spoke softly: "Brother Brother Sikong, who does not know that last time at Mount Hengshan city, a Grandmaster made a move and saved you from Brother Zhongli Wang Luan's hands?

"

She walked closer slowly: "That Brother Zhongli Wang Luan is a figure on the Hero Rankings; even a Grandmaster, without a great connection, would dare to save someone from his hands?"

Every word Yun Zheyue spoke carried reason; the green forest experts in the mountain forest stared fixedly, and Brother Brother Sikong instantly felt his head swell as big as a bushel!

Similar things had happened many times over these past days, but how was he to answer?

"Enough!"

After a brief silence, it was still Yun Jun who spoke; he raised his hand and tossed over a bottle of pills: "Since Brother Brother Sikong does not treat us as his own brothers, then take these healing pills and be off quickly."

"Brother Yun, Brother Yun…"

Brother Brother Sikong wanted to cry but had no tears; he deeply regretted it—he should never have set his sights on the Yun Xiang Ding!

How could he have known who that old man was?

He's said it many times, but neither the Jingping Si nor these people here believe him!

"Yun Mei Zi…"

He looked at Yun Zhaoyue, but she turned away and refused to look at him!

"Ah!"

Brother Brother Sikong stamped his foot and sighed: "Why must you all force me? This concerns the imperial court—my master, even if he is an Ultimate Master, would never wish to reveal himself!"

"Ultimate Master?"

""

"Is your master, Brother Brother Sikong, truly an Ultimate Master?"

"Er…"

A low murmur swept through the dense forest; many drew sharp breaths!

What is an Ultimate Master?

In the martial world, only the top ten names on the Hero List qualify as Ultimate Masters!

Long Xi Xiang of old, Nie Xianshan today, Xie Wangsun, Chi Zhuoyang—these are titans who have been renowned for decades!

Others, even geniuses like Brother Zhongli Wang Luan, cannot be called "Ultimate"!

"Brother Brother Sikong has such fortune?"

Yun Jun gripped his massive blade; he, too, was deeply moved—those ten names, including those who had fallen off the list, were all universally known!

How could such a titan take a thief as a disciple?

"Ah!"

""

Having decided to lie, Brother Brother Sikong grew calm; he sighed: "I was fortunate to enter my master's door many years ago, but due to my poor talent, I was never formally admitted as a disciple…"

He paused slightly, glanced at the crowd, then lowered his voice: "Otherwise, why would I steal the Yun Xiang Ding?"

"This?"

Yun Jun and his sister exchanged glances—they now believed him at least seventy percent!

In their view, unless there was an enormous benefit, no one would ever dare touch the Yun Xiang Ding—it was an imperial prohibition, even the Wudadao Sect publicly avoided it!

He wouldn't touch the Yun Xiang Ding—it's the imperial court's forbidden territory; even the Wudadao Sect has to tread carefully on the surface!

How many Ultimate Masters are there? Probably just a Master? Hmph—there's clearly someone hiding behind him…

Yun Jun's mind turned; his attitude naturally improved.

The truth isn't believed; lies are believed everywhere!

Seeing the shift in their attitudes, Brother Brother Sikong felt helpless, yet feared they'd demand an introduction—he quickly turned toward the mountain base: "Brother Yun, has Jin Wan Zhuliu shown any movement tonight?"

Yun Jun glanced at a figure in the corner; the short man stepped forward and bowed: "Report, Captain—about half an hour ago, a convoy entered the mountain, but we don't know if it's Jin Wan Zhuliu!"

"No matter—whether it is or isn't, we'll find out!"

Yun Jun rose swiftly, waved his hand, and the forest's bandits scattered in perfect order—clearly disciplined!

Brother Brother Sikong watched in awe—there were such elite fighters among the bandits!

"Brother Brother Sikong's enemy is my enemy. Jin Wan Zhuliu may be formidable, but I am not afraid of him!"

Yun Jun clapped Brother Brother Sikong on the shoulder, his rugged face twisting into a grin: "If I seize this Yun Xiang Ding, will you introduce me to your master?"

"Brother Brother Sikong is truly talented—what a smooth lie!"

In the same dense forest, thirty meters from Brother Brother Sikong, Li Yuan stood with arms crossed, wearing a wide-brimmed hat!

He squinted slightly—these bandits were clearly organized, swift, and orderly; they didn't act like thieves, but like trained soldiers!

"Not quite—some are elite, others are rabble…"

Li Yuan's expression turned subtle: "Is there a mole among them?"

With his stealth skills, finding Brother Brother Sikong was effortless—he'd heard every word they spoke!

He sensed, faintly, that these people had great interest in Brother Brother Sikong's nonexistent master—himself.

Vaguely, he could sense that this group had a great deal of interest in Brother Brother Sikong's non-existent master—that is, himself.

Li Yuan pondered briefly—and realized it was very likely.

"Of course—I knew Brother Brother Sikong's journey was too dramatic: a beautiful lover, duels with the Jingping Si!"

"Right, I was saying Brother Brother Sikong's journey has been quite the spectacle—beauties by his side, outwitting the Jingping Bureau left and right!"

Now suspicious, Li Yuan grew more convinced by the moment.

Instantly, he turned and vanished into the nearby forest.

He had already mastered Wind Tiger Cloud Dragon to some degree; combined with the torrential rain, even an Ultimate Master would struggle to detect him—what of these people?

Hidden in the forest, Li Yuan chose an excellent spot—his view was wide, covering most of the cliff face and the winding path below.

Hidden within the mountain forest, the spot Li Yuan had chosen was not bad; the line of sight was wide open, allowing him to see most of the cliff face and the rugged mountain path beneath it!

Lei She rolled through the air?

Soon, Li Yuan saw a convoy approaching from below—but from afar, he saw no glint of blades. Then, shouts rose from below, mingling with bold cries of "Jingping Si!" and "Jin Mou!"

Indeed—it's the Jingping Si… They've gone to great lengths to catch me!

Li Yuan gazed far into the distance; through the night rain, he faintly saw Jin Wan Zhuliu standing tall with spear in hand, radiating commanding presence.

Li Yuan gazed into the distance, peering through the night rain, and faintly made out Jin Jin Zhu Feng standing with spear raised before the caravan, his presence utterly overbearing!

Listening to the shouting and threats below, Li Yuan couldn't help but find it amusing.

Listening to the loud confrontation at the foot of the mountain and the shouts of fighting and killing, Li Yuan couldn't help but find it rather interesting!

If it weren't for the fact that he had been secretly observing for a long time, he figured he really might have been fooled?

"To go fishing, you've got to have bait, right?"

Li Yuan unhurriedly controlled all manner of weapons one by one with his palms!

A moment later, he vanished into the shadows!

"Kill."

"Kill these imperial court hounds."

"Cut them down."

The fury that even the night rain could not conceal spread far into the distance; on the mountain path, the clash of weapons rang out in a cacophony, severed arms and mangled limbs occasionally flying up, blood splashing everywhere!

Before the convoy, Jin Jin Zhu Feng's face was dark as water, and a row of long spears buzzed with a "zheng zheng" trembling hum!

A short bandit was sent flying half into the air by his spear thrust: "Yun Jun, you dare rob my Jingping Division's"

"convoy?"

"Hahaha."

In the night rain came a low, great laugh; under Brother Brother Sikong's admiring gaze, Yun Jun strode up, broad blade in hand, and like a falling meteor plunged down from the cliff edge, a violent blade-light whistling down, slashing straight at Jin Jin Zhu Feng!

"What does this great master dare not do?"

"Take your life!"

Boom.

The great battle erupted with a thunderous crash!

"Kill."

Brother Brother Sikong felt his blood boiling, and charged down along with the bandits, his long blade spinning, and in no time he cut down several men!

"Brother Brother Sikong!"

Yun Zheyue reached out and grabbed him, saying in a low voice: "Your wounds haven't healed yet, you mustn't charge too far ahead…"

Brother Brother Sikong immediately calmed down, but his gaze couldn't help drifting toward the carriage right in the middle of the convoy!

Wooo!

From within the shadows, Li Yuan arrived with the wind; separated by a hundred and eighty-some meters, he had already spotted the gleaming weapon-light within that carriage 【Cold Moon Cold Light Sword (Sixth-Tier)】

【Yun Xiang Ding (Fifth-Tier)】

"Just this?"

At one glance, Li Yuan's heart was suddenly filled with shock and suspicion, sensing something was off!

"Cold Light Sword… among the famous constables in Jingping Division who are renowned for their swordsmanship, there seems to be one called Sun Xiu?"

Those bandits and mountain thieves all suspected themselves to be Grandmasters, yet Jingping Division had only hidden a single Sun Xiu in the carriage?

When something is out of the ordinary, there must be something fishy.

In a flash, Daoist Li had already made his decision; even though

that Yun Xiang Ding was right before his eyes, he still turned around and vanished into the shadows!

"Kill."

The slaughter on the mountain path lasted a long time!

Li Yuan watched coldly from the sidelines, watching the bandits fight and roar, watching carriage after carriage being smashed to the ground, watching Brother Brother Sikong narrowly escape death — and still did not move!

"Ah."

After a long while, accompanied by a reluctant scream, Brother Brother Sikong was sent tumbling to the ground by a palm strike, rolling several times in the mud, already unconscious!

And the fierce slaughter on the mountain path also stopped at this moment!

"Missed again."

Yun Jun lightly shook his long blade, his face full of displeasure: "Old Jin, how many times has this been now? If you can't catch that person again, Laozi is going to hand over every single one of his men on the greenwood path to you."

"A bunch of bandit scum, dead is dead!"

Jin Jin Zhu Feng shook the blood from his spear tip, looked all around, his brow tightly furrowed, feeling utterly vexed: "How can that old fellow be so patient?"