The Journey, Part Two

Lin Xin noticed that the Red Ridge Gate people were carrying a large white banner, emblazoned with a huge blood-red character: Zhou.

"Zhou... Zhou Huaishe?"

Zhou Huaishe, sixth on the Heavenly Ranking, known as the Skinning Blade. A monstrous devil-path overlord whom the Heavenly Fortune Path had pursued and wanted for hundreds of years at the height of its power. Several years ago, he challenged Huang Yuerong, was defeated within three moves, and taken under her command, becoming the Red Banner King.

Along with him was the Inception Enchantress, Meng Xinruo, eighth on the Heavenly Ranking. She too had been subdued by Huang Yuerong and became one of Red Ridge Gate's most reliable right- and left-hand aides, overseeing the stability of the eastern and western regions.

The boat glided slowly onward. Seven Kill Sect's grounds grew farther and farther away. Only when the sun sank westward, the light dimmed, and the reeds blocked it from view completely did Lin Xin withdraw his gaze.

After passing Seven Kill Sect and going ashore, Lin Xin transferred to a carriage and continued his journey. Several days later, after passing through two great cities, he finally entered the bounds of his destination—Shaluo Township Province.

Shaluo Township Province was covered in hills and woodland, its terrain primitive. Many places had neither mountain paths nor carriage roads and could only be crossed on foot.

At a small town on the border, Lin Xin replenished his food and drink, bought a fine horse, and followed an escort convoy familiar with the roads into Shaluo Township Province.

He did not use spiritual energy, traveling entirely as an ordinary person would. His expression was mild, neither hurried nor impatient. This state was best suited to suppressing hallucinations and corruption.

The escort convoy's people were mostly kind as well. Believing