The courtyard gate opened without a sound, and Old Man Greenstone walked in alone. Unlike his usual composure when presiding over the exchange gatherings, a trace of stubborn worry lingered between his brows, and his steps were somewhat heavy.
As he entered the courtyard, his gaze first fell on Ye Chen, who stood with his hands behind his back, his expression calm. Then he quickly glanced at Emperor Xuanwu beside him, whose presence was as unfathomable as a deep pool and as imposing as a towering mountain. The last shred of hope in his heart vanished completely. The one who had dispelled Jin Sheng's pressure with such effortless ease could only have been this seemingly elderly servant.
"I am Greenstone. Forgive my presumptuous visit, Young Master Ye, and please pardon the intrusion." Old Man Greenstone cupped his hands in greeting, adopting an exceedingly humble posture.
Ye Chen gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. He did not invite him to sit, merely saying evenly, "Greenstone Valley Master, instead of accompanying Inspector Jin at the Many Treasures Pavilion, you have come to my little courtyard. What brings you here?"
Old Man Greenstone gave a bitter smile. Knowing that Ye Chen might be displeased with his earlier evasiveness before the Inspector, he dispensed with any preamble and stated his purpose directly. "I have come first to apologize to you for my subordinates' many offenses yesterday, Young Master Ye. Second... I wish to make my position clear. Greenstone Valley has absolutely no intention of becoming your enemy."
"Oh?" Ye Chen remained noncommittal. "I understand your intentions, Valley Master. If there is nothing else, please leave."
Seeing that Ye Chen seemed unwilling to discuss the matter further, Old Man Greenstone grew anxious and hurriedly said, "Please wait, Young Master! There is something else I wish to tell you. It may be of some help."
Ye Chen paused and looked at him. "What is it?"
Old Man Greenstone took a deep breath, drew a black jade slip of ancient-looking material with slightly worn edges from his robes, and offered it with both hands. "This is an incomplete map concerning Black Wind Mountain and the Demon-Burying Abyss, which I happened upon during my travels through the Wasteland in my younger years. It records some routes through the outskirts, dangerous locations, and... several markings that may indicate remnants of ancient restrictions. It is far more detailed than the crude maps circulating on the market."
He paused, observing Ye Chen's expression, then continued, "Judging by your bearing, Young Master, you are certainly not someone who would remain beneath others for long. You must have some purpose in coming to the Blood-Baleful Wasteland. The Demon-Burying Abyss is exceptionally treacherous, and the Blood Skull Stronghold has been established for many years, with deep roots. Though this map is incomplete, it may spare you some trouble. Please also consider it a modest token of my sincerity."
Ye Chen's gaze settled on the black jade slip, but he did not immediately take it. Old Man Greenstone's gesture appeared to be an offering of allegiance and treasure, but in truth, he was choosing a side because he had no other option. He could not afford to offend the Sacred Emperor Palace, and he dared even less to provoke the mysterious force behind Ye Chen. He could only use this method to declare his neutrality, or even his inclination toward Ye Chen, in hopes of preserving Greenstone Valley through the coming storm.
"You are certainly willing to part with something valuable, Valley Master." Ye Chen wore the ghost of a smile.
Old Man Greenstone answered frankly, "I ask for nothing else. I only hope that if the winds and clouds change one day, you will remember this small service and show mercy to Greenstone Valley and its cultivators, granting us a thread of hope for survival." His words were deeply earnest, carrying a hint of pleading.
Ye Chen studied him for a moment, then finally reached out and took the jade slip, sweeping it briefly with his divine sense. The map within was indeed much more detailed than those Ye Xiaoshan had gathered. Not only did it mark Black Wind Mountain's terrain, but hidden caves, locations with abnormal spiritual energy, and several dangerous regions marked with special symbols were all clearly shown. Its records of the Demon-Burying Abyss's outskirts were especially thorough.
"I will accept this map." Ye Chen put away the jade slip and looked at Old Man Greenstone. "I understand your intentions, Valley Master. As long as Greenstone Valley does not take the initiative to oppose me, I guarantee this place will remain unharmed."
He promised nothing more, but to Old Man Greenstone, that single assurance was already an unexpected delight.
"Thank you, Young Master! Thank you!" Old Man Greenstone bowed repeatedly, and the heavy stone weighing on his heart finally settled somewhat. With this mysterious young master's assurance, he at least had a little more confidence should the Sacred Emperor Palace vent its anger on him.
"However," Ye Chen said, changing the subject, "I will leave Greenstone Valley tomorrow. You should still be wary of Inspector Jin. He may appear to have backed down for now, but he is by no means easy to deal with."
Old Man Greenstone's expression grew solemn. He nodded. "I understand. I will certainly handle him with care."
After seeing off the profusely grateful Old Man Greenstone, Ye Chen handed the black jade slip to Ye Xiaoshan. "Compare this with the map you drew and see whether you find anything new."
"Yes, Young Master!" As though he had acquired a priceless treasure, Ye Xiaoshan immediately carried the jade slip and his research notes off to one side and buried himself in his work.
"Young Master, that old fellow certainly knows what's good for him," Shi Meng said with a broad grin.
Emperor Xuanwu said evenly, "He is a clever man who knows how to judge the winds and tides. Surviving in the cracks between powers is no easy feat."
Ye Chen nodded. Old Man Greenstone's choice had been within his expectations. Acquiring this more detailed map was an unexpected bonus, one that would spare them a great deal of unnecessary exploration after entering Black Wind Mountain.
"How are the preparations?" Ye Chen asked Ye Yun and Mo Yu.
Ye Yun replied in a low voice, "Everything is ready. According to our current information, the Blood Skull Stronghold has a little over two hundred core members. Its chief, Blood Skull Old Man, is in secluded cultivation in Blood Skull Cave, in the deepest part of their lair, protected by formations. Of the two other deputy chiefs at the spirit transformation stage, one handles daily affairs, while the other guards the outer entrance to the Demon-Burying Abyss year-round."
Mo Yu added, "We have a rough grasp of the locations of their visible sentries and hidden checkpoints from Scar Wolf's group's memories and the information circulating in Greenstone Valley. They seem to have tightened security because of their chief's secluded cultivation and the Inspector's arrival, but they are not a solid slab of iron internally. The nascent soul leaders each have their own factions."
"Hmm." Ye Chen considered for a moment. "Since there are cracks within their ranks, we may be able to exploit them. We leave tomorrow. There is no need to conceal our movements. We will head straight to Black Wind Mountain."
A cold gleam flashed through his eyes. "If Blood Skull Old Man knows what is good for him and submits to me, I would not mind rooting out the chronic affliction in his body, helping him break through, and letting him serve as a steward. If he does not..."
There was no need to finish. Everyone understood what he meant.
That night, Greenstone Valley remained enveloped in a strange calm. No further disturbance came from the direction of the Many Treasures Pavilion, as though Jin Sheng truly had chosen to swallow his anger for the time being. The courtyard at the Guests Return inn was as peaceful as ever.
Only a handful of watchful people noticed that early the following morning, the mysterious outsiders settled their bill and left Greenstone Valley without any attempt at concealment. Their party of eleven headed northeast toward Black Wind Mountain, where the Blood Skull Stronghold held sway.
The news spread quickly, stirring another uproar.
"They... they actually went straight to Black Wind Mountain? To pick a fight with the Blood Skull Stronghold?"
"Heavens, they're about to poke a hornet's nest!"
"Blood Skull Old Man is at the spirit transformation late stage! He's been entrenched on Black Wind Mountain for years, with layer upon layer of formations. Aren't they marching to their deaths?"
"Not necessarily! Have you forgotten how humiliated the Sacred Emperor Palace's people were before them yesterday? If you ask me, the Blood Skull Stronghold may have kicked an iron plate this time!"
On the top floor of the Many Treasures Pavilion, Jin Sheng stood before the window, staring in the direction Ye Chen and his companions had departed, his eyes dark and sinister.
"They've gone to Black Wind Mountain... the Demon-Burying Abyss..." he murmured. "It seems that really is their target. Very well. Let the Blood Skull Stronghold test their mettle first. Pass down my orders: keep a close watch on Black Wind Mountain. Report back immediately as soon as there is a result!"
"Yes!"
A cold smile curled Jin Sheng's lips. When the snipe and the clam fought, the fisherman reaped the reward. Whatever the outcome, it would be no bad thing for him.
Meanwhile, Ye Chen and his companions had already stepped beyond the range of Greenstone Valley's formations and once again found themselves amid the desolate, oppressive Blood-Baleful Wasteland. Beneath the murky yellow daylight, distant Black Wind Mountain resembled a crouching giant beast, radiating an unsettling aura.
Ye Chen glanced at the black jade slip in his hand, then looked toward the faint outlines of the mountains. The corners of his lips lifted slightly.
"Let's go and meet that Blood Skull Stronghold Master."
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