As he walked, he kept feeling that something was off. This seemed like the right road, yet somehow it did not.
Chen Ming walked along a mountain path, looking at the surrounding peaks. This did not seem to be the route he had taken before.
"Kill! Kill! Kill them! Don't let a single one escape..."
Suddenly, cries of slaughter came from ahead. Among them, he could vaguely make out a deep, booming voice.
Chen Ming activated Shrouding Smoke Steps and headed toward the voices. He saw more than twenty burly men wielding broadswords surrounding three horse-drawn wagons, two of which carried goods.
They were the sort of large flatbed carts pulled by a single horse. Each carried seven large wooden chests, and beside each cart stood four broadsword-wielding men in matching uniforms, in addition to the driver!
At the front was a passenger carriage with a curtained canopy. At a command from the bandit leader, the two groups began fighting!
Seeing this, Chen Ming did not approach. Instead, he leaped onto a large tree, sat down, and quietly watched the situation below.
"Huh!"
As he watched, he suddenly noticed that the white-clad figure at the front looked familiar. On closer inspection, it was actually Li Feiyu. He immediately activated the Wind-Riding Art and floated down from the tree.
As soon as he landed in front of the carriage, he activated the Fireball Technique. Seven fireballs appeared above his palm. With a gentle flick, he sent them flying, followed by several screams!
Seven burly men burst into raging flames, screaming and rolling on the ground, cries of agony pouring ceaselessly from their mouths!
At this sudden turn of events, the bandit leader glanced over and instantly turned pale. He feinted with his saber, then turned and fled.
Chen Ming waved his hand lightly and unleashed the Fireball Technique again. Several more men erupted in flames as he watched the fleeing leader.
Chen Ming smiled faintly and activated the Object Manipulation Art. A broadsword appeared in his hand. With a light flick, he sent it shooting forward. It pierced the man's chest, and with a scream, he collapsed to the ground.
"Spare us, Immortal Master! Spare us, Immortal Master..."
Seeing this, the dozen or so remaining bandits hurriedly threw down their broadswords and dropped to their knees, begging Chen Ming for mercy. They repeatedly knocked their heads against the ground, shouting at the tops of their voices.
The convoy's escorts were also startled by the sight. They stared blankly, at a complete loss over what to do!
"Doctor Mo?"
Li Feiyu, who was leading the escorts, hurried over. When he got a clear look at the man before him and realized it was Doctor Mo, he was momentarily speechless. He had never imagined that Doctor Mo was also an immortal cultivator.
But that makes sense, he thought. Even his disciple Han Li has become an immortal cultivator, so why wouldn't his master be one?
"Mm! Feiyu! Why are you here instead of at the Seven Mysteries Sect? You've even taken to working as an escort!"
Chen Ming looked at Li Feiyu with some puzzlement as he asked!
"Doctor Mo, I'm actually carrying out a mission for the Sect. As for these bandits, what do you think..."
As Li Feiyu spoke, he glanced at the terrified bandits kneeling nearby, asking for instructions.
"Deal with them as you see fit!"
Chen Ming merely glanced at them and spoke casually!
Li Feiyu exchanged a meaningful look with his deputy, then immediately rushed at the bandits, who were still kowtowing. His blade rose and fell, screams ringing out one after another. Before long, they had all been cut down.
"Feiyu! Where are you headed?"
As Li Feiyu came over after clearing the battlefield, Chen Ming asked offhandedly.
"Doctor Mo, we're heading to Qu Ling City!"
After hearing Chen Yang's question, Li Feiyu told him their destination!
"I see! It happens to have been several years since I last visited Qu Ling City. I'll accompany you!"
Chen Ming considered it for a moment before speaking.
"This junior is Yu Wenxiu. Thank you, Immortal Master, for saving the lives of my entire family, young and old."
Having heard the commotion outside and learned what had happened, the employer seated in the carriage-a somewhat plump middle-aged man-brought his wife and children before Chen Ming. He bowed deeply and spoke respectfully.
After casually sending Yu Wenxiu and his family away, Chen Ming sat on a chest in the last wagon.
He noticed that Li Feiyu looked somewhat pained, then saw him take out a pill from inside his clothing. Just as he was about to swallow it, Chen Ming reached forward, and the pill floated over for him to inspect.
"A Marrow-Extracting Pill? You're actually taking something like this!"
Holding the Marrow-Extracting Pill, Chen Ming examined it and spoke with a light chuckle.
"Marrow-Extracting Pills forcibly draw out your potential. Their effects are considerable, and the first dose works best, but they shorten your lifespan. They're also addictive. The symptoms flare up at a fixed time each month, making every bone in your body feel as though it's about to split. You have to take another dose to relieve the pain!"
Looking at Li Feiyu, whose face was beginning to turn ashen and whose whole body trembled slightly as he endured the pain, he continued.
"Take this. It's an Origin-Restoring Pill. It can eliminate the side effects of the Marrow-Extracting Pill. Don't take that stuff again!"
Chen Ming crushed the Marrow-Extracting Pill into powder and lightly scattered it onto the dirt. Then he searched his clothing, took out an emerald-green pill, and tossed it to Li Feiyu.
Li Feiyu caught the pill but did not swallow it. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent.
In fact, Li Feiyu still remembered what Han Li had told him back then. That was why he intended to force himself to endure the pain rather than take this pill!
Han Li had previously told him that Doctor Mo could cure him, but he would lose his cultivation. He had refused at the time. Even if he died, he did not want to lose his cultivation.
"What? Aren't you going to take it? This is good stuff. I wouldn't bear to give it to just anyone!"
Watching Li Feiyu clutch the pill while continuing to endure the pain, Chen Ming spoke in puzzlement.
"Doctor Mo, I don't want to lose my cultivation!"
Li Feiyu forced the words out.
"What are you talking about? Oh! I forgot!"
"This pill has no side effects. It strengthens your foundation and restores your vitality! It won't make you lose your cultivation. What are you thinking, you silly boy?"
After hearing that, Chen Ming initially wanted to scold him. Then he suddenly remembered that, in the original story, Han Li had told Li Feiyu he could cure his physical condition, but the price would be losing his cultivation. Rolling his eyes, he explained with a scolding tone!
Could Brother Han Li have lied to me? As an Immortal Master, Doctor Mo has no reason to deceive a mortal like me! After thinking it over, Li Feiyu swallowed the pill without further hesitation!
"Oh! I forgot to tell you. Once you've taken it, you need to find a privy immediately, or you might soil your pants!"
As the pill entered his stomach, a warm current spread from his dantian throughout his body. Li Feiyu hurriedly sat cross-legged. Shortly after he sat down, Chen Ming's voice reached him!
Hearing this, Li Feiyu was about to get up, but it was already too late. A stench rose to the heavens. He hurried up the hillside and stripped all the clothes off the dead bandit leader!
"This fellow shits without even farting first. It stinks to high heaven! I didn't even have time to react. Young man, you've got no martial honor!"
Faced with the sudden, overwhelming stench, Chen Ming hurriedly covered his nose. After watching Li Feiyu run far away, he took a deep breath and shook his head as he spoke!
"Ugh! Don't come over here. Go clear the way!"
Seeing Li Feiyu approach in the burly man's clothes, Chen Ming hurriedly covered his nose and waved him away.
Li Feiyu had used his discarded clothes to wipe himself clean before changing into the burly man's clothing. He felt his body had improved, and not only was his cultivation intact, it seemed to have advanced somewhat. He had been coming back to offer his thanks.
Li Feiyu had not wanted this either. The surrounding area was all wooded hills, with no water, so this was his only option. Although he still smelled a little, it was no longer that noticeable!
The convoy moved slowly onward. The journey was calm and uneventful, and about two hours later, they reached the gates of Qu Ling City. After paying the entrance fee, they entered without trouble!
Once inside the city, Chen Ming said goodbye and left.
"The Amazing Flood Dragon Society's branch is in the west of the city, and the Long Wind Sect is in the south."
With that, Chen Ming headed toward the southern part of the city.
Two gunshots boomed, followed by a great burst of drums and music, accompanied by gongs and shouted calls to clear the way.
Chen Ming had just reached the southern part of the city and was less than a hundred meters from the Liu residence when the sudden noise startled him. He then followed the crowd forward.
He saw Liu Feng emerge from the residence with his family, his face glowing and a broad smile on his lips.
Seeing the arrivals, Liu Feng briefly cupped his hands in greeting and went outside, where he respectfully escorted an official in court attire inside.
Chen Ming was extremely curious about what his brother-in-law was up to. He immediately activated the Wind-Riding Art and floated inside. Concealing himself beside an artificial rockery, he slipped into a corner beside the main hall and secretly watched!
The official strode proudly inside and stood in the center. A bailiff behind him knelt on his right knee and raised both hands above his head, presenting a tray covered in yellow satin, with a scroll resting upon it.
Bowing, the official accepted the scroll and announced loudly, "An imperial decree has arrived. Liu Feng, receive the decree."
The Liu residence must already have been surrounded by soldiers on every side.
Liu Feng bent both knees and knelt, kowtowing three times to the official. He declared loudly, "Your humble subject Liu Feng receives the decree. Long live His Majesty, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years."
The official unrolled the scroll and read, "By the mandate of Heaven, the emperor decrees: Liu Feng, a commoner of Qu Ling City in Lan Prefecture, has shown devotion to public duty and righteousness, rendered service to his native land, and demonstrated proficiency in archery and horsemanship. His talents merit great employment. He is hereby appointed assistant general. Henceforth, he shall serve the court and not disappoint Our expectations. Respect this decree."
Liu Feng kowtowed again. "Your humble subject Liu Feng thanks Your Majesty for this grace. Long live His Majesty, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years." Rising, he bowed to the official. "Thank you, Lord Zhang, for your support and promotion."
The official stroked his beard and smiled. "Congratulations, congratulations, General Liu. From now on, we serve as ministers in the same court. Why stand on ceremony?"
Liu Feng said, "I was merely a rough fellow of the wilds. That the court has granted me office today is, of course, thanks to His Majesty's far-reaching grace, allowing me to bring glory to my ancestors. But it is also thanks to the exceptional support of City Lord Xie and Lord Zhang." The official smiled. "Not at all, not at all."
Liu Feng turned to Fang Qianju. "Brother Fang, where is the gift we've prepared for Lord Zhang?" Fang Qianju said, "It's been ready here for some time." He turned and fetched a round tray bearing a bundle wrapped in brocade.
Liu Hai took it with both hands and smiled. "A trifling gift, hardly worthy of expressing our respect. Please accept it, Lord Zhang."
Lord Zhang smiled. "We're all brothers here, Lord Liu. You're being far too courteous." He gave a meaningful glance, and the attendant beside him accepted it.
As the attendant took the tray, his arms sank downward. Clearly, its contents were quite heavy: not silver, but gold.
Lord Zhang beamed with delight. "I have official duties to attend to and cannot stay long. Come, come, pour three cups of wine to congratulate General Liu on receiving his appointment today. May further promotions and honors soon follow, and may His Majesty's grace continue to shower upon you."
The attendants had already poured the wine. Lord Zhang drained three cups in succession, cupped his hands, and turned to leave.
Smiling broadly, Liu Feng escorted him all the way beyond the main gates. Gongs sounded and voices called to clear the way, while the Liu residence fired ceremonial guns to see him off.
When Liu Feng returned to the main hall, he found Chen Ming already seated on a stool, waiting for him.
"Oh! General Liu has returned!"
Seeing Liu Feng return, Chen Ming could not resist teasing him.
"You're actually still alive? What made you think of coming here? Didn't you disappear after being poisoned? Looking at you now, you don't seem poisoned at all!"
After returning to the hall and seeing his visitor, Liu Feng signaled for his wife, the steward, and the servants to withdraw. Then he sat in the seat of honor and began questioning him in bewilderment!
"You're asking so many questions at once. How am I supposed to answer? If there's anything to say, it's this: how long has it been since you last contacted your younger sister?"
Chen Ming was truly speechless. He had returned to Jiayuan City and done so many major things, yet this fellow had not caught the slightest whisper of them. Normally, there was no way he could have remained unaware.
Qu Ling City even had a branch of the Amazing Flood Dragon Society. If he still knew nothing, Chen Ming really did not know what to say!
In truth, Liu Feng could not be blamed. He had only returned from the royal capital three days earlier. To secure this position, he had spent three years laying the groundwork and using his connections, even personally visiting the royal capital to make arrangements with all the relevant parties!
"Well, about two or three years! Tell me, what brings you to Qu Ling this time?"
Liu Feng scratched his head awkwardly and spoke with some hesitation.
"Nothing in particular. I just happened to be passing through and came to visit you."
Chen Yang spoke earnestly.
Early the next morning!
After breakfast, Chen Ming left Qu Ling City and followed the main road back. He would not get lost on the main road!
As he passed a village, a black-clad figure carrying a child suddenly dashed into the woods!
"Huh! Isn't that Jia Tianlong? Why isn't he dead? Could Han Li have spared him? Impossible! What is he trying to do?"
To his surprise, Chen Ming discovered that the man who had sprinted past him was Jia Tianlong, leader of the Wild Wolf Gang. He activated the Wind-Riding Art and pursued him!
Chen Ming followed at a distance and saw Jia Tianlong reach the edge of a cliff, then jump straight down.
Chen Ming watched from afar for a long time. Only when there was no further movement did he slowly approach. Standing at the edge, he looked down into a seemingly bottomless abyss.
"Are my eyes playing tricks on me? Or did I see a ghost?"
Suddenly, Chen Ming began to doubt himself. Jia Tianlong, who should have been dead, had snatched a child, come to the cliff, and jumped off. It felt utterly unreal.
Chen Ming waited there for half a day, walked to the cliff edge for another look, then shook his head and turned to leave!
There was no way Chen Ming would jump down. The unknown was the most terrifying thing of all. Besides, he was not particularly strong, nor was he this world's protagonist. He had no desire to take unnecessary risks!
Chen Yang first returned to Spirit Beast Mountain and cleared the weeds from the Spirit Field. Just as he stepped outside the mountain gate, he happened to see the outer disciple who had secretly gone down the mountain in the pouring rain on his first day at Spirit Beast Mountain.
He followed the disciple to Jiayuan City, arriving outside an abandoned courtyard in the eastern part of the city, then quietly slipped inside.
"So careless. You didn't even realize someone was following you!"
A soft, effeminate voice rang out.
Chen Ming's expression changed, and he turned and fled. How could he be so unlucky? He had actually been discovered! This person was definitely not in the Qi Refining Realm. He had to be at least at Foundation Establishment.
Curiosity really does kill the cat, he thought, quickening his pace as he raced toward Spirit Beast Mountain!
"Run! Do you think you can escape?"
Hearing that soft, effeminate voice, Chen Ming glanced back as he ran. He saw a burly man in blue robes pursuing him on a flying sword. Who could have imagined that such an effeminate voice came from a burly man's mouth?
As the man behind him drew closer and closer, panic rose in Chen Ming's heart. It seemed he could not escape. Should I kneel and beg for mercy? The thought flashed through his mind, only to be rejected immediately!