https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1076-Accumulating-Strength-for-a-Long-Journey/13274532/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1078-Crossing-the-Stream-on-Horseback/13274534/
Chapter 1077: Plotting a Journey to the Deep Canyon
Chapter 1077: Plotting a Journey to the Deep Canyon
Perched atop a narrow sea cape in Dafeng Bay, an exquisite octagonal pavilion offered a panoramic view of the vast ocean. However, at this moment, the thick lead-grey clouds obscured the afternoon sun, blurring the distant horizon where the sea met the sky. The air carried a salty, damp breeze, foretelling an impending storm.
A young man, dressed in the traditional attire of Daxun, entered the pavilion. His long hair was tied in a bun, secured with a jade hairpin, fluttering in the wind. Behind him stood security personnel, each with the emblem of the Yuanren Company on their badges. He gazed at the sea for a while, and a message came through his Jieping: "Mr. Gao, the communication setup is ready, but we can only guarantee three minutes of stable call time."
The young man replied, "Connect it."
Soon, a cacophony of noises filled his Jieping, but within seconds, the sounds became clearer. A deep voice emerged, "Mr. Gao."
"Mr. Xiang, I've received confirmation that the target has left the visiting delegation and is heading towards a sacred site of the First People. How are the preparations on your end? When will you make your move?"
Mr. Xiang responded, "Mr. Gao, I'm currently accompanying the boss in negotiations with the Daxun delegation on the East Federation Shore. I can't get away at the moment, and..."
"And what?" Mr. Gao asked.
"It seems like the boss knows something. I don't recommend taking action at this time."
The young man's expression turned stern. "Are you certain?"
"It's just a hunch I have."
Mr. Gao stepped forward, exiting the pavilion and standing at the cliff's edge. He watched the surging seawater below and the waves crashing against the reefs, shattering into foam. After a moment of silence, he spoke in a cold, almost chilling tone, "I want you to eliminate him as soon as possible, by any means necessary. Whatever you desire, I can provide."
Mr. Xiang seemed to ponder his words, and as the communication time was about to end, he said, "Mr. Gao, I understand. Please wait for my news."
At that moment, the headquarters of the Confidential Operations Bureau on the West Federation Shore was buzzing with active communications. Numerous telegrams were exchanged with the Central City, with the most frequent mentions being the Atahoca Continent.
Due to the significance of the Voice of Star Spirits, the Bureau had held several consecutive meetings, ultimately assigning the task to Jonas Calloway, the First Assistant to the Bureau Chief.
Based on past experiences, the sacred sites of the First People often housed ancient divergent plants, including rare species dating back tens of thousands of years, with immense research value.
The First People possessed a unique and highly advanced cultivation method. Some of these plants possessed powerful divine power, and research had shown that some of the original forms of the myriad spirits they worshipped were these very plants.
Of course, this was just the tip of the iceberg. From past experiences, the value of some of the important treasures hidden in the First People's sacred sites often exceeded imagination, not to mention that the Voice of Star Spirits was once one of their most important sacred sites.
Aboard an emergency airship bound for the Atahoca Continent, Jonas Calloway studied the field screen before him. He swiftly exchanged information with the local intelligence team members.
Then, turning to the side, he addressed a young man wearing black-framed glasses, "Gaz, how's your situation?"
The young man replied, "Master Bai Shi of the Xinsiang Style has joined the Third Hunting Cavalry and is currently believed to have reached the Green Wilderness."
"Not enough!" Calloway spoke rapidly and forcefully, his gaze fixed on his interlocutor, creating an intense sense of pressure.
"This time, the Daxun delegation includes a Chamber Martial Artist. I've looked into him, and this individual has created miracles on numerous occasions."
He picked up a document, "Here's a file. It includes an assessment of him. Even before becoming a Martial Artist, he possessed top-tier fighting capabilities on a global scale."
He glanced at the images of everyone on the screen, "I must ensure success." He added, "Gentlemen, headquarters has high expectations for this operation. As the liaison officers from various continental branches, I hope you'll fulfill your roles to the best of your abilities."
The young man spoke up, "Sir, Iron Crow should have arrived, but his access level is very high, and we currently don't know his whereabouts."
Calloway said, "I've contacted him, but..." He shook his head, "It's not enough."
At that moment, an assistant approached and whispered something to him. Calloway temporarily paused the field communication. The assistant said, "Sir, the Great Deus Botanical Company has responded. They're holding a board meeting, and we'll receive their reply within two hours at the latest."
Calloway checked his watch and quickly said, "Wait for them for two hours."
He activated the screen to continue the meeting. Two hours later, Calloway received a document. The Chamber Martial Artist from the Great Deus Company had set off and would arrive at the Atahoca Continent in two days. He reviewed it and said, "That's all."
Then, addressing the people on the screen, he concluded, "Gentlemen, the meeting is adjourned."
In the early morning, Chen Chuan and his team left the hotel at around 3 a.m. and headed west towards the Silver Veil Mountains.
After several hours, they arrived at a small town, where they switched to pre-booked horses and loaded their supplies onto carriages.
These horses were implant-enhanced and well-suited for traversing mountainous and rugged terrain, making them ideal companions for outdoor adventures. Each team member had two horses prepared for alternating use, ensuring a steady pace of travel.
Once ready, the group continued their journey. The sun had just risen, and its rays hadn't fully reached the zenith yet. The morning chill lingered, and the soft light bathed the vast grasslands. A few white egrets strolled along the shallow wetlands, their graceful movements mirroring the swaying grass as the wind blew. The air carried the scent of earth and fresh grass.
Awan, a First People, rode a small horse with ease, demonstrating his skills as a seasoned rider despite his young age.
He observed the surroundings with curiosity, seemingly unable to get enough of the sights. This was the farthest he had ever ventured from home, and it was the land where his ancestors had once lived.
Awan alternated between riding ahead and falling behind the group, occasionally whistling with excitement.
Feeling thirsty, he approached his team and took a sip of water. As he watched the Daxun security personnel riding on their horses, he couldn't help but sense their elite and lethal aura. He wiped his mouth with his arm and muttered, "It would be great if Daxun could help us reclaim our land."
The One-Eyed Elder glanced at him and said solemnly, "Awan, 'The eagle doesn't beg the wind for wings, and the hunter never hits his own prey without his own skills.' What we must do is learn from Daxun's expertise and rely on our own strength to drive out the Federation."
Tahu agreed, "Yes, we can't expect others to protect our homeland. Even the closest friends can't replace us in our ancestral rituals."
Awan nodded, then suddenly said, "It would be great if Takoda were here."
Tahu made a disapproving sound, showing his disdain, "Speaking of that man, the tribe raised him and gave him the best of everything, but he abandoned the tribe."
Awan didn't think Takoda had done the right thing, but he also didn't believe that Takoda would abandon the tribe. However, the latter hadn't appeared during the tribe's most dangerous moments, and Awan couldn't find the right words to argue back, so he could only sulk silently.
Suddenly, a cry came from the front, and Awan saw the One-Eyed Elder dismount from his horse and run excitedly towards a stone pillar carved with strange creatures. He knelt down and began reciting something, constantly bowing to the pillar.
Chen Chuan noticed this and signaled for the team to stop. He examined the ancient stone pillar, which seemed to have been damaged and toppled.
The One-Eyed Elder and the First People who followed behind all showed excitement and knelt before the pillar. The Elder took out a package of incense from his belongings and poured some of the incense into the hollows in front of the pillar, then lit a fire. Soon, a strange fragrance filled the air.
At that moment, Chen Chuan had a peculiar feeling. It seemed like these people's spirits were momentarily connected to something and, following the guidance of the stone pillar, entered deep into the earth.
He had a slight realization that this might be related to the distribution of the grand ceremony of the Voice of Star Spirits. After all, in ancient times, the entire Atahoca Continent was the core region of the Isutarran Dynasty and the primary area of Isutarran activity.
The map he possessed only marked a thin path here, with no other indications. It seemed that bringing these First People along was the right decision.
These First People prayed reverently, and Chen Chuan patiently waited without urging them.
After about half an hour, the incense had completely burned to ashes, and the First People gradually stood up. They slowly emerged from their emotional state.
The One-Eyed Elder approached Chen Chuan and explained the reason for their actions.
He said that these were the ancestral worship pillars established by their ancestors, and each pillar represented the guidance of their ancestors. Worshipping the pillars helped them more easily approach the location of their ancestors. If they encountered more pillars on the way, he hoped they would be allowed to stop and worship.
Chen Chuan expressed his understanding, saying, "This time, we are heading to your ancestors' holy land, and I respect your rituals."
The One-Eyed Elder was deeply grateful and thanked Chen Chuan. He then called the First People back to their horses and rejoined the team to continue their journey.
This time, they encountered no further incidents, and they arrived at the foot of the Silver Veil Mountains in the evening. The entire team set up camp for the night.
(End of Chapter)
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