Chapter 115: Seven Mysteries
Chapter 115: Seven Mysteries
After Chen Mu left, Xu Hongyu sat by the soft couch, lost in thought. After a while, she suddenly turned to Xiao He and asked, "Xiao He, you've been with me for eighteen years, haven't you?"
Xiao He brought Xu Hongyu a basin of clear water and replied with a smile, "Yes, Miss, you remember it so clearly."
"Have you seen anyone you like in the Yu Clan?"
Xu Hongyu glanced at Xiao He and suddenly spoke softly.
"No, not at all."
Xiao He, standing by her side, gently attended to Xu Hongyu as she bathed and dressed, saying, "In this lifetime, I will only follow you, Miss."
Although she was just a maid in the Yu Clan, in this world, once one enters the realm of Sinew Transformation, their status changes. If Xu Hongyu acknowledged her, she could marry into the Yu Clan. However, she had never had such intentions.
Even without Chen Mu's appearance, she would have always followed Xu Hongyu.
"Hmm..."
Xu Hongyu stared at the clear water in the basin, reflecting her serene face, and remained lost in thought.
Xiao He quietly spoke, "Miss, if you are... I think you should decide sooner. He will eventually become a prominent figure in Yu Prefecture, and even the Clan Head would surely be happy about it."
"What are you talking about?"
Xu Hongyu turned to look at Xiao He, shook her head, and said, "I'm not like that. I was just thinking..."
Ever since last night, she had been thinking about her father, Xu Yichuan. But she had always been afraid to think too deeply, and whenever she did, Chen Mu's image would appear. Perhaps it was because Chen Mu and her father were so similar—both from humble beginnings, but ultimately, they relied on their innate talent and hard work to climb higher and surpass everyone else.
At this moment, Xiao He couldn't help but smirk, "You're thinking about it, which means you've already made up your mind."
"Xiao He!"
Xu Hongyu finally lost her patience and reached out to pinch Xiao He's cheek, "Always talking nonsense. Tonight, you'll face the wall and reflect. No sleeping."
"Ouch... Miss, tomorrow we're going to hunt for demons. If I don't rest well, how can I protect you? Please forgive me this time, I won't dare to do it again." Xiao He pleaded pitifully.
Xu Hongyu sighed and said, "Alright, no more fooling around. Go to bed early."
Xiao He watched as Xu Hongyu climbed into bed. For a moment, she also let out a barely noticeable sigh. Having served Xu Hongyu for many years, she was well aware of Xu Hongyu's thoughts. However, the master had already been missing for seventeen years.
It was not certain that it was the doing of the Heavenly Corpse Sect's remnants.
Thinking about those things now would only bring unnecessary worries. That's why she had always been joking around, although she had other thoughts. But she still wanted Xu Hongyu to recover as soon as possible.
...
The next day.
Chen Mu woke up early.
Xu Hongyu and Xiao He also rose early. Xiao He prepared breakfast early, as martial artists at their level, although they could go without food and drink for several days, it would still consume their vital energy. Instead, their daily food intake was much larger than ordinary people, and even a simple vegetarian meal would barely satisfy their hunger.
Even regular meat couldn't keep up with their consumption, and they needed to add some demon meat.
After breakfast.
Chen Mu inquired about Liu Ping, but there were still no results, so he set off with Xu Hongyu and Xiao He out of the city, heading northwest towards Anyu County.
Among the group, Xiao He, with her Sinew Transformation Small Accomplishment realm, was the weakest. But since this stretch was mostly flatland, they covered over 150 li in less than an hour, taking care not to deplete Xiao He's energy too much.
Upon arrival.
There was a small village, with about a hundred households. Several houses on the outskirts of the village were in a state of collapse, with terrifying claw marks visible on the ruins, clearly not the work of humans.
"The wolf-like demon you saw that night, are you sure it was a wolf?"
Xu Hongyu stood before the villagers and asked.
The villagers looked at each other, then turned to the man on the far left, Wang Gen Sheng, the village head, who was in his forties.
Wang Gen Sheng seemed to recall something terrifying, and a hint of fear flashed in his eyes. "It was... it was... I heard the noise and took a look. I saw a wolf, a wolf... a wolf as tall as my chest, and with a single claw, it tore down Widow Zhang's house. Then it charged towards Iron Zhang's house..."
"Then the demon rushed towards Iron Zhang's house and..."
Xu Hongyu interrupted him and asked, "Why didn't the wolf demon target you when you saw it?"
Wang Gen Sheng scratched his head, looking embarrassed, and said, "I... I was in the outhouse..."
"Where?"
Xu Hongyu continued to ask.
Wang Gen Sheng finally pointed silently at the outhouse among the collapsed houses.
Chen Mu walked over and saw that it was indeed Widow Zhang's outhouse.
But Xu Hongyu didn't dwell on this question. Instead, she walked up to the half-collapsed outhouse, examined it, and then asked, "Did the wolf demon see you?
"It seems..."
Wang Gensheng ran his fingers through his sparse hair.
At this moment, Xu Hongyu nodded slightly and turned to look at Chen Mu, who also glanced at her and nodded gently in response.
"The White Wolf Demon is classified as a third-tier creature in the Great Xuan Demon Records. It's a common demon that doesn't favor filth."
Upon hearing Chen Mu's words, Xu Hongyu couldn't help but be slightly surprised. She hadn't expected that on Chen Mu's first trip out of the city, he would already be so knowledgeable about demons. So, she nodded and said, "I think so too. Moreover, it only came to the village that one day, and it hasn't appeared for the past two days. It's probably because that day was a full moon night, and wolf-like demons tend to be restless and agitated."
"Hmm."
Chen Mu said, "Either we take the initiative to search for its traces, or we'll have to wait for another month."
Xu Hongyu shook her head and replied, "Let's search for it. A month is too long. Besides, I have 'Lavender' here, which can make demons restless. As long as we can find its lair nearby by following its trail, we can make it come out willingly."
"Alright."
Chen Mu nodded in agreement.
Xu Hongyu, after all, had extensive experience in demon hunting, and she was well-prepared with essential items like lavender. Chen Mu, on the other hand, had only had some knowledge from demon-related books, but lacked this specific information. However, after this experience, he would also ensure he was well-equipped for future hunts.
Wang Gensheng, seeing Xu Hongyu turn around, stepped forward and grabbed Chen Mu, swallowing hard as he spoke, "Little... no, young sir, are you really here to hunt demons? That wolf demon is extremely vicious. That young lady just now..."
"Village Head Wang, just rest assured."
Chen Mu reassured Wang Gensheng with a calm tone.
In a remote village like this, even the Demon Slayer Bureau might not be well-known. Wang Gensheng probably felt less confident, considering that both Xu Hongyu and Xiao He were young girls.
So, Chen Mu casually curled his fingers and released a burst of energy from his fingertips. A strand of powerful wind shot out, instantly piercing through a half-wall not far away, causing a large cloud of dust to fly up and spread in all directions.
Wang Gensheng's eyes widened slightly at this sight, and he quickly stepped back, his face showing a look of awe.
Chen Mu followed Xu Hongyu's footsteps and soon disappeared outside the village, tracking the wolf demon's trail.
...
As Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu were chasing the wolf demon...
Yu Prefecture.
The Seven Mysteries Sect was located in the northern part of Yu Prefecture, less than a few hundred li from the prefecture city.
The sect was situated amidst a majestic mountain range, not deep within it, but only occupying the edge. Beyond its boundaries lay a vast area of townships under its rule. Although they were called townships, in reality, due to the proximity of the Seven Mysteries Sect, their prosperity was no less than that of a county.
Intelligence from Yu City had made its way to the Seven Mysteries Sect after several detours, finally arriving safely.
This was no small matter.
After being reported up the chain of command, the matter reached the Council Hall of the Seven Mysteries Sect.
"The Heavenly Corpse Sect?"
Upon hearing this, several elders frowned.
After some discussion, they couldn't reach a decision. So, one of the elders continued to report upwards, eventually reaching the main peak of the Seven Mysteries Sect, located behind the main hall at the peak. This was where the elders of the sect resided.
"A season of troubles..."
A man in his forties, wearing a loose blue robe, listened to the report and shook his head. He gazed into the distant misty mountains and said, "In Han Prefecture, demons are rampant. In Qing Prefecture, conflicts are rising. In Bei Prefecture, the land is in chaos. Sooner or later, Yu Prefecture will also fall into turmoil."
In the current political landscape, the Great Xuan Taboo Manual's authority no longer extended beyond the Central Prefecture. Over the past few decades, various states and sects had developed independently, maintaining a relatively peaceful status quo for nearly a decade.
However, the situation in the world was bound to change.
Starting with the Northern King of Bei Prefecture, who led his troops in a rebellion, attacking the Hao Ran Sect that controlled the three counties of Bei Prefecture, the entire Bei Prefecture fell into chaos within a short decade. As the war spread, neighboring states experienced turmoil. Some sects intervened, while others acted in secret, causing a chaotic situation in the four states adjacent to Yu Prefecture to begin three years ago.
In a 1619 book, a look at the version without a mistake!
Only Yu Prefecture, under the rule of the Seven Mysteries Sect for decades, remained relatively stable. The sect had closed its doors, sealing off the prefecture and refraining from interfering in external affairs.
"Elder Qi, what do you think...?"
"Let's send someone to the Central Prefecture to report to the court. We should still follow the proper procedures."
Qi Zhiyuan, dressed in a green robe, spoke slowly.
The relative stability of Yu Prefecture) was partly due to the Seven Mysteries Sect's adherence to the rules. Although they ruled over a prefecture, they didn't disrupt the imperial system and even continued to govern the local areas using the imperial regulations.
"Yes."
The elder responded, bowing his head.
But just as he turned to handle the matter, a long-drawn-out sound reverberated through the mountains.
"The true disciple of the Sky Sword Sect, Zuo Qianqiu, has come to pay respects to the mountain."
The voice wasn't particularly loud, but it echoed clearly through the mountains and deep valleys, accompanied by a sense of sharpness that was difficult to describe in words, as if a great sword stood upright in the air.
At that moment, numerous outer and inner disciples of the Seven Mysteries Sect looked up in astonishment, gazing towards the direction of the mountain gate.
Before anyone could react, following the first voice that carried a sharp edge, a thousand times softer and enchanting voice gently reverberated through the valley, "Senior Brother Zuo, why the rush? Can't you wait for your junior sister... Hehe."
This voice, both soft and alluring, caused hearts to flutter just by reaching their ears. Many outer disciples of the Seven Mysteries Sect were captivated, their minds momentarily ablaze with curiosity, eager to see the source of this enchanting voice.
But then, a voice devoid of emotion poured cold water over their excitement.
"Blood Concealment Tower, Sikou Zhi, here to pay respects to the mountain."
"Hey, Joyful Union Sect's demoness, if you want to pay respects to the mountain, just do it. Don't flirt in front of others' mountain gates. If you anger them, the entire sect might come after you. Let's see how many holes you have and how many nails you can withstand. Oh, right, Mystic Gear Pavilion's direct disciple, Jiang Yifei, here to pay respects to the mountain. I'd like to clarify that I'm not with the demoness, I just want to spar with your direct disciple."
The last voice was particularly chatty, but despite the lengthy speech, each word echoed clearly through the valley, reverberating within the Seven Mysteries Sect's mountain gate.
On the main peak, the figure of the elder paused, revealing a look of surprise. He turned to look at Qi Zhiyuan behind him.
Paying respects to the mountain...
How many years had it been since the last time?
Moreover, Sky Sword Sect's Blood Concealment Tower and Mystic Gear Pavilion's Joyful Union Sect were like the righteous and the demonic, yet they had come together.
Qi Zhiyuan sighed softly, "They've finally arrived."
During peaceful times, the Seven Mysteries Sect ruled over a state, maintaining a stable balance. But now, with chaos in every state and only Jade Province remaining calm, it had become a thorn in the side of many external powers. There had been countless attempts to draw the Seven Mysteries Sect into the chaos, and it was only a matter of time before they succeeded.
If direct disciples came to pay respects to the mountain decades ago when the world was still relatively peaceful, it would likely be a friendly exchange and discussion of martial arts. But now, with four direct disciples from different sects arriving together, the situation was far from a simple friendly competition.
These four sects had only one goal.
To establish a presence in Jade Province.
As early as two years ago, Blood Concealment Tower and Joyful Union Sect had attempted to enter Jade Province but were blocked by the Seven Mysteries Sect. However, with all four sects arriving together this time, it would not be as easy as before.
Qi Zhiyuan slowly descended the mountain, each step seeming like a ghostly figure, instantly appearing dozens of zhang away. In a flash, he reached the mountain gate of the Seven Mysteries Sect.
The mountain gate of the Seven Mysteries Sect was located at the base of the peak.
On the adjacent cliff, the three characters 'Seven Mysteries Sect' were engraved in golden letters, exuding a powerful aura that was awe-inspiring. Together with the towering peak, it gave off a solemn and majestic feeling.
However, at this moment, several figures stood in different directions outside the mountain gate. There was a white-robed figure with a sword at his side, his eyes calm and detached. Another figure, clad in light silk, had a graceful posture, a smile on her lips, and a seductive charm.
There was also a figure in a black cloak, wearing a mask, making it impossible to see their face. And another carried a strange bamboo basket, each with a distinct aura.
Qi Zhiyuan's figure appeared silently on the inner side of the mountain gate. After taking a few steps, he reached the outside.
He glanced at the four young figures before him, then turned his gaze to their backs, and said, "I am Elder Qi Zhiyuan. The Grandmaster of the Seven Mysteries Sect is in seclusion, so I'm temporarily in charge of sect affairs. Since you've come to pay respects to the mountain, please follow me up the peak."
"Junior respects Elder Qi."
The young man carrying the bamboo basket bowed politely, then he smiled, "Elder, we've come to pay respects to the mountain at our sect's command. We wish to spar with the direct disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect... If I win a few moves, we ask that the Seven Mysteries Sect allow the Mystic Gear Pavilion to establish a presence in Jade Province. What does Elder think?"
"If I win, Sky Sword Sect will enter Jade Province," the white-robed man without a sword spoke calmly.
The man in the cloak said in a low voice, "Blood Concealment Tower will enter Jade Province."
Finally, the woman in light silk, standing not far away, smiled gently, "Joyful Union Sect also wishes to establish a presence."
Qi Zhiyuan replied indifferently, "In that case, please proceed. However, even if you defeat our direct disciple, it's impossible for Jade Province to be entirely under your control. How about this... We'll allow you to establish a presence in Yu Prefecture. If you lose, you won't be allowed to enter Jade Province for two years."
"Yu Prefecture is a bit remote, but it should be fine, right?"
Jiang Yifei stroked his chin and looked behind him.
There was nothing but empty space.
But at that moment, several plain voices came from different directions behind them, but there was no one in sight.
(End of Chapter)
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