Chapter 232: Proud Xiao Li, Traveling Companions

The group of martial artists at the nearby table had chatted merrily for a while before settling their bill and leaving the Tea Pavilion.

Evidently eager to press on, they wanted to avoid missing the grand spectacle unfolding at Liu Yun Zong.

Once they were gone, the other two tables began to clear out one by one.

Lu Qing glanced after their retreating figures, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

After finishing two pots of tea and devouring every last bite of their steamed buns, Lu Qing and the others rested for a long while—until the horses had eaten their fill and fully recovered from their journey. Only then did they resume their travel.

"Chen Laodaifu," Wei Zian remarked from the carriage, "I never expected Liu Yun Zong to stir up such a massive storm."

"Yes," Ma Gu sighed. "I thought that with their Shao Zong Zhu missing, they’d be frantic with worry. But instead, they’ve taken this as an excuse to escalate their oppression and plundering of smaller factions."

Only Lu Qing remained silent, lost in deep thought.

Old Doctor noticed the expression on his face and asked, "A Qing, what are you pondering?"

"Master," Lu Qing said slowly, "I’m wondering—how could Liu Yun Zong have learned so quickly of their Shao Zong Zhu’s death? The truth is, Mo Xuan was killed in Qingfeng Town, and no other disciples escaped. Logically, Liu Yun Zong should only have suspected he was missing—not confirmed dead. Yet now, news of his demise has spread across all of Yun Zhou. How is that possible?"

"True," Ma Gu suddenly realized. "We’ve traveled straight from Qingfeng Town without delay. But judging from those martial artists’ words just now, it sounded as if Liu Yun Zong learned of the death mere moments after it happened. That’s… highly suspicious."

Hearing this, Lu Qing’s heart stirred slightly.

"A Qing," Old Doctor asked, sensing his train of thought, "have you come to a conclusion?"

"A possibility, yes," Lu Qing replied. "I believe Liu Yun Zong must possess some kind of Unique Treasure—one capable of instantly confirming the fate of their Shao Zong Zhu. Otherwise, the speed of their knowledge makes no sense."

"Such a treasure?" Ma Gu was stunned. "According to Fang Zhuangzhu’s map, Liu Yun Zong is over a thousand miles from Qingfeng Town!"

"Nothing is impossible in this world," Lu Qing said with a faint smile. "You can’t dismiss something just because you’ve never seen it. Think of Zi An’s great cauldron—before we saw it, could you have imagined such a miraculous artifact existed?"

Ma Gu fell silent, recalling the strange, enormous cauldron he’d witnessed deep beneath the Wei Family’s underground cavern. Before that moment, he’d never believed such a thing could exist.

Old Doctor, however, didn’t question Lu Qing’s words.

He knew Lu Qing carried a cultivation inheritance. If he dared speak so confidently, it meant he already had a plausible explanation for how Liu Yun Zong had learned of Mo Xuan’s death.

The carriage fell quiet once more, and Lu Qing sank back into thought.

Yes, he had a theory.

If Liu Yun Zong used a soul mark, life token, or some other spirit-linked method to confirm Mo Xuan’s death, it meant someone within their sect had access to cultivation heritage—certainly some kind of immortal artifact.

That changed everything.

Their upcoming journey to Liu Yun Zong was no longer a simple mission. There would be unexpected variables now.

But Lu Qing wasn’t worried.

Not only had his Master broken through to the Qi Refining stage and become a cultivator, but his spiritual force grew stronger each day—his strength now rivaling that of a Xian Tian master at peak cultivation.

And himself?

If cornered, he could simply break through to Xian Tian Jing.

At that point, his cultivation would surge. With the Qiankun Yiqi Dai and Soil Spirit Pearl in his possession, his combat power would far surpass even his Master’s.

Even if Liu Yun Zong suddenly produced a genuine cultivator, Lu Qing would have no fear—enough to beat them into the ground.

The carriage rolled forward at a leisurely pace.

Knowing that major sects across Yun Zhou would converge on Liu Yun Zong in just a few days, Lu Qing and the others had no rush.

They’d arrive well in time—three days was more than enough.

And they’d get to witness a grand spectacle for free. Why not enjoy it?

By evening, the carriage came to a halt.

"Old Doctor," Ma Gu said, "night is falling. Ahead lies a Ruined Temple. It looks like we’ll have to spend the night there."

"Stop here," Old Doctor nodded.

They’d been camping outdoors for most of the journey anyway, so this was no hardship. A ruined temple offered shelter—a small blessing.

Ma Gu guided the carriage slowly toward the temple.

Once inside, they found it was a modest, abandoned Mountain God Temple.

But…

Lu Qing glanced at the horses outside and felt a flicker of surprise.

Someone else had beaten them here.

The moment they entered, two figures emerged from the temple to investigate the noise.

Their eyes met—both parties froze in momentary shock.

Lu Qing raised an eyebrow, a small smile forming.

How coincidental.

The two newcomers were a young man and woman, both carrying long swords.

They were the same couple Lu Qing had seen earlier at the Tea Pavilion.

Ma Gu blinked in surprise, then quickly recovered.

He stepped forward with a polite bow. "Greetings, young lady, young master."

"Ah, not at all," the pair replied, regaining their composure. "We didn’t expect to meet you again here."

They clearly recognized Lu Qing and the others.

"Indeed," Old Doctor stepped forward, voice calm and warm. "Fate brings us together. Might we trouble you for shelter? The night is cold, and we seek a place to avoid the mist and dew."

"Of course," the young woman said with a smile. "Though it looks small from outside, the inside is quite spacious. If you don’t mind sharing, there’s room for all of you."

Seeing Old Doctor’s kind demeanor and the group’s unthreatening appearance, the couple relaxed.

"Thank you," Old Doctor said. "We appreciate your kindness."

"Please, no need to be formal," the young man said. "We’re just travelers, like you. We’ve no claim to this place."

As Old Doctor and the man exchanged pleasantries, Lu Qing and Wei Zian moved to find a clean spot to prepare their bedding.

Meanwhile, the girl—Ping Er—approached Xiao Yan, eyes sparkling with curiosity as she stared at the small black beast in her arms.

"Little sister," she said sweetly, "what’s that you’re holding?"

"Hello, sister," Xiao Yan replied cheerfully. "This is Xiao Li. He’s my best friend."

"Xiao Li?" The girl studied the creature. His eyes were half-closed, giving him a perpetually aloof expression. The more she looked, the more she adored him. "He’s so cute! May I… touch him?"

"That’s up to Xiao Li," Xiao Yan said, glancing down at the little beast.

Xiao Li cracked one eye open, gave her a brief, dismissive glance, then turned his head away and resumed pretending to sleep.

The two had been together so long that their thoughts were already in sync.

Xiao Yan understood instantly.

She shook her head gently. "Sorry, sister. Xiao Li doesn’t like strangers touching him."

"Oh…" The girl’s smile faltered. She’d seen the little beast’s reaction and felt a pang of disappointment.

But then her gaze shifted to something else.

"Wait—did you say you had to ask him? Does Xiao Li… understand what you’re saying?"

"Of course!" Xiao Yan beamed proudly. "Xiao Li’s really smart. He understands everything we say!"

The girl’s eyes widened.

She was even more amazed now.

But seeing Xiao Li’s icy demeanor, she felt a sudden wave of frustration.

She thought for a moment, then asked, "Little sister, what does Xiao Li like to eat?"

"Fish!" Xiao Yan answered without hesitation.

"Fish?" The girl’s face fell. "Oh… we don’t have any fish. We’d never carry fish on the road—it stinks too much."

"Besides fish, does he like meat jerky? I’ve got plenty of it!" she asked hopefully.

Xiao Yan shook her head. "Not really. He only likes fish. He barely eats meat jerky."

"What about dried rations?"

Wei Zian, who was busy cleaning, couldn’t help but smirk.

Xiao Li was the most proud and aloof creature he’d ever known.

He’d never seen him show affection to anyone—except Lu Qing and Xiao Yan.

Even Chen Laodaifu rarely got a close look.

His mother had tried everything—offering fish, toys, even gifts—over the past two years.

But the only times she’d managed to hold Xiao Li?

Fingers could count them.

Now this girl, with nothing but snacks, thought she could win his heart?

Utterly impossible.

Sure enough, no matter how hard she tried—offering sweets, petting, whispering—Xiao Li remained utterly indifferent.

Even when she pulled out her most treasured pastries, he didn’t so much as open an eye.

But Xiao Yan?

She got her share—enjoying several delicious bites of the girl’s treats.

Eventually, Xiao Li grew fed up with the woman’s persistence.

He leapt from Xiao Yan’s arms, landed on Lu Qing’s shoulder, and slipped into his robe, hiding from view.

The girl was utterly defeated.

She couldn’t even try to follow—after all, she was a woman, and it would be improper to press such closeness on a stranger.

Old Doctor and the round-faced man saw the whole scene.

"Chen Laodaifu," the man said with a chuckle, "your little beast is truly remarkable. He’s quite the character. This is my daughter, Tang Tu."

"No offense taken," Old Doctor smiled. "Xiao Li has a rather… unique personality. He’s rarely close to anyone besides A Qing and Xiao Yan. Even we, his companions, are often ignored. Please don’t mind, Xu Gu Niang."

"I see," the man said, nodding. "Then he’s quite the independent little soul."

"By the way, Xu Xian Sheng," Old Doctor asked, "you mentioned earlier that you’re traveling to Liu Yun Zong?"

"Yes," the man replied. "We heard the same news at the Tea Pavilion. With such a grand event about to unfold, how could we possibly miss it? I’m taking my disciples on a journey to broaden their horizons."

"But those martial artists said Liu Yun Zong is notoriously ruthless," Old Doctor said. "Are you not afraid of danger?"

"Ha!" the man laughed. "Liu Yun Zong is on the brink of being crushed by the united might of Yun Zhou’s sects. They won’t have time to bother with us. And though I may not be much, I can certainly protect my disciples."

"Truly impressive," Old Doctor said, genuinely impressed.

"Tell me, Chen Ye," the man asked, "where are you heading?"

"We were originally planning to visit Liu Yun Zong’s territory for a tour," Old Doctor admitted. "But after hearing those travelers’ talk, we’re hesitant. The storm center is there. If we go now, we might get swept up in it."

"Ah, that’s no problem at all!" the man chuckled. "Since you’re also traveling, why not enjoy the show? This will be a rare gathering of nearly every major sect in Yun Zhou. Missing it would be a shame!"

"But—"

"No buts," the man said with a hearty laugh. "Fate has brought us together. If you’re worried about safety, just travel with us tomorrow. We’ll keep you safe. No common bandits will dare touch you while we’re around!"

Old Doctor studied the man’s open, honest face. After a moment’s pause, he nodded. "Then we’ll be honored to accept your kindness."

"None needed!" the man grinned. "It’s settled!"

The girl, Ping Er, overheard everything.

Her heart fluttered with delight.

If they traveled together tomorrow, she’d have more time to get close to Xiao Li!

She immediately turned to Xiao Yan, eager to learn more about the little beast’s habits.

When Lu Qing heard that Old Doctor had agreed to travel with the group, he felt a flicker of surprise.

But he said nothing.

Instead, he continued preparing dinner, busying himself with the evening meal.

Soon, a rich, savory aroma began to rise—slowly filling the entire Mountain God Temple.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end