Chapter 31: Lianyun Fortress – The Broken Blade Sect's Yan Que

Chapter 31: Lianyun Fortress – The Broken Blade Sect’s Yan Que

Thud… thud… thud.

The door creaked open with a groan.

“Fang Rou, Senior?”

Su Chen blinked in surprise. Standing at the doorway was Fang Rou, wearing a pale yellow gown that accentuated her graceful posture. A breeze brushed her cheeks, tousling her hair. She raised a slender hand to tuck the strands behind her ear.

Seeing Su Chen, she offered a soft smile. “Junior Brother Su Chen, I came to discuss something with you.”

Su Chen opened the door wider, intending to invite her in, but Fang Rou waved him off. “No need. It’ll only take a moment.”

“Of course, Senior. Please speak.”

“Well, Junior Brother, my family’s merchant caravan recently ran into trouble…”

Fang Rou quickly explained the situation.

It wasn’t complicated. While passing through the Lianyun Mountains, the caravan had been ambushed by bandits who stole all the goods and captured the Fang Clan’s guards. The bandits had sent word demanding 500 taels of silver as ransom for the goods and hostages. If the payment wasn’t made, they threatened to kill the captives.

The Fang Clan had decided to comply but worried the bandits might renege on the deal. To ensure safety, they sought martial cultivators to accompany them. This was why Fang Rou had come.

Originally, she hadn’t planned to ask Su Chen—his abilities were still limited. But after overhearing from Qin Hao that Su Chen had recently achieved a cultivation breakthrough, she reconsidered. Her father had also insisted the more people they brought, the better. Even those without strength could serve as a deterrent.

Thus, she had come to Su Chen early that morning.

Of course, this wasn’t a favor. Fang Rou offered to pay him five taels of silver.

After finishing, she studied Su Chen’s silent expression, a flicker of disappointment rising in her chest. He seemed hesitant—perhaps even inclined to refuse.

But before her thoughts could linger, Su Chen spoke. “No problem. When do we leave?”

“Tomorrow at noon!” Fang Rou’s lips curled into a faint smile as she revealed the time and location. “But Junior Brother, the Lianyun Mountains are over fifty li away. We’ll rest at an inn midway, so prepare accordingly.”

Su Chen nodded. Fang Rou added a few more details before turning to leave.

Watching her disappear, Su Chen closed the door. He had planned to go out today, but this changed things.

“Five taels… Not much, but considering my current value, it’s fair enough. No need to dwell on it.”

After all, Fang Rou had once paid him fifteen taels. Now that the caravan was in trouble, he owed it to them to help. The payment was likely a precaution—after all, retrieving hostages with just a ransom didn’t require so many people or extra silver.

Time passed quickly. By the next noon, Su Chen had used his last packet of Vital Energy Powder and packed a few clothes. He had considered bringing his Steel Saber but decided against it—it was too conspicuous. Instead, he tucked his cloak into his bag, just in case.

Arriving at the Fang Estate, Su Chen was struck by its opulence. The mansion rivaled the city’s administrative buildings in grandeur.

“Junior Brother Su!”

Dozens of people already gathered at the estate gates, Fang Rou among them. Spotting him, she called him over.

Su Chen approached, his gaze drawn to a middle-aged man with a saber at his waist, exuding a sharp, imposing aura.

“Senior Fang Rou,” Su Chen greeted.

Fang Rou nodded. “Junior Brother, just stick with me.”

“You’re coming too?” Su Chen blinked.

“Of course. Just for the company,” she replied coolly, adding a faint humph.

Su Chen wisely kept quiet.

After a few more words, Fang Rou turned to organize the group.

About a quarter-hour later, the party was ready to depart.

Su Chen glanced around. The group split into two: Fang Clan guards, mostly ordinary men meant to bolster numbers, and martial cultivators like himself. He didn’t recognize any of the cultivators but paid them little mind.

The leader, he suspected, was the saber-wielding man.

Fang Rou’s father, a plump, amiable-looking man, exchanged a few words with the leader before bowing to the group. “We’re in your hands today!”

The cultivators returned the gesture. The leader nodded to Fang Rou’s father, then barked, “Move out!”

The procession set off.

Leaving the city, Su Chen caught a whiff of fragrance—Fang Rou had fallen into step beside him. Likely on her first long journey, her initial excitement had faded, replaced by quiet curiosity. She offered him a small smile.

The road grew rougher, but the group moved swiftly, unburdened by heavy gear. Since they’d left at noon, they’d spend the night in a town near the Lianyun Mountains to rest before continuing.

At first, the group was quiet, but as miles passed, conversations blossomed.

Su Chen listened. From snippets of talk, he learned the saber-wielding man’s name: Yan Que, a member of the Broken Blade Sect.

The Broken Blade Sect rivaled the Hong Martial Arts Hall in White Stone City, boasting two Lianli Perfection cultivators, giving them an edge in power and prestige. Yan Que was the sect leader’s younger brother, his strength rivaling Hong Ming’s.

His presence here was no coincidence—Yan Que’s wife was Fang Rou’s aunt, binding the families through marriage. This alliance had allowed the Fang Clan’s business to flourish, even expanding to the provincial capital.

Yan Que’s leadership brought palpable relief to the group, evident in the wary respect on their faces.

At one point, Fang Rou, bored, tried striking up a conversation with Su Chen. He responded half-heartedly, ending it quickly.

By evening, they reached the town at the foot of the Lianyun Mountains.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end