Chapter Ch167 - A Series of Unfortunate Encounters
In an instant, all of the Gongyi Clan children couldn’t help sitting cross-legged and start cultivating.
Gongyi Tianheng didn’t stop them, and just watched his fellow clan siblings operate their cultivation methods. In a short period of time, their faces all presented very comfortable looks.
Not much later, these children remembered what they were doing, and restrained their greediness for the ambient qi. They opened their eyes one after another.
At this moment, Tianhe said, shocked: “The absorption speed of the ambient qi is five times faster than before!”
Tianxiao also said: “Wouldn’t this mean that equally talented martial artists born here can practice martial arts five times faster than we can?”
With his hands clasped behind his back, Gongyi Tianheng said: “This place is merely the countryside. If we reach the interior of the Sect, the ambient qi is ten times as dense as the Cangyun Empire!”
Tianhe let out a cold breath.
In addition, several people didn’t speak, but they all showed shocked expressions.
There was no need for doubt. The conditions here were far better compared to the original Cangyun Empire! It was no wonder why so many martial artists bent over backwards to get into the Sect.
Gu Zuo smiled: “As a result, the reason why few of the Sect’s disciples return is because the cultivation speed after coming back is practically the same as stagnating.”
Reaching this point, Tianyang realized some things: “The Immortal Realms who watch over the empire have already reached the end of their martial paths…”
Gu Zuo lightly nodded his head.
Tianheng spoke in a low voice: “Correct. An Immortal Realm’s lifespan is only five hundred years. If one thoroughly cultivates, even a single step further, one can live for a long time.”
Unless it was someone who basically had no way to break through or there was some other cause that prevented them from doing so, would any martial artist be willing to renounce a place that could let them break through faster?
In a split second, the expressions of the Gongyi Clan children turned solemn.
Tianheng said: “In the Sect, you can’t lower your guard. Nominal disciples have a low status. Although you can’t be spineless, you also can’t be excessively reckless. You guys have been handlings affairs within the clan for a long time. Use the balance within your hearts to judge what you think is for the best.”
Tianyang took the lead to say: “This younger brother understands!”
Tianyin and several others became even more serious.
Shortly after, Tianheng smiled: “There’s also no need to worry too much. The Sect has rules that are strict and impartial. A person who faces public decline will be a pretext for gossip, but inwardly raising one’s carefulness will suffice.”
The numerous Gongyi Clan children naturally voiced: “Understood.”
When the flying boat reached the Qingyun Continent, its flight speed slowed.
Consequently, everyone could appreciate the continent’s scenery.
Whether the journeying martial artists or the wild beasts in the mountains, they all seemed more powerful than those in the Cangyun Empire. In particular, it was clear that the martial artists here were younger than the Cangyun Empire’s martial artists who had the same realms.
For instance, the Gongyi Clan children who were were sixteen to seventeen years old could have Meridian Condensing Realm strength. They were considered peak geniuses, and were only slightly inferior when compared to the imperial capital’s five great young masters. However, in the Qingyun Continent, this could only be considered an ordinary talent. Those whose apt.i.tudes weren’t bad and who worked relatively hard could all basically reach this stage.
The longer they watched, the more speechless the Gongyi Clan’s children became. Tremendous changes took place in their ways of thinking.
If before they were excited and longing, then there was now a type of dense pressure that prevented them from having the slightest bit of irreverence.
Gradually, the flying boat approached the boundaries of the Qingyun Sect.
There were extensive mountain ranges. Many Meridian Condensing martial artists did manual labor below, and countless Scarlet Blood Rice absorbed all sorts of resources. Everything to the eyes of Gongyi Tianyang and the others was shocking.
After reaching this place, Tianheng didn’t urgently return to the Sect. Rather, he first put away the flying boat and guided everyone to Qingyun City to make some replenishments.
Tianyang and several others saw this enormous city and exclaimed in astonishment.
— Originally, they thought that Cangyun City was already huge, but compared to this gigantic city, it was like an ant to an elephant. It simply wasn’t worth mentioning!
Gongyi Tianheng showed his Inner Sect disciple token and was deferentially allowed in by the city guards. Within the city, if those ahead had clothing or tokens different from Outer Sect or nominal disciples, they withdrew to either side after discovering Tianheng.
From this, the numerous children gained insights once more about the status of the Qingyun Sect, especially the status of Inner Sect disciples. Those who had the fires of ambition were reignited at this moment.
Practice martial arts!
Only those who had outstanding martial strength could obtain the proper status!
The subsequent matters didn’t need mentioning. Tianheng guided everyone to look at some common sights in Qingyun City. He even took them to the place where slaves were sold, and told them to resolutely develop their knowledge pool. This also brought them even more pressure. Finally, they arrived at their true destination — A ready-made clothing store on North Street.
Gu Zuo followed them in.
On recalling what had just happened, he felt it was a bit strange.
Previously, he felt that his time “gaining knowledge and experience” while following his dear big brother was already enough to shatter his three world-views. However, this time, he discovered that his big brother had brought his fellow clan members to immediately bear provoking acts without the least bit of preparation. He felt that his big brother treated him…tenderly enough.
To be honest, Gu Zuo felt that he was already very capable of adapting to this world. Sometimes when doing certain matters, he felt it was very normal at the time. However, when he looked back, he found that this was completely different from the education he received in the modern era — It could be said that he had undergone some changes from the inside out.
In this way, he could survive better. Only, he didn’t know what he would become after going through more experiences… But no matter how he adapted, there were some things about him that would never change.
Some scattered, distracting thoughts were produced. Gu Zuo walked to the front of a wall that blazed with color. The things sold here were all women’s clothing. When he thought about it, it would’ve been fine if the others were all rough men, but Mingxia was a young la.s.s. They couldn’t make her wear the same gray clothes as them all the time, right? She needed to get more clothing.
With these thoughts, Gu Zuo immediately spoke to the store’s female attendant: “Help me select twenty sets of dresses with different styles.”
That female attendant didn’t expect this young teenager to open his mouth and propose such a big business deal. She asked: “These dresses are made of different materials, and have certain defensive capabilities. Each selling price varies from several hundred to several thousand gold. What specific requirements does this pharmacist have?”
This was the same as euphemistically asking Gu Zuo if he had enough money.
Gu Zuo thought it over, and his secret stash still had quite a bit. His own needs could all be pushed to his big brother. His stash was never used…
He nodded: “You choose. Just make sure they look good. As for the fitting…” He swept a glance to the other side at Gongyi Mingxia who was selecting the clothes for Tianyang and the others, “According to that young girl’s size.”
While he spoke, he directly took out a stack of golden banknotes and flashed them.
The female attendant looked at Mingxia, and her face revealed a beautiful smile. Among those dresses, she rapidly selected the relatively expensive models with the most suitable colors. She reached out a hand and grabbed them all with great effort, folding them together into a brocade pouch.
Speaking of which, it was strange. Those dresses that were hung up were rather voluminous, but after putting them into the brocade pouch, they were both flexible and light.
“A hundred thirty thousand gold.” The female attendant’s smile was beautiful, “Please accept it.”
Gu Zuo took out several golden banknotes and handed them over: “Thank you very much.”
Hence, this purchase was completed.
After that, Gu Zuo lifted the brocade pouch to the other side and patted Mingxia’s shoulder.
Gongyi Mingxia turned around: “Big Brother Ah Zuo?”
Gu Zuo was a bit embarra.s.sed: “Since you call me big brother… This is for you.”
Mingxia was a little surprised. She took the offered brocade pouch and looked inside. She found that there were extremely beautiful dresses. She used her hand to feel them, and those materials were exquisitely smooth and soft. They felt too good to put down.
After thinking about it, Mingxia didn’t decline. She only showed an adorable smile: “Many thanks, Big Brother Ah Zuo!”
Gu Zuo was also very happy: “En.”
Off to the side, Gongyi Tianheng watched every one of Gu Zuo’s actions. He walked over and patted his head: “Ah Zuo used up a lot of his personal stash. When we return, I’ll pay you back.”
Gu Zuo’s face warmed up, and he hastily shook his head: “No need, no need. This is what I’m supposed to do!”
Tianheng smiled, and said plainly: “In that case, as your big brother, I should also spend money on you.”
Gu Zuo had a helpless expression.
It was pocket change… But he also didn’t refuse again.
Just like Tianteng, Mingxia was also very cute. They were both Tianheng’s younger siblings. As his big brother treated him well, he also wanted to treat them well.
Shouldn’t it be like this between family members?
Tianheng could apparently see his way of thinking. His palm ruffled Gu Zuo’s hair again, and he didn’t say anything else.
Mingxia watched Tianheng and Gu Zuo, her eyes blinking.
She had never seen her eldest brother act so warmly. However, she also felt that this was very good.
Over yonder, the Gongyi Clan children had also finished purchasing the appropriate things. Gongyi Tianheng directly paid the money and led this string of people out of the clothing store.
Following that, they found a place to get a meal.
Once they left, two people came out from a rear nook of the clothing store.
The two were wearing gray clothes, their appearances were very ordinary, and their presence was very weak. If they walked down the main street, very few people would be able to take notice of them.
At this time, they exchanged glances. They suddenly walked out and disappeared into the crowd.
“Was the stuff scattered?”
“Rest a.s.sured, the average pharmacist wouldn’t be able to sense it.”
“We still need to be even more cautious for the next one.”
“This time around, us waiting for such a long time wasn’t in vain…”
They spoke to one another in this way, and it didn’t fall into the ears of others. Moreover, the people of the clothing store turned a blind eye when they disappeared like nothing had happened.
That female attendant, who made quite the profit from Gu Zuo, quietly asked the person next to her: “Isn’t there something wrong with those two people? Them showing up was very strange.”
However, the person beside her strictly admonished: “Don’t meddle in other people’s business. Apart from buying and selling, everything else has nothing to do with us. You must firmly bear this in mind!”
The female attendant was overwhelmed with shock and was unable to speak.
When they had their meals, Gongyi Tianyang and the others once again got to experience the good things to eat around the Sect as well as how much these things cost. Besides gasps of surprise, all that remained in their minds were feelings of urgency — Sure, they were following their eldest brother for now. But he couldn’t always be paying for everything, right? A person needed to show some worth; otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to eat one good meal. What was to be done then?
These aristocratic young masters, who never once lacked for anything, discovered the helplessness of having to work hard on their own for everything on this strange continent. Their hearts were filled with respect for Gongyi Tianheng, who was already making a living.
After the meal, everyone walked down the street towards the city gate that led to the Sect.
Getting out of the city went without a hitch. Following that, they travelled a bit over five kilometers to the mountain range where the Sect was located — For martial artists, this kind of distance wasn’t worth mentioning.
Yet, while it was originally a smooth and steady journey, an unforeseen event suddenly occurred.
It was like a bell suddenly rang in Gu Zuo’s head. He blurted out: “Be careful!”
The one faster than him was Gongyi Tianheng, whose reactions to danger were very strong.
At almost the same time that Gu Zuo opened his mouth, or perhaps a split second earlier, Tianheng had already swung his spear, directly stabbing at an overlooked area to the side!
It was here that the streak of a person’s shadow sudden appeared. His body techniques were incomparably fast. The two daggers grasped in his hands had a sheen as if they’d been dipped in poison. The jet-black, icy dagger tips flickered out!
This was an a.s.sa.s.sin!
Someone had come to mount a sneak attack!
Gu Zuo’s heart stuttered. At this moment, the things before his eyes were a blur. Five Xiantian stage one martial artists had already burst onto the scene, forming a protective circle around him, Tianyang, and the others. In each direction, there was someone who was facing outwards, doing their utmost in defending.
Additionally, the facts proved that their defense was the correct choice. Because while that a.s.sa.s.sin was blocked by Tianheng, quite a few black-clothed people came out to attack from behind the trees along the road. They also wore black cloth masks. Apart from a pair of ruthless eyes, they covered themselves completely.
Dragon Three to Dragon Five swiftly reacted, and used their ever-ready weapons to engage in a back-and-forth fight with them. It was just that the weapons of their counterparts were clearly better than theirs. Although everyone seemed to be fighting to a draw, the damage to the weapons of Dragon Three and the others was severe.
In the circle, Gu Zuo pulled Mingxia behind himself.
At the same time, he made Tianyang and the others get closer to himself. This compressed the circle and lightened the pressure on the Tianlong Guards.
Gu Zuo carefully observed these ambushers.
Their strength was mostly at Xiantian stage one and two. Only the person who was fighting Tianheng had the strength of Xiantian stage four. Under the premise that Tianheng’s true strength was unknown, this kind of configuration could clearly wipe out Tianheng. Merely, because the other party didn’t guess accurately, they were dealt with as a butcher handled his cleaver.
As such, a question arose.
Who, in the end, was so sinister as to have laid in wait when they were halfway back to the Sect?
Hidden enemies were too frightening. They needed to think carefully and ferret those people out!
Gongyi Tianyang and several of the Gongyi Clan children also watched Gu Zuo’s first reaction when danger arrived. Their hearts first had a moment of shock, but soon after, they were resolute and determined.
A pharmacist without the power to defend himself was this valorous, so they also needed to summon up their courage and confront the enemy! At the very least, they definitely couldn’t get in the way!
— In actuality, they didn’t realize that Gu Zuo wasn’t without the power to defend himself. Also, his courage really wasn’t all that much…
At any rate, Tianheng was dealing with that Xiantian stage four off to the side. Within a few seconds, his spear streaked across in a tricky arc, and tilted back into an upward slash. That a.s.sa.s.sin’s chest was pierced through, killing him. After that, Tianheng turned around and came over. He killed the remaining three Xiantian a.s.sa.s.sins preoccupied by the Tianlong Guards one by one. His posture was confident and agile, like he’d already achieved the best effects without using much strength.
Tianyang and the other children looked at Tianheng, and the lively lights blooming in their eyes were very distinct:
“Big brother is very powerful!”
“He deserves to be called our cousin!”
“In the future, we must cultivate painstakingly if we want to be as skillful as our cousin!”
Gongyi Tianheng faced them and gave a faint smile.
Dragon Three, Dragon Four, and the others all swiftly advanced, tearing off the black cloths from those corpses’ faces. They rummaged through their bodies, looking for any kind of proof of ident.i.ty.
Perhaps these people were inexperienced or they thought that eradicating Tianheng’s group was a foregone conclusion. Around their chests, there were indeed inter-spatial tools. After taking everything out, not only was there an ample supply of several million golden banknotes and medicinal pills, there were also weapons, Inner Sect disciple tokens, as well as some other inconsequential things.
Tianheng looked at the ident.i.ties of those tokens. Written on them were very unfamiliar names. With his memorization ability, he promptly discovered that these names weren’t on the Earth Leaderboard nor famous Inner Sect disciples. But unfortunately, they came out to a.s.sa.s.sinate — They should’ve been secretly relying on some people. Those instigators behind the scenes also inevitably had a certain status and ident.i.ty.
It was only that, in the end, it wasn’t known who those people were.
Gu Zuo pondered.
He thought that, whether in the Inner or Outer Sect, he and his big brother had been very prudent about not starting feuds lightly with others. If they had offended anyone, it would’ve only been Duanshui Hall. Merely, Duanshui Hall was fighting to the death with Mingyue Pavilion. How could they have gotten their hands free to plot against them?
— Then, could it be that there was someone else?
If one wanted to obtain the method they possessed for capturing large quant.i.ties of wild beasts, such a simple and crude approach was obviously unsuitable.
During this short time, Gu Zuo wasn’t able to figure it out.
Tianheng muttered for a moment, and said: “Dispose of the corpses.”
Dragon Five and Dragon Six promptly acted as ordered. Their movements were very direct and efficient.
Gu Zuo asked: “Has big brother thought of something?”
Tianheng nodded, but then shook his head slightly: “I have a bit of a guess, but that guess doesn’t have a shred of evidence. There’s just simple notions that there might be such a possibility. Thus, I can’t be sure.”
Gu Zuo was puzzled: “…What is it?”
Tianheng’s voice was deep and low: “Lu Jiusi.”
Gu Zuo stared blankly.
Tianheng said: “It’s only based on how Ah Zuo described Lu Jiusi to me, and this matter doesn’t really resemble his style. He had waited patiently beside Xi Yangyun and Xu Lingxiu for all those years, so any movements shouldn’t have been so clumsy.”
Gu Zuo’s chest tightened: “So, big brother’s also unsure…”
Tianheng smiled: “To put it briefly, it’ll be fine if we’re more careful with everything.”
Gu Zuo hastily nodded, expressing his understanding.
In any case, when handling matters in the future, he’d think things over seventeen or eighteen times before doing them! When he had some spare time, he’d probe his surroundings with his psychic power…
Once Dragon Five and Dragon Six finished taking care of the corpses, the group set aside this matter and continued heading forwards.
Gongyi Tianheng ultimately left a word of warning: “When going out in the future, before you all successfully practice martial arts, don’t go out alone. Form groups when traveling. Also, pay attention to keeping your guards up. It’s still not a problem within the Sect, but when going outside of the Sect, the sect rules are useless. You all must improve your vigilance.”
When Tianyang and the others heard this, it was only natural that they solemnly agreed.
Seeing so many things happen in a short period of time, they were also aware of the dangers of this continent.
Gu Zuo silently sighed.
After returning, it looked like he still needed to research many more Trick Pills. He also needed to capture some ferocious beasts and bring them back. The Armor-Plated Rhinos that these Gongyi Clan children had basically tamed couldn’t be brought along because the flying boat was narrow and small. The rhinos were all left in the clan. Now was just the right time to make it up for them…
Gongyi Tianheng led them to return the flying boat, and then rode back to his valley in the Inner Sect on a flying wild beast.
The slaves who were required to guard that place, the pharmacists who’d been researching things in the caves the whole time, as well as Dragon One, Dragon Two, and all the others came out to pay their respects.
Because Tianyang and the others were people of the same clan as Tianheng, the remaining subordinates Tianheng had newly recruited also treated them differently.
When Tianyang and the other children saw Tianheng’s team, they all gave face — They knew that in the Qingyun Sect, the number of times they’d cooperate certainly wouldn’t be low.
After appearing, Tianheng ordered Dragon One and Dragon Two to take away the five remaining Tianlong Guards, a.s.signing them to some affairs as well as explaining the Sect’s rules. Then, he called the Gongyi Clan children over to a spot under a tree. He explained a few matters to them: “According to the Sect rules, you all can live with me in this valley. You can also go to live on Labor Street in residences with other nominal disciples… Which choice will you guys make?”
Several of the Gongyi Clan members furrowed their brows in deep thought.
Very quickly, Tianyang was the first to open his mouth: “Big brother, I’m going to Labor Street.”
Almost at the same time, Tianyin also said: “Labor Street.”
Seeing these two making this choice, although Tianhe and Tianxiao didn’t know their intentions, they also seemed to vaguely understand something and spoke in unison: “Me too!”
Gongyi Tianheng raised an eyebrow: “Tianyang, Tianyin, tell me why you’d make this choice?”
Gu Zuo also looked over curiously.
Tianyang pulled a long face: “If I hid in the valley, I’ll naturally want for nothing and won’t have to deal with too much work. But if this went on for a long time, I would only be able to rely on big brother’s protection in the end, and it would be hard to help big brother with any difficulties.”
Tianyin said: “With our ident.i.ties as the younger generation, only by becoming Inner Sect disciples can we truly be of a.s.sistance to the clan. A period of hardships can let us distinguish right from wrong, make connections, scout for information, and polish our aspirations.”
Tianyang also said: “In the valley, us aristocratic young masters would still be aristocratic young masters. Our adaptability would certainly be inferior to those who worked hard outside.”
After that, Tianyin said: “Limiting one’s exposure to the wind and rain also isn’t beneficial to practicing the path of martial arts.”
This back and forth gradually clarified the opinions within the hearts of Tianhe and Tianxiao. In a split second, they also felt that their previous thoughts of following Tianyang and Tianyin were correct.
Gongyi Tianheng had a smile on his face as he nodded: “Very good. You guys are different from the Tianlong Guards. They are my death guards. Normally, they’ll do many things in accordance to my orders. They are utterly loyal to me, and their entire futures are tied to me. But you guys are the Gongyi Clan’s descendants. If you have the courage to work hard on your own, you mustn’t think about the protection I, a single person, can provide. You all can rest easy! As clan members, we keep watch and defend one another. With you all making such choices, my heart is greatly rea.s.sured.”
Tianyang and the others heard this praise, and their hearts were joyous. Their faces also carried smiles.
— In the end, they weren’t old enough to prevent their emotions from showing. Getting the praise of the eldest brother they respected so deeply, how could they contain their elation?
Off to the side, Gu Zuo saw this, and didn’t feel that it was strange.
This was the charisma of a winner in life… Even he, whose body possessed a system, had no way to resist this type of radiance. How could that youthful generation resist when they had grown up listening to his big brother’s legendary deeds?
In any case, the more of such people the better.
At this moment, Gongyi Mingxia spoke up. Her voice was clear and her smile was bright and beautiful: “Big brother, I’m going to live on Labor Street.”
But when these words came out of her mouth, Tianheng didn’t have enough time say anything before Gu Zuo beat him to it: “Mingxia can’t go!”
Mingxia was stunned: “W-why?”
Gu Zuo glanced at Tianheng, a little embarra.s.sed.
Tianheng’s gaze softened. He looked at Mingxia, and said: “Little sister really shouldn’t go.”
Mingxia saw that both of these big brothers refused, and her heart was even more unconvinced.
Gongyi Tianheng said: “Mingxia is young, and her strength is also insufficient. Additionally, Labor Street has almost no women living there. If you go, there’s no doubt that it’ll be very inappropriate.”
Gu Zuo also thought this way: “It’s fine for Tianyang and the others. They might not be the strongest ones on Labor Street, but if they work together, they’ll also have some power to defend themselves. Just as big brother said, although the Sect has many women who have extremely powerful skills, I also hope Mingxia can obtain the ability to walk the path of martial arts by herself. But now isn’t the time. At the very least, you need to first practice some powerful martial skills and change your former cultivation method. Otherwise, you going to Labor Street will be the equivalent of a lamb entering the tiger’s mouth…”
Tianyang and a few others also said: “What our elder brothers are saying is correct. Mingxia can’t go!”
Gongyi Mingxia was naturally somewhat dejected.
However, she quickly realized that she had been too eager. Labor Street could temper her elder brothers, but to her, it really was the same as a dragon’s pool or tiger’s den. While she needed to train herself, she couldn’t use the same tempering method that her brothers used. It wasn’t necessary to prove oneself nor insist on taking action.
As a result, Mingxia agreed: “Okay. Then I’ll stay in the valley.”
Tianheng saw her accept this instruction, and his tone warmed somewhat: “I’ll teach you a few sets of martial skills. While you’re in the valley, you’ll train properly.”
Mingxia immediately became happy: “Yes, big brother!”
The matter was resolved. Gu Zuo’s heart was also put at ease. Once Mingxia had a certain amount of strength, it wouldn’t be too late to have her go out adventuring. At that time, he believed that she could make progress in all aspects.
After the proper affairs were made clear, these people were handed over to the patient Dragon One by the two people. As for Dragon Three and the other Tianlong Guards who were still receiving pointers, they worked under Dragon Two.
Gongyi Tianheng led Gu Zuo off to the side. He wanted to discuss some matters.
Gu Zuo didn’t understand: “Big brother, what is it?”
Tianheng looked pensive: “I don’t know why, but I’ve been thinking that the attempted a.s.sa.s.sination before was still somewhat out of place.”
Gu Zuo recalled their a.n.a.lysis just then, and similarly felt that it was strange. But if one carefully thought about it, there wasn’t any parts that were too fishy.
Yet, Gu Zuo didn’t have the slightest intent on lowering his guard.
His psychic power and his big brother’s insight were both very strong.
Since his big brother felt that something was fishy, then it must’ve been the effects of his insight. Merely, no clues had been found. As for himself, his psychic power felt that there were hidden dangers. Of course, this also wasn’t an illusion.
Thus, there was certainly something that the two hadn’t noticed.
Gu Zuo hesitated for a moment, then said: “Big brother, besides encountering the a.s.sa.s.sins, were there any other notable things that happened today?
T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.
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