Chapter 348 - Chapter 348: Chapter 314 Turbulent Autumn

Chapter 348: Chapter 314 Turbulent Autumn

“What a troublesome autumn…”

Tao Yu sighed, donned his straw raincoat, and entered Yangzhou City, where he saw that the streets were bustling with hurried pedestrians, even the candy sellers’ faces were etched with worry.

However, you could see that the tea house near the city gate was almost full of people who were there to listen to the storyteller’s tales.

From the previous conversation with those suspected gang members, it was evident that ‘living dead’ incidents had already occurred within Yangzhou City.

But each instance had been sporadic, and thus far, they had all been successfully quelled.

In these turbulent times, it seemed the impact and fear of the living dead on the common people were not as exaggerated as one might imagine.

…

“If it were like in ‘Zombie World’, targeting the water supply of Yangzhou for spreading, then quite a few viruses might have already entered humans. However, the world of the Great Tang is indeed more resilient. Perhaps this mode of infection will be suppressed as much as possible, or maybe, there could be some sort of awakening ritual…”

Tao Yu felt somewhat disheartened; the mere transmission pattern of zombies biting humans was actually quite ordinary.

The reason why Jack’s world fell was mainly due to simultaneous outbreaks in multiple locations, leaving no chance to extinguish the flames. Things rapidly deteriorated.

But the current situation in the Great Tang seemed to be sporadic incidents only.

It was unclear whether this was due to the Great Tang world’s suppression which meant that only the weak and sick were initially infected through water sources, or if the Fortune Thief alliance had some method of activation they had yet to employ. Or perhaps it was a combination of both.

“Still, it’s best to ask the Yin Gui Faction, these local snakes…”

With the address of the Yin Gui Faction’s Yangzhou stronghold in hand, Tao Yu first found the city’s most famous brothel, and then he went to the large vermilion compound hanging three lanterns across the street and knocked on the door.

Three long, two short, he knocked three times.

Before long, a young man in blue opened a small door and scrutinized Tao Yu.

Tao Yu just slightly lifted his straw raincoat, revealing a pair of bright eyes.

The next moment, a hint of confusion appeared on the young man’s face.

He then let Tao Yu in.

After Tao Yu entered, the young man closed the door and shuddered, wondering how he had let the visitor in without any secret code, filling him with unease and suspicion.

“Wen Caiting, come out.”

Tao Yu’s voice was not loud, but it was focused and directly reached inside the house. Soon, Wen Caiting, an elder of the Yin Gui Faction, emerged with Bai Qing’er, walking with a swaying grace.

“Master Tao, you really are in a hurry. I was waiting for you in my room,” she said.

“Did you bring what I asked for?”

“It’s all here. You can take your time choosing, and Qing’er and I will gladly explain everything to Master,” Wen Caiting replied seductively, exuding an air of ripe allure.

Beside her, Bai Qing’er’s cheeks were slightly flushed, her innocence laced with a hint of flirtatious charm.

Wen Caiting’s sultry voice was captivating, and coupled with her enchanting gaze, she was truly worthy of the title ‘Succubus of the Demon Sect.’

This seemed to put the young man who opened the door back into some sort of trance as he stood there dazed.

“What’s the situation with these living dead? What is the latest news, and what actions has Shi Shaojian taken?”

Tao Yu was unfazed by Wen Caiting’s words and casually inquired.

“The living dead incidents have been sporadic for quite some time, originating from Xiangxi, but in these chaotic times that’s hardly significant — just rumors of zombies…

Wen Caiting stroked her long hair that reached her buttocks and slowly relayed the latest intelligence.

Actually, the rumors and dangers concerning the living dead were relatively minor issues for these final years of the Sui dynasty!

It hadn’t yet brought the kind of damage that famine and military disasters had caused.

Although nearby villages around Yangzhou had seen entire populations infected, and similar incidents had occurred within Yangzhou City itself, they had only caused a bit of panic so far.

In comparison to the threat of the living dead, more people were still concerned with what they would eat today…

“…However, now the rumors about the living dead are saying that Master Tao and Zhang the Immortal, these two foreign devils, are the cause. They are even calling for the formation of an alliance to bring down ‘Heavenly Blade’ Song Que. Though the He’s Jade Disc is now gone, the choice for the ruler of the world seems to subtly point towards the Song Faction…”

During Tao Yu’s time secluded in the valley, many things had truly happened in the world.

To begin with, his notoriety, needless to say, had worsened, but because of the Yin Gui Faction’s scheming, the news about the loss of the He’s Jade Disc couldn’t be suppressed.

But with Li Shimin becoming Bi Xuan’s disciple and Li Mi’s downfall, the obliteration of the Dugu Faction’s top echelon, as well as the righteous factions desperately needing powerful allies, the choice eventually seemed to land on the Song Faction.

Previously, the Song Faction was considered difficult to control due to ‘Heavenly Blade’ Song Que, but now, with them being utterly overwhelmed, they had to unite all the forces they could. Choosing the Song Faction seemed almost inevitable.

Apart from that, the Li Faction hasn’t been resting either. Though they have lost the support of the Buddhist Sect, Bi Xuan and the Tujue are far from incompetent. They have already helped the Li Faction stabilize Chang’an!

Due to the downfall of Li Mi and the Dugu Faction, this has led to the Li Faction having virtually no rivals in the north. Their military might is unobstructed, and enemies surrender at the first sight of them.

Moreover, the Li Faction has also spread the news that they have obtained the hidden treasure in Chang’an, Yang Gong’s treasure trove, which has suddenly boosted their prominence.

Especially after the death of Li Mi, Wang Shichong carried out a massacre, leading many of the elite troops and generals originally under Li Mi to defect to the Li Faction—significantly swelling its strength.

Now, there’s a looming trend of a north-south standoff.

However, aside from the Li and Song Factions, there are also other powers, such as Du Fuwei of Jianghuai and Wang Shichong of Luoyang, maintaining a balance of power.

Li Zitong of Yangzhou is also one of them.

For the time being, the Li and Song factions haven’t clashed head-on yet.

“Has Song Que personally taken action?”

Tao Yu was somewhat curious. If the Buddhist Sect fully supported the Song Faction, then Song Que wouldn’t necessarily hold any contempt.

After Bi Xuan took Li Shimin as his disciple, Song Que would absolutely not tolerate the Li Faction seizing the realm.

“Not yet, right now, it’s Jie Hui from Ba Shu who’s more active. Shi Shaojian is indeed inquiring about Shi Zhixuan’s whereabouts, and he’s already found An Long. The Sect Master suspects that all these zombies are a diversion created by Shi Shaojian to distract attention. Worried about unforeseen changes, he has already gone to Ba Shu ahead of others.”

The words of Wen Caiting made Tao Yu frown slightly as well.

If Shi Zhixuan were to get involved with people from the Fortune Thief alliance, that indeed would be troublesome.

Having considerable martial prowess, if he found a new way to improve, he might be able to resolve the issues in his mindset.

An Long is known as the ‘Chongqing Corpulent Jia’ and is the sworn brother of Jie Hui, the ‘Martial Judge’ from Lone Honor Fortress.

And Jie Hui is also connected by a marital alliance with Song Que. Lone Honor Fortress is almost regarded as an independent power in the Chongqing area, with immense influence.

According to rumors in the Martial World, Jie Hui’s strength is not inferior to that of Song Que.

This indicates his renown!

“Instead of being passively sought after, why don’t we take the initiative to bring them all together?”

After meditating for a moment with his eyes shut, Tao Yu spoke in a deep voice,

“You will spread the word that I, the Heavenly Demon Tao Yu from outside the domain, will soon head to Chang’an with the Twin Dragons to retrieve the treasure. As for the route…”

Tao Yu smiled,

“We will travel against the current up the Yangtze River, enter the Shu Land first, and then head for Chang’an…”

Shu Road is difficult, but after years of development in the Shu Land, it has become an area extremely rich in resources—Yangzhou is first in trade, then Ba Shu comes second!

And the main reliance is on the Yangtze River. We will travel openly against the current; the route is laid out for you, now it’s up to you to come or not!

“Master Tao has courage. When the time comes, you won’t just be facing Shi Zhixuan,” said Wen Caiting, her beautiful eyes shining, while Bai Qing’er beside her also showed an admiring gaze.

And truth be told, although she knew they were acting, he felt somewhat pleased.

“That’s exactly the effect I want. I don’t have the time to deal with each of them individually.”

“However, even if we spread the message, it will take time to get around. During this period, Master Tao, you could study the ultimate profound techniques with us.”

Wen Caiting’s tone was soft as she moved forward, embracing Tao Yu’s arm and pressing it against unspeakable places, seemingly ready to use force to pull Tao Yu towards the building.

But the next moment, she was shaken off by Tao Yu,

“No time. I have to go back. Just give me the new Secret Technique; I’ll pick it myself…”

Meanwhile, Bai Qing’er summoned up the courage to speak softly,

“Actually, my Holy Gate has a secret method that could, even if Master Tao has some unspoken difficulties, prolong your time and ensure you can enjoy the delights…”

Tao Yu had intended to grab what he needed and leave, but upon hearing this, his face turned quite dark.

He didn’t need those things because he was weak; it was only because his opponents were too strong!

Is this what people have been spreading?

“Ignorant of death—today, I’ll show you succubi just how formidable I am!”

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