The vast expanse of Yuning Mountain stretched over a thousand kilometers from east to west and no less than eight hundred kilometers from north to south. It was divided into five major regions: east, south, west, north, and central.
Red Lotus Valley was located at the very southern tip of the Yuning Mountain range, on the edge of its territory. The deeper one ventured, the more powerful the factions became, especially in the core area.
「Lingjing City.」
Among the Three Valleys, Six Courts, and Nine Sects, over half of the nine major sects were based in Lingjing City.
Shisu Town, however, was merely a market town at the southern end of Yuning Mountain. Tracing back its history, the original Shisu Town had only a single tea stand where the gallant heroes of the Martial World could rest their feet and discuss the affairs of the world. Gradually, merchants arrived to set up stalls selling various mountain goods. Over time, it slowly evolved into a bustling market town with a population exceeding one hundred thousand, becoming the most important center for commerce at the southern end of Yuning Mountain.
Its prosperity, to quote Shen Shaotian, was in no way inferior to any city in the secular world.
"If I had to point out a difference, it would just be the lack of skyscrapers," he concluded, not forgetting to add his personal feelings. "I still prefer the market towns of Yuning Mountain. Your secular world… it's just too vulgar."
Chen Yang smiled but said nothing.
For someone born and raised in Yuning Mountain, it was natural to be fond of everything about it. This was a matter of strong personal bias. Just like Chen Yang himself; although he enjoyed the tranquility here, he still preferred the secular world. After all, that was where his wife, family, and friends were.
"Chen Yang." Shen Shaotian held his teacup, his gaze on Chen Yang growing complicated. "About that… maybe we shouldn't go. That bastard Shen Shaokun is definitely in Shisu Town, and I'm afraid he…"
"This time, I will kill him," Chen Yang said lightly.
Shen Shaotian was left speechless. The corner of his mouth twitched visibly. He had figured it out. Once this guy made up his mind, not even the Heavenly King himself could stop him. He silently shook his head and said no more.
Liu Changzheng and Liu Qingmei had also realized this. After exchanging a glance, they swallowed the words that were already on their lips.
The night passed without incident.
「The next day.」
It was another bright and sunny day, though the temperature on the mountaintop remained low. A layer of white frost covered the grass and trees, and a cool breeze swept through, chilling to the bone.
"And you wanted to stop me from coming? Without me, your local expert, would you even know the way to Shisu Town? You really don't appreciate a good deed!" outside Red Lotus Valley, perched atop a tall horse, Shen Shaotian grumbled. As if that wasn't enough, he continued, "With my reputation, do you have any idea how much trouble I could save you?"
"I have my cousin," Chen Yang joked.
Liu Qingmei smiled but remained silent.
In truth, everyone understood the situation perfectly; they just saw no need to spell it out. With Liu Qingmei going, it was a golden opportunity for Shen Shaotian. Why wouldn't he tag along? Everything else was just an excuse.
An embarrassed look flashed across Shen Shaotian's face. He leaned in close to Chen Yang and said shamelessly, "What's wrong with you, kid? Would it kill you to help me out?"
"If you feel you're losing out by calling me brother-in-law, how about we address each other as equals from now on?"
"Besides, regarding you and Gu Zhiqing exchanging glances, I swear I'll keep it a secret from Xiaoqiu. There, that should be enough, right?" Shen Shaotian said, looking entirely reasonable.
Before Chen Yang could reply, his gaze lifted.
On the wide mountain path, besides the others heading in the same direction, a few scattered figures had appeared, occasionally casting glances their way. Shen Shaotian narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing these individuals. Beside him, Chen Yang and Liu Qingmei also stared intently at the uninvited guests. As top-tier Fist Masters with keen senses, how could they not perceive the malicious intent of these people?
"That was fast," Chen Yang said with an indifferent smile. "It's only been one night, and they're already at my doorstep?"
This spot was only a few kilometers from Red Lotus Valley, so calling it their doorstep was no exaggeration.
"You underestimated the influence that map fragment has in Yuning Mountain," Liu Qingmei replied. As she spoke, a three-inch blade appeared between the fingers of her right hand, flickering nimbly, ready to fly out and reap a harvest of lives at any moment.
"I say, gentlemen, did you check the almanac before heading out? Today is an excellent day for bloodshed," Shen Shaotian said with a grin, baring his teeth at the group. He drew his sword, giving it a slight flourish. "Care to try?"
"Let's see… it's been a while since I, Shen Shaotian, have killed anyone, hasn't it?" he mused, cocking his head to one side and earnestly asking Zhou Zhirou.
"Young Master, it has only been half a month since you killed that group from the Imperial Clan," Zhou Zhirou replied.
Shen Shaotian nodded. "Then it's about time I killed another batch today."
At these words, the onlookers' expressions shifted, and they subconsciously moved to the sides of the road. Most of them were here to scout for information, along with some Loose Cultivators. They had all heard of Shen Shaotian from the Southern Dipper Academy, and Liu Qingmei was standing right beside him. The stranger between them had to be Chen Yang. Leaving aside Chen Yang's strength, Shen Shaotian and Liu Qingmei alone were more than ordinary people could handle.
CLANG!
Shen Shaotian sheathed his sword with a cold laugh. "Lucky for you, you know what's good for you."
"Hmph!"
While they didn't dare to make a move, someone couldn't resist retorting, "What's there to be arrogant about? Do you really think you can protect him?"
"A word of friendly advice: distance yourself from him as soon as possible. Otherwise, even you, the Young Master of the Southern Dipper Academy, might share his fate."
Shen Shaotian turned a deaf ear. They were just trash, not enough to truly pique his interest. Otherwise, his sword wasn't just for show.
Walking at the front, Chen Yang suddenly chuckled and shook his head. He felt a pang of regret for not bringing Yang Hu. Given his temperament, he would have loved it here. Still, it was good for him to stay home and spend time with his girlfriend.
On that same mountain path, less than three kilometers away, dozens of tall horses galloped toward them at incredible speed, spurred on by cracking whips. A great cloud of yellow dust was kicked up, sweeping across the land. The riders were uniformly dressed in silver armor and black capes, each holding a Long Spear. Their faces were stern and reticent, and they exuded an overwhelming aura of death.
On their chests was a silver badge depicting a hawk spreading its wings, soaring ninety thousand li into the sky. It was the emblem of the City Lord's Mansion.
These men were none other than the famed Silver Armored Guards of the City Lord's Mansion. Normally, they operated within the core region of Yuning Mountain and almost never set foot in the outer areas.
Leading the group was a tall, lean, middle-aged man. His eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, striking fear and dread into the hearts of all who met his gaze. His name was Zhang Xiao, one of the Commanders of the City Lord's Mansion's Silver Armored Guards.
A burly man, built like an iron tower, spurred his horse to ride beside him. "Commander," he reported, "we have word from up ahead. The man named Chen Yang is heading this way, accompanied by Shen Shaotian and Liu Qingmei. It appears they are heading for Shisu Town."
"So fearless?" Zhang Xiao chuckled. "We'll stop here and wait. I'm curious to see where this fellow gets his confidence, and whether he truly has three heads and six arms."