Chapter 63: Mountain Monarch

Chapter 63: Chapter 63: Mountain Monarch

"Leave?" Chen Yue’s gaze flickered.

The thought had crossed his mind when he first sensed the turbulent undercurrents in Youlin County, but he had never seriously considered it.

Chen Yue’s knowledge of this world was limited to the county seat and its immediate surroundings. He knew almost nothing of the vast world outside.

"Yes, leave!"

Shen Dujiang’s tone was firm. "To the State Capital, for instance! The Celestial State Prefecture! It’s the most prosperous and flourishing place for thousands of miles around. Resources are abundant, trade routes are open, and you can find any medicinal herb you want there—as long as you can afford it!

More importantly, the State Capital is home to countless Sects. The Martial Dao legacies there are far richer and more profound than in this remote little county!

If you are truly dedicated to the Martial Dao, with your friend’s ability to earn resources through Alchemy, you could easily afford to join a Sect and cultivate in seclusion. How could your future prospects compare to being cooped up here in Youlin County?"

’Join a Sect?’

Chen Yue’s heart stirred. It was indeed a viable path.

A Sect meant more systematic legacies, richer resources, a safer environment for cultivation, and... a grander stage.

But it also meant more restrictions and more complex conflicts.

"I’ve never left Youlin County," Chen Yue said slowly.

"The world outside is vast and filled with unknown dangers. Besides, how would I even get to the Celestial State Prefecture? And how can I ensure my safety on the road?"

These were Chen Yue’s genuine concerns.

Even a ruined temple outside the city could harbor a Chong Ghost, and behind that Chong Ghost was likely a Mountain Monarch.

On the long journey to the Celestial State Prefecture, if he went in blind, he could unwittingly stumble into a perilous situation.

Shen Dujiang seemed to have anticipated these questions. He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice.

"There is a way, of course. I’ve been navigating the black market for years and have friends from all walks of life. As it happens, I know a merchant caravan that regularly travels to the Celestial State Prefecture. They’ll be coming to Youlin County soon. They’re trustworthy, and their prices are fair.

As for safety... the caravan has its own guards, and they stick to the official main roads. As long as we don’t run into large bands of roaming bandits or some bizarre natural disaster, we should be fine."

A brief silence fell over the room. The flame of the oil lamp danced, casting their flickering shadows on the wall.

The threat of his medicinal herb supply being cut off was imminent, and the shadow of the Divine Flame Cult loomed all around. Staying meant he might be safe for a time under the Chen Mansion’s protection, but with limited resources and powerful enemies on all sides, it was by no means a long-term solution.

Leaving, while the path ahead was uncertain, could open up a world of possibilities.

Chen Yue’s fingers tapped unconsciously on the tabletop as he rapidly weighed his options.

’The panel is my greatest asset, but its growth requires resources, higher-level Cultivation Techniques, and a safe environment to develop. Youlin County... it seems it can no longer meet my needs for the next step.’

"That merchant caravan... when will it arrive?" Chen Yue looked up at Shen Dujiang.

Hearing this, Shen Dujiang couldn’t help but smile.

"I’ve already made inquiries. Based on their usual schedule, the caravan should pass through Youlin County sometime this month. They’ll rest and resupply here for a day or two before heading to the Celestial State Prefecture.

When the time comes, we’ll spend some extra silver coins to smooth things over with the manager. Then we can join the caravan and travel with them. It’s the safest method."

Chen Yue nodded.

"Alright!"

No longer hesitating, Chen Yue made his decision. "Then we’ll do as you say and leave Youlin County with the caravan when it arrives."

"Haha, excellent!" Shen Dujiang’s face broke into a smile as well.

’Chen Yue is strong and can also refine Elixirs. These are the fundamentals for establishing ourselves in the Celestial State Prefecture.’

’And after spending these past few days with him, I’ve gotten a sense of his character. He’s someone worth befriending.’

Chen Yue suddenly thought of another problem, his brow furrowing slightly. "In the meantime, is there any other way to get medicinal herbs?"

Chen Yue didn’t want to waste this precious month or so. At his current cultivation speed, as long as he had enough Elixirs, he could make more progress on his Immune to Hundred Poisons and Copper Skin Iron Bones.

Besides, once they were on the road, the constant jolting and fatigue would surely affect his Alchemy and cultivation conditions. It was essential to stock up on more Elixirs now.

Shen Dujiang stroked the sparse beard on his chin, his eyes darting about before a ruthless glint appeared in them.

"If we’ve really decided to leave, then we can be a bit more unrestrained in our actions for the time being.

Come back tomorrow at this time. I’ll figure out a way to get you as many of those herbs as possible."

Chen Yue nodded and was about to speak when his expression suddenly changed. His muscles tensed instantly, and a chill shot up from the base of his spine to the crown of his head.

The keen perception and subtle environmental awareness granted by his Heart Nourishing Technique allowed him to detect several extremely faint auras spreading from beyond the courtyard walls.

One aura, in particular, was deep and obscure, carrying an oppressive presence that far surpassed the Bone Forging Realm.

Chen Yue moved like lightning, whirling to face the courtyard gate. The Qi Blood for his Vast Firm Essence Technique and Tiger Roar Golden Bell Shield was already circulating silently at its peak, ready to be unleashed at a moment’s notice.

Shen Dujiang reacted a half-beat slower, but seeing Chen Yue’s intense reaction, he instantly understood. A pair of poison-coated short spikes appeared in his hands as he focused his attention, on guard.

"Heh... not a slow reaction. No wonder you could kill those two wastes, Cheng Ziqian and Yuan Tiansu!"

A mocking, teasing voice, like the whisper of a ghost, abruptly rang out.

Before the voice had even faded, three black figures landed silently atop the low courtyard wall in a triangular formation, looking down and completely boxing in Chen Yue and Shen Dujiang inside the house.

The scant moonlight barely illuminated their human forms.

The one in the center was tall and slender, dressed in a dark blue robe. His features were ordinary, but his eyes were exceptionally bright, glinting sharply whenever he blinked.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his mere presence exuding an invisible, oppressive aura.

A Marrow Refining Realm expert!

The man on the left was burly with a full, curly beard. He wielded a pair of heavy, tempered-iron short halberds. His Qi Blood surged, his gaze was fierce, and he was clearly at the Bone Forging Realm of cultivation.

The man on the right was gaunt, his complexion as pale as a chronically ill person’s. But his ten fingers were long and slender, and a long, thin Soft Sword hung from his waist. His aura was cold and erratic—he too was at the Bone Forging Realm.

One Marrow Refining Realm expert and two at the Bone Forging Realm!

’They actually found me. And they came so quickly, with such a powerful lineup!’

Shen Dujiang felt his breath catch in his throat. Only a single thought remained in his mind: ’It’s over!’

’The Marrow Refining Realm! How could they possibly fight an expert of that caliber?’

Chen Yue’s eyes narrowed slightly, betraying no hint of panic.

’The Marrow Refining Realm... This is the strongest enemy I’ve faced to date. And they came prepared. They clearly have no intention of letting us leave alive.’

With a lightning-fast flick of his right hand, Chen Yue swept the half-full teapot from the table beside him. The pot and its scalding contents shot instantly toward the three on the wall—not to injure them, but to obstruct their vision and footwork.

At the same time, he turned and grabbed Shen Dujiang’s shoulder, shouting in a low voice, "Go!"

Before his voice faded, Chen Yue unleashed his Vertical Cloud Thousand Layer Step at full power. His body shot forward like an arrow released from a bow, carrying Shen Dujiang as he charged toward the back courtyard.

In just a few steps, he had crossed the room and entered the courtyard. The moment he neared the wall, Chen Yue pushed off the ground, his body soaring into the air. He carried Shen Dujiang directly over the wall, and they landed in the dark, winding alleyway outside.