Novel Full Chapter 868: Speak of the Devil
Chapter 868: Chapter 868: Speak of the Devil
The journey from Xiayun Port to the heart of the Wuxing Sect’s territory was surprisingly peaceful. The forested roads were quiet, filled only with the sounds of insects and the wind whispering through tall bamboo. Not a single Abyssal lurked in the shadows, and even the spiritual beasts that did appear were low-grade—nothing beyond orange-grade spiritual power. It was a rare calm, one that made Serena glance around warily every few minutes.
“It’s too quiet,” she murmured.
Kain nodded, riding ahead slightly on his Vespid. “It’s the sect’s influence. Even from here, you can feel the ambient order in the energy. There’s likely a defensive domain, currently mostly dormant, that extends far. It would have repelled most of the stronger creatures.”
After another hour of flight, the forest opened up. The Vespids buzzed to a stop at the tree line, revealing the city sprawled before them.
The contrast from the small coastal port was staggering. The city below was massive—wide streets filled with people, colorful stalls lining the avenues, spiritual beasts carrying goods, and carriages etched with glowing sigils gliding silently through the crowd. Walls of white stone rose high, their surfaces traced with silver veins of protective runes that shimmered faintly under the afternoon sun. Red tiled roofs curved elegantly like waves, their corners adorned with carved metal beasts that seemed to watch over the streets below. At the city’s center stood a towering pagoda seemingly made of jade and gold, radiating authority. Likely, where the people overseeing the city worked.
And looming behind it all was a massive mountain.
It pierced the clouds like a spear, its sides carved into terraces and stairways that glowed faintly with spiritual power. Kain could feel it even from here—the faint hum of power, a spiritual heartbeat resonating from the peak.
According to the information he received from Bai Lian, rather than this city, the mountain was the sect itself. But only the inner disciples were allowed to venture to it.
Serena let out a slow breath. “So this is the Wuxing Sect…”
“Or at least its shadow,” Kain said. “The city below belongs to its outer disciples, servants, and those under its protection.”
They dismounted, Kain withdrawing the eyecatching wasps, and continued on foot toward the massive gates. The guards stationed there wore silver-gray armor and bore the sect’s insignia—a five-pointed star, each point etched with ancient symbols representing the five elements—fire, water, earth, wood, and metal. Kain subtly examined them with his spiritual sense. Five-star beast tamers. Not bad for gate guards.
Serena raised an eyebrow. “Five-stars just to watch the gate of an affiliated city? They must have quite a lot of manpower. No wonder the towns within their territory are so confident.”
Kain replied. “If their city guards are this strong, imagine the ones protecting the mountain.”
The guards stepped forward, blocking their path with respectful caution. “State your business,” one said in a polite but firm tone.
Kain reached into his space ring, pulling out a few of the region’s local currency coins he had lifted from the port. “We’re travelers,” he said smoothly. “Looking to trade and rest before continuing inland.”
The guard took one look at the currency, then nodded. “Very well. Welcome to Wuxing City. Don’t cause trouble.”
They passed through without incident.
Once inside, the noise of the city engulfed them—vendors calling out, beasts roaring, the faint hum of talismanic lights floating along the streets. It was alive in a way the port had not been. The people looked well-fed and confident, their movements unhurried, their expressions careless.
“These people…” Serena said quietly. “They really believe they’re safe.”
“They are,” Kain said. “For now.” He glanced toward the mountain. “But that won’t last. The Abyss spreads faster than they realize.”
He kept his voice low as they walked, observing everything—the banners of the sect fluttering above shops, the symbols of elemental affinities carved into buildings, the faint glow of protective formations beneath the streets. This wasn’t just a city. It was an extension of the sect’s control, both spiritual and social.
Kain’s goal hadn’t changed. He needed information—about the Abyssal spread, about survivors, about people worth recruiting. But the Wuxing Sect’s core territory was too ordered, too controlled. He doubted he’d find the chaos or desperation that created the kind of people he sought.
Still, he’d start here. There should be few places on this continent still well-ordered enough to have an information system set up. And information was just what he needed.
Then maybe he could find the people who, unlike the too comfortable and confident locals, knew more about the Abyss and wanted to fight against it.
Speaking of the devil—or, as Kain now preferred after learning the local saying in the port town—’speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao appears’…
As they passed by a large tavern overlooking the market square, the sound of shouting drew their attention.
A man inside was causing a scene.
“—I saw it! Cities swallowed whole, fire and shadow devouring the sky!” The drunk’s voice cracked as he slammed his cup against the table, spilling ale everywhere. “You think the Wuxing Sect can stop it? Hah! You fools! Even Demigods fell before them!”
The nearby patrons groaned. One of them, a burly merchant, snorted. “Ignore him. He’s been spouting this nonsense for weeks. Claims he’s a prince from the northern regions.”
Laughter rippled through the bar.
Kain paused just outside, his gaze narrowing.
A prince, overrun by the Abyss? That caught his attention.
The drunk slammed his cup down again, sloshing ale across the table. “You think it’s funny? Laugh all you want! When they reach your walls, when your sect burns, remember I warned you!”
“Yeah, yeah,” someone scoffed. “And next you’ll tell us you’re the lost prince of the Rising Sun Kingdom.”
Kain and Serena exchanged a glance. Bea’s telepathic whisper flickered in his mind—He’s not lying.
Kain’s eyes gleamed faintly. “Well,” he said softly. “Looks like luck’s on our side again.”