Supreme of the Heavenly Realm
Chapter 809 - 803: Butcher Group

Chapter 809: Chapter 803: Butcher Group

On the desolate desert road, the wind and sand churned continuously, the sound swirling in the sky, finally carrying a thread of sand, flying off into the distance.

At the end of the road, some black spots gradually appeared. After a while, the black spots approached, revealing a caravan, surrounded by thirty or forty guards with stern faces, protecting it closely. Vigilant gazes swept around constantly, their hands tightly gripping the weapons behind them.

Nearby, the caravan was already approaching the edge of the Ancient Land, so occasionally one or two figures could be seen. However, they were sparse, disappearing in the blink of an eye, leaving only the sound of hooves and occasional eagle cries from the sky on the entire road.

Currently, it’s been five or six days since Ye Xuan joined the caravan, and during this time, Ye Xuan has somewhat recovered from his injuries, able to exert about fifty percent of his strength.

Yet when he fell earlier, his leg bone was severely damaged, and even with the aid of pills, Ye Xuan still limped as he walked, unable to fully recover in a short time.

After all, this is the Ancient World, where despite the abundant spiritual energy, the space is also exceptionally stable. Ye Xuan’s previous descent felt like an ordinary person crashing onto an iron plate. If Ye Xuan’s bones weren’t resilient and his physical condition decent, his injuries would have been far worse.

Inside the bumpy carriage, Ye Xuan leaned against the window, gazing out at the guards from the Lu family with solemn faces. Today was entirely different from the relaxed atmosphere of previous days; something was unusual among these guards. Even Ji Shan, who habitually displayed dissatisfaction and hostility towards Ye Xuan, was now clutching his weapon tightly, revealing his inner tension.

"Aren’t we about to leave the Ancient Land? Why are they so tense?"

Ye Xuan glanced at Lu Qi inside the carriage, who also appeared unsettled—there was evidently something he was unaware of.

"Up ahead lies Heavenly Punishment Gorge, where a notorious outlaw group, known as the Butcher Group, operates. They specialize in killing and treasure hunting. Their leader, Deng Quan, self-proclaimed the title ’God Butcher’. Who knows if we might be unlucky enough to encounter these guys. Our Stone City’s deterrent force is probably insignificant against people like them."

Lu Qi seemed quite worried as well.

"Seems like this Butcher Group has quite a fierce reputation here, making you all so nervous..." Upon hearing this, Ye Xuan chuckled.

"That Deng Quan is extremely vicious and notoriously lustful. With my sister around, I’m afraid that guy might target us." Lu Qi said.

"Don’t worry, since your sister dared to journey here, she must have her reasons and confidence. It’s not your place to worry."

Ye Xuan shook his head with a smile. Based on his understanding over the past few days, Lu Youlan was not a reckless person; she certainly had her plans.

This was likely something he needn’t concern himself with, so he then sat cross-legged in the carriage and closed his eyes to rest.

The bumpy ride continued for about two hours before it suddenly halted, and at this moment, Ye Xuan also abruptly opened his eyes, his gaze piercing through the window’s slit to see a towering mountain peak not far ahead of the caravan. In the middle of the mountain stood a crack as if cleaved open, about one dozen meters wide, resembling a canyon.

As the vehicle stopped, Ye Xuan’s soul perception keenly detected an increased heart rate among the group. It seemed this must be the so-called "Heavenly Punishment Gorge."

"Everyone be cautious, entering the region of Heavenly Punishment Gorge. Ji Shan, lead a team inside to scout. If nothing unusual arises, report back immediately. Do not disturb anything within the gorge, including Demon Beasts. Moreover, if discovered, do not act rashly without orders—violators will be killed!" As Ye Xuan pondered, Lu Youlan’s stern voice suddenly echoed from outside the carriage.

"Understood!"

Her command elicited a chorus of responses.

"Move out!"

Ji Shan nodded solemnly, then gestured with his hand while speaking in a heavy tone.

Subsequently, several guards galloped into the gorge on horseback.

Following Lu Youlan’s orders, the caravan resumed its journey, slowly advancing into the treacherous mountain range.

A dozen minutes later, Ji Shan returned with his team.

"Everything’s normal."

Ji Shan’s report allowed everyone to breathe easier, and subsequently, the caravan increased its speed. After all, none wished to encounter a faction like the Butcher Group.

At this moment, the caravan gradually entered the gorge, fearing disturbance, the wheels were wrapped in cloth strips, and the horses’ mouths were sealed shut. This convoy stealthily slipped into the gorge.

In such a tense atmosphere, the caravan encountered no issues, and after ten-odd minutes, it passed through the central part of the gorge. Here, the faint outline of the gorge’s far exit could be seen, prompting almost everyone to exhale in relief.

Just as they were relaxing, Ye Xuan inside the carriage slowly opened his slightly closed eyes, a glint flashing thereafter.

"Trouble’s here."

Ye Xuan lifted the carriage’s curtain, and within mere seconds, the entire gorge suddenly trembled, followed by a rapid collapse of trees on both sides of the gorge, vaguely revealing traces of large Demon Beasts.

"Damn it, they’ve found us. Speed up, go!"

Witnessing this scene, Ji Shan’s expression turned rather grim, he shouted in anger.

At this moment, without needing his call, the experienced Han family guards were already desperately urging their mounts, then the caravan thunderously accelerated, striving to charge out of the gorge.

"Boom!"

Just as the caravan was within less than a hundred meters of the gorge’s exit, suddenly a giant figure flashed out from the gorge’s sides, blocking the entire path decisively. A ferocious giant mouth, hissing with a pungent scent, the beast’s chilling eyes locked onto the caravan’s occupants.

It was a massive lizard with two heads, and behind it were other ferocious Demon Beasts, ridden by exceptionally robust bandits, all bearing a butcher knife emblem on their attire. Undoubtedly, this was the infamous Butcher Group.

"Damn..."

Facing these Demon Beasts blocking the entire passage, Ji Shan’s heart sank immediately. Though these Demon Beasts weren’t exceptionally strong, their massive size effectively sealed the route without any gaps.

As the path got blocked, an array of crashing sounds emerged from the surrounding forest, and then numerous figures riding different Demon Beasts poured out densely, ultimately surrounding the caravan front and back.