The Blade-Wielding Legend
Chapter 287 - 191: The Journey Through the Pugilistic World Is Long, Yet the People Remain the Same

Chapter 287: Chapter 191: The Journey Through the Pugilistic World Is Long, Yet the People Remain the Same

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The melodious bell sound echoed throughout Hua Mountain.

On the mountain path of Qingke Plateau, Li Yan turned to look back, feeling conflicted.

The day he forged his blade was the very day the abbot of Chunyang Palace passed away.

No matter how it was viewed, it seemed somewhat ominous.

At such times, naturally, they dared not utter any unnecessary words to tempt fate. After bidding farewell to Yu Fengzi and the others, they hurriedly descended the mountain.

This Hua Mountain truly deserved to be the root of the Divine State.

Reflecting on the journey in hindsight, it felt bizarre with many unexplained mysteries still shrouded in fog.

For example, the mysterious fur-clad woman and the sheep elder in the "List of Immortals."

One achieved longevity by consuming herbs, preserving the Divine Astral to this day, and the other could transform with spells, truly mystical beyond belief.

And then there was the inexplicable Divine Lamp of Hua Mountain, and the sudden arrival of the White Emperor’s Fortune, all seemed enveloped in mist...

Wang Daoxuan once said that there were three divisions between temples and Taoist temples:

Below the mountain, they embraced the mundane world; halfway up, they were half mundane and half immortal; and upon reaching the peak, they distanced themselves from the mortal world, wholeheartedly seeking the Way.

Perhaps someday, when he stood high enough, these mysteries would unravel one by one. For now, he still needed to roll in the dust of the world.

Thinking of this, he gripped the Duan Chen Blade tightly, looked towards the distant valley, and said in a deep voice, "Everyone, the matters on the mountain are settled, the road in the pugilistic world is long, let’s set off early."

"Brother Lv, see if those fools are still at the foot of the mountain?"

Lv San nodded and blew a bamboo whistle, mimicking the sound of a hawk.

Under the overcast sky, hawks circled and danced.

Seeing this, Lv San frowned, "Those people are still guarding Jade Spring Square, strictly checking those going up and down the mountain, truly like an endless yin soul."

Li Yan snorted, his gaze turned slightly cold, "If that’s the case, then we’ll have to act. Get ready, let’s break through the defenses and leave!"

Undoubtedly, the court’s troops were not easy to deal with.

Unless one was a Grandmaster capable of traversing the rebel army, ordinary people of the pugilistic world and magicians, even if you’ve reached the Dan Realm, with Astral Force and spells not mediocre, would still perish from exhaustion under such a siege.

But for him, it wasn’t a problem without a solution.

The sky was gloomy now, drizzling, with no sunlight in sight.

In such weather, summoning Ghost Soldiers was not an issue.

At worst, they would call in a battalion of Ghost Soldiers, stir up a storm, creating flying sand and blinding rocks, taking the opportunity to break through the defenses.

After capturing yin criminals twice, he obtained six Astral Orders.

Using one to escape would be no problem.

Of course, he wouldn’t resort to slaughter. Escaping with the help of yin soldiers and using spells to massacre court soldiers were two different matters.

Some things were taboo. Once done, the Law Enforcement Hall would swarm, and even the disciples of the Taixuan Orthodox Sect wouldn’t dare to do it.

After all, he had witnessed the situation on the mountain. The Great Xuan Dynasty was at its peak, with royal power still firmly suppressing divine power.

Soon, the three arrived at the foot of the mountain, crouching on the corner rock, observing.

As expected, a large number of troops patrolled outside the Divine Temple of West Yue.

As a place of national sacrifice, they certainly dared not unleash troops inside but guarded all roads, strictly inspecting travelers.

Li Yan squinted his eyes, exchanged a look with everyone, and then clasped the Hook Paper in his hand, ready to break through the defense.

But just as he was about to cast a spell, there was a turn of events.

Two riders raced across the distant plain.

"Young Master! Young Master, slow down!"

Attendant Student Zhu Mo trailed behind, terrified, continually shouting.

Yan Jiuling dashed ahead, riding his horse wildly, mud and water splattered, his brocade robe covered in filth, yet his eyes shone brightly.

Despite the disarray from riding in the rain, upon seeing the scene below the mountain, he let out a sigh of relief, "Thank goodness, we made it in time."

"Stop!"

As he rushed forward, the surrounding soldiers immediately bent bows and nocked arrows.

"How dare you!"

Yan Jiuling let out a furious roar, shedding all semblance of a timid scholar, glaring angrily, "I am Yan Jiuling, a scholar from Hubei, coming at the command of Governor Li. Do you intend to rebel?"

Although he did not practice martial arts, an air of righteousness unexpectedly arose at this time.

The soldiers blocking the way were instantly filled with uncertainty.

Seeing Yan Jiuling’s imposing aura, they quickly lowered their weapons. The leading soldier, somewhat guilty, asked, "Do you have proof?"

"Hmph!"

Yan Jiuling dismounted with a cold snort, retrieved a white scroll from his bosom, on which a few lines of words were written and stamped with a bright red official seal.

But the soldier was merely going through the motions, couldn’t read, so after a quick glance, he bowed and cupped his fists, saying, "Sir, please come with me."

Facing over a thousand fierce soldiers, Yan Jiuling showed no fear, held his head high, and strutted into the Central Army.

Li Yan and the others naturally witnessed this.

They saw Yan Jiuling planting his hands on his hips, harshly berating a mounted general. Though the general’s face was angry, he dared not say much more, and with a gesture, led his troops away quickly.

Sha Lifei clicked his tongue and said, "Well, this foolish scholar actually has such a presence, remarkable!"

After the soldiers left, Yan Jiuling remained, turning to look at Hua Mountain, his eyes filled with worry.

Seeing this, Li Yan and the others no longer hid and stepped out quickly.

"Hahaha..." Seeing them safe, Yan Jiuling also sighed in relief, laughing as he ran over, nearly slipping on the wet ground.

He didn’t care; despite the disheveled state, he still smiled broadly and said, "It’s good that you’re all safe. The rising river flooded, collapsing bridges, causing some delay. I was worried."

"Thank you, Brother Yan!" Li Yan solemnly cupped his fists.

Though he had a means to break through, he appreciated what Yan Jiuling had done and kept this favor in mind.

"No need to mention it, it’s my duty."

Yan Jiuling didn’t mind, looked at Hua Mountain, then the others, and suddenly sighed, "Everyone, are we parting ways here?"