Emperor of the Mysterious Heavens

Chapter 75: Chapter 047 Demon Tianshang

Liangjing.

Yan Chuan led his army slowly into the city.

Wherever they passed, the common people quickly stepped aside. Even the cultivators who remained in the city stared at the three thousand soldiers in surprise. Their equipment was far too unusual—almost identical, an eerie uniformity that was rare even among the greatest sects.

Yan Chuan was about to have someone inquire about the city's situation when he suddenly spotted a familiar face.

"Whoosh!"

A figure appeared before Yan Chuan in an instant. It was one of the Three Swordsmen of the Dahe Sect.

"Wow, so many beast hides?" The swordsman stared in amazement at the hides carried by the soldiers.

"Xiao San, what are you doing here?" Yan Chuan asked curiously.

Xiao San? The swordsman's face immediately fell. It dawned on him that Yan Chuan was still his senior.

"Uncle Master, we've actually been here for a few days, waiting for you!" the swordsman said helplessly.

"Oh?"

"The seven of us, along with Jiu Jian Sheng, have all arrived. Our master sent us, saying we should protect you. The sect noticed an increase in merit points and guessed it was your doing, but couldn't locate you. So, we decided to wait here in Liangjing. Sure enough, you've arrived!" the swordsman said with a proud smile.

"Protect me? Very well, thank you," Yan Chuan replied with a slight smile.

"It's our duty. Come, we've chosen a good place—Ping Shan Tower, which sits on high ground and overlooks the entire city!" the swordsman suggested with a grin.

"Alright. By the way, can you handle these beast hides?" Yan Chuan asked.

"Leave it to me. Liangjing has gathered a lot of cultivators this time, and I know some acquaintances from Wuyou City who deal in all kinds of materials!" The swordsman patted his chest confidently.

"That's perfect," Yan Chuan nodded.

With the swordsman leading the way, they headed to the western part of Liangjing, arriving at a grand tavern. Behind it was a large lake where the three thousand soldiers bathed and rested.

After cleansing himself, Yan Chuan was also led inside the tavern.

The interior was spacious, filled with nobles and even some cultivators. Yan Chuan and his group took a seat by the window. Liu Jin stood behind Yan Chuan, and at the table sat the Seven Swordsmen and Jiu Jian Sheng.

Screens separated the various dining tables.

Sipping his tea, Yan Chuan gazed out at the entire city of Liangjing. To the north and south stood two massive palace complexes, each equally majestic.

"Which one is the royal palace?" Yan Chuan asked curiously.

"Uncle Master, you may not know this, but Liangjing's geography is quite unique due to its proximity to the Feng Yao Mountain Range. Many cultivators stop here, just like this Ping Shan Tower, which was actually built specifically for cultivators as a temporary resting place," the swordsman explained immediately.

"Indeed," Yan Chuan nodded.

"Since many cultivators stay here, Liangjing has become rather prosperous. The palace to the north is the royal palace of Liang, while the one to the south is called the 'Immortal Palace.' It was built by the Emperor of Liang as a residence for prominent figures from the cultivation world. Its grandeur rivals that of the royal palace," the swordsman elaborated.

"Do all earthly kingdoms curry favor with sects?" Yan Chuan asked, frowning slightly.

"Naturally. What do kingdoms have besides large populations of mortals? They cannot gather merit like sects can," another swordsman chimed in.

Yan Chuan nodded but remained silent, his thoughts deepening.

"By the way, Uncle Master, you may not know this, but something major has happened in the Feng Yao Mountains. Liangjing is currently filled with disciples from various sects, all preparing to enter the mountains!" the swordsman said with a hint of envy.

"Oh? Why?"

"A Heaven-rank cultivation technique! Our Dahe Sect's strongest technique is only Earth-rank. A Heaven-rank technique could become a sect's ultimate treasure. Many are risking their lives to search for it," the swordsman explained.

"A Heaven-rank technique? Then why are so many people still in Liangjing?"

"Because the Holy Son of the Great Zhao Sacred Land is here. Many of the cultivators around us have responded to his summons. He's promised that anyone who helps him find the Heaven-rank technique will be rewarded with ten Earth-rank techniques. Think about it—fighting for a Heaven-rank technique is no small task. But just by helping the Holy Son, they could earn Earth-rank techniques. Who wouldn't want that?" the swordsman explained further.

"The entire city's cultivators are hanging on the whims of this so-called Holy Son?" Yan Chuan said coldly.

"This Holy Son is no ordinary figure. He's Gu Yue, the Holy Son of the Great Zhao Sacred Land. It's said that he became a Void Realm expert over a hundred years ago. His followers are numerous, and he commands talents from all walks of life," the swordsman explained.

"Gu Yue is currently staying in the Immortal Palace," Jiu Jian Sheng added.

As they spoke, a waiter approached them.

"Excuse me, may I ask who is 'Yan Chuan'?" the waiter inquired respectfully.

"What's the matter?" Yan Chuan asked, puzzled.

"Someone claiming to be your friend wishes to see you," the waiter replied.

"Oh? Who is it?" Yan Chuan asked with a hint of curiosity.

"Yan Gongzi, long time no see!" came a cheerful voice.

A man in white, holding a feather fan, stepped out from behind the waiter.

"Wen Ruo?" Jiu Jian Sheng and the others were shocked.

Wen Ruo nodded to the group before turning to Yan Chuan.

"So, it's Mr. Wen Ruo. Forgive me for not greeting you sooner. Please, come in," Yan Chuan stood up to welcome him.

Wen Ruo nodded and walked over.

"Gentlemen, I'd like to speak with Yan Chuan alone, if you don't mind," Wen Ruo said politely to the others.

"No problem, I'll just sit at the next table," they all replied courteously, though their gazes were filled with surprise. They hadn't expected Wen Ruo to appear here.

Yan Chuan frowned slightly but said nothing more.

"Please, sit," Yan Chuan gestured.

Wen Ruo nodded and sat down, while Liu Jin poured tea for them both.

"Mr. Wen Ruo, it seems you didn't come here just for old times' sake," Yan Chuan said with a smile, taking a sip of tea.

"A bit of reminiscing, but also some business," Wen Ruo replied smoothly.

"Reminiscing is good. It's been a while since we last met, and you haven't lost your charm," Yan Chuan said with a laugh.

Wen Ruo gave a faint, self-deprecating smile. "You flatter me, Yan Gongzi."

"Last time, you accompanied the Holy Maiden. This time, you're with the Holy Son. It seems you are quite favored in the Great Zhao Sacred Land," Yan Chuan said with a grin.

"Just a life of toil. Are you not curious about the Holy Maiden?" Wen Ruo asked with a smile.

"Moyu Xi, how is she?" Yan Chuan's expression turned more serious.

"She completed a flawless mission. The Wan Miao Demon Lotus has been handed over to Daojun Mao Ri. She's about to break through in her cultivation, and when we left, she was in seclusion with Qinglong and the others guarding her," Wen Ruo replied.

"A breakthrough? She's advancing quickly," Yan Chuan nodded.

"I see I still underestimated you," Wen Ruo said with a strange smile.

"Oh?"

"Meng Rongrong is my sister. Last time, you certainly riled her up," Wen Ruo chuckled.

"Your sister? So, you're the eldest son of the Julu Academy?" Yan Chuan said, slightly surprised.

With a bitter smile, Wen Ruo shook his head. "That's all in the past, not worth mentioning."

"Understood," Yan Chuan nodded, dropping the subject.

"Last time, I witnessed your brilliance with the Feng Shui array. This time, I'm here to ask for your help," Wen Ruo said after a moment of thought.

"Help with what?"

"Gu Yue, the Holy Son, has brought a group of powerful experts from the Great Zhao Sacred Land and recruited many more from surrounding sects, promising them great rewards. They're preparing to enter the Feng Yao Mountains, and I'd like you to join us," Wen Ruo said directly.

"Great rewards?" Yan Chuan asked, intrigued.

"You've probably heard—Gu Yue has promised ten Earth-rank techniques for finding the Heaven-rank technique," Wen Ruo explained.

Yan Chuan took a light sip of tea and smiled. "A Heaven-rank technique? Really?"

"Don't you believe me?" Wen Ruo asked with a grin.

"Why should I? The sight of fleeing demons is hardly the sign of a Heaven-rank technique's emergence. Demons are abandoning their territory in fear. What do you think that means?" Yan Chuan asked with a smile.

Wen Ruo's expression stiffened before he gave a wry smile. "I knew I couldn't fool you."

"The Feng Yao Mountains are certainly facing something major, and it's extremely dangerous—dangerous enough to terrify even the demonic beasts. In such a situation, you ask me to come along?" Yan Chuan asked, raising an eyebrow.

"That's exactly why I need you. You understand the power of Feng Shui, and your techniques are extraordinary. I suspect this danger stems from the terrain, and who better than you to lead us through it? Besides, you have the Dahe Sect supporting you, so we're both interested parties here," Wen Ruo explained earnestly.

Yan Chuan was silent for a moment, considering the proposal.

"And what will you offer me in return?" Yan Chuan finally asked.

Wen Ruo smiled. "Other than an Earth-rank technique?"