Chapter 112: Mu Chen on Wood Valley.
The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, casting the sprawling caravan in a shroud of inky darkness.
Mu Chen nestled deeper into the wooden planks, his body aching from the hours of tense vigilance.
"Hmm... Someone from Heaven Fall sect is attracting thunder tribulation," He dared not close his eyes, lest the thundering hooves of the sect's disciples echo in the distance.
The wooden valley was little faraway from east mountains.
Ssss!
A soft rustling nearby caused him to tense, his hand instinctively reaching for the dagger concealed within his robes.
"Who's there?" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the creaking of the wagon.
A shadowy figure materialized, and Mu Chen's grip on the blade tightened.
But then a familiar voice reached his ears, and he let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
"Easy there, lad," the gruff merchant said, settling down beside him.
"Didn't mean to startle you. Can't be too careful these days, eh?"
Mu Chen nodded, relaxing his stance slightly.
"Forgive me, I'm on edge. The sect will no doubt be searching for me,"
The merchant's weathered features creased in a sympathetic frown.
"Aye, I figured as much. That's a mighty powerful sect you've run from. You must've had a good reason to risk their wrath,"
Mu Chen hesitated, weighing his words carefully.
"I...I refused to bow to their endless demands. They sought to control my cultivation, to mold me into nothing more than a sacrificial lamb for their cause," He clenched his jaw, the memory of the Sect Master's cold, calculating gazes still searing in his mind! Not to mention that Beta Fang.
The merchant let out a low whistle. "Brave lad, standing up to the likes of the Heaven Fall Sect. Not many would dare cross them," He paused, stroking his greying beard thoughtfully like a laozi.
"So what's your plan now, Mu Chen? The sect won't just let you go, you know. They'll be hunting you down with everything they've got,"
Mu Chen's jaw tightened. "I'm aware of the risks. But I refuse to live the rest of my days as their obedient hound. This is my chance to forge my own path, to become the master of my own destiny," His eyes gleamed with a fierce determination that belied his youthful appearance.
The dialogue was nothing out of ordinary for a protagonist like him.
Forge my own path and become master of my own destiny? Thousands of person says that every second yet, one can truly become the master of their destiny.
"Aye, I can respect that," The merchant nodded slowly.
"Still, you'll be needing a place to lay low, at least for a time. The sect's reach is long, and they won't stop until they've tracked you down... You are pretty lucky, I managed to hide you form that assassin lady,"
He leaned in conspiratorially.
"There's a small town not far from here, tucked away in the foothills. Might be a good place to start, if you're looking to disappear for a while,"
Mu Chen considered the merchant's words, weighing the risks and potential rewards. "A town, senior say?" He stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"That...could work. At least until I can determine my next move." He met the merchant's gaze, a hint of gratitude in his eyes.
"I appreciate the advice. It's more than I could have hoped for from a stranger, I am truly blessed to meet senior,"
The merchant chuckled, clapping Mu Chen on the shoulder. "Ah, but we're not strangers, my boy. Not anymore. Anyone who dares defy the Heaven Fall Sect is a friend of mine, either way, I am nothing more than a wandering merchant.... HoHo! I have a cultivation sutra, I am willing to gift you in name of our friendship,"
Mu Chen felt a surge of cautious optimism. "T-Tnak you senior, you are like a gold at side of river... However, where exactly is that?" he asked, his brow furrowing.
"The town I mentioned? it's called Ironforge. Tucked away in the foothills, as I said. Bunch of tough, hardened folk live there, but they're a loyal bunch. Might be able to find some work and a place to lay low for a spell," The merchant paused, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
"Of course, the sect will no doubt be scouring the area, looking for any sign of you. You'll need to be careful, keep a low profile,"
Mu Chen nodded slowly, his mind already whirring with possibilities. "Ironforge, hm? And what sort of work might I be able to find there?"
The merchant smiled lightly.
"Well now, that all depends on your skills, doesn't it? You strike me as the type who's no stranger to a good fight. Might be they could use a strong arm or two in the local militia. Or perhaps you've got a knack for something a bit...subtler?" He winked conspiratorially.
Mu Chen couldn't help but feel a flicker of intrigue.
"Subtler? senior speaks his heart" He paused, considering the implications.
"I suppose I could put my... Um, ah, less conventional skills to use. If the situation calls for it,"
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Zhoom* Zhoom* Zhoom*
One after another, the dazalling golden bolt of lightning striked Bai Lung's body, yet, he took them head on.
He couldn't believe time passed so fast, a single tome consumed his entire day.
Finally, after taking 9 lightning hit, Bai Lung let out a won't sigh, Dark Qi flaoting around him.
To think such Qi could be obtained at cheap price... Bai Lung couldn't be more happier, not to mention, there is also blood domain, which requires a ritual and sacrifice of 99 little girls.
[ Ding! Host has received some serious internal injury, your heart has been shaken a little. ]
Bai Lung nodded at system notification as Xiaoyu hugged him, his face remained cold and stoic.
"Things are going to get heated soon, I need to stay low for a moment, I can fight against entire society at the moment" Bai Lung closed his eyes, the next moment, he vanished from the sight.