Cold winter night wind blew among the naked trees with only ice and snow adorning the barks, and occasional crow nests the birds slept in. The silence was only occasionally disturbed by the distant roar of a wild or demonic beast.
Three figures sprinted through snowy forests, maintaining the same distance from each other as profound symbols swirled in a triangle between them, and creating a hazy bluish fluorescent cloud around them.
Despite moving at a considerable speed, weaving their way in between and around trees, stepping on the untouched, crisp snow and crushing the foliage under the white carpet, their movement was eerily silent, not disturbing even the crows that could wake up from any unfamiliar noise, even slight one, despite ignoring the ones they are used to.
There were talismans swirling around the group, that made a translucent film which was distorting perception and suppressing sounds and scents. Despite not completely erasing their appearance, it did make them harder to notice without specifically looking for them, easy to misinterpret their figures for some wild animals passing by.
"I'll take care of it"
A beautiful voice stated in a low voice, and a shadowy circular object, shining with metal luster in the occasional moonlight that got through the clouds and trees left one of the two figures traveling behind the leading one, speeding away at even faster speed than the three figures ran.
It's trajectory changed slightly as it circled around the trees and evaded tree barks and icicles hanging from them, eventually finding its target, a large demonic beast that only started sniffing around as it sensed something.
*Slash* *plop*
A disturbing sound of something incredibly sharp cleanly slashing through meat and bones was followed by a somewhat wet sound of a heavy object falling to the ground. The head of the creature that was raised up, sniffing the air, fell as it did not even had time to get up so its torso still laid in place, while the shadow that now had a crimson luster added to the moon's reflection made a red line on the white snow below as it traveled back, gradually returning its original metallic shine before disappearing under the cloak of its owner.
"Good kill, that was a 5th-tier"
Wu Long chuckled, causing Feng Yi to widen her eyes at the ease of kill against such a high-level demonic beast, and looking to the side to Shen Min who inspected her chakram and finding no issues put it away.
They traveled through non-conventional passes, going through demonic beast territories and other such seldom-travelled danger zones. And even though this method was slightly longer, it gave the desired effect, since Wu Long could not show in public until the group that traveled from the sect reached the mansion in the Fantian Kingdom.
Though he was not that worried about them since they had two Core Formation Realm practitioners in Wei Lan and Cao Xiang, as well as factoring in the strength of the rest of the group they might be considered a terrifying force for the places they traveled through. But on the off-chance the enemy did send a Mortal Transcendence Realm practitioner he chose to make an insurance.
Even if he was not with them, the mere absence of knowledge about his location and the fact he traveled in their direction was enough to ward off any attempts since it now resembled a trap.
"Why didn't you use Chakram Qi, instead using the weapon's edge?"
Feng Yi asked curiously since she did see Shen Min's chakrams being enveloped in Spiritual Qi for increased range and velocity of rotation.
"Control practice"
Shen Min shrugged her shoulders with minimal words, causing Feng Yi to awkwardly nod, unable to find any further conversation points and returning to look forward.
"Haha, Min'er play nice"
"Sure, I am just not used to her yet. But I am no longer as hostile"
Wu Long chuckled with a wry smile, prompting a quite blunt and honest reply from the beauty.
"You were hostile?"
Feng Yi turned to Shen Min with a bit of shock since she did not notice it, even though she did act somewhat coldly to her.
"Hahaha, Min'er can hide her emotions and intentions pretty well"
Wu Long chuckled, inwardly noting that her control over her physique was improving. She was now able to mask certain particular emotions in isolation, which required finesse in control and precision, though she did occasionally slip up but the progress was remarkable.
"Not anymore"
"... Thank you?"
Feng Yi became slightly puzzled by this woman. They never really interacted, as Shen Min only talked to Hua Ziyan and Luo Mingyu, occasionally speaking about something to Ye Ling.
"...!"
Wu Long took out a communication jade, and a smile appeared on his face as he heard the message.
[Honey! You're too cruel!!! You left me alone with Demo-... Sister Ling~!!! Save m-... ow ow ow, Sister Ling, you'll tear my ear off! ow! Okay okay I'm going~...]
"Haha, they arrived just in time. It seems we don't have to wait and can head straight for our destination"
He first chuckled at the crying and despair in that lovely voice and then half-turned his face to the two behind him. The message was not finished to the end and broke off but the reason was apparent so he was not worried.
They soon arrived near a small village. As they approached, he noticed a few spiritual senses spread out in the area, and took out a communication talisman.
They slowed down and a few moments later a man in plain clothing that would make him easily be lost among any crowds approached them.
"The Bureau Head is waiting for you"
He slightly bowed and led them toward a small inn.
The inn was completely booked. And Wu Long could sense that all of them were spies of the Thousand Eyes Information Bureau.
"Sorry to greet you inside like this, handsome, it is a hassle to disguise my aura while outside you see"
A gorgeous woman stepped out as soon as they walked in and the door closed, with a frail-looking old man and a middle-
aged looking man standing closely behind her.
"Haha, Madam Liang is worrying too much. We are at a time where caution is the best way and discretion is key"
Wu Long chuckled as the three took off their bamboo hats and travel cloaks.
"Hehehe, this old man has troubled you to come all the way over, Daoist Wu. Ah, allow this old man to introduce, this is my drunkard of a son, Zhao Biren"
Old Man Zhao spoke with a voice that became a little shakier once again, showing that the effects of the previous treatment already partially wore off.
"I have meant to visit you later, but it seems my Old Man has found you first. My apologies in not meeting you sooner and my sincere gratitude for bringing this suicidal old geezer from the brink of death, as well as apologies you had to deal with him"
A middle-aged looking man with black hair, beard and a mustache whose facial features distantly resembled Zhao Xieren bowed as a vein popped on his father's temple.
"Hmph! This old man's really lived too long. You live long enough you hear so much bullcrap coming from an alcoholic!"
"A Wine Dao Master is not an alcoholic you senile old man, how many times do I have to repeat? How can you hold such a grudge for so long? It's been thousands of years!"
A similar vein popped on the son's face as his father's, as both raised their voices, their eyes locked in a sharp duel of stares.
"Huh? Grudge? I have not sired a heir to my Zhao family just so you can run off and join some Alcoholics Cult!"
"It's the Wine Dao Palace, you stubborn geezer! A respectable organization accross all of Seven Boundless Worlds, and belonging to none other than the Wine God!"
"HA! Just the King of Alcoholics presiding over a cult of drunks! My Zhao family has been governors of the Silver Lake Continent for..."
"Yeah yeah yeah, same old, same old! Generations of narrow-
minded stubborn and snobbish bureaucrats. I remember well!"
"You-...!!!"
The two bickered completely forgetting Wu Long, who chuckled at the sight, and the two beauties on his sides. Shen Min's face was indifferent, showing no interest whatsoever while Feng Yi was bewildered by the two.
"Khm... Senior Zhao, Daoist Zhao..."
Finally, Madam Liang lightly coughed and meaningfully tilted her head toward Wu Long's direction, as the two stopped their shouting match first to look at her with question in their eyes and then with realization hastily turning to Wu Long with bows.
"My apologies..."
"We are sorry, this..."
"Haha, no worries, both of you"
'It is interesting to hear someone so accurately describe that drunkard, haha. Now that I heard his title again after so long I kind of miss him. Though I probably just miss the exceptional wine he makes'
Wu Long inwardly chuckled as he waved his hands for the father and son to relax.
"Anyway, everything else can wait as in this crucial moment, time is of the essence. Shall we move somewhere I can begin treatment right away?"
Wu Long's tone became slightly more serious and the faces of the three who greeted them sobered up, nodding as they all moved into the depth of the inn.
They all could feel it. The calm was coming to an end as the echoes of the storm that was rapidly approaching began to reverberate in the skies of the continent. And if caught unprepared, these troubled times would not be kind.
Cold winter night wind blew among the naked trees with only ice and snow adorning the barks, and occasional crow nests the birds slept in. The silence was only occasionally disturbed by the distant roar of a wild or demonic beast.
Three figures sprinted through snowy forests, maintaining the same distance from each other as profound symbols swirled in a triangle between them, and creating a hazy bluish fluorescent cloud around them.
Despite moving at a considerable speed, weaving their way in between and around trees, stepping on the untouched, crisp snow and crushing the foliage under the white carpet, their movement was eerily silent, not disturbing even the crows that could wake up from any unfamiliar noise, even slight one, despite ignoring the ones they are used to.
There were talismans swirling around the group, that made a translucent film which was distorting perception and suppressing sounds and scents. Despite not completely erasing their appearance, it did make them harder to notice without specifically looking for them, easy to misinterpret their figures for some wild animals passing by.
"I'll take care of it"
A beautiful voice stated in a low voice, and a shadowy circular object, shining with metal luster in the occasional moonlight that got through the clouds and trees left one of the two figures traveling behind the leading one, speeding away at even faster speed than the three figures ran.
It's trajectory changed slightly as it circled around the trees and evaded tree barks and icicles hanging from them, eventually finding its target, a large demonic beast that only started sniffing around as it sensed something.
*Slash* *plop*
A disturbing sound of something incredibly sharp cleanly slashing through meat and bones was followed by a somewhat wet sound of a heavy object falling to the ground. The head of the creature that was raised up, sniffing the air, fell as it did not even had time to get up so its torso still laid in place, while the shadow that now had a crimson luster added to the moon's reflection made a red line on the white snow below as it traveled back, gradually returning its original metallic shine before disappearing under the cloak of its owner.
"Good kill, that was a 5th-tier"
Wu Long chuckled, causing Feng Yi to widen her eyes at the ease of kill against such a high-level demonic beast, and looking to the side to Shen Min who inspected her chakram and finding no issues put it away.
They traveled through non-conventional passes, going through demonic beast territories and other such seldom-travelled danger zones. And even though this method was slightly longer, it gave the desired effect, since Wu Long could not show in public until the group that traveled from the sect reached the mansion in the Fantian Kingdom.
Though he was not that worried about them since they had two Core Formation Realm practitioners in Wei Lan and Cao Xiang, as well as factoring in the strength of the rest of the group they might be considered a terrifying force for the places they traveled through. But on the off-chance the enemy did send a Mortal Transcendence Realm practitioner he chose to make an insurance.
Even if he was not with them, the mere absence of knowledge about his location and the fact he traveled in their direction was enough to ward off any attempts since it now resembled a trap.
"Why didn't you use Chakram Qi, instead using the weapon's edge?"
Feng Yi asked curiously since she did see Shen Min's chakrams being enveloped in Spiritual Qi for increased range and velocity of rotation.
"Control practice"
Shen Min shrugged her shoulders with minimal words, causing Feng Yi to awkwardly nod, unable to find any further conversation points and returning to look forward.
"Haha, Min'er play nice"
"Sure, I am just not used to her yet. But I am no longer as hostile"
Wu Long chuckled with a wry smile, prompting a quite blunt and honest reply from the beauty.
"You were hostile?"
Feng Yi turned to Shen Min with a bit of shock since she did not notice it, even though she did act somewhat coldly to her.
"Hahaha, Min'er can hide her emotions and intentions pretty well"
Wu Long chuckled, inwardly noting that her control over her physique was improving. She was now able to mask certain particular emotions in isolation, which required finesse in control and precision, though she did occasionally slip up but the progress was remarkable.
"Not anymore"
"... Thank you?"
Feng Yi became slightly puzzled by this woman. They never really interacted, as Shen Min only talked to Hua Ziyan and Luo Mingyu, occasionally speaking about something to Ye Ling.
"...!"
Wu Long took out a communication jade, and a smile appeared on his face as he heard the message.
[Honey! You're too cruel!!! You left me alone with Demo-... Sister Ling~!!! Save m-... ow ow ow, Sister Ling, you'll tear my ear off! ow! Okay okay I'm going~...]
"Haha, they arrived just in time. It seems we don't have to wait and can head straight for our destination"
He first chuckled at the crying and despair in that lovely voice and then half-turned his face to the two behind him. The message was not finished to the end and broke off but the reason was apparent so he was not worried.
They soon arrived near a small village. As they approached, he noticed a few spiritual senses spread out in the area, and took out a communication talisman.
They slowed down and a few moments later a man in plain clothing that would make him easily be lost among any crowds approached them.
"The Bureau Head is waiting for you"
He slightly bowed and led them toward a small inn.
The inn was completely booked. And Wu Long could sense that all of them were spies of the Thousand Eyes Information Bureau.
"Sorry to greet you inside like this, handsome, it is a hassle to disguise my aura while outside you see"
A gorgeous woman stepped out as soon as they walked in and the door closed, with a frail-looking old man and a middle-
aged looking man standing closely behind her.
"Haha, Madam Liang is worrying too much. We are at a time where caution is the best way and discretion is key"
Wu Long chuckled as the three took off their bamboo hats and travel cloaks.
"Hehehe, this old man has troubled you to come all the way over, Daoist Wu. Ah, allow this old man to introduce, this is my drunkard of a son, Zhao Biren"
Old Man Zhao spoke with a voice that became a little shakier once again, showing that the effects of the previous treatment already partially wore off.
"I have meant to visit you later, but it seems my Old Man has found you first. My apologies in not meeting you sooner and my sincere gratitude for bringing this suicidal old geezer from the brink of death, as well as apologies you had to deal with him"
A middle-aged looking man with black hair, beard and a mustache whose facial features distantly resembled Zhao Xieren bowed as a vein popped on his father's temple.
"Hmph! This old man's really lived too long. You live long enough you hear so much bullcrap coming from an alcoholic!"
"A Wine Dao Master is not an alcoholic you senile old man, how many times do I have to repeat? How can you hold such a grudge for so long? It's been thousands of years!"
A similar vein popped on the son's face as his father's, as both raised their voices, their eyes locked in a sharp duel of stares.
"Huh? Grudge? I have not sired a heir to my Zhao family just so you can run off and join some Alcoholics Cult!"
"It's the Wine Dao Palace, you stubborn geezer! A respectable organization accross all of Seven Boundless Worlds, and belonging to none other than the Wine God!"
"HA! Just the King of Alcoholics presiding over a cult of drunks! My Zhao family has been governors of the Silver Lake Continent for..."
"Yeah yeah yeah, same old, same old! Generations of narrow-
minded stubborn and snobbish bureaucrats. I remember well!"
"You-...!!!"
The two bickered completely forgetting Wu Long, who chuckled at the sight, and the two beauties on his sides. Shen Min's face was indifferent, showing no interest whatsoever while Feng Yi was bewildered by the two.
"Khm... Senior Zhao, Daoist Zhao..."
Finally, Madam Liang lightly coughed and meaningfully tilted her head toward Wu Long's direction, as the two stopped their shouting match first to look at her with question in their eyes and then with realization hastily turning to Wu Long with bows.
"My apologies..."
"We are sorry, this..."
"Haha, no worries, both of you"
'It is interesting to hear someone so accurately describe that drunkard, haha. Now that I heard his title again after so long I kind of miss him. Though I probably just miss the exceptional wine he makes'
Wu Long inwardly chuckled as he waved his hands for the father and son to relax.
"Anyway, everything else can wait as in this crucial moment, time is of the essence. Shall we move somewhere I can begin treatment right away?"
Wu Long's tone became slightly more serious and the faces of the three who greeted them sobered up, nodding as they all moved into the depth of the inn.
They all could feel it. The calm was coming to an end as the echoes of the storm that was rapidly approaching began to reverberate in the skies of the continent. And if caught unprepared, these troubled times would not be kind.
