The Blade-Wielding Legend

Chapter 1589 - 807: Tianmu Mountain (Part 2)

"In some places, sharp jagged rocks have suddenly appeared, incredibly sharp, and even a slight misstep could result in shipwreck and loss of life!"

"One of our ships hit the rocks because of this and sank, losing a dozen skilled men..."

"The reefs have shifted?"

Wang Daoxuan frowned and interjected, "The sea maps were created from the hard-earned experiences of sea merchants and the Imperial Navy over generations; how could they be wrong so easily? Unless..."

"Unless something is interfering," Li Yan chimed in.

"It’s not just that!"

Chen Wenxian’s voice carried a trace of fear, "From deep within the thick fog, there were faint, unidentifiable strange sounds..."

"Sometimes it sounded like a giant beast roaring, other times like ten thousand ghosts wailing, disturbing the sailors’ minds and leaving them terrified and demoralized. Moreover, that sea area is far from the Great Xuan coastal routes, already a no-man’s land. Now, strange phenomena occur frequently, attracting a large number of pirate ronins and Red-haired Pirates!"

"They are prowling in the nearby seas, waiting to pillage. In our second attempt to send out a fleet, we barely managed to avoid the reefs and go deeper, only to encounter a joint attack from multiple pirate groups! Their ships were fast and their cannons powerful, and they fought fearlessly. We... we lost many more hands and returned in vain!"

He sighed heavily, his face full of worry: "Young Hero Li, the Crown Prince is extremely anxious! That batch of treasures is of great importance. The matter of rebuilding the Royal Fleet has the eyes of the entire court on it, and Your Majesty entrusted this to the Crown Prince; it cannot fail."

After Chen Wenxian finished speaking, his gaze was earnest as he looked at Li Yan, with a hint of subtle urgency.

Li Yan was silent for a moment.

He certainly remembered his promise to the Crown Prince and had accepted favors from him as well.

But the journey to Tianmu Mountain was urgent for the Twelve Yuan Chen Flags and the future foundation of power for his companions...

"I understand Chen Changshi’s meaning,"

Li Yan thought for a moment and then spoke seriously, "One must be faithful when entrusted with a task. What the Crown Prince entrusted me with, I dare not forget."

"It’s just that right now, we do have a very urgent matter. If I’m not mistaken, that place is in the East Sea. Once we finish our business, we’ll set out to sea from Qiantang directly to meet with you. Please relay to the Crown Prince that I, Li, will surely fulfill my promise!"

"Good! With those words from you, I can rest assured!"

Chen Wenxian breathed a sigh of relief, his face breaking into a smile again, "Young Hero is straightforward and keeps his promises; I admire that! Don’t worry about the ship for the journey to sea, I’ll hurry back to Hangzhou Prefecture City now, and fully prepare the ships and personnel, awaiting news from you and your group of heroes!"

"We’ll be waiting at Qiantang Pier for your arrival!" he once again offered a solemn salute.

Li Yan was slightly surprised, then nodded reluctantly, "Alright, that will trouble you, Lord Chen."

After all this conversation, they still have to urge them to go, it seems things are indeed urgent over there...

......

Clack! Clack! Clack!

Horse hooves shattered the morning mist by the Qinhuai River, as Li Yan and his group traveled lightly and simply, leaving the temporarily calmed Jinling.

The local Mystical Sect in Jinling had intended to hold a banquet to see them off, but they declined and did not notify anyone.

Although the turmoil had subsided, undercurrents were still present.

The sanctioning of two major families left behind incredible interests, sure to spark another round of contention.

Since they greatly influenced Qiu Mingyuan, they would inevitably attract attention from those with ulterior motives.

At such a time, of course, they refrained from causing any trouble.

Though Jiangnan was crisscrossed by waterways, the fastest route from Jinling to Tianmu Mountain was actually by land.

Therefore, the group chose to travel on horseback.

Once they left the confines of Jinling City’s walls, the hustle and bustle receded like a tide.

The post road stretched straight southward, flanked by the early autumn rice fields of Jiangnan, with the rice ears turning yellow, appearing a bit moist after the rain.

The number of farmers working in the fields was significantly reduced, and those visible were hurrying, cautiously scanning the travelers on the road.

Especially when they saw travelers like Li Yan and his companions, who were armed with swords and covered in dust, their wariness was almost impossible to conceal.

"Though the chaos has been settled, people’s hearts are still unsettled..."

Wang Daoxuan rode alongside Li Yan, slightly shaking his head as he sighed.

As they passed Jurong, they saw Chishan Lake from a distance.

The lake’s expanse glistened under the sun, a vista usually teeming with tourists, now strangely desolate.

Lonely painting boats were moored by the shore, their hulls with peeling paint, without the sound of pipes and strings.

Only a few waterfowl flew across the water, leaving behind a few cries, adding to the desolation.

Lv San, with sharp eyes, noticed a newly erected boundary stone on the lakeshore, inscribed with "Mystical Sect Cleansing, Outsiders Keep Out," evidently a repercussion of the purge of the Silk Cocoon Sect and the clearing of water routes at Tai Lake.

Just past the time of the uncommonly seen, the outlines of Liyang City were already in sight.

This place controlled a crucial pass, and the post station was noticeably larger than those seen along the way.

However, the atmosphere was exceptionally tense.

Outside the post station, additional armored soldiers were dispatched, conducting particularly strict checks on passing people and vehicles.

Li Yan presented credentials from the Jinzhou Chamber of Commerce and handed over some Silver Coin, finally managing to change horses smoothly.

While waiting, a few merchant-like figures were heard whispering in the corner of the post station:

"... It’s said that by the Tai Lake, just a few days ago, there was a demonic aura soaring to the skies, thunder rolling, enough to scare someone to death!"

"Indeed, the situation in Jinling City is even more sinister. The government officers are catching people like using a comb... My batch of silk is being held up in the city, and now I don’t even dare to go fetch it."

"Speak less; disasters come from careless speech! In these times, it’s a blessing just to deliver goods safely to Hangzhou..."

Their words were filled with fright and uncertainty about the road ahead.

Seeing them, everyone closed their mouths.

Everyone gave up on seeking news, directly bought some dry food, and continued their journey.

Thus, they traveled tirelessly, from Liyang to Guangde, and then from Guangde to Huzhou.

At the post station in Huzhou, they changed to fast horses for the last stretch, riding hard for several days, finally reaching Hangzhou along the ancient canal route.

When they arrived in Hangzhou City, it was already the afternoon of the fourth day after departure.

People say "Above is the heavenly paradise, below are Suzhou and Hangzhou."

This "paradise on earth" seemed to have recovered quite swiftly; the city was bustling, the streets were crowded.

Though the inspections were strict, at least the prosperity remained undiminished.

The gaze of Fatty Lin turned increasingly anxious.

"Rest assured."

Li Yan patted his shoulder and smiled, saying, "With Mr. Qiu’s guarantee, and the achievements from Jinling, your Lin Family is out of trouble, but after this incident, it’s unlikely that the business will restore to its former glory."

"I understand."

Fatty Lin nodded, forcing a smile, "What ’number one in Jiangsu and Zhejiang,’ it’s all empty talk. Peace and safety are all that matter."

"Not to hide from Brother Yan, along this journey, I often thought of those villagers and weavers in Locust Tree Village. The Lin Family has expanded its business rapidly over the years. Though I did not participate, certainly many citizens have been exploited; cause and effect, thus came this calamity."

"Establishing oneself with virtue first, upon returning to the clan, I will make them gradually abandon some industries, widely perform good deeds."

"Once these matters are dealt with, I will follow you going out to sea."

"That’s good."

Li Yan nodded, "Take good care of the Daoist for me."

Heading to Tianmu Mountain doesn’t require too many people, especially since Wang Daoxuan’s Divine Soul isn’t fully healed.

Therefore, the group would split up.

The wilderness-skilled Lv San, along with the knowledgeable Kong Shangzhao, would accompany Li Yan in search of people.

While the others would go with Fatty Lin back to stabilize the Lin Family’s foundation.

The Twelve Primordial Spirits team had gradually grown larger, they also needed hands to handle some miscellaneous tasks or to gather items.

Fatty Lin, not only skilled in treasure hunting but also proficient in business management, was suited to be the team’s steward.

And with their protection, the Lin Family would face fewer troubles.

After entering the city, Fatty Lin and others hired a convoy to head to the Lin Family’s ancestral home in Yu Hang County.

Meanwhile, Li Yan and the other two didn’t have the leisure to savor the sights of Hangzhou City.

Following clues provided by Zhou Yinyao, they proceeded to Qingxi Village near the main peak of Tianmu Mountain in Lin’an County.

Westward from Hangzhou, past the West Lake Wetland, they gradually entered the foothills of Tianmu Mountain.

The official road turned into a rugged mountain path, flanked by an ocean of green bamboo, ancient trees towering.

The air became cool and moist, carrying the fragrance of flora, temporarily cleansing the dust along the way.

In the deep autumn mist, swirling amidst the treetops, there was a unique enchanting charm.

The mountain path grew steeper, the forest deeper.

The destination, Qingxi Village, lay nestled deep in the embrace of the Tianmu Mountains.

When the moon rose above the treetops, they finally found the place.

The three led their horses to the hill, and saw below a village enclosed by three mountains, with faint lights flickering under the night sky.

"Entering the village at night might cause misunderstanding."

Li Yan shook his head and said, "Let’s find a place, make do for the night, and explore the village tomorrow morning..."

"Hold on!"

Before he finished speaking, Lv San suddenly frowned, signaling them to be quiet.

He made a mantra with his hands, ears slightly moved as he attentively listened to the surrounding sounds.

"Did you hear something... calling..."