Chapter 76: Arriving at the Celestial Ridge Mountain Range
Chapter 76: Chapter 76: Arriving at the Celestial Ridge Mountain Range
Six days later, at the Celestial Guest Tower in the Lin Family Marketplace.
Just after 5:00 AM, Lu Zhao settled his bill and left early.
When he arrived at the north gate, he found that more than ten people had already gathered. These Cultivators were a mix of men and women of various appearances, but all of them were at the Mid-stage Qi Cultivation level.
Seeing him arrive, the others subconsciously exchanged glances and took half a step back. The three small, already distinct groups became even more distant. A silence fell over the area, with only gazes of wariness and faint expectation directed at Lu Zhao.
A silent, somewhat awkward stillness spread through the air.
Lu Zhao paid it no mind. With his eyes half-closed, he simply waited for Hu Ming and his party to arrive.
An hour later, Hu Ming and his party finally arrived. Lu Zhao looked over and saw ten people. Besides Hu Ming and Lin Yao, whom he had met before, there were eight others. The most conspicuous among them was another man who appeared to be about the same age Lu Zhao projected—in his forties.
The man had dark skin and a sturdy build, and he wore a tight-fitting black outfit. The cultivation he revealed was at the Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer.
Hu Ming stepped forward and nodded at Lu Zhao, who returned the gesture.
"Fellow Daoists, it is fate that has brought us together to journey to the Bixia Marketplace. I hope we can all arrive there safely..."
After a few pleasantries, Hu Ming cleared his throat and got to the point. "Fellow Daoists, for this journey, our group will be known by my team’s name, ’Mingyao.’ Does anyone have any objections?"
After speaking, he glanced at Lu Zhao. Seeing no reaction, he continued as if the matter was settled.
"Our journey will take us through four counties: Cangxia, Linyu, Mo Ying, and Xuanfeng. Only then will we enter Bixia County and make for the Bixia Marketplace."
"There will be countless dangers along the way. We plan to stop at the marketplaces in the first two counties, then cut directly through the Celestial Ridge Mountain Range. We will pass straight through the last two counties without stopping at any marketplaces and head directly into Bixia County to the Bixia Marketplace."
"Does anyone object to this plan? If not, we’ll proceed as decided." Hu Ming finished in one breath, his sharp gaze sweeping over the crowd, softening only when it landed on Lu Zhao.
The dozen or so Wanderers present were clearly unaware of the specific route, but they had likely done some research of their own.
When he mentioned the first part of the journey, the crowd had little reaction. It was only when he brought up the Celestial Ridge Mountain Range that a stir went through them.
A moment after Hu Ming finished, a young man who looked to be in his twenties could no longer hold back. "Fellow Daoist Hu, why are we crossing the Celestial Ridge Mountain Range? It’s crawling with Demon Beasts. I’ve even heard rumors of Tier Two Demon Beasts appearing there."
"Even if the rumors are false, there are bound to be plenty of Late-stage Tier One Demon Beasts. Why don’t we go around it?" After speaking, the young man looked at the other Wanderers, as if seeking their support.
But aside from him, no one else made a sound.
Hu Ming was clearly prepared for such a reaction. "Go around it? Do you have any idea how much time that would take, or how many other dangerous territories we’d have to cross?"
"Even if we weren’t worried about wasting time, do you think other places are safe? If something goes wrong, will you take responsibility?" Hu Ming finished, staring daggers at the young man.
The young man broke into a cold sweat under Hu Ming’s glare. He stammered, "I... I wasn’t questioning you, Fellow Daoist. I was just a little worried..."
His voice grew quieter as he spoke until only he could hear himself.
Seeing the young man’s state, Hu Ming’s tone softened. "We’re not being unreasonable. If any of you don’t wish to take the risk and want to back out now, I will refund your five Spirit Stone Guard Fee." After saying this, his eyes scanned the crowd. When no one spoke up about leaving, he wasted no more words.
"We leave immediately." With that, he took the lead and set off.
Lu Zhao, having watched the entire exchange, nodded to himself. ’Hu Ming’s methods aren’t particularly sophisticated, but he’s managed to establish some authority for now.’
As far as Lu Zhao was concerned, he didn’t care who was in charge of this caravan. All that mattered was reaching the Bixia Marketplace safely.
’Having a backbone in the group will provide some cohesion, which is good for the journey ahead.’
After a month of travel, the group crossed the border between Biyun and Cangxia, stopping for a day to rest in a small marketplace in Cangxia County. They bought a few local specialties and then hastily departed.
It wasn’t that Lu Zhao’s group wanted to be so rushed. The problem was the Qi Cultivation Clan in charge of the marketplace. Upon seeing the arrival of three Late-stage and over twenty Mid-stage Qi Cultivation cultivators, they had nearly activated their Defensive Array on the spot.
In the end, Hu Ming had to personally negotiate. It was unclear what price he paid, but the small clan finally agreed to let them enter the marketplace, though only for a single day.
After Lu Zhao’s group left that small marketplace, they didn’t enter any others within Cangxia County. They traveled south, moving along the border between Cangxia and Linyu Counties, deeper into Cangxia’s territory.
This time, they learned their lesson. Instead of stopping at a small marketplace, they chose one run by a Foundation Establishment Clan within Cangxia County. After staying there for three days, the group set out once more.
After another half-month of trekking, the group had finally traversed the entirety of Cangxia County.
After more than two months of travel, the group finally reached the most dangerous part of their journey—the Celestial Ridge Mountain Range.
About three miles from the Celestial Ridge Mountain Range, Hu Ming ordered everyone to rest for a day to recover their Magical Power and spirits. They would set out for the mountains the next day.
As night fell, the Celestial Ridge Mountain Range, viewed from a distance, resembled a great dragon coiled upon the earth. The travelers sat in small groups around campfires, their expressions tense.
It was clear everyone was somewhat afraid of the Celestial Ridge Mountain Range. Even if they didn’t speak of it, their actions betrayed their fear.
Lu Zhao, meanwhile, had a campfire all to himself. He was circulating his energy to meditate and restore his spirit.
Lu Zhao felt no fear of the Celestial Ridge Mountain Range. However, caution was etched into his very bones; no matter how small the danger, he would always make the best possible preparations.
Just then, someone approached Lu Zhao’s fire. Seeing that Lu Zhao was meditating, the person didn’t speak, simply drinking wine alone.
Half quarter hour later, Lu Zhao opened his eyes and saw the man drinking alone. It was none other than the caravan leader, Hu Ming.
"Shouldn’t you be with your own team, Fellow Daoist? Why come over here to drink alone?" Lu Zhao asked, his expression indifferent upon seeing Hu Ming.
"It’s not as peaceful over there as it is with you alone, Fellow Daoist. Besides, I’m a bit worried about the Celestial Ridge Mountain Range. After all, I’m responsible for ’the entire team.’" Hu Ming said, taking another drink of wine.
"With your cultivation, you should be able to keep the team safe even if we run into a Late-stage Tier One Demon Beast, shouldn’t you?" Lu Zhao asked casually.
"If it’s just one, or even two, I wouldn’t be afraid. I’m just worried that..." He trailed off, but his meaning was clear.
"If there’s something you want from me, Fellow Daoist, you can speak plainly," Lu Zhao said flatly.
"You’re very direct, Fellow Daoist. I’m not a greedy man. I only have one thing to ask of you." As he spoke, he bowed deeply to Lu Zhao.
Lu Zhao immediately sidestepped the bow. "Why don’t you tell me what it is first, Fellow Daoist. I’ll consider whether to agree after I’ve heard you out," Lu Zhao said.
Seeing Lu Zhao’s reaction, Hu Ming had no choice but to state his purpose. "If we encounter Late-stage Tier One Demon Beasts—if there’s only one or two—you don’t need to act, Fellow Daoist. But if three or more appear, I ask that you step in and hold one of them off." After speaking, he bowed again.