White-Robed Chief

“There’s really no other way, is there?” Su Ru furrowed her brows and stared at him.

Chu Li sighed. “Chief, even you know that there is only one way.”

“No!” Su Ru shook her head. “You’re not allowed to leave the Public House!”

Chu Li pondered.

In fact, there was another way and that was to assign more Protectors to himself so that the Tempest Temple would not dare to lay a finger on him.

However, if that was the case then too many people would be involved. The blessed farmland itself was being completed in secret so no outsiders could know of its existence, let alone Glory’s Will.

Not many people knew of Glory’s Will, but he could not assume that was the case for everyone. There were always those who excelled and surpassed expectations; there was no guarantee that no one else knew about Glory’s Will. They could have figured it out based on the movements of Crimson Sunset and Thorned Beauty.

The temptation of Glory’s Will was huge, in which there would be tons of people who would envy it. That was why he had to carry it out secretly because that alone would cause a lot of unnecessary trouble. He definitely would not want to involve too many people.

Su Ru had not given up yet. “Getting another branch will not help?”

Chu Li shook his head. “It would definitely stay alive, but when will it grow into adulthood? A sapling is useless and we can’t possibly wait another twenty years, can we?”

These three trees had to be at least twenty years old as those that were younger than twenty years had spiritual energies that were far too weak. Therefore, they were of no practical use.

The branch of Glory’s Will was almost dead. If it was not for the nourishment of Chu Li’s spiritual energies, it would not be alive. Then again, it would definitely die if it did not receive any physical support soon. Clearly, Chu Li’s innate power alone was not enough.

Su Ru clenched her white teeth and did not say a word.

“How about we use a completely opposite way instead?” Chu Li asked.

“How would we do that?” Su Ru leaned her delicate body forward.

“Let’s have a fanfare. When is Lady Xiao leaving the Public House?”

“What are you trying to do?” Su Ru stared at him with her clear eyes. Lady Xiao Qi’s whereabouts were a secret that no one knew of, except her.

“The next time Lady Xiao leaves, I’ll blend in among the Scribes and follow her to the Black Eyes. I will then move the tree and bring it back. How does that sound?”

Xiao Qi’s Protectors and Scribes were the most trustworthy candidates. He would not have to worry about any possible information leaks.

“This…” Su Ru thought to herself for a while. “This is quite a good idea! Hmm, it isn’t bad!”

The more she thought about it, the more viable it became. With Lady Xiao’s Protectors around, the Tempest Temple would not dare to do anything reckless. Killing Chu Li himself was not the same as assassinating the Emperor’s daughter. No matter how arrogant the Tempest Temple was, they would have to consider it wisely.

“Have Lady Xiao leave as soon as possible!”

“Hmm… I shall discuss this with Lady Xiao. You can go ahead and prepare yourself for now. Departure would probably be in a few days!” Su Ru stood up — she knew that Lady Xiao was going to visit her aunt in the next two days.

Chu Li followed her and left the hall. He saw Xue Ling practicing her fists under the Crimson Sunset. It was the eight forms that Chu Li had taught her previously. Although the Crescent Cryptic was not suitable for training during the day, the eight forms were fine.

Xue Ling quickly stopped as she saw Su Ru walking out. She walked her to the door along with Chu Li.

Su Ru waved her delicate hand and flew away, disappearing into the woods.

Chu Li returned to the courtyard and sat in the pagoda.

Xue Ling served two plates of dessert and two plates of melons. The hospitality in the Guardian of Jade was extremely well, unlike the East Garden in which Chu Li was situated previously — it was far less enjoyable there.

…

Chu Li was practicing his Delusion Split in the East Garden the next morning when Su Ru flew into the small courtyard and waved her hand. “Get ready, we’re leaving now.”

“Now?” Chu Li sheathed his sword.

“Mm, we’re leaving immediately. Is there anything you need to prepare beforehand?”

“There’s nothing more.”

“We shall leave now then!” Su Ru turned and walked away as Li Yue walked out of the hall and smiled. “Chief, come over and have some tea!”

“Not now!” Su Ru waved her hand. “Can you handle the East Garden all by yourself?”

“Of course!” Li Yue pounded his chest.

“If you can’t handle it, I can get someone to help you.” Su Ru said, “Chu Li has something to do over there, and he won’t be able to leave for quite some time.”

“No problem!” Li Yue quickly waved his hand.

He was very clear on who he was. He was an annoying person because he was too talkative. He just could not keep his mouth shut. Even though Chu Li was able to stand it, other people could not. In the end, it would just end horribly so it was better to leave it at the current status quo. It may be a little tiring, but at least it was free and easy.

Chu Li brought along a huge parcel and left the East Garden with Su Ru. The both of them galloped out on a horse and passed through Chongming Town. When they were outside the town, they caught up with a group of people.

A group of Protectors in grey clothing surrounded Xiao Qi as if she was a moon among many stars. When they saw Su Ru’s appearance, they made way for her.

Chu Li followed Su Ru and approached Xiao Qi.

Xiao Qi was riding a white fine horse in her white gown and her dark green cloak, which made her look valiant and formidable.

“Let us ride together.” She waved her delicate hand as she saw Chu Li coming.

Chu Li gave a fist salute before he followed beside Su Ru until they were both by the sides of Xiao Qi.

Four Protectors in grey were leading the group as the vanguard. Four elderly men were beside them and another twelve riders were placed behind them.

Chu Li took a quick sweep around and memorized all of their faces. There were six elderly men, fourteen middle-aged men, and none of them could be considered as young men.

He was speechless. The Public House was indeed powerful. Fourteen innate masters and the six elders could possibly be Grandmasters. Moreover, the Grandmasters were the head of sects in the Martial Art Circle!

Innate Masters in the Martial Art Circle were already powerful masters. They could run amok in the outside world, but they became relatively normal when they were in the Public House. Chu Li was already an Innate Master at such a young age and it was indeed impressive. However, he was merely another Innate Master; standing among this group of Protectors suddenly made him disappear into the crowd.

Chu Li activated the Omniscient Mirror and had looked into their thoughts.

These people were loyal and reliable, but he still had to beware of them. The unbreakable line of defenses had never existed, and no one was invulnerable. As long as their weaknesses were exploited, it was not impossible for them to betray their masters.

After a quick check, Chu Li let out a short breath. This group of people was indeed reliable.

They looked incredibly serious, and not once had they looked up. In all honesty, they were quietly withholding their curiosity — the curiosity of his identity, and whether he was Lady Xiao’s lover.

Chu Li broke into a smile as he thought to himself, they really have the guts to think that way!

He quietly rode his horse and did not mutter a single word, making Su Ru sneak a glance at him from time to time.

Chu Li was pretty good at holding back! She had not told him where they were going and yet he had not shown even a hint of curiosity? Riding on a horse without even muttering a word was incredibly unbearable, but it seemed like he was not just anybody since he was able to tolerate it.

However, Chu Li already knew where they were heading towards. They were headed to the Snowing Mountain to visit Lady Xiao’s aunt, Lady Xiao Yueling.

While basking in the beautiful sunshine, they moved along the main road. The sounds of the hooves were loud and they left a trail of dust clouds behind them. It looked as if a yellow dragon was spiraling around.

This continued until mid-afternoon when Xiao Qi waved her hand.

“Let’s all take a break!” Su Ru exclaimed.

The crowd slowly reined in their horses. Eight of them had spread out to all sides to check the terrain while the other twelve surrounded them, looking around and keeping their guards up.

After the four Protectors returned quickly, the crowd then moved into the woods. They untied their horses, allowing them to feast on grass and have a drink of water. Xiao Qi and her two companions were still surrounded at this moment.

Surrounding Xiao Qi had already become an instinct for them. They would act this way no matter when it was or where they were. It was natural and even casual for them to do so. By now, it was a subconscious action.

“Chu Li, we’re headed for the Snowing Mountains. We estimate that it’ll take three days,” Su Ru sat next to Chu Li and flipped her beautiful fringe. “You’re not angry that we didn’t tell you, are you?”

Chu Li smiled. “It is the rule, so I understand. Why the Snowing Mountains though?”

“Lady Xiao’s aunt is in the Snowing Mountains.”

Chu Li did not question further.

Xiao Qi was wearing a clean and tidy white gown. It was spotless, showing none of the dirt and dust that they traveled through in their journey. Her expression was natural and relaxed. “We’ll look for that tree on our way back.”

“It’s such a coincidence that it is situated not far away from the Snowing Mountains,” Su Ru smiled. “It’s on the same route!”

It was a common tactic for the Protectors to avoid using the same route while traveling unless there was no other way.

“That’s great.” Chu Li smiled as he replied.

“That’s right, Aunt Xiao Yueling is amazing! Please don’t say anything stupid.”

Chu Li raised his eyebrows.

“If you make our Great Aunt unhappy, she isn’t going to be nice!” Su Ru said.

“I’ll just stay outside then.”

Su Ru pursed her lips and smiled. “Of course you’ll have to meet her. Aunt Xiao Yueling is such a pretty lady!”

As Xiao Qi glared at Su Ru, she quickly shut her mouth.

“It’s not that serious. You’ll just have to be a little more careful with your words, that’s all,” Lady Xiao cautioned.

“Yes,” Chu Li politely answered.

The three of them had a nice chat, drank some water, and continued their journey.

The group of Protectors began to become more curious about Chu Li’s identity. There were not many people who could sit so close and have a leisure chat with Lady Xiao. More so, it was quite rare for them to be speaking so casually. Which man did not tremble at the sight of Lady Xiao? Others would not even dare to say a single word!

At night, they had found a forest to stay in and they were quite fortunate as it was just the start of autumn.

By the fourth afternoon, they had arrived at the bottom of the mountain.

It was a peculiar mountain peak. Halfway up the mountain, the greenish base started to be covered with white snow, forming a snowy peak amidst the clouds. They could not see the top of the mountain.

Although Chu Li had the Omniscient Mirror, he still could not make out the great view of the peak.

They tied the horses well and used Light-body Technique through the tree branches. There was no road in this mountain range, so they had to walk on the tree branches.

At this point, the Protectors knew that Chu Li’s light-body technique was quite good. They initially thought that he was a mere Scribe who knew nothing of martial arts — Chu Li’s appearance was very deceptive indeed!

Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at a Taoist Temple that was hidden in the woods.

The walls of the Taoist Temple were dappled, giving out an ancient vibe as if it had weathered through many years. The words “Wonders Temple” were elegant and graceful; it had evidently been written by a woman.

Chu Li analyzed it and noticed that the Taoist Temple was cloaked by the woods. There were no roads on the mountain which meant that no one would come here. It was actually a good place to isolate oneself from the world.

As they landed, the door of the temple sprung open. A graceful lady, about thirteen or fourteen, appeared with a horsetail whisk in hand. Her voice was very melodious.

“Sister Xiao! Please enter—!”

“Ah Shu, what’s Aunt Xiao Yueling doing now?” Xiao Qi asked.

“She’s making tea. She had guessed that Sister Xiao and her friends were arriving.” Swee was incredibly energetic. Her eyes were bright and active — she was an attractive girl. With eyes like hers, she could make tons of men go crazy over her!

Xiao Chi said, “Su Ru and Chu Li, come with me.”