Martial Cultivator

Chen Chao had long sensed that pair of eyes hidden in the dark night. After killing demons in Wei Prefecture for several years, he had sensed the eyes in the darkness even earlier than Han Hu.

"There are many kinds of demons in the Great Liang Dynasty, but most of them are lacking in cultivation realm. They are far inferior to those mutated variants in the North. Many of them, even after reaching the Divine Trove Realm, can't speak or take human form. But they aren't foolish, their bloodthirsty instincts won't change as well."

Chen Chao said very seriously, "It has waited for a long time, tonight is an excellent opportunity."

Han Hu asked worriedly, "What should we do then?"

If it was in the past, as a veteran martial artist who had protected countless merchant convoys and encountered numerous demons, he would naturally have his own judgment. However, after spending these few days together, he found himself trusting this young man in front of him extraordinarily so. Subconsciously, he wanted to act according to the young man's thoughts.

Chen Chao looked at him and said, "I've actually killed demons for many years. Regardless of their species, these demons will definitely share a common trait."

Han Hu proved, "Is it their viciousness?"

Although he was a veteran soldier of the frontier army in the North, he had not spent much time on that Great Wall. Most of the time, he followed orders from superiors and swung the weapon in his hand to kill enemies. When it came to killing demons, he was far lacking compared to Chen Chao who had experienced countless life and death struggles in the mountains. It was not what the average person could compare to at all

"It's being aware of the current state of affairs."

Chen Chao said, "In the Great Liang Dynasty, they may seem tyrannical, but their lives aren't easy either. So they understand the principle of bullying the weak and fearing the strong. They will definitely ruthlessly bully those they can bully and they naturally won't dare to do anything to those they don't dare to mess with."

Han Hu said, "So why did it wait so many days? What is it waiting for?"

Although previously, he said that it was looking for an opportunity, at this point, Han Hu no longer felt it was a matter of timing.

Chen Chao narrowed his eyes and said, "I guess it must be injured and isn't confident. But it can't let go of so much blood prey, so it would wait for so long."

Han Hu hesitated for a moment and asked, "Which also means that it won't take action without complete certainty?"

Chen Chao nodded and said, "But it seems like its desire to take risks has surpassed its instincts, which is why it let us sense it tonight."

Han Hu was rather puzzled, "What does that mean exactly?"

Chen Chao lamented, "It deliberately revealed its aura to let us sense it. Actually, it's also observing our reactions. If we remain indifferent, it will surely show up in front of us tonight and devour us."

"Although such a thing might not succeed, if it is determined to take action, someone will definitely die."

Chen Chao rubbed his cheeks and looked at the flickering flames as he said, "It's another choice that we have to make."

As he said, he stood up. Glancing at Han Hu, he smiled and said, "So, Elder Brother, let's bid farewell tonight."

Han Hu furrowed his brows and quickly understood something. He shook his head solemnly and said, "No, that won't do. There's no reason to let you go and court death."

Chen Chao said, "If it's certain that I'll die, I'll definitely run away immediately."

Han Hu still shook his head and said, "No matter what, I can't let you face it alone."

He picked up the saber next to him, looking resolute. He could not bring himself to do such a thing no matter what.

Chen Chao was just about to speak when he sensed that the aura in the darkness had weakened, so he became less anxious.

Looking at the flames, he said softly, "Perhaps there might be some unexpected turn of events."

……

……

After leaving the Divine Capital and traveling south for half a month, a horse carriage finally stopped at a narrow ferry crossing. If they chose to take the ferry, they would have to abandon the horse carriage. However, it would significantly shorten their journey to the South. It was just that the scholar driving the carriage had no thoughts of doing so, and neither did the young girl riding in it.

The carriage stopped at the ferry crossing because the two of them wanted to take a break.

These two individuals were Xie Nandu and Wei Xu, who had left the Divine Capital.

Wei Xu looked at the river and said with a slight smile, "This river is called the Ling River. It flows all the way downstream and has a branch stream called the Fu River, which merges into the Wei River."

This time, the dup were heading to Sword Qi Mountain. The best route was actually to follow the Wei River downstream all the way until the end, and then proceed on foot to reach the Sword Qi Mountain which was highly regarded by sword cultivators.

Xie Nandu said, "Back then, after the decisive battle when His Majesty crossed the river, the river's name actually needed to be changed. But the proposal was rejected, His Majesty didn't agree."

When the world changed hands, everything would be different. This had been a common practice throughout the history of various dynasties. However, in the current reign, everything seemed somewhat different.

Wei Xu recalled the current Emperor and said, "His Majesty is someone who's nostalgic."

Xie Nandu nodded in agreement, "Indeed, His Majesty is very sentimental."

Among the meritorious subjects who followed the Great Liang Emperor back when he rose in rebellion, not a single one died in vain. Something like cooking the hound dog after the cunning hare died did not occur in the Great Liang Dynasty.

"If that deposed emperor back then was still in power, the world wouldn't be like this today. However, there are still many who aren't willing to accept that His Majesty is His Majesty. In the vast Great Liang Dynasty, with so many people, it's rare to find unity on any matter."

Wei Xu looked at Xie Nandu and asked, "What about him? His identity doesn't seem to be a secret. He came from the Wei River to the Divine Capital. If he was just a good-for-nothing, it would be fine. But he clearly isn't, so won't His Majesty kill him? Won't the others over-think it?"

This question had been on Wei Xu's mind for a long time, but he had never asked it because there were too many ears in the Divine Trove. Some things could easily be overheard.

Xie Nandu looked at Wei Xu, only then, remembered something—that the person before her, Senior Brother Wei Xu, was not just her senior brother, but also the legitimate heir of the Wei Family. Moreover, this place was not the academy either.

After leaving the academy and the Divine Capital, their relationship was no longer as simple as that of senior and junior apprentices.

Xie Nandu said, "His Majesty's magnanimity is not as senior brother thinks. He's very tolerant."

Wei Xu looked at Xie Nandu and said, "Junior Sister is very clever, but you haven't thought about some things seriously. Sometimes, who he wants to kill, whether he'll kill him or not, how can it be limited to what His Majesty says?"

The general trend of the world could not be dictated solely by personal preferences.

The Great Liang Emperor was a decisive and bold ruler, he naturally would not be bothered by these details.

"If His Majesty feels at ease with him, why would he let him leave the Divine Capital at this time?"

Wei Xu looked at the scenery in front of him calmly.

Xie Nandu opened her mouth, wanting to say something.

But after some thought, she shook her head.

Wei Xu turned his head and looked at Xie Nandu.

Xie Nandu also looked at Wei Xu.

For no reason, Wei Xu smiled and said, "Junior Sister, you're actually not that pretty."