Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Little People

Very soon, the news of Shen Yu’s departure from the Dao Sect spread rapidly.

The case concerning Shen Yu had yet to reach an official conclusion. By rights, even if he were not sent to the Cliff of Reflection, he should not have been allowed to leave so freely. Yet, surprisingly, there was little discussion within the Dao Sect about this matter. The elders of the other three halls received the news in silence, and even Dao Chen of the Hall of Pure Laws—who was known for his strictness—remarkably said nothing.

The reason was clear.

Shen Yu was the second innate Dao body to emerge in the Dao Sect in a hundred years. More importantly, his extraordinary talent in Dao arts, especially as demonstrated in the Golden Core realm, was unmatched. The Divine Thunder of Purple Heaven, a technique only those in the three upper realms could wield, and his mastery of the unity of spirit and body—either of these alone would be considered astonishing. The miraculous feats of overcoming higher realms left a profound impression, reminding many of another figure: the current Sect Master, Dao Ming, reputed as the most powerful cultivator on the Spirit Wilderness Continent.

To witness the emergence of a disciple whose talent rivaled the Sect Master’s youth—what did that portend?

Within the Hall of True Transcendence, in an elegant courtyard, Shang Yingluo sat on a stone bench, cradling a letter in her hands. Tears streaked her exquisite face.

“Foolish Shen Yu, I’ll never like you again,” she sobbed, scolding him between tears, appearing pitiful and fragile.

Suddenly, she stopped crying. Her large, watery eyes sparkled as she seemed to think of something, then she quietly rose and peered around. Just as she pushed open the courtyard gate, she saw Yu Wenwen in her red attire.

“Stop right there,” Yu Wenwen said coolly.

Shang Yingluo halted, aggrieved. “Why, do you want me to dislike you too?”

Yu Wenwen smiled. “Shen Yu left me with a message for you.”

Shang Yingluo asked, puzzled, “What is it?”

Yu Wenwen leaned close, whispering softly in her ear.

“Is what you said true?” Shang Yingluo asked uncertainly.

Yu Wenwen nodded.

Shang Yingluo wiped her tears away and replied with a bright smile, “Alright!”

...

Hall of Pure Laws.

Ye Zhiqiu had just awakened from meditation. Glancing at the letter and the book on the table, she instinctively picked up the book. Upon seeing the title, her face showed surprise.

...

Shen Yu was heading north.

The Dao Sect lay amidst the southwestern mountains, within the secular nation of the Great Li Dynasty. Following a straight official road north for about a thousand miles would bring one to the dynasty’s capital, Liyang City. Beyond that lay the largest country on the continent, the Great Tang.

A thousand miles was not far; traveling by sword, one could arrive within half a day. Yet Shen Yu chose to walk this time.

Though he disliked walking, Su Mo often spoke sensibly: slowing down allows one to see more scenery and meet more people along the way. Thus, Shen Yu’s journey was leisurely, taking several days before he reached Liyang City.

Entering through the city gate, he found his way to a quiet inn on the second floor. He ordered a few simple dishes and a pot of wine.

As a Golden Core cultivator, Shen Yu had long mastered fasting and did not need food for sustenance. Still, since he was experiencing the mortal world, he embraced the customs of ordinary people. Su Mo had mentioned that some of Liyang’s wine and dishes were quite excellent.

While waiting, Shen Yu leaned against the window, gazing down at the busy street, his mind wandering far and wide.

The Spirit Wilderness of Mountains and Seas comprised five continents and four seas: Central, Western Spirit, Eastern Ancestor, Southern Flame, and Northern Profound. The Dao Sect was situated in the Central Continent.

Before leaving, Dao Fan reminded him to visit Cloud Cliff City in the Eastern Ancestor Continent, where an old acquaintance had written about some trouble. Additionally, Yang Liu’s hometown was also in the Eastern Ancestor Continent, and she had asked him to visit her homeland.

Since he was traveling the Spirit Wilderness, he needed a destination, so Shen Yu carefully remembered these two tasks.

Soon, however, he realized a minor problem: he had no travel documents.

There were several major nations between the two continents, and to traverse them, one needed official passage papers—which he lacked. Years ago, the Great Li Dynasty had declared him dead.

Shen Yu frowned, considering whether he should return.

Just then, a commotion from the street below caught his attention.

“At the marketplace west of town, someone is hiring temporary guards to travel east, all the way to Immortal-Seeking Port in the Eastern Ancestor Continent,” cried young men and women.

“Applicants must be martial artists of at least the third layer of the Initial Sensing realm. Those above the Enlightened Yang realm will be paid more generously,” they shouted.

...

“Those who earn merit during the journey will receive a Strength-Gathering Pill at the end,” they proclaimed, drawing crowds toward the western marketplace.

Shen Yu watched this scene thoughtfully.

Guards? It seemed a promising opportunity.

...

At a general store in the marketplace, several men in sturdy attire bustled in and out, carting goods. Luxurious carriages stood in front, where an elderly man with white hair and beard waited. Around them gathered a crowd of onlookers.

Before the old man lay a number of men, most in tattered clothing—likely commoners seeking a meal. A handful possessed some martial skills, yet none could withstand even a single punch from him.

Seeing the wailing men, the old man shook his head in dismay.

Just then, the curtain of a fine carriage beside him lifted, and a cool voice rang out from within.

“Old Kou, if no one else qualifies, it’s fine. With you and Brother Jiang, who’s at the fifth layer of the Initial Sensing realm, I think we have enough.”

The burly, rough-faced man referred to as Brother Jiang patted his chest and laughed, “Miss is absolutely right.”

Old Kou frowned, troubled. Having roamed the martial world for decades, he knew well the complexities of human nature and the dangers of the road. More guards meant greater safety.

Yet it was difficult to explain such reasoning to the young lady. As he hesitated, a calm voice sounded at his side.

“I heard you’re hiring guards?”

The old man turned and saw a young man in blue standing before him, his expression indifferent.

Shen Yu glanced at him, lamenting inwardly how, after so many years, secular cultivators remained so frail—a newly initiated cultivator was considered a strongman here.

But it was understandable. There were billions of living beings in Spirit Wilderness, yet few qualified to walk the Dao path, let alone those who traveled far upon it. In the mortal world, a Golden Core cultivator was revered as an immortal, and those of the Spirit Wandering realm were seen as national sages—even in a great nation like the Great Li Dynasty.

Only places like the Dao Sect, supreme sanctuaries of cultivation, could attract so many gifted young talents.

“May I ask, what is your realm?” the old man inquired, not underestimating him because of his youth.

Shen Yu did not answer, but gazed at the two ornate carriages. “I wish to drive the carriage for the young lady. May I?”