Chapter Eighty: Whereabouts

That night, at the northern gate of Tianyun City.

Shi Yan, Han Feng, and Ku Long slipped quietly out of the north gate at the hour of midnight, arriving outside the city walls. A carriage drawn by four sturdy horses stood alone amid the wild graves beyond the city, its presence solemn and silent. An elder stood outside, gazing up at the starry sky with an expression of wooden indifference.

From within the carriage came the soft murmur of hushed voices.

Mounds of earth, some high and some low, scattered around the carriage; beside certain graves, strange phosphorescent flames flickered, rendering the tranquil night eerie and unsettling.

“A carriage of the Zuo family,” Ku Long whispered as he approached, glancing from afar.

Shi Yan nodded faintly, replying, “It seems we’re already late.”

Their words were evidently heard by the elder near the carriage, who withdrew his gaze from the heavens, glanced their way, and lifted the whip in his hand.

The three men, knowing their place, drew nearer.

“Miss, the Shi family has arrived,” the elder murmured, reporting to the carriage.

“Let them come over,” came the voice of Zuo Shi from within.

A dignified, graceful lady clad in white quietly emerged from the carriage, glanced at Shi Yan, and smiled as she spoke to Zuo Shi inside, “The young master has arrived.”

“Aunt Lian!” Zuo Shi exclaimed, annoyed. “I’ve told you, there’s nothing between us—stop teasing me!”

“Alright, alright,” the lady laughed, then waved to Shi Yan as he approached. “Young Master Yan, do you three not have a carriage?”

“When we reach the northern city of Xuelai, arrangements will be made,” Shi Yan replied coolly, giving the beautiful woman a discreet look and inwardly admiring her. He then calmly walked to the carriage, placed a large bundle inside, and said, “Shi, this is your Dragon Turtle Spirit Armor. My grandfather asked me to return it to you.”

“Oh,” Zuo Shi responded, then muttered under her breath, “What an ungrateful fellow, wasting our goodwill, and he didn’t even use it…”

Shi Yan chuckled, “You said before, whoever wears the Dragon Turtle Spirit Armor is a turtle. I’d rather not be one.”

A soft laugh escaped from the carriage, Zuo Shi unable to suppress her amusement. “You remember that well. I gave the armor to provoke my grandfather, thinking you’d accept it. You helped me unlock the shell, and I gained the treasure, so it’s only right you have it.”

“My Shi family’s martial soul excels at defense; I don’t need an extra turtle shell,” Shi Yan replied, shaking his head.

“Miss, shall we depart?” The Zuo family retainer climbed onto the carriage, brandishing the whip and asking quietly.

“Yes, let’s go.”

“Wait, let me introduce everyone.” The dignified lady smiled and turned to Han Feng, “This is Chu Ping, at the first stage of Nirvana; I am Wu Yunlian. Brother Han, we’ve met before. And you?” She looked at Ku Long.

“Ku Long, also at the first stage of Nirvana,” Ku Long replied amiably, scratching his head. “I’ve always been in the outer city; only returned for the martial tournament. You probably haven’t seen me.”

“So you’re Brother Ku Long,” Wu Yunlian said with a demure smile. “It’s my honor to travel with both of you. Please take care of me along the way.”

“You’re too polite,” Han Feng and Ku Long replied together.

This woman, dignified and elegant, possessed a cultivation at the Nirvana stage; rumor had it she hailed from the Cloud Mist Mountains. Having once received a favor from Chi Xiao, she joined the Zuo family on his recommendation, earning Zuo Xu’s trust and forming a close bond with Zuo Shi.

Han Feng and Ku Long, aware of her abilities, dared not be disrespectful, and their demeanor showed not a hint of disregard.

“Let’s be on our way then.” Shi Yan looked up at the sky, suddenly frowning as he pointed to a dark spot beneath the moon. “Hmm, what’s that?”

Chu Ping, Han Feng, Ku Long, and Wu Yunlian all looked up.

“A cloud eagle!” Han Feng’s expression changed, his voice low and tense. “It’s raised by the Beiming family! Cloud eagles have exceptional eyesight; from the sky, they can clearly see people below!”

“The Beiming family is watching us?” Ku Long was puzzled, a trace of confusion in his gaze. “Do they know we’re leaving the city?”

“Not necessarily,” Chu Ping mused, watching the eagle fly away. “It could just be returning to the Beiming family from elsewhere, passing by. It might not be specifically watching this area.”

“We must be cautious,” Wu Yunlian breathed quietly. “No time to waste; let’s depart quickly. Even if the Beiming family is monitoring us, as long as we’re careful, they’ll find it hard to track our movements.”

“Agreed.”

…

Late at night, Beiming family, Cold Ice Pavilion.

“Father, we’ve received word—the Shi and Zuo families left the north gate quietly. The Shi family sent Han Feng, Ku Long, and Shi Yan. The Zuo family sent Chu Ping and Wu Yunlian. There’s another person in the carriage, likely Miss Zuo Shi.”

Beiming Qie hurried into the Cold Ice Pavilion, bowed, and reported the latest news.

Beiming Ce was also there, cultivating with the pavilion’s cold aura. Hearing this, he opened his eyes in shock. “It’s the Shi and Zuo families!”

Beiming Shang sat unmoving, his face dark, but his eyes shone with cold light.

After a long silence, Beiming Shang said, “The other half of the treasure map must be in the hands of the Shi and Zuo families. The person who robbed the Misty Pavilion is likely Chi Xiao. That girl from Misty Pavilion is cunning, using Mo Tuo as a distraction. If we hadn’t been careful and deployed cloud eagles at every city gate, we might have been deceived.”

“Father, what should we do?”

“I’ll go with Ce, and quietly follow them to see where they’re headed.”

“Ce is going too?”

“Tianyun City has grown restless lately. I’ll bring Yin Kui and Jiu Shan with me. I don’t feel safe leaving Ce in the city.” Beiming Shang nodded. “You’ll oversee the clan. Announce that I’m in closed-door recovery, so no one suspects anything.”

“Yes.”

“Grandfather, the Zuo and Shi families must have reached an agreement with Misty Pavilion. If Chi Xiao teams up with that woman, won’t you be in danger facing them alone?” Beiming Ce asked in confusion.

Beiming Shang breathed slowly, replying coldly, “I am prepared.”

Beiming Ce’s eyes lit up.

“The Lord of Dark Nether sent word recently, specifically asking for Mu Yudie. I’ve yet to reply,” Beiming Shang mused, gazing deeply at Beiming Ce. “The Lord of Dark Nether is also at the Celestial Rank. With him…there will be no problem. Even if Chi Xiao and that girl try to work together against me, they’ll fail. They’ll have no choice but to join us in exploring the Heavenly Gate.”

“The Lord of Dark Nether!” Beiming Ce was stunned, his face shaded and uncertain. After a while, he murmured, “Grandfather, what do you mean?”

“Mu Yudie’s martial soul is powerful, but useless to the Beiming family. That girl, Di Yalan, has the potential to fuse with our Extreme Cold Flame martial soul.” Beiming Shang stared at him, his voice stern. “She’s just a woman—can you not let go?”

Beiming Ce frowned, shaking his head. “It’s not that. I’m just surprised. For the sake of the family, I can give up anything.”

“Good. You will one day lead the Beiming family. Don’t let emotion cloud your judgment.” Beiming Shang nodded with satisfaction, adding, “Rest assured. The Lord of Dark Nether only wants Mu Yudie’s martial soul for cultivation. He won’t care about her chastity. Before I hand her over, you’ll have three days to enjoy her.”

“Thank you, Grandfather.” Beiming Ce suddenly smiled.

“This time, bring Mu Yudie and Di Yalan along. Afterwards, Mu Yudie will be handed directly to the Lord of Dark Nether, without Di Yalan knowing.” Beiming Shang instructed.

“Yes, Grandfather.”

…

Beiming Ce left the Cold Ice Pavilion, and despite the late hour, went straight to the island in the Beiming family’s lake.

Mu Yudie and Di Yalan had not slept, but were quietly cultivating.

Noticing Beiming Ce’s arrival, the two women tidied themselves and went out to meet him.

Beiming Ce smiled at the corners of his mouth. “Prepare yourselves. Before dawn, we’ll leave the city together.”

“What’s happening?” Mu Yudie asked in surprise.

“The treasure map for the Heavenly Gate should be complete. Some have already gone to explore it. We’ll follow them quietly,” Beiming Ce replied with sincerity, turning to Mu Yudie. “Xiao Die, the Heavenly Gate may hold secret treasures. My grandfather thinks you and Yalan should seize this opportunity. You might gain great fortune. This is a rare chance—do not miss it!”

Mu Yudie and Di Yalan’s eyes brightened.

“Thank you, Young Master Ce.” Mu Yudie bowed, her face radiant with joy. “If I gain anything in the Heavenly Gate, I’ll remember your kindness forever.”

“What are you saying?” Beiming Ce feigned annoyance. “Is that necessary between us?”

“Xiao Die knows her mistake. I’ll pack at once,” Mu Yudie replied with a cheerful smile.

“Good. I’ll wait outside. Hurry—don’t let anyone see. This must be done in secret,” Beiming Ce comforted her, his smile warm as he quickly left the lakeside.

“Xiao Die, I just remembered…” Di Yalan’s expression slowly dimmed, her face melancholy. “The map’s completion means Ding Yan must have been found. With the methods of the five great families, Ding Yan is probably…”

Reminded thus, Mu Yudie’s face changed, growing somber.

Yet, thinking of the treasures hidden within the Heavenly Gate, the possibility of future fortune quickly eased her sadness.

“Don’t worry. He may yet be safe. They only want the map, not his life. Sister Lan, we must seize this opportunity! Perhaps, with this exploration, we’ll gain the chance for revenge—it all depends on this!” Mu Yudie clenched her small fist, ambitious and determined.

“Ah, I hope he’s truly unharmed,” Di Yalan sighed, shaking her head in resignation.

“Stop thinking about him. Let’s plan well and figure out how to maximize our gain,” Mu Yudie said eagerly.

She imagined Dark Nether destroyed by her own hand, her enemies lying in pools of blood.

Whenever she thought of these things, a secret delight welled up within her—her mind already consumed by hatred.

…

PS: The third update is here—everyone, please remember to vote! I need recommendation votes, ah, ah, ah!