Chapter 201: Lucky to Have Gained an Extra Life
Chapter 201: Lucky to Have Gained an Extra Life
Just as Chen Changsheng was about to leave the Taoist Temple, his gaze suddenly shifted to the distance.
He saw a dark brown Sky Skiff approaching from afar. A large flag bearing the character ‘Yun’ fluttered atop the skiff.
Standing beside Yun Li were four Guardians from Yun Manor, their Magical Power deep and profound, far exceeding that of ordinary cultivators.
Yun Li’s face looked quite young. Dressed like a Young Master from a wealthy mortal family, he held a short flute, which was in fact a Magical Artifact.
He turned to the Guardians beside him and said, “Esteemed Guardians, perhaps I should go down first to take a look. If there’s any trouble, you can step in later.”
“Fine. If there is any situation, the four of us will act immediately.”
“I trouble you all.”
“Young Master is too polite.”
Yun Li smiled warmly, then leaped down lightly, landing on the mountain peak where the Flowing Cloud Temple stood.
He lifted his gaze and scanned the Taoist Temple before him.
He had long heard of the True Dragon. For him, dealing with it might be a bit strenuous, but not particularly difficult.
Yun Li extended his Divine Sense, probing the area.
“No one?”
His Divine Sense found the temple utterly empty—not a single trace of presence could be detected.
Puzzled, Yun Li walked to the temple gate. After a moment’s thought, he pushed the door open.
His gaze first settled on the withered Peach Tree in the corner of the courtyard. With just one glance, he sensed something unusual.
“This tree…”
A faint gleam flashed in Yun Li’s eyes. Could this have once been an innate wood spirit?
“There was actually an innate wood spirit in this Taoist Temple…”
Yun Li murmured inwardly. As he pondered this, a figure caught the corner of his eye.
A man in a Blue Robe emerged from the Main Hall. Yun Li turned his head and met the other’s gaze.
Yun Li’s heart tightened. He realized he couldn’t see through this person. Moreover, a subtle yet profound sense of danger seemed to emanate from him.
After a moment’s thought, Yun Li spoke: “I am Yun Li. Initially thinking the temple was empty, I entered uninvited. My deepest apologies for the intrusion.”
Chen Changsheng glanced at him and said bluntly: “Moyuan told me your Yun Manor once surrounded this temple?”
Yun Li paused at that.
Moyuan… that must be the Black Dragon!
This man calls him by his true name… could he be…?
Yun Li asked cautiously: “Might I ask who you are…?”
Chen Changsheng stepped forward, stopping by the stone table beneath the Peach Tree.
“I am merely a Rogue Cultivator, staying here temporarily.”
Chen Changsheng looked at him and said: “Come, sit.”
Still pondering who this person was, Yun Li walked forward upon hearing this and sat down.
“Thank you.”
Yun Li said politely.
Chen Changsheng looked at him and asked: “Have you come here looking for trouble too?”
When Chen Changsheng posed this question, Yun Li remained silent for a moment, unsure how to answer.
A bad feeling arose: if he said yes, he might not walk out of this temple intact today.
A smile suddenly broke across Yun Li’s composed face: “If I were, Sir, why would you have invited me to sit?”
Chen Changsheng questioned: “Then why did you come?”
Yun Li replied: “I rarely get involved in the Manor’s affairs if I can help it, always trying to avoid them. But this time, the Head ordered it, so I had no choice.”
Chen Changsheng focused on Yun Li’s eyes.
Yun Li froze. In that moment, it felt as if his thoughts had been laid bare.
Chen Changsheng nodded slightly: “That is the truth…”
Yun Li swallowed, certain now.
The man seated opposite him –
was absolutely not someone he could dare offend!
One glance had elicited such a severe reaction.
‘Good thing I remained cautious earlier,’ Yun Li thought silently with relief. ‘Otherwise, I truly might have been done for.’
With a hint of apology, Yun Li said: “Senior’s cultivation is profound. I, Yun Li, acted presumptuously today.”
Chen Changsheng remarked: “No wonder Yun Manor maintains its standing in the Cultivation World as a prestigious family.”
Yun Li offered an awkward smile: “Senior flatters me.”
Chen Changsheng stopped the small talk and got to the point: “Likely the last Chenghuang in the world remains here. He told me he wishes to stay at the Flowing Cloud Temple as a Drooping Ridge beast, to ward off evil and disaster for the temple. I, for one, think this is quite fitting.”
He paused, then continued: “Let’s let this matter rest here. I won’t press your trespassing upon the mountain, and you cease disturbing my peace. What do you think?”
Yun Li didn’t answer immediately.
This decision was beyond his authority.
But high heavens lie beyond heavens; mightier people beyond mere men.
Yun Manor had endured not solely by might.
Offending a profound Senior over one Chenghuang was clearly not worth it.
Yun Li lifted his head: “This junior cannot decide such matters. I must seek the elders of the Manor before yielding an answer.”
Chen Changsheng said calmly: “Avoiding trouble saves trouble. I dislike messes. If it proves truly impossible, I may very well visit Qingyuan myself when the time comes.”
Yun Li forced a smile: “If… when I convey this to the elders, it is unlikely they will disturb your solitude again.”
“That would be best.”
Chen Changsheng stood up: “Return whence you came. I have matters and will see you out no further.”
Yun Li stood and followed behind Chen Changsheng: “Where might you be going, Senior? I came by Sky Skiff; perhaps I could offer you passage.”
Chen Changsheng shook his head: “Unnecessary.”
“Too slow.”
As he spoke, an Immortal Sword shimmered into existence beside Chen Changsheng.
The Sir leapt lightly, stepping onto the Flying Sword. In a flash of azure light, he transformed into a streak of blue light and sped away.
He vanished before Yun Li’s eyes in the blink of an eye.
High above, amidst layered clouds on the Sky Skiff, the four Guardians witnessed that streak of sword light disappear before their very eyes.
Stunned, the Guardians couldn’t follow the blade trail with their gaze.
“Such sword radiance…”
“Daoist Friend, have you ever seen a Sword Cultivator move so swiftly?”
“Never…”
The four Guardians stared, dumbstruck, simultaneously breaking into a shiver.
Click.
Yun Li returned to the Sky Skiff.
“Young Master!”
All four Guardians turned their eyes to him.
Yun Li took a deep breath; his back was already soaked in cold sweat.
“Might I ask you four Guardians…”
Yun Li began, his voice tense: “…what caliber of Sword Cultivator could unleash a Sword Flight like that?”
One Guardian among them cultivated the sword path.
“I once witnessed a great Sword Immortal ride north upon his sword. Yet… he was no match for the one we just saw.”
Yun Li clicked his tongue: “What if the four of you… joined forces with me? Could we contend?”
The sword-cultivating Guardian paused, then shook his head.
“Our combined strength… likely wouldn’t withstand a single pulse of his Sword Qi.”
Horror gripped Yun Li’s heart. He murmured: “How could such a being exist in the mortal world…”
Recalling those few brief words exchanged in the temple, he trembled inwardly once more.
“It’s fortunate I stayed somewhat alert back then. This time, I really did gain an extra life…”