Chapter 9: Qingyang Town
Chapter 9: Qingyang Town
Late at night, facing gusts of cold wind, desolation accompanied the falling leaves.
Ye Yun stood in front of the main gate of Ye Manor, a travel bag slung over his shoulder. Before him was the imposing gate of the manor. Servants occasionally came to bid Ye Yun farewell, but no member of the Ye Family appeared.
Uncle Han’s voice suddenly rang in Ye Yun’s mind: “Little Yun, are you angry with your father?”
“What reason do I have to be angry!” Ye Yun replied listlessly.
“Still not angry? You should calm down and think. You offended the Yan Family, and the Yan Family naturally wouldn’t let you off. Plus, your father has become a cripple, and no one is left to protect you. Staying in Red Cloud City, you only had a death sentence. Your father did this for your own good, silly child,” Uncle Han persuaded.
Creak!
The sound of grinding bones erupted from his clenched fists. Ye Yun stared at the words ‘Ye Manor.’ His father’s figure floated before his eyes. Ye Yun’s nose stung, and he secretly wept.
Uncle Han comforted him: “You should still go see your father.”
“No, Uncle Han. Let’s set off for Qingyang Town. When I return, I will make my father and the clan proud of me.” Suppressing his sadness, Ye Yun turned and strode away, disappearing into the cold night wind.
Hundreds of miles north of Red Cloud City lay a small town, Qingyang Town.
Qingyang Town was situated among the desolate mountain ranges. Its main activities were growing medicinal herbs and mining ores. Because of its remote and isolated location, Qingyang Town had only a few hundred households. It was often harassed by bandits, and the lives of the common people were very hard.
The sun blazed fiercely. On the ancient grassland, sand swirled everywhere. The sand pierced leaves like sieves and wore ancient rocks into pebbles. The grassland was left with only sparse weeds, almost barren.
Surrounding it were rolling, towering mountains. On some peaks, one could still vaguely see patches of white snow. The mountain ridges coiled across the vast land like dragon spines, seeming ready to soar into the sky at any moment.
In a flat area within a canyon flanked by steep peaks like swords, there was actually an inn.
The inn was simply built entirely of stone. A animal skin sign hung at the entrance: Qingyang Inn.
“Look at that man, he doesn’t have good clothes on, and there’s bloodstains everywhere. He might be a fugitive. If he’s a bandit, that would be trouble. I’ll go send a signal to the Black Banner Army.”
On the inn’s corner tower, three waiters discussed in whispers. One of them carefully slipped away from the side. The remaining two gestured to each other for a moment. One went to organize goods, and the other, holding a teapot, walked towards a wine table.
At a wine table by the entrance sat a burly, muscular man. His hair was messy and wild, covered by an animal skin garment. There were bloodstains all over his body, some of them still fresh, looking quite terrifying. The beast-skin-clad man suddenly raised his head, brushed aside his dirty hair with his hand, revealing a young and handsome face. It was Ye Yun.
After dozens of days of continuous travel, he had finally made it near Qingyang Town. Along the way, Ye Yun had endured many hardships, too many to put into words.
“Customer, here is your tea.” The waiter poured tea for Ye Yun, but his sidelong glance kept scanning Ye Yun’s body, as if looking for something.
Ye Yun took out some silver and tossed it to the waiter. He took a sip of tea, noticing the waiter’s furtive look. Ye Yun asked: “Brother, have you seen me before?”
“No, no. This lowly one just found the customer very unfamiliar, so I looked a little more, so I can serve you better next time. Please enjoy.” The waiter broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly slipped away.
Ye Yun shook his head and gloomily drank a few sips. Suddenly, something flashed in his mind. He placed silver on the table, picked up his ragged bundle, and headed in the direction of Qingyang Town.
Whoosh!
Just after leaving the inn, nine dark figures suddenly charged out, swiftly running and circling around Ye Yun. Simultaneously, a cold glint chopped through the air towards Ye Yun—it was a silver crescent blade, its edge flashing with a menacing sharp aura.
Hum!
Just as the blade seemed about to split Ye Yun’s forehead, it suddenly stopped in mid-air. It turned out Ye Yun had used two fingers to firmly clamp the blade. His powerful finger strength held the blade completely immobile. The wielder was a large man in black armor.
“Take my blade!”
Another black-armored man roared beside him, swinging his blade to chop at Ye Yun.
Ye Yun’s eyes darkened. He exerted force with his wrist. The silver blade instantly broke into two pieces. The blade’s tip was flicked by Ye Yun’s index finger, shooting towards the attacker like a meteor.
That man couldn’t dodge because the blade tip was too fast. He could only watch helplessly as it pierced through his chest.
Swish! Swish!
The moment the blade tip was about to penetrate, two figures flashed out from left and right, both reaching out to grab the blade tip simultaneously.
The person on the left was Ye Yun, and the one on the right was a black-armored man in his thirties. Ye Yun instantly let go. The black-armored man seized the blade tip and retreated several steps. He went to the black-armored soldier who was trembling with fright, comforted him a few words, and the soldier finally calmed down.
Ten black-armored soldiers surrounded Ye Yun tightly. The black-armored leader took a step towards Ye Yun, scrutinized him with authority, and interrogated: “Where are you from? What business do you have in Qingyang Town?”
“Black Banner Army!” Ye Yun looked around, knowing their origins. Without saying more, he took a small booklet from his bundle and threw it to the imposing black-armored leader.
“Oh?” The black-armored man opened the booklet and examined it carefully. He waved his hand, and the other black-armored soldiers immediately sheathed their weapons. The black-armored leader said to them: “Not a bandit. He’s from the Ye Family.”
Ye Yun’s gaze fell on the black-armored leader. He slowly said: “There is a squad of the Black Banner Army in Qingyang Town. The squad leader’s name is Ye Changqing. He is from Red Cloud City, a Flesh Immortal Third Layer expert.”
The black-armored leader was taken aback, then grinned, full of vigor: “Little Brother Ye Yun, you can call me Elder Brother Changqing. You and I are family. Besides, I’ve long heard of you.”
“Elder Brother Changqing!” Ye Yun immediately clasped his fists respectfully.
“Good! Today, we shall welcome my brother. Waiter, bring some wine and meat! This is one of our own. Couldn’t you open your dog eyes wider? My brother’s handsome looks don’t resemble a bandit at all.” Ye Changqing heartily and warmly ushered Ye Yun to sit down in the inn. The other black-armored soldiers went to a nearby wine table.
After Ye Changqing’s shout, the waiter didn’t dare hesitate. He hurried to the kitchen to prepare wine and food.
Ye Changqing poured tea for Ye Yun and filled his own cup. Then he stared at Ye Yun as if looking at a monster, making Ye Yun feel uncomfortable all over. Ye Changqing roared with laughter: “When I received the message, I didn’t believe it. I never thought it really was you, brother. I’ve also heard the clansmen talk about your affairs. It’s all fleeting clouds. I respect you for being a real man, daring to divorce the young lady of the Yan Family. You truly bring honor to the men of the Ye Family.”
“Good news never leaves the house, but bad news spreads far. Let’s not talk about the past. Brother is new here and doesn’t know what needs to be done. Please give me some guidance, elder brother.” Ye Yun said humbly and sincerely.
Ye Changqing put an arm around Ye Yun: “Qingyang Town is full of trivial nonsense. Dealing with people and social affairs is very annoying. I don’t like currying favor or watching people’s faces, especially with clansmen. Brother just needs to report in. To say something you might not like, Qingyang Town is a place to idle away and wait for death. Don’t set your hopes too high.”
Ye Yun agreed; he deeply understood. “Thank you for your concern, elder brother. This meal is on me.”
“Brothers, all come over! This is Brother Ye Yun. All come and drink!” Ye Changqing stood up and introduced him to everyone.
All the armored soldiers gathered around. They filled their cups and drank heartily. Ye Yun didn’t hesitate either. Infected by the Black Banner Army’s bold and generous spirit, the heroic feelings in his heart were also stirred. He drank deeply and freely.
Ye Yun had arrived in Qingyang Town in the afternoon. His head was swimming, and when he woke up, he was in a guest room of a tavern. Ye Yun washed his face, packed his things, and left the tavern.
Most buildings in Qingyang Town were primarily made of rock. Places like taverns and shops were wooden structures. Although very simple, the streets were fairly clean. However, the air was not good, always filled with dust.
Qingyang Manor, the mansion in charge of all affairs in Qingyang Town.
Although it was afternoon, people kept coming and going through the manor gate; it was quite lively.
Ye Yun walked into the main courtyard, looked around, and continued towards the main hall. Passing through the main corridor, Ye Yun happened to encounter a young girl arguing with an elderly man in brocade robes, about sixty years old. The girl’s temper was extremely like a man’s; she twisted the old man’s arm, chattering nonstop: “Mayor, you don’t care whether we few households live or die. Wolf Mountain hasn’t had a mountain guard for so long. Yesterday, a few more of my family’s wolves were snatched away.”
“Why is it called Wolf Mountain? That’s where wolves live. I told you to move, but you refused. Can you blame me? Go! Please escort her away!” The mayor impatiently explained a bit, then ordered servants to drive the girl away.
The girl couldn’t overcome the strong servants and was forcefully driven out of the manor.
The mayor shook his head, then suddenly noticed Ye Yun. He asked coldly: “What is your business?”
Ye Yun answered very politely: “Senior, I come from Red Cloud City. I committed an offense and was sent down to Qingyang Town. I am looking for you to arrange my clan duties.”
Hearing Ye Yun, the mayor’s stern face softened into a smile: “So it’s one of our own. Right, there’s a herb shed that needs someone to look after it. We’re short a position. It’s yours.”
“I would like to guard Wolf Mountain, senior. I hope you can agree.” Ye Yun pleaded.
The mayor was stunned, seemingly not understanding. He waved his hand: “You child, there’s a good place you don’t want to go. Since you want to go, then go. List what you need. That Wolf Mountain is not like the town. Go on.”
“Thank you, senior.” Ye Yun finished expressing his thanks, turned, and left.
“Ah, the older I get, the worse my memory. I forgot to ask that child’s identity. Whatever, since he was sent down to Qingyang Town, it means he holds little status in the Ye Family.” The mayor blinked his bleary eyes, shook his head, and thought nothing of it. For exiled clansmen like Ye Yun, he was long accustomed. He turned and walked towards the main hall.
A few miles away from Qingyang Town, there was a mountain village. Behind the village stood a large mountain, Wolf Mountain.
Dusk descended. A figure was approaching Wolf Mountain.