CHAPTER 52: CHAPTER 4: ZHU YAN

Gu Qingqing and her companions only stayed one night in Chasing Cloud City, and set out early the next morning, continuing their journey towards the Great Tang Dynasty.

"The next city to the south from here is Anping City. Anping City produces a kind of spirit grass—An Shen Grass. Besides the City Lord appointed by the Great Zhou Dynasty, there are two other powers in the city: the Zhao Family and the Fang Family. These two families control the An Shen Grass industry in Anping City, and their status is on par with the City Lord Mansion. But it is said that the next heir of the Zhao Family was stabbed not long ago and is currently in a coma. The Zhao Family is seeking doctors to treat the heir, and this matter seems to be related to the Fang Family. The city is not very peaceful because of this." Zhuo Tingqiu, who has taken over part of the Zhuo Family’s business from Zhuo Zhen Song, has access to all kinds of information, so he is quite knowledgeable about the various powers on the continent.

In the carriage, Zhuo Tingqiu shared what he knew with Gu Qingqing and Yun Ran. Of course, with Si Lin and others’ abilities, they could also hear everything clearly.

Si Lin’s power doesn’t reside on the Xuantian Continent, so Zhuo Tingqiu’s intelligence is more useful in this place.

"We’ll only be staying one night in Anping City. Their family feud likely won’t involve us, right?" Yun Ran thought they shouldn’t be so unlucky. Regardless of the conflicts in Anping City, they were just passing through and wouldn’t be entangled!

"I hope so." Zhuo Tingqiu glanced at Yun Ran and replied.

Gu Qingqing pushed the plate of pastries towards Yun Ran, glanced outside the window, and remained silent.

The speed of the Heavenly Qilin Horse was fast, yet it still took nearly a day to reach Anping City. After queuing to enter the city, they headed straight for the largest inn in the city.

After booking a few upper rooms, they each returned to their rooms to freshen up before coming together for dinner.

Primarily, it was Gu Qingqing, Yun Ran, and Zhuo Tingqiu eating, as Si Lin and the others did not need to eat for the time being.

"Have you heard? The young master of the Zhao Family is said to be in critical condition. The Zhao Family is in chaos now; after all, they only have this one young master!" A man at the table next to Gu Qingqing’s suddenly muttered quietly to his companion.

"Alas, ever since the young master of the Zhao Family fell ill, Anping City has been anything but peaceful. People are anxious all day, and who knows when it will end?" another man at the same table said with a worried expression.

"The Fang Family has been quite rampant lately; they’ve forced several of the Zhao Family’s shops to close!" another person added.

"Alas, it’s also the Zhao Family’s misfortune. It’s said that Young Master Zhao went to explore Ghost Cry Ridge because of fierce beasts outside the city and was injured by one, falling ill and unable to recover. If they can’t find a fifth-level or higher doctor soon, he might not have much time left."

"Doctors above the fifth level are all tributes of major powers. It’s unlikely they would leave easily, and even if they did come, the Zhao Family might not be able to afford them!"

"..."

The group chatted a bit about the Zhao Family’s issue before moving on to other topics. When the fierce beasts were mentioned, Gu Qingqing showed some interest but soon set the thought aside.

After dinner, it was completely dark outside, and the group returned to their rooms to rest.

Gu Qingqing and Yun Ran shared a room. They played around for a while before bed, causing them to sleep rather late.

In the middle of the night, Gu Qingqing suddenly felt a burning sensation in her heart, so uncomfortable that she had to open her eyes. Even after waking up, the burning in her chest didn’t subside. She also sensed a peculiar aura. It wasn’t the first time she had experienced this feeling, so she frowned slightly, deciding not to wake Yun Ran. She gently dressed and quietly opened the door to go out.

Just as she passed the room of Yue Zhao and Si Lin, their door opened from the inside. Gu Qingqing turned her head and saw Yue Zhao and Si Lin.

"Little Qingqing, did you sense it?" Yue Zhao asked, his eyes flashing as he noticed Gu Qingqing holding her chest.

Gu Qingqing nodded her head.

"Let’s go together," said Si Lin, "Azhao and I won’t intervene."

Gu Qingqing naturally trusted Si Lin and Yue Zhao, so she nodded, took the lead, and the three of them left together.

Once out of the inn, the trio quickly flew towards Ghost Cry Ridge outside Anping City.

When she heard the conversation earlier during the day, Gu Qingqing had taken note. Upon feeling the familiar heat sensation that night, she realized the fierce beast mentioned by those people might be related to her seal, prompting her to come out. Si Lin and Yue Zhao knew Gu Qingqing’s situation, so they followed along to ensure she wouldn’t be overwhelmed.

With the frequent appearance of the Secret Realm’s projection, the barrier of the Xuantian Continent had loosened significantly. Ordinary people might not be able to break through, but powerful demon beasts certainly could. Si Lin and the others were concerned Gu Qingqing might encounter a demon beast she couldn’t handle.

Ghost Cry Ridge is essentially a cliff, with towering trees growing atop it. There are some small animals inside, but not many large ones.

Due to the recent incident with the Zhao Family, there were fewer visitors to Ghost Cry Ridge, making it very quiet at night.

As soon as they approached, they smelled a strong scent of blood. The three exchanged glances and continued moving forward.

As they got closer, the burning sensation in Gu Qingqing’s chest vanished. She released her grip on her chest, placing her hand at her waist, grasping the Mixed Immortal Silk, ready to act at any moment.

The closer they got to the cliff, the stronger the smell of blood became. They also saw some corpses, each with its heart removed and their death rather tragic. Even by moonlight, their wide-open eyes could be seen, clearly having died with grievances.

As they neared the edge of the cliff, they finally saw the appearance of the fierce beast!

Its body resembled an ape, with a white head and red feet. It was currently holding a bloody heart, stuffing it into its mouth, and at its feet lay a corpse devoid of any breath.

Gu Qingqing and her companions couldn’t help but show a look of disgust. Due to Wen Guiyun’s cleanliness obsession, the people of Spirit Hidden Mountain also had some degree of neat-freak tendencies, not to mention the beast’s way of eating was truly off-putting.

"That’s Zhu Yan!" Yue Zhao whispered to the two, "The Xuantian Continent is indeed getting more interesting!"

All three had read the "Ten Thousand Beasts Mirror," and recognized a fierce beast of Zhu Yan’s caliber. Considering the demon beasts they had encountered over the years, the Xuantian Continent was indeed unusual.

On the other side, Zhu Yan sensed the presence of Gu Qingqing and the others, and turned its head, its red eyes staring greedily at them. It opened its mouth and swallowed the heart in its hand, a sinister grin appearing on its face.

"Hehe, food delivered right to my doorstep!" It licked its bloodstained lips, hungrily eyeing Gu Qingqing and her companions.

Si Lin shot a cold look at Zhu Yan, the intent of a sword flashing in his eyes, while Yue Zhao grinned a perfect smile, his gaze was like ice.

"It’s sealed; its strength is only half of what it used to be. Qingqing, it’s all yours!" Before coming, they agreed to let Gu Qingqing handle it herself. Si Lin assessed Zhu Yan’s combat strength and spoke.

Gu Qingqing nodded, and with a flick, she drew the Mixed Immortal Silk from her waist where it had been an ornament. With a slight shake, the silk was infused with spiritual power, instantly hardening. With a swift step, she darted toward Zhu Yan.