CHAPTER 352: CHAPTER 347: DA LI HINTERLAND

Yazhou dock, where the crowd moves ceaselessly.

The dock is bustling with people, the sound of shouting incessant, as warships docked, ready to set sail.

When demons wreaked havoc on the West Sea, ships from Yazhou stopped operating for a time, only cultivators departing from the mainland ventured out to slay them, at great cost.

Fortunately, the demon threat was eventually quelled, allowing Yazhou’s ships to resume navigation. Now that the calamity of the West Sea has been suppressed, having experienced a massive demon hunting operation, demons are growing scarce and pose little threat, thus sea transport flourishes.

"Have you heard? Recently, a grand event is being held on West Flame Island, and the world’s tenth sword cultivator, Gu Jinghong, is heading there to challenge the sword. This news has the West Sea boiling, I wonder if it’s over by now."

"Who is this West Flame Island Master that even Gu Jinghong would go there for a sword challenge?"

"There are many hidden talents and hermits in the West Sea, and the West Flame Island Master is a great sword cultivator who resides there. He once faced Nine Infant head-on and retreated unscathed, showcasing immense combat power."

"If it’s about swordplay, it must be the world’s number one sword, slicing Nine Infant with a single stroke, what a sight."

"What about the Xuanyuan Sword, don’t forget who invited the Xuanyuan Sword to emerge?"

"Li Fan of Li Mountain, who doesn’t know? But although Li Fan is a genius, he’s still young. Are you saying that the Xuanyuan Sword is not that remarkable?"

"Don’t you know why Li Fan of Li Mountain was able to invite the Xuanyuan Sword out?" The man’s eyes were filled with admiration.

"Of course, I know." The person beside him understood the implication, their eyes full of reverence, "Li Mountain, Eternal Sword Saint."

The events in Chi Xiao City and the West Sea are linked and have already spread far and wide.

Now, within the Da Li Dynasty, nearly every cultivator knows about that battle that once occurred in Chi Xiao City.

"What is that?"

At this moment, someone looked up towards the sea. A beam of light appeared in the sky, coming towards the dock.

"It’s a cultivator." Many people looked over there; as the figure got closer, they could see it’s a one-leaf flying boat, with many figures standing on it.

"Cultivators from the West Sea, daring to cross it, must have strong cultivation, at least in the Condensed Core Realm."

"Clad in white like snow, unparalleled elegance, could it be..."

Someone recognized the leading cultivator and a thought surfaced in their mind. Looking at his companions, there truly were several beauties, especially the stunning woman beside him.

In the shadows, some cultivators’ pupils shrank, "Quickly report to Lord Governor, Li Fan of Li Mountain has returned."

"Lord, should we intercept him?" someone asked. Now, Li Fan is a notorious criminal wanted by the court, last time even Qi Immortal King went to the West Sea in vain.

"Follow him first."

Many eyes were fixed on Li Fan.

Flying swiftly high in the air, Li Fan frowned slightly, glanced down, and his divine sense swept across.

"Li Fan."

Just then, several figures shot into the sky like lightning, all Condensed Core Realm cultivators.

Li Fan glanced at them, filling them with apprehension as a voice transmitted, "We’ve already sent people to inform Lord Governor, this one’s combat prowess is formidable, don’t confront him head-on, delay him a moment."

"Understood." The group was fully aware.

"Scram!"

Li Fan swept a dismissive gaze over them, his eyes radiating contempt, a single word dropped, as sharp intent rushed towards the adversaries.

"Li Fan, our Lord Governor invites you," one person spoke, their aura surging, ready for battle at any moment.

How could Li Fan not understand their intentions? With a thought, sword auras howled, numerous flying swords connected in the sky, emitting sharp sword cries as they shot toward the figures.

"Damn it!" the people internally cursed, some releasing their dharma forms, others casting their magical treasures.

Yet, the flying swords were incessant, transforming into a river of sword aura, engulfing that part of the sky. The intercepting cultivators were all swallowed by the sword aura, their bodies shredded into fragments, falling like a rain of blood.

Those who hadn’t taken flight trembled, not daring to emerge.

Such a ruthless fellow.

Li Fan continued forward, ignoring these people entirely.

At the Prefecture, figures broke through the sky.

"Lord Governor, Li Fan has entered the realm." Someone hurried to the Prefecture and shouted, and instantly, the Prefecture was in upheaval, with Wenren Qiu appearing, stepping into the air, now having attained the Condensed Core Realm.

Soon more figures flew into the air, but just then, a cold shout was heard, "Everyone stand down."

Everyone was stunned, it was Wenren Zhong’s voice.

"Yes, Lord." Someone replied, as figures silently withdrew, disappearing into the Prefecture.

Wenren Qiu arrived in a courtyard, seeing Wenren Zhong, he called out, "Father."

"Lord Governor." Others also arrived at this side.

"Immediately send a message to the court, telling them Li Fan has returned inland," Wenren Zhong ordered.

"Yes, Lord." The person bowed and left, Wenren Zhong looked at Wenren Qiu, "Qi Immortal King personally went and couldn’t capture him. We, the Yazhou Governor Mansion, are too small in comparison, the affairs of Li Mountain are not for us to meddle in."

"Understood, Father," Wenren Qiu replied in a low voice, then looked at the distant direction, vaguely sensing the waves of sword aura.

The young man who once traveled with him to the West Sea stirred up a tremendous storm there and now openly passed through Yazhou with nobody daring to stop him.

"Father, there’s one more thing I wish to ask." Wenren Qiu spoke.

"Go ahead," Wenren Zhong responded.

"Regarding the chaos of demons in the West Sea, was it perhaps orchestrated by the court..." Wenren Qiu hesitated, Wenren Zhong gave him a glance, "Do not mention this again. The current Emperor is a man of great prowess, aiming to eradicate all demons for Da Li’s serene prosperity."

Wenren Qiu looked at his father and said nothing more, "Father, I wish to venture out and head to the Central State."

Yazhou City, bordering the West Sea, being a peripheral state of Da Li, after experiencing the West Sea turmoil, Wenren Qiu desired to embark on a journey.

"Very well, I will arrange someone to accompany you," Wenren Zhong said.

"I wish to travel alone," Wenren Qiu replied.

"No," Wenren Zhong resolutely refused, "This world is far from peaceful as it appears."

In Yazhou, he could ensure Wenren Qiu’s safety, but leaving Yazhou means being out of his control.

Especially in some central states within Da Li, whether it’s human cultivators or demons... not just for Wenren Qiu, even if he went, he must exercise caution.

Though most of the world is ordinary, yet many still stand high above, hunting.

Li Fan continued onward on the flying boat, ignoring the people from the Yazhou Prefect, as now the court likely wouldn’t rush things with him.

He surely hoped Wenren Zhong was wise enough not to meddle with his departure.

"Where do we go now?" Luo Qingyan asked, now that they have arrived inland.

Li Fan closed his eyes and scanned the surroundings with his divine sense, perceiving that no one was following them anymore.

"You’re brilliant enough to let the Lord Governor think twice before acting," said Luo Qingyan. "Now that the Resurrected Tree can repair Old Blind Man’s broken spirit... we can restore his power."

Li Fan understood the importance. Years ago, Old Blind Man was a formidable contender for the title of Eternal Sword Saint. If he is able to regain his lost divine soul with the help of the Resurrection Tree, he will still be able to take another step forward.

"No one is pursuing us." Meng Hong agreed, "It seems this Lord Wenren is a wise man."

"Li Fan, your strength is remarkable," Wen Ruyu said softly, standing by his side with admiration.

"We shall head to Qinghe County," Li Fan said. He had been away for some years now, and it was time to return.

"Alright," Luo Qingyan smiled. "But those who don’t know better just want to cause their governor trouble," she said with disdain.

Li Fan closed his eyes slightly, allowing the brisk sea breeze to caress his face. With his Divine Soul concentrated, he could perceive the ripple in the forces surrounding them.

Some time passed, and Li Fan opened his eyes, his brow twitching. "The West Flame Island Master must be irritated," he said.

"Perhaps, but what can he do? Return to the Li Mountain by order of the Xuanyuan Sword, there’s nothing they can do to you," Wenren Ruyu reassured.

Li Fan nodded, feeling the truth of those words. The island of West Flame dwindled in the distance as they continued to soar through the sky.

Suddenly, a silhouette appeared on the horizon far ahead, and a powerful Sword Aura cut through the sky overflowing with an oppressive force that caused the air to rumble.

It must be him. Who else could swing the sword like that?

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