Chapter 205
Chapter 205: Traveling Together
Inside the carriage, Murong Xiao Ya and Shen An Ran sat together on one side, having just finished dealing with the Murong Family’s aftermath. Across from them, the large black cat had claimed Shen An Ran’s usual spot, lazily sprawled beside Li Mu Sheng.
After learning the details of the events from the previous night, Shen An Ran no longer held any resentment toward Murong Xiao Ya for attacking Li Mu Sheng. The two of them remained close sisters as always.
“The Vermilion Bird bone is truly incredible,” Shen An Ran murmured, staring with awe at Murong Xiao Ya’s chest before turning a curious gaze toward Li Mu Sheng. “It can continuously absorb other people’s lifeblood to keep getting stronger? Does that mean Xiao Ya’s power can grow endlessly if she keeps absorbing it? Eventually, could she become unbeatable throughout the entire Martial World?”
Li Mu Sheng paused thoughtfully for a moment, then shook his head gently, answering: “Putting aside whether her body can withstand that much power, even without such limitations, who knows how much lifeblood she’d need to absorb before barely reaching the level where the strongest person under heaven might take her seriously.”
Hearing this, Shen An Ran froze briefly, exchanging a shocked glance with Murong Xiao Ya. Both saw astonishment reflected clearly in the other’s eyes. Especially Murong Xiao Ya—she knew well how frighteningly strong she was, yet when facing Li Mu Sheng previously, she had found herself utterly powerless. The difference between them seemed insurmountable.
“Your Highness, are you truly the strongest under heaven?” Murong Xiao Ya suddenly asked. She had raised this question before but still couldn’t help asking again now.
Before Li Mu Sheng could respond, the big black cat beside him let out a loud “meow,” its glowing green eyes disdainfully sweeping over Murong Xiao Ya and Shen An Ran, seemingly answering on Li Mu Sheng’s behalf.
Whether or not the big black cat truly believed Li Mu Sheng was the strongest remained unclear. But ever since their visit to Mei Residence last night, this cat had become noticeably more attentive, following Li Mu Sheng everywhere. Although it appeared to be just an oversized feline, those unfamiliar might mistake it for an obedient servant.
“You might not know since you just joined us, but something is seriously off about that cat…” Shen An Ran narrowed her eyes at the big cat, whispering secretly to Murong Xiao Ya beside her.
…
After leaving Sheng Province Prefecture City, it took Li Mu Sheng’s group two days to reach Lan Province, home to Fallen God Peak.
Upon entering Lan Province, the Martial World’s atmosphere appeared entirely different from Sheng Province—orderly, disciplined, and calm, somewhat resembling Jing Province.
Lan Province had numerous Martial World figures roaming openly, yet conflicts were rare. Everyone followed clear rules. However, these rules weren’t the traditional Martial World guidelines, nor those of the Great Li Dynasty. Rather, they were the rules of Fallen God Peak itself.
Unlike in Sheng Province, where Fallen God Peak disciples were merely respected, in Lan Province, Fallen God Peak ruled supreme, practically governing the entire region.
Moreover, nearly a hundred martial sects scattered throughout Lan Province had willingly become vassals of Fallen God Peak. Those who refused were long since uprooted or had fled to other provinces after the fall of Great Qi a century ago.
“Careful now! These gifts are for celebrating the birthday of the peak lord of Fallen God Peak’s Seven Saints. If anything happens, our lives will all be forfeit!” shouted a scar-faced man in his forties. On a dusty official road, several carriages covered in oilcloth were stuck in a deep pothole. Disciples dressed uniformly in cyan robes struggled together to push them out.
The scar-faced man’s rugged face was tense and angry, a goose-feather saber at his waist. His dusty robe hinted at days of hurried travel, and beneath his anger lay worry, fearful something might damage the valuable cargo.
At this moment, an elderly man in coarse hemp robes slowly approached, leading a pack mule. Amidst swirling dust, he quietly passed by the group.
The scar-faced man immediately turned his wary gaze toward the elder. Seeing that the mule carried a young girl dressed in pink, who was nodding sleepily, he slightly relaxed.
Noticing his stare, the elder paused and turned slowly, asking gently, “Would you like an old man’s help?”
The scar-faced man frowned slightly, shaking his head politely. “Thank you for your kindness, elder, but we don’t need it.”
Yet the hemp-robed elder showed no sign of leaving, calmly replying, “No need to refuse, it’s a simple matter.” As he spoke, he lightly waved his hand. Instantly, a strong breeze sprang from the flat ground, effortlessly lifting the carriages out of the pothole.
The disciples pushing the carts suddenly felt their burden vanish, astonishment spreading across their faces.
Witnessing this strange sight, the scar-faced man’s expression instantly changed. He instinctively stepped away from the elder, protectively moving closer to his goods, suspicion clear on his face. After a brief hesitation, seeing the elder did nothing more, he grudgingly clasped his hands and bowed. “Thank you, senior, for your aid.”
The hemp-robed elder narrowed his eyes slightly and replied calmly, “No thanks needed. Do you happen to have any dry food you could spare for my little granddaughter?”
Hearing this, the pink-clad girl on the mule suddenly opened her sleepy eyes, murmuring as if still dreaming: “Did someone say food? I’m starving…”
The scar-faced man hesitated, but eventually nodded toward the elder. “Please wait a moment, senior.” He quickly ordered a disciple to fetch a package of steamed buns and sauced beef from the carriage, respectfully handing it over to the elder.
“Thank you,” the elder replied, passing the food to the girl.
Seeing this, the scar-faced man quickly bowed again, saying, “We must hurry onward now, senior, and won’t disturb you further.” He immediately prepared to move along, clearly uneasy around the elder.
However, the elder suddenly spoke again. “You’re heading to Fallen God Peak for the celebration, right? It just so happens that this old man is going there too. Why don’t we travel together? We could look after each other along the way.”