Chapter 208
Chapter 208: Separation
However, after witnessing the vast strength of Fallen God Peak and realizing the intricate web connecting the states within the Martial World, Li Mu Sheng began to ponder some practical concerns.
For instance, according to his knowledge, Fallen God Peak spanned an immense area with nine main peaks, each housing thousands of disciples. If he were to climb these peaks one by one by himself, wouldn’t that be too exhausting?
“Lord Hu, does Lord Fu have any plans? Or rather, what are your thoughts from here on?” Li Mu Sheng asked thoughtfully.
Hu Rui An’s eyes flickered slightly at his question, and after some reflection, he replied: “In my opinion, it would be best if we first reunite with the Commander. After all, we haven’t yet connected with the Heavenly Brocade Guard stationed in Lan Province. Without their intelligence network, we have little insight into the situation at Fallen God Peak. In warfare, information is crucial. Acting blindly would likely lead to mistakes, especially in unfamiliar territory without clear targets.”
Li Mu Sheng said nothing at first, his gaze piercing through the carriage curtain as he looked at Hu Rui An. After a short pause, he responded: “Lord Hu, leave me a map of Fallen God Peak, then go meet up with Lord Fu.”
Hu Rui An was momentarily startled, immediately asking: “Does Your Highness not intend to join us?”
Li Mu Sheng shook his head lightly, responding: “I don’t see it as necessary.”
Hu Rui An hesitated briefly before cupping his fists and saying: “If Your Highness doesn’t wish to meet the Commander, we can skip it. However, please allow me to accompany you.”
Yet, Li Mu Sheng again shook his head and said: “No need. I only fight the toughest battles, and those enemies aren’t something you can handle.”
Though he spoke thus, it was merely an excuse. Dealing with Fallen God Peak couldn’t truly be considered a difficult battle. If he genuinely faced formidable opponents, the Great Li Martial World wouldn’t still have the Four Great Sects; Fallen God Peak alone would dominate.
The real issue was that Hu Rui An and his companions would not only be of little help but would distract him. More importantly, if he needed to swiftly traverse all nine peaks, their speed simply wouldn’t match his.
Hearing Li Mu Sheng’s words, Hu Rui An found himself without any reason to argue. Given Li Mu Sheng’s power, ordinary warriors were useless to him, and against peak lords, Hu Rui An’s group couldn’t even assist.
At this moment, Li Mu Sheng turned his gaze toward Shen An Ran and Murong Xiao Ya, suddenly saying: “Lady Shen, Lady Murong, for now, you will accompany Lord Hu’s group. I still have matters to attend to; we’ll meet again once they’re complete.”
Both women appeared startled. Shen An Ran immediately furrowed her elegant brow, quickly asking: “Why?” Then, seemingly struck by realization, she exclaimed: “Your Highness, do you intend to go to Fallen God Peak alone?”
Li Mu Sheng didn’t deny it, merely nodding lightly. Beside him, the big black cat lying down widened its bright green eyes, its furry face full of confusion.
Li Mu Sheng then briefly repeated the same explanation he’d given Hu Rui An.
Murong Xiao Ya hesitated for a moment, then cautiously asked: “Then, given my strength, could I be of assistance, Your Highness?”
Li Mu Sheng looked at her briefly, then replied: “It’s unnecessary. Lady Murong, your strength isn’t weak, but against Fallen God Peak, it still falls short. Moreover, I suggest that unless absolutely necessary, you refrain from using the power of the Vermilion Bird Bone these next few days. Otherwise, not only might you lose control, but it would also severely drain your life force.”
Murong Xiao Ya fell silent upon hearing his words. Shen An Ran also remained quiet, aware of her limitations. Following Li Mu Sheng would only burden him without offering any help. Feeling downhearted, Shen An Ran couldn’t help but sink into doubt and self-pity. She greatly desired a man like Li Mu Sheng, yet the vast gap between them sometimes overwhelmed her.
[Shen An Ran, don’t lose heart! There’s still hope. No matter the difficulties, you must persist. Otherwise, how can you ever win over His Highness?]
After taking a deep breath, Shen An Ran lifted her gaze again, only to see Li Mu Sheng gently stroking the big black cat beside him.
“Oh right, temporarily let this cat follow you,” Li Mu Sheng casually remarked upon noticing her gaze. After all, he couldn’t very well take a cat along to destroy Fallen God Peak.
Shen An Ran narrowed her eyes slightly, glancing reluctantly at the big black cat. However, the cat purred softly, stood up, and gracefully leaped to Shen An Ran’s side, obediently lying down. Clearly, it understood Li Mu Sheng’s intentions and immediately complied without hesitation.
Seeing this, Li Mu Sheng brushed off the cat fur from his hands and prepared to step out of the carriage.
At that exact moment, Murong Xiao Ya and Shen An Ran both spoke simultaneously: “Your Highness, you will return alive from Fallen God Peak, won’t you?”
Li Mu Sheng raised an eyebrow. [What kind of question is that?] He turned back, glancing at the two young women inside the carriage, and said: “First, let me solemnly answer a previous question from Lady Murong.”
“What question?” Shen An Ran instinctively asked, while Murong Xiao Ya also looked puzzled. The big black cat, attentive, perked up its ears.
“Previously, Lady Murong wanted to know if I’m the strongest under heaven,” Li Mu Sheng slowly spoke, then firmly nodded. “Yes, and without question! Of course, if anyone disputes this, they can come find me.”
Having spoken, Li Mu Sheng turned decisively and left the carriage. Inside, Murong Xiao Ya exchanged a glance with Shen An Ran, who gently bit her lip and quietly murmured: “I truly do love confident men.”
…
Hu Rui An glanced at Li Mu Sheng exiting the carriage, hesitating briefly, still wishing to persuade him once more. But Li Mu Sheng promptly raised a hand to halt him and said simply: “When you meet Lord Fu, give him my regards.”
Having said this, Li Mu Sheng grabbed Hu Rui An’s horse, walking forward until he reached the side of the Hemp Robed Elder. Without a word, he lifted the little girl from the pack mule and placed her gently on the ground.
“I prefer pack mules,” he announced plainly. “Let’s switch.”