Chapter 56

Chapter 56

After proposing his terms, Lu Chen left the room and waited in the tavern along with the other two.

A short period of negotiation behind closed doors passed, and the three of them stepped out. The middle-aged man approached Lu Chen and said, "I will first pay you half of the price. When we find the item, we will pay the other half to you."

Lu Chen lifted his head, smiled at him, and nodded his head.

Stepping out from the Southern Gates of the Moonfang City, taking the main roadway that was almost flat if not for frequent clusters of unwanted weed, one could see quite a number of commuters, as well as two towering mountains in the distance. The path seemed to extend all the way to the foot of the mountains.

Lu Chen walked alongside his three hirers, who had already introduced themselves. The middle-aged man was called Han Nanzu, the young man was named He Gang, and the pretty young lady was known as Yi Xin. However, their introduction stopped here. There wasn't a single word about their backgrounds and identities. In fact, it was difficult to even tell whether their names were true.

Nevertheless, Lu Chen paid the matter no heed at all. In a chaotic and turbulent location such as the Confounding Lands, everyone had to be careful. Besides, Han Nanzu and the others had not inquired Lu Chen about his history as well. Or rather, perhaps they knew that they would not be able to get much from Lu Chen's words.

After some distance, Lu Chen pointed to the two mountains ahead and smiled gently to the trio, "Of the two mountains in front, the one on the left is known as Tiger Mountain whereas the one on the right is known as Dragon Mountain. There is a valley in between them and most people refer to it as 'Heaven's Thread' or 'Leaping Tiger Gorge'. It was said that very long ago, someone had witnessed a pair of majestic tigers leaping from a mountain to the other, and that's the origin of the name."

"Ah? Could it be that there really are ferocious tigers on the Tiger Mountain?" Hearing those words, Yi Xin asked curiously.

Lu Chen smiled silently while He Gang harrumphed and said, "Junior Sister, these are just rumors, how can you take them for real?"

Yi Xin's face flushed. "Wu", she whimpered, seemingly embarrassed, and Lu Chen pretended to be oblivious to her words. In addition, he looked forward and smiled, "After passing through the Leaping Tiger Gorge, we will have officially entered the Confounding Lands. Even though there will not be much danger at the start, the further in we tread, the greater the distortion of Five Elemental Spiritual Energy. The demonic beasts would also get increasingly aggressive and powerful, so please be careful."

Han Nanzu nodded his head slightly, and before he could say anything, He Gang said flatly, "It's just the exterior of the Confounding Lands. We will naturally deal with any danger we meet. On the other hand, judging from your cultivation, I hope you do not pull us down."

The four of them paused by the boulder. Han Nanzu and the other two traded glances and their expression became serious.

After passing this boulder, they would formally be within the Confounding Lands. For many years, this plot of land had been reputed by the menacing threats that lay within. Countless cultivators had been devoured by the lands since ancient times.

In comparison, Lu Chen seemed the most carefree of the group. He walked forward to pat on the boulder lightly before turning around to smile at Han Nanzu and the others. Then, he walked past the boulder.

Han Nanzu and the others quickly followed behind him.

Immediately after exiting the Leaping Tiger Gorge, Han Nanzu and the others abruptly felt a mysterious and inconceivable sensation. It could be described as a formless, intangible wind, and the spiritual energy within their dantian spirit sea jolted. However, when they took a look within, they noticed that there were not many peculiarities.

Lu Chen started speaking, "We've just entered the Confounding Lands, so the distortion of the Five Elements isn't clear to see yet. At the very least, within a thousand li of the outer regions of the territory, the distortion does not have much of an effect on human cultivators, so please do not be alarmed."

Han Nanzu nodded his head calmly. It seemed that he had some experience traveling in the Confounding Lands. " Brother Lu, thank you for your advice. So, where do we head now?"

Lu Chen replied, "The nearest location where the 'Dusk Mist Flowers' you are looking for blooms is the Black Armored Mountain, 150 li in the Southwest direction from where we are now. However, the terrain en route is a somewhat difficult to traverse, and it is likely that we will meet with obstructions on the way. Thus, the journey should take around a day or two."

Han Nanzu nodded his head and said, "Since that's the case, we had better get moving quickly."

Lu Chen nodded his head with a smile in reply before leading them forward. Lifting his head to look at the sky, he saw the peaceful blue of the late-autumn. Several white clouds drifted idly in the sky.

In the distance, beyond visible sight of the four travelers, high up in the sky, a few gleams of swords charged out abruptly at high speeds from amidst the clouds, crossing the horizons, and headed toward the depth of the Confounding Lands.

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