Chapter 175: The Situation in Feng Kingdom

Chapter 175: The Situation in Feng Kingdom

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A team of cultivators from Jin Yun Valley was ambushed by enemy cultivators while exploring within the borders of Feng Kingdom.

The ambushers outnumbered the Jin Yun Valley team three to one, and the leader of the ambush was a late-stage Foundation Establishment great cultivator.

At that time, nearly the entire team of several dozen cultivators was surrounded and annihilated, and the three Foundation Establishment cultivators who led the team, none of them returned.

Lin Lu, unfortunately, was in that team of cultivators.

In her letter, Zhao Siyao described the situation: Lin Lu did not die immediately. He barely managed to break through the encirclement using a high-quality escape talisman, but he was relentlessly pursued by the late-stage Foundation Establishment great cultivator.

After that battle, Lin Lu never returned and disappeared from the Feng Kingdom battlefield.

Zhang Tieshan searched and inquired many times afterward, but there was no trace of him.

Lan Chang'an sighed inwardly, knowing that in such situations, the chances of survival were slim.

A cultivator of average strength in the mid-stage Foundation Establishment, trapped deep within enemy territory during a cultivation war and being hunted down, would likely never return if they hadn’t made it back soon after the encounter.

On a personal level, Lan Chang'an felt regret, and even a touch of sorrow.

After all, Lin Lu had been a respectful junior for many years.

But from a neutral perspective, or from the viewpoint of the Feng Kingdom cultivators, this event wasn’t deserving of sympathy.

After all, Lin Lu and the sect from the Liang Kingdom to which he belonged were the invaders.

“I wonder what the current situation on the Feng Kingdom battlefield is like?” Lan Chang'an pondered.

He had always kept a close eye on the broader situation in the cultivation world.

Even if Zhao Siyao knew specific details about the battlefield, it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to reveal them in a letter.

At the end of the letter, Zhao Siyao mentioned that she couldn’t leave her sect easily and hoped that Lan Chang'an could visit Jin Yun Valley.

Lan Chang'an inferred from this that Zhao Siyao was likely on the list for the second wave of sect expeditions and had entered the “locked” state of war preparation, making it difficult for her to leave Jin Yun Valley freely.

As a female cultivator friend whom he had known for over a hundred years, Lan Chang'an inevitably felt some concern for this ally.

In a cultivation war, one’s survival depended not only on strength but also on the broader situation on the battlefield and a good measure of luck.

...

The day after receiving the letter, Lan Chang'an discreetly left Wuqi Mountain and flew towards the western part of the Liang Kingdom.

Seven or eight days later, Lan Chang'an, riding a streak of green light, arrived at the gates of Jin Yun Valley.

Compared to before, the atmosphere in Jin Yun Valley was heavier, and most of the sect cultivators coming and going seemed to carry a sense of urgency.

After being informed of his arrival, Zhao Siyao came out from the mountain gate to greet him.

The mountain wind stirred her white dress, accentuating her graceful and elegant figure.

Zhao Siyao looked to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old. She wore a phoenix hairpin, and her features were as delicate as a painting, exuding a refined and ethereal beauty.

She appeared even more elegant and composed than she had in past years, or even when she had first entered the Foundation Establishment stage.

“Fellow Daoist Lan, you’ve come.”

“Fellow Daoist Zhao.”

The two exchanged a glance and a smile, nodding without engaging in excessive small talk or formalities.

Lan Chang'an and Zhao Siyao flew side by side, entering the latter’s cave dwelling.

In the center of the cave was a lotus pond, its fragrance permeating the air, with pavilions and terraces connected around it.

“Fellow Daoist Lan, this time I have to thank you for coming over.”

Zhao Siyao dismissed her servants with grace and brewed a pot of spiritual tea for Lan Chang'an using the mountain spring water that flowed through her cave.

After chatting idly for a while, the conversation naturally turned to the regrettable news of Lin Lu’s entrapment in the Feng Kingdom battlefield.

From the information available, Lin Lu’s chances of survival were slim.

Even if by some miracle he survived, he was likely captured, and his fate would not be favorable.

...

Afterward, Lan Chang'an got straight to the point, asking about the current situation in the Feng Kingdom battlefield.

Zhao Siyao pondered for a moment and then said, “Two years ago, the sects of Liang Kingdom rallied various forces. The first wave of cultivator armies invaded Feng Kingdom from the rear, moving from south to north. In the early stages of the war, Feng Kingdom was fighting on two fronts and struggled to respond. The cultivation forces in the rear were repeatedly defeated...”

The early part of her account was common knowledge among those who followed the battlefield.

Liang Kingdom’s initial campaign was relatively successful, capturing immortal cities and spiritual fields, and seizing many resources.

After much difficult deliberation, she bought some top-grade second-rank talismans.

She could only afford one quasi-third-grade talisman.

As for the late second-rank puppet, it was beyond her budget.

“This turtle puppet is a second-rank superior quality but considered a defective product, only its defensive capabilities are fully at the late second-rank level. If Fellow Daoist Zhao needs it, I can sell it at a relatively low price.” Lan Chang'an offered.

When he had been trying to become a second-rank superior puppet master, he had created a failed turtle puppet with a strong defense.

Lan Chang'an offered a price just slightly higher than that of an ordinary second-rank middle-grade puppet.

Zhao Siyao was very tempted. After much hesitation, she scraped together enough resources, using some pills and materials to make up the difference, and bought the turtle puppet.

She sighed, saying, “Perhaps I’m destined to have a connection with turtles.”

“Back in the Green Underworld Mysterious Realm, that turtle puppet performed excellently in a critical moment, and after being repaired by fellow Daoist Lan, I gave it to Tan'er to use some years ago.”

Lan Chang'an joked, “My turtle puppet here is cheap and durable, it just doesn't match Fairy Zhao's temperament.”

“There’s nothing wrong with turtles, it's good to live a long life and survive.” Zhao Siyao smiled, her clear and lively eyes looking at Lan Chang'an with a soft, seemingly a little envious gaze.

Lan Chang'an’s heart skipped a beat, almost thinking she had seen through some of his secrets.

“In addition to purchasing war supplies, there is one more thing Siyao would like to ask for.”

Zhao Siyao suddenly stood up, her expression solemn, and made a full bow.

“Fellow Daoist Zhao, there’s no need for this. Please speak freely.”

Lan Chang'an also stood, gently lifting Fairy Zhao’s delicate hand with a light touch.

“At our age, we no longer have any close relatives in this world. After I leave this time, I cannot guarantee that I will return from this expedition. My only concern is my personal disciple, Tan’er.

“Fellow Daoist Lan acts steadily and has insights into the affairs of the cultivation world. If I do not return, I hope you can take care of Zhao Tan’er and offer her some guidance.” Zhao Siyao said, seemingly making preparations for her own death.

“I will do as you ask. I’m sure that heaven will favor the virtuous, and it won’t come to that.” Lan Chang'an nodded.

Judging from the current situation, the death rate among sect members in the expedition wasn’t particularly high; it was just that the frontlines were short on personnel.

But war is merciless and unpredictable. Even Core Formation cultivators couldn’t guarantee their return.

Zhao Siyao’s early instructions were a rational precaution.

...

After discussing the important matters, the two chatted for another half-day, until evening.

With a century of cultivation experience, there was much to reminisce about.

Especially since this might be the last time they would speak, both cherished the moment even more.

During their conversation, their gazes occasionally met, warm and in harmony, sometimes sharing a smile without words.

As the sky darkened.

Zhao Siyao showed no intention of bidding farewell, but Lan Chang'an sensibly stood to take his leave.

Zhao Siyao let out a soft “hmmm” to acknowledge his departure, watching the youthful and ageless man in white without offering the usual pleasantries to make him stay.

She escorted Lan Chang'an to the entrance of her cave.

In the dim evening light.

Lan Chang'an turned back and saw her standing there in her elegant, cool, and graceful white dress, watching him quietly, silently seeing him off.

“Fellow Daoist Zhao, I wish you smooth sailing in Feng Kingdom and success in acquiring the Core Formation resources. When you return, we’ll drink and celebrate together.”

Lan Chang'an waved goodbye and soared into the night sky.

...

After leaving Jin Yun Valley.

As Lan Chang'an flew through the air, he reflected on their earlier conversation, a thoughtful expression on his face.

In terms of emotions, Zhao Siyao was quite similar to him and even more reserved.

“That treasure talisman, I hope you never have to use it on the battlefield.” Lan Chang'an murmured to himself.

Unbeknownst to her, he had secretly left a treasure talisman in the spirit stone compartment of the turtle puppet he sold to Zhao Siyao.

Zhao Siyao was the only cultivator in this world to receive such a gift from him.

(End of chapter)