Dangerous Path
Elder Leng kept checking on Mu Yu over the next few days all for the sake of getting into the latter’s good books. Perhaps he wanted to kill some time in verbal sparring with Ku Mu, too. Ku Mu didn’t welcome the idea as he wanted to train in peace.
“Don’t accidentally expose your wood-control ability. The majority of cultivators at Third Realm won’t trust you. Always be cautious when elemental demons are involved,” cautioned Ku Mu.
“By the way, my senior sister told me elemental demons assailed another city,” reported Tian Ran.
Mu Yu extorted Elder Leng for another destiny bone sovereign pill after giving one to Ku Mu and Tian Ran. Elder Leng wasn’t the type to honestly report his account; of course he had a stash.
Pill Cauldron Sect was more crowded than usual over the last few days as sects arrived in preparation to venture to Second Realm. Ku Mu gave Mu Yu a map of Second Realm and circled locations where he could find dark herb in addition to nine qi soul purification flower. The problem with the map was twofold. One, it was too general (relatively speaking) because Ku Mu drew it based off his memory from when he ventured ages ago. Two, it was likely out of date. Luckily, Daoist Yun Dan was going to provide everyone with a complete map once it was time to go.
“Are Second Realm and Third Realm the same size?”
“Whether they are large or not is unclear. The teleportation formation at Second Realm no longer functions as it’s been too long. That’s why you have the jade. Remember to keep the jade safe; else, there’s no way for you to return,” warned Ku Mu.
“Brother Mu Yu, be careful. Sword Purifying Valley will search for you to avenge Kuai Jian and Man Jian; they’re not letting up. They’re also searching for Yuan Jian’s killer. As a side note, Yuan Jian’s death wasn’t discovered for an entire year after his demise.”
“They have disciples coming with us?”
“Besides the eight sects and Pill Cauldron Sect, there will be Sword Purifying Valley, Rakshasa Manor, Profound Wood and Skypeak Valley, totalling thirteen sects travelling. You also have to be wary of Celestial Star Sect owing to what happened to Floating Celestial Island. As for Ghost Gate, I shouldn’t need to expound.”
“Be particularly careful of Celestial Star Sect. Shi Dengtian’s daughter is their patriarch’s wife. Their plan is to team up against you and take the dragon vine,” reminded Ku Mu.
“How is he so sure I’ll bring the dragon vine with me?”
“That’s not the main concern. They’re going after you because he and I clashed when we were young. He has two sons and a daughter. His eldest son is Shi Minghui’s father. His youngest son stole from me when I was out. He was five that year. Because of the poisonous herbs in my house, he died. That’s why Shi Dengtian comes at me with a vengeance. He wants to kill you to put me through the same suffering.”
“Gramps, you’re sending me to my death, aren’t you?”
Shi Dengtian’s grudge was irrational. His son’s death wasn’t premeditated murder, after all.
“In short, find the two items as soon as you can and then crush the jade to escape back here.”
Mu Yu wasn’t afraid of them. Shi Minghui was fodder, and they were less of a threat than those at Floating Celestial Mountain.
“Don’t worry, I’ll look for you. It’s safer if we stick together.”
“Can’t we stay together once we enter?”
“No, because the teleportation formation there is destroyed, remember? Accordingly, we will be dropped off at random locations. If we’re lucky, we’ll land in safe zones. Otherwise, we might end up in some fiend beast’s den for all we know.”
If they were dropped off in a level seven or eight fiend beast’s nest, they might as well say their prayers.
“I hope it drops me off at one of the herbs’ locations, then,” joked Mu Yu, realising the probably was next to none.
“I’ll make a copy of your map so that I can locate you.”
Ku Mu watched Tian Ran start painting a copy of Mu Yu’s map. Seeing her reminded him of Miao Yuyan. Mu Yu waved his hand in front of Ku Mu’s face. “Pedo, she’s a kid.”
Fire of embarrassment flaming in his face, Ku Mu whacked Mu Yu over the head: “Shut your trap! Don’t say misleading things. I just thought she resembled her mother…”
“Hehe.” Mu Yu rubbed his head. He felt sorry for Ku Mu. Nothing seemed to go his way in life. He even set out on a quest to save his love rival. Pill Cauldron Sect ostracised him. Mu Yu and Tian Ran were the only ones who genuinely spared him a thought. Mu Yu asked, “Gramps, do you really not intend to accept Elder Frost’s feelings?”
Ku Mu smiled poignantly. “She won’t forgive me. I’ve let her down time and time again. Look at me now. I can’t do anything for her.”
“She’s still single because she has been waiting for you. What do you mean she won’t forgive you? If she accepts you, would you say yes?”
Mu Yu wanted to resolve the situation between the two elders for having Leng Bingxue protect Ku Mu would ensure the elder’s safety.
Ku Mu sighed. “Save that for later.”
Ku Mu went and gave Ku Mu a hug. “Elder, I just want to say I am grateful for everything you have done and are doing for us.”
Ku Mu stiffened up. He always mulled over whether his efforts were worth it. Tian Ran’s gratitude cleared the dark clouds looming overhead and helped him decide it was worth it.
“Would you be willing to be my adopted father? I think my mother would approve.”
Ku Mu love rival’s disciple was his disciple. His love rival’s daughter was his adopted daughter? How is he so blessed, wondered Ku Mu.
“Adopted father?” Ku Mu stalled for a moment then turned to Mu Yu. “Hear that? She said I’m her adopted father. Learn from her, you impolite nimrod.”
“Well, I can’t ask you to call me adopted father, can I?”
Smack!
Previous Chapter l Next Chapter
