Chapter 136: The First Encounter
According to legend, in the distant Southern Regions during ancient times, an evil deity emerged. Possessing incredible divine powers and appearing extremely ferocious, it led countless demons and malevolent entities, bringing endless bloodshed upon the human realm.
During this tumultuous period, the immortal realm, which had yet to sever its connection with the mortal world, intervened. A colossal mountain descended from the heavens, subduing the evil deity and its demonic horde, ultimately saving the lives of the common people.
The mountain was so big and wide that it had been able to subdue the evil deity of the Southern Regions and its minions. Due to the countless evil entities buried within this place, this mountain range was later named the Southern Bastion Mountain. This was also why the Southern Bastion Mountain was always plagued by strange occurrences, giving rise to numerous forbidden areas, dangerous spots, and devilish territories.
Ironically, these eerie locations often concealed valuable treasures, luring countless cultivators to venture into their depths at the risk of their lives. Each year, many individuals would become ensnared within, affirming the truth of the ancient adage: "People die for wealth, and birds die for food."
...
At the left foothill of the Southern Bastion Mountain, there existed a forest called the Wolf-Tail Forest, named for its peculiar and narrow shape.
On this day, the Wolf-Tail Forest welcomed a handsome figure clad in a tightly-woven black robe, covering his entire body and face, effectively concealing his presence.
This person was none other than Chu Liang.
Upon learning last night that Sixtieth had already reached the Wolf-Tail Forest, he arrived early with his teacher at the Southern Bastion Mountain. At this moment, Di Nufeng was waiting nearby. If Chu Liang were to crush his jade slip, she would immediately reveal herself and take down the target.
Many interactions with members of the Dark King Sect had uncertain outcomes. Chu Liang needed to act impromptu, and he was evidently feeling nervous. Nevertheless, from an external perspective, his steps remained firm and composed.
Sure enough, a pile of black stones lay at the entrance of the forest.
At the entrance, the black stones formed an arrow-shaped guide at the entrance, directing Chu Liang towards a specific direction. Following the trail through the forest, he came across another pile of black stones redirecting him. After traversing a considerable distance, he finally spotted a moderately sized cave.
Chu Liang observed the cave entrance for a while before cautiously walking in. The cave was shallow, with no one in sight initially. However, as he ventured further into the cave, a figure suddenly appeared at the entrance.
"You are here," the person said.
Their voice sounded deep and hoarse, seemingly altered through a special technique.
Chu Liang turned around to see a figure standing at the cave entrance, similarly dressed in a black robe. The attire obscured their head and face, effectively concealing their aura.
Oh.
We are wearing the same outfit.
Chu Liang's reason for rushing to meet "Sixtieth" first stemmed from his belief that a one-to-one meeting offered the best opportunity for extracting information. He aimed to glean more insights about the Dark King Sect from this individual, intending to better equip himself for the forthcoming major gathering.
If he said something wrong, he could promptly summon his teacher without alerting the enemy, allowing for the elimination of the person with minimal risk.
From the moment Chu Liang laid eyes on "Sixtieth," he focused on observing the person, hoping to gather more information. Unfortunately, the individual proved to be equally vigilant.
Chu Liang had a feeling that he wasn't the only one feeling nervous about this unexpected meeting.
"Sixtieth" had waited until Chu Liang entered the cave before revealing their presence. It seemed that they were also observing in the shadows. If Chu Liang made any mistakes or if someone was following Chu Liang, "Sixtieth" might leave immediately.
In the place where shadows and light intertwined, the two stood facing each other.
However, apart from Sixtieth being slightly shorter than Chu Liang, nothing else could be discerned. In fact, even Sixtieth's height might not be real.
Chu Liang couldn't help but feel puzzled. If disciples of the Dark King Sect were always this cautious during meetings, heavily guarded and reluctant to reveal much, how did they communicate with each other? Or perhaps, did they simply not communicate at all?
"I'm here," he replied to Sixtieth in a similarly straightforward manner, being cautious not to reveal too much.
"Take a seat." Sixtieth gestured.
In the cave, two stone stools occupied the space. Chu Liang settled onto the left one, while Sixtieth claimed the one on the right.
Though Chu Liang wasn't sitting far away from Sixtieth, he could not see anything beyond the black disguise. The figure, shrouded in a robe and concealed within the shadows, bore an uncanny resemblance to himself. Sixtieth's attire as well as their voice almost seemed like a reflection of Chu Liang, which made it very difficult to understand what was going on.
Even though I am sitting on your left, it feels like there's a vast distance between us, as wide as the Milky Way. Chu Liang thought to himself.
As soon as they both sat down, Chu Liang took the lead and asked, "How did things go last time?" Chu Liang had prepared this opening in advance. The question was intentionally vague so that he could get the chance to gather information provided if the actual Fifty-Eighth and Sixtieth indeed shared knowledge of a specific event. If Sixtieth had asked about something else, Chu Liang planned to use the conversation with Fifty-Ninth in the group to change the subject.
This question would help him navigate these conversations, allowing him to be assertive or defensive as needed.
Upon hearing this simple question, Sixtieth paused briefly before responding, "You should be able to guess how it went."
Chu Liang's thoughts were filled with uncertainty, and his mind raced like lightning.
He hadn't inquired about a specific event, yet Sixtieth's response hinted at the existence of a particular matter between them. Chu Liang could guess the outcome of this matter, but so what if he had guessed it? What would it reveal?
It would reveal nothing.
The beginning of the conversation was already rather challenging...
Chu Liang shook his head and responded with a sigh, "Haih, It has been really tough recently. Many things haven't been going smoothly."
Chu Liang had said something vague as well. This statement could be interpreted as himself struggling with that particular event mentioned, leading to further conversation. Alternatively, since he had described that things haven't been going smoothly, this statement could be interpreted as him expressing hardships.
For the disciples of the Dark King Sect, especially those following the leadership of the Violet Gold Marquess, life has been rather challenging.
"True." Sixtieth nodded simply and added, "But you must be in a better state than me."
Hmm? Why would I be in a better state?
Was this said because Fifty-Eighth's cultivation surpassed Sixtieth's or was it something else? This is another statement with little information. Clearly, I must say something with more concrete information.
He genuinely needed to trick Sixtieth into sharing some substantial information.
"Hehe." After a moment's consideration, Chu Liang chuckled softly and then asked directly, "Tell me about how things have been going for you lately."
"It's been rather uneventful for me lately," replied Sixtieth, shaking their head. Then, they turned the question back to Chu Liang, asking, "What about you?"
"Same here," Chu Liang replied.
The small talk hit a standstill.
Chu Liang's patience was nearly depleted. It seemed like Sixtieth was behaving cautiously and unwilling to disclose any information.
Continuing this conversation would be a waste of time and it might be better to directly summon his teacher to intervene forcefully.
However, Chu Liang knew that it would be best not to leave any signs of fighting nearby. This place was too close to the Wolf-Tail Forest. Previously, Sixtieth had reported through the Soul Subjugator Token that they would be here. Any signs of a fight and even the slightest fluctuations of foundational qi might alert the remaining two members.
Chu Liang was prepared for this. For a situation like this, he planned to use the excuse of discovering a hidden treasure on the way here and invite the other party to check it out together.
Members of the diabolical sect were always cautious and calculative. Therefore, Sixtieth would definitely be very careful.
However, if they had managed to leave this location, any precaution would be useless since his teacher would be powerful enough to deal with Sixtieth.
Chu Liang was just about to say something when Sixtieth suddenly broke the silence and said, "Before you arrived, I found some extraordinary treasures in a valley on a slope outside the forest, but I was worried that there wouldn't be anyone in the cave if you had arrived so I left that valley quickly. Since the others will arrive a bit later, why don't we go take a look together?"
This...
Isn't that what I am supposed to say?
Chu Liang felt a vague sense of doubt. He couldn't understand the purpose of this sudden suggestion.
Recalling how Sixtieth had previously tried to lure him into a meeting for the Nethersea Golden Lotus, Chu Liang wondered if this was another instance of internal conflict and scheming within the Dark King Sect.
However, leaving this place was ultimately advantageous for him so he decided to go with the flow.
And so, Chu Liang nodded and said, "Very well."
Subsequently, Sixtieth stood up and walked forward. However, as they moved, they kept their body slightly turned, facing Chu Liang with half of their posture.
Chu Liang lagged half a step behind, always facing Sixtieth directly.
Clearly, both were wary of a potential sneak attack.
In this brief encounter, Chu Liang unexpectedly felt a sense of camaraderie with Sixtieth. Every move resembled techniques from the same instructor. Chu Liang found himself unable to counter Sixtieth's move in any way.
What are the chances of Sixtieth being an undercover agent?
As the thought crossed his mind, Chu Liang couldn't help but smile at the absurdity of it.
Regardless of your intentions, the truth will be revealed when my teacher captures you. Even if you've mimicked all my moves, you can't possibly have the same teacher as me, right?
As they approached the hill and were far away from the Wolf-Tail Forest, Chu Liang was ready to discreetly take out the tracking jade slip.
Crack.
However, before he could do so, there was a sudden, faint crackling sound in the air.
A familiar sensation enveloped Chu Liang, as if some invisible shackle had appeared. A slight gust of dust-like wind ripples spread out, causing subtle changes in the surrounding rules of the heavens and earth.
A shamanic technique
Forbidden Ground?
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