919. Besieged (I)

Chen Wentian’s plan was to stay Three Clouds City until the end of the bandit fighting operation. He just wanted to fool around with his disciples while counting down the days until he could return to the Eastern Sanmu Subcontinent. The school year was over so Long Yifei would also be able to come back with him for three months.

However, his plan was completely ruined the next day.

The first sign came when several scouting parties he had placed in the south disappeared without a sign. It was a clue that powerful enemies had come around to cut off the path of retreat. Then, scouts to the north reported two large armies of cultivators approaching the city. The bandit counterattack had finally arrived.

By the end of the day, Three Clouds City had been besieged. The two armies, which numbered over two hundred thousand high-level cultivators, arrived in front of the gate. But that wasn’t the most concerning thing. In addition to the army, there were a total of ten Spirit Lords.

“Master, what do we do?” Lin Qingcheng asked nervously, “There are so many of them!”

Atop the lord’s castle, they could overlook the surrounding land. The city stood atop a massive granite cliff. The only way to approach was through a series of winding mountain roads. However, that couldn’t stop the immortals who now watched over the city from all directions in the sky.

“Chengcheng, don’t worry. The city protection array is still intact, they can’t break it that easily.” Zhou Ziyun said.

She tried to sound confident but she wasn’t sure. Originally, Three Clouds City was home to three bandit lords. Thus, their protection array was only intended to protect against three or four Spirit Lords at most. Ten was far too many.

“Master, are they really bandits? How did the cloud siblings gather so many and so quickly?” Long Yifei asked.

“Hmm… that is a good question,” Chen Wentian rubbed his chin, “The cloud siblings weren’t a part of any other bandit alliance. I didn't think they could find help so quickly. But it was also strange that they knew a member of the Four Evils of the Black Forest. But even with them thrown in, it should only be six Spirit Lords, not ten.”

He glanced at Xuan Xina standing nearby, “Prioress, what do you think?”

She was looking outside with a worried expression but she quickly hid it, “What? Are you afraid? I am just here as an observer. You have to deal with this yourself.”

He pursed his lips, “Even if Long Yifei is in danger?”

“You just need to worry about yourself,” Xuan Xina replied dismissively, “I naturally have ways to protect her life.”

Her words earned her numerous glares from Chen Wentian’s disciples. All of them disliked Xuan Xina’s presence. She was like an annoying fly that wouldn’t go away. Now, she wouldn’t even help them in such a dangerous situation.

Chen Wentian snorted, “Fine, fine. Forget I asked.”

He glanced at the immortals encircling the city, “They haven't attacked us yet so maybe I can talk to them. You girls stay here. Qiu Chuyi, Tie Buqun, you two manage the protective array. I will go take a look.”

“Master!”

“Master…”

His disciples looked at him full of worry.

“Rest assured, I will be careful.” He waved at them and then flew up.

While still under the umbrella of the array, Chen Wentian flew in the direction of the immortal auras that he recognized. They were Immortal Blue Cloud Yun Haiqiao and Immortal Green Cloud Yun Duling, the remaining two members of the cloud siblings.

“Oh? You two are back for revenge? Where did you two find so many friends?” He asked casually.

“Southern bastard! You killed Brother Red! You won’t be able to escape death!” Yun Haiqiao shouted.

His prior calm demeanor was completely gone.

Chen Wentian chuckled, “You sound like your dead brother. Are you two twins? Do you want to join him?”

“You!”

“Haiqiao.” A firm voice stopped his retort.

Yun Duling stared at Chen Wentian with hatred with a single eye. One half of her face had been burned horribly and she had lost an eye, “It doesn’t matter what he says. This brat won’t be able to escape. We’ll slowly torture him to death and avenge Brother Red. Be patient!”

The crazy glint in the old woman’s eye was disconcerting. He frowned.

These two couldn't be the main players, they didn't have the strength.  Chen Wentian flew away to inspect another group of familiar enemies, the Four Evils of the Black Forest.

“Well, well, if it isn’t sect master Chen. We finally meet.”

The one who spoke was a large man with a wild appearance. His long black hair was all over the place, like a lion’s mane. He wore only pants, exposing a broad chest with a muscular build that was covered in curious black tattoos.

Chen Wentian smiled and cupped his hands in mock respect, “If it isn’t the Four Evils of the Black Forest and its leader, Immortal Black Evil Liu Bang? I wonder how my little sect managed to attract the attention of such renowned heroes not once but twice?”

“Hahaha!” Liu Bang laughed ferociously, “Well said, I am wondering about that as well. Why don’t you obediently surrender and hand over all your women and treasures? I will examine them one by one and help you answer that question!”

“Haha! That’s right, big brother!” The ugly midget nearby laughed like a demon, “I remember he had a few women who cultivated ice arts. I call dibs!”

“Caw! Caw!” The giant eagle joined in the laughter as if it was the funniest joke.

Chen Wentian’s eyes narrowed as he glanced between them. His eyes finally landed on the extreme fatty who remained silent.

“You, you are Immortal Dashing Mountain Liu Zhangrou, right?” He asked, “You were here when I killed Yun Huoxiao. Four of you together couldn’t stop me. Did you tell your big brother about this? Do you think a bunch of trash like you can defeat me?”

The enormous fatty didn’t reply but he looked nervous. For such a large person, to specialize in speed and running away, it was easy to discern his personality.

“Brat, you sure talk big. Why don’t you come out of that cage and give it a try?” Liu Bang retorted.

Chen Wentian glanced at him and chuckled, “Why don’t you break the protection array first.”

Liu Bang sneered, “Brat! Before you get too confident, you better take a look at the other friends we’ve brought along. Then come back and talk to me. I only want your treasures and your women. I don’t necessarily want your life. However, those guys, they will definitely tear you into pieces. Haha!”

Chen Wentian turned left without another word. He flew around to the other side of the city with the unfamiliar auras. There were four of them. One of them was a decrepit old man who looked little more than a living skeleton. The other three wore masks that seemed to hide their spiritual signature. One of the masked figures stood in the front with the other two flanking him as if he was their leader.

Chen Wentian thought of something and his suspicions were soon confirmed.

The man took off his mask. His smiling, handsome face was more than familiar. He was Immortal Bamboo Waves Yang Gehu.

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