Chapter 312 - 49: Remaining in Seclusion, the Celestial Sword Declines

Chapter 312: Chapter 49: Remaining in Seclusion, the Celestial Sword Declines

"Yes, sir!" The official understood immediately and withdrew to make the arrangements.

Meanwhile, inside the Worry-Free Tavern, Xue Shan was humming a tune and drinking his liquor, an irrepressible smile on his face.

He couldn’t resist the urge to burst out laughing every time he thought of the scene at the Central Square.

’The insufferably arrogant Jian Wuchen, trampled underfoot like a dead dog!’

’And that pretentious Elder Jian, kneeling and begging for mercy, was more ridiculous than a clown on stage!’

’And the looks on the faces of those Celestial Sword Manor disciples, every one of them looking as if their parents had just died... even now, the memory was deeply satisfying.’

"I knew you weren’t going to die that easily!" Xue Shan took a swig of liquor and muttered, "Five years, and you can slay a Core Formation Realm avatar just like that! Now *that’s* a fucking Swordsman!"

He was now in absolute awe of Chen Ye.

’His strength aside, that courage alone was unparalleled in this world!’

Xue Shan also secretly decided that once things blew over, he would go find Chen Ye in the Southern Wilderness Mountain Range. When that time came, they would drink until they couldn’t stand!

And while the various factions were still reeling from the incident, Chen Ye had already returned to the depths of the mountains.

When the familiar rammed-earth walls and fluttering banners of Kawa Village came into view, a wave of warmth washed over Chen Ye.

Compared to a place like Qingzhou City, filled with schemes and killing intent at every turn, this small, isolated village felt more like a safe haven where he could truly rest.

He slowed his pace, gently descending at the entrance to the village.

"It’s Brother Chen!"

"Brother Chen is back!"

The young villager on watch atop the wall stared in stunned silence for a moment after recognizing the visitor, then erupted in a joyful cheer.

Soon, the entire village was abuzz with the news.

The wooden gate slowly swung open, and a crowd of familiar faces, led by the old Chieftain, along with Shan, Niu, and others, all hurried out to greet him.

"You’re finally back!" Shan rushed forward and gave Chen Ye a bear hug, slapping him firmly on the back. "You were gone so long without a word! You had us worried sick!"

"Yeah, Brother Chen," a young Hunter nearby chimed in. "The Chieftain said you left to do something important. We were afraid you’d run into trouble."

Feeling the unconcealed sincerity and concern in their words, Chen Ye broke into a heartfelt smile.

"It was nothing," he said, downplaying it. "I just went out to take care of some personal business, settle an old score. It’s all resolved now."

Just then, the old Chieftain approached, leaning on his staff. His eyes, cloudy with age but full of wisdom, looked Chen Ye up and down before he nodded with satisfaction.

"It’s good that you’re back. It’s good," the old Chieftain said. "I can see your aura is much deeper and more stable than when you left. Your gains on this trip must have been substantial. So? Have you finally overcome that hurdle in your heart?"

"Yes, Chieftain," Chen Ye replied respectfully. "Thanks to you, the burden on my heart has been lifted, and my mind is clear."

Hearing this, the old Chieftain’s smile grew even wider. "Good, that’s wonderful! Lord Mountain God certainly didn’t misjudge you. Come! Today, we’ll celebrate your return and wash away the dust from your travels!"

Soon, all of Kawa Village was buzzing with excitement over Chen Ye’s return.

The women brought out their treasured fruit wines, and the hunters carried in a plump beast they had just caught. A bonfire roared to life in the open ground at the center of the village.

The villagers gathered around Chen Ye, chattering excitedly as they asked him about his experiences in the outside world.

Chen Ye patiently answered their questions, telling them interesting stories about Qingzhou City that drew gasps of amazement from the crowd.

Of course, he didn’t mention a single word about the Immortal Ascension Ceremony or the slaying of Jian Wuchen.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew even more festive.

Looking at the simple, earnest smiles before him and listening to their hearty laughter, Chen Ye felt the violent aura in his heart, born from his recent slaughter, slowly begin to fade.

’It was a pleasant feeling.’

After the boisterous celebration died down, Chen Ye went to the old Chieftain’s wooden hut alone.

"Chieftain."

"Sit, child," the old Chieftain said, gesturing to a wooden stool beside him.

After sitting down, Chen Ye got straight to the point. "Chieftain, I’ve returned not only to let you know I’m safe, but also because I’m preparing to visit Lord Yuan Lan on the back mountain."

"As you should," the old Chieftain nodded. "Lord Mountain God has been waiting for you. This journey has allowed you to resolve the burden on your heart and greatly advance your Cultivation. In that sense, you have not disappointed His Lordship’s expectations."

He paused, then asked with a hint of concern, "The affairs of the outside world... have you tied up all the loose ends? Is there any chance of trouble finding its way here?"

Chen Ye knew what he was worried about and reassured him, "Don’t worry. I’ve taken care of all the loose ends. No one will be able to find this place anytime soon. Besides, even if they did, with Lord Yuan Lan here, they wouldn’t dare set foot in the Southern Wilderness."

Only after hearing this did the old Chieftain finally rest easy.

"That’s good, that’s good." He let out a long sigh of relief. "Go on, then. Don’t keep Lord Mountain God waiting."

Chen Ye nodded. After a bit more small talk with the old Chieftain, he rose to take his leave.

He didn’t linger in the village, heading straight for the back mountain. He soon arrived at the entrance to the valley, which was shrouded in a peculiar mist.

His experience this time was completely different from his last visit.

After breaking through to the Inner Realm, his Divine Thought and perceptive abilities had taken a monumental leap forward.

Now, as he faced the mist that could block Divine Thought, he was no longer completely blind as he had been before. He could clearly perceive that hidden within the seemingly natural fog were countless profound and intricate array patterns.