Chapter 256: Upper Sect

Meng Shouzhen continued, “The reason I’ve arranged for three Elders to accompany you is because the situation is grim. We absolutely cannot afford any more mishaps.”

He didn’t state the reason, but everyone present understood it clearly.

The journey to the Upper Sect was a long one, passing through many territories.

Although the Jingyuan Sect was temporarily in a truce with the Three Sects Alliance, no one could guarantee they wouldn’t try something along the way.

If the Jingyuan Sect were to ambush and kill the Guiyuan Sect’s disciples en route, the loss to the Guiyuan Sect would be immense.

Especially with Zhang Su carrying the Three-Thousand-Year-Old Ice Lotus. If anything were to happen to it, the Guiyuan Sect would truly be without hope.

The primary objective of the three Martial Vein Masters was to ensure the Three-Thousand-Year-Old Ice Lotus remained safe at all costs.

Meng Shouzhen wouldn’t say these things in front of everyone, but the three Elders understood perfectly.

“Zhang Su, this is a letter from me. When you arrive at the Yao Family’s residence, deliver it to my daughter, Meng Yun, in person.”

Meng Shouzhen took a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Zhang Su.

Four words were written on the envelope: “To Meng Yun, Private.”

Zhang Su accepted the letter with both hands and tucked it safely inside his robes.

“Yes, Sect Leader.”

Meng Shouzhen nodded, his gaze turning to the three Elders.

“The journey ahead is long. I’m entrusting everything to the three of you, Elders.”

His tone was grave.

The eleven disciples were the most outstanding youths of the Guiyuan Sect.

The three Elders were among the Guiyuan Sect’s mightiest warriors.

There was no room for error on this journey.

Qu Zhengliu cupped his hands and said in a low voice, “Rest assured, Sect Leader. We will do our utmost to escort them safely to the Upper Sect.”

Lu Cangfeng and Zhong Wangji also cupped their hands in turn.

Meng Shouzhen said no more, simply waving his hand.

“Go.”

Qu Zhengliu turned and looked at the group.

“Let’s go.”

The group of fourteen left the Sect Grand Hall and headed straight for the Mountain Gate.

Zhang Su walked in the middle of the procession, with Yu Hualong by his side.

The two walked side by side in silence.

In the clearing outside the Mountain Gate, horses were already prepared.

Zhang Su immediately spotted his Little Red Horse.

Little Red Horse stood off to the side, its russet coat gleaming in the sunlight.

It had grown a bit taller than a few months ago and seemed even more robust.

Zhang Su walked over and patted Little Red Horse’s neck.

Little Red Horse snorted and nuzzled its head against Zhang Su’s shoulder.

Zhang Su swung himself onto the horse and, once seated, glanced back at the Mountain Gate one last time.

‘Who knows how long it’ll be before I can return,’ he thought.

“Move out!”

At Qu Zhengliu’s command, the fourteen of them immediately galloped down the mountain.

The clatter of hooves echoed on the stone path as dust flew into the air.

In the blink of an eye, they vanished from sight completely.

…

A few days later, the group entered the territory of Medicine Valley.

Medicine Valley’s territory was quite different from the Guiyuan Sect’s.

The Guiyuan Sect was mountainous, whereas Medicine Valley was filled with rolling hills.

The hills were covered in all sorts of medicinal herbs, which from a distance looked like a patchwork of different colors.

It was like a giant canvas spread across the land.

A faint, medicinal fragrance filled the air, invigorating all who breathed it in.

Qu Zhengliu led the group along the main road at a steady pace.

As evening approached, a fortress appeared ahead.

The fortress wasn’t large. It was built on a small hill and surrounded by stone walls, from which banners flew.

The character for “Lei” was written on the banners.

“This is Lei Family Castle, a Martial Arts Family within Medicine Valley’s territory.”

Zhong Wangji, the Master of Cyan Wood Peak, explained.

He sat atop his horse, his gaze fixed on the distance.

“We’ll rest at Lei Family Castle for a few days.”

Qu Zhengliu nodded and led the group towards Lei Family Castle.

The Fortress Master of Lei Family Castle was a middle-aged man in his forties.

Seeing the party from the Guiyuan Sect arrive, he dared not show any neglect and personally came to the fortress gate to greet them.

“To the distinguished guests of the Guiyuan Sect, your presence graces us. I have failed to welcome you properly, my sincerest apologies.”

The Fortress Master cupped his hands in a salute, his attitude deeply respectful.

The Guiyuan Sect was one of the three Major Sects of the south, while Lei Family Castle was merely a minor power in Medicine Valley’s territory. They couldn’t afford to offend them.

Qu Zhengliu also cupped his hands and exchanged a few pleasantries.

The Fortress Master led everyone into the fortress and arranged for their accommodations.

They were given the best courtyard in Lei Family Castle. Though not particularly large, it was clean and tidy.

Several sweet osmanthus trees grew in the courtyard, with a stone table and stools set up beneath them.

Zhang Su was assigned a side room. It wasn’t large, but the bed and bedding were new.

He put down his luggage, left his room, and went out into the courtyard.

Yu Hualong was also staying in the same courtyard and was seated on a stone stool beneath the sweet osmanthus trees.

“Senior Brother Yu, why are we resting at Lei Family Castle?”

Zhang Su walked over, sat down across from Yu Hualong, and asked his question.

Yu Hualong glanced at him and said softly, “According to my master, this is an agreement between the Three Sects. We’re to rendezvous at Lei Family Castle and travel to the Upper Sect together. The journey will take about a month, after all. It’s a long way, and anything can happen. If the members of the Three Sects travel as one group, we’ll be stronger and much safer on the road.”

Zhang Su understood.

‘So we’re waiting for the people from Medicine Valley and the Five Elements Sect.’

Although the Three Sects usually vied with each other, both openly and in secret, their goal was aligned when it came to the trip to the Upper Sect.

They all wanted their own disciples to become a Direct Disciple of the Upper Sect.

Since their goals were the same, traveling together was the best option.

“Does that mean Shi Buyi, the Celestial Pride of the Five Elements Sect, will also be going to the Upper Sect?”

Zhang Su asked.

He had heard of Shi Buyi’s name long ago.

The Celestial Pride of the Five Elements Sect, whose ‘Five Elements Unite’ technique overwhelmed the other Celestial Prides of the Three Sects.

Yu Hualong himself had been defeated by him.

“Yes, Shi Buyi will be there. In fact, among all of us from the Three Sects, if anyone stands a chance of becoming a Direct Disciple of the Upper Sect, it’s him. He’s the only one with a sliver of hope.”