Chapter Sixty-Five: Unexpected Turn

After leaving Yao County, Qingyuan and Gu Cang encountered a caravan transporting goods halfway through their journey. They spent some silver and traveled along with them.

At this moment, Qingyuan sat inside the carriage, eyes closed, resting. Gu Cang, who appeared calm but was actually restless by nature, kept peering out the window. The road was not smooth, and the carriage jolted frequently. Qingyuan, with eyes shut, seemed oblivious, his breathing steady and threadlike.

Finding this rather dull, Gu Cang turned away from the window and looked at Qingyuan, asking, “Sir, do you think that young girl will succeed in becoming a disciple?”

Qingyuan replied, “I cannot divine or foresee such things. Still, if I were to hazard a guess, she has a seventy or eighty percent chance.”

Gu Cang said, “But that old man is not easy to deal with.”

“Master Yan is indeed stubborn and values his reputation,” Qingyuan chuckled lightly, “but he lost his children and grandchildren in his later years, now left lonely and unsupported. In truth, he is quite solitary. Having a young girl about the age of his granddaughter will surely stir something within him. I surmise that at first, Master Yan may be unkind or even resistant, but over time, he will likely come to treat her as his own granddaughter. It would be a comfort for him.”

Qingyuan had already investigated and, using the basic aura-sensing technique he’d learned from the remnants of the Beast-Taming Sect, observed that the girl was indeed gifted. Seeing her perseverance, enduring several days in hope, he believed she was able to bear hardship—a promising candidate.

“Master Yan is lonely, and the girl wishes to learn. Therefore…” Qingyuan smiled, “sending Xie Jingwen to Master Yan is, in a sense, satisfying both sides.”

With that, he recalled other matters, closed his eyes, and fell silent.

The caravan was transporting medicinal herbs, using horse-drawn carts. They were said to have dealings with the authorities and were officially registered as a horse caravan. Their destination was not Luoyue Commandery itself, but they would pass through it and rest there briefly.

When boarding, Qingyuan deliberately stowed his iron staff within his sleeve to avoid suspicion. Gu Cang’s longsword was damaged and no longer in use; he stored it, along with his spear, in his ancient immortal pouch, carrying only a small bag.

As there were just the two of them and no visible weapons, the caravan leader did not refuse them, took their silver, and even cleared a cart for them.

Qingyuan knew well that in times of chaos, it was best not to flaunt wealth. Those who showed no means of self-defense and exposed their riches usually came to a bad end. When they first arrived in Southern Liang, it was only thanks to Qingyuan and Gu Cang’s skills that they survived bandit attacks.

The caravan leader harbored no ill intentions; after two days of acquaintance, he became familiar with Qingyuan and offered much advice about traveling cautiously.

Qingyuan thanked him and inquired about news from Luoyue Commandery.

“There are still a few days left…”

Qingyuan felt uncertain: was it relief or worry? The closer they drew to their destination, the more uneasy he became. The root cause was his own lack of cultivation.

Gu Yuan, the Ancient Heaven Sovereign, was an immortal of great antiquity. Places left unguarded and untested by him had already caused heavy casualties among the clans of Yuan Mirror City. Now, there was an artifact that even Gu Yuan regarded as a treasure, intending to claim it himself. The surroundings were surely protected.

Such ancient immortal wards—how could Qingyuan, with only second-tier cultivation, break through?

“It seems I must settle nearby, build a humble dwelling, and devote myself to cultivation. Only when my abilities increase can I search further.”

“The calamity within me threatens my life, the end is near—but it won’t strike without warning. Since I’ll be near the treasure, if disaster comes, I can at least fight for it.”

“What worries me most…” Qingyuan furrowed his brow, thinking, “the treasure was formed before the earth dragon. If, during this time, Gu Yuan himself comes to claim it or another destined person obtains it, then… it will be a true predicament…”

The nearer he came, the heavier his concerns.

Just as Qingyuan wrestled with his worries, the caravan gradually slowed to a halt.

He sensed something amiss, lifted the curtain, and asked, “What’s happening?”

Someone nearby answered with a smile, “There’s another caravan ahead, also merchants. Their leader is an old friend of ours, they have deep ties. Since we met by chance, we’re stopping so the two can catch up…”

Qingyuan nodded slightly and looked ahead.

There, two men stood by the carts, arms around each other, laughing and chatting.

After a while, the caravan leader’s brows knit in concern. The leader of the other group spoke lowly, also frowning, clearly displeased.

They conversed a bit longer; the troubled look on their faces grew heavier.

At last, they parted ways.

The other caravan moved on.

The leader of Qingyuan’s caravan, after bidding farewell and promising to drink together next time, seemed to have a shadow over his expression.

Qingyuan’s gaze sharpened; he sensed something strange.

“Pick up the pace,” the caravan leader shouted. “There’s a small town ahead; let’s reach it before nightfall and stay there tonight…”

The group responded in unison.

Qingyuan saw him make a gesture, and several men walked over. All were important managers of the caravan.

“Something must have happened,” Qingyuan frowned.

After a while, the group dispersed.

He noticed the rest of the caravan also looked unsettled.

Qingyuan pondered, then alighted from the carriage and approached the leader.

Perhaps the matter was some secret, but not asking would leave him guessing. It was best to inquire directly; if the leader did not wish to share, Qingyuan could make other plans.

He asked forthrightly, without preamble.

The caravan leader did not hide the truth. He pondered and said, “It’s not a major issue—Luoyue Commandery is under lockdown, no entry or exit allowed. Those inside can’t leave, and we can’t get in…”

“Luoyue Commandery?” Qingyuan’s eyes narrowed.

The leader nodded. “I plan to send people ahead from the town to investigate overnight. If it’s true, we must change our route. My old friend was headed to Luoyue Commandery, but hearing this, he turned back. I am bound for Muyang City, passing through Luoyue on the way.”

“If Luoyue is closed, I’ll take another route, farther but still leading to Muyang City.”

He looked apologetically at Qingyuan. “If it’s true, and we must start detouring early, we won’t be able to travel with you any further.”

He was full of regret and seemed about to return Qingyuan’s silver.

Qingyuan shook his head lightly, refusing, then returned to his carriage.

“Sir…” Gu Cang, seeing his grave expression, asked, “Has something happened?”

Qingyuan mused, “Not clear yet. Let’s wait for tomorrow’s news.”