Wayfarer

Chapter 827: Movement

Xiao Nanfeng's avatar and a group of his subordinates investigated the divine empire of Daxue, then explored two more Enlightenment Grounds. As anticipated, the master of each was a Taiqing guardian. Although they had yet to encounter the former Taiqing sect master, Lu Yan, the Taiqing guardians were certainly aware of Xiao Nanfeng's group.

In fact, the Enlightenment Grounds had been moving erratically in search of their whereabouts in preparation for an ambush.

While Xiao Nanfeng was considering his next steps, You Jiu approached him and reported, "Your Majesty, we've just received word. Han Gucheng has dispatched an envoy to Yongding."

Xiao Nanfeng listened attentively.

"Han Gucheng quickly stabilized the situation within Dahan, and is now sending envoys to Yongding. The envoys have been unusually forceful, and are demanding the release of the Immortal Emperor of Dahan, Han Bing. They claim that you may set whatever terms you'd like for his release, and that Dahan would march on Yongding if you refuse."

Xiao Nanfeng narrowed his eyes. He pondered the implications of this information.

"Your Majesty, is Han Gucheng preparing to start a continental war against Dazheng?" You Jiu asked, concerned.

"He's already begun," Xiao Nanfeng said coldly.

"Indeed?" Everyone seemed surprised.

Xiao Nanfeng ordered, "Send word to Wen Zhong. Arrest the Dahan envoys for their threats against Dazheng. Seize them and lock them up in the dungeons."

"Understood!" You Jiu replied.

"Your Majesty, won't detaining the envoys prompt retaliation from Han Gucheng?"

"They're trying to probe where my avatar is—whether I'm present in Yongding myself. If we don't detain them, Han Gucheng might act immediately."

"In other words, by detaining them and presenting a firm stance, we'll keep him guessing as to your whereabouts?" Tu Feng concluded.

Xiao Nanfeng nodded. "But we won't be able to keep it from him for long. That old fox has already left his empire to target me, and he won't back down."

"How should we proceed?"

"We can't stay in the green knoll hidden realm any longer. Han Gucheng is a worthy opponent, and cannot be underestimated."

"Understood!" the guards replied.

Everyone flew out of the hidden realm following Xiao Nanfeng's lead.

In the Sieve of Heaven, within Ao Canghai's manor, a subordinate stood respectfully before Ao Canghai and reported, "Dragon King, the current situation is as follows. Lan Yaoguang has become the new Shangqing hierarch, and Xiao Nanfeng practically has her at his beck and call. Now, the Shangqing holy land is all but under Xiao Nanfeng's control."

Furious, Ao Canghai swept his cup off the table. It shattered as it struck the floor.

His expression darkened. "Is everyone in the Shangqing holy land insane? I can understand if they submit to Lan Yaoguang, but how can they follow Xiao Nanfeng's commands, too?"

Every strategy he had devised to take on Xiao Nanfeng was crumbling as he received reports about Xiao Nanfeng's continued growth. He was gathering strength at an inhuman rate. How had he secured command of a holy land so easily?

How was he supposed to take on Xiao Nanfeng now?

Ao Canghai felt an overwhelming sense of despair.

Just then, another of his subordinates frowned. "Dragon King, I have additional information on the Shangqing holy land, though I'm unsure of its accuracy."

"What is it?"

"One of my subordinates overheard a conversation between two Shangqing disciples. They mentioned that Lan Yaoguang's promotion to hierarch was due to intervention from the Shangqing Grandmaster. Currently, the Shangqing disciples are preparing some sort of formation on his orders so that they can enter the blue moon illusory realm. It appears that Xiao Nanfeng is staying in the Shangqing holy land only to enjoy a measure of companionship with Lan Yaoguang before her upcoming departure."

"What? The Shangqing Grandmaster?" Ao Canghai exclaimed.

The subordinate nodded. "But this hasn't been made public. All I know came from that overheard conversation, so I can't confirm its authenticity."

Ao Canghai considered this for a moment. "In that case, once the Shangqing disciples enter this blue moon illusory realm, we may be able to isolate Xiao Nanfeng?"

"I'm not sure, Dragon King."

Ao Canghai considered this information thoughtfully.

Just then, another subordinate rushed in. "Dragon King, my subordinates have some intelligence pertaining to the divine empire of Dahan."

"Oh?"

"When Xiao Nanfeng captured Han Bing, the two Boundless Immortals at his side were the head of Snowborne and an avatar of Saint Lun Hui. Han Gucheng himself mentioned that Xiao Nanfeng killed Saint Lun Hui's avatar. The saint and Xiao Nanfeng are bitter enemies now."

"Oh?" Ao Canghai's eyes lit up.

"Dragon King, I haven't confirmed the veracity of its report, but given its relevance to Xiao Nanfeng, I thought it best to present it immediately," Ao Canghai's subordinate continued.

"Very well. You are all dismissed."

"Understood!"

Once he was alone, Ao Canghai began to pace back and forth. His eyes gleamed as if he had reached some decision.

In the imperial study at Dahan, Han Gucheng glanced at one of the officials before him. "Has the information been leaked?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. We were lucky. Yan Ziqun and a supreme elder of the Shangqing holy land tried to assassinate Lan Yaoguang. Although the supreme elder was sentenced to death, we managed to secure his avatar. We're now aware of the secret that has taken the Shangqing holy land by storm. By now, word should have been transmitted to Ao Canghai."

"Good." Han Gucheng nodded. "Ao Canghai will be an excellent pawn for us."

"Your Majesty, shall we spread the news that the cultivators of the Shangqing holy land is about to enter the blue moon illusory realm en masse?" an official asked.

Han Gucheng shook his head. "The Shangqing Grandmaster is hardly a benevolent figure, and entering the blue moon illusory realm may well spell doom for the Shangqing disciples. Spreading this information would achieve nothing but risk his wrath. Better to let them depart and then focus on dealing with Xiao Nanfeng thereafter."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"How about the envoys that were sent to Dazheng? I hear they've been arrested."

"Yes, Your Majesty. Dazheng acted decisively. Our envoys didn't even have a chance to meet with Xiao Nanfeng. It's unclear whether he's actually in Yongding."

Han Gucheng narrowed his eyes. "Xiao Nanfeng's decisiveness is indeed impressive. It doesn't matter if he's actually in Yongding or not. We've already roused his attention."

"What should we do, Your Majesty?"

"It matters not. Stirring the pot has its advantages. Xiao Nanfeng may well reveal his weaknesses himself," Han Gucheng said.

"Oh? Have you discovered something, Your Majesty?"

Han Gucheng nodded. "Gan Qing just reported that Dazheng has tightened security around Han Bing and moved him to a new cell."

"Is the empress personally in Yongding? Indeed, she has a secret technique to detect captive souls! Doesn't that mean that the crown prince's spirit is being detained in Yongding?" The official's eyes lit up.

Han Gucheng nodded. "Indeed."

"Your foresight is astounding, Your Majesty!"

A dozen or so days later, within Yaoguang Villa in the Shangqing holy land, Lan Yaoguang had just had the happiest period of her life: spending time together with Xiao Nanfeng as they finally consummated their relationship. But no joyful moment could last; it was already time for their farewells.

She clung onto Xiao Nanfeng, reluctant to part with him. Xiao Nanfeng gently patted her back in comfort.

Moments ago, Qu Jianfeng had shown up to relay the supreme elders' message that the formation had been completed, and all disciples were to prepare for departure. The hierarch herself was to lead the ceremony.

Qu Jianfeng didn't know what ceremony Lan Yaoguang had to perform, but Lan Yaoguang did.

With the Heavens-Extinguishing Formation ready, the blue moon illusory realm would soon be opened up. The thought of leaving Xiao Nanfeng left her heart heavy. She had sent everyone else away and was now embracing Xiao Nanfeng.

"Why did they have to finish so quickly?" Lan Yaoguang sighed.

Xiao Nanfeng stroked her hair softly. "Don't worry. I'll be here waiting for you when you return."

A look of frustration flashed across Lan Yaoguang's face, but she nodded. She understood that she had no choice. The Shangqing Grandmaster had personally ordered her to enter the blue moon illusory realm, and she could hardly delay.

"We're still both too weak. I'll do my best to grow stronger while you're gone so that you won't have to leave me ever again when you return," Xiao Nanfeng said resolutely.

"Take care," Lan Yaoguang whispered.

"My subordinates will accompany you into the blue moon illusory realm. Some of them have avatars outside, and I'll be keeping track of your situation. If you ever need to contact me, let them know."

Lan Yaoguang nodded.

Xiao Nanfeng cupped her face and kissed her deeply.

They beheld each other for a long time. When they finally pulled apart, the love and longing in their eyes conveyed more than any words could.

In silence, they held hands and left the small courtyard.

Outside, a group of black-robed cultivators awaited her.

"To Shangqing Hall!" Xiao Nanfeng commanded.

"Understood!" his black-robed subordinates replied.

These were Xiao Nanfeng's trusted aides, who would enter the blue moon illusory realm alongside Lan Yaoguang in order to ensure her safety.

Together, they flew toward the plaza outside Shangqing Hall.

The plaza was packed with elders, many of whom were puzzled. Even now, they didn't know what the upper echelon of the Shangqing holy land was planning. Surrounding the plaza were countless Shangqing disciples, likewise in the dark.

Those in the know, however, eagerly anticipated Lan Yaoguang's arrival.

"We greet the hierarch!" they called out with reverence.

"We greet the hierarch!" Countless Shangqing disciples followed suit and bowed deeply.

Xiao Nanfeng and Lan Yaoguang landed in the plaza and stood before everyone.