The daoist who left the observatory went all the way down the mountain. Finally, he arrived in the midst of a bamboo forest.
There were several purple-robed daoists waiting for him here.
In the Sublime Bright Sect, the color of the daoist robes worn by the cultivators had strict distinctions. Aside from those esteemed cultivators who could dress freely, the rest of the cultivators had to strictly adhere to the rules.
For instance, right now, these daoists dressed in purple daoist robes were all Bitter Sea Realm cultivators of the Sublime Bright Sect.
The daoist looked at his fellow sect members and softly explained his arrangements. The purple-robed daoists did not speak and just nodded in agreement. They had no objections to this arrangement, they would simply follow orders.
The daoist was very satisfied, but did not leave immediately.
All the way until a slender figure walked out of the depths of the bamboo forest.
Seeing that figure, the daoists hurriedly lowered their heads, their expressions becoming even more respectful.
The daoist was aloof and indifferent.
"Senior Brother, is it necessary to dispatch such a massive force to kill a Rainwater Commandery's warden who's a uncivilized martial artist?!"
A mocking voice sounded out from the approaching figure. Judging from the voice, he should be a young man.
As he drew closer, everyone discovered that he was really a young daoist. Wearing a pristine white daoist robe, he was remarkably handsome with an extraordinary demeanor.
The daoist turned his head to look at this young daoist, his brow furrowing slightly as he said, "This is the Sect Master's decision, you will accompany us."
The young daoist shook his head and said with a sneer, "Is there a need for so many people? I can go alone and bring back the heads of that warden and that boy. There's no need for so much trouble."
Hearing the young daoist's words, those purple-robed daoists did not dare to voice any objections. After all, the identity of this young daoist was not one they could afford to provoke. But, the other daoist said, "This is the Sect Master's decision, Junior Brother Lin. You should think it over carefully."
The young daoist narrowed his eyes and was not in a rush to speak. After an unknown period of time, he suddenly smiled brightly and said, "Since it's Master's decision, then it should naturally be obeyed."
Turns out that this young daoist was actually that Daoist Master Ironcloud's disciple.
After becoming the sect master of the Sublime Bright Sect, Daoist Master Ironcloud focused on his cultivation. Even most of the sect's matters were handled by others. As for disciples, aside from those few he had accepted in his earlier years, this young daoist in front of them was the only one.
The young daoist's talent far surpassed that of Daoist Master Ironcloud's other disciples. Therefore, those who were perceptive could tell that, barring any unforeseen accidents, this young daoist would definitely become the Sect Master of the Sublime Bright Sect after Daoist Master Ironcloud's passing. With this in mind, who among them would take the initiative to provoke him?
Only an old man like the daoist who had high seniority and considerable experience could say a few words.
But truth be told, the daoist was also reluctant to speak up. It was just that having left the Star observatory earlier, he was well aware of the Sect Master's mood. He did not dare to mess up this matter. Otherwise, the price would be even greater than provoking this young daoist.
"This time, it's the Sect Master's death order, there's no need to hold back. Rush in all together and kill that person."
The daoist's gaze swept across everyone's faces, his tone gradually becoming stern. "I need to tell you all something first, if this matter fails, none of us will survive."
Upon hearing these words, everyone grew solemn and nodded in agreement.
The young daoist laughed coldly and did not speak.
……
……
Rainwater Commandery's warden office was located at the end of Ningxi Street in the eastern part of the city. This place used to be quite prosperous, surrounded by prominent families. It made sense, since Rainwater Commandery itself was not peaceful, the closer one got to the warden office, the safer it felt. However, ever since the previous warden died while in office, the residents here moved away one after another. Though the manors still stood, they were vacant and overgrown with weeds.
As the newly appointed warden, Chen Chao's first task upon arriving at this office was to have the constables thoroughly clean this office. Amidst the rising dust, he and Yu Xiyi sat on the stone steps in front of the door, looking at the overgrown weeds visible over the courtyard wall. It was easy to imagine just how tall the weeds had grown and how long it had been since anyone lived there.
Yu Xiyi pointed to the residence and was silent for a while before slowly opening his mouth to say, "Some things are indeed like this. Without seeing with your own eyes and only hearing about them, one can never have a clear understanding."
Chen Chao naturally understood what he was referring to. The hardships faced by the people of the Great Liang Dynasty were not limited to Rainwater Commandery alone.
Across the vast territory of the Great Liang Dynasty, with numerous prefectures and countless counties, there were countless citizens. How many could live each day without being on tenterhooks?
It was likely very few.
Yu Xiyi said, "So, are you really not scared?"
Seeing Chen Chao remain silent, Yu Xiyi changed the topic and said, "Daoist Master Ironcloud is on that mountain. Although rumors say he's devoted to cultivation and doesn't question worldly affairs, if he decides to make a move, it would only take a moment for him to cross over from Sublime Bright Mountain. At that time, I might still be able to escape, but you won't be able to run."
Chen Chao frowned and said, "You're a sword cultivator at any rate, can't you have some backbone? Why do you always talk about running away at the drop of a hat?"
Yu Xiyi burst out, "A Nepenthe Realm cultivator, do you think they're easy to provoke?!"
Chen Chao said indifferently, "Anyway, what's done is done. What's there to be scared of? At most, he'll just kill us."
Yu Xiyi was rather speechless. Given his understanding of Chen Chao, he knew this young man was someone who cherished his life greatly, but the occasional nonsense he said left him a bit puzzled.
"I think you have a contingency place."
Yu Xiyi similarly understood that the young man before him was by no means a reckless person. Things that he wanted to do, it always seemed like he would have his own preparations, just like killing people on the street earlier, did it not prove this too?
Chen Chao looked puzzled and asked, "How would I have a contingency plan?"
Yu Xiyi could not be bothered to discuss further and got straight to the point, "When that boy was telling his story earlier, you didn't show any surprise. Why?"
Chen Chao said expressionlessly, "I was surprised."
Yu Xiyi shook his head, "That's not..."
He thought of something, some words stuck in his throat, wanting to say them.
But, Chen Chao looked at the sky.
The sun was setting, and night was approaching.
Behind them, the office now stood empty and all the constables left. This emptiness added a sense of horror.
After all, the surroundings were full of abandoned courtyards.
Chen Chao stood up and walked inside, saying with a smile, "Come on, shall we wait for death together?"
Yu Xiyi laughed coldly and ignored Chen Chao. Instead, he leaped onto the rooftop of the opposite courtyard and lay down to sleep.
Chen Chao yelled, "Don't sleep too soundly! What if I really die later?"
"For a youth like you who talks nonsense all the time, dying is just dying. Not worth feeling sorry for."
Yu Xiyi looked at the gradually darkening sky and was absorbed in thought.
Chen Chao scolded playfully, "If I die, won't you find life boring by yourself?"
"The world is vast. Three-legged toads are hard to find, but two-legged humans are everywhere."
Yu Xiyi waved his hand and paid no more attention to Chen Chao.
Chen Chao turned and walked into the warden office.
This warden office happened to be the smallest among the warden offices in the Great Liang Dynasty. The Great Liang Dynasty's wardens could arrive at a county town, but the county town might not have a warden's government office.
When Chen Chao was serving as the warden of Tianqing County, he only had his own small courtyard. In the early days, he often went out at night. He would lurk in dark corners and suddenly attack the demons that came into the county town.
Tonight, he was naturally hiding too.
He did not know how many people were coming, so he made a lot of preparations.
Looking at the freshly cleaned hall, Chen Chao sighed with a hint of regret, "It's going to be wrecked."
