Chapter 219 Slender West Lake, A Person of the Evil Sky Pavilion
âWhatâs that supposed to mean? I think I wonât be able to escape from thisâŠâ Pan Litian raised his arms helplessly and gave Lu Zhou a thumbs-up. âThe older, the wiser. Iâll admit defeat.â
Little Yuanâer was baffled by this.
Pan Litian coughed. It seemed like he had just remembered something as he looked up and said, âWill there be enough wine for me?â
âThereâs more than enough wine for you.â
âCentury-old wine.â âGood.â
Brewing wine was not a difficult task.
A few centuries ago, Ji Tiandao was someone who loved wine. He would order wine to be brewed every year. The older the wine, the tastier it was. Whether it was brewed from five crops, glutinous rice, or yeast, the best of brewing methods required time.
The Evil Sky Pavilion was in no short supply of century-old wine. Moreover, the stock could be replenished if needed.
Pan Litianâs reply made his stance clear. Lu Zhou nodded in satisfaction. He turned to face Little Yuanâer and asked, âAny word from your Fourth Senior Brother?â
Little Yuanâer pouted and said, âMaster! Fourth Senior Brother hasnât been back until now. Iâm sure heâs having a lot of fun outside and has forgotten to come back! He should be harshly punished when he returns!â
âYou talk too much.â Lu Zhou chided her softly.
It was good for Mingshi Yin to investigate Si Wuyaâs whereabouts. Moreover, Mingshi Yinâs loyalty had always been stable. Lu Zhou was not worried Mingshi Yin would do anything out of character. Mingshi Yin was more cunning compared to the others. He had extremely good survival instincts and skills. He would have no problem fleeing from an elite.
Since Mingshi Yin, Old Fourth, was not around, he could only get Duanmu Sheng and Hua Wudao to accompany him to Slender West Lake.
The Clarity Sect was currently hanging on its last thread and was putting up its last struggle. If they successfully escaped to Slender West Lake, they might have some means of survival.
In truth, Duanmu Sheng and Hua Wudao could have taken care of things. However, Lu Zhouâs thoughts did not end there. If the Nether Sect planned to hunt down the Clarity Sect and annihilate the elite, You Hongyi, Yu Zhenghai might make an appearance at Slender West Lake as well. This was a good opportunity for Lu Zhou. He had been saving the strengthened Binding Cage Cards for these rascals.
âSummon Elder Hua. Tell him weâre leaving for Slender West Lake,â Lu Zhou said apathetically.
âYes, master.â Little Yuanâer had just turned to leave when a figure in black appeared like a phantom.
The person stood with a straight back and was shrouded in black.
âThereâs no need for Elder Hua to go⊠I want to go.â
âFan Xiuwen?â Little Yuanâer was stunned. She had always found this man eccentric. In fact, she was slightly fearful of him. If her master was not around to keep him in check, she would have stayed away from him.
Fan Xiuwen wore a simple and hideous mask that made his eyes seem more piercing and fierce. He stood straight with his hands resting on his back. Although he had not fully recovered his cultivation base, he had held a high position for a long time. Moreover, with his years of experience, he exuded an aura that others simply could not compare to.
Lu Zhouâs aura was the only one that could suppress Fan Xiuwenâs aura.
Fan Xiuwen shook his head and said, âFan Xiuwen is dead. Thereâs only Leng Luo in this world.â
âSureâŠâ Little Yuanâer stuck her tongue out and stood obediently at the side.
When the name Leng Luo was mentioned, Pan Litian who was standing at the side widened his eyes. He looked at Leng Luo in disbelief as he exclaimed in shock, âYouâre Leng Luo, the person who was on top of the blacklist 300 years ago?â
Leng Luo remained silent, neither denying nor confirming Pan Litianâs question. The mask hid his expression, but his stance seemed to say, âOld geezer, now you know whoâs the bratâŠâ
Pan Li Tian slowly rose to his feet. He swayed for a few moments before he finally steadied himself. He said, âNot bad, not bad.â His words sounded unnatural. It was hard to tell if his words were a compliment or an insult.
Leng Luo scoffed and said, âA junior who has eyes but does not see. I wonât hold it against
Little Yuanâer giggled and said, âHeâs not young as well⊠Heâs Pan Zhongâs grandfather, the first elite of Clarity Sect.â
âThe first elite of the Clarity Sect?â Leng Luo raised his eyebrows slightly. He looked at the old beggar who had completely lost his cultivation base. Regardless if Pan Litian was truly Pan Zhongâs grandfather or not, the first elite of Clarity Sect was a cultivation genius who was renowned in the cultivation world. They were from the same generation. He clapped twice. âPan Litian?â
This time, Pan Litian did not deny it. He appeared old and had a slightly hunched back. However, those things were unimportant. Based on the way he carried himself, it showed how glorious his earlier years were.
Tweedledum and Tweedledee. It was like the pot calling the kettle black. None of them were much younger than the other.
Lu Zhou said, âLeng Luo, youâre not completely healed yet. Your injuries are only 40% healed. Do you still want to go to Slender West Lake?â
On the contrary, Hua Wudao was in the pink of health. Moreover, an elite who specialized in tortoiseshell technique could protect the cloud-splitting chariot if the occasion arose.
Although Leng Luo was powerful, he was severely injured. He would not be of much help on the trip. In fact, he might even be a burden.
âPlease grant me permission to come along, Pavilion Master. Although Iâm wounded, I can still defend myself,â Leng Luo said confidently.
âSure, you can defend yourself, but whoâs going to defend me?â Lu Zhou retorted inwardly with no changes in his expression. He maintained the air of an elite despite his inner thoughts. He asked, âYou want to see Mo Qi?â
Leng Luo cupped his fists but did not answer.
Anyone with half a brain could tell what the relationship was between Mo Qi and Mo Li.
Leng Luoâs hatred for Mo Li was clear for everyone to see. This was only natural. After all, he was controlled like a puppet for so many years. Most people would find this difficult to accept. Moreover, he was Leng Luo whose name once shocked the lands.
Pan Litian chuckled and said, âI can only sit back and enjoy the showâŠâ He had lost his cultivation base so he could only watch the battle unfold like a useless person.
When the sun was high up in the skies, they departed from the Evil Sky Pavilion.
Duanmu Sheng manned the helm of the cloud-splitting chariot.
The cloud-splitting chariot was slightly unstable and swaying. Occasionally, it would even pull some high-level stunts.
Little Yuanâer muttered under her breath, âThird Senior Brother, take⊠take it slow.â
The flying chariot rose and fell in the air.
Duanmu Sheng scratched his head awkwardly. âThis⊠This is my first time. Please bear with me, junior sister.â
Leng Luo had to hold onto the chariot to support himself. He shook his head.
The cloud-splitting chariot gradually stabilized after a while.
âThank you, Senior Leng.â
Lu Zhou turned to look at Leng Luo.
Leng Luoâs cultivation base was not completely restored after all, and yet, he was helping to maneuver the flying chariot while Duanmu Sheng manned the helm. It was for this reason that the cloud-splitting chariot gradually stabilized. Pan Litian did not mind this. He found a random corner and lay down. He smiled lazily and said, âIâve never ridden in such a fancy flying chariot⊠This is nice, very niceâŠâ
The cloud-splitting chariot flew past several mountains, rivers, and the boundless sea of clouds. A streak of light could be seen in its wake.
Lu Zhou glanced at Leng Luo again. He noticed that Leng Luoâs forehead was breaking out in sweat. He shifted his gaze to Duanmu Sheng and said, âChannel your Primal Qi steadily at a uniform pace⊠Donât move the helm too much. Look straight ahead and adjust your rhythm.â
âUnderstood.â Duanmu Shengâs comprehension ability was much weaker compared to Mingshi Yin. Although the flying chariot had stabilized somewhat after Lu Zhouâs instructions, it was still not flying smoothly. Well, there was no forcing this matter. Some people were just not born for this.
Duanmu Sheng felt slightly embarrassed throughout the journey. Under the watchful eyes of the few seniors, he could not help but feel nervous. He muttered under his breath, âFourth Junior Brother, how I miss you soâŠâ
At the Slender West Lake in Slender West Park.
Mo Qi, the Sect Master of Clarity Sect, sat cross-legged on the ground. He looked extremely exhausted. The wrinkles on his face made him look old. Faint Primal Qi could be seen around him. After he circulated his Primal Qi for a moment, he finally opened his eyes. âWhoâs it?â
A disciple appeared at the door. Mo Qi asked coldly, âHas Pan Zhong been captured?â
âThat traitor, Pan Zhong, is too cunning. Weâve been tailing him for a long time, but we couldnât catch him. On top of that, the Nether Sect is hot on our heels⊠We⊠We dare not recklessly search the area as well.â
A hint of rage flashed past Mo Qiâs face. âYu Zhenghai⊠You insufferable bully!â
The Nether Sectâs appearance during the rebellion in Anyang City had foiled his plans. He had been caught off-guard now that Yu Zhenghai was attacking the Clarity Sect as well. The Seven Peaks of Clarity Sect were destroyed. Apart from him, the only people left of the sect were a dozen or so of his direct disciples.
âStay your anger, Sect Master! Lady Mo Li has laid a Formation in Slender West Lake. No matter how powerful Yu Zhenghai is, he wouldnât recklessly charge in here⊠Moreover, the Nether Sect is unaware that weâve fled to this place,â the disciple said with a bow.
Mo Qi sighed and shook his head as he said, âAre there any letters from the palace?â
âLady Mo Li has said that there would be a turning point soon. His Highness, the Second Prince, is like a fish in water inside the palaceâŠâ
âGood.â Mo Qi stood up slowly, enduring the pain from his injuries.
âSect master, please be careful.â The disciple rushed up to support Mo Qi. âItâs fine.â Mo Qi shook his head. âIf my internal organs werenât injured by the grand sound technique in Anyang City, I wouldnât be in this sorry state now.â
âSect Master, youâre saying that Yu Zhenghai was lucky he had help from a powerful person?â
At that time, Mo Qi had been looking down at the battle in Anyang City. The grand technique, Scram, had pushed everyone away He had borne the brunt of the attack and was the most heavily injured out of everyone present at that time. It was unfortunate that he had to quickly flee before he could see the elite who was capable of unleashing such a powerful sound technique.
Mo Qi walked to the park and looked at the surface of the lake. He felt much more at ease now.
âSect Master, since Pan Zhong is now a member of the Evil Sky Pavilion, isnât it inappropriate for us to capture him?â
Before Mo Qi could say anything, another disciple interjected, âThe Evil Sky Pavilionâs first disciple, Yu Zhenghai, has killed countless of our men. Weâre only capturing Pan Zhong, thatâs far from enough! Moreover, Pan Zhong is a traitor from the Clarity Sect to begin with! He deserves to die!â
At this moment, more than ten Clarity Sect disciples rushed to the park.
âSect Master, the people from the Nether Sect are here!â
True to their words, in the south of the sky above Slender West Park, the Nether Sectâs flying chariot was slowly approaching. The Nether Sectâs flag on top of the flying chariot fluttered in the wind. The First Seat of White Tiger Hall, Bai Yuqing, was standing on the flying chariot and looking down at the park. Soon after, his voice resounded in the park. âThose who are with me will prosper. Those who are against me will die! Mo Qi, surrender now!â
The soundwave from Bai Yuqingâs voice caused the surface of Slender West Lake to ripple.
Mo Qi said in a deep voice, âIgnore him. The Grand Beclouding Formation will keep the Nether Sect at bay.â
Bai Yuqing said again, âMo Qi, since the day the Clarity Sect turned into the Imperial courtâs lackeys, you shouldâve expected this outcome. If you surrender now, perhaps, our sect master will show you mercy and spare your life!â
When Mo Qi heard this, he replied, âBai Yuqing, youâre nothing but Yu Zhenghaiâs dog. The Nether Sect struck us while weâre weak, and yet, you have the gall to declare that youâll take me down?â.
âA loserâs only redeeming quality is in his cheek! Even if the Emperor himself is here, you wonât be able to survive!â Bai Yuqingâs voice was laden with indignance.
Mo Qi did not reply to this. Instead, he looked at the remaining Clarity Sectâs disciples. âIs there any news from the Seven Clarity Sons?â
âIn reply to your question, sect master, the seven Master Uncles and Elder You have yet to catch up to us. Iâm afraid things donât bode wellâŠâ
Mo Qi felt his chest tighten. He said through clenched teeth, âWhen will the reinforcements from the palace arrive?â
âWeâve sent word to the palace, but thereâs no reply as of now.â
At this moment, one of the disciples mustered up his courage and said, âSect master, although Yu Zhenghai is powerful, he has a weak point as well. Instead of waiting for our deaths, why donât weâŠâ
Mo Qi cut him off mid-sentence and coldly said, âYou want to join the Evil Sky Pavilion?â
Another disciple said, âDo you think the Evil Sky Pavilion is capable of dealing with Yu Zhenghai? That traitor founded the Nether Sect turned it into the greatest cult under the heavens. If the old villain of the Evil Sky Pavilion is truly capable, he wouldnât have allowed Yu Zhenghai to get to where he is now.â
The others sighed and shook their heads.
âLooks like we can only wait for the reinforcements from the palace⊠Even if we capture Pan Zhong, I donât think the Evil Sky Pavilion places much value on him.â
At this moment, the Clarity Sectâs disciples noticed a strange sight.
On the southern side of the skies above the park, the cultivators who hovered above Slender West Lake were turning around and running away!
The others were puzzled by this.
âSect Master, the Nether Sect is retreating!â
âThatâs wonderful! Youâre truly wise, sect master! Bai Yuqing is only using his position to bully others!â
Mo Qi frowned slightly. He looked at the flying chariot.
Bai Yuqing did not seem arrogant right now. Instead, he seemed to have transformed into another person. He scurried into the flying chariot and turned it around and fled southward!
âYou old geezer, Mo Qi, pulling a stunt like this. Iâll admit defeat. Farewell!â A wise man knew when to advance and when to retreat. Under such circumstances, the wise thing to do was retreat. Bai Yuqing said as he gave the Slender West Lake a final glance,
âFirst Seat, what do you mean by run?â Bai Yuqing said, âOh, I mean, depart!â
In just a blink of an eye, the cultivators of the Nether Sect vanished along with their flying chariot.
No matter how powerful the Grand Beclouding Formation was, it was immobile. Surely there was no need to fear it to this extent?
At this moment, one of the disciples pointed north and cried out, âWait! Whatâs that?â
To the north of Slender West Lake, in the skies above the boundary between the forest and mountain, a meteor-like flying chariot was fast approaching. âThe Evil Sky Pavilion?â Mo Qiâs chest tightened, an ominous feeling rose in his heart. He staggered backward. He looked miserable at this moment. No wonder the Nether Sect had turned tail and ran away. The Evil Sky Pavilionâs chariot was here!
When the cloud-splitting chariot was above Slender West Lake, it suddenly pitched forward before it slowly stabilized. It was moving very slowly at this moment.
âWhat does the Evil Sky Pavilion mean by this?â
Mo Qi gritted his teeth. He pressed a palm against his chest and said, âThis is too much!â
Meanwhile, on the cloud-splitting chariot.
Duanmu Sheng gave the sorry-looking Pan Litian and Leng Luo a sheepish look and said, âI didnât decelerate well enough. Sorry about that.â
Lu Zhou had his cultivation base so he was not affected. It was easy to maintain his balance with his Divine Court realm cultivation base.
âMaster, Slender West Park is up ahead.â