Three days later, Yun Jin City welcomed its annual Autumn Fireworks Festival.
The Fireworks Festival was a long-standing grand event in Yun Jin City.
Firstly, it was to celebrate the harvest. All major clans would simultaneously set off fireworks at designated times. Gradually, this activity not only became a symbol of the clans' wealth but also a confession day for young men and women. Secondly, as summer transitioned to autumn, humid environments fostered the growth of plagues and viruses. To ward off malevolent spirits such as plagues and diseases, the ancient, magnificent, and romantic activity of setting off fireworks was adopted.
On this day, no one was allowed to drive, smoke, or turn on any lighting such as electric lights or neon lights until the Fireworks Festival concluded.
After nightfall, the streets were filled with people of all sorts. Young men and women had already prepared gifts for each other. The scent of rose petals wafted through the night sky, creating a sea of flowers that ebbed and flowed, filling the entire city with a romantic atmosphere.
However, they were unaware that at this very moment, on the peak of one of the three forbidden mountains in the southwest, a long-planned rescue operation had quietly begun.
Six figures in black advanced rapidly through the dense, vast forest. The shadows of the trees flew by, and the dark clouds in the sky seemed to move rapidly with them.
"Brother Liu, since it's the Saintess succession ceremony, attempting to rescue Liu Furong in broad daylight is just wishful thinking," Yu Nu said, following behind Liu Yu. Her expression was hidden by a black veil.
"That's right, so our only chance is to intercept Liu Furong on the road leading to Lin Xian Lou."
As soon as Liu Yu finished speaking, Tu Xing Sun chimed in, "I say, you all go back. I'll be enough to break through that damn Lin Xian Lou and rescue Sister Furong."
"If it were on flat ground or in sandy soil, your method might work. But unfortunately, the density of the rock strata here is such that even if you drill your head through, you might not be able to dislodge a single rock, let alone a Lin Xian Lou that tall."
"Yes, yes. I'm afraid by the time you drill through Lin Xian Lou, Liu Furong will have already turned into a beauty turned to withered bones."
"Pah! You might as well say I'll croak halfway through, saving the trouble of burying my bones in the earth. Then I'll just kick the bucket right here, won't I?"
Tu Xing Sun's words elicited loud laughter from several people. However, although they had not yet reached the territory of Chi Xiao Sect, the group maintained a sense of discipline. After their laughter subsided, a deathly silence fell upon them again.
After about half an hour, the six individuals, following the map provided in the intelligence, navigated back and forth, winding their way through a waterfall that cascaded downwards. Upon exiting the cave, they entered the Chi Xiao Sect territory, which resembled a hidden paradise.
The stream gurgled, and the maple trees on both banks were as red as fire, stretching to the end of the stream where large patches of creeping chrysanthemums were nestled amongst them, their red, yellow, green, and blue hues creating an incomparably vibrant scene.
The group proceeded cautiously, following the map to the end of the stream, which marked the main entrance of the Chi Xiao Sect. To the left stood a cliff carved by knives and axes, and to the right, a winding stone staircase that led directly to Lin Xian Lou. The area below the midpoint was for disciples' activities, while the area above the midpoint was heavily guarded with sentries every five paces and watchmen every ten paces.
"According to the time, all disciples should be attending the 'succession' ceremony right now, which is the best time for us to act. Everyone, try to hold your breath and make no unusual noises. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, stop immediately."
After Liu Yu finished speaking, the group formed a long, serpentine formation and proceeded directly across the stream. The magnificent Chi Xiao Sect appeared before them all.
The sect was entered through a 'gate' constructed from three massive white jade pillars. Above the gate was a black plaque, about five or six meters long, inscribed with the majestic characters "赤霄宗" (Chi Xiao Sect) in golden paint. The stone steps were about two meters wide, winding upwards like a giant dragon, with mist weaving through them, giving one the illusion of walking on clouds.
Liu Yu had been here before and appeared quite composed. The other five, however, marveled at the sight. Even Qi Da Xian, who had some understanding of feng shui and geomancy, was momentarily awestruck by the imposing grey buildings.
The group suppressed their impatience and ascended the steps. They didn't know what the steps were made of, but with each step, they produced a sound like the tinkling of a spring. After a few steps, Liu Yu stopped them.
"There are guards ahead. I'll handle it."
Liu Yu's innate ability manifested, and he disappeared without a trace. About half a minute later, he reappeared before them and made an "okay" gesture. The five then proceeded up the mountain path.
After about three to four minutes, flashes of fire appeared, as if seen through mist. A large grey building was faintly visible nestled above the peaks, resembling a lurking beast, and solemn voices could be heard approaching.
The group did not delay. Led by Liu Yu, they quickly found the mountain path on the right. Reaching the midpoint, Liu Yu signaled them to stop again. After hiding, he intended to repeat his previous action to check the guard situation.
However, when he concealed himself and arrived at the sentry post, he found no one there except for the flickering firelight. Just as he was wondering if the night guards had also gone to attend the Saintess succession ceremony, suddenly, firelight flared up all around, and twenty to thirty men in black robes appeared in the flames!
The situation escalated unexpectedly, and the group's hearts immediately chilled. They quickly huddled together, ready for battle!
"Several days ago, Master sensed an intruder in Chi Xiao Sect and discovered strange footprints on the stone steps leading to Lin Xian Lou. He predicted that they intended to harm our Saintess. We expected to wait for several days, and sure enough, on this important day, we have caught you nameless villains red-handed!"
After swiftly rejoining the group, Liu Yu casually said, "Plan B." Yu Nu, receiving the order, raised her hands. Her fair arms, like white scallions in the thin mist, began to chant. Suddenly, a continuous drizzle began on the mountainside!
The twenty to thirty men were taken aback. However, before they could process their surprise, the raindrops that fell on them immediately solidified into tiny ice crystals, which in turn transformed into massive crystal ice walls!
"Since covert acquisition has failed, we have no choice but to resort to open theft!"
The six, with the combined abilities of Crystal Woman and Yu Nu, blocked the twenty to thirty men and were about to take this opportunity to enter the sect's forbidden area from the slope of the dense forest on the left, when a slightly aged voice boomed from above them, like thunder!
"Stay where you are!"
The six covered their ears, but the sound wave seemed not to travel through their ears but directly into their skulls, disorienting them!
"Those who trespass forbidden ground shall be killed without mercy!"
The lingering echo sounded like thunder from a clear sky. The six, being individuals with special abilities, already had weak internal energy. Under the attack of this sound wave, they immediately collapsed to the ground.