Chapter 1716 So Close!
After their conversation, they headed straight for Mount Wuwang. Along the way, they encountered numerous ambushes and blockades. Fortunately, they did not run into any of the Ten Yama Kings, only their subordinate Ghost Kings. Thanks to the presence of the Red Robe Queen, they did not face significant resistance.
Chen Xuan also received news that his father, Chen Jianhua, was still engaged in a fierce battle with the Ten Yama Kings, a conflict that was shaking the very foundations of the world. Furthermore, another individual had joined the fray: the Chen family’s Old Ancestor! Chen Xuan wished he could witness it firsthand, but that was not his battleground. Even if he went now, he would merely be fodder.
Finally, after a long journey, crossing at least seven or eight regions, they saw a mountain range. It was a towering range that stretched as far as the eye could see. However, the mountains were entirely dark, making it impossible to discern their specific features, only their immense size and height. Was that Mount Wuwang?
Suddenly, a cry of desperate anguish rang out: "Sister, you mustn't die! You absolutely cannot be harmed. If something happens to you, how can I live alone!" Chen Xuan abruptly turned his head and saw Ao Mu crying loudly, cradling the figure of Ao Doudou. Around them were several familiar faces. There was the East Sea Divine Nun and her disciple, Li Meixue. Both were in tattered, blood-stained clothes, appearing to have just emerged from a fierce battle.
Also present were the Daoist master, Master Qianyuan of the Qian Yuan Sect, and his disciple, Fu Yu. However, Master Qianyuan was severely wounded, with a gaping hole in his chest. His life force was fading, sustained only by a sliver of his true essence. Beside him, Fu Yu wept uncontrollably, his face etched with sorrow.
"Fu Yu, from now on, you are the sect leader of the Qian Yuan Sect. I hope the sect will not be lost to the river of time, but rather flourish and prosper," Master Qianyuan said, handing a token to Fu Yu.
"No, I don't want the token. I don't want to be the sect leader. I just want Master Uncle to live!" Fu Yu sobbed, wiping tears from his eyes.
"Everyone has their destiny. My destiny is to remain here!" Master Qianyuan sighed. He had harbored an ominous premonition before arriving, and it had now come to pass.
"You can't die yet!" Chen Xuan and the others rushed forward.
"Chen Xuan?" Master Qianyuan looked at Chen Xuan with surprise and a flicker of joy. The others also turned their gazes towards him.
"Chen Xuan, if you can save my Master Uncle, I will do anything you ask!" Fu Yu said excitedly to Chen Xuan. Previously, he had harbored immense hatred for Chen Xuan, believing him responsible for his master’s death. However, the truth had since come to light: his master’s demise was not Chen Xuan’s fault; in fact, Chen Xuan had saved his master. At the time, Fu Yu had been unwilling to accept this, which led him to blame Chen Xuan. Now, his only hope was to seek Chen Xuan's help, as no one else could save his Master Uncle’s life.
"You are not in a position to ask me," Chen Xuan said coldly.
"You refuse to save my Master Uncle?"
"Of course, I will save him, but not for your sake. I will save Master Qianyuan," Chen Xuan stated calmly.
"I understand. As long as you can save my Master Uncle, I don't care what it takes," Fu Yu replied. He knew Chen Xuan was still angry with him, but he no longer cared. He had been wrong before.
Chen Xuan immediately used his silver needles to stabilize Master Qianyuan’s life. However, Master Qianyuan was too severely injured to accompany the group to Mount Wuwang. Next, Chen Xuan tended to Ao Doudou. Ao Doudou’s condition was even more critical than Master Qianyuan’s. Fortunately, Chen Xuan’s intervention was timely; otherwise, she would have certainly perished.
"What exactly happened just now?" Chen Xuan asked.
Ao Mu quickly replied, "It was people from the Dragon Gate!"
"The Dragon Gate? How do you know it was people from the Dragon Gate?" Chen Xuan inquired.
"They admitted it themselves, and their clothes were also a giveaway. They are the ones who killed my entire family. Even if they turned to ash, I would recognize them!" Ao Mu gritted his teeth, his eyes reddened.
"Why did they attack you?" Chen Xuan asked.
Ao Mu explained, "They were probably after that ancient jade. After injuring us, they searched us for the ancient jade, but they didn't find it, so they left."
"So that’s what happened," Chen Xuan seemed to understand. The ancient jade was crucial for finding the immortal artifact, and the Dragon Gate sought to gather all the pieces of the jade, which was why they had attacked them. Unfortunately for them, they did not possess the ancient jade; all of it was now with Chen Xuan.
"Chen Xuan, Master Qianyuan and the Ao family members are all severely injured. I doubt they can accompany us to Mount Wuwang."
"I agree. It seems that is the only way," Chen Xuan replied. "Ao Mu, you stay and take care of your sister. Fu Yu, you stay and look after Master Qianyuan. Once they have recovered a bit, you should return to the human world."
Fu Yu nodded, but Ao Mu firmly stated, "Mr. Chen, I will not!"
"What is it?"
"I entered the Bronze Gate not to seek an immortal artifact, but to avenge my Ao family. I hope Mr. Chen will take me with you!" Ao Mu declared, gritting his teeth. Ao Doudou added, "I can go back with Master Qianyuan. Let my brother accompany you."
Chen Xuan shook his head. "No."
"Why!" Ao Mu protested. Chen Xuan gently rubbed Ao Mu’s hair and said, "Ao Mu, don't worry. Not a single member of the Dragon Gate will escape. I will help you get revenge for the Ao family and for all those killed within the Xuan Gate. You must believe me."
"Really?"
"Pinky promise!" Chen Xuan extended his finger.
"I... I believe you!" Ao Mu extended his hand and linked it with Chen Xuan's in a pinky promise.
"By the way, why don't I see Tianyi Daoren?" Chen Xuan asked, frowning.
"Tianyi Daoren... Tianyi Daoren fell into the Yellow Springs midway. It's likely... he's finished," Master Qianyuan said.
"Alas!" Chen Xuan sighed. Before even entering Mount Wuwang, more than half of their team had been lost, casting a shadow over this expedition. However, even so, it would not deter them from their goal of reaching Mount Wuwang. Thus, Chen Xuan, the Pure Sound Nun, the Disheveled Daoist, the East Sea Divine Nun, and Li Meixue set off towards Mount Wuwang.
"Chen family boy, is this the way to Mount Wuwang? Don't lead us astray!" the East Sea Divine Nun said with a displeased expression. Mount Wuwang was clearly visible ahead, yet they had been walking for half a day without getting any closer to the mountain range. Chen Xuan rolled his eyes. Was this East Sea Divine Nun suffering from menstrual issues? Why was she so ill-tempered all the time? No, considering the East Sea Divine Nun’s age, she had likely gone through menopause!
"Boy, what are you looking at?"
"Nothing." Chen Xuan scoffed.
"I'm asking you, is this the way to Mount Wuwang?"
"Why don't you lead the way?" Chen Xuan retorted directly. The East Sea Divine Nun’s face turned red and then pale with anger. If it weren't for her reliance on Chen Xuan, she would have attacked him by now.
"Brother Chen Xuan, when will we reach Mount Wuwang?" Li Meixue asked.
Chen Xuan replied, "Mount Wuwang is right in front of us. We should be there soon."
"Brother Chen Xuan, but we've been walking for most of the day, and it feels like Mount Wuwang is so far away," Li Meixue said. Hearing this, Chen Xuan also realized the seriousness of the situation. He narrowed his eyes and observed their surroundings.