Volume Two – The Map of Nine Provinces Revealed, Joining the Spirit Ruins Chapter 115: Setting Out for Great Qing

Two men and two women approached next, each with cultivation levels above the First Yuan Realm. A sharp gleam shone in their eyes, clearly indicating their formidable strength.

“Is that Senior Brother Zhu Gui and his group?” Su Han and the others couldn’t help but call out. Yet Wu Yue frowned involuntarily.

“General Hong Dong, when do we depart?” As soon as the four arrived, they inquired. Judging by their exchange, they were already acquainted.

“The Princess will arrive shortly, then we will set off immediately,” the guard respectfully replied. “Mr. Zhu, please wait a moment.”

Zhu Gui nodded calmly, though a trace of eager anticipation still lingered on his face.

“Wu Yue, do you know them?” Chen Yu asked softly.

“Sort of,” Wu Yue whispered. “But Chen Yu, be careful with this one. Don’t offend him. He’s not as courteous as he looks—his tolerance is quite limited.”

Chen Yu smiled awkwardly, pondering the story behind this. But since their connection was only through this mission, he didn’t expect any surprises.

Seeing Chen Yu’s indifferent response, Wu Yue didn’t press further. Instead, she said, “Just call me Wu Yue. Adding ‘Senior Sister’ feels awkward. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll surpass me.”

Chen Yu had no objection and agreed.

After a while, Wu Yi announced, “Princess Muyang has arrived.”

They turned to see a graceful woman in a flowing green robe, her face veiled lightly, approaching with measured elegance.

“Princess Muyang…” Upon seeing her, Zhu Gui stepped forward cheerfully, his smile radiant like a blooming flower.

Princess Muyang bowed slightly in proper etiquette. “Thank you for your efforts, Senior Brother Zhu Gui.”

“Haha… Princess Muyang, no need for formalities. If you need anything, just call on me directly. Why bother issuing a formal mission?” Zhu Gui said with a self-satisfied grin.

The princess smiled politely in return, but Chen Yu could still perceive her subtle resistance and distance toward Zhu Gui.

“Princess Muyang!” Wu Yue and the others also stepped forward to greet her.

“Oh, Wu Yue, it’s you!” The princess smiled as if seeing a close friend. “You’ve accepted my mission as well.”

“Heh… can’t help it. Cultivation’s tight, gotta earn some pocket money,” Wu Yue joked self-deprecatingly.

“Miss Wu, when did you ever lack funds?” The princess laughed, unconvinced. “Are you going home to see your family?”

Wu Yue didn’t hide it. “Yes, I haven’t been back in two years. This is a good opportunity.”

Princess Muyang expressed no displeasure, rather understanding.

“By the way, Princess, I want to introduce someone to you,” Wu Yue said.

“Oh? Who?” The princess replied casually, not particularly attentive.

But Zhu Gui beside them grew displeased and jealous. Having already met Wu Yue and her group before, he suspected the person Wu Yue mentioned was a man.

“Wu Yue, Princess Muyang is a noble lady, not just anyone can get close. Who knows if this person you mention harbors ill intentions?” Zhu Gui sneered with discontent.

Wu Yue’s expression darkened instantly, thinking, What do you mean? Can’t you tell if someone’s intentions are sincere or not?

“Senior Brother Zhu Gui, you worry too much. Wu Yue’s friends are my friends. It’s best not to speak so recklessly,” Princess Muyang said with a tone that betrayed mild displeasure, implying Zhu Gui was meddling unnecessarily.

“Princess…” Zhu Gui, unaware of his misstep, wanted to argue, but Wu Yue had already led Princess Muyang to Chen Yu and began the introductions.

“Junior Brother Chen Yu, pleased to meet you,” the princess said with newfound interest. “I’ve heard of your single strike victory in front of the Demon Suppression Hall. Meeting you today, you truly are extraordinary.”

She was not flattering him. Though it was their first meeting, Princess Muyang sensed an air of nobility about Chen Yu, which made her suspect his identity was not simple.

“You flatter me, Princess. I’m just an ordinary disciple of Lingxu,” Chen Yu replied with a smile.

“Chen Yu? I’ve heard of you! The one who defeated Lü Jie with a single move—quite a feat,” Zhu Gui stepped forward, speaking indifferently.

Chen Yu frowned, puzzled. I bear you no grudge, so why the hostility?

But since the other harbored ill intent, Chen Yu saw no reason to be polite. He replied coolly, “A trivial technique, nothing worth mentioning.”

Zhu Gui snorted coldly, unwilling to engage further, or rather, simply not regarding Chen Yu as worth his attention.

At that moment, the guard Hong Dong hurried over. “Princess, everything is ready. We can depart.”

“Very well… since it’s getting late, let’s set off.” Princess Muyang then turned to Wu Yue and the others. “Wu Yue, the journey is long. Come sit beside me and chat.”

“Heh… sure,” Wu Yue agreed happily.

The group set out.

Since Chen Yu and the others had accepted the mission, they naturally followed Hong Dong’s arrangements. But as they were not a unified team, Hong Dong did not impose strict orders. After all, he was merely borrowing their combat strength. In contrast, the Da Qing team was disciplined and followed orders precisely.

Their pace was steady but not fast. After several days, the journey remained peaceful; no careless enemies dared to threaten them. Everyone’s mood relaxed considerably.

Except for Chen Yu. From Hong Dong’s expression, he sensed that as they moved further from Lingxu, they grew more cautious, not less. Every route they took was carefully considered.

“It seems this trip won’t be too calm,” Chen Yu thought silently. But for now, he only knew it was an escort mission and lacked deeper understanding, so had no concrete strategy.

Determined not to waste time, Chen Yu practiced cultivation even while riding, attuned to the shifts in heaven and earth, alert to his surroundings.

Among the Thirty-Six Heavenly Techniques, many Taoist methods remained uncomprehended. Why not use this chance to grasp one or two, to be fully prepared?

He recalled the techniques, ultimately choosing two: the Great Escape of the Five Elements and the True Thunder Technique.

As the names suggest, the Great Escape of the Five Elements involves elemental magic for offense, defense, and swift retreat—a formidable technique. The True Thunder Technique is a five-element thunder art, related to the Great Escape, which also influenced Chen Yu’s choice.

Yet mastering both was difficult, even for someone as gifted as Chen Yu. But he was not anxious; if progress came, great; if not, no need to force it.

Thus, while others relaxed, Chen Yu began a focused, rigorous cultivation in silence.