Step by Step Ascend to Immortality

Chapter 14: Attack

"This time, Yunlong really showed some heart!"Yu Changkong, who rarely praised anyone, stroked his long beard and nodded in approval. "He's done right by the people."The disciples eagerly chimed in, their voices overlapping with admiration. "Master, Yunlong truly showed his loyalty this time, bringing all the brothers back safely!""Loyalty? I'd say he's worthy of being called a man of honor!""Well said! Not only did Yunlong show loyalty, but he also displayed both wisdom and bravery. Who would've expected him to circle back and catch them by surprise? It's no wonder he's Aunt Lan's son!""That counterattack was brilliant! Thankfully, you, Master, knew Yunlong's character so well, allowing us this chance to see him. Aunt Lan would be proud."Yu Changkong continued to stroke his beard, his other hand resting on his sword. A disciple suddenly commented, "If Aunt Lan were still around, I bet you, Master, would've charged in fury to avenge her!"Yu Changkong's grip tightened on his sword. "What nonsense! I'm only looking out for an old friend's kin... Besides, that's all in the past now."He instructed firmly, "No one is to speak of what happened today. Even though we don't rely on the Tianyi Gang to survive, Ma Qianjun has eyes and ears everywhere. Be cautious!""Or we'll all suffer the consequences!" Yu Changkong wasn't just issuing a warning; he knew well the power of the Tianyi Gang, not to mention the backing of the Pang family. Having accepted the Tianma Gang's token but secretly helping Liu Suiyun, they couldn't afford any leaks. "Understood?""Yes, Master!""Yes, Master! We understand!""But, Master, why waste so many words?" a sharp disciple interjected, already guessing Liu Suiyun's next move. "To avoid pursuit, Yunlong must be taking the hidden path you've shown him, right? That's the only way out now!"It was indeed a secluded mountain trail, discovered by Yu Changkong after much hardship. Though it appeared treacherous, it was usually safe. Yu Changkong was certain that Yunlong would lead Gu Yinghua along this path. "Yunlong knows the way," he said. "Just remember, keep your mouths shut."These were all disciples Yu Changkong had personally trained, and they had a rapport with Liu Suiyun. There shouldn't be any issues. But in the next moment, Yu Changkong gasped as he counted his disciples. One, two, three, four, five... He counted again. One, two, three, four, five... still five. His hand shook as he gripped his sword. "Where's Shuangping? Where's Shuangping?"A moment later, the truth dawned on him. "That damned traitor!"Meanwhile, Liu Suiyun was already carrying Gu Yinghua's litter along a rugged mountain path. The way was treacherous; sometimes, there wasn't even a path, forcing Liu Suiyun to lift the litter high. At times, he and Huo Qianshu had to scale steep cliffs, carefully carrying the litter, only to slide down from the summit. Other times, they had to swim across deep valleys or leap like agile monkeys between mountain ridges, tossing ropes down afterward. In other moments, they ventured through pitch-black forests where even their hands were invisible.Gu Yinghua had never felt so burdensome. She wished she could help Liu Suiyun and Huo Qianshu, but there was nothing she could do. All she could do was sit in the swaying litter, watching Liu Suiyun's soaked back.The scenery was breathtaking, with lush mountains and clear waters, but Gu Yinghua dared not look up at the sky. She feared her nightmares would repeat, with something terrifying flying overhead. So, she kept her eyes fixed on Liu Suiyun's back, now wet from river water, and laden with burdens.She noticed two heavy satchels. If she remembered correctly, one of them had been given by Yu Changkong, filled with Liu Suiyun's favorite dried sausages, smoked meat, and sweet pastries. She also knew that inside was a map of Luoxing Mountain, personally drawn by Yu Changkong, which Liu Suiyun was now following.What she didn't know was that Yu Changkong had also packed various medicines, some for warding off insects in the mountain and others essential for martial artists, like wound salves and restorative pills.Aside from these heavy satchels, Liu Suiyun also carried a two-foot-long short sword. Gu Yinghua had never seen him use it, but she guessed it was his secret weapon. There was also a small black cloth bundle, said to contain the tablet of Liu Suiyun's mother.It was clear that Liu Suiyun deeply respected his mother. When they crossed the gorge, Liu Suiyun had gotten soaked, but that small black bundle remained dry. Yet Gu Yinghua couldn't help but wonder why Liu Suiyun only carried his mother's tablet. Did his father mistreat him?Ahead was a thorny thicket, and Gu Yinghua felt a pang of guilt for both Liu Suiyun and Huo Qianshu. Seeing Liu Suiyun struggling with seventy or eighty pounds of gear while carrying her litter made her resent her own weight, even her very existence.Why did she have to look up at the sky? If she hadn't, they wouldn't be in this miserable situation! Watching Liu Suiyun laboriously take each step, Gu Yinghua wished she could share some of his burden. "Liu Suiyun, Uncle Huo, slow down. I'd like to take a break."Liu Suiyun's supposed suffering was only in Gu Yinghua's imagination. In fact, he felt in peak condition, as if he'd returned to his prime three years ago. It was all thanks to the rare fragrant pill Gu Yinghua had given him, a divine pill meant for cultivators at the Golden Core or even Nascent Soul stage. That he was lucky enough to experience its effects was truly a blessing. "Miss Gu, no need to worry. We've already lost a day's journey, so we must take this shortcut to make up for it."Huo Qianshu chimed in from behind, "Yunlong chose a great path. It looks dangerous, but it's actually quite safe. No wonder they call him the prodigy who turned Luoxing Mountain into his backyard at seventeen."Hearing this, Liu Suiyun couldn't help but smile. "You flatter me. I've only explored Luoxing Mountain a few times. This path was discovered by Master Yu Changkong. By the way, since we're traveling together, may I ask, why is the Pang family after you, Miss Gu?"Gu Yinghua could answer any question Liu Suiyun asked, but this one stumped her. She frowned in deep thought before replying, "I'm not sure why the Pang family suddenly decided to hunt me down, killing all my attendants. Thankfully, Uncle Huo helped me escape. They shouldn't have dared to offend me."Liu Suiyun accepted her explanation. "Pang Tianshan has always been unpredictable. We were once close with the Pang family, almost inseparable. But the day before the incident, Madam was going to invite Pang Tianshan to our home. The next day, out of nowhere, they turned on us viciously... Sigh..."Gu Yinghua had heard some things about the upheaval within the Gu family. Betraying a former ally was one thing, but what was most humiliating was that they had failed miserably, even when they held the advantage.The key to that miraculous turnaround was someone everyone had dismissed: Yan Ruojiang, a man seen as nothing more than a jester, who was favored by Madam Yan but had no real talents beyond money-grubbing. Yet, in the face of disaster, Yan Ruojiang had stood firm, his unwavering loyalty to the Gu family turning the tide against the Pang family, who took over a year to claim a shaky victory. Since then, a popular saying among the noble families of Han was, "A Yan Ruojiang is worth more than a Foundation Establishment."But Gu Yinghua recalled that Liu Suiyun didn't think highly of Yan Ruojiang. Instead, he admired Xu Zhaori, the second of the "Four Dogs of the Gu Family," who had gained fame during that turmoil. "I can't figure it out either," Gu Yinghua sighed. "But once we reach Yuan Prefecture, I'll find a way to crush the Pang family. Pang Tianshan may be at the Foundation Establishment stage, but how dare he provoke me?""Miss Gu! I knew you must have powerful connections," Liu Suiyun said cheerfully. "We just need to reach Yuan Prefecture?""Yes, once we're there, my brother will meet us. Is this path safe?""Only Master Yu and I know this route," Liu Suiyun said as they passed through a pine forest and ascended another hill. His steps were steady. "Ma Qianjun would have to expend considerable effort to reach this far.""Don't worry!" Huo Qianshu reassured. "This path takes us deep into Luoxing Mountain. Without Liu guiding us, we'd be in serious trouble."As he spoke, Liu Suiyun carried the litter up to the mountain's peak, ready to slide down the slope with it on his shoulders. Gu Yinghua blinked in anticipation, eager for the thrill of sliding down the mountain with the

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