Volume One: Youths Meet in Humble Times Chapter Five: Behind the Clouds of Suspicion, Undercurrents Stir

The three quickly arrived at the small town ahead, and as they were about to land, several beams of white light suddenly shot up from below. Shui Linglong flicked her sleeve, sending them crashing to the ground—arrows, it turned out. Shui Linglong descended first and found several soldiers waiting. Lie Yankong and Lu Ming followed just behind.

Before Lie Yankong could ask anything, one of the soldiers sternly demanded, "Who are you?"

Shui Linglong and Lu Ming remained silent, but Lie Yankong, accustomed to dealings with cultivators where a badge or a declaration of sect often sufficed, pondered whether these commoners would recognize his status. After some deliberation, he replied, "We are travelers from Qinghe City, passing through. We noticed signs of demonic disturbances in the area and came to investigate."

The soldier did not relax at his answer and pressed further, "Do you have a travel permit for the city?"

Lie Yankong handed over a document from his sleeve—the identity detailed within was, of course, fabricated. He hadn't expected it would actually be useful. The soldier inspected it and, finding it legitimate, ceased his questioning. Bowing, he said, "I am Zheng Yan, leader of this squad. Forgive my earlier rudeness, esteemed immortals."

Lie Yankong waved him off, "No harm done."

Zheng Yan, a little excited, asked, "Are you here to help resolve the disaster and the demon chaos?"

Lie Yankong did not answer directly but asked, "Has the city lord not sent anyone to deal with the demons?"

Zheng Yan sighed, "There were arrangements, but those sent suffered heavy casualties, and the matter was left unresolved."

Lie Yankong, suspecting as much, shifted his inquiry, "Do you know the origin of the disaster, its cause?"

Zheng Yan, seeing Lie Yankong's earnestness, thought deeply before replying, "We hardly know such things, but rumor has it that a demon was suppressed here, and now the suppression has failed, leading to this calamity."

Lie Yankong continued, "Do you know where the demon was suppressed?"

Zheng Yan answered gravely, "Red Spring Mountain."

Upon hearing Red Spring Mountain, Lu Ming noticed Li Yu behind him visibly shrink, but now was not the time for questions.

Lie Yankong pressed on, "What are you doing here?"

Zheng Yan replied, "The city lord ordered us to patrol the towns and villages, searching for survivors to bring back to Changlin City, where they will be settled on the outskirts."

Water Linglong, unable to contain herself, asked, "Is the city lord not afraid you'll be killed by demons?"

Zheng Yan answered, "There weren't such orders before, but in the past ten days, demon activity outside Changlin City seems to have diminished, so we've been sent out to investigate. If we encounter isolated demons of lesser strength, we eliminate them. And if we find survivors, we bring them back."

Water Linglong pressed, "So, you're saying you remained hidden inside Changlin City, waiting for the danger to pass before searching for survivors?"

Zheng Yan caught the sarcasm in her words and replied coldly, "Does the immortal think we wish to hide? This is our home. We hate to see it reduced to this more than anyone. You cannot know the price we've paid even while sheltered inside the city."

Seeing a dispute about to erupt, Lie Yankong hurried to mediate, "Brothers, please don't take offense. My junior sister meant no harm—she merely wishes to know what Changlin City has faced and its current state."

With Lie Yankong's intervention, Zheng Yan relented, knowing these three might be the help Changlin desperately needed. He continued, "When disaster struck—Red Spring Mountain is not far from Changlin—our city suffered heavy losses. Later, the city lord and other immortals erected a protective formation, saving the remaining inhabitants. But for the villages, especially those closer to Red Spring Mountain, they became wastelands almost immediately."

After some further questions, the three stopped their inquiries. Li Yu, seeing their conversation end, tugged at Lu Ming's sleeve, who guessed he had something to say and led him aside.

"What is it?" Lu Ming asked.

Li Yu answered, "I know Red Spring Mountain." He hesitated, then added, "My home is there."

Lu Ming realized Li Yu might know more and called the others over.

Lie Yankong asked, "Your home is at Red Spring Mountain?"

Li Yu nodded, continuing, "What they said is true—the disaster began there. Red Spring Mountain is now a barren wasteland."

Water Linglong asked, "Why didn't you say so before?"

Li Yu replied, "I didn't want you to go and die."

Lie Yankong was curious, "How do you know we can't defeat the demon?"

Li Yu ignored Lie Yankong and spoke to Lu Ming, "Don't go. Believe me—you can't win."

Lu Ming, never considering Li Yu an ordinary child, was serious. "Why?"

Li Yu answered without hesitation, "I can see special things on people."

Lie Yankong asked, "Is it because of your eyes?"

Li Yu said, "I don't know. My eyes are naturally gray. They don't hinder my sight but let me see things others can't. I don't know if that's the reason."

Water Linglong was intrigued. "Oh? Then tell us—what do you see on us?"

Li Yu replied, "You have a layer of green light flowing over you, like moving water," he said, pointing to Water Linglong. Then, gesturing at Lie Yankong, "He has a golden aura, like the sun." To Lu Ming, "Your presence is sharp, like a mirror—bright and clear."

The three were astonished. Though Li Yu's descriptions seemed ordinary, it was remarkable for a child to perceive the essence of their cultivation methods and traits so accurately. If he began cultivation himself, what else might he see? In front of Li Yu, it seemed, there were no secrets.

After a brief shock, Lu Ming looked at him deeply. "That's not enough. Why do you think, just by seeing these, that we can't win?"

Li Yu answered, "In the past two months, the demon in Red Spring Mountain has grown stronger. I see a dense blackness there, getting darker by the day. The past two days, it's terrifying. The light on you isn't as thick as what covers that place. You're no match for it."

The three were silent for a moment. Lie Yankong asked Lu Ming, "What do you think?"

Lu Ming pondered, "I find it credible."

Lie Yankong and Water Linglong said no more. As sword embryos, they knew Lu Ming's judgment was trustworthy. If he believed Li Yu, then the boy's words were likely true.

But would they turn back? Certainly not. Had they not encountered this, perhaps they would have ignored it, but now, having come across it, they could not stand by. Their mutual understanding was forged long ago—even without words, they knew each other's decisions. Besides, to retreat without trying would impede their path to the Dao.

Li Yu seemed to sense their resolve and, unwilling to watch them die in vain, lifted his gaze with certainty. "Don't go."

Lu Ming brushed his hair, and for once, the expressionless Lu Ming smiled at him. "Don't be afraid. We'll be prepared."

They planned to see the city lord first for more details. Before leaving, they entrusted Li Yu to the soldiers, "Please look after him. We'll return tonight."

After instructing them, they flew toward Changlin City. The soldiers, knowing the importance, were careful with Li Yu. Zheng Yan was curious about the boy's identity and probed, but when Li Yu sat motionless, silent as a statue, all curiosity faded.

Soon, the three arrived at Changlin City. As Zheng Yan had said, a city-protecting formation shielded it, though it was weakening with time. They wondered, if they hadn't come, would all the city's residents perish if things went awry?

The gate captain, seeing sword-riding cultivators approach, felt excitement but kept his composure—Changlin could not afford further losses. "May I ask where the immortals come from?" he asked calmly.

Lie Yankong transmitted his answer through magical voice. The captain was delighted but remained stoic, then came out alone to meet them. Seeing Lie Yankong's token, he knew the claim was true and bowed, "Please follow me, immortals."

As they approached Changlin, Wu Shouzhong, the city lord, knew of their arrival. He realized someone would soon be scapegoated—and that someone could only be him. He wrote a final testament, leaving instructions.

Upon setting down his pen, he felt a sudden release. Continuing as city lord seemed meaningless—unable to protect the people, his death would not be unjustified. He removed his official robes and hat, placing them and his city seal on the desk.

When the three entered, he knelt and bowed, "Greetings, envoys."

Lie Yankong glanced at the items on the desk and remarked wryly, "City lord, you seem aware of your guilt."

The accompanying captain, at first confused by the city lord's actions, was angered, "What do you mean? Is this to make my lord a scapegoat?"

Before he could say more, Wu Shouzhong waved him silent, "Leave." The captain wanted to protest, but the city lord's fierce gaze deterred him. The days defending the city had given Wu Shouzhong a certain severity; the captain swallowed his indignation and withdrew.

"Rise. Kneeling makes conversation difficult."

Wu Shouzhong obeyed, standing respectfully below.

Lie Yankong asked directly, "Why didn't you report the situation?"

Wu Shouzhong replied with a bitter, melancholic smile, "Would reporting have helped?"

They could all hear the resignation, despair, and death wish in his words. Those in high positions rarely explained themselves. Lu Ming, once poor, was no longer naive, and knew that even one's own eyes could be deceived, let alone hearsay.

Positions are relative; now, Lie Yankong and his companions were high above Wu Shouzhong, but he too had once held authority over others. He knew the minds of those in power and what was expected of them. The more he thought, the more meaningless it all seemed.

"I reported the disaster immediately, but no one came."

Water Linglong interjected, "I recall this territory is governed by the Yellow Spring Sect."

Wu Shouzhong showed no emotion, "I went there. Their sect master is in closed seclusion."

"Foolish. At a time like this, you simply accept the sect master's retreat and do nothing?"

Lie Yankong said, "Calm yourself, junior sister. Let the city lord finish."

Wu Shouzhong continued, "The first time I went, I couldn't get in—he was in seclusion. Later, the entire sect activated their mountain barrier, sealing themselves off. No one could enter or leave."

The three realized then that things were far from simple. Lie Yankong exchanged a glance with Water Linglong, who nodded and stepped out.

Lie Yankong continued, "How are the outer defenses of Changlin organized?"

Wu Shouzhong replied, "I coordinated with neighboring counties to set up defenses. Since I couldn't resolve the disaster, I couldn't let it spread."

Lu Ming asked, "Why didn't the other counties help?"

Wu Shouzhong answered, "If the Yellow Spring Sect won't act, do you think others will help?"

Water Linglong soon returned. Lie Yankong asked, "What did you find?"

She answered, "Complete lockdown. No entry or exit."

Her reply made it clear—the Yellow Spring Sect had fully sealed themselves off, forming an independent domain. Unless forcibly breached, entry was impossible until they reopened.

Lie Yankong pressed, "What's the story with Red Spring Mountain?"

Wu Shouzhong answered, "When the disaster began, I sent people to investigate—but none returned. Judging from the past six months, a drought demon was being nurtured in Red Spring Mountain. Six months ago, it must have formed its core, triggering the disaster."

Water Linglong asked, "Even a core-formed drought demon is only a century old. As city lord, you seem to have Seventh Realm cultivation. How could you not destroy such a demon?"

Wu Shouzhong did not argue, replying calmly, "If it were an ordinary century-old drought demon, I could have handled it myself. No need for the Yellow Spring Sect's help, nor would matters have deteriorated so."

Lie Yankong asked, "So it's not ordinary. If it was born naturally, it could be destroyed. But what if it was raised deliberately?"

For the first time, Wu Shouzhong lifted his head, his gaze heavy upon the three, "I would never do such a thing—nor stoop so low."

Water Linglong replied coldly, "Whether you did it matters less than whether it involves you."

Wu Shouzhong grew colder, "Since you already know, why ask? I only hope, when you find your scapegoat, you don't forget to solve the disaster. Lives matter most."

Lie Yankong heard the subtext, but he wouldn't judge hastily. Human nature is fickle—loyalty or treachery, good or evil, all wear masks.

He said, "We'll visit Red Spring Mountain. Take my token, and by any means, report the situation to the Imperial Capital."

Wu Shouzhong, surprised by their decision, was dazed, accepting the token mechanically. As they were about to leave, he finally couldn't help but ask, "Are you really going to Red Spring Mountain?"

Water Linglong said, "You're not the only one who cares about the people."

Lie Yankong added, "We'll investigate personally. If you have no involvement, you won't be scapegoated. But if you are even slightly complicit, we will not spare you."

At this, all four understood. Wu Shouzhong never expected anyone would come to save them, or that they would act fairly. For the first time in thirty years, he felt tears welling in his eyes. "Please, be cautious. This is no simple matter. The drought demon is formidable, but more terrible is the sinister hand manipulating events from the shadows."

Lie Yankong looked at him deeply, leaving one last comment as he departed on his sword, "Integrity is a virtue for officials, but when facing superiors, the proper attitude is necessary. Only by holding your position can you do more for the people."

Wu Shouzhong smiled bitterly. Did he not know this? But when one believes death is imminent, why bow and scrape, why flatter and fawn?