Jiaoyu Town was a small village adjacent to He County. The combined population of He County and Jiaoyu Town likely did not exceed five hundred. The villagers farmed and wove cloth, living in peace with the world, making this place akin to a utopia. The area primarily raised yellow cattle, which grew exceptionally robust here, and their tripe was particularly renowned for its exquisite flavor. Thus, Jiaoyu Town's tripe had gained widespread fame, and despite its small population, its reputation was considerable. Sixteen years ago, someone from Luoyang came and built a tavern called "Beauty Abode," serving guests with beauties from Jiangnan, paired with ice wine from the snowy mountains, rustic dishes, and a hundred ways to prepare yellow cattle—truly a feast for the senses. The spicy and numbing tripe was especially famous far and wide. Ten years ago, Fang Pingzhai had been fond of this spicy tripe, which was why he invited the Seven Cloud Traveling Guests to drink at Beauty Abode. Over the decade, Beauty Abode had undergone several renovations, and its scale was now incomparable to what it had been back then.
There were still two days left before the one-month deadline set by the black-clad man from Shaolin Temple. Already, hundreds of martial artists from various sects had gathered near Beauty Abode, each group keeping to themselves without interference. Everyone knew that their fellow sect members had fallen victim to the Ape-Demon Nine Heart Pill. Though they shared the same plight, it was hardly a matter of pride, and encounters were awkward, so it was better to pretend not to see each other.
The Central Plains Sword Association had sent over twenty members, led by Dong Hubi and Cheng Yunpao. Normally, for such a significant event in the martial world, Xifang Tao should have been present, but it was said that Tang Lici, who had been missing for over twenty days, had suddenly reappeared and was currently discussing the martial world's situation with Xifang Tao. Thus, neither of them had come. Shaolin Temple was represented by Dacheng Chanshi and over thirty monks, quietly observing the unfolding events. Other sects, such as Wudang, Kunlun, and Emei, each occupied their own areas, keeping to themselves and encircling Beauty Abode.
Inside Beauty Abode, there were also many martial artists. Some simply indulged in feasting and drinking for days on end, reasoning that since their deadly poison was incurable and would claim their lives in a year or two, it was better to die drunk than to bow to the Dissolute Shop in shame. The tavern's owner had been on edge these past few days but had also made a tidy profit.
A Shui carried her infant, while Yu Tuan'er concealed her sword. The two disguised themselves as passing travelers, skirting two hills as they slowly made their way toward Jiaoyu Town. Along the road, many travelers were clearly heading for Liu Yan. Yu Tuan'er remained vigilant but saw no one resembling him.
Behind them, plumes of black smoke rose from the distant tent formations, accompanied by cries of shock and horror. It was unclear what Fang Pingzhai had done to those Demon Soul Death Warriors, but the black smoke continued to billow into the sky. A Shui glanced at the heavens—under the vast blue expanse, those gathered at Beauty Abode would surely see it, wouldn't they?
OpenNovel