Chapter 59: Sishui City

Since that harrowing ordeal, Liu An had developed a profound psychological aversion to descending the mountain. Deep within his heart, he fully realized how perilous and unpredictable the immortal cultivation world truly was. The mysterious and unfathomable spells, the fierce and brutal cultivators, and the treacherous human hearts filled him with a chilling dread. Thus, he silently resolved to wait until he had grown sufficiently powerful before daring to venture down the mountain.

Without hesitation, Liu An politely declined, “Senior Brother, you know well that my strength is still quite weak; I dare not recklessly descend. I believe it’s best for me to focus wholeheartedly on rigorous cultivation for a while longer to improve my abilities. As for this cultivator gathering, why don’t you seek out Third Senior Brother? He’s the one who loves lively occasions like this the most!”

At the mention of Third Senior Brother, Jian Yi’s face instantly darkened, his expression dripping with disdain. He sneered, “Hmph! That fellow who always acts like a frivolous noble son? I am ashamed to associate with him!”

Just then, an unexpected occurrence unfolded. A radiant, dewy flower suddenly drifted down from the sky. Upon touching the ground, it burst into flames and swiftly transformed into the figure of Fourth Senior Brother. With a gentle smile, Fourth Senior Brother looked at Jian Yi and Liu An and teased, “Ah, Little Liu, how can you speak ill of others behind their backs? Has your skin been itchy lately? Need me to help loosen your muscles?”

Jian Yi had never anticipated Fourth Senior Brother’s sudden appearance. He blinked in astonishment, then quickly turned his head toward Liu An. “Junior Brother, I think we must have misheard! Third Senior Brother could never be here!” he said, discreetly hiding his right hand behind his back and swiftly forming hand seals, preparing to cast a spell and slip away.

But Fourth Senior Brother was not so easily fooled. A sly gleam flashed in his eyes as he muttered an incantation, instantly casting a binding spell. A flash of light and Jian Yi was frozen in place, unable to move even a finger.

Though immobilized, his mouth remained free. Hastily, Jian Yi pleaded, “Senior Brother Du Jin, please be gentle—don’t strike my face!”

Liu An, standing nearby, watched the scene with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. First, he covered his eyes with both hands, as if unable to bear watching, but after a moment, he peered through his fingers with curiosity, eager to witness the farce unfold.

Minutes ticked by, until finally, with a thud, Jian Yi collapsed onto the ground like a heap of mud—bruised, battered, and utterly disheveled.

Meanwhile, Fourth Senior Brother Du Jin sat leisurely on a nearby stone bench, a look of utter satisfaction and ease adorning his face.

“When I am strong, I shall repay this a hundredfold,” Jian Yi muttered stubbornly under his breath.

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“I heard you’re planning to attend the cultivator gathering. Count me in—I feel my luck is high, and I’m sure we can find some treasures,” Fourth Senior Brother said.

Liu An had intended to refuse, just as he had with Jian Yi, but the warning glint in Fourth Senior Brother’s eyes, coupled with the sight of the still-immobilized Jian Yi, left him no choice but to yield.

“Very well, since Fourth Senior Brother wishes to go, I shall accompany you at all costs. When do we depart?” he asked, avoiding Jian Yi’s gaze.

This cultivator gathering in the Han Kingdom was not only a place for trading spells, elixirs, treasures, talismans, and formations but also the venue where news of a secret realm would be announced.

Du Jin acted decisively, leaving no room for delay. With a flourish of his sleeve, a magnificent flying artifact materialized before them, its surface adorned with intricate runes and emanating a faint spiritual aura.

In a flash, he stood firmly upon the artifact and beckoned to Liu An and the still-rooted Jian Yi, “What are you waiting for? Come quickly!”

At his gesture, the strange beast known as the “Four-Limbed” suddenly appeared, nestling in his arms. Its large, comical eyes gleamed with a hint of intelligence.

Liu An hurriedly helped Jian Yi to his feet, and the two staggered onto the flying artifact. As it soared into the sky, the wind roared and clouds swirled around them. They moved like immortals traversing the sea of clouds, speeding toward Sishui City on the Han Kingdom’s border. The rivers and mountains below shrank away like a delicate painting slowly unfolding.

They traveled by flying artifact the entire day, passing over a vast sea. Liu An and the Four-Limbed grew hungry, prompting Du Jin to summon some fish and seafood from the depths with a sweep of his sleeve.

They landed on a patch of land, and the Four-Limbed circled the seafood with curious eyes. Liu An gathered some dry wood and expertly built a campfire. Flames flickered, illuminating his focused face.

The seafood sizzled over the fire, sprinkled with salt and spices, releasing an intoxicating aroma.

Though his face was bruised and swollen, Jian Yi was drawn by the delicious smell. Forgetting his pain, he sat with Liu An and Du Jin, eagerly devouring the golden, crispy grilled seafood. Even the Four-Limbed ate ravenously, its adorable antics making the scene all the more heartwarming.

By the time they reached Sishui City, dusk had fallen. An orange sunset hung low in the sky, casting a soft golden glow over the ancient city walls. The city, a gathering place for cultivators, shimmered faintly in the fading light.

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Jian Yi, Liu An, and Fourth Senior Brother Du Jin shifted their appearances, blending seamlessly among the bustling townsfolk making their way home. They wound through narrow, lively streets.

Vendors shouted loudly, energetically hawking steaming buns, vibrant fabrics, and all manner of toys that delighted the children, who lingered in fascination.

The sunset stretched their shadows long across the stone-paved road.

Amid the city’s vibrant clamor, the three men and the exotic beast navigated through the throng.

After some searching, they discovered a lavishly decorated and bustling tavern. Not only was its exterior grand and imposing, but inside it was packed with patrons, laughter and chatter filling the air.

They entered and quickly scanned the room before settling at a window seat. From here, they had a broad view of the street outside, where merchants and laborers hurried past, shouting their wares.

Inside, the atmosphere was lively and warm. Guests spoke quietly among themselves, sharing tales and news, occasionally erupting in hearty laughter. The convivial mood was palpable.

Once seated, a waiter eagerly approached and handed them menus.

Fourth Senior Brother ordered several of the tavern’s specialty dishes. Soon, the enticing aromas of the sumptuous food wafted over the table, making mouths water.

Jian Yi, still rubbing his tender cheek, could not resist the feast laid before him. He abandoned caution, seized his chopsticks, and devoured the food with the ferocity of a whirlwind.

In contrast, Fourth Senior Brother remained calm and composed. While savoring his meal, he attentively listened to the surrounding conversations, hoping to glean any valuable information about the cultivator gathering.