Volume Two - The Map of the Nine Provinces Emerges, Joining the Spirit Ruins Chapter 116: The First Ambush

Several days had passed, and Chen Yu had made significant progress in his cultivation, gaining a glimmer of insight into the Five Elements Great Escape. Perhaps because he had already practiced the art of summoning wind and rain, he found the water-elemental power within the Five Elements Great Escape easier to master than the other four.

Although he had achieved some understanding, he had no opportunity to truly put it to the test while on the road. Still, minor experiments were possible. Chen Yu focused his attention on his palm, and as he channeled the Five Elements Great Escape, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth converged, slowly forming a single drop of water in his hand. Yet, a second later, it dissipated.

"Brother Chen Yu, what are you doing? Is there something that makes you happy?" Wu Yi, who was nearby, sensed the shift in the spiritual energy and leaned over to ask. They knew that although Chen Yu was taciturn and rarely spoke during the journey, he was not one to keep people at a distance if they initiated a conversation.

"I have just gained a slight insight," Chen Yu replied with a smile.

"Ah... were you practicing?" Wu Yi asked, puzzled. Wen Ye and the others looked at Chen Yu with suspicion. After all, throughout the journey, Chen Yu had mostly remained on horseback with his eyes closed; they had assumed he was resting. Furthermore, how could one possibly cultivate under such circumstances?

"Yes, having nothing else to do, I was practicing while on horseback."

Even though Chen Yu stated this, few believed him. Naturally, Chen Yu did not care to argue.

"Bragging," He Chong remarked with unconcealed disdain.

Chen Yu smiled indifferently, undisturbed by the words of others. He remained immersed in the joy of his practice, as he discovered that his deepening understanding of the Five Elements Great Escape was feeding back into his mastery, providing him with new insights into his wind and rain summoning techniques. He felt the wind in the air, the subtle shifts in moisture, and the natural creation itself.

Suddenly, his brow furrowed, and his body tensed instinctively.

"What is it?" His sudden change in demeanor immediately drew the concerned attention of Wu Yi and Wen Ye.

"There is someone on the hill ahead," Chen Yu said. His voice was steady, and many heard him.

He Chong and his companions scoffed. "So you managed to discover that, huh? Haha... not bad. That’s a distance of a thousand feet. Impressive, good eyesight."

"Haha..." many couldn't help but mock him.

"Brother Chen Yu, are you sure?" Wu Yi and the others couldn't bear to see Chen Yu humiliated, as they considered him a friend.

"I am sure!" Chen Yu’s expression turned solemn. Ignoring the others, he looked toward Hong Dong. Seeing Hong Dong trot over to report to Princess Mu’s carriage, he nodded to himself. Although this was an escort mission, he had little faith in this ragtag group. If the organizers, like Hong Dong, were equally incompetent, then he would simply stop caring. On this journey, his primary concern was his own survival.

"Stop!" At that moment, the voice of Princess Muyang came from the carriage.

Su Han, Lu Jie, and the others looked at the carriage in bewilderment, not expecting her to take action based solely on Chen Yu’s word.

Princess Muyang invited Chen Yu to her side and asked skeptically, "Brother Chen Yu, are you certain there is an ambush ahead?"

"Why should Muyang be concerned? I see it as nothing more than a bid for attention; it cannot be taken seriously," Zhu Gui said dismissively. "Otherwise, why wouldn't any of the rest of us have noticed it?"

Princess Muyang did not fully believe it either, but she knew that caution was never a mistake. She asked him once more.

Chen Yu nodded and said, "I have truly sensed the presence of people over there—no fewer than ten. As for whether they intend to ambush us, I cannot guarantee."

While Princess Muyang hesitated, Wu Yue advised, "Princess, although I am also skeptical, Chen Yu is not one to speak without cause. At the very least, it is better to be careful."

Prompted by Wu Yue, Princess Muyang made up her mind. Her gaze hardened as she called Hong Dong over. "General Hong, is there any other way to reach our destination besides this road?"

Hong Dong immediately unfolded a map and explained, "This is the only viable path. If we were to take a detour, the risk would be even greater, and it would add half a month to our journey."

Princess Muyang’s brow furrowed deeper. "It seems there is no other choice. Proceed according to the original plan."

She then instructed Hong Dong, "Send scouts ahead. If there is anything suspicious, eliminate it."

"As you command, Princess."

"Wait..." Zhu Gui suddenly spoke up.

"Brother Zhu, do you have something to add?" Princess Muyang asked, confused.

"Muyang, let Junior Brother Feng accompany them. If they truly encounter trouble, it can be resolved easily," Zhu Gui said with a smirk, adding sarcastically, "I’m just afraid someone is merely looking for attention."

Princess Muyang considered this and said, "Very well. Since you are willing to accompany them, that would be for the best. I thank you all."

"Haha... rest assured, mere thieves are nothing in the eyes of Feng Qing."

"Oh... if that is the case, I shall accompany them as well," Guo Ming and He Chong chimed in.

Princess Muyang was, after all, a member of the Great Qing Imperial family. While her influence might be slightly less than that of the Lingxu Sect, it was still formidable. Seeing an opportunity to impress her and build a connection, they would not let it slip away.

As the men slipped away to flank the hill, the main group led by Princess Muyang slowly approached. At first, everyone remained unconcerned, believing Chen Yu had simply been overthinking. But when they were still a hundred feet from the hill, the sounds of battle erupted.

"It's bad... there really is an ambush! Protect the Princess!" Hong Dong reacted immediately.

Zhu Gui and the others stood there, their faces flushed with embarrassment. They had not expected that they would be the ones playing the fool.

"Kill them! What kind of scoundrels dare to block our path?" Zhu Gui glanced at Chen Yu with resentment before shouting and charging forward. He intended to vent his frustration on the attackers. If it weren't for Chen Yu, he wouldn't have lost face in front of Princess Muyang.

Chen Yu remained calm, showing no intention of joining the fray. Seeing him remain still, Wen Ye and the others held back, asking in confusion, "Brother Chen, are you not worried?"

"Even if there is an ambush ahead, they are likely just scouts. Dealing with them is not difficult," Chen Yu explained calmly, though he then shook his head helplessly. "However, capturing them alive might be a bit of a challenge."

Hearing this, Hong Dong was startled, suddenly realizing something. Just as he was about to shout, the battle on the hill had already come to an end.