Chapter 155
Chapter 155
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>Translator: Ryuma
>Chapter: 155
>Chapter Title: Gobi
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Li Huowang appeared relaxed on the surface, but in reality, he was secretly on high alert as he watched the monk in front of him.
Even though the monk hadn’t done anything harmful to him, Li Huowang didn’t dare to take the gamble. He didn’t dare to entrust his fate to someone else’s hands.
“Monk, can you tell me who you really are?”
Li Huowang looked at him and asked half-jokingly.
Someone else with ulterior motives toward him?
Had the monk already become a spy for Zhengde Temple?
Or was he the Sitting Oblivion Dao that his master had mentioned?
All of these were possibilities. No matter which one it was, it spelled big trouble for him.
“Me? I’m a monk, of course. Why are you suddenly asking this?”
The old monk answered with complete candor.
Li Huowang carefully observed any changes on the other man’s face, but he didn’t notice anything amiss.
However, even without evidence, Li Huowang could no longer easily trust him.
When he couldn’t judge whether the other party posed a threat, the most conservative measure was to stay away. That was exactly what Li Huowang wanted to do.
“Alright then. Since the show’s over, how about we part ways? You go do your good deeds, and I’ll continue on my journey. Until we meet again.”
“Why so hasty? It’s been a long time since we last met. We can catch up.”
The monk grinned and reached out to grab Li Huowang’s sleeve, only to be met with the scabbard.
The monk’s fingers stopped an inch away from the scabbard and sheepishly withdrew.
“I really don’t know what you’re talking about. Aren’t we friends?”
“If we’re friends, then be honest about your identity! Don’t play guessing games with me! Who the hell are you!”
After shouting that, Li Huowang turned around and headed straight for the inn.
The monk seemed to sense the emotion in Li Huowang’s tone and didn’t follow. A hint of grievance appeared on his face.
Retracing his steps along the original path, Li Huowang returned to the inn without any incidents. He glanced back once more and confirmed there was no sign of the monk before finally letting out a breath of relief.
“Senior Brother Li, what’s wrong? Why are you in such a panic, like a ghost is chasing you?”
Gouwa came down the stairs curiously, cracking sunflower seeds.
“I’m asking you, where are the others?”
The tense Li Huowang demanded.
“As per your instructions, they all went out to look for maps of Later Shu and gather information about the area.”
Gouwa answered, puzzled.
“Stop looking! Call everyone back! We’re leaving this place, the sooner the better!”
“Why… Alright! I’ll go find the others right now.”
Gouwa tossed away the handful of sunflower seeds and rushed outside.
“Don’t forget to notify the Lv Family Troupe!”
After yelling that at his back, Li Huowang dashed toward the stable in the backyard.
Li Huowang’s order came abruptly, giving everyone no time to prepare. They all scrambled about in a panic.
However, when it came to matters like this, Li Huowang’s word was law. He didn’t give anyone the right to object.
Finally, before nightfall, the wagon wheels rolled out of town.
“Senior Brother Li, what’s going on?”
Xiaoman asked puzzledly, hugging her sword.
“There are some people in town who have ill intentions toward us, but don’t worry. This time is different from the others. If it comes to blows, they won’t get the upper hand.”
Li Huowang patted the sword on his back.
Having rested for just one day, everyone’s stamina had recovered well. They traveled until the moon hung high in the sky before stopping to rest.
By his estimate, they were already more than ten kilometers away from that town. Li Huowang ordered the others to rest.
If they wanted to keep traveling tomorrow, they couldn’t afford to stay up all night.
For the first night, to be safe, Li Huowang took the watch personally.
He gently stroked Mantou’s fluffy nape as he reviewed everything he had done that day, scrutinizing for anything he might have overlooked.
The more he thought about it, the more Li Huowang felt that what he had encountered in that town was off, but he couldn’t quite pinpoint exactly what was wrong.
At this moment, Li Huowang had the sensation of being led around by strings. It was a very unpleasant feeling.
Since they had already left, Li Huowang stopped dwelling on it. He shook his head and turned his thoughts to more practical matters.
“Whether it’s those Nuo opera performers or the monk, no matter their true origins, since they didn’t make a direct move in town, it’s clear they’re wary of something about me.”
Li Huowang touched the Great Thousand Record at his waist and the sword on his back, a contemplative expression on his face.
“Everyone I’ve encountered knows I’m a heart elemental. From Zhengde Temple’s actions, heart elementals are quite valuable.”
“No matter what they’re wary of, the fact that they held back proves I have some ability to protect myself now. I can safely get through this crisis.”
At that moment, Danyangzi, who was squatting directly in front of him, suddenly spoke up.
“Hmph! What a disgrace to be my disciple, Danyangzi! Others are bullying you right to your face, and all you can think of is self-preservation! In this situation, you should figure out how to kill them thoroughly! Not run away!”
Li Huowang sneered at him and clapped his hands lightly.
“Great! Master’s teachings are truly profound! Back when Zhengde Temple’s monks were chasing us, I wonder who it was that abandoned his disciple to save his own wretched life.”
“You ungrateful wretch!”
Danyangzi stood up, his body’s grotesque flesh writhing even faster.
Just as his three mouths were about to say something, they suddenly froze. He and Li Huowang simultaneously turned to look toward the dark Gobi wasteland in the distance.
With his exceptional eyesight, he spotted a small black dot there, gradually drawing closer.
“They’ve caught up!”
Li Huowang’s expression turned grave as he immediately stood.
But just as he rose to alert the others, he realized not only was there one behind them—there was also one ahead.
The enemy wouldn’t send just two people. Li Huowang quickly scanned around and saw black dots approaching from all directions.
“Li Huowang! You’re surrounded! You’re dead this time! Hahaha!!”
The ferocious Jiang Yingzi clutched her belly with her lone arm and laughed maniacally.
“Wake up! Someone’s coming!”
Li Huowang’s furious roar shattered the silence of the Gobi.
The groggy others broke out in cold sweat at the sight before them and drew the knives from under their pillows.
No matter who it was, the enemy had finally revealed their hand. The atmosphere on the Gobi grew tense.
“Don’t wait for them to surround us! We break out now!”
Li Huowang led everyone charging toward one of the black dots ahead.
As the distance closed, Li Huowang made out the figure’s appearance.
The copper coin mask on his face was so familiar—he was the one who had attacked him yesterday!
Just like last night, he held several shadow puppets in his hand.
When enemies met, words were pointless. “Clang!” Li Huowang drew his sword with one hand and rushed at him.
The copper coin mask man swiftly raised the shadow puppets in his hand. Under the moonlight, their shadows rapidly formed on the ground. Then they stood upright and floated toward Li Huowang like paper figures.
(End of chapter)