The Earth Level powers across The World, gathered in the Divine Capital in response to Great Yu’s call to establish the Anti-Jin Alliance. And the one who undoubtedly least wanted to see the alliance formed was Great Jin. So, if that’s the case, who else would least want the various powers to safely reach the Divine Capital?
Zhan Taiqing herself was a Martial Arts Expert of the Yin Yang Holy Realm, representing the Rakshasa Holy Sect. There were few in The World both bold and capable enough to block her way and force her to take such actions.
The road they took to the Divine Capital was absolutely fraught with extreme danger!
Once Hou Yuxiao realized this, the nerves that had just relaxed immediately tensed up again, and his dissatisfaction with Zhan Taiqing also instantly reached its peak.
This woman had silently dragged him over without informing him of the risks in advance. Everyone else knew, but he was the only one foolishly kept in the dark.
Even now, Zhan Taiqing still worried he would run away. Everyone else could leave in pairs, but she solely bound him to her side. Hou Yuxiao’s anger nearly burst from his chest, but glancing at Zhan Taiqing, he still didn’t dare to explode, only silently preparing.
With just half an hour to prepare, Hou Yuxiao didn’t dare to waste time. Without waiting for the other members of the Hou Clan to disembark, he immediately summoned Hou Fei and two others.
"I need to leave first. Hou Cun, take the Zishu Faction to stay at Baiming Ferry. Hou Ying, take the Chenlong Gang to depart for Wangchuan tomorrow, and Hou Fei, take the Kui Sector to Jiuhua Dao City."
You all dispatch people to gather intelligence on the powers in the three regions as much as possible, along with the geographical features. I will contact you when I return from the Divine Capital. Remember, while outside, use aliases for all actions. Do not expose our identities. The Hou Clan has enemies in the north; let’s not attract unwarranted disaster."
This trip to the Divine Capital didn’t require their presence, which was just what was needed for the three to survey the powers of the three northern regions, preparing for future plans. Baiming Ferry, where they were currently located on the Linjiang Path, was Hou Cun’s responsibility; Wangchuan Road was entrusted to Hou Ying, and Jiuhua Dao City to Hou Fei. By the time he returned, passing through these three areas would offer proper support.
With Zhan Taiqing’s orders in place, even if he saw confusion in the eyes of the three as they looked at him, he did not dare to explain the reason, merely cautioning them to prioritize safety above all else while away.
Though puzzled, the three, seeing Hou Yuxiao’s unwillingness to elaborate, could only act on his commands.
Watching the three leave, Hou Yuxiao stood alone in contemplation for a moment, sinking his mind and spirit into the Sea of Consciousness and slowly gathering Karmic Obstacles to feed into the first dark petal of the Divine Lotus, thereafter his appearance gradually began to change.
His figure slowly grew hunched, his skin turned dry, and even his hair turned white strand by strand. His pupils became cloudy, and the Canglong Staff he held was wrapped in oilcloth, perfectly resembling an old man leaning on a walking stick, looking as if he was on the brink of death.
What was even more astonishing was his aura, that of a Great Grandmaster, slowing fading and weakening to that of the Gangqi Third Realm Bao Dan Period.
Hou Yuxiao found a bronze mirror, and seeing himself in it, had completely transformed into Ren Feng’s appearance, though his face still wore a look of worry.
"The efficacy of this Divine Lotus will increase along with my cultivation level. Before, it could only change appearance, but now it can even conceal my cultivation level."
Despite the enhancement of his transformation ability, it didn’t alleviate the worries in his heart. Hou Yuxiao paused, revealing a frustrated look in his eyes, and sighed slightly.
"The Old Devout Woman obviously wants to drag me along, and she surely won’t give me a chance to run. If I truly ran away and offended her, it could also bring trouble to my family. I have to accompany her on this journey, no matter what, and must be as careful as possible. Hiding my identity and cultivation might prove to be surprisingly effective!"
Hou Yuxiao might not have a good impression of Zhan Taiqing, but he recognized her strength and wisdom. With their journey requiring such caution from her, it only confirmed that the road ahead was littered with crises, perhaps even life or death, leaving him no choice but to be extremely cautious.
With only half an hour left, Hou Yuxiao didn’t dare to delay, he quickly got ready and went to the main hall to meet with Zhan Taiqing. Zhan Taiqing and Ding Xiang had both donned veils, clearly to disguise themselves.
It wasn’t unusual for women to wear veils when traveling in the martial world, and with the two of them wearing veils, they intended to keep a low profile and avoid using their skills, which should not attract much attention.
"Ah, the Thousand-Faced Handsome Man lives up to his name, Master of Hou Family has taken great care."
The two women saw Hou Yuxiao’s bent figure and aged appearance, and it was clear they didn’t recognize him at first. But in just a moment, they both recalled Hou Yuxiao’s nickname. Ding Xiang even took the opportunity to compliment him, whereas Zhan Taiqing’s face was full of disdain, almost mocking Hou Yuxiao for this particular skill.
"Since the road is perilous, then we must prepare in advance. After all, caution is the parent of safety. Sister Ding Xiang, please don’t call me Master of Hou Family anymore."
Hou Yuxiao, looking at the two women’s youthful beauty, had a mischievous thought and, with a bow and a suggestion, said, "Since we can’t announce our presence on this journey, we might as well make it convincing. Why don’t we pretend to be a father and his daughters? I wonder, ladies, what do you think of the idea?"
Thinking of the Old Devout Woman soon having to call him ’father,’ Hou Yuxiao couldn’t be more excited. Even though it was just a ruse, taking advantage of the Old Devout Woman was enough. He eagerly awaited the women’s response, hoping they wouldn’t see through his intentions and agree to the suggestion.
...
An hour later, to the north of Baiming Ferry.
Three top-quality war horses were pulling a carriage racing along the Official Road. Hou Yuxiao, on one side, whipped the horses while shouting "Giddap," and occasionally looked back at the curtains of the carriage behind him, his face full of anger.
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