Chapter 1670: Chapter 1670: Secret Location
Ye Shikai endured the pain and continued to circulate his Inner Strength. Beads of sweat the size of beans were already dripping down his forehead. For someone like him who had long walked the edge of life and death, pain was nothing new. However, breaking through to the next level of cultivation was not easy; if it were, he would have already done it. Based on his past experiences, in order to successfully break through, aside from one’s own cultivation, external help is also needed, like a place rich in Spiritual Energy or a huge energy source.
"You haven’t practiced in a long time, today’s training ends here. Besides, you’ve exerted yourself greatly in battle today, consuming much of your Inner Strength, so it’s not advisable to continue." Dao Soul said calmly. Only then did Ye Shikai relax his efforts and slowly open his eyes. His clothes were already soaked with sweat.
"I feel like I’m still lacking some external aid. If I could find a place brimming with Spiritual Energy, I think it wouldn’t take long to break through." Ye Shikai changed into clean clothes and walked out of the room.
"That’s true. In modern times, there weren’t many places suitable for cultivation, but it’s different here. Not to mention other places, there are many deep mountains outside Linxiang City. If you could seclude yourself there for practice, you’re sure to make a breakthrough."
"You’re thinking too simply." Ye Shikai smirked bitterly. If he were to tell Mi Wen he wanted to retire to the mountains for cultivation instead of being a General, Mi Wen would surely raze his family. Not only was he Mi Wen’s trusted aide, but also a thorn in the court’s side. To retire unscathed, hiding his merits and name, was likely impossible.
"Throughout history, whether meritorious ministers or treacherous ones, founding fathers or rogue villains in chaotic times, many have been killed. I’ve been considering how to have a good end."
"Is it that exaggerated?"
"Hopefully not. According to the course of history, the one who finally takes the realm is not her." Ye Shikai muttered.
"You wish to protect Miss He, but Linxiang City is far from a safe haven; on the contrary, it’s the most dangerous place." As Dao Soul spoke, Ye Shikai couldn’t help but get goosebumps. Before, he was chased by the Qin Army, and Mi Wen sheltered him and He Linghan, along with his old brothers. But now isn’t the past, and Dao Soul was right. As long as his home was in Linxiang City, that meant putting He Linghan right by Mi Wen’s ’knife’.
"Dao Soul, what do you suggest?" Ye Shikai asked back.
"Find a safe place, at least... find somewhere safe for Miss He. She’s your weak spot. Anyone who controls her, controls you."
"But where is this safe place? These hundreds of miles around are all Chu Territory, all Mi Wen’s domain."
"Just because it’s her domain doesn’t mean she controls everything. For example, the assassins you encountered today hid in a forest less than twenty miles from Linxiang City, right under Mi Wen’s nose, yet she wasn’t prepared."
"You’re suggesting finding a deep mountain, or a hidden paradise, invisible to outsiders."
"Exactly, Chu Territory is full of lakes, mountains, and forests. Finding an uninhabited paradise isn’t hard. I’ve already located one with my perception for you." As Dao Soul finished, Ye Shikai perked up, realizing Dao Soul had already found a place for him.
"That’s wonderful, Dao Soul, I don’t know how to thank you." Ye Shikai said excitedly.
"Helping you is helping myself, so you don’t need to thank me too much. Tomorrow, I’ll take you there."
"Why wait for tomorrow? I can go now." Without another word, Ye Shikai dashed out of the mansion and mounted his warhorse.
"The city gate will close soon, if I hurry, I might make it." Ye Shikai snapped the whip and charged westward out the West Gate.
..............................
Seventy miles west of Linxiang City, in the unknown deep mountains and forests.
"The place you chose is too isolated, isn’t it a haunted graveyard?" Ye Shikai couldn’t help but complain. This future ’secret base’ of his needed to remain confidential, so Ye Shikai came alone without his close guards. It was deep into the night, and this place was heavy with ’yin energy’. In modern times, it would be perfect for shooting horror films.
"Of course not, this is a paradise, it couldn’t possibly be a haunted graveyard. What bad luck." Dao Soul retorted, "Look at the time, it’s deserted here, naturally lifeless."
Awooo...
Yes, aside from the Wild Wolf, there were probably no other creatures around.
"I’ve used my perception to check; this area is surrounded by deep mountains and forests with no residents. Two miles further inside is a river, with open land nearby where you can set up camp."
"That’s true. Prioritizing safety means fewer people should know about it." Ye Shikai rode to the place Dao Soul mentioned. Indeed, a river was not far off. Ye Shikai tied his horse to a nearby tree and took a tent out of his Storage Ring.
Ye Shikai lay in the tent, observing everything around him. Apart from the lack of life, everything else here was indeed a ’paradise’.
"Dao Soul, are you sure no one can find this place?" Ye Shikai asked.
"I’m not sure, but at least for now, it’s safe."
"True, there’s nowhere absolutely safe in the world. In time, even this place might become unsafe." Ye Shikai nodded in agreement.
"Additionally, you should form your own guard."
"I have a guard, in Linxiang City."
"Those are military guards. Although there are trusted ones among them, they’re ordinary people. If danger arises, they can’t protect you or Miss He."
"What do you mean?" Ye Shikai asked curiously, "Are you suggesting a guard composed entirely of cultivators?"
"Exactly, like your previous Hidden Guard, skilled cultivators. Also, get elite warriors like Soul Destroyer and Nightmare; they’ll assist you in times of difficulty." Dao Soul suggested.
"That’s easier said than done. Back when I left Huaxia for abroad, I lived in the Underworld for three or four years before befriending those few. Building an influence isn’t easy." Ye Shikai sighed deeply. Furthermore, meeting friends willing to risk everything for you depends on fate.
"Back when you left Huaxia and went abroad, you were a nobody. After three to four years, you became the Netherworld King of the Underworld. Now, as one of the Chu Army commanders, you have a higher starting point, shouldn’t it be easier for you?"
