Chapter 73: Cangqiong Mountain, Cangqiong Sect!
Wen Tingguang's destination for Ling Feng proved to be unexpectedly distant.
Initially, Ling Feng managed to keep pace with Wen Tingguang by utilizing his Clear Spirit Wings. However, after several hours, his reserves of true qi dwindled considerably, leaving him unable to sustain the flight with his wings.
"You're quite the stubborn one, kid," Wen Tingguang remarked, periodically glancing back at Ling Feng. He was curious to see how long this Qi Formation Realm youngster could maintain flight.
To his surprise, Ling Feng's perseverance far surpassed his initial estimation.
Observing Ling Feng's flushed and breathless countenance, Wen Tingguang swiftly darted to his side with a chuckle. "Well, how about it? Are you willing to accept my help now?"
Feeling drained but unable to resist, Ling Feng could only manage a weak nod. "I appreciate your help, Senior."
Raising an eyebrow, Wen Tingguang grasped Ling Feng's shoulder, his smile light. "Kid, it's time to step up the pace."
Before Ling Feng could respond, Wen Tingguang seized him and their speed surged dramatically. The rush of wind filled their ears as the scenery whizzed by, and Ling Feng realized then that Wen Tingguang had been accommodating him all along.
Taking a deep breath, Ling Feng inquired once more, "Where are we headed, senior? You can surely tell me now, right?"
"To the northern outskirts of the imperial capital, to Cangqiong Mountain!"
"Cangqiong Mountain?" Ling Feng paused, clearly unfamiliar with the name.
However, he did remember that Yue Yunlan seemed to be the young lady of the Cangqiong Sect. Cangqiong Mountain, Cangqiong Sect... Could there be a connection between the two?
If Wen Tingguang were aware of Ling Feng's current thoughts, he might just burst out in disbelief.
To think there could still be someone so ignorant in this world, unable to even recognize the significance of Cangqiong Mountain!
Cangqiong Mountain naturally served as the headquarters of the Cangqiong Sect. Otherwise, within the Tianbai Empire, where else would there be a peak bold enough to bear the name 'Cangqiong'?
As the divine guardian sect of the empire, the strength of the Cangqiong Sect was unquestionable. Moreover, with their control over the imperial divine guards, they wielded supreme authority over the empire, a power far beyond the reach of ordinary sects and families.
Indeed, it was a stroke of fate that Wen Tingguang, a trusted aide to the leader of the Cangqiong Sect, sought out renowned physicians and precious medicines in secrecy. At the same time, Yue Yunlan, in her quest to find remedies for her father's illness, also scoured the land for information about Taoist physicians. Remarkably, both of their searches led them to Ling Feng.
Truly, it's often said that life's coincidences could be turned into captivating stories!
...
Accompanied by Ling Feng, Wen Tingguang traversed a total of seven counties, traveling nonstop day and night.
Even with Wen Tingguang's speed, it still took them a full three days and nights of continuous flight to reach the outskirts of the imperial capital.
Although referred to as the "outskirts," it was far from desolate wilderness; instead, it was a grand and magnificent city.
The imperial capital of the Tianbai Empire was already immense, rivaling several prefectural cities in size. Furthermore, beyond the capital, there were several large ancient cities, each over a thousand years old, all under the control of powerful families within the capital, who held significant authority.
North of the northern outskirts, roughly three hundred miles away, lies a sacred mountain where the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is exceptionally abundant—that's their destination for this journey, Cangqiong Mountain.
The outer perimeter of Cangqiong Mountain is heavily guarded, with even the ordinary gatekeepers being at least at the seventh level of the Qi Formation Realm.
Such martial practitioners would already be considered inner sect disciples in the Wenxian Sect, holding relatively high positions among the inner disciples.
Before long, Wen Tingguang landed with Ling Feng outside the mountain gate. Even though they were still several kilometers away from Cangqiong Mountain, sentries had already been stationed.
"Who are you and why are you here?"
The mountain-guarding disciple, displaying strict vigilance, swiftly approached upon spotting two figures descending. His demeanor was imposing, exuding a pride that hinted at his prestigious origins in a major sect.
Wen Tingguang retrieved a token from his sleeve and held it up before the disciple. "May we enter?" he inquired calmly.
"Ah, it's Elder Wen. Please, come in!"
Upon seeing Wen Tingguang's token of identity, the disciple's demeanor immediately shifted to one of utmost respect, nodding and bowing deferentially.
"Mhmm." Wen Tingguang nodded and cast a glance back at Ling Feng before uttering in a casual tone, "Let's go."
With narrowed eyes, Ling Feng trailed behind Wen Tingguang, his mind filled with questions.
Wen Tingguang clearly holds a high position within the Cangqiong Sect. But for the individual he refers to as an important figure, what level of prestige and status does this person truly possess?
Such individuals likely possessed strength far beyond Ling Feng's imagination.
Dealing with someone of this caliber, even mundane cuts and scrapes wouldn't require a physician’s intervention. This patient seems to be quite tricky.
Martial artists defied fate and mortality precisely to escape the afflictions and limitations of ordinary life. Therefore, the more advanced their cultivation, the more their internal organs were tempered, and they were seldom plagued by illness.
Of course, should an illness arise, it would likely be a serious condition.
Seeing Ling Feng's worried expression, Wen Tingguang turned back and chuckled. "Kid, you don't need to worry too much. Although last time I said that if you can't cure that esteemed individual I'd cripple your hands, it was just to scare you. If you can heal them, that's great. If not..."
Wen Tingguang sighed as he spoke, “It would be best if we could cure it...”
"I'll do my best." Hearing Wen Tingguang's words, Ling Feng felt a sense of relief. However, on the other hand, Ling Feng was also curious. What kind of strange illness can it be that is so difficult to treat?
Passing the disciple stationed at the mountain gate, Ling Feng's attention was drawn to a massive sword-shaped stele at the center. On the stele, the words 'Cangqiong Sect' were engraved in a grand and majestic manner.
"Cangqiong Sect?" Ling Feng exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief. "So it truly is the Cangqiong Sect..."
Ling Feng couldn't help but smile wryly in his heart. He wondered if the person Wen Tingguang wanted him to treat was the same person Yue Yunlan had asked him about.
...
Traveling onward, they advanced until they reached a loft suspended in midair, where Wen Tingguang finally came to a stop.
As Ling Feng fixed his gaze, he discerned that beneath the floating loft stood six towering pillars crafted from gold and jade. These pillars seemed to form a peculiar ancient formation, gathering the surging elemental energy from the heavens and earth.
Surrounding the loft at approximately thirty-three zhang[1] intervals were similar structures, suspended in midair. In total, there were seven by seven, or fourty-nine lofts, giving the impression of stars aligned in a celestial pattern.
These forty-nine lofts were arranged in another mysterious formation, emitting a majestic aura reminiscent of dragons and tigers, with qi surging like raging bulls.
Not only that, but in all four cardinal directions—east, west, south, and north—there existed similar layouts, each with its own unique arrangement. The intricate nature of these designs and the monumental scale of this endeavor prompted contemplation about the immense effort expended by countless array masters to bring it to fruition. One could only wonder how much dedication and expertise were poured into this project before it finally reached completion.
"Such grandeur!" Ling Feng exclaimed involuntarily. Compared to any of these floating lofts, the main hall of the Wenxian Sect was utterly inferior.
Wen Tingguang, accustomed to such sights, remained unfazed. He couldn't help but inwardly chuckle. Truly a youngster who hasn't seen much of the world.
Arching an eyebrow, he interjected Ling Feng's astonishment, remarking casually, "Alright, let's go inside."
"Sure." Ling Feng took a deep breath. He could faintly anticipate the esteemed status of the person within.
Nevertheless, irrespective of their identity, anyone seeking his medical aid was merely a patient. In his perspective, the lives of all patients were equal, devoid of distinctions of rank or nobility.
1. Chinese metric system, 1 zhang = 3.33 meters ☜
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