Chapter 153: Chapter 114: Difficult Journeys, Many Diverging Paths, Where Are We Now? (Part 2)

"It’s not just that he’s relatively powerful," Xiongba wore an expression of condescension as he continued, "People say that the Hidden Dragon List is fair and just, but in my view, it doesn’t seem that way.

The ranking of 305th place for Tian Qi does not match his prowess at all."

"Perhaps, this person has a sharp mind, adept at leveraging circumstances, but his actual strength might not be that impressive?" Du Jingyun suddenly remarked, with a subtle hint of arrogance in his words.

Chen Ping couldn’t help but glance at him.

He thought to himself, this person is indeed conceited.

He’s not as he pretends, just an unknown figure in the Jianghu.

Yet he looks down on Tian Qi’s strength?

"Brother Du, that is quite mistaken," Xiongba was not bothered at all and said seriously to Du Jingyun, "While traveling in the Jianghu, safety comes first. Brother Du, don’t mind this old brother for being talkative...

You’ve only heard the rumors of how Tian Qi evades and escapes, but have you seen who his opponents are and who perished under his sword?"

He sighed and continued, "Zhuang Hongyi and Dong Jinzhong, even Changhe Gang’s Tan Sihai, can be ignored.

They are said to be first-class experts, but among the first-class in Jianghu, they’re nothing but bottom-feeders, having barely opened two or three of the Extraordinary Meridians.

However, that Flower-Loving Young Master Jiangh Yudie, humph, that damn thief, he’s different—ranked 256th on the Hidden Dragon List...

Even more formidable than his ranking is his Lightweight Skill; very few could handle him. Yet such a flower thief was effortlessly slain by Tian Qi..."

"And then there’s Blood Monkey Yuan Cultivator—Hidden Dragon List’s 179th, a direct disciple of Earth List Expert Elder Hou, mastering the Thirty-Six Celestial Spirit Staff Techniques to perfection.

Even he was slain by Tian Qi. Without genuine skill, could this be achieved?

Moreover, Tian Qi escaped under the pursuit of Sword Elder and over thirty Jianghu masters from Ten Thousand Swords Manor, and while protecting Princess Mingyue, vanquishing every god or buddha encountered, finally reached Ling Mountain Prefecture. There’s not much more to say about that."

Du Jingyun nodded in agreement, "I’m not denying his prowess; just the fact that he escorted Princess Mingyue all the way without letting the Beizhou Barbarians succeed in their vile plans qualifies him as a great hero, admirable for his righteousness. I truly respect him...

It’s just that I wonder, with Princess Mingyue’s esteemed status, could it really be that along her escape, she only had Tian Qi by her side?

The death of numerous Beizhou Jianghu experts along the way—could there be something more to it?"

Chen Ping’s eyes showed a slight change.

Xiongba, bold and straightforward, was unclear if genuine or feigned.

Yet Du Jingyun was genuinely sharp-minded...

He inferred from some Jianghu rumors that Hua Lian’er had protection all along. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

However, he likely couldn’t have guessed that King Jinghai, indeed, was such a rascal...

To fulfill his so-called plan, thoroughly understanding human nature, while completely disregarding his daughter’s feelings, he dispatched experts who never once revealed themselves.

"Whether there’s more to it or not, now that we’re in Yuanxi, with the death of Hero Zhao of the Spring Water Sword, many people witnessed it firsthand.

Let’s not speak of his character, but merely his skills—being a top-tier, standout Jianghu expert who opened all Eight Extraordinary Meridians.

Would he really plunge himself to death on Young Hero Tian’s sword over a mere whim?"

Xiongba said this much and decided not to say more; only then did he address the main topic, "The Cui Family Caravan wouldn’t usually resort to hiring, but since that large-scale chase, the situation has changed.

It’s said the Thirteenth Prince of Beizhou took drastic measures, issuing the Celestial Eagle Order, summoning plenty of reinforcements from Beizhou Martial Arts, and planting heavy troops around Ghost Cry Forest and Youx Mountain.

As you know, the nature of Beizhou Martial Arts—ungraced by the rich culture and refinement of Celestial South—is built on the rule of the jungle. Anything they desire is typically seized.

Whether the other party hails from a Celestial South noble family matters not to them...should some fool swipe the Cui Family’s goods, there would be chaos."

"Moreover, I’m telling you, don’t spread this around, but it’s heard that Tian Qi acquired the legacy of Fubo Island of the East Sea, involving the Longivity Sword.

Recently, the Brocade Guard experts have been frantically searching, likely for this matter."

Alright, this man was no simpleton either.

Chen Ping cast a deep glance at Xiongba, only to find that his demeanor was still earnest, revealing no shred of cunning.

However, this is atypical of regular Jianghu wanderers.

To perceive both Jianghu and court affairs so distinctly, evaluating individual prowess with such clarity, it’s unlikely of a mere itinerant Jianghu member.

Ordinary Jianghu men would rush clumsily headlong into confrontation, regardless of the opponent’s strength.

’Fortunately, I’ve shed the identity of Tian Qi...Otherwise, it’d truly be an inch-by-inch struggle.’

Chen Ping maintained a calm gaze, seemingly unaffected by the information, just echoing words with a smile.

At present, with a few demonstrations of basic skills, they were selected into the caravan.

By lunchtime, the hiring was complete.

Everyone dispersed to make preparations.

Early the next morning, at dawn,

the caravan set out. Blending in, Chen Ping presented as a genuine Jianghu novice, occasionally chatting with Xiongba and Du Jingyun about Jianghu anecdotes and secrets, making the journey less tedious.

After traveling for three days, as they passed through Ghost Cry Forest, the mountain path narrowed.

Everyone was on edge, fearing arrows from nowhere or a sudden bandit assault.

Thankfully, none came.

However, keen martial cultivators spotted shadows shifting in the woods... and some dressed quite differently from Central Plains people.