Mainland Martial Arts

Chapter 231: Jian Cang of Xinghai Peak

Time passed slowly, and a few days flew by in the blink of an eye. During their long journey, Lin Feng, Chen Xiner, Chen Yu, and Xu Tian, ​​after many twists and turns, gradually approached the magnificent Xixuan City.

Not far from the capital, a towering mountain rises from the ground. That is Xinghai Mountain. Like a vast throne of ice and snow, it towers into the clouds and is the second highest mountain in the entire empire, second only to the mysterious peak.

The mountain is capped year-round with a blanket of snow. From the foot of the mountain, the pristine whiteness seems like nature has draped the peak in a sacred cloak. In the sunlight, the snow gleams brilliantly, like countless tiny diamonds inlaid on the mountain's surface. The cold wind whistles past, bringing a hint of ice and snow, blowing on your face and lifting your spirits.

On Xinghai Peak, the main peak of Xinghai Mountain, a group of disciples dressed in uniform blue Taoist robes busily cleared the snow. Brooms in hand, they moved back and forth across the snow, their rustling sound akin to a unique labor song. Among these disciples, one elderly man stood out. His beard and hair had turned gray, a wisp of ash stained with age, cascading down his chest and shoulders.

Yet, miraculously, his face was smooth and delicate, without a single wrinkle. His skin was firm and radiant, making him appear to be only in his twenties or thirties. His white hair and long beard made one wonder at first glance if they were a carefully crafted wig. But in reality, he had lived through over a hundred years, the vicissitudes of life etched deep within him, yet his exterior was graced by a mysterious power. This man was none other than Jian Cang, the Eighth Elder of Xinghai Peak.

Jian Cang stood quietly in an empty snowy field, clad in a plain robe that fluttered gently in the breeze, adding to his ethereal presence. He held a sword, its blade long and straight, gleaming coldly in the sunlight, like a frozen dragon struggling to break free from its scabbard. Jian Cang closed his eyes slightly, his breathing even and long, the air around him seeming to grow quiet with his breath, as if the entire world had stopped for him. He adjusted his breathing, allowing his body and mind to merge with the world.

When he opened his eyes, they gleamed with a sharp light, like a cold star streaking through the night sky. With a flick of his wrist, the sword suddenly flew out of its sheath. With a flash of cold light, he began to dance with the sword in his hand. The sword seemed to come alive in his hand, flying up and down as he danced.

At first, he simply swung his sword gently, stirring up the snow on the ground. Driven by the sword, the snow began to dance in the air like a spirit awakened. As his movements grew faster and faster, the sword seemed to transform into a flash of lightning, darting through the snow. Each swing stirred up large flakes of snow, and the snow he stirred up grew larger and larger, dancing in the air like a group of summoned spirits.

Jian Cang's figure danced gracefully across the snow, his movements graceful yet sharp, like the dance of an immortal. Each of his movements held immense power, and each swing of his sword made the air around him whistle. His expression was focused and solemn, as if he were performing a sacred ritual.

His gaze was sharp and determined, fixed squarely ahead, as if engaged in a fierce battle with an invisible enemy. After a long moment, he finally stopped, and the snow he had stirred formed a statue in the air, slowly falling. The statue, so lifelike, was the upper half of Chen Xiner. Her delicate features and lively eyes made it seem as if Chen Xiner were standing before him.

Just then, a young disciple hurried over. His name was Sun An. He wore a blue Taoist robe and had a delicate face. He looked only about eighteen, but in reality, he had already lived forty or fifty years. On Xinghai Peak, a mysterious power seemed to preserve the youthful appearance of the inhabitants. A trace of awe crossed Sun An's face. He bowed his head slightly and said respectfully, "Elder, according to news from down below, Chen Xin'er and the others are almost arriving in Xixuan City."

Jian Cang frowned slightly, a strange light flickering in his eyes. He raised his head slightly, looked into the distance, and said slowly, "Looks like I have to go down and meet the legendary Lin Feng, and earn some reward money by the way."

Sun An looked at the snow sculpture of Chen Xiner's upper body, his eyes sparkling with amazement. He praised sincerely, "This woman's beauty is rare in the world. The elder's strength is truly tyrannical. He was able to carve Chen Xiner with just his imagination."

Jian Cang smiled faintly after hearing Sun An's praise. He said, "This is one of the secret techniques of our Xinghai Peak. Although it's not as good as the precognition technique of Taixu Valley, it also has its own unique features."

Sun An said excitedly: "Elder, can I go down the mountain with you? I also want to see Lin Feng's ability."

Jian Cang looked at Sun An's expectant eyes, nodded slightly, and said, "Okay, just follow me down the mountain. However, this trip may be dangerous, so you have to be careful."

When Sun An heard this, he was overjoyed. He was as happy as a little kid, dancing with joy and saying, "Thank you, Elder. I will definitely be careful."

Jian Cang looked at Sun An and laughed in his heart: This kid is still so impulsive. However, his strength is indeed not bad. This time he goes down the mountain, maybe he can help a little.

Along the long official road, sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting patches of golden light. Lin Feng rode a tall, steed, his posture erect, his gaze piercing the road ahead. Chen Xin'er sat beside him, her delicate frame swaying slightly on the horse's back, a hint of fatigue and worry in her beautiful eyes. Chen Yu and Xu Tian followed on horseback behind, their figures radiating exceptional resolve in the sunlight.

The journey of the past few days felt like a continuation of a nightmare. The bounty of 300,000 Mysterious Crystal Coins was like a magnet emitting a deadly temptation, attracting countless greedy eyes. They had already been attacked by dozens of groups, each of them a diverse group, from civilians blinded by money to vicious bandits.