Chapter 47: Forced to Become a Guide (1)

Chapter Fifteen: Forced to Be a Guide

“Gentlemen, may I ask why you have harmed my subordinates, damaged my formation, and shattered my monument?” From the direction of the bamboo grove, Yan Chuan’s voice rang out.

Yan Chuan stepped slowly from the edge of the bamboo forest, his brows furrowed with gravity as he gazed at the group of uninvited guests.

“Mmmph! Mmmph!” With a spear still in his mouth, Ding Wugu struggled to call for help.

With a sharp cry, a celestial crane swept its wings and descended from the sky to land beside the young maiden.

Yan Chuan’s expression shifted; he instantly recognized the crane. Yet, his gaze remained fixed on the group, his vigilance undiminished.

“I am Wen Ruo! Upon seeing the words inscribed on the monument, my curiosity was aroused and I accidentally broke it. I offer my sincerest apologies!” Mr. Wen Ruo declared solemnly.

The single word “scattered” had already dispelled much of Wen Ruo’s arrogance. His tone, therefore, remained courteous.

“My name is Mo Yuxi! And you are?” The Saintess Yuxi regarded Yan Chuan with curious eyes.

“Enough talk! Boy, who are you? And why haven’t you released Ding Wugu?” Young Master Yang demanded haughtily.

Yan Chuan glanced over the group but made no move to signal Huo Guang to release Ding Wugu.

“My name is Yan Chuan. On what business do you arrive unannounced?” Yan Chuan replied in a deep voice.

“Yan Chuan? Your surname is Yan?” Mo Yuxi’s eyes lit up.

“Hm?” Yan Chuan frowned slightly.

“The other day, I saw you speaking with people from the Great River Sect. What is Yan Tao of the Great River Sect to you?” Mo Yuxi asked.

“Yan Tao?” Wen Ruo was momentarily taken aback.

Yan Chuan narrowed his eyes at Mo Yuxi.

“He is my father,” Yan Chuan answered gravely.

“Your father? No wonder—no wonder indeed! The tiger sire bears no weak cubs. It is as I expected. At the Grand Celestial Assembly years ago, Yan Tao stood alone against all challengers, a peerless hero among heroes. Wen Ruo was fortunate enough to witness that day; there are few I have ever truly admired, but Yan Tao is one of them. So you are his son!” Wen Ruo exclaimed with admiration.

“I shall compensate you for any loss you have suffered. Might you now release Ding Wugu?” Mo Yuxi smiled.

Yan Chuan gazed at Mo Yuxi, silently considering. He could sense her goodwill. With her subordinate’s skill in breaking formations, rescuing the dwarf would have been no difficult task, yet she refrained, clearly not wishing to become enemies.

Of course, Yan Chuan himself had not let Huo Guang kill the dwarf earlier, as he did not wish for matters to escalate beyond repair—always leave room for retreat.

Yan Chuan nodded gently and waved discreetly toward Huo Guang.

“Yes!” Huo Guang and Liu Jin called out from the distance.

With a swift motion, the spear was withdrawn from Ding Wugu’s mouth, and Huo Guang and Liu Jin immediately retreated.

“Ah! You bastards, I’ll see you dead!” Freed, Ding Wugu erupted in fury, brandishing a black sphere as though to attack again.

“Ding Wugu!” Mo Yuxi’s voice snapped coldly.

Ding Wugu shuddered, immediately turning his head.

“Saintess, they’ve humiliated me! I want them dead!” Ding Wugu snarled, hatred in his eyes.

“Insolence!” Azure Dragon roared with anger.

A fierce, overwhelming aura surged toward Ding Wugu. He trembled and, sobered by the chill, composed himself considerably.

With a venomous glare at the assembled soldiers, Ding Wugu took several deep breaths before regaining his calm.

“Yes! I will obey the Saintess’s orders!” Ding Wugu replied, unwilling and resentful.

Mo Yuxi gave a slight nod, no longer sparing him a glance.

Yet Ding Wugu, casting his gaze once more over the soldiers, wore a face still clouded with malice.