Chapter 164: Chapter 163: Obstruction on the Road

"That’s right! In this competition, our Qingxuan Sect overwhelmed Tingyu Building, the Overlord Blade Sect, and the others to take first place."

Song Xiang quickly continued.

"And in this competition, that Fang Han... his performance was particularly outstanding. He defeated one expert after another among the new Entry Level disciples from the various Sects."

"Even more, in the final match, he defeated Mo Chen—the top-ranked new Entry Level disciple of Tingyu Building—securing victory for the Sect and earning... considerable merit."

As he spoke, he carefully observed Chu Feng’s reaction.

He saw Chu Feng’s initial surprise gradually fade, his gaze turning profound. His fingers unconsciously rubbed the smooth surface of his teacup, clearly processing this information rapidly.

"Because of this, Fang Han is now seen by the Sect’s upper echelons as someone who has just rendered Great Merit. He’s currently in the limelight."

"If we were to suppress him now without a just cause, I’m afraid not only would Elder Chen Xuan firmly oppose it, but it might also displease some of the other higher-ups, who would think we... are disregarding the Sect’s best interests."

He spoke with a cautious and careful tone.

Chu Feng was silent for a moment. The displeasure on his face was gradually replaced by a calm calculation.

The Sect’s upper echelons might not offend a True Inheritor on the Celestial Pride List for the sake of an ordinary disciple, but if that disciple had just rendered Great Merit for the Sect, the situation was entirely different.

If he were to forcibly suppress him now, it would give the Sect’s upper echelons the impression that he disregards the greater good, causing them to view him unfavorably. The loss would outweigh the gain.

"First place in the Seven Sects’ competition... Fang Han..."

Chu Feng repeated in a low voice, a complex, unreadable light flashing in his eyes. There was surprise, coldness, and also a hint of frustration at his plans being unexpectedly disrupted.

He slowly set down his teacup, leaned back in his chair, and waved his hand, his tone returning to one of indifference.

"I understand. Drop this matter for now. You may leave."

"Yes. I will take my leave."

As if granted a great pardon, Song Xiang quickly bowed and retreated from the living room.

In the empty living room, only Chu Feng remained.

His gaze drifted to the deepening twilight outside the window, his fingers tapping lightly on the back of the chair.

’I really underestimated you. I never thought you were so capable... But, Fang Han, do you think you can rest easy now?’

A cold smile curved Chu Feng’s lips.

’When my strength increases further and I rank even higher on the Celestial Pride List, we’ll see who would dare to go against my wishes for a mere ordinary disciple!’

Pride rekindled in his eyes.

...

October 25th. With the new year approaching, an atmosphere of both relaxation and urgency filled the Qingxuan Sect.

Throughout the Sub-Branches, many disciples had already packed their bags, chatting and laughing in groups of three or five, ready to set off on their journey home.

On the bluestone paths, a continuous stream of figures with packs on their backs could be seen. The white puffs of their breath intertwined in the cold air before quickly vanishing.

Fang Han’s luggage was simple: a few changes of clothes, Elixirs for his Cultivation over the new year, and gifts he had carefully selected for his parents and little sister in Qingxuan City.

"Fang Han, you’re here!"

Seeing Fang Han, Xiao Chen called out and walked up to greet him.

"Brother Xiao Chen."

Fang Han nodded in acknowledgment. The two had arranged to travel together.

He chose to travel with Xiao Chen partly because Celestial Wind City and Liangshui City weren’t too far apart, making it on the way.

On the other hand, it was because, under Chu Feng’s suppression, Xiao Chen was one of the few people in the Sect he could call a friend.

As for the proud Wang Meng, who was like a little peacock, although he was grateful for her brother Wang Miao’s help, he kept her at a respectful distance.

He preferred not to have too much contact with her unless necessary, and so, naturally, he hadn’t invited her to travel with them on this trip home.

Fang Han and Xiao Chen went down the mountain together, their steps light.

Upon entering Qingxuan City, Fang Han bought some more pastries and candies unique to the Commandery City, and only then did he head contentedly to the carriage depot in the west of the city.

They had a bit too much luggage to travel conveniently using their Body Techniques, so they chose to take a horse-drawn carriage.

Because of the busy holiday transport, hiring a private carriage was expensive and difficult. So, Fang Han and Xiao Chen chose to travel with a merchant caravan heading toward Liangshui City.

The caravan was quite large, with a dozen or so carriages fully loaded with goods. Their escort flag was embroidered with the word "Longchang."

The caravan’s steward was a shrewd middle-aged man. Upon hearing that Fang Han and his companion were disciples of the Qingxuan Sect and verifying their Identity Jade Tokens, his face immediately broke into an enthusiastic smile.

"For you two young heroes to grace our humble caravan with your presence is our honor! Please, come in, come in!"

The steward was extremely polite, quickly leading the two to the most spacious and comfortable carriage in the middle of the convoy.

"If you two young heroes don’t mind, please rest in this carriage."

Fang Han understood that the steward was being so attentive because he valued their status as "Qingxuan Sect Disciples."

This status meant they were trustworthy, definitely not villains in disguise. More importantly, it meant they possessed considerable strength and would be a force to be reckoned with if they ran into trouble on the road.

Bandit activity was rampant around the new year. Having two Sect Disciples traveling with them was no different from having two extra Protective Talismans.

Fang Han and Xiao Chen exchanged a look. They didn’t refuse and accepted the offer openly.

The interior of the carriage was indeed much more spacious than a typical one. It was furnished with thick fur cushions and had a small, fixed table in the center.

The few other people sharing the carriage were richly dressed, clearly individuals of some status.

The caravan soon set off. The wheels rumbled over the hard, frozen official road, making a rhythmic, dull sound.

The first two days of the journey were quite peaceful.

There were many carriages and horses coming and going on the official road, making it seem rather lively.

Occasionally, they would see the carriages of disciples from other sects or noble families pass by, but there was no interaction between them.

However, as the caravan gradually moved away from the area under Qingxuan City’s influence and entered a more remote region, the situation took a sharp turn for the worse.

Just as the steward had worried, the robbers and mountain bandits were indeed active around the new year. In just one or two days, the caravan encountered several groups of highwaymen.

However, since the Longchang Trading Team dared to transport goods at this time of year, they naturally had some backing.

The hired head of the guards was a middle-aged man with a steady aura, leading dozens of nimble guards.

These guards were experienced and coordinated well. In the few skirmishes they had, they repelled the bandits—who were mostly just motley crews—before Fang Han and Xiao Chen even had to make a move, even capturing or killing a few leaders.

On this day at noon, the sky was a bit gloomy. The cold wind howled as it blew through the bare branches, making a wailing sound.

The caravan was traveling through a narrow pass flanked by two mountains with steep, craggy slopes.

Xiao Chen had already parted ways with Fang Han at a previous fork in the road, turning toward Celestial Wind City.

Now, Fang Han was left on his own in the caravan.

He was taking out his waterskin for a drink when suddenly, a sharp whistle blew from the front of the convoy, immediately followed by the loud shouts of the guards and the clang of drawn weapons!

"On alert! We’ve got a situation!"

Fang Han’s brow furrowed slightly. He lifted a corner of the carriage curtain to look outside.

He saw that the official road ahead was blocked by a barricade of rocks and logs. On the slopes on both sides, numerous figures had appeared, indistinct at first. A quick glance suggested there were over a hundred of them.

These people were not the ragged petty thieves they had encountered before. Most wore uniform gray martial attire, wielded gleaming weapons, and had fierce eyes. Their movements were methodical, and they seemed to be forming an encirclement.

A commotion instantly broke out in the caravan, and the draft horses pulling the carriages neighed restlessly.

The guards quickly tightened their formation, protecting the carriages with important cargo in the center. Every one of them had a grim expression.

Clearly, this was no ordinary band of robbers.

The caravan steward’s face turned pale. Forcing himself to remain calm, he walked to the front of the group under the protection of the head guard, cupped his fists, and called out.

"Which brotherhood of the road do you friends belong to? I am Qian Jin, the steward of the Longchang Trading Team. We are just passing through your esteemed territory, so please allow us safe passage! Here are some silver taels for you brothers to have a drink!"

As he spoke, he gestured for a subordinate to present a heavy-looking money pouch.

On the hillside, an unusually burly man with a hideous scar on his face stepped forward from the crowd. He held a giant axe that looked like a door panel and roared in a voice as loud as a great bell.

"Enough crap! I am ’Mountain-Opening Axe’ Niu Xiong, the leader of the Blood Bear Thieves! If you know what’s good for you, leave half the goods and I’ll let you pass! Otherwise, I’ll kill all the men, abduct all the women, and take all the goods!"

"The Blood Bear Thieves?"

Hearing this, Steward Qian’s face instantly turned as white as a sheet. He had clearly heard of this name and knew they were a powerful and ruthless band of brigands in the area.

Cold sweat dripped down his forehead. He forced a smile that was uglier than a crying face.

"So... so it is the great leader of the Blood Bear Thieves, I’ve long heard of your great name! It’s just... half the cargo is truly too much. This humble one cannot make such a decision... Could you be lenient? We are willing to offer ten percent..."

"Hmph! Half! Not one grain less!"

Niu Xiong interrupted impatiently, slamming his giant axe on the ground and sending shattered stones flying.

"Anymore nonsense and I’ll cleave you in two right now!"

Steward Qian trembled. Seeing that the other party left no room for negotiation, he steeled himself and played his last card.

"Great Leader, we have an elite disciple of the Qingxuan Sect traveling with our caravan! For the sake of this elite disciple of the Qingxuan Sect, please, be merciful!"

"The Qingxuan Sect?"

Niu Xiong’s thick, dark eyebrows rose, and a clear trace of fear flashed in his eyes.

In Qingyang County, the name of the Qingxuan Sect was extremely intimidating.

After hesitating for a moment, greed ultimately overcame his fear. He gave a sinister laugh and said:

"Heh, so what if he’s a Qingxuan Sect disciple? As long as I don’t kill him, the Qingxuan Sect won’t come after me. Half the goods, not one item less! Otherwise, you can all just stay here forever!"

Negotiations had failed!

Steward Qian’s face was ashen.

"Brothers, kill them! Leave no one alive!"

Niu Xiong wasted no more words. He swung his giant axe forward and roared fiercely.

"KILL!"

Like a bursting dam, the hundred-odd bandits howled as they charged down the slope. In an instant, the glint of blades and the shadows of swords enveloped the official road.

Although the caravan guards resisted with all their might, they were disadvantaged in both numbers and strength. Their defensive line was soon on the verge of collapse, and screams of pain filled the air.

Fang Han’s eyes turned cold.

’I’m getting a free ride on the caravan’s carriage, and they’ve even provided my daily meals. Naturally, I can’t just stand by and watch.’

CHING!

The Cyan Blade Sword shot out of its sheath like a streak of cyan lightning. With a flicker of movement, Fang Han was out of the carriage, cutting into the throng of bandits like a phantom.

The sword in his hand was astonishingly fast.

The light from his sword flashed like an invitation from the god of death.

Whether they were Ninth Grade Martial Artists or ordinary strong men, none could withstand a single exchange with him.

Often, a single flash of his sword meant broken weapons and spattering blood.

His strikes were precise and ruthless, aimed at vital points like the throat and heart, seeking to kill with a single blow.

PFFT! "Argh!"

One scream followed another. Wherever Fang Han passed, bandits fell like wheat before a scythe.

His figure weaved through the crowd, his sword an extension of his body. Every swing claimed a life.

The caravan’s defensive line, which had been on the brink of collapse, saw its pressure instantly lessen with his intervention.

"Kid, don’t get so cocky!"

Seeing his brothers being slaughtered by Fang Han like melons and vegetables, Niu Xiong’s eyes nearly burst from their sockets as rage consumed him.

He no longer cared about the other man’s identity as a Qingxuan Sect disciple. With a furious roar, he charged toward Fang Han like a crazed bull, his steps thundering.

Before he even arrived, a powerful fluctuation of Inner Qi surged forward!

Late Stage of Eighth Grade!

This Niu Xiong was actually a Late Stage Eighth Grade Martial Artist! 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

’Such strength would be enough to qualify him as a Core Elder in the Fang Family of Liangshui City. To think that a mere bandit possessed such power.’