Chapter 473
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
Chapter 473: Stones Blocking the Road, How Wonderful
“As far as I know, there are at least three stones blocking the road ahead, though I can’t be completely certain.”
“The first stone, Hujia Grave. I’ve traveled through a similar place before. It’s a territory controlled by a significant martial arts sect within Ba State. Passing through won’t be easy.”
“Which faction controls Hujia Grave?” Bai Wei asked.
“Wandering the world, or maybe walking the path of evil and dark magic,” the monk replied, rubbing his bald head. “In any case, it’s very dangerous.”
“But we can go around it,” Bai Wei said, glancing at the map. There were other routes to Xiangyang City, the center of Ba State. Hujia Grave wasn’t the only option and not even the shortest path.
“If we can avoid it, that would be ideal. But I suggest taking this route,” the monk said. “This path allows us to conceal our identities more easily. Though it appears to be a main road, it hides countless secret trails. I’ve personally traveled seven or eight different routes through here.”
Bai Wei noted the suggestion and asked, “What about the second stone?”
“Dark magic and evil paths are like twisted vines—difficult to navigate but not insurmountable. They can be dealt with, like rats or snakes, even if it takes drastic measures like fire. But this second stone… this one’s different.” Yuan Zhen picked up a pebble from the ground and let it fall.
“This obstacle is a lost soul.”
“Ba State has absorbed much of Liu State, including its former capital.”
“The capital of Bi Fang was once called Qingyang. Even now, countless tragic souls linger in the air there. Resentment clings to Qingyang like a storm cloud, refusing to dissipate. After death, their fury turned into mountains of despair. Their bones now fuel endless dark fires.”
“I suggest avoiding this stone and taking a detour,” Yuan Zhen concluded.
Bai Wei frowned. “So, according to you, we go through Hujia Grave, avoid Qingyang, and head straight to Xiangyang City. That’s the only viable route, correct?”
“If you don’t trust me, Benefactor Bai, you can choose for yourself,” the monk said.
“I’m just wondering,” Bai Wei mused, “if Yuan Tianjian already knows about this route. What you know, he might know too.”
Yuan Zhen considered this for a moment. “That’s possible… But my reason for suggesting Hujia Grave is that it’s discreet. If you take the official roads, you risk encountering the third obstacle.”
“And what is this third obstacle?” Bai Wei asked, his curiosity piqued.
“This obstacle is not a mere stone.” Yuan Zhen shook his head. “It’s a person. I have faced him before. His swordsmanship is extraordinary—unlike anything I’ve seen, even from the Shushan Sword Sect.”
“Are you saying this person exploited flaws in my swordsmanship?” Bai Wei asked.
“Not flaws exactly,” Yuan Zhen clarified. “Your swordsmanship is impeccable in speed, strength, finesse, and spirit. But when I compare it to this individual, I estimate that in a duel, victory could be decided in three moves.”
The monk’s tone was firm, fearing Bai Wei wouldn’t believe him. “I swear on my honor, Benefactor Bai, I speak only the truth.”
“I believe you,” Bai Wei replied, stroking his chin. “But having come this far, retreating isn’t an option.”
“Must you involve yourself in the affairs of the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom?” Yuan Zhen asked earnestly.
“Look around—at the starving corpses, the piles of white bones, the souls that wail every night. Children sold just to survive. Aren’t they pitiable?”
“The world is unfair,” Yuan Zhen observed. “Do you wish to become one of those influential figures who change it?”
“I’m no influential figure,” Bai Wei said with a self-deprecating laugh. “Matters of state are beyond me. It’s not me walking this foreign land—it’s the sword in my hand. To think a sword can create peace? That’s naivety.”
“Is Benefactor Bai willing to give his all, even if it means failure in the end?” Yuan Zhen asked softly.
“I never said that,” Bai Wei replied, placing his Yunhu Sword on his knee. “But once I start something, I see it through. If my sword isn’t enough, I’ll rely on myself.”
For the first time, Bai Wei shared thoughts he’d kept hidden. “I’m not here to end a civil war. Seeing dead demon clansmen doesn’t stir my heart deeply—they’re not of my kind. Still, if I can bring even a fragment of peace, I will.”
The monk chuckled, “Isn’t Benefactor Bai here for that enchantress?”
“What do you think?” Bai Wei asked.
“Yes or no, it all stems from a thought,” Yuan Zhen replied sharply.
Bai Wei laughed. “You’re right, but your answer is vague. Fine—I admit, I came for her.”
“There’s no harm in that. Desire is natural,” the monk said seriously.
“Coming from a monk, that’s rich,” Bai Wei teased.
“Even monks must face reality. But Benefactor Bai, if you stay in the Demon Kingdom too long, you risk becoming like King Yama—trapped by hell, unable to leave.”
The monk’s warning echoed in Bai Wei’s mind: To help others cross, you must first stand on the shore yourself. Otherwise, how can you lead them to safety?
Bai Wei smiled faintly. “I may not save the world, but I can try to save a part of it. No one deserves to die starving or enslaved. Even if I fail, I’ll die on the road, not buried like an ant in the dirt.”
Yuan Zhen folded his hands solemnly. “Amitabha Buddha.”
Bai Wei returned the gesture, his resolve unshaken. “Well done, well done.”
