Volume One, Chapter 31: Descending the Mountain
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Gazing silently at the corpse of the elder from the Mission Hall, Lin Yang paused for a moment before arranging for his body to be transported to the Hall of Heroes in the back mountain. Within the sect, all cultivators had rushed to the front lines, leaving only a handful of low-ranking disciples to maintain daily operations. In such circumstances, Lin Yang, the acting peak master, naturally had to step forward to manage affairs.
Fortunately, although the situation initially overwhelmed him, after becoming accustomed to it, he no longer felt as flustered as at the start. The only regret was that ever since assuming this temporary leadership role, he no longer had time to tend to his flowers, farm the fields, or enjoy his tea.
Helpless, he had to delegate those tasks to Lu Chen.
…
At the sect’s entrance, upon seeing a batch of wounded being brought in, Lin Yang immediately instructed a group of low-ranking disciples, “Take them to the Medicine Hall. There are still some pills inside to suppress their injuries. Then send for the mortal doctors from the foot of the mountain.”
The disciples nodded and promptly carried out his orders. Lin Yang didn’t idle either; he helped carry the injured to the Medicine Hall. Once everyone was settled, curiosity got the better of him, and he asked one of the disciples who had transported the wounded back, “By the way, how are things at the front line now?”
The disciple sighed resignedly and replied, “Master Lin, you wouldn’t believe how dire the situation is. The battlefield no longer shows any land, only layer upon layer of corpses.”
“I’ve seen the largest pile of bodies—it was like a small mountain, truly a dreadful sight.”
Hearing this, Lin Yang fell silent. The disciple continued, “But… as of now, our sect still holds the advantage.”
“And more, Master Lin, your disciple Lin Hongye has just broken through to the peak of the Golden Core stage, and her strength is formidable. Even two peak Nascent Soul demonic cultivators can’t match her.”
Lin Yang gave a wry smile. “Of course, I know that.”
While Lin Hongye was cultivating, Lin Yang naturally received feedback, so he was fully aware of her progress.
In the past six months, Lin Yang’s cultivation had advanced to the late Feather Transformation stage, just one step away from its peak.
After a moment, he sighed and shook his head helplessly, “The battle has dragged on so long, batches of wounded keep coming back, and once they recover, they rush forward again. I truly don’t know when this will end.”
The disciple scratched his head and smiled awkwardly, “Well, the fight is inevitable. If we don’t do it, our descendants will have to.”
“Since that’s the case, it’s better for our generation to fight. Who knows if our descendants will have the same cultivation as us?”
“So, we must fight ourselves. Win or lose, at least we’ll have given it our all.”
With that, the disciple waved his hand and said farewell, “Alright, Master Lin, I have to get back to the front line to transport more wounded. I’m off now.”
He left the Medicine Hall and hurried back to the front.
Lin Yang stood thoughtfully.
Just then, Lu Chen entered, carrying a large bundle of medicinal herbs for recovery.
“Master, I went to a nearby sect and got some healing pills… What are you thinking about?” Lu Chen asked curiously.
Lin Yang shook his head and replied calmly, “Nothing. Keep treating the wounded.”
…
Days passed quietly without any new wounded being brought in, and everything seemed to return to a calm state.
Until news came from the front line to the Great Wilderness Immortal Sect.
“Master! Master!”
Lu Chen rushed back to Red Sun Peak anxiously. Lin Yang, who had just finished examining the wounded and was about to rest, heard Lu Chen’s shout and sighed, “Alright, alright, what’s the matter?”
Walking out of his cave, Lin Yang saw Lu Chen holding a bulletin. Curious, he asked, “What’s the news? Anything new from the front?”
Lu Chen spread out the bulletin and said anxiously, “The sect leader of the Great Wilderness Immortal Sect, Zhang Xianfeng, is trapped deep within the Bloodthirsty Demon Sect’s territory. There has been no news since!”
“That report is already three days old, and still no updates.”
Lin Yang fell silent upon hearing this.
After a long moment, he muttered uncertainly, “That old fox is too cunning; he surely won’t be in trouble.”
Days passed—two, three, then five—with no news from the front.
Although Lin Yang had grown used to this routine, unease deepened within his heart.
…
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On the training ground, Lu Chen gripped a wooden sword, repeatedly practicing his sword techniques.
Today, rare leisure allowed him time to train.
Although his swordsmanship had already reached the pinnacle, there was still a long way to go to achieve true mastery.
At that moment, Lin Yang approached, dressed in a white robe, his eyes weary. Just stepping out of his cave, he lazily yawned.
Lu Chen, seeing his master’s lethargy, teased, “Master, you’re only getting up at midday?”
Lin Yang shook his head, speaking calmly, “I have to go on a long trip in a few days, so I’m catching up on sleep.”
Hearing that Lin Yang was leaving during such chaotic times with two sects at war, Lu Chen asked in confusion, “Master, with the sect in turmoil, why are you going on a long trip now?”
“I’ve been at the Great Wilderness Immortal Sect for over ten years; it’s time to go out and explore. As for when… I don’t care.”
Seeing Lin Yang wasn’t joking, Lu Chen became anxious, “Master, please don’t joke. If you leave, who will manage the sect?”
“There’s nothing much going on now. Just keep things running. I’ll be off.”
With that, Lin Yang turned to leave. Lu Chen shook his head helplessly.
Yet, as Lin Yang said, the sect could still operate without him at the moment. There were no pressing affairs, only caring for the wounded.
“Where is this guy going…” Lu Chen muttered.
At that moment, Lin Yang suddenly appeared behind him and sharply tapped his head.
“Ouch!” Lu Chen cried out in pain, turning around in surprise and looking at Lin Yang, puzzled. “Master, didn’t you just leave?!”
“Disrespecting your master from behind deserves punishment,” Lin Yang said, snatching the wooden sword from Lu Chen’s hand.
“Let me borrow your wooden sword. I’ll return it later.”
With that, Lin Yang gripped the wooden sword and left.
Lu Chen wanted to retort but feared Lin Yang would suddenly appear again, so he sulkily kept silent.
…
Lin Yang looked down the mountain path. Taking a deep breath, he finally stepped forward.
Lin Yang was descending the mountain. His destination: the front lines.