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Ch 6 - Setting off

Ch 6 - Setting off

“ You know I can’t forgive him Baihua , he allowed that to happen , he allowed our only family left in this world to be attacked , and now we still don't know if they're even alive. ”

After ending the meeting with the prince , Yang Changtian , returned to his humble home , Zhang Anying was waiting for him by the entrance.

“ Brother Yang , I came to pick your luggage up when I saw you talking with his highness, the grand prince. I didn’t want to disturb your conversation so I decided to wait here for you. What’s that in your hand Brother Yang ?.”

Yang Changtian lowered his eyes to glance at the scroll in his hand and his master’s warning about a possible mole in their sect came to his mind. While Yang Changtian believed with his whole heart that it probably wasn't Zhang Anying , there's no harm in being careful. “ Oh this ? Recently his highness acquired a rare painting by the grand painter , and since he knows I like the grand painter's work , he decided to give it to me early for my birthday. “

“ Oh , can I see it brother Yang? Sure Anying , just not today , since this piece is quite old it needs to be stored in a dry place away from humidity , and today is a relatively humid day , So opening it might cause some damages. So I’ll show it to you when the weather is optimal.”

Zhang Anying initially felt that something was off about Yang Changtian. But then again , Yang Changtian was a massive fan of the grand painter's works , in the past he spent a lot of his earrings acquiring his paintings. And he has always been more particular and protective towards them. So Zhang Anying just brushed it off.

“ Brother Yang, where are your luggage? Let me help you carry them.”

“ They’re over there by study .”

Both of them entered the house and Zhang Anyng walked towards the study, Yang Changtian went into his room and after making sure Zhang Anying was busy , he lifted his silk mattress. He ran his hands over the wooden bed and pressed down . With a soft click , a mechanism revealed a secret compartment in the area where he places his head. Inside the Compartment was a box , he took the box out and opened it , inside lay the ghastly tiger medallion. He took out the medallion and hid it inside his robes. He then placed the scroll in the box before returning it to its hiding place.

He barely managed to return his bed back to its former state , before Zhang Anying came to find him.

Zhang Anying had all of his bags. Yang Changtian quickly stood up and walked over to grab a few bags to help Zhang Anying.

They walked out of the door , and Zhang Anying waited for Yang Changtian to finish locking up.

“ Is that everything Brother Yang ? , you sure did pack a lot .” Zhang Anying said, chuckling.

“ What can I say , I’m pretty high maintenance .” Yang Changtian joked back.

“ Haiyahhh our young master is still so spoiled.”

Jokingly, they walked towards the sect’s main hall. In Front of the main hall , Master Long, Zhou Zilong and the other disciples were waiting for them.

2 disciples approached them and took their bags, “ Senior brothers, we’ll go load the luggage .”

Yang Changtian nodded, “ Go ahead.” They then approach the group headed by their master.

“Master.” Greeted Yang Changtian and Zhang Anying.

Master Long was stroking his beard. “ Changtian , did you pack everything you’ll need ?”

“ Master, he packed half of his belongings.” snorted Zhang Anying.

And everyone burst into laughter.

“ Changtian , child you’re just going away for a while , it’s not like you're gonna be away for years.” Master Long teased chuckling.

“ Master , I only packed the essentials.” replied Yang Changtian pouting.

“ Whatever you say child.” said Master Long waving his hand.

“ Yang Changtian , I heard that his highness the prince came to meet you today. Next time make sure you go to him, what you did was extremely rude.” A cold voice reprimanded him. Everyone turned around to see the head of the Guanghui’s internal affairs , old madame Hua Jing. Hua Jing was the younger martial sister of Master Long. And quite contrary to her name , she was a very loud and obnoxious lady. And she was also extremely confrontational and nitpicking. She had problems with everyone. But due to his more free spirited and careless nature, she was especially at odds with Yang Changtian.

“ Even Though you are childhood friends with him , he’s still royalty. Do not forget that. You've already brought enough shame to our sect. “

Old madam Hua threw a massive fit when she heard what happened with the Bihou sect. She insisted that master Long should expel Yang Changtian from the sect , to prevent any more scandals and issues. This was quickly and strictly shut down by Master Long.

“ That’s enough Jing. This child is about to set off on a long journey and here you are trying to pick a fight. Stop it this instant.” Long Dacheng reprimanded her heavily .

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“ Madame Hua , I do apologise for causing an inconvenience ,but I must ask you to forgive Changtian.” Everyone turned to see Prince Jinlong and Lan Zhiyu walking towards them. “ Madame Hua , I’ve been friends with Changtian since we were kids , and I also wanted to see him off before he sets off , especially since he’s going on this journey to help me. So I must ask you to forgive me for causing such a commotion and inconvenience.“

“ You’re highness , if anything he should be the one apologising. He’s already caused so much …”

“ Silence Hua Jing ! His highness already asked you to forgive Changtian, so drop this matter this instant.” Master Long’s usually soft spoken voice was stern and final.

Old madame Hua , couldn't say anything more , so she just kept quiet.

“ We should set off now, master , we have to reach the town of Jingxi within 17 days , so we must hurry. “

Jingxi was the last city before you entered the Northern territory. From there on till they reach the border the only major town is Beifeng. Beifeng is the city that is currently hit by the mysterious monster plague. Jingxi was also the location of the northernmost branch of the Guanghui sect. Yang Changtian and his companions will stop at Jingxi for a while to gather more information and supplies before heading off to the extremely barren and isolated Beifeng.

“ Okay , have a safe journey children. Remember to pick up the people joining you from the Bihou sect” Master Long replied.

“ Yes master.”

In addition to his 2nd and 3rd brothers , Zhang Anying and Zhou Zilong , 5 other minor disciples from his sect were joining Yang Changtian. They all bowed to pay respect to their master before mounting their horses to set off.

With a kick , Yang Changtian’s steed ,Lieyan , a magnificent horse of white and tan , with a long flowing mane , started to lead the group galloping towards the north. Leaving behind a cloud of dust. Their luggage carriage was trailing behind them at a slower pace.

Long Dacheng , along with his other disciples and Prince Jinlong observed the group till the carriage was no longer visible.

—-------.

Yang Changtian and his group arrived at the Bihou sect. From a far they saw some loaded horses and people standing at the entrance of the sect. As they got closer they recognised a few familiar faces.

The Huang twins , Master Li , Li Heng , and 2 other tall figures were standing together. One figure wore dark green robes , his hair was braided styled with some foreign ornaments. His eyes a unique shade of lilac. Yang Changtian , immediately recognised this as martial uncle Sun’s youngest disciple , Mo Ling. A handsome lad of barely 36. He was well known for being a playboy. He was doted upon by all of his elders , resulting in him being an extremely carefree person , who always wanted to play around.

The other figure exuded a more calmed energy. Clad in a grey robe , his hair was styled using a silver crown. His eyes were a hauntingly grey, with specks of black. Yang Changtian recognised him to be Li Cheng , Master Sun’s second disciple and Jingyou’s first brother. He was from a prominent scholar family from the West , so since childhood he preferred to be accompanied by books . Similar to Jingyou , he was a very quiet person , who never initiated a conversation.

Seemingly alerted of their presence , those grey eyes were directed at the approaching group.

Yang Changtin stopped and demounted his horse , and walked towards the group. Zhou Zilong and Zhang Anying followed him.

They stopped in front of the other group. Huang Baihua smiled at them slightly .” Brother Yang, it's been a while.”

“ Yes Baihua , I hope everyone's doing well ?.”

“ We’re all doing well Yang Changtian , let’s cut to the chase.” Huang Baicheng cut in coldly. “ Brother Li Cheng and Mo Ling will be joining you on this mission. 3 other disciples from our sect will be accompanying them.”

Yang Changtian nodded at Huang Baicheng, “ Thank you for lending us a hand.”

Before Huang Baicheng could say anything , Huang Baihua answered, “ Brother Yang , this mission is for the sake of the kingdom and and for Prince Jinlong , who’s been a forever ally and friend of our sect, so of course we will lend you a helping hand.” She smiled softly at them before turning to Li Cheng and Mo Ling. Brother Li , I wish you a safe journey , Mo Ling , be sure to behave and keep your older brother safe.”

Li Cheng wordlessly nodded at her , while Mo Ling answer in an annoyed tone. “ Sister Hua , I’m not a child , i know how to distinguish between fun time and serious affairs. “

Mo Ling helped Li Cheng onto the carriage , before mounting his own horse. The other disciples followed his lead. Li Cheng has always been weak , so riding would take a great toll on his weak body.

Huang Baicheng , walked closer to Li Cheng’s carriage and knocked on the window . After Li Cheng opened the window , he whispered something to Li Cheng. Li Cheng looked at him for a second , before nodding and patting Huang Baicheng’s head. Huang Baicheng bowed at him before stepping away from the carriga and Li Cheng closed the window again.

Huang Baicheng then approached Mo Ling , “ Ling , remember to be careful and cautious of everyone.”

Mo Ling shot a quick glance at Yang Changtian and his group before looking back at Baicheng nodding, “ Yes Brother Huang.”

Mo Ling’s not so secretive glance was noticed by Yang Changtian and the others. Zhang Anying felt wronged, it’s been so many years. He opened his mouth to say something but Zhou Zilong shot him a look that shut him up.

Yang Changtian knew that they still held some enmity towards them , so he was a little sad.

Huang Baihua must’ve noticed the flash of self depreciation that passed through his face , because she approached him ,and secretly handed him a small bag. “ Brother Yang , here’s a small gift. Have a safe journey .”

She whispered softly, before she could say anymore , Huang Baicheng’s cold voice rang out. “ Baihua , come back , what do you think you're doing ?”

“ I was just bidding Brother Yang a safe journey, “ she replied hurrying back to her brother’s side.

“ Then we will depart now Older brother , sister .” Mo Ling said loudly before kicking his horse.

Yang Changtian , Zhou Zilong and Zhang Anying also mounted their horses and they soon caught up with the other group.

The Huang twins were standing near the entrance of the Bihou sect , they watched till they disappeared into the horizon. Baihua turned towards her older brother. “ Brother , aren’t you a little too harsh on them.?”

“ Baihua , if anything I’m not harsh enough. Let me remind you that our sister and master disappeared because of their fault. If this mission wasn't for the sake of Wang Jinlong , I won't even bother to lend them people.” With that he turned to go back in.

Huang Baihua , still staring at the horizon, asked in a soft voice, “ If you hate them so much , why did you ask Older brother and Mo Ling to help them ?”

Huang Baichneg stopped in his tracks, “ You’re thinking too much Baihua , older brother wanted to go , and Mo Long is the most suitable to protect him.” Without turning back , he resumed his walking.

A small smile broke out on Baihua's face , she turned to look at her brother’s disappearing back. “ Oh dear brother , who are you trying to fool? Even Though you still hate him for what happened , you still want to help him.”

She turned back to look at the sky, “ Sister , look at your 2nd brother. He's acting all tough and angry , yet he sent Elder brother Li Cheng and Mo Ling to help Brother Yang. “

Chuckling to herself , Huang Baihua turned to walk into the sect.

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