Chapter 268: Assassination
The summer sun blazed fiercely, scorching light pouring down to bake the dust on both sides of the official road until it was slightly hot.
Cicada cries brought a touch of restlessness.
After five continuous days of travel, the group had left Yellowmaple Province and officially entered the territory of Qiulong Province.
Beside the official road, under a patch of dense tree shade, stood a crude tea stall. Though the thatched roof was dilapidated, it cast a large patch of precious shade, so Chen Qing ordered a brief rest here.
The tea stall wasn't large, with only a few wooden tables and benches.
The stall owner was a dark-skinned old man with a face full of wrinkles. Seeing so many distinguished-looking guests arrive at once, he hurriedly and attentively wiped down the tables and chairs, serving up rough pottery bowls and cool tea brewed from large-leaf tea.
The disciples found shaded spots to sit, either gulping down cool tea or conversing in low voices.
He Shuang sat alone under a tree root somewhat farther away, eyes closed in meditation. Luo Qianjue and others gathered at one table.
Chen Qing sat alone at a table toward the interior, lifting the rough pottery bowl and taking a sip of cool tea. He appeared to be resting with closed eyes, but was actually concentrating on listening to a voice transmission by his ear.