Chapter 260 – A Thorough Sweep; Wood Demon Subjugation - Part 2
The next night.
Beyond the third gate of the Holy Tree Temple’s city stronghold, rows of sedan-like palanquins built from dark green wood emerged. Each palanquin was carried by two sturdy men and guarded by six more. A veil of drapery concealed the interior, where a faint flute melody played.
As the flute’s notes drifted through the night, crimson swarms of insects gathered overhead with a low, buzzing hum, trailing after the procession like vast crimson clouds that surged swiftly toward the city outskirts.
Standing atop the gray-black walls, dressed in white, Cui Wuji looked down at the palanquins with Li Yuan by his side.
“They’re called insect wardens,’” Cui Wuji explained. “They use music to command these insects, which are extremely sensitive to Yin energy. There’s no chance those undying husk can hide from them now.”
“Insect wardens?” Li Yuan repeated. “If the Holy Tree Temple had them all along, why not send them out sooner? The undying husks might never have grown so bold if you had.”
Cui Wuji replied mildly, “Every great faction holds a few trump cards in reserve. If we used them at every turn, no number of hidden assets would ever suffice.”
“Is it that the insect wardens are weaker than I realize?” Li Yuan wondered. “Maybe there was concern about losing too many of them?”
Cui Wuji nodded, then shook his head, leaving the question hanging. Gazing at the red clouds of insects drifting across the sky, he murmured, “Perhaps that’s not really the point; maybe it has more to do with the insects themselves. Master Li, you’re a genius at smithing weapons and taming beasts. Before long, you’ll likely get a chance to study these creatures. You might be the one teaching me a thing or two.”
Li Yuan let the matter drop, sensing that Cui Wuji himself knew little about these insects or the insect wardens.
Soon, the palanquins passed beyond sight. Above them, Li Yuan glimpsed shapes flitting through the sky, powerful martial artists following from on high. He let out a soft sigh.
“Sheng'er will be alright,” Cui Wuji said quietly.