Chapter 297: A Distinguished Visitor, Why Not Come Out for a Chat
This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation.
Star-Plucking Mountain, named for its towering peaks that seem close enough to pluck stars from the sky, stood majestically under the night sky. The stars above twinkled like tiny fragments of light scattered across a vast ocean.
Even though Wei Ying and her group were burdened with heavy worries, the breathtaking scenery momentarily captured their attention. Their eyes gleamed with awe as their hearts stirred.
Hua Tu observed their captivated expressions and let out a quiet chuckle. His gaze shifted before finally resting on Yu Zhao, who sat with her eyes closed, meditating.
Sensing his attention, Yu Zhao lazily opened her eyes, casting a calm glance his way. Startled, Hua Tu quickly looked away, a guilty expression spreading across his face.
Yu Zhao, well-acquainted with Hua Tu’s jumpy demeanor, simply closed her eyes again, resuming her meditation.
Time passed. Despite his best efforts, Hua Tu’s curiosity got the better of him. His gaze kept flitting toward Yu Zhao, though he dared not stare for long, quickly withdrawing each time.
Hua Tu’s feelings were complicated, much like Yu Zhao herself. From their first meeting in the Dragon Pool Mountain Range, he had been drawn to her unique presence and was deeply curious about her. Over time, she proved to be no ordinary person.
Yu Zhao wasn’t just a cultivator—she was one of the rare, highly talented prodigies among cultivators. Hua Tu had assumed someone like her would be aloof and untouchable, as distant as snow-capped peaks or the moon in the sky. Yet, she defied his expectations.
Not only did Yu Zhao manage to tame the unruly young foxes, but she had also risked her life to save a captured cub, using herself as bait. Yu Zhao, to Hua Tu, was the most contradictory person he had ever met. Her duality fascinated him, and he couldn’t help but wonder which side of her was the real one. While Hua Tu indulged in these thoughts, Wei Ying and her companions were weighed down by anxiety. They longed to rescue the abducted children but were also wary of the evil Heaven’s Punishment Organization. The tension left them feeling like they were being scorched on a hot iron plate.
Finally, as the stars dimmed and dawn broke, the dead silence of Star-Plucking Mountain gave way to the sound of rustling wind and chirping insects. The mountain seemed to awaken after a long slumber.
Realizing danger was imminent, Wei Ying and the others tensed. Their hands hovered over their storage spaces, ready to draw their artifacts at a moment’s notice.
Half an hour later, the sound of heavy objects being moved echoed from afar. Voices followed, growing closer with every step.
“Hurry! Arrange them as planned—boys on the left, girls on the right. Do not mix them up!”
“Move faster! The envoy’s ritual cannot be delayed!”
“Tie the saintess securely to the central pillar. Make sure she doesn’t break free during the offering!”
A group of cultivators arrived at the altar, led by two Golden Core cultivators. Foundation Establishment cultivators followed closely behind, carrying unconscious children in their baskets. They tied the boys and girls to the jade pillars surrounding the altar.
Hua Tu nudged the frowning Yu Zhao and whispered, “The one in the middle—is that the person you’re looking for?”
Yu Zhao gave a silent nod. She hadn’t met Han Xin Lan before, but judging by the woman’s appearance, it was likely her. As she suspected, the ancestor of the Tu family had brought Han Xin Lan here.
“Ninety-eight boys and girls, along with the saintess—everything is in place. Can we act now?” Hua Tu was growing impatient, eager to leave this accursed place and return to the latest story updates in Southern Wind City.
“Not yet,” Yu Zhao replied firmly. She aimed to rescue the captives and eliminate the Heaven’s Punishment Organization entirely, ensuring they couldn’t harm anyone again.
On the other side, Wei Ying and her companions debated whether to reveal themselves. All six were elite Golden Core cultivators, confident they could defeat the cultists at the altar. However, they feared their battle would draw the attention of someone more powerful.
If a Nascent Soul cultivator resided on Star-Plucking Mountain, they would be trapped like fish in a barrel. Yet, waiting wasn’t an option either; if the ritual began, the children would be sacrificed, and their rescue mission would be for nothing.
Suddenly, a deep voice echoed: “A distinguished visitor has arrived. Why not come out for a chat?”
Before anyone could react, an invisible force dragged Wei Ying’s group out of their hiding spot, exposing them to the open view.
The cultists paused their work and knelt toward the altar, hands clasped in reverence. In the center of the altar, three figures appeared.
Wei Ying’s heart sank. Her worst fears had come true. Not one, but three Nascent Soul cultivators stood before them.
The leader looked unremarkable but carried an intimidating aura. His eyes were deep, like the abyssal sea, more menacing than any sect elder Wei Ying had encountered. The other two cultivators, though less imposing, exuded an undeniable power.
“Honored guests, forgive our lack of hospitality,” said Tian Pu Zi with a cryptic smile. He turned to the ancestor of the Tu family. “This is our first ritual. Let’s show our guests our utmost sincerity.”
“I understand,” replied the Tu ancestor respectfully. He gestured toward Wei Ying’s group, inviting them forward. “The ritual is about to begin. Please take your seats and observe.”
“What should we do, Senior Sister?” Ning, the youngest of the group, looked at Wei Ying with panic.
Wei Ying didn’t have a clear plan but suspected Tian Pu Zi’s invitation was a trap. “Since we’ve been exposed, let’s play along and see what they’re planning.”
It was better to face the blade head-on than cower in fear.
Wei Ying stepped forward boldly, and the others followed. The Tu ancestor conjured chairs from his storage space, setting them neatly before the altar. He gestured for the group to sit.
As soon as they did, Tian Pu Zi let out a booming laugh. “Ha-ha-ha! What a glorious day this is! Wonderful, truly wonderful!”
His laughter was contagious; the cultists joined in, their voices brimming with genuine delight.
The sinister laughter sent a chill down Hua Tu’s spine. His casual demeanor evaporated, replaced by deep unease. These people were far more dangerous than he had anticipated.
[Table of Content]
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation