Chapter 259, Three Routes
The next day.
The Demon Cultivator transport team, carefully arranged by Young Master Sang, set off under the leadership of Tang Yubbing, Yan Rouwan, and Meng Qiyan to scout the necessary delivery route in advance.
As for Young Master Sang, he rushed back to Linzhou City in haste.
Not just because a certain sulky girl had been waiting here long enough to throw a tantrum.
More importantly, he needed to discuss the transportation matter in person with Bai Ming, the head of the Floating Splendor Commerce.
“Bai brother! You finally decided to show up!”
At the top of the Fusa Pavilion, Young Master Sang exaggeratedly approached Bai Ming, who was dressed in Sad Frog attire, and inquired with concern as if they were old friends.
“Oh dear, you didn’t die from an illness, did you? Didn’t the fever mess up your brain? You absolutely cannot have any accidents! Even if something happens, make sure to hand over your assets to me before you go…”
Bai Ming shot him a sideways glance, speechless.
“Young Master Sang is joking again. Let’s talk about business.”
Young Master Sang gradually toned down his teasing and seriously spread a map on the table.
“I believe your Shadow Pavilion has already received the intel. Currently, all three routes out of Linzhou City have been spotted with the presence of Holy Kingdom troops.”
“Clearly, they’re not trying to hide anything this time. They’re openly telling us that we won’t be able to transport a single piece of this cargo.”
Bai Ming’s expression turned serious as she frowned, “Has Young Master Sang prepared a countermeasure?”
“I pay for the service, so please rest assured, Bai brother.”
Young Master Sang was quite confident as he pointed to the western mountain path.
“The westward route requires passing through a deep forest, ideal for ambushes.”
“Fortunately, there’s not much cargo to transport on the west line; it only requires a large cultivator leading the way. Once we get past the most dangerous forest stage, what lies ahead is an endless plain, hard to ambush.”
“I’ve already arranged several high-ranking Demon Cultivators to handle the transport on this line. As long as nothing unexpected happens, the pressure on the west line shouldn’t be much.”
After that, he pointed towards the eastern official road out of Linzhou City.
“The official road is a major route with a large flow of merchants and travelers. Even if the Holy Kingdom wants to take action, they’ll have to wait for a quieter time at the Luoying Mountain pass to strike.”
“But this route carries the largest amount of cargo, which makes it the most dangerous. The main force of the Holy Kingdom will likely concentrate their efforts here.”
“Therefore, I will personally lead the elite Demon Cultivators to escort this route.”
“What?!”
Unexpectedly, after hearing this, Bai Ming exclaimed in shock.
“You— you’re going to lead the team personally? How can that be?!”
“Ah? Why can’t it?” Young Master Sang scratched his head in confusion.
“Uh… I mean,” Bai Ming suddenly started stuttering, “you’re not a combatant, right? Escorting cargo doesn’t need you to get your hands dirty, does it? You could just leave it to your subordinates?”
“When the time comes, it’ll be a battle at the crossing tribulation level. You’re just a foundation building level cultivator; even if it’s just the aftermath that affects you, it could cost you your life!”
Uh. But if I don’t go, then the Demon Cultivation side won’t have any crossing tribulation combat capability left.
Young Master Sang didn’t want to reveal his true capabilities to Bai Ming and could only smile, “Bai brother, don’t forget, we are the Demon Cultivators.”
“Since our sect was established, we’ve walked a bloody path filled with life-and-death struggles to reach today.”
“Who’s afraid of death? Who would join a place like the Demon Cultivators that everyone calls out to kill?”
Bai Ming looked slightly distracted.
“Rest assured, we conduct business with integrity in the Demon Cult.”
Young Master Sang patted his chest, “Since we’ve accepted Bai brother’s payment, we guarantee that we will do everything in our power to deliver the goods to you. That’s how we won’t let down your expectations.”
“For that, even if it costs us our lives, it’s our own choice, you don’t need to worry.”
No… Bai Ming still wanted to say something.
But her lips, slightly parted, gradually pressed together.
“Then… take care of yourself,” she mumbled softly like a mosquito’s whisper.
“What?”
Young Master Sang was somewhat perplexed.
The usually shrewd Bai Ming suddenly seemed sentimental today, feigning concern for him?
Could she really see him as a close friend facing life and death? But weren’t we just ordinary business partners?
Odd as it was, Young Master Sang didn’t think too much of it and continued explaining his plan:
“Bai brother doesn’t need to worry too much. We’ve investigated; even though the Holy Kingdom has laid heavy troops on the official road and there might be two or three crossing tribulation cultivators ambushed here…”
“The Demon Cultivators aren’t pushovers either.”
“We have already contacted our allies as strong support to aid in this escort task.”
“Even if they do send out three crossing tribulation warriors, we are confident we can drive them off!”
Allies? Bai Ming asked curiously, “With that lousy reputation of your Demon Cult, who would want to ally with you?”
“…Some things don’t need to be said so bluntly and hurtfully. Thank you.”
Young Master Sang cleared his throat, feigning mystery, “You’ll find out soon enough.”
Bai Ming pouted, didn’t press further, and shifted her gaze to the last route.
“What about the north line? The entire route is a desolate valley, also very suitable for ambush.”
“Although there’s not much cargo on the north line, we can’t just abandon it.”
“We won’t escort the north line,” Young Master Sang replied.
“Why not?” Bai Ming became even more suspicious.
“Because there’s a natural barrier that will see us through the valley.”
Young Master Sang’s gaze lingered on the map, resting on a familiar yet unfamiliar name, revealing a knowing smile.
However, to Bai Ming, who was unaware, his smile appeared somewhat sinister and terrifying.
“…Is Young Master Sang this confident?”
“I can’t say I’m fully assured,” Young Master Sang shook his head slowly, “after all, they are the Holy Kingdom, and there are differences even among crossing tribulation cultivators.”
“The real battle results will still depend on the ground.”
“However, this is already the best effort we can put forth.”
The Holy Kingdom is ultimately the Holy Kingdom.
A colossal entity that has loomed over the continent for countless ages, a once supreme dynasty that reigned over the entire land.
Even after many years of seclusion, it doesn’t mean that their minions have become sluggish.
This was probably the most challenging task Young Master Sang has faced since arriving in this world.
Even with Nian Nian’s help, he still wouldn’t dare say he was a hundred percent confident in winning this confrontation.
But this is the most authentic reality of this world.
And it’s also the world that Yan Rouwan, Meng Qiyan, and the other Heavenly Punishment Department employees face every day.
Everyday, he had been living a leisurely and safe life in the Punishment Department behind the scenes, with no pressure about his salary, almost forgetting the true nature of this cultivation world.
This time.
It’s time for him to step up and do some serious work.
(End of the first update)
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