Cultivation Goddess
Chapter 403. Journey

The day of Fang Yin and Jian Heng's departure had also arrived. A train with all its equipment has been prepared by his family. There were about fifteen chosen warriors escorting them during the hunt to the Southern Star Forest.

The group left when it was still dark. Fang Yin and Jian Heng used their coats and clothes covered because the morning was very cold. The entire extended family escorted their departure and waited until it was completely out of sight.

The carriage driven by Fang Yin and Jian Heng drove at medium speed. The urban streets were still deserted when the troupe passed by. Fifteen horsemen marched and divided around the train.

The residents who had been engaged stared in astonishment and immediately took a position to salute when they found out if their emperor was passing by. The soldiers who were in the front row were tasked to open the road as they crossed the crowd.

They began to be cautious and slowed the pace of the train when it entered the territory outside the capital. The rural narrow streets with difficult terrain make the journey a little slower. It is estimated that the trip will take about a day overnight.

Someone was watching the carriage carrying Fang Yin and Jian Heng from a considerable distance. He seemed to be waiting for the right time to stop them. Judging from his movements, the person quite understood the region and mastered the terrain around him.

When the sun was about to sink, the stalker turned around and looked for another way to get to the marked location early. I don't know what he's planning and how many people are involved. He looked excited and did not want to fail in his mission this time.

'I'm sure, by sunset they will definitely stop at the point I marked. If not, I will force them to stop. This opportunity could not be delayed any longer before their strength recovered.'

The stalker was very confident that he would succeed in crippling Fang Yin and Jian Heng. He had previously gathered information about their condition. He did not know if the strength of the two had recovered with the help of pills from Tian Feng and Shi Jun Hui.

The pace of the stalking horse was camouflaged by the troop horse footsteps within Fang Yin's entourage. They didn't know if someone had made an ambush plan. The group continued to move towards the Southern Star Forest without any suspicion. Currently they had reached more than half of the journey and were passing through the hilly region.

The sunlight starts to dim and the night will soon fall. Five bandits jumped from the right and left sides of the trees to head off. The soldiers immediately acted alert and drove them away with weapons. The fight is no longer inevitable.

The abilities of the warrior were not comparable to the strength of the opponent. Although they tried hard but were unable to defeat the five bandits who confronted them. Almost half of them had injuries that forced Fang Yin and Jian Heng out.

The soldiers were calm. They move back to safety and make room for their leaders. However, those soldiers felt strange about the appearance of their reclusive leader.

The two bandit members who confronted were two intruders who were caught off guard by Consort Tang. They charged fiercely towards Fang Yin and Jian Heng. Unlike when facing the soldiers, the bandits took out all their abilities when facing them.

Fang Yin took out a spear and split it into three pieces. The remaining two people were handed over to Jian Heng.

The two bandits injured by the same spear that Fang Yin had taken out were aghast at the sight. At first they gasped when they found out that the person who attacked him a few nights ago was the one they were after. The previous defeat made them excited and did not want to feel like they failed again in this attack.

"Who are you guys? The energy aura you exuded did not belong to the Dragon Goddess and Emperor Heng!" exclaimed a man who had just appeared from behind the five bandits.

The man was the one who had previously followed them from the beginning of the departure. Just like the others, she also wears a face mask so it is not easy to recognize.

"Thank God you already know so I don't have to pretend anymore" Consort Tang said as she unfolded her face.

The man was aghast as he looked at the person standing before him. She did not expect that Concubine Tang had faked Fang Yin's departure to trap her. Forced he would have to splash enmity with the Middle Continent Empire if anything bad happened to Consort Tang.

The person who was together with Consort Tang also opened his identity. He was the Xi Changyi who had just arrived last night. His face and posture that were very similar to Jian Heng made him not so obvious when disguised.

"What is your purpose in stopping our journey? Aren't you guys members of the governing council of the Eastern Continent Empire?" Concubine Tang did not want to mince words because she had managed to pocket the identity of the two bandits before her.

The faces of the bandits changed instantly. They did not expect that his lunge had been known by Consort Tang who was certainly also a member of the Fang Yin family. Other than offending the Middle Continent Empire now they would have no place anymore in the Eastern Continent.

"When did you know about our identity? How could you possibly know? Shit!" exclaim the bandit leader who just came at the end.

"That's none of your business! Now you are our enemy and we will not let you go back into the palace." Concubine Tang was back prepared with her attack.

Xi Changyi did not stay silent, he started to concentrate and work with his mother to finish off his opponents. Their fight was inevitable again. Apparently the council members who are Huan Ran's brothers are a herd of traitors.

Some time ago they had joined the Lower Moon Demon Sect. It was not yet clear what their goal was to attack Fang Yin but Consort Tang was very confident that they were aiming for the baby candidate Fang Yin. In the demon calendar, they could foresee the descendants of the Dragon Goddess and turn her into evil. By siding with the descendants of the Dragon Goddess in their stronghold then it would be easy for the Sect to rule the world.

Consorts Tang and Xi Changyi were undaunted to face their opponents. Before departing the additional troops that were under Shi Han Wu's leadership would also come following. They're sure they'll be here any minute.

The strength of the members of the Lower Moon Demon Sect cannot be taken lightly. They were able to compensate for the attacks from Concubine Tang and Xi Changyi. Both of them looked exhausted facing from their six opponents.

"Mother! You're hurt!" screeched Xi Changyi as an attack shot out and struck Consort Tang's left arm.

Xi Changyi's panic made him go off guard. He had almost been hit by an attack if not saved by Consort Tang. Both of them jumped to higher ground.

"You thwarted their attack! It took me two minutes to prepare for my attack." Concubine Tang asked Xi Changyi to protect her as she prepared.

This time, Consort Tang would control the clouds and rain to form a storm. The dean's distance attack made him even more desperate. He had to rely on his own strength even though reinforcements were heading there.

****

Elsewhere, somewhere else,

Fang Yin and Jian Heng were able to enjoy his journey without being caught. Both of them came out of the palace in warrior clothes so that no one recognized them. Other than her family no one knew if the two had walked out of the palace shortly after the departure of Consort Tang and the entourage.

The journey to the Red Mountains had reached half the way. They decide to rest in a small and remote village when night falls. Only the two of them knew where their destination was going.

"Yin'er! We better rest here. Let's just hope one of the residents is willing to give us a ride for the night."

Jian Heng brought Fang Yin down from the top of the tree. They had previously been on air travel. The horses and warrior clothes they wore were left near the border of the capital. Most likely the horses returned to the palace without a jockey.

"Hopefully. Do my clothes look like ordinary people." Fang Yin and Jian Heng were simple in disguise.

Jian Heng nodded.

They cannot show their true identity. As much as possible, let no one know who they really are. Perhaps in a moment, their existence would be sought after by the power hunters.

The small village was still quite crowded despite being in a remote area. Some people were still wandering outside the house even though it was already night. However, Fang Yin and Jian Heng were not necessarily in a hurry to get close.

Every village has rules and customs. Before knowing how they would respond to the new person, Jian Heng asked Fang Yin not to rush over. He wanted to get closer first and only called out to her when he had made sure everything was safe.

"Wait here! I'll be right back." Jian Heng rubbed Fang Yin's back gently before leaving.

"Don't you go long!"

Fang Yin looked like a child in need of protection.

Jian Heng nodded then walked back to him towards someone who was conversing in front of him. They speak with slightly different accents to the accents of people who live in urban areas. It would not be easy for him to mimic that accent and look like the people living around him.

"Good night!" greet Jian Heng after arriving before them.

Those people turned their heads simultaneously towards Jian Heng for not seeing his presence. The lighting in the village is very bad. The two men each carried small lanterns that were always held to illuminate the path they were on.

"Good night. Who are you, Sir? Why do the nights come to this village?" ask one of them.

"Sorry, we are on our way and want to hitchhike for a short rest in this village. Can you help me find a place to stay tonight?" jian Heng asked politely.

Those people nodded quickly.

"Let's come with us!" call one of them.

Jian Heng was a little astonished as they let new people into his village without being asked much. However, all his doubts were immediately dismissed. Maybe they are really good people.

"Thank you. Wait a minute, I'll call my sister!" Jian Heng did not want everyone to know if they were a married couple.

From his current distance, Fang Yin could clearly hear what was said by him. Inwardly he smiled amusedly with Jian Heng's spontaneity.

'Brother Heng looks so adorable. I didn't expect him to have an idea like this.' Fang Yin's smile fell on his lips.

Without waiting to be summoned by her husband, Fang Yin walked over following Jian Heng and the two strangers.

"Are you two alone?" ask sala a villager.

"really. Can we stay in the village?" the Jian Heng.

"Hm." Two villagers nodded back.

They walked over to take the lead and brought Fang Yin and Jian Heng somewhere. It was not very clear what the situation around them was because the night was so thick. The lanterns they carried were only able to illuminate at a limited viewing distance.

'These two people received the presence of foreign guests without asking much. I don't know if this is their kindness or a camouflage.' Jian Heng remained vigilant even though the villagers who carried him did not look dangerous.

Just like Jian Heng, Fang Yin thought that the villagers were very suspicious. They did not ask their origin and purpose before taking him to a visit. However, he tries to think positively and prepare for all the possibilities that could happen.

Two villagers took them to a place that looked like a simple house. The shape is very typical with walls and roofs made of simple materials processed from forest shrubs. The cone-shaped house was quite spacious but inside was not much furniture.

In the middle of the room there is a large fireplace that can illuminate all corners of the room. The floor in the house was made of natural stone arranged in such a way. There is no bed or bale-bale to lie on.

"Please rest! We will return to bring food" said one villager representing the others.

The villagers returned Jian Heng's respects and left the place. They closed the small door that became the only access in and out of the room.

Fang Yin walked around the room to take a look. The palm of his left hand touched the wall of the room and the unexpected happened. His body was pushed and slammed to the side. Luckily Jian Heng was so quick-witted and instantly caught up to him.

"Sister Heng, we are currently locked up in this room. On the walls of the cottage there was a very strong layer of energy. We need to get out with cross-dimensional displacement!"

Fang Yin looked panicked when he found out that he was being locked up by the villagers who were carrying them.

"Calm down! This village is still within the territory of the Eastern Continent. We are the rulers. What are we afraid of?"

Fang Yin patted his forehead upon hearing Jian Heng's remark. Sometimes her husband can look smart and sometimes very stupid like today.

"How do they know we are the ruler, does Brother Heng want our disguise uncovered?" said Fang Yin feeling uneasy at Jian Heng.

Jian Heng only realized that they were currently in disguise. In the midst of precarious circumstances, he had behaved foolishly. His face looked so silly when he realized it.

"We just follow their game. I wonder what their plan is."

"All right! We should pretend to know nothing and act ordinary. Take a high-level poison-bidding pill. We don't know what food they're gonna feed us." Fang Yin gave a pill to Jian Heng.

"Hmm," nodded Jian Heng.

The two no longer worried about eating poisonous food after this. However, there was another worry when thinking about how much strength his opponent was. The energy lining the walls in the hut felt very strong.

Fang Yin and Jian Heng tried to remain calm. Whatever happens after this they have to deal with the knights. For a long time they did not go on adventures and felt challenged by what they experienced on the way.

Fang Yin played his finger while sitting leaning on Jian Heng's shoulder. They dissolve in each other's minds and don't talk much. Until the sound of footsteps approached, Fang Yin just straightened his fist.

"Some one's coming! Their number was around eight people," Fang Yin said guessing with his instincts.

"Hold yourself, Yin'er. Don't let your energy leak out or it'll all be a mess!"

Now it was Jian Heng who reminded Fang Yin of his plan. Before those people entered, he immediately swallowed the Fang Yin-giving pill quickly.

The same thing was done by Fang Yin. He also swallowed the pill in his hand. Not long after, the door of the room opened. Some women showed up carrying trays filled with food in a container made of pottery.

"Sorry to wait a long time. Please enjoy!" one woman represents another.

There were some special dishes served in front of Fang Yin and Jian Heng. Everything looks so delicious with an appetizing aroma. Although placed in a simple place, the enjoyment of food is not reduced.

"We've been troubling you guys," Jian Heng said.

The woman just smiled. The three women who were behind him also looked very enthusiastic when staring at Jian Heng. It is very clear that they have a special interest in him.

This gurgle was also sniffed by Fang Yin. The women in front of her did not leave before her and looked at her husband like someone thirsting for love. Their striking, slightly exposed clothes would not make Jian Heng interested in him.

"We can't eat if you guys keep staring at us like that" Fang Yin said.

The women turned their eyes and turned towards him. They seem to dislike him and do not respond to his words.

Suit!

A man standing outside the door gave a code. Suddenly the women immediately got up from her seat and rushed away. Their steps were so hasty and did not have time to say goodbye to Jian Heng and Fang Yin.

Before those people closed the door, Fang Yin had a chance to see a mysterious look from them. There was no hospitality emanating from the faces of the men who were outside the room.

"Sister Heng, there is something strange about these foods. I smell a very strong magic scent. We can't eat it even though it looks so delicious" whispered Fang Yin.

Jian Heng nodded with a bit of confusion. He had no idea how the foods disappeared without a trace without them touching. Keeping it in storage space will still leave a trace if there is magic in it.

"Sister Heng take it easy, I will get rid of this food safely," Fang Yin added as if understanding what Jian Heng was thinking.

Again Jian Heng could only nod as he did not yet understand what Fang Yin was going to do. He could only look at it without daring to interfere. It was impossible for Fang Yin to explain everything in a crucial moment like this.

Fang Yin's palm let out a black flame that was burning darkly. In a short time the fire devoured all the food that was engulfed without leaving a trace. Unfortunately there was also no physical trace that could possibly make his opponent feel suspicious but Fang Yin did not care about it anymore.

"Yin'er, they would definitely wonder about how this food could run out without any leftovers. We better be careful after this."

Fang Yin smiled seeing the panic on Jian Heng's face. Everything he thought about. Maybe after this they will face danger but at least they are not in the influence of magic.

"We'll teleport between spaces after this. I'm sure that the magic contained in the food aims to strengthen the defense of the protective spell between spaces. If we are truly unable to deal with them, I still have a spirit summoning pill that could bring Tian Feng's father to this place" Fang Yin explained.

After saying that Fang Yin again prepared to do something. The energy to teleport had coated his body, then split it up for Jian Heng as well. Their strength quickly connected and made their bodies move through the gaps on the unprotected floor.

Both of them managed to get out and remained stopped in the empty space that was in the air without leaving any trace of energy. Jian Heng smiled happily at the good work of his wife. They now only wait for what the villagers will do when they find out the captives are released.

In the distance was seen a man in strange clothes walking towards the hut where Fang Yin and Jian Heng were locked up before. They are in a hurry. To the right and left of the person walked the man with an age that looked very old. They walked with serious faces like they were going to face war.

'It looks like the man in the middle is the leader of this village and the two old men are the village elders, ' Fang Yin murmured inwardly.

They did not directly enter the hut where Fang Yin and Jian Heng had been locked up before. It seems that some people are making fireplaces and others are preparing with all kinds of knives and machetes. The weapon was of various sizes and was placed on a small stone that was on the side of a large and long stone slab.

'What? So they are a tribe of cannibals who are accustomed to taking one part of the human body to be dedicated to a god in their belief. So barbaric.' Jian Heng began to understand why they were locked up.

One of the elders called out to one of the male residents standing around him. He spoke specifically to her with a gesture. Not long after, the man called some of his friends and went to enter the hut where Fang Yin and Jian Heng were locked up.

The village leader walked forward and started a cult movement. Behind him two elders also did what he did until one of the men he followed came shouting something. The three stopped the ritual and went to the cottage where the captives were locked up.

"How could they run?"

One of the elders held onto the wall of the cottage and sensed that the protective spell he had planted was still active. They looked astonished because all this time no one had been able to break through the spell so easily. Another clue they can get is magic in the food being served. Back they felt strange when they saw that the plates had been empty.

One of the elders with a very old body raised his right hand as a signal for them to calm down. The elder walked towards the center of the room with slow steps due to his stooped body. After arriving at the last place Fang Yin and Jian Heng sat down he recited a spell to look for clues.

There was no visible trace of energy left other than the black flames that appeared in the recitation of the spell. Everyone thought that it was a real black flame when it was only a shadow portrayed by the village elder.

"Wait!" exclaimed the village elder immediately ending the trail search.

He also looked panicked when he saw the black flames. In all the mythological stories that developed throughout the continent, black flames were extremely difficult to extinguish, only the person who mastered the Book of Nine Dragons could extinguish them. This village could suffer a disaster if it offended the person who possessed this fire.

"Yin'er, it seems like they are feeling scared," Jian Heng whispered.

"I did deliberately leave a trail of black flames inside the room."

"just fine. Then, what's your plan?" Jian Heng wanted to get involved as Fang Yin did something.

"none. My appearance will only leave a trail of energy and make the people who are looking for me able to sniff out our existence. I will cast a spell around the village before leaving this village. After our son is born, we will return to this place to make calculations."

Jian Heng nodded. It seems like tonight they must fail to rest. Both had to continue their journey.

Seeing Jian Heng's tired face, Fang Yin took out his leaf artifact. In the darkness of the night, the existence of the artifact would not provoke the curiosity of those who might live in the depths of the forest. They could also reach the Red Mountain region quickly after this.

"The moonlight is so beautiful tonight, Yin'er. Although it is not full but it is enough to give a dim light that illuminates the darkness. We have been through many full moons but only this time I feel that the night is so beautiful" Jian Heng said in the middle of their journey.

"Say you're tired of living in the palace and longing for the outdoors. To be honest I am the same, all we do is for the sake of the people we lead. They need us and we have to make sacrifices."

Jian Heng looked at Fang Yin with a faint look. Before getting to know Fang Yin, he tried to avoid things that smelled of the palace and chose a simple life outside. However, no matter how strong he ran, fate still led him to a life not far away with the hope of his mother being an emperor despite not leading his father's country.

"You're very understanding, Yin'er. After the birth of our son, I will be more serious about becoming emperor. My spirit will definitely increase with his presence. Every day I'll see you become a mother and I'm a father. We have the same responsibilities though in different ways." Jian Heng's face seemed to sparkle as he told about the presence of their baby.

"That moment will come soon." Fang Yin was no less happy and leaned his head on Jian Heng's shoulder.

At least for tonight, they could escape the danger. With the help of the leaf artifact, Fang Yin and Jian Heng would arrive faster into the Red Mountains. Before the sun rises, both will be there.

Fang Yin accelerated the rate of the leaf artifact that carried him. He wanted to get to his destination immediately. Tiredness made him want to immediately find a place to stop by. However, everything disappeared when the tops of trees in the distance look reddish exposed to the almost incoming sunlight.

His hand patted Jian Heng's shoulder several times to wake him up. Apparently Jian Heng was asleep standing up. The rays of happiness were clearly visible on their faces as their goal was near.

"We're finally here." Jian Heng smiled happily but not long after his smile disappeared given the place they were about to stop by the conditions of the menacing danger.

****

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