Free Web NovelChapter 168: Chapter 168: Malice Born of Desperation
In the end, this was just a minor land of cultivation.
The Fire Cave Dynasty’s alchemy and Array disciplines, frankly, had nothing commendable about them.
Wan Shenxiu could see traces of a systematic technique in the Array set up at the rebel army’s main camp.
He figured it was likely laid down by helpers from the Douchen Sect.
Without anyone dedicated to its maintenance, the Array enveloping the city was full of holes.
The three of them easily bypassed the guards and slipped inside. It was less difficult than dealing with the inspections from the soldiers outside.
"We spent five days just to get to a place like this?"
Zhao Jingyu looked around, his voice filled with amazement.
This home base of the rebel army, apart from the impressive outer city walls, was a complete wreck inside.
The common folk within were sallow-faced, with little fervent passion on their faces.
Only the Cultivators who appeared on the streets from time to time let one know that this place still had some foundation.
Bai Mo, now changed into common clothes, took a few steps forward and stopped a man carrying a jar.
"Brother! A moment of your time!"
"May I ask if this is the home base of the righteous army?"
"We’ve come because we admire your cause and hope to make a living here."
The man reached out his right hand, adjusted the cloth turban on his head, and sized Bai Mo up.
"Seeing your refined appearance, you must be a scholar as well?"
He wasn’t very guarded. Anyone who could pass through the layers of checks by the righteous warriors outside was unlikely to be a bad person.
"It’s not easy for us scholars. Let me give you a piece of advice: don’t waste your time in this city."
Bai Mo feigned the perfect amount of shock, a worried look appearing on his face.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Now that I’m here, I realize it’s different from what I imagined."
"Please, brother, speak plainly."
As he spoke, he slipped two copper coins into the man’s hand.
The man initially didn’t want to accept them. After all, he was once a scholar who valued his integrity.
There was no need to ruin his reputation over a mere two copper coins.
But thinking of his current situation, he cursed himself for his shame and still tucked the copper coins into his sleeve.
The man glanced around before pulling Bai Mo to the mouth of a nearby alley.
Zhao Jingyu and Wan Shenxiu, a trace of confusion on their faces, followed close behind.
Bai Mo peeked over and saw that Zhao Jingyu’s bewildered expression was mixed with a dazed look, making him look exactly like a single-minded bookworm who only knew how to plow and study.
He couldn’t help but praise him internally. ’Looks like there are no real fools in the sect after all.’
Wan Shenxiu tugged on Zhao Jingyu’s sleeve, and the two stood to the side, perfectly shielding Bai Mo and the man from view.
"This is the home base of the righteous warriors, after all. How could it look like this?"
"Could it be that something has gone wrong?"
Once they had stopped, Bai Mo showed a hint of urgency.
The man sighed.
"How should I put it... When the uprising began, every household gave it their all."
"They gave too much, too quickly, and exhausted their foundations. That’s how every family in the city ended up in this dilapidated state."
"But it shouldn’t be this bad," Bai Mo said.
"Right now, our armies are at the capital’s gates, holding half the country..."
The man waved his hand dismissively.
"Don’t be fooled by the rumors outside."
"Starting an enterprise is difficult. The righteous warriors have finally established a foothold, but they haven’t been able to give back yet..."
Bai Mo feigned a look of realization.
"So you’re saying, if we can just endure this period, great wealth and honor might be waiting for us!"
As he said this, his face lit up, full of hope.
The man couldn’t help but pour cold water on his enthusiasm.
"Don’t even think about it. It’s true the righteous warriors are at the capital’s gates, but that dog emperor has sixty years of cultivation. He’s personally taken the field, and our forces can’t advance an inch."
"This morning, a message hawk returned, saying Duke Duan escaped back to the imperial court with his grandson and even presented a divine Pill..."
"Ah?" Bai Mo was slightly stunned.
He hadn’t expected the old Duke to move so quickly.
The old saying was right: the older the ginger, the spicier it is.
The man had been a prisoner, yet he’d returned to court just like that.
"Sigh, we scholars are truly pitiful."
"In times of peace, we dreamed of serving the imperial court. Then, disillusioned with the world, we threw ourselves in with the righteous army, only to end up in such a state."
The man shook his head.
"Many in the city can’t wait any longer. My family is preparing to travel far west, to pan for sand in the great desert."
"We’ll just take it one day at a time."
In the great desert, there was a type of red sand. It wasn’t just used for Artifact Refining; it was also an excellent material for polishing tools.
Therefore, it fetched a high price on the market.
However, panning for sand was delicate work that required even more patience.
Few could endure in a harsh place like the great desert. Not to mention, daily food and drink had to be transported from dozens of miles away, causing their prices to multiply several times over.
By the time you panned something of value, after deducting expenses, there wasn’t much left.
Thus, the people trying to survive there were either criminals or common folk who couldn’t make a living elsewhere.
As he spoke of these sorrows, the man’s lips loosened.
"Many are leaving because they fear the righteous army will be defeated. They’re worried the imperial court will settle scores afterward and purge the remaining supporters."
The implication was that he had no faith in the righteous army’s chances.
"Throughout history, how many uprisings have ever lasted for long? They’re all just banging their heads against a brick wall, swift and decisive."
"Either you break through the wall and are granted titles and power, or your head is broken and bleeding, and you’re beheaded as a public example..."
Bai Mo departed, looking utterly dejected.
The look of regret and confusion on his face made the man’s heart ache with sympathy, and he could only let out a long sigh in the end.
They arrived at an inn in the city.
After quickly checking in and entering their room, Bai Mo’s expression returned to normal.
He listened closely and could hear the Shopkeeper downstairs shouting for the waiters to boil water and bring up dishes.
The city was not what it used to be. Forget about overcharging outsiders; just having customers was a blessing.
They wouldn’t dare to be neglectful.
"There aren’t many Cultivators stationed here."
Bai Mo said after a moment of thought.
"I figure most of them have gone to the front lines."
The three had each learned something from their brief stroll around the city.
Wan Shenxiu tapped the table and said softly,
"Although the Array is unmaintained, replenishing the Spiritual Qi source to sustain such a large-scale Array is a serious problem."
"It’s unlikely the rebel Cultivators have this ability. There must be Cultivators from the Douchen Sect present."
The three of them looked at each other.
Why would Cultivators from the Douchen Sect linger in a place like this?
A strange light flashed in Zhao Jingyu’s eyes.
"Let’s figure out a way to take them out!"
Wan Shenxiu glanced at him.
"We don’t have Brother Mo’s level of strength."
"A simple encirclement by the soldiers could be enough to kill us."
But Zhao Jingyu didn’t give up, insisting,
"A hunt is different from a sparring match. We’ll have the element of surprise, attacking the unprepared with a plan. Our chances aren’t small."
"Otherwise, how will we learn about the Douchen Sect’s arrangements? Don’t forget our mission. If we’re to reclaim the Fire Cave Dynasty, the Douchen Sect must be driven out."
At these words, Bai Mo and Wan Shenxiu fell silent.
The Douchen Sect was undoubtedly the force behind the righteous army; what was unknown was the extent of the support they provided.
"I’ve had some recent insights. In terms of alchemy, I can provide the Five Obstacles Pill, which can disrupt Arrays and protective arts."
"As for other healing Pills, I have a full supply."
Bai Mo said, pondering.
Seeing this, Wan Shenxiu had no choice but to throw up his hands and add,
"I don’t know many offensive Arrays. Most of mine are for support—trapping enemies, concealment, and stealth, among others. Their effects are quite decent."
’It’s rare for these two to yield to my suggestion. With such a great undertaking, all the frustration from the journey can finally be washed away!’
Zhao Jingyu was overjoyed. He crossed his arms and said,
"Then let me take the lead on this."
"I don’t have any other special skills, but I’m tough to kill. Use me as you see fit!"
"Right, Junior Brother, how do you use that Five Obstacles Pill of yours? Do we have to poison them secretly? What kind of Cultivator is it effective against?"
The Five Obstacles Pill was a mineral-based Pill. Bai Mo was confident he had grasped its essence and that refining it would not be a problem.
"It can be used on anyone below Foundation Establishment. If a Cultivator can be made to ingest it, I’d be confident in taking down even Brother Mo."
"Unfortunately, this Pill has a strong odor and doesn’t seem like something one could stomach. I doubt anyone would swallow it. But it has another method of external application..."
