183: Five comets rushing towards the demon country (4200 monthly tickets required)

Chapter 183: Five Comets Charge into the Demon Nation (4200+ Words, Seeking Monthly Votes)

Seven hundred li to the west, Guangan Prefecture.

At You Shi (5-7 PM), the moonlight was clear and bright.

Inside the Xiao Family mansion in the South City, with its vermilion lacquered tiles, it was bustling with activity, as household servants and maids moved to and fro.

“Hang it here, hang it here.”

“Yes, that’s much more festive.”

Some servants were on ladders, hanging colorful ribbons and silk between the beams, while a steward below smiled, his eyes narrowed, clapping his hands.

Other servants carried flower pots, arranging them in the corridors, pavilions, and among the rockeries and flowing springs. The maids, meanwhile, were busy with beautiful lanterns, their laughter filling the air.

Within the mansion, in front of a pavilion, a clear, shallow pond lay, with several flowering trees blooming with snow-white flowers scattered around. Moonlight fell, their branches sparse and intertwined, casting crisscrossing shadows. The moonlight was like water, shimmering on the surface. A gentle breeze brushed by, and the faint fragrance of the flowers drifted with the wind, a subtle scent lingering.

Just then, a “creak” broke the tranquility.

The window of the pavilion opened, and a playful voice came from within. Immediately, a pretty, small Face with two hair buns on top appeared, pointing outside the pavilion with delight:

“Young Miss, come quickly and see, those lanterns are truly beautiful.”

Saying this, she turned around and went back inside, “Come quickly and see!”

As the joyful voice sounded again, the little maid pulled a beautiful woman dressed in a plain green dress into view.

The woman wore a green cross-collared silk dress, her black hair draped over her shoulders, her eyebrows like distant mountains, and her eyes like the clear pond at the entrance. Her whole demeanor was elegant and virtuous.

“Young Miss, look at that rotating lotus lantern, and those double fish lanterns, they’re so pretty! And that one, and that one!”

The maid chattered beside the green-clad woman, as lively and playful as a nightingale.

“Oh, you!” The green-clad woman smiled faintly, “If you really like it, I’ll have someone send it over and hang it by your bed, so you can stare at it while you sleep.”

The little maid gave a playful smile, “Then Xiao Jiu probably won’t be able to sleep, and won’t be able to serve Young Miss in time. Young Miss, please don’t blame me, hehe.”

Then, her eyes darted, “Oh, right, Young Miss, your birthday banquet is coming up soon. There will definitely be many young talents. But it’s a pity, Xiao Jiu heard that the Third Young Master Pan, as handsome as a jade tree in the wind and a martial arts prodigy, was a famous talent in Guang'an. But the Pan Family suddenly moved their entire clan to Jinguan City. I heard it’s very, very far, several thousands of li away.”

The green-clad woman listened, her eyebrows curving slightly upwards, “You’ve inquired so clearly, it seems you’re particularly interested in this Young Master Pan. It’s truly a pity, I should have sent you to the Pan Mansion.”

“Young Miss, you’re so annoying!” The maid named Xiao Jiu, realizing the meaning behind her Young Miss’s words, her round little Face flushed, and she looked down at her toes.

“Alright, alright, there’s nothing more to see.” The green-clad woman looked at the distant lanterns, seemingly finding them uninteresting, and turned to go back into the pavilion.

The little maid followed her, her small Face curious, “Young Miss doesn’t seem to be looking forward to it?” Then, she remembered something,

“Oh, right, Young Miss, last time we were boating on Tongxin Lake, you personally had Uncle Zhang send an invitation to that Young Master by the lake. Could that be your…?”

Saying this, the maid smiled slyly.

“Impudent!”

The green-clad woman chuckled, raising her slender hand, bending her fingers, and tapping the maid Xiao Jiu’s forehead.

In truth, she knew that this birthday banquet of hers was merely a pretense. Her father had important matters on his mind and wanted to invite some people for discussions. Who was invited had nothing to do with her.

Two days ago, by Tongxin Lake, she had only sent out one invitation.

That Young Master, standing with his hands behind his back, seemed to be one with the heavens and earth—an indescribable scene that involuntarily attracted her.

Curiosity, a strange impulse, or perhaps to be bolder, led to what followed.

Outside, at this moment, a subtle fragrance, carried by the gentle breeze, rippled the clear water of the pond.

The maid extended her small hand and waved it in front of her Young Miss, leaning out playfully, her eyes full of mirth.

“Young Miss?”

She was just about to tease her Young Miss, having guessed her thoughts, when suddenly, outside the pavilion, the sounds instantly became noisy.

Outside the pavilion, the figures who had been busy rushed out, and voices could be heard.

“What happened?”

“Go outside and see.”

Then, streaks of air-breaking sounds, as figures flew out of the mansion one by one, followed by a slight tremor in the ground and a rumbling sound from afar.

“Young Miss, what’s happening outside?” The maid Xiao Jiu exclaimed.

“Let’s go see!”

The green-clad woman stepped directly out of the window and flew out, clearly possessing martial arts skill.

Behind her, the maid’s shouts could be heard.

“Young Miss, wait for me!”

The green-clad woman, in her green dress, stepped on the trees by the pond, and the tiles of the rooftops, graceful as a flying swan, landing on the high tower above the front gate.

On top, several figures already stood, and on other rooftops, figures were scattered, their eyes gleaming as they looked towards the street outside the mansion.

Not far away, on the street, under the moonlight, cold glints of armor, and the neighing of horses could be seen.

“Hup!”

“Hup!”

“Hup!”

“…”

The thunder of hooves, from far to near, was clearly audible. Soldiers in armor, one after another, galloped along the street, heading further south, numbering over a thousand.

Soon, a startled voice rose.

“The Prefecture Army is being mobilized on a large scale. Go investigate, what happened?”

And in all four directions of the city, the same scene was unfolding.

Large numbers of troops surged out from the Sky Patrol Division’s station, galloping in all directions, their hoofbeats echoing over Guangan Prefecture.

This movement, like pulling one hair to move the whole body, caused those with connections to inquire about what had happened.

An incense stick’s time later, in the main hall of the Xiao Family mansion, figures gathered.

In the center of the main hall, on the main seat, a middle-aged man with sword-like eyebrows, a square mouth, a straight nose, wearing a dark gold robe, a nine-section jade belt around his waist, and a jade crown on his head, waited for news.

This man was Xiao Yuanshan, the current Xiao Family Patriarch, son of the previous Local General of the Guard, and currently in the Tian Guan Dao Seed Realm.

At this moment, two people walked in quickly from outside the door, one in front of the other, immediately attracting the attention of everyone in the hall.

The person in front, after entering, immediately cupped his hands, bowed to the front and to the sides, and spoke: “Father, I have already inquired about the news. The Prefecture Army has begun to blockade Fu City, but according to a familiar captain, they have only received the order to blockade and have no other actions. They only received this command.”

As these words fell, the tense and solemn atmosphere in the hall relaxed slightly, with a few sighs of relief, followed by whispers.

“Scared me to death, the Prefecture Army suddenly moved like that, I thought demons had attacked.”

“Yeah, but what’s the situation? The Prefecture Army is blockading the city gates but has no further actions, and there’s no news of Yao Race movements from the west.”

“…”

At this moment, Xiao Yuanshan on the main seat frowned, “Have you not inquired about more specific news?”

In front, the Eldest Young Master Xiao shook his head, “Father, with the Xiao Family’s and those few’s past connections, there’s no need for them to lie to us. They truly only received this one order.”

The Xiao Family Patriarch’s eyes flickered after hearing this, and he mused, “The Prefecture Army’s sudden mobilization and city lockdown must have a reason, they would never act without cause. It must be that a war is about to start, otherwise, it wouldn’t be like this.”

As these words fell, gasps rose in the hall.

“Father, what about Young Miss’s banquet?” The Eldest Young Master Xiao spoke, seemingly a little worried.

At this moment, the green-clad woman walked out from behind the screen, bowed to her father and Eldest Brother,

“Father.”

“Eldest Brother.”

“Since things are like this, perhaps this banquet should be canceled. Qingzhi thinks that others probably won’t be in the mood to come either.”

And as these words came out, a subtle gleam flashed in the depths of the eyes of a figure who had entered with the Eldest Young Master and stood behind him.

However, the Xiao Family Patriarch, seeing his Young Daughter, a trace of tenderness appeared on his stern Face, “Qingzhi, your mother hasn’t been around since you were little, but your birthday must still be celebrated. Moreover, with the city currently under lockdown, some uncles and elders probably want an opportunity to talk. You don’t need to think too much. Your father and your brothers will handle it for you. Just be happy.”

Xiao Qingzhi listened, knowing she couldn’t defy her father’s wishes, nodded, and said no more.

At this moment, Xiao Yuanshan’s gaze fell on his Eldest Son, and after a moment of thought, he said, “There’s no need to worry too much. Currently, Guangan Prefecture not only has a Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General, but also Disciples from renowned Schools like the Shu Mountain Sword Sect coming to support. Tomorrow, you go and send invitations to those great School Disciples. Interacting with these great School Disciples is good for you younger generation. As for Commander Gou, and that Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General who hasn’t shown himself yet, I will go personally.”

Although Xiao Yuanshan spoke, he knew that these two would definitely not come. While he had some acquaintance with Commander Gou, given the current situation, how could he spare the time? Let alone the Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General with whom he had no prior contact.

However, one thing is one thing, the attitude must be shown. Perhaps he could inquire about some news.

“Yes!”

“Then this child will go prepare.”

The Eldest Young Master Xiao assented, and saying so, turned to leave.

At this moment, Xiao Yuanshan’s gaze fell on the person following behind him, and he frowned, “Qingxiong, who is this?”

“This is my good friend Sima Pu. He comes from a Loose Cultivator background, but his martial arts are extraordinary, already at the Peak Body Profound Realm. He has been traveling the Jianghu. A few days ago, we met in a fight and became friends. His temperament suits my taste very well. He has been staying at my mansion these past few days, eating and living with me, and we’ve gained much from sparring in martial arts.” The Eldest Young Master Xiao introduced the black-robed young man beside him.

An Eagle Hook Nose, thin lips, and an expressionless Face, giving off an aura of ‘do not approach strangers.’

As the Eldest Young Master Xiao introduced him, the people in the hall were somewhat surprised. This person looked young but was already at the Peak Body Profound Realm.

Doesn’t that mean he has hope of Breaking Through to the Fourth Heavenly Gate? Immediately, their eyes became more serious.

At this moment, this person bowed to Xiao Yuanshan, “Sima Pu greets Patriarch Xiao.”

His voice lacked any emotion.

And Xiao Yuanshan’s eyes held a faint gleam as he subtly scrutinized the person from top to bottom, then nodded, “Not bad. It’s rare for Qingxiong to praise someone so much. He is reckless, so I’ll have to trouble you to help him more.”

“I wouldn’t dare!” The person lowered his head.

And the Eldest Young Master Xiao was just happy that his good friend had been praised, when he heard his father’s voice in his ear, “In situations like this, don’t bring outsiders in rashly. I know you want to win this person over and treat him with sincerity, but you must not lose your sense of propriety.”

After these words fell, Xiao Yuanshan, who had just been transmitting his voice, his expression unchanged, said:

“Go!”

“Then this child will leave. Let’s go, Brother Sima!” The Eldest Young Master Xiao’s Face stiffened slightly, clearly having been criticized by his father, feeling uncomfortable, and led the person away.

...

After the two came out of the main hall, the “Sima Pu” noticed the Eldest Young Master Xiao’s expression was off and spoke:

“Brother Xiao, you look unwell. Did I act improperly in front of your esteemed father just now?”

“My nature is just like this. If I did, I apologize to Brother Xiao.”

Saying this, he even seriously prepared to bow in apology.

The Eldest Young Master Xiao, Xiao Qingxiong, quickly supported him, looking troubled, “It’s nothing, it’s just Family discussions. Others have opinions about me bringing you in. My father sent a voice transmission, but my father greatly admires Brother Sima.”

He pushed the blame onto others.

“I am a Loose Cultivator and don’t understand rules, but since Brother Xiao is willing to treat me like this, I will reciprocate with even greater generosity in the future.” “Sima Pu” said with “emotion.”

“Brother Sima!” Xiao Qingxiong placed his hand on Sima Pu’s shoulder, their eyes meeting.

“Brother Xiao!”

...

A cup of tea’s time later, on the east side of the Xiao Estate, in a courtyard, a figure transformed into a wisp of black smoke and exited the Xiao Estate. Then, under the cover of night, it swiftly traveled over ten li, entering a dark pavilion in the South City of Guangan Prefecture.

The black smoke entered a room, revealing a black-robed figure, who was precisely that “Sima Pu”!

However, after he landed, his body swayed slightly, and his Face underwent some changes: his nose became sharper, and bone spurs grew on his forehead.

It was precisely the Fei Yi from last night.

At this moment, in the darkness, upon seeing him appear, five strangely shaped black shadows surrounded him.

“Brother Sima!”

A voice sounded.

But the Fei Yi, hearing this address, couldn’t help but gulp.

“Pfft!”

A foul, fishy odor was exhaled.

The five “people” quickly dodged, a wave of strategic retreat.

“Brother Sima, what’s this?”

But Sima Pu’s voice carried a hint of anger: “Stop calling me that.”

“This old man can’t stand these disgusting Human Race anymore!”

Sima Pu recalled the Eldest Young Master Xiao’s gaze just now, feeling the Demonic Qi in his body stir restlessly. A trash Human Race in the Body Profound Realm, yet he wanted to use those nauseating methods to bring him under his command. For a moment, his sinister eyebrows and eyes were filled with towering killing intent. Then he looked at the few “people” in the darkness and said in a sinister voice:

“Everyone is here. It seems you all received the news. Why did the Guangan Prefecture Army move abnormally? Do you have any information?”

“We used our channels to inquire. The Guangan Prefecture Army only received the order to blockade the city, but the Ninth Mountain Army and those Jianghu School Disciples haven’t moved.”

“Moreover, although our Six Mountains are assembling Demon Soldiers, we haven’t issued an order to attack the city yet. Otherwise, it’s impossible that we wouldn’t have received any hint of movement. It’s indeed strange that the Guangan Prefecture Army suddenly became so heavily guarded.”

“Things have changed, Brother Sima. Should your plan be canceled?”

Several black shadows expressed their opinions one after another.

But Sima Pu’s eyebrows shot up, and he flatly refused, his eyes gleaming: “No, this opportunity is unique. I just heard with my own ears that the Xiao Family will send invitations to those School Disciples supporting Guangan Prefecture. If we can capture them all in one fell swoop, our combined merits might be enough to exchange for a Demonic Blood Infusion.”

As these words came out, in the darkness, five pairs of eyes suddenly lit up.

“But what about the Dao Soldier Realm powerhouses from the Sky Patrol Division?”

“With the Prefecture Army mobilizing like this, do these people still have the leisure to attend the banquet? And the Xiao Family doesn’t have that much Face. As for the specific news, we’ll know tomorrow.”

“And among our six, four are Dao Seeds. Even if there are a few Human Race Heavenly Gates among the invited aristocratic families, with the Demonic Blood Gu, if they don’t die, who will?!”

“Haha!”

“Good, then we’ll await Brother Sima’s news!”

Just as the Six Mountains’ hidden agents were conspiring, a thousand li away, five comets charged into the vast Demon Nation!