40: Chapter 40 Everything Will Be Alright

Qing Luo nervously clutched her clothes and asked softly, "Brother Chu Yang, will we encounter danger?"

Chu Yang looked at her gently and patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, Qing Luo. With me here, everything will be alright."

Before his words faded, a fierce gale suddenly swept through, making the surrounding trees rustle and sway. A stifling aura filled the air, making it hard to breathe.

"Watch out!" The demoness waved her hand abruptly. A flash of blue light shot out, deflecting a large stone that had fallen from a tree.

"What's going on? Why are there so many dangerous things?" Qing Luo cried out in fear.

Chu Yang's expression turned grave. "It seems a master has set up a barrier to stop our advance. We must break through quickly."

The group gripped their weapons tightly and advanced, supporting each other. Passersby and villagers who saw them scattered in panic, some pointing from a distance.

"Look, what's going on with those people over there?"

"It looks like martial arts masters are clashing!"

"Oh my, it's too dangerous. Let's get out of here quickly!"

A few passersby hid behind trees, chattering amongst themselves.

One young man exclaimed in surprise to his companion, "That young man in white clothes... is he the legendary Chu Yang?"

Another passerby nodded. "I've heard he's one of the youngest peerless masters of our time. I wonder what brings him here this time."

The young man clicked his tongue in admiration. "Truly, heroes emerge from the young! I never thought I'd see him with my own eyes. I'll have quite the story to boast about when I get back!"

Meanwhile, Qing Luo and the others had arrived at a narrow mountain pass. Ahead lay an ancient stone bridge spanning a rushing river, with steep cliffs on either side.

Daoist Wangchuan stopped and observed the scene. "This stone bridge seems to be the only path to Zhuque Mountain, but it feels extremely perilous."

Bi Luo also chimed in, "Indeed, there seems to be a strange formation on the bridge. We must be careful."

Nangong Han gently stroked the long whip in her hand and smiled slightly. "Then let me clear the way." As she spoke, her figure darted forward, leaping toward the bridgehead. Her long whip danced like a swimming dragon, tracing several brilliant arcs in the air, instantly sweeping away the obstacles on the bridge.

"Amazing!" an onlooker hidden behind a tree shouted excitedly. "This young lady's skill is truly extraordinary!"

Another passerby watched with envy. "Such power is truly something to be jealous of!"

Chu Yang smiled faintly, looking at Nangong Han with approval. "Well done. Now, let's cross together."

The group carefully made their way across the bridge. Suddenly, a loud rumble echoed from the middle of the bridge, and several huge stones came tumbling down from the cliffs. Qing Luo turned pale with fright, nearly stumbling to the ground. Chu Yang reacted swiftly, pulling her into his embrace and using his sword energy to shatter the oncoming rocks.

Leaning against Chu Yang's chest, Qing Luo felt his warm, strong heartbeat and couldn't help but blush.

After crossing the bridge, the atmosphere relaxed slightly. Chu Yang released her and said with a smile, "It's alright now. Don't be afraid."

Qing Luo nodded, her heart filled with gratitude and relief.

The group continued onward. Suddenly, a village appeared ahead. The villagers, seeing these masters, quickly gathered around.

"Who might you esteemed guests be?" an elder stepped forward and asked, his expression carrying a hint of reverence.

Daoist Wangchuan cupped his hands in greeting. "We are travelers passing through, heading to Zhuque Mountain to attend to some matters. I wonder, elder, if you have seen any suspicious individuals come this way?"

The elder thought for a moment and shook his head. "Haven't seen anyone suspicious recently. However, folks in the village have been talking about a few Men in Black appearing nearby a few days ago. They might be the people from the Dark Prison you mentioned."

A young villager nearby added, "I heard the elders talking about it too. They even scared the children, making everyone feel uneasy."

Bi Luo snorted coldly. "These people from the Dark Prison are truly annoying. But with us here, we'll definitely clean them up."

The villagers' faces relaxed into relieved smiles. A little girl tugged her mother's hand and said excitedly, "Mom, these people look really strong! Will they protect us?"

The woman smiled gently and nodded. "Yes, with them here, we have nothing to fear."

Chu Yang looked at these simple villagers, a flicker of warmth in his eyes. "Rest assured, as long as we are here, this place will remain safe and peaceful."

After bidding farewell to the villagers, the group set off again. Passing through the village, they saw a majestic mountain ahead—their destination, Zhuque Mountain.

Daoist Wangchuan, walking at the front, suddenly halted and said in a low voice, "There seems to be an ambush ahead. Everyone, be careful."

Chu Yang frowned slightly and said solemnly, "I'll scout ahead. Wait here for a moment."

Chu Yang's figure flickered and vanished from sight like a ghost. Nangong Han watched his retreating back thoughtfully and let out a soft sigh.

"He's always acting alone like this..." she murmured to herself.

Qing Luo gently took Nangong Han's hand, her eyes shining with determination. "Sister Han, I believe he will definitely come back."

Nangong Han squeezed Qing Luo's hand back and offered a gentle smile. "I hope so."

A moment later, Chu Yang returned, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.

"How was it?" Daoist Wangchuan asked.

Chu Yang said gravely, "There are indeed people from the Dark Prison lying in ambush ahead, but we must push through."

Qing Luo asked anxiously, "Brother Chu Yang, do we have a chance of winning?"

Chu Yang smiled faintly, a firm light shining in his eyes. "With determination, nothing is impossible."

"Let's go. The final battle is about to begin." Chu Yang stepped forward resolutely, leading the group onward.

"You can do it, Brother Chu Yang!" Qing Luo followed closely behind Chu Yang, the conviction in her heart growing stronger.

As they drew closer step by step to Zhuque Mountain, what would their future fate hold? It all remained unknown...

"What awaits us ahead?" Nangong Han asked softly.

Chu Yang looked back, his profound gaze seeming to pierce through all the mist. "Only by moving forward can we find the answer." The group passed through the village and continued toward Zhuque Mountain. The dark clouds in the sky grew denser, as if foretelling the fierce battle to come. Their hearts were filled with trepidation, yet each person appeared unwavering.

"Brother Chu Yang, do you really think we can win?" Qing Luo tightly gripped Chu Yang's hand, her voice trembling slightly.

Chu Yang offered a reassuring smile. "Believe me, we will be victorious."

Nangong Han stood to the side, a complicated emotion flashing in her eyes. She didn't speak, only tightened her grip on the long whip in her hand, ready to face the impending battle.