252: Arriving outside the Dark Crow Cave

After speaking, he hurriedly turned around and harshly berated the Loose Cultivators behind him:

"What are you still standing there for?! Hurry up and clear the way for Senior! If anyone dares to be a step too slow, I'll cripple them first!"

Those Loose Cultivators had already been scared by Situ Jun's Spiritual Pressure until their Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering, and now, hearing Village Elder Gongsun's berating, they scrambled to retreat to both sides of the road. They didn't even bother to collect their companions' corpses or the seized Magic Treasures, wishing they had two more legs to leave this place of trouble as quickly as possible.

Situ Jun saw them retreat to the side of the road but did not let the matter rest there. His gaze swept over the road blocked by rubble, a flash of anger passing through his eyes as he said coldly:

"Clear the road."

Village Elder Gongsun's step suddenly faltered. He subconsciously scanned the road blocked by rubble, inwardly cursing himself for his lack of foresight in not clearing the road properly. Wasn't this just asking for trouble?

He immediately put on an even more fawning smile, nodding and apologizing repeatedly:

"Yes, yes, yes! This Junior will have people clear it right away!"

As he spoke, he personally stepped forward, directing his subordinate Loose Cultivators to move the rubble. He even had two Loose Cultivators drag the corpses on the road into the bushes by the roadside, moving so quickly as if he feared being silenced by Situ Jun if he were a step too slow.

The surviving Family disciples were also completely stunned. They looked at Situ Jun's back, their eyes filled with awe and gratitude.

If it hadn't been for this Senior's intervention, they would likely have already become nourishment for Village Elder Gongsun's Soul Banner.

The leading young man—Liu Nian—hurriedly sheathed his sword and stepped forward a few paces, bowing to Situ Jun with a voice that still trembled with the feeling of having survived a disaster:

"Th... thank you, Immortal Master, for saving us! This Junior is Liu Nian of the Liu Family from East Lin City, and I am eternally grateful! May I ask for your great name, Immortal Master? The Liu Family will surely repay you handsomely in the future and will never forget your kindness!"

Situ Jun's gaze lingered on him for a moment. Although he was covered in blood, his posture remained upright and his eyes held a hint of resilience; he was clearly a young man with a good Heart-Nature.

He spoke faintly, his tone devoid of any ripples:

"It was just a small effort, no need to mention it. This place is not suitable for a long stay; leave this place of trouble as soon as possible."

Situ Jun did not reveal his name.

The situation in Southern Border was currently complex; it was better to avoid unnecessary complications to prevent attracting the attention of those with ulterior motives and causing needless trouble.

Moreover, Liu Nian was a disciple of a prominent Family from East Lin City, so it was only natural for him to step in and save them.

Seeing this, Liu Nian knew the other party did not wish to reveal his name and did not dare to ask further. He bowed deeply again and spoke respectfully:

"Yes, this Junior understands! Thank you for the reminder, Immortal Master!"

After speaking, he hurriedly turned around, calling to the surviving Family disciples and servants, supporting their injured companions, and quickly walking away from the battlefield.

Before leaving, they did not forget to carefully collect their companions' corpses and also cleared the debris scattered on the road to the side, clearly wanting to leave a good impression on Situ Jun.

Only when the figures of Liu Nian and the Family disciples had completely disappeared at the end of the mountain road did Village Elder Gongsun dare to cautiously approach and bow:

"Senior, the road has been cleared. You see..."

Situ Jun did not look at him, only instructing the Guard captain:

"Check the road. Once safety is confirmed, continue the journey."

"Yes, My Lord!"

The Guard captain quickly responded, turning to lead several Guards forward to inspect the road.

Village Elder Gongsun stood to the side, not daring to breathe loudly. Only when he saw Situ Jun turn toward the carriage did he quietly sigh in relief. He gave his subordinates a look, and the group, like stray dogs, quickly ducked into the nearby mountain forest and vanished without a trace.

Inside the carriage, Hua Hanxiang saw Situ Jun return and hurriedly lifted the curtain, her eyes full of concern:

"Husband, are you alright? That Loose Cultivator looked so fierce just now, and his methods were quite terrifying."

Situ Jun bent down to enter the carriage and reached out to ruffle her hair, his tone returning to its previous gentleness:

"It's nothing, just some Loose Cultivators who don't know the height of the heavens. The road has been cleared; we'll continue our journey."

Hua Hanxiang nodded, but she was still somewhat worried. She took Situ Jun's hand and said softly:

"Husband, you must be careful when encountering such things in the future."

Situ Jun held her hand back, his fingertips gently stroking her palm, his eyes full of warmth:

"Rest assured, I know what I'm doing."

The carriage slowly started, continuing along the cleared Official Road.

Inside the carriage, Situ Jun sat down beside her, reaching out to ruffle her hair, his eyes full of tenderness:

"If you're tired, lean on my shoulder and sleep for a while. When we reach the next town, I'll take you to eat the most famous Spiritual Fruit Cakes there."

Hua Hanxiang nodded with a smile, leaning on his shoulder and feeling his familiar warmth; the unease in her heart completely vanished.

Sunlight streamed through the carriage window, spilling over the two of them, warm and peaceful.

They encountered more and more Cultivators along the way.

Most were in groups of three to five, each with a solemn expression on their face, walking hurriedly as if rushing to some important place.

These Cultivators maintained a certain distance from each other, their eyes filled with intense wariness, as if the other party might strike at any moment.

After all, in this dangerous Southern Border land, instances of fellow disciples turning against each other or Fellow Daoists killing one another over treasures were already commonplace.

Powerful Spiritual Senses frequently swept over the convoy.

These Spiritual Senses carried scrutiny and inquiry, clearly wanting to probe the convoy's strength.

But whenever these Divine Senses touched the unfathomable aura on Situ Jun, which was like an abyss, they would quickly retreat in fear, like having touched a hot potato, not daring to linger for a moment.

The smell of blood in the air grew thicker, mixed with various chaotic spiritual energy residues, stinging the nostrils.

All of this silently told that the battles ahead were more intense and frequent than what they had encountered before.

Days passed, and finally, at sunset on the third day, the carriage's speed slowed down again before eventually coming to a halt.

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled through the forest, stretching the shadows of the trees long, and the air carried a hint of evening chill.

The Guard captain's voice came from outside the carriage, carrying an unprecedented solemnity:

"My Lord, we have arrived. Ahead is the station of the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce, where various forces have also gathered. Shall we also set up camp nearby?"

Situ Jun opened his half-closed eyes, a sharp light flashing through them:

"Let's set up camp here."

He looked at Hua Hanxiang in his arms, straightening her slightly messy collar and hair bun, his expression becoming a bit more serious:

"Hanxiang, we have reached the gathering place of those forces. If we encounter the Poison Scorpion Cult later, leave everything to me; you don't need to worry about it."

Hua Hanxiang took a deep breath, suppressing the tension in her heart, and nodded firmly:

"Mm! This concubine understands and will definitely not cause any trouble for my husband."