They faced a crucial decision between two options: traversing the treacherous Wailing Mountains or navigating the expansive and seemingly endless plains.
With their arduous journey through the canyons and icy terrain behind them, they had already made significant progress.
Considering their circumstances, it seemed less favorable for them to choose the plains. The distance is significantly longer and it affords them no camouflage.
The likelihood of encountering Wen and his followers waiting for them in the vicinity of the Wailing Mountains was just as probable as encountering them on the plains. Therefore, the risks were relatively equal regardless of the route they took.
So they decided to go through the mountains as initially planned.
Once they successfully crossed the formidable mountains, they could take refuge in the shacks and villages scattered throughout the area. This would provide them with hiding places and an opportunity for Xuan Yi to contact his clan.
Additionally, the presence of settlements in these regions increased the chances of finding potential allies who could assist in dealing with the Yang. However, it was important to acknowledge that persuading others to oppose the formidable Yang clan would be challenging due to their reputation for being stubborn and uncompromising.
Upon reaching the foothills of the Wailing Mountains, the piercing cries and whistling of the wind immediately justified the name bestowed upon them.
These mountain ranges possessed a unique energy that caused the wind to emit a haunting, high-pitched wail, similar to the sound produced when blowing over a bottle.
The base of the mountains was adorned with a sparse forest, painted in vibrant shades of green. However, the beauty of this sight was obscured by the thick shroud of mist.
Nonetheless, they managed to traverse this section of the ranges without much difficulty and began their ascent up the mist-laden slopes.
The mountains were infested with various perilous creatures, some of which were known threats, while others remained mysterious and unknown.
Their safety relied heavily on their swiftness as they hurriedly made their way across the expanse of the mountain ranges, leaving little room for delay or error.
Although their initial plan was to continue their journey and only rest after surpassing the misty expanse, they realized it would be both time-consuming and exhaustingly draining.
Hence, it seemed more convenient to take a brief respite at the base of the mist, remaining on high alert.
As they pressed on a little further to find a convenient spot, and aware that their journey through the entire mountain ranges would span several days, their first encounter with peril arrived sooner than expected.
There was an unsettling presence within the mist, as if something was stirring and moving amidst its depths. Shadows danced and flickered, obscuring any clear view of the lurking creature within. Its form seemed to shift and morph rapidly, making it difficult to discern its true nature.
"Show yourself, no need to dance in the shadows," Xuan Yi taunted.
"Be careful," Tian Wei warned him, to which he nodded.
"This is hallowed ground, find another path," a heavy deep voice rumbled.
"Hallowed by who?" Xuan Yi curiously asked.
"Our young master is practicing, so he will not be disturbed," a second voice answered.
Xuan Yi was a little surprised that someone could close off a path for practice. And this person had come all the way to the ends of the Wailing Mountains. Unless they were from the Shengbing or the coastal village, it seemed a little too far.
"We would love to go another way, but that would be a little too inconvenient. It would mean going back down a long way. Your young master will not be disturbed by our passing through. Please give way," Xuan Yi answered back, maintaining a firm tone.
"Brat, you should know the heights of heaven," a voice rambled, accompanied by a shockwave of energy sweeping towards them.
Without hesitation, Xuan Yi's chi surged forth like an erupting volcano, instantly dissolving the shockwave. He had grown considerably stronger since his breakthrough and hadn't engaged in combat for quite some time. It was time to put his skills to the test.
"It's merely a 2nd cycle Tempered Veins, and you dare to act rudely before this king," the voice laughed and derided.
Xuan Yi also sensed the aura of one of the individuals. That person was in the 5th cycle of the Tempered Veins phase. If they had not surpassed the 8th or 9th cycle or entered the Tempered Bones phase, they would not pose a threat to him.
"I could say the same about you. You're merely in the Tempered Veins phase. Is that why you hide in the shadows? Are you scared?" Xuan Yi replied, taking a few confident strides forward, allowing his chi to surge like a breached dam wall.
Then, from within the mist, a sharp, shimmering sword cut through the air. A young man dressed in bluish and white robes swiftly lunged towards Xuan Yi with remarkable speed.
In response, Xuan Yi summoned radiant vines that emitted a greenish glow, forming a protective barrier. The clash between the two was forceful, causing a resounding impact. The figure, taken aback by the unexpected strength and skill of Xuan Yi's defense and counterattack, felt his own sword vibrate violently as the shockwave traveled up his arm. The force of the recoil sent him stumbling several steps backward.
"Who are you?" he asked, his voice filled with urgency. He recognized that Xuan Yi couldn't be a mere villager, possessing such strength and skill at his young age.
"Now you want to know," Xuan Yi mocked with amusement.
"This young master need not take it to heart. Our young master is practicing and cannot be disturbed," the man quickly replied, attempting to explain the situation now that he recognized that these were no ordinary individuals.
Xuan Yi understood that a formidable figure must be present. Otherwise, these individuals would not have ventured into this area with such limited strength, unless they were from the nearby village and didn't have to traverse the entire mountain range.
"I'm Xuan Yi, from the Xuan Clan," he introduced himself.
As soon as he uttered his name, the ground trembled beneath his feet, and the mountain itself seemed to crack. Lightning tore through the air, and a figure sliced through the empty space, standing before him.
In an instant, the mist within several miles dispersed.
**
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