novelraw Chapter 1001: Just in Time!
Chapter 1001: Just in Time!
"Steward Zhou, please escort Mu Nan to the Zong Family and report this matter to the Family Head, Master Qu, and Family Head Fang. I ask you to take care of Zirong and Miss Yu," Mu Hanyan instructed Zhou Taian and Qu Shanling, knowing time was of the essence."You’re not returning?" Mu Nan asked in surprise, looking at Mu Hanyan.
"We’re going to Soul-breaking Valley," Mu Hanyan stated decisively.
According to Yu Wanqing, the mysterious and powerful Family Head of the Guiyu Clan would awaken in a few days. Counting the days Mu Nan and Yu Qingwan had been on the run, that person might have awakened already, and Mu Hanyan worried if Uncle Yun had already met with misfortune.
The sooner they moved, the greater the chance of rescue. With Ye Lanfeng present, even if Uncle Yun couldn’t be saved, at least they could buy some time. At worst, they could escape, so she was unwilling to go back to the Capital and waste time.
Just like Zhao Yuanji’s loyal old steward in the past, Uncle Yun held a special position in the Mu Family. Whether for Mu Beichen or the Mu Family, he held particular significance, so she must do her utmost to rescue him. Moreover, Uncle Yun had saved the lives of Mu Nan and Yu Qingwan.
"Then... be careful, if the situation is unfavorable, leave immediately, don’t force it," Mu Nan, who had grown Nanyan Commerce from a small Nanmu Auction, was also a decisive person. He didn’t stop Mu Hanyan, weighing the situation before advising her seriously.
"Young Master, I’m going too," Zirong said, rising. Both Uncle Yun and Mu Sha were besieged because of Yu Qingwan; as her fiancé, he couldn’t stand aside.
However, just as he stood up, he staggered, clearly exhausted from saving Yu Qingwan.
"You stay," Mu Hanyan said without much discussion, then turned and walked outside. Ye Lanfeng, Huayue, Jiang Yuzhe, and others followed her.
Zirong didn’t argue, knowing his current state would only hinder Mu Hanyan. Yet, all this was because of Yu Qingwan; others were risking their lives to save her, while he, her fiancé, couldn’t help at all, filling him with guilt and shame.
Seeing Zirong’s clenched fists and face of guilt, Yu Qingwan gently held his hand and looked at him warmly.
Zirong forced a smile, but his expression was more pained.
Yu Qingwan gazed at him, as if making an important decision, her eyes showing determination.
"By the way, Mr. Sun, we have urgent matters, take these consultation fees first, and we’ll greatly reward you upon our return," Mu Hanyan handed Doctor Sun a thick stack of silver notes before leaving.
She didn’t explicitly remind him to keep prior matters confidential. Being a renowned physician in the Capital, coming from a family of medical practitioners, not a naive newcomer, he surely understood the gravity.
"Young Master Mu is too formal. My family has practiced medicine for generations, and I’ve studied for over seventy years. However, such a genius like Young Master Mu is unheard of, and witnessing Young Master Ye’s cultivation at such a young age amazes me.
Meeting you today is indeed fateful. I also wish to ask Young Master Mu about something; there’s no need for consultation fees, consider it friendship," Doctor Sun politely declined.
"Alright then, I’ll certainly visit Mr. Sun upon return," Mu Hanyan understood he wanted to discuss the Meridian Cutting Hand technique she displayed earlier.
The essence lay in the Nine Heavens Star Falling Sword. Though the Sun family derived the Meridian Cutting Hand from this sword technique, swordsmanship and medical skills are different realms. Despite the convergence of all paths, discerning variations is challenging; Doctor Sun might not grasp all intricacies as she did.
With urgency, Mu Hanyan didn’t bother with courtesy, nodded, then swiftly departed from Fang Village with Ye Lanfeng, Huayue, Jiang Yuzhe, and others.
...
Light rain fell, clouds thickened, casting gloom over the world, mirroring the somber mood.
Mu Hanyan stood atop a steep cliff, gazing at the tranquil valley below.
This was Soul-breaking Valley; with Ye Lanfeng’s Wind Control Technique, they reached their destination in six to seven hours.
The valley enclosed by towering cliffs, appearing as if carved by blades, made it impossible for any ordinary person or even birds to land. Even a Sword Master like Mu Hanyan, falling might mean certain death.
No wonder it’s named Soul-breaking; the terrain is truly perilous.
The valley was extraordinarily quiet, dense vegetation and mist veiled its interior. From the cliff peak, the valley’s scene was indiscernible.
Fortunately, Mu Hanyan prioritized rescuing Yu Qingwan instead of rushing to the Capital; otherwise, encountering grandfather, who could have guessed the Guiyu Clan concealed within such a valley?
"Could Uncle Yun have encountered misfortune?" Unable to see into the valley or hear combat sounds, a shadow of unease fell upon them as Jiang Yuzhe worriedly spoke.
Without a word, Mu Hanyan and her companions felt a foreboding in their hearts.
At that moment, a clear whistle echoed from the valley. A Sword Light pierced the mist, threatening to pierce the heavens.
"Sky Heart Sword Energy!" Mu Hanyan exclaimed joyfully with a glance.
This Sword Light was unmistakably the Mu Family’s secret Sky Heart Sword Energy, a majestic sword energy only a Holy-grade master could wield. Who else but Uncle Yun could have released this strike? Just in time, just in time!
With a wave of Ye Lanfeng’s hand, Mu Hanyan and her companions felt their bodies lighten and began gliding toward the direction of the sword energy.
This was a Sword Saint’s Wind Control Technique, enabling their rapid arrival at Soul-breaking Valley within hours. Though Ye Lanfeng alone couldn’t sustain prolonged flight, it spared considerable time.
Nearing the valley floor, the mist thinned, revealing the valley’s entirety.
The valley was narrow and rugged, with picturesque streams, lush vegetation, resembling a paradise. An old-style mansion nestled among the trees, yet amid the scenic beauty, the house exuded an eerie and sinister aura.
Nearly a hundred swordmen, dressed in black, hurriedly returned from the valley entrance, converging on the mansion.