The third chapter, late autumn has arrived, and the southern tunes are gradually fading away

"Let's go." A youthful voice came from behind the burly man

Xie Yao had endured from spring to autumn, feeling disheartened when he suddenly heard a tender voice outside the wall speaking of the flawless fairy he had longed for day and night. This was how the current situation came to be

What is he doing?" Yun Qing asked curiously as he mingled among the pedestrians

I want to see what is really up there in the azure clouds" A Qing replied with a cheerful smile

Yun Qing nodded and said: "Aren't you afraid?"

The great Han, with a dull mind, merely smiled foolishly at him and did not respond

"Young Master?" said the person inside the wall as he approached the hole in the wall, "Have you seen the flawless lady?"

The person inside the wall was struck hard by what he said, and remained silent for a long time

We go to Mirror City, to the west of Mirror City lies Wuxuan Mountain, which serves as a natural barrier separating it from the vast wilderness to the northwest. It is the last line of defense of the Thirteen Barriers. According to historical records, there are sects of cultivators residing there

My name is Yun Qing. The boy smiled, got off the mule, and the big man picked him up

Even on this official path, it is not always peaceful

Just as the two were enjoying a lively conversation, a commotion arose ahead.

Alright, alright, I promise... ah!!!

"Hahaha, alright, I won't ask you anymore." A Qing gently patted his head a few times in a soothing manner, her expression distant, "I want to fly like Sister Yu."

After he fell in love at first sight with Zhu Wuxia, he searched through his family's library for many ancient texts, gaining a superficial understanding of the matter of cultivation. However, the texts of mortals often regard this with skepticism, describing it in an overly mysterious manner.

This wall is different from the surrounding brick walls; it is constructed from large, solid stones. On this incredibly sturdy stone wall, there is now a small round hole, roughly the size of a child's neck. That weak and delicate voice is coming from within the wall

Indeed, so you are blind! Zhu Yu was somewhat surprised; she had never taken a good look at this boy.

She killed a thief on the sacrificial path and then flew away. Now she is probably on her way.

"Are there really people who practice Taoism in this world?" A Qing asked, disregarding his own sense of loss.

There are indeed differences in the levels of cultivation among practitioners. Naturally, experts like the flawless fairy have no issues! In fact, Xie Yao only has a superficial understanding of the matters of cultivation.

Xie Yao saw a child just over ten years old, with his eyes closed, riding a mule as he came out from behind the burly man

"Let us go! I know where there is a fairy cave!" he said to A Qing, and then rode his mule, charging out of the dim alley.

Only Xie Yao, bold and audacious, in a daze, unexpectedly recited a line of poetry: "In spring, the flying catkins linger by the flowing water, a single sword startlingly breaks the bright sunlit sky"

Before Xie Yao could finish his perfunctory words, he suddenly saw the wall he was leaning against collapse inward. He took a few steps back, nearly falling to the ground

He knew that there was a city called Xianhua ahead, which could be considered prosperous in the south, so he took Amang out of the mountains and onto the official road, intending to go there for a visit. Unexpectedly, just as they got on the road, they encountered such an incident

Zhu Yu chuckled lightly: "Fairy? I am a disciple of the Law Enforcement Division of the Demonic Sect of Destruction, with the title Wuxia. You are a mortal, so you may call me Zhu Yu. That fellow just now displeased me, so I killed him. If anyone asks, just report my name!"

The Mirror Kingdom has marched down from the north with iron hooves, and the closer one gets to the north, the more prosperous the Mirror Capital becomes. In this small town in the south, the remnants of war still linger; not only are the hearts of the people numb, but even the scenery is inferior to that of the north.

The beauty lightly raised her eyebrows, and as a fierce aura emerged, she swiftly beheaded one of the men with a single sword strike. That man was the only son of the Zhong family, known for his ostentatious behavior, having ruined countless virtuous women. As soon as this beauty made her move, blood splattered across the ship, leaving these young masters dumbfounded as they scattered in panic.

Xie Yao saw a large man standing behind the collapsed wall. The man was dressed in animal skin clothing, towering significantly above the average person, with well-proportioned muscles. Upon closer inspection, his features were also strikingly fierce and cold. However, there was little intelligence in the man's eyes, only a ferocious, beast-like aura.

Yun Qing smiled and seemed to have a good impression of the young girl: "My name is Yun Qing, what about you?"

Can they all fly like Sister Yu?" A Qing asked with a frown

Xie Yao quickly came to his senses and bowed: "I am Xie Yao, courtesy name Daoyuan. May I ask how the fairy is addressed?"

"Oh, spare me the trouble. It took me half a year to dig such a small hole in the wall. How could you possibly get me out?" Although Xie Yao was tormented inside, he still retained his rationality and completely did not believe Yun Qing's words

"A-Mang, can you fly?" A-Qing placed her hand, which was resting on the mule's head, on A-Mang's face and felt him nod slightly, then shake his head.

Hahaha, immortal? Zhu Yu's smile was mocking

"With no flaws like pearls and jades, Sister Yu must be an extraordinary person"

Young Master, I am the seventh son of the Xie family, named Xie Yao

A journey of a thousand miles begins here

As one travels further north, although the temperature becomes increasingly lower, the desolate meaning of autumn gradually fades away

She glanced at the kneeling people, then looked to the north, and said to Yun Qing: "I am in a hurry, so I will not travel with you any longer. See you in Jingdu!"

Aren't you afraid?" the girl retorted with sharp wit

Sighing deeply, Xie Yao said, "If only I could get out of here."

"Your arrangement is... If a fight is necessary, Ah Mang can take action." Yun Qing sat on the shoulder of the big man, easily keeping up with the mule.

Are they calling you?" Yun Qing was somewhat confused

----------------

A single neigh of a horse shattered the tranquility, as a man with a black scarf covering his face stood in the middle of the road. The people on the street halted in confusion, unsure of what to do

"What is the ritual path?" Yun Qing asked curiously, looking at the young girl. The girl was dressed in a long gown made of water-blue brocade, tall and graceful, with a beautiful face, and a glint of mischief occasionally flickered in her eyes. Although Yun Qing could not see, he felt that the girl's voice sounded very pleasant.

"Speaking of which... I haven't asked you yet, why do you want to pursue the Dao?" Xie Yao looked at this child who had only met him for half a day, yet had rescued him from the Xie family and was willing to travel a thousand miles to seek the path of immortality with him. He felt that this child's background was probably somewhat unusual, and couldn't help but ask.

"Zhu Wuxia? Little brat, are you referring to the Wuxia girl from the Demonic Sect of Ruin?" This voice was weak yet filled with joy, conveying a strong sense of excitement.

The immortal... the immortal! A person suddenly knelt down. Then came the second, the third, and before long, a large number had knelt down.

A peach pit was thrown out from the top of the high courtyard wall, making a crisp sound. A Qing turned her head towards the sound, and A Mang, upon seeing this, led the mule and took him to the foot of that high wall

The young girl simply stood beside him and explained, "The sacrificial road is originally a ritual for worshiping the land before a great army sets out. However, now this act of robbery on the road is also referred to as the sacrificial road. In essence, they mean the same thing, which is to leave behind valuables to ensure your safety"

In a deep alley of the Idle Flower City, a strong man is leading a mule, on which a young boy is seated

Zhu Yu stepped onto the blue long sword, transforming into a beam of sword light, and vanished into the northern sky

Yun Qing's voice sounded particularly jarring on the quiet official road, startling the nearby household, which quickly moved away from him. In front of Yun Qing stood a graceful young girl, who, upon hearing his words, turned her head and said with a beaming smile: "This is a sacrificial path!"

A Qing was startled by the sound, riding the mule in circles through the narrow alley, yet could not find a third person besides him and A Mang.

After this incident, Xie Yao lost all appetite for food and drink, consumed by thoughts of seeking immortals and inquiring about the Dao, hoping to encounter Zhu Yu once more. His parents did not believe in such tales of deities and demons, only wishing for him to study diligently and one day revitalize the family. The Xie family confined Xie Yao within the high walls of their courtyard; it was a delusion to think of seeking immortals, let alone stepping outside to see the streets.

Xie Yao was left speechless.

Such a reason that aligns with a child's curiosity instead renders him unable to refute it, yet he vaguely feels that the term "above the clouds" signifies something extraordinary

Generally speaking, on this official road, robbers do not dare to go too far. They leave some money for each person and let them go, without causing harm to life. However, the robbers this time seem to be novices, very nervous. Just now, a civilian who had learned some martial arts attempted to escape, and he instinctively drew his knife and struck. The person was instantly decapitated, blood flowing everywhere

My name is Zhu Yu, courtesy name Wuxia. I am a bit older than you, so you may as well call me Sister Yu.

It must be said that Xie Yao hails from a scholarly family in the Kingdom of Tianzhu. Unfortunately, the previous head of the family seemed to lack the necessary resolve; as soon as the cavalry of the Great Mirror breached the first of the Thirteen Barriers in the northwest, he defected. However, this also allowed the Xie family to preserve their foundation, enabling them to thrive peacefully in this small southern city after the establishment of the Great Mirror.

Xie Yao is the seventh son of the Xie family, and his story is somewhat clichéd and somewhat bizarre, much like an ordinary tale from a novel.

I will let you go, can you take me to see what this cultivation is all about?" Yun Qing fell silent for a moment before suddenly speaking.

The blue light made a round and returned to the crowd. Only then did the people see the beautiful young woman gently blowing the sword's edge, standing beside the mule where Yun Qing was.

That's all. A-Qing thought carefully; he had only known Zhu Yu for a brief moment, just the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, so how could he say more?

You... you you you!" Xie Yao pointed at the boy, unable to speak for a long time.

A Qing suddenly recalled that Zhu Yu had also said this to him.

While Yun Qing was muttering to himself, a sudden voice echoed in the quiet alley.

Xie Yao's thoughts gradually became clearer as he explained to Yun Qing while riding north on a mule: "We cannot take the official road, the Xie family is powerful, and there are many spies along the official road."

While the thief was momentarily stunned, the pedestrians screamed incessantly, and several individuals rushed past the thief's blockade, fleeing for their lives. The remaining people were also stirred up, and the scene instantly descended into chaos

Xie Yao did not expect that the turning point of fate would suddenly present itself before him. He had long wanted to escape from this place, but when such an opportunity arose, he suddenly felt lost. To abandon his parents and loved ones, to forsake the mundane world, and to pursue such an elusive path—was it truly worth it?

This journey to the north requires some preparations. We will first go to the northern market to purchase some supplies, and then take advantage of the fact that the Xie family has not yet reacted to leave through the northern city gate

"Hahaha, I am not one of them, how would I know?" Zhu Yu laughed again, her smile not only retaining the previous cunningness but also carrying a hint of arrogance

He vaguely recalled that in the bright spring of March, a beautiful girl with a sharp demeanor stood at the ship's railing and asked him: "Aren't you afraid?"

"You must promise me first," Yun Qing insisted stubbornly

The thief does not abide by the rules ... it seems he is going to suffer a loss. Zhu Yu's words carried a hint of cold amusement.

That person had a hard time cultivating a deep sense of sorrow, only to have it completely dispelled by A Qing's laughter. He said, somewhat exasperated: "Shut up! You little brat! I know I am not as good as the flawless young lady..."

If I could get out of here, perhaps I could seek the immortal mountains, gain entry to the immortal gates, and become a being worthy of matching the flawless fairy.

Ah... it was unknown how long it had been before he let out a long sigh, "Miss Wuxia..."

Aren't you afraid? At that moment, the beauty's smile was devoid of any malice, and Xie Yao nodded in a daze

Hmm. A Qing was not angry either, "Why do they call you that?"

This road is the only official route from Jiuming City to the northern metropolis. The travelers on this road are mostly merchants who frequently traverse between the north and south, as well as individual migrants moving from the south to the north. The merchants appear quite composed, likely accustomed to encountering such highwaymen. In contrast, the individual migrants seem somewhat restless. Most of them are accompanied by their families, carrying with them the savings of a lifetime, all in hopes of starting a better life in the northern metropolis. Who would wish to be robbed at such a critical moment?

Of course it exists!" Xie Yao was somewhat excited and pressed her face against the opening.

That person exclaimed, "Don't move! Just tell me how she is doing now?"

"I am here, I am here! Little brat, no, young master, come quickly!"

Next, he only felt a chill on his neck, and before he died, he saw his own headless corpse sitting on the horse. The crowd only heard a young girl's clear shout, and then a blue light flashed out from the crowd, and the thief's head fell to the ground.

During the flourishing spring scenery, Xie Yao unexpectedly encountered Zhu Yu at an old clan's banquet, and he was utterly captivated. At that time, Zhu Yu came stepping through the water from the riverbank, standing on the side of the boat where they were holding the banquet, her smile radiant amidst the swirling catkins. The noble young men present were all dumbfounded, yet none dared to approach her for a conversation

A-Mang, who do you think that Sister Yu is? I heard those merchants say... she can fly!

What else? the person asked anxiously

No one knows whether the immortal way truly exists, nor does anyone know if the fervent passion will ultimately lead to an illusion. However, once this step is taken, no one is willing to turn back

Yun Qing nodded

He became somewhat sentimental when he mentioned this, and A Qing did not interrupt but listened attentively as he continued to elaborate.

"The name of my sister is truly beautiful, like a flawless pearl." A Qing closed his eyes, yet he could still sense the other person's gaze, and his smile deepened a little

Before he could continue, A Qing couldn't help but laugh: "You are called 'Laxative'? That name is far inferior to 'Flawless Pearl'"

A Mang, A Mang, if you could fly, wouldn't you be able to flap your wings and run up to the clouds?

Seeing the situation turn unfavorable, the thief turned over and mounted his horse, intending to gather the silver and leave. However, he was halted by a clear shout: "Those who kill shall be killed!"

If you are referring to Sister Yu, who has a lovely laugh, then that is it. A Qing replied, reaching towards the source of the sound, almost poking the person against the wall in the eye

She seemed to have urgent matters to attend to, leaving behind these few words before soaring away on her sword

Yun Qing pointed at the mule and said to Xie Yao, "Let's go"

Sister Yu, be careful on the road! Yun Qing shouted loudly

"I am not afraid..." He left this belated response and jumped onto the old mule.

Xianhua City. The autumn rain falls incessantly, as if it were determined to submerge this small town completely