劍問蒼天 - 第144章 偶遇 - 清風書屋

Xiao Wan was startled; beside her even the Wild Wolf Daoist, and Ming Li too, stirred and turned to look at Zhou Yixuan, who could not help feeling rather pleased with himself and chuckled twice. Xiao Wan, both astonished and delighted, said, "Grandpa, is there really such a place? Tell us!"

Zhou Yixuan cleared his throat twice, then said with great solemnity, "Canglan Mountain."

The Wild Wolf Daoist's expression changed, and Ming Li turned his head away. Only Xiao Wan looked surprised. "I know Canglan Mountain is where the Canglan Sect is, and that there are many cultivators there. But after all it is only one sect's strength—facing those monstrous tribes, they will be hard pressed even to protect themselves, let alone look after us."

Zhou Yixuan laughed heartily. "That is just what you do not know. No word has come yet, but I am certain the Flaming Sunset Valley and the Brahma Sound Temple and the other sects must be gathering at Qingyun—for old Yun Yifeng is at Qingyun even now. And then, in the battle of Qingyun ten years ago, the Canglan Sect's 'Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation'..."

At those four words, Ming Li, sitting nearby, gave a violent start.

Zhou Yixuan did not notice, and went on cheerfully, "The Canglan Sect's Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation covered itself in glory—everyone knows that formation has power to shake heaven and earth. So if the alliance gathers at Qingyun, there will at least be one more layer of safety. I expect that within a few days most of the Orthodox cultivators under heaven will be heading for Qingyun to stand together against this calamity such as has never been seen in all the ages. If we reach Qingyun, then we shall have reached the safest place of all. With so many masters of cultivation there, they surely will not stand by and watch us common folk die!" And as he spoke, the more he thought of it the more pleased he grew, and he could not help breaking into laughter.

Yet a cold snort suddenly cut through his laughter. Zhou Yixuan started, and looked with Xiao Wan and the Wild Wolf Daoist—Ming Li had slowly risen from the shadows, but did not turn, and said coldly, "I fear those Orthodox masters of yours will not only stand by and watch you die, but give you a kick from behind as well."

Mocked to his face, Zhou Yixuan could not keep his countenance, and retorted angrily, "Bah! You are a crooked demon and a heretic anyway—go there and you will only be driven out..."

Xiao Wan suddenly cried out loud, "Grandpa!"

Zhou Yixuan glanced at Xiaowan and knew he had spoken too harshly. He stopped talking resentfully. Xiaowan turned to look at Mingli, hesitated a little, but finally said, "You—don't listen to my grandfather. He's just like that, he speaks without thinking..."

Zhou Yixuan flew into a rage and cut in, "You dare say your own grandfather speaks without thinking!"

Xiaowan ignored him and still spoke to Mingli: "But the situation really is bad right now. You'd better come with us. After all, it'll be safer there than other places..."

Before Xiaowan could finish, Mingli said mildly, "No need. The world is vast; I have somewhere to go." With that, his body stirred and he walked forward.

Xiaowan was startled, and an anxious look came over her face. "Zhang—you, where are you going?" she asked urgently.

Mingli did not answer. His figure moved forward, slowly at first then faster. Little Grey, perched on his shoulder, turned its head and, looking at Xiaowan standing on the small hilltop staring blankly after them, grinned and raised a hand to wave.

Xiaowan watched that figure shrink swiftly and vanish. She did not know why, but suddenly, for no reason at all, she felt an emptiness in her heart. Her nose stung, and she nearly burst into tears.

"Hiss!"