A murderous glint flashed in his eyes, and he was about to raise his hand.
Bang!
The big black bull suddenly stood up and kicked him hard in the back with its hooves. It was like a boulder hitting him, and the sound of bones breaking echoed.
The man was horrified. With a loud cry, he spat out a mouthful of blood. His mind was spinning from the kick, and his body was leaning forward.
Chen Xun's chest heaved, his adrenaline surged, but he became extremely calm. He pulled out a machete from his waist and chopped it hard into Chen Xun's neck.
Although he managed to control his strength, the blow was still deep enough to see bone; the axe was stuck in the bone, and Chen Xun's face was covered in blood as he gasped for breath.
"Old Niu, get to work."
Chen Xun's pupils trembled slightly. He took out a spark, and there was dry firewood all around. The big black ox didn't dare to dawdle and started digging a hole.
A raging fire burned the ground, incinerating the body and scattering the ashes. The man and the ox quickly destroyed all traces and arranged the scene. They dared not take anything from the man's body.
They started running, and ran faster and faster...
Chen Xun swore that this was the first time he had ever run so fast in his life; this big black ox was even faster than him.
Two hours later, the group arrived at the crime scene, all frowning: "Sect Leader, Liu Tian stopped right here."
Why?
"There was a young man leading a big black ox. It seems that Senior Brother Liu wanted to buy his black ox to help his new disciples improve their health."
"Oh."
The sect leader stood on a tree branch with his hands behind his back, observing the ground. "There were burn marks, and the footprints were messy and I couldn't tell which way they were."
"Sect Master, could it be that Liu Tian has been murdered...?"
The man was startled. Liu Tian was a master of the Hundred Mysteries Sect. If something had really happened, he wouldn't have been completely unresponsive.
"The person who did it was meticulous and didn't leave many traces. That boy is the key."
The sect leader frowned and asked, "Do you remember what he looks like?"
"Reporting to the sect leader... no."
The man bowed and said, "Who would remember what a cowherd looks like, especially when we're on a mission?"
"waste."
"Sect Master, please calm down."
The people around him all bowed their heads and clasped their hands; Liu Tian's death was indeed too suspicious.
"Let's go. We can't find anything here anymore. Let's make sure his family is settled properly. We haven't found a body yet, so he might not be dead."
The sect leader sighed softly. Although there were burn marks on the ground, he didn't believe that someone could have actually committed murder and arson in such a short time.
"Yes, Sect Master."
With a single step, they moved as lightly as swallows, darting through the trees and disappearing from sight.
...
On a riverbank, Chen Xun lay flat in the water, washing away the bloodstains. He looked up at the sky, somewhat lost in thought.
Big Black Bull was also playing in the water nearby when he suddenly splashed water on Chen Xun's face, startling the latter and instantly sobering him up.
"Old Niu, well done this time. Remember, when you're plotting against someone, don't waste any words."
Chen Xun said coldly, "Those who kill will be killed in return. He is no saint. We will not provoke anyone, but anyone who harbors murderous intent towards us will be reduced to ashes!"
Moo! Moo!
The big black bull snorted fiercely, as if it would kick anyone who dared to touch Chen Xun, even if it meant kicking them to death.
They burned all their clothes by the river, and Chen Xun changed into new clothes and spent the night by the river.
Nothing happened that night, and they continued their journey to a large city, where they had heard that many cultivators lived, making it much safer than the wilderness.
...
More than half a year later, it was the end of the year. The sun was setting, and the afterglow was like blood. A boy appeared on the horizon, leading a black ox.
In the distance, a colossal city lay prostrate, like a ferocious beast eyeing the passersby.
Panning City, with its long history spanning countless years, is bustling with people coming and going at its city gates.
Fighting is strictly prohibited in the city, making it a very orderly and prosperous metropolis. Backed by the Ningyun Mountains, the city's residents often go up the mountain to collect spiritual herbs to sell to cultivators.
The Ningyun Mountains are vast and endless. It is said that there are immortal sects hidden deep in the clouds and mist within the mountains, never revealing themselves to the mortal world.
"Wow, this is the first time I've ever seen such a magnificent city wall."
Chen Xun exclaimed in admiration, gazing at the somewhat weathered giant city in the distance, a smile spreading across his face. "Old Niu, our new life is about to begin."
Moo!
The big black ox cheered and jumped for joy. It was also amazed by this giant city, which was much bigger than the fences in the village.
"Such a vast world, seeing all the mountains and rivers, experiencing the splendor of the world, this is the true meaning of immortality."
Chen Xun's eyes shone with anticipation. "Old Niu, charge!"
Moo!
The man and the ox started trotting, kicking up clouds of dust. Chen Xun, holding the ox's rope, laughed loudly, while the big black ox kept mooing.
The people on the roadside shook their heads and smiled when they saw this, but they were also envious. It's good to be young.
The city gate of Panning is huge, with countless carriages and people with cattle and sheep coming and going, yet it doesn't feel crowded at all.
Chen Xun looked around in surprise, and responded with a smile to everyone who looked at him, which made him very likable.
He looked at the soldiers guarding the city gate and marveled at them. It was the first time he had ever seen soldiers from ancient times. They were truly majestic and imposing, and looked like men of vigor and vitality.
The city guard frowned. A young man seemed to have been observing them. He was about to step forward and speak.
To everyone's surprise, the boy gave a thumbs-up and a look of approval. The city guard stopped, smiled, and nodded, "I understand."
As they entered the city, a breathtaking panorama unfolded before them, leaving the man and the ox stunned as a magnificent scene slowly came to life.
The streets were quite wide, with countless street vendors constantly hawking their wares, and street performers entertaining the crowds who cheered and threw coins at them.
Countless pedestrians walked along the street, dressed in silk, their every gesture exuding an ancient charm and grandeur.
Looking up, they saw pavilions and towers everywhere, lanterns hanging high, and talented men and beautiful women reciting poems on the pavilions. The dazzling array of flowers was so captivating that Chen Xun and Da Hei Niu were stunned.
"good!"
Moo!
Chen Xun and Da Hei Niu stood on the outside watching the circus act, acting as the atmosphere-setter. Suddenly, a struggle appeared in Chen Xun's eyes; it wasn't good to get something for free.
He fumbled around in his waist for a while, then threw a copper coin into the gong. Upon hearing the sound, the juggler immediately turned towards Chen Xun, spitting flames from his mouth in a spectacular display.
"good!"
Chen Xun laughed heartily and clapped his hands. Big Black Bull was startled, thinking that this person was a cultivator who was actually putting on a show for them. He was truly worthy of being from Dacheng.
After watching for a while, they left the crowd, bought two skewers of candied hawthorn, and Chen Xun took a bite while Hei Niu took a bite, making the young ladies passing by giggle.
"These are truly exquisite works of art."
Chen Xun was amazed. He looked at the roadside vendors, all of which were handmade. These people made their living from this trade their whole lives, and there was no room for fakes.
"Hey sir, see if there's anything you like?" the vendor greeted him kindly.
"I'll just take a look. I'll definitely buy it when I have the money."
Chen Xun smiled sheepishly, but he meant it sincerely.
"It's alright, I have a broken wooden carving here, you can take it if you like."
The vendor took out a tiger statue from the side; it was very lifelike, except that the tail looked like it was carved incorrectly.
"Boss, let us trade you some rice. I really like this statue."
"become!"
The vendor handed it directly to Chen Xun, who in turn gave him some rice.
Back on the street, Chen Xun held the statue in both hands, admiring it greatly, much to the envy of the big black ox. Why didn't the stall owner give it one for free?