A murderous glint flashed in his eyes, and he was about to raise his hand.
Thump!
The black ox suddenly stood up, its hooves slamming into his back like a boulder striking, the sound of bones cracking echoing.
The man was horrified, letting out a scream as he coughed up a mouthful of blood. His head was spinning from the kick, and his body lurched forward.
Chen Xun's chest heaved, his adrenaline surging, yet he became incredibly calm. He drew his machete from his waist and swung it hard at the man's neck.
Although he controlled his strength, the blow was still deep enough to expose bone. The machete was stuck in the bone, and Chen Xun's face was covered in blood as he gasped for breath.
"Old ox, get to work."
Chen Xun's pupils twitched slightly. He took out a sparkler; dry firewood was scattered around. The black ox didn't dare linger and began digging a hole.
A raging fire engulfed the ground, burning the body to destroy all evidence. The ashes were scattered, and the man and the ox quickly disposed of all traces, even arranging the scene. They dared not take anything from the man's body.
Then they ran, faster and faster…
Chen Xun swore that this was the first time he had ever run so fast in his life; the large 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?"
"A young man was leading a large black ox. It seems Senior Brother Liu wanted to buy his ox to nourish the new disciples."
"Heh."
The Sect Leader stood on a tree branch, hands behind his back, observing the ground. "There are burn marks, and the footprints are messy, making it impossible to tell which direction they came from."
"Sect Leader, could Liu Tian have been murdered…"
The man was startled. Liu Tian was a master of the Hundred Profound Sect; if something had truly happened, there would have been a reason for his lack of reaction.
"The perpetrator was meticulous, leaving few traces. That boy is the key."
The sect leader frowned. "Did you remember his face?"
"Reporting to the sect leader...no."
The man bowed his head and clasped his hands. Who would bother remembering the face of a cowherd, especially during a mission?
"Useless."
"Sect leader, please calm down."
The others beside him also bowed their heads and clasped their hands. Liu Tian's death was indeed too suspicious.
"Let's go. We won't find anything here. Make sure his family is settled properly. We haven't seen the body yet; he might not be dead."
The sect leader sighed softly. Although there were burn marks on the ground, he didn't believe someone could have committed murder and arson in such a short time.
"Yes, sect leader."
They took a step, light as swallows, and darted through the trees, disappearing in the blink of an eye.
...
By a riverbank, Chen Xun lay flat in the water, washing away the blood. He looked up at the sky, somewhat lost in thought.
The big black ox was playing in the water nearby when it suddenly splashed water on Chen Xun's face, jolting him awake.
"Old ox, well done this time. Remember, when you're plotting against someone, don't waste any words."
Chen Xun said coldly. He who kills will be killed; he wasn't a saint. "We won't provoke anyone, but anyone who tries to kill us will be reduced to ashes!"
Moo! Moo!
The big black ox snorted fiercely. Anyone who dared to touch Chen Xun would be kicked, even to death.
They burned all their clothes by the river. Chen Xun changed into new clothes and spent the night by the river.
Unexpectedly, they continued their journey to a large city, a place rumored to be home to many cultivators and far safer than the wilderness.
...
More than half a year later, at the end of the year, the setting sun cast a blood-red glow, and a young man appeared on the horizon, leading a black ox.
In the distance lay a colossal city, crouching like a ferocious beast, watching the passersby with predatory eyes.
Pan Ning City, steeped in history and countless ages, was bustling with activity at its gates.
Fighting was strictly forbidden within the city, making it a remarkably orderly and economically prosperous metropolis. Nestled against the Ningyun Mountains, its inhabitants frequently ventured into the mountains to gather spiritual herbs, which they sold to cultivators.
The Ningyun Mountains were vast and seemingly endless. It was said that a celestial sect resided within them, hidden deep within the clouds, never revealing itself to the mortal realm.
"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 Ox, our new life is about to begin."
Moo!
The big black ox leaped with joy, equally astonished by the colossal city, far larger than the few fences in the village.
"Such a vast world, to see countless mountains and rivers, to experience the splendor of life—this is the true meaning of immortality!"
Chen Xun's eyes shone with anticipation. "Old Ox, charge!"
Moo!
Man and ox trotted off, kicking up clouds of dust. Chen Xun, pulling the ox's rope, laughed heartily, while the big black ox mooed incessantly.
The villagers watching from the roadside shook their heads and smiled, a touch of envy in their eyes. Youth is truly wonderful.
The city gates of Panning were enormous, with countless carriages and people with cattle and sheep coming and going without feeling crowded.
Chen Xun looked around in amazement. Everyone who looked at him responded with a smile, which made him instantly likable.
He looked at the soldiers guarding the city gates with admiration. It was the first time he had seen ancient soldiers; they were truly imposing and extraordinary, clearly men of vigor and spirit.
A city guard frowned. A young man seemed to have been observing them. He was about to step forward and speak.
But then the young man gave him a thumbs-up, a look of approval. The city guard stopped, smiled, and nodded. "I understand."
Entering the city, a breathtaking view unfolded before them. The man and the ox stood frozen in place, a magnificent panorama slowly unfolding before them.
The streets were incredibly wide, with countless street vendors hawking their wares, and street performers entertaining the crowds, who cheered loudly and threw coins at them.
Countless pedestrians strolled 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 scholars and beauties reciting poetry atop the buildings. The dazzling array of sights captivated Chen Xun and Da Hei Niu, who were stunned.
"Bravo!"
Moo!
Chen Xun and Da Hei Niu stood on the periphery watching the acrobatics, acting as the atmosphere-setters. Suddenly, a struggle flashed in Chen Xun's eyes; getting something for nothing wasn't ideal.
He fumbled around in his waist pocket for a while, then tossed a copper coin into the gong. Hearing the sound, the acrobat immediately turned towards Chen Xun, breathing fire—a spectacular display.
"Bravo!"
Chen Xun laughed heartily and clapped. Da Hei Niu, however, was startled, thinking this person was a cultivator performing for them. Truly worthy of a great city.
After watching for a while, they left the crowd, bought two skewers of candied hawthorns, and Chen Xun and Hei Niu each took a bite, making a passing young woman giggle.
"They're so exquisite! The craftsmanship is amazing!"
Chen Xun was amazed, looking at the roadside vendors; everything was handmade. These people made their living this way their whole lives, and there was no room for deception.
"Young man, do you see anything you like?" the vendor greeted him kindly.
"I'm just looking. I'll definitely buy some when I have more money."
Chen Xun smiled shyly, but he meant it sincerely.
"It's alright. I also have a wooden carving that's been damaged. You can take it if you like."
The vendor took out a tiger statue from the side, lifelike, except the tail seemed to be damaged.
"Boss, let's exchange it for some rice. I really like this statue."
"Sure!"
The vendor handed it to Chen Xun, who also 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?