by Tinalynge
"You are aware that the Frozen General might be setting a trap for you?" Deng Wu asked as the two friends were seated together in the library, chatting together about the Formation of Life.
"I know." Hui Yue nodded his head. Even he had considered this possibility before, but what could he do? The Formation of Life had such outstanding abilities that anyone would risk heading into a trap for the sake of it.
"Even if it turns out that it is a trap, I want to see who can block all of us." Hui Yue sighed as he looked up into the ceiling. "I have you all by my side, and even if we meet a group of Saints, I believe in my ability to fight them. There should only be one God in this entire plane, and even if Zhong Fai gave information to this God, is he really in a position to order a God around? No one knows about me and my enmity against An He. Since no one knows, I doubt they will spend their energy to fight us."
Nodding his head, Deng Wu understood the logic behind what Hui Yue had said, but he still had a bad feeling about the whole ordeal. Although he was tempted to reach the God rank, he was not blinded by the powerful formation.
Sighing both Deng Wu and Hui Yue were seated deep in thought about the trip they were about to start very soon.
Chapter 439 - Getting Ready
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Chapter 439: Getting Ready
The following days were filled with activity at the Hui mansion. Everyone noticed the sudden activity at the mansion, and the fact that many servants and maids were sent to marketplaces within the city daily made it obvious that something was going on.
Some purchased any herb they could get their hands on while others purchased many rare metals that were for sale. Some bought food in large quantities while some bought drinks of every kind. Fruit wines, juices, and even bottled water were just a few drinks they purchased.
Clothes were purchased, and even Cou Ling's blacksmith shop was visited by the Hui servants.
Anyone who observed Hui Yue's movements understood that he was getting ready for an adventure which included long and arduous travels, but even so many were curious about what exactly could make such an important figure set out. Had he found a treasure trove somewhere? Perhaps another grave? Had he found the legacy of some old expert or was there something else which could cause him to move?
No matter how much everyone tried to find out where he was going, no one got any clear answers. All the Black Lion told people was that the Hui family was clearly preparing for some sort of journey, but as for what specifically, none knew.
The truth was that of course Gao Yan knew what the trip was for, but he had no intention of telling others. If the information about the Formation of Life were to spread to the other Saints, it was highly likely that every Saints would seek out the formation, and this was something they would not let happen.
Hui Yue was completely silent about what he was planning to do. No one apart from his very close friends knew what was going on, and they told no one. Even Rong Liang who was still within Muchuan City frowned as he realized that even he was not entitled to hear what they were planning. Even when he ordered his children to tell him the truth, neither listened. They valued their friendship with Hui Yue, so although they loved their father unconditionally, they would not reveal Hui Yue's secrets.
"We have gathered all the food and drink we need. I have created quite a few medicinal pills of various ranks, and I have purchased quite a few pills from the Alchemist Guild in case we need them."
"I have enough herbs to create more pills in the Central Palace, should we needed them." Hui Yue continued while scratching his chin.
"I’ve created new weapons for everyone. Two short swords for Lao, a halberd for Jo, a broadsword for Xu Piao, and a staff for Deng Wu. For Sha Yun, I made a whip which will work very well in combination with her snake tail." Said Hui Yue, and he continued to wonder if he lacked anything but no matter what he thought of, he came to the conclusion that he had prepared everything necessary.
"Father, I have gotten used to using the two swords. Their sharpness is simply outstanding, and they work quite well with my Wu Wei arts." Lao was so happy with his new swords that he found his father to praise him.
"How is it fighting against Jo now that she has a good weapon?" Hui Yue asked curiously. Jo and Lao still sparred a lot against each other as sparring with the guards would be the same as bullying them. Therefore they could only train together or seek out stronger experts.
"Jo is truly frightening. Although she is just a King ranked expert, her strength is simply terrifying. There is no need for us to worry about her safety for now." Lao answered honestly. There was no shame in his voice when speaking about Jo's strength. Hui Yue nodded his head, proud of both his son and daughter.
"Great. Pack your things." Hui Yue said, his face beaming with a big smile, "and tell Jo to pack her things too. You can carry as many storage stones as you wish, but don’t forget that the more you use, the harder it is to remember which items you dropped in which stone; therefore, it might be a disadvantage. Though, make sure to take all the things you need with you and get ready to set out tomorrow morning."
Lao's eyes widened, a smile spread on his face, and soon a chuckle could be heard. It was clear that the young man was filled with excitement. This was the first time he was allowed to go together with Hui Yue on an adventure, and he simply could not wait. It would also be the first time that he would leave Muchuan City.
"I better go and tell everyone else to get ready." Hui Yue said, but before he managed to turn around, a small blur appeared before them. Before Lao could react, a small fox placed itself in Hui Yue's embrace. The fox had eyes filled with doubt, and with these eyes, it looked at the surroundings. Frowning, Hui Yue gently petted the fox.
"Is something wrong Huli?" Hui Yue asked gently, and the fox nodded its head as it constantly turned from one side to the other in his embrace.
"I know you can't speak, but tell me, is it something here in Muchuan City?" Hui Yue asked, and the fox shook her head. "Is it because of the trip to the Central Palace?" The fox nodded her head.
"Have you ever been there before?" He asked but once more the fox shook her head. Laughing, Hui Yue rustled the fox's hair and looked at her with tender eyes. "Don't worry Huli; I'll be very careful. Plus, I'll have you by my side to protect me."
Just as Hui Yue spoke, the doors to the mansion opened and in came Rong Liang. The moment Huli saw Rong Liang her hair stood on end, she bared her teeth, and her eyes were filled with anger. It was clear that she did not like Rong Liang, and the sudden display of dislike shocked Hui Yue deeply. Hui Yue had never seen her like this before. Although she often showed ignorance, or a complete lack of interest of people, she had never seemed hostile towards anyone, especially not like she was now.
"Calm down Huli." Hui Yue laughed as he petted the fox's head. "It's just Lord Rong. He is the father of Rong Ming and Rong Xing." He explained, but the smile on Rong Liang's face stiffened as he looked at the fox in Hui Yue's arms.
"What a fierce little beast." Rong Liang said, his voice shaking faintly. His odd actions made Hui Yue frown; it seemed as though the man was fearful of his small fox.
Although Hui Yue did not know exactly what rank Huli was, he understood that she was incredibly strong. Having traveled by the side of a God, she had to be at least a Saint. But as there was no aura coming out from her body and this made it impossible for Hui Yue to guess just how strong she was.
Seeing the fox behave like this made Hui Yue quite worried. He knew that Huli was completely loyal to him, and for her to behave this way, there had to be some reason for it. Only he could not come up with a reason. Was something wrong with Rong Liang?
Although he was now a Saint, it was not that unlikely that he had spent almost all of his time cultivating to reach the Saint rank at his age. Even Hui Yue, who was much younger than lord Rong Liang, had after all managed to reach the Saint rank.
Still, Hui Yue was rather confused about Rong Liang's sudden rise to prominen
ce. For him to become a Saint was one thing, but it was quite another for him to suddenly get a rather important job such as the one he now had. Not to mention why everyone knew about Rong Liang’s new position so quickly. Things did not add up, but no matter how Hui Yue thought about it, he could not come to a conclusion.
'Don't worry too much about it.' Lan Feng's voice suddenly sounded in Hui Yue's mind. 'Even if he is a Saint, the aura on his body is equal to an early stage Saint. He is no threat to you and therefore don’t worry about him.'
Lan Feng's logic was understandable, but Hui Yue still felt apprehensive. He liked Rong Liang a lot. The older man had often acted like a parent to him, and now he was standing here, feeling uncertain and distant from this person. Shaking his head, a smile appeared on his face. He would not be the one to doubt his friends or the one who caused strife for something as simple as a slight worry. If it turned out that something truly was amiss and they came to blows, then Rong Liang's strength was far inferior to his.
"Excuse me, Lord Rong." Hui Yue said with a slight bow, "Excuse this fox of mine, I don't know what has happened with her, but maybe she is not feeling well. I will go and help her calm down. Did you need me for something specific?"
Hearing this question, Rong Liang's still had a rather unconvinced smile, and his eyes showed traces of worry. Worry which once more roused Hui Yue's wonder and suspicion. So many things did not add up. Why on earth would this powerful man fear a small fox with no aura who seemingly had no strength?
"I am sorry to interrupt you when you are busy." Rong Liang said with a laugh. "I was just wondering what you were preparing to do. Where are you going? Perhaps you could use some assistance?"
Looking at Rong Liang, Hui Yue regretfully shook his head. Although Rong Liang was the Rong twin's father, and someone who had treated Hui Yue well through the many years, there were simply too many unanswered questions for Hui Yue to let this older man in on the secret of the Formation of Life.
"My team is unfortunately already full, but if someone chooses not to go then I will contact you." Hui Yue said with a smile, his face not showing his doubt at all.
Nodding his head, Rong Liang did not seem to have even the slightest problem with his answer, and with a laugh, he nodded to the younger man. "In that case, I will leave you to it. If someone from your group leaves, find me. I will be at the Rong mansion in town; I am sure you have visited the twins there from time to time." Rong Liang said, and without waiting for an answer, he turned around and left. The moment he left, he was no longer smiling, instead, a frustrated expression could be seen.
The moment he left, Hui Yue's face also changed expressions as he was now thinking deeply. His hands were still holding the small fox as he stared at where Rong Liang had just left.
"So, Huli, is something wrong with the person who was just here?" Hui Yue asked, and the fox nodded it's head, also staring at where the man left.
"What was wrong with him?" He asked, but looking at the fox he just saw a complicated expression. It was clear that the fox wished to explain something, yet did not know how.
"I know you can't explain it well." He reassured the fox, petted it gently. "Even if you can't explain it, I know you feel something wrong with him. I'll make sure to watch out when he is close by."
Nodding her head, the fox seemed a little more pleased, and together man and fox, with one last glance towards the door, left the area and moved towards their room once more.
Chapter 440 - A Favor
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Chapter 440: A Favor
After Rong Liang left the mansion, Huli slowly returned to normal. She no longer growled, nor bared her teeth, but instead was calm and relaxed.
Hui Yue could not help but wonder what was happening with the small fox in his arms, and although he valued Rong Liang, a seed of doubt had been sown in his mind. Huli's reaction mixed with all the new information he learned about Rong Liang made him wonder if this old man was truly the same person that he had known before.
"I only need a few things before it is time for us to set out." Hui Yue thought to himself as he absentmindedly petted the fox in his arms. Without wasting any time, he started to leave the mansion to finish up some tasks. Just as he was leaving, he saw Cai Jie appear causing a smile spread on Hui Yue's lips.
"Get ready." He said with excitement hard to contain in his voice. "We will soon step down the road to become Gods!" He exclaimed, and within the eyes of Cai Jie a longing appeared. For him being a God was something he had experienced before but he had not dared dream of the day he would once more become such an exalted existence again.
"I need to go meet a few people." Hui Yue said with a nod to Cai Jie, and without waiting any longer, he left the mansion.
The first place Hui Yue headed to the royal palace. After the third prince had died, most of the people shifted their support to the princess. Those who had not supported her were mainly the Saints who caused trouble for Hui Yue, and now that all of them were gone, no one was left to oppose her.
Reaching the royal palace, Hui Yue was stopped by the guards. Although he was famous in Muchuan City, he was after all not royalty and entering the palace was only done on invitation.
"I am here to meet the princess." Hui Yue informed the guards causing both of them to frown. "Do you have an appointment?" One of them asked, but Hui Yue just shook his head. "Tell her that Hui Yue is here and that it is in regards to an important matter." Hui Yue ordered, and the guard instantly bowed and left. He rushed into the palace to deliver the message and get orders about what to do. The second guard stayed outside, but both knew that he had no power to stop Hui Yue, had he wished to enter the palace on his own.
Although Hui Yue could force his way in, this was not his intention. He had come here to ask for a favor and needed to be on his best behavior.
It did not take long before the expert returned. With a nod of his head, he allowed for Hui Yue to follow him. Together the two walked through many small mansions within the royal palace. There were many different gardens, parks, and buildings so it took them an astonishing twenty minutes to finally reach the palace belonging to the princess, the current heir to the throne.
"To think that you came on your own to meet me." A melodious voice sounded out, and the mirth in her beautiful and attractive voice could be heard.
The princess, who had previously been so cold to the world around her, had thoroughly changed. When Hui Yue met her for the first time and planted the idea of her becoming Queen till now, the change he saw in her was earth-shattering.
In the beginning, she had believed that women had no other purpose than to get married, but after thinking about becoming the Queen, she finally allowed for her personality to bloom. She used her charm, schemes, and power to force her way to the first in line to the throne, and one of the reasons for her success was precisely Hui Yue. Many followed him because of his overpowering strength and outstanding background.
Without Hui Yue by her side, it would have been impossible for the princess to have made it as far as she had and both of them knew it. Hui Yue had never personally done anything except once or twice publicly support the princess, but the effect was simply outstanding.
"I’ll be straightforward, I am here to ask for a favor." Hui Yue said bluntly to the attractive woman in front of him; however no matter how attractive she was, he was simply immune. His heart was already filled to the brim with loving both Wang Ju Long and Sha Yun. There was simply no place to appreciate the beauty of other women.
"A favor?" The princess asked curiously. She knew that she indeed owed Hui Yue quite a bit, and when he came directly asking for a favor, it was almost impossible for her to decline. Even though she was unaware of what he would ask for, she had already determined to accommodate him to the best of her ability.
"Yes." Hui Yue nodded his head. "I will be leaving Muchuan City soon. I am going on a trip with some of my friends and family, but I cannot take all of them with me."
"You
know that not all Saints and Emperors in Muchuan City are not pleased with me, and while I am gone, I fear that they will take their anger out on my friends. While I am gone, it would mean a lot if you watched over them. The friends I am worried about the most are Ma Kong from the Ma family, Rong Ming and Rong Xing from the Rong family, who both working at the Royal Academy, Gao Yan from the Black Lion, and Cou Ling, the spiritual blacksmith. All of them are without a doubt connected to me, and I would hate to return and hear that they have suffered because of me."
Hui Yue did not believe that any Saints would dare touch the Rong twins due to their father's power, but there were still Emperors who had not been enlightened by Rong Liang. Therefore, Hui Yue could only ask for the princess to also protect these two siblings as well.
Hearing the request, the princess could not help but frown, though afterwards, she quickly nodded her head. "Protecting them is a small matter." She said dismissively and had already agreed to his request, but she was not too happy. "Are you sure that you need to leave?" She asked a little hesitant.
