Under the bright sun, Ji Changkong carried Bai Qingya on his back and galloped forward with all his might. Novel a.1k.0 character version first release.

Even running at full speed, he maintained the Realm of Awareness, and no fluctuation of surrounding Origin Energy could escape his spiritual senses. Every Western Regions Heavenly Master hiding in the shadows was bypassed by him a step ahead of time, making it impossible for them to encircle him.

Origin Power flowed down to his legs, making him feel inexhaustible strength surge through his body. His speed increased with every stride, and in the leaps and bounds, he managed to thread perfectly through the gaps between tree branches every time.

Bai Qingya on his back watched the surroundings vigilantly, worried about being cornered by the Western Regions Heavenly Masters along the way, and terrified of the appearance of the Murderous Fiend and the Lust Demon. Her heart pounded with alarm throughout the journey.

Gradually, she noticed that Ji Changkong, whose cultivation realm was not considered profound, seemed to possess foresight, always managing to evade the surrounding Western Regions Heavenly Masters at critical moments. Bai Qingya was deeply puzzled, unable to comprehend how Ji Changkong managed this feat.

Half an hour later, Ji Changkong, still carrying Bai Qingya, cleared the dense jungle and suddenly stepped onto a smooth paved road. Columns of merchant caravans from the Water Cloud Kingdom moved along at an unhurried pace, their horses heavily laden with goods.

Some people among these caravans were clearly Heavenly Masters themselves, their expressions stern as they eyed Ji Changkong, who was running frantically down the official road, fearing that they might be notorious brigands. "Slow down!" Bai Qingya suddenly cried out softly, reaching out to gently tap Ji Changkong’s shoulder.

His swift movement stopped abruptly. Ji Changkong stood in the middle of the road, glanced back at Bai Qingya, and asked, "What is it?" Bai Qingya's pretty face flushed, and she slightly drew her neck back before replying, "The caravan ahead belongs to the Murong family of Tianshui City.

The Murong family is a prominent clan in the Water Cloud Kingdom, and their convoy must be escorted by powerful Heavenly Masters. If you stick close to them, the Western Regions Heavenly Masters will surely not dare to pursue us so brazenly." "Oh." Ji Changkong nodded and genuinely slowed his pace, falling in line behind the leading caravan without haste.

Before setting out on his travels, Ji Changkong had listened to Ji Yusheng meticulously explain the current state of the world. He knew that the Murong family of Tianshui City was primarily involved in the silk trade, and the Water Cloud Kingdom's largest clothing emporium, Yunsi Pavilion, was owned by them.

The Southern Yi region was rich in silkworm cocoons, and the Murong family's caravans frequently passed through Qingyan Mountain to trade salt, porcelain, and other goods for Southern Yi silk and fine jade, which was then used to craft luxurious garments sold in Yunsi Pavilion. Any caravan daring to traverse the vast Yunmeng Marsh toward the Southern Yi region naturally possessed significant backing; it was hardly surprising that their convoy was protected by formidable Heavenly Masters.

"Can... can you put me down first?" Bai Qingya whispered softly next to Ji Changkong's ear, her face flushed, her bright eyes shimmering with a subtle light.

With her head resting against his neck as she was carried on his back, the fragrance of her breath, soft as orchid perfume, immediately washed over Ji Changkong's cheek and filled his nostrils. It was only then that Ji Changkong realized the impropriety of carrying Bai Qingya this way.

With the immediate threat of the Western Regions Heavenly Masters gone, the tension that had kept Ji Changkong rigid suddenly relaxed, and he immediately became aware of the soft, yielding fullness of her chest against him, and the exquisite smoothness of her long, straight thighs. "Uh...

I'm sorry..." He quickly set Bai Qingya down, his expression awkward. He created some distance between them, fearful that Bai Qingya might be angered.

"No, it's not your fault." Bai Qingya seemed hesitant to look at him, pretending to gaze around casually. "Those pursuing Western Regions Heavenly Masters must be the Dark Servants of the Manichaean Cult.

Their cultivation levels vary, but they are certainly far inferior to the Five Fiends; they definitely wouldn't dare continue their chase on the main road." "Isn't the doctrine of the Western Regions Manichaeism about Purity, Light, Strength, and Wisdom? In the West, Manichaeism has always enjoyed an excellent reputation.

How could there be scoundrels like the Murderous Fiend and the Lust Demon?" Ji Changkong asked curiously. "Manichaeism venerates the Sun, and its doctrine indeed emphasizes Purity, Light, Strength, and Wisdom.

However, this is only the surface doctrine. Manichaeism has always been split into two factions.

Holy Mother Youlan is the visible leader, beneath whom are the four great Kings of Purity, Light, Strength, and Wisdom. Yet, aside from her, there is also the Dark King in Manichaeism.

Beneath the Dark King are five Fiends: Fear, Greed, Lust, Hatred, and Murder. Below the Five Fiends are the Dark Servants.

This faction is unknown to the outside world and has always been responsible for purging enemies and carrying out the cult's dirty work!" "Manichaeism not only worships the Light but also wields the Darkness! In the Western Regions, the reason Manichaeism became the foremost Heavenly Master sect is not only because of Holy Mother Youlan's unfathomable magic but also largely thanks to the Dark King.

How many Heavenly Master sects hostile to Manichaeism in the West have been eradicated by the Dark King and the Five Fiends? It can be said that without the Dark King's faction, Manichaeism could never have become the number one Heavenly Master sect in the Western Regions!" Bai Qingya lowered her voice, revealing this secret history of the Manichaean Cult to Ji Changkong.

Ji Changkong had heard Zhongli Jingyi, Zhongli Hui, and Yu Ziling discuss the general state of the world, and he had heard some insights from Ji Yusheng and Ji Wanyun, but he had never heard this secret about Manichaeism. After Bai Qingya finished speaking, Ji Changkong pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Then why did the Murderous Fiend and the Lust Demon target your father?" "I don't know, perhaps because my father offended them in Qingyan Mountain," Bai Qingya shook her head, seeming reluctant to elaborate.

She pointed toward the Murong family caravan ahead and smiled, "The Murong family is immensely wealthy; Yunsi Pavilion earns endless riches for them every year. Moreover, Murong Yan is one of the three great young genius Heavenly Masters of the Water Cloud Kingdom.

If we follow them, we are certain to safely reach Tianshui City." "Haha, Miss Bai flatters me too much!" A hearty voice suddenly came from the Murong family caravan ahead. Murong Yan, dressed in brocade and holding a jade ruler, abruptly reined in his Flame Colt and turned to look at Bai Qingya.

"Brother Murong, long time no see. I truly didn't expect to find you with the merchant convoy," Bai Qingya smiled charmingly, suddenly reaching out to take Ji Changkong's hand and walking toward the Murong convoy.

Pointing to Ji Changkong, she introduced, "This is my cousin, Bai Hui. My father clashed with the Western Regions' Murderous Fiend and Lust Demon.

Since I couldn't help and sustained a minor injury, I could only retreat with my cousin. We were just planning to borrow the reputation of your Murong family to temporarily avoid the Dark Servants.

I hope Brother Murong does not take offense." Ji Changkong was momentarily stunned, opening his mouth to speak, but Bai Qingya stopped him with a look. He could only tacitly accept the identity of Bai Hui, internally puzzled why Bai Qingya insisted on assigning him the title of cousin.

"What?!" Murong Yan exclaimed in anger. "The Manichaean Heresy dares to wreak havoc in the Central Lands!

Miss Bai, where is your esteemed father now? I will accompany my uncle immediately to assist him!" "Brother Murong's kind intentions are appreciated by Qingya," Bai Qingya shook her head, frowning.

"I was separated from my father, but I believe my father, without the burden of me, can certainly retreat unharmed. Those Dark Servants who were pursuing us likely saw your Murong family convoy and fled long ago.

Brother Murong need not be so polite." "Your father is a top master of the Moon Essence Sect; naturally, he doesn't fear the Murderous Fiend and the Lust Demon. However, Miss Bai is injured now, so it is safer to travel with us.

If Miss Bai doesn't mind, please come aboard our Murong family convoy. I guarantee that no one will be able to harm you again until your injuries heal," Murong Yan invited warmly.

Bai Qingya hesitated for a moment, then smiled and politely declined, "There is no need. Tianshui City is not far now; traveling with my younger brother on the main road should pose no issues." Murong Yan extended a few more enthusiastic invitations, but seeing that Bai Qingya genuinely had no intention of joining them, he did not press the matter.

He called someone over to bring two fine horses for Bai Qingya and said, "We are just ahead. If anything happens, Miss Bai only needs to call out." With that, Murong Yan patted his Flame Colt and continued forward at an unhurried pace, occasionally glancing back, appearing quite concerned for Bai Qingya.

"It would be safer if you traveled with them. I noticed Murong Yan was very earnest in his concern for you; why did you refuse?" Ji Changkong asked strangely after swinging onto his horse.

"Favors... are the hardest things to settle.

Once owed, they must be repaid sooner or later. I would rather owe you a favor than owe him one!" Bai Qingya smiled and lowered her voice to say.

Ji Changkong was taken aback, then chuckled and shook his head, saying no more, riding alongside Bai Qingya. Five days later, the two finally arrived at Tianshui City, following the Murong family's convoy.

After returning the two fine horses to Murong Yan, Bai Qingya led Ji Changkong directly into Tianshui City. ...

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