劍問蒼天 - 第159章 寂寞 - 翰墨軒

Xiao Yichen nodded and said, "Yes. This disciple was patrolling Heyin City at the foot of the mountain, and reports came in one after another throughout the day. Above all, upon the walls of Heyin City I saw with my own eyes a giant bird demon appear; from its appearance and form, it closely resembles the 'Asura Bird,' one of the Thirteen Demon Beasts said to be among the beast demons in these recent rumors."

Daoist Yanyan exchanged a glance with the other two masters, and all their faces were grave. Xiao Yichen continued solemnly, "Furthermore, the other junior brothers who have been secretly scouting the surrounding lands have all sent back word: every one of them has found scattered traces of the beast demons, and they are thickest to the southwest, some two hundred li out. But of the several junior brothers who went to scout beyond two hundred li, this disciple has waited a long while, and there has been no word from them at all."

As he spoke, Xiao Yichen's face gradually darkened. Daoist Yanyan's expression was heavy, and beside him Yun Yifeng heaved a sigh, while the Venerable Pucheng softly chanted the Buddha's name.

Daoist Yanyan pondered a moment, then nodded and said to Xiao Yichen, "It seems there can be no mistake. The beast demons have indeed come. Yicai," he said, looking at this most beloved disciple, "go down the mountain once more and tell all the disciples stationed at the various scouting posts to withdraw entirely, holding a line roughly within a hundred li of Canglan Mountain. Be sure to warn them: they must not cross the boundary to scout on their own, and still less may they rashly trade blows with the beast demons, lest mishap befall them."

Xiao Yichen nodded, then seemed to recall something and said, "Master, what of the common folk in Heyin City?"

Daoist Yanyan was silent a moment, then turned to look at the Venerable Pucheng and Yun Yifeng. The Venerable Pucheng pressed his palms together and bowed his head; Yun Yifeng said mildly, "As matters stand, all must follow the Sect Master. Let the Sect Master decide."

Daoist Yanyan inclined his head slightly, as if to express his thanks, then after a moment's thought said to Xiao Yichen, "This matter is indeed thorny, but Heyin City is truly too dangerous, and we in truth have no way now to go down the mountain and guard the people. Go down at once to Heyin City, take charge of all the Qingyun disciples there, and tell the people of Heyin City to flee north as quickly as they can—at the least they must cross the Canglan range. The beast demons' greatest target at present seems to be us of the righteous path upon Canglan Mountain, not those common folk; thus perhaps they may be kept safe for a time."

Xiao Yichen was taken aback a moment, but looking at Daoist Yanyan's expressionless face, in the end he nodded silently and said in a low voice, "Yes. This disciple will go at once."

Daoist Yanyan said, "One thing more: inform the heads of the other six branches of Qingyun as quickly as you can, and have them come to Jietian Peak at once. I must see them immediately—there are matters to discuss."

Xiao Yichen nodded and said, "This disciple will go at once."

Daoist Yanyan sighed and said, "Take care on the road. Go."

Xiao Yichen nodded and withdrew.

********

"The Phantom Moon Cave?" Zhou Yixuan started in surprise, his brows knitting together, and a rare gravity settled over his face. He hesitated a moment, then said, "Why do you ask about that?"

Ming Li said mildly, "Aren't you the one who's always known everything under the sun? I've suddenly taken an interest in that cave, so I'm asking you. How much do you know about this Phantom Moon Cave?"