Patrón de flores incorrecto

Capítulo 54

Ye Xiao stepped forward. Below Broken Dream Ravine, clouds and mist billowed, and the setting sun cast its rays, creating a seven-colored rainbow within the clouds. The beautiful city appeared even more dreamlike, truly like a fairyland. It was impossible to imagine that such a battle had taken place back then.

Xiao Xun slowed his pace, led her across the swaying iron chain bridge, and through the city gate. He smiled at her: "Boss... this is now Youming City. We'll keep the old name and call it Wudu City. The City in the Sky. Welcome to Wudu City!"

Unsettled City

Upon entering the city, a completely different scene unfolded: imposing palaces and straight streets. The architecture, in particular, was distinctly Western Region in style, quite different from that of the Central Plains. While Wudu City was also built against a mountain, it differed from Guyun Fortress. It was perched atop an extremely high peak, surrounded by sheer cliffs. Access to the outside world was entirely via a thin iron suspension bridge.

"This place has been able to hold out until now only because of its complex terrain and treacherous location. Otherwise, it would have been destroyed by the Martial Alliance long ago..." Xiao Xun introduced to the two people behind him, his tone full of pride.

Before Ye Xiao could speak, Luo Qingcheng's cold voice came from afar: "But once the enemy is familiar with the surrounding terrain and has enough supplies, as long as they surround the other side, it will become a dead city!"

Xiao Xun paused slightly, then said in a low voice, "Yes... this is why my father insisted on leaving from here and building that large Wudu City on the oasis. Unfortunately... his ambition was ultimately too great. He wanted to unify the entire martial world, which eventually brought disaster upon us, forcing us to retreat back to this godforsaken place and rely entirely on its natural defenses..."

"You mean Lord Lu? What happened back then... Hmph!" Luo Qingcheng sneered, then suddenly turned his head away and remained silent.

Xiao Xun had grown accustomed to Luo Qingcheng's coldness and hostility along the way, assuming he was still arguing with Ye Xiao, and didn't care. He led the two into a palace. It wasn't exactly opulent; the entire palace was a cool, bluish-gray, with pale blue marble pillars gleaming and deep dark green roofs shimmering. Only the blooming flowers and lush grass in the garden added a touch of elegance to the otherwise plain palace.

A man stepped forward and called out, "Young Master, you're back!" His voice was filled with barely suppressed joy. Suddenly, he put his arm around Xiao Xun and gently patted his shoulder. "Young Master seems more mature now. You must have gained a lot on your journey!"

Xiao Xun called out, "Uncle Wen!" He turned around and pulled Ye Xiao and the others over, introducing them to each other: "Uncle Wen, this is my brother who has shared life and death with me, Ye Xiao, and Luo Qingcheng. This is my Uncle Wen, Wen Yunchun, who is also the King of Mosuli in Wudu City. Uncle Wen is my teacher; I learned all my literary and martial arts skills, as well as principles of conduct, from him."

Ye Xiao asked Xiao Xun in a low voice, "Is this King Mo Suli the legendary Ghost King of Youming City?"

Xiao Xun also lowered his voice and chuckled, "Yes... these are all derogatory terms used by outsiders. Who actually likes being called the Ghost King?"

Luo Qingcheng's eyes flickered as he looked at the man. Ye Xiao, on the other hand, mischievously chuckled, "It seems that Mo Wang isn't a very good teacher. Third Brother only has a superficial understanding of many things!"

Wen Yunchun laughed heartily, neither confirming nor denying. Luo Qingcheng just stared at Wen Yunchun without saying a word.

Suddenly, light footsteps sounded, and a woman's voice was deep and melodious: "Xun'er? Is my Xun'er back? Let your mother see how he has changed in the past year?"

The voice that followed was that of a woman, dressed in a simple navy blue brocade robe, with a single silver hairpin adorning her hair. Yet, an undeniable charm emanated from her every gesture.

She hardly looks her age; her bright, clear eyes still sparkle like flowing water, and when they rest on your face, it feels like spring has suddenly burst forth. Her skin is still as smooth as snow, and her black hair is still as flowing as a waterfall. Time has left only a dignified grace on her, without a trace of aging.

Ye Xiao felt a slight sense of surprise and envy. The woman before him possessed a timeless beauty that was truly unparalleled. No wonder the third brother had dismissed Shen Wan and Yuan Peixin as mere beauties.

However, she did resemble someone very much. She resembled Luo Qingcheng's Aunt Ru. Only more voluptuous and taller, more beautiful and composed. Perhaps Aunt Ru looked so old and haggard because of the long-term suffering she had endured?

She glanced at Luo Qingcheng out of the corner of her eye with some unease. He stood aloof and arrogant in a corner at a distance, seemingly uninterested in what was happening here.

Xiao Xun rushed forward and hugged his mother tightly, immediately acting like a spoiled child. He then boasted to Ye Xiao, "Eldest brother... this is my mother. My mother is a great beauty... am I right?"

Madam Xiao smiled, her slender fingers affectionately stroking Xiao Xun's cheek: "This child, so old and still acting like a child to his mother. It's laughable to outsiders."

Xiao Xun hummed in agreement and said to his mother, "Mother, these are not outsiders. These are my sworn brothers from the martial arts world. Mother, let me introduce them to you." He then began to introduce the two men to his mother.

Madam Xiao smiled gently and nodded to Ye Xiao with impeccable elegance. However, when she saw Luo Qingcheng, who stood arrogantly with his hands behind his back, a slight look of surprise flashed across her face, but it was fleeting.

It's clear that Xiao Xun is quite popular at home; almost all the servants and guards in the palace show him a sincere welcome and smiles.

Apart from a minor discord.

Dinner time. A grand banquet was held in the palace to welcome Xiao Xun home and his two new guests. The dishes were very sumptuous, and many people came to celebrate Xiao Xun's successful return from his mission. After everyone had taken their seats, Wen Yunchun asked with a smile, "Why isn't King Zihun here to welcome the young master back to the city today?"

Someone answered in a low voice: "King Zihun said he was unwell and could not come to greet us."

Wen Yunchun's smile froze slightly, and his voice suddenly turned cold: "Ill? I saw him full of energy scolding and beating the servants at noon today, how come he's sick by evening? He's always been skeptical of the young master's abilities, how come he's not coming now that the young master has proven himself? Is he too afraid to come?"

Suddenly, there was complete silence below, and no one answered.

After a long pause, someone whispered, "Although the young master has found out that the Martial Alliance killed Hero Shen Rujun, unfortunately there is no evidence. In addition, the martial arts world in the Central Plains has always regarded us as monsters and refuses to believe our words. The investigation is not very meaningful... I'm afraid that the Martial Alliance will still use this excuse to come and wipe us out!"

Wen Yunchun sneered, "What's there to be afraid of? If the Martial Alliance could destroy us all these years, they would have done so long ago. As long as we hold Wudu City, no one can break into the city! Didn't we successfully trap and kill countless members of the Martial Alliance back then by relying on Duanmeng Gorge?"

Ye Xiao felt a vague unease upon hearing this, but couldn't quite put her finger on what was wrong.

The man muttered something under his breath, and suddenly everyone started arguing, their words a mix of local dialect and gibberish that Ye Xiao couldn't understand. However, he could sense the tense atmosphere at the table, a tension that was almost palpable. Finally, Wen Yunchun uttered a few resounding words, which brought the situation to a standstill.

After a satisfying meal, Xiao Xun escorted Ye Xiao and Luo Qingcheng back to their lodgings. The moonlight shone on the blue palace, making it appear exceptionally cold and desolate. The usually cheerful Xiao Xun suddenly let out a soft sigh. Ye Xiao couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?"

Xiao Xun sighed again: "I just feel useless. Boss, you don't know, the entire Netherworld City has split into two factions. One faction, led by my Uncle Wen, advocates holding the current Wudu, while the other faction, led by King Zihun Sha Xiong, advocates attacking down the mountain, infiltrating the Central Plains, and slowly plotting a grand plan. Now the power struggle between the two factions has reached an outrageous and blatant level. My words have absolutely no authority. It's a world of difference from what my father did back then. If it weren't for Uncle Wen watching me grow up since I was little and taking such good care of my mother and me, we probably wouldn't even have a place to stand."

Ye Xiao pondered for a moment and asked, "I remember there were four Ghost Kings back then, how come there are only two now?"

Xiao Xun let out another long sigh: "After my father died, there was fierce infighting within the Netherworld City. Back then, two Ghost Kings rebelled against the Netherworld City and disappeared without a trace, taking away a large part of the Netherworld City's power and wealth. This is one of the reasons why we have been stagnant and unknown all these years."

As he spoke, Xiao Xun had already escorted the two to their residence and arranged to take them sightseeing the next day.

Ye Xiao listened intently to the fierce mountain winds outside, unable to sleep, so she got up, put on her clothes, and wandered around the courtyard. Passing by Luo Qingcheng's residence, the lights were still on, and Luo Qingcheng's shadow was reflected on the window paper; he seemed to be doing something, motionless for a long time. She stood at the window for a while before finally pushing open the door and going inside.

Luo Qingcheng was looking at a blueprint. Ye Xiao curiously leaned closer, and suddenly his expression changed drastically. It was a map, and although it wasn't labeled, the iconic narrow iron chain bridge and the bottomless ravine clearly indicated that it was a map of the Netherworld City.

The truth of Shamoha

"Second brother, what exactly are you trying to do? Why did you steal and draw the map of Wudu City?"

"I didn't..." Luo Qingcheng glanced at her, a slight pang of sadness in his heart. Her heart was becoming increasingly biased.

"What is this?" Ye Xiao snatched the map from his hand with a defiant air.

“Map,” Luo Qingcheng said calmly.

"Then why are you saying you don't?"

Luo Qingcheng stretched and said, "Xiaoxiao, it's getting late, I'm going to sleep." He walked past Ye Xiao and slowly undressed and got into bed.

Seeing his indifferent expression, Ye Xiao felt both annoyed and heartbroken. She angrily stuffed the map into her pocket and stormed out the door.

Luo Qingcheng shrank back inside the tent. The northwest was extremely cold, the mountains were high and the night was deep; it was indeed bone-chillingly cold.

Ye Xiao returned to his lodgings dejectedly, opened the map scroll, and suddenly froze. It was a scroll of parchment, somewhat faded, the writing worn and dim, seemingly bearing the marks of time. Ye Xiao examined it closely, then suddenly jumped in shock. On the map of Broken Dream Ravine was a name: Flying Cloud Ravine! Xiao Xun had said that because that deep ravine had hindered the Martial Alliance's attack, shattering their dream of unifying the entire martial world, it was renamed Broken Dream Ravine. So… Ye Xiao gasped. This map… existed before the Martial Alliance attacked Wudu City?

The next day, Xiao Xun came over in high spirits, wanting to take the two of them around. Luo Qingcheng was not in a good mood and stayed in bed, while only Ye Xiao followed him with a heavy heart.

With its unique local snacks, desolate and majestic scenery, and towering and precipitous buildings, Ye Xiao gradually relaxed and wandered around Wudu City with Xiao Xun, exploring the customs and culture of the foreign tribes, completely absorbed in the experience.

Finally, the two arrived at a magnificent building. Its towering spires and opulent yet eerie decorations exuded a mysterious and ethereal aura.

Ye Xiao stopped in front of the building and smiled at Xiao Xun, "Third brother, the most magnificent building in Lonely Cloud Fortress is the Message Tower, but what is the most splendid building in Wudu City for?"

Xiao Xun respectfully clasped his hands together and said, "This is our sacred temple. It was originally used to enshrine sacred objects, but unfortunately... the sacred objects were lost in the struggle with the Martial Alliance, so only the sacred objects remain."

He bowed again and led Ye Xiao into the temple. A huge holy statue sat cross-legged on four intertwined seven-petaled lotus flowers, looking at the two with compassion, its face serene and its figure alluring.

"This... isn't this a statue of the Shamaha deity? How did it become your holy deity?" Ye Xiao couldn't suppress his surprise and exclaimed softly.

Xiao Xun looked at Ye Xiao with surprise, his eyes full of admiration: "Boss, you truly live up to your reputation! You know everything! The people of Wudu City all believe in the Shimoha religion. Outsiders don't know this. Look at the four lotus flowers under this statue. They symbolize the unity of the four sects within Shimoha. It's a pity... that's just a wishful thought... Over the years, if it weren't for our constant internal strife, how could we have been taken advantage of by outsiders?... Wudu City was established by the Shimoha religion. My father was the leader of Shimoha and also the city lord of Wudu. The people of the Central Plains regard us as outsiders and think our actions are strange. In addition, Wudu City is hidden in the mountains and is difficult to find, so they call this place the Netherworld City."

Ye Xiao involuntarily took a step back, his mind in turmoil. The Shmaha Cult… Netherworld City. Lu Mingfei is not only the cult leader, but also the lord of Netherworld City…

"Then...then...could it be that King Mosuli is the so-called King of Settlement, and King Zihun is the King of Law Enforcement?"

Xiao Xun's mouth dropped open in astonishment: "You know this too? Heh, Boss, you've got it backwards... King Mosuli, translated into Central Plains language, is the Enforcement King. All weddings, funerals, and ceremonies within the sect are overseen and implemented by the Enforcement King. King Zihun is the Settlement King, responsible for handling routine affairs within the sect. Originally, there was also King Ekele, equivalent to the Pacifying King in Central Plains language, who was in charge of personnel and troops. And then there was King Hujue, the Wealthy King, who controlled all the sect's wealth. These two, one in charge of people and the other in charge of money, were originally the most important. Unfortunately... after my father's death, the Pacifying King and the Wealthy King disappeared..."

Ye Xiao's face slowly paled: "Then what is the sacred object of your Shmaha?"

Xiao Xun lowered his head: "The Shmaha Divine Ring, it's said to be the key to opening the sacred gate. Unfortunately... it's lost. Oh, it's the Netherworld Divine Ring from your Central Plains legends."

Ye Xiao turned around, suddenly overwhelmed with heartache.

As the sun gradually set, the mountain mist slowly rose, and the light of the setting sun reflected in the ethereal mist, refracting into a kaleidoscope of colors. Ye Xiao hesitated before entering Luo Qingcheng's residence, but he wasn't in his room. Distant voices drifted from the adjacent flower hall, mixed with Luo Qingcheng's voice.

Ye Xiao quietly took two steps toward the source of the sound, and listened intently. The voice sounded somewhat familiar.

"I've been waiting for you so long, and you've finally come! Haha, this is truly a godsend! That villain Mosuli is doomed now!"

"Oh?" Luo Qingcheng's voice was cold and indifferent.

"Is there any hesitation? Didn't we agree to work together to oust Mosuli? Now the opportunity is just right..."

"Is Your Majesty truly certain? My agreement to cooperate comes with conditions. Can you provide what I desire?"

It was that mysterious man who appeared in the threshing ground, that charismatic and flamboyant "King." So he was also from Wudu City, which sounded like a high-ranking position. Ye Xiao was startled and leaned against the window of the flower hall.

The man paused, then his voice suddenly took on a sinister, sarcastic tone: "You want to become the city lord of Wudu... to inherit your father's position? Heh, fine... as long as you help me oust Mosuli first. By the way, did you get the Shmaha Divine Ring? I heard it fell into the hands of the Martial Alliance?"

Luo Qingcheng gave a cold laugh: "According to the sacred rules of my Shmaha sect, whoever obtains the Shmaha Divine Ring is the true leader of Shmaha. If I really found the Divine Ring, I would have come and taken the throne directly. Why would I need to cooperate with you?"

The man snorted coldly: "What a pity... what a pity that those idiots from the Martial Alliance have no idea what the Divine Ring is for."

Luo Qingcheng sneered again: "Does the King know?"

The man remained silent for a while, then suddenly sneered, "Don't push your luck, kid. Let me make this clear: without my help, no one will acknowledge your identity. But I, Sha Xiong, can achieve great things without you. Think about it carefully. Don't think that just because you have a brand behind your ear, you can turn the tide! Consider my plan carefully. If there are no objections, we'll proceed according to it!"

Ye Xiao was slightly surprised; it turned out that this mysterious person was none other than Sha Xiong, the Heavenly King of Settlement. A series of steady footsteps approached, and Ye Xiao left the window, turning sideways to hide in the shadow of a pillar, watching him pass by and slowly disappear into the distance. Sha Xiong seemed to have some Hu (non-Han) ancestry; he was unusually tall, with blue eyes, a thick beard, and light brown hair and beard.

Ye Xiao hid behind a pillar for a while, feeling uneasy and troubled. Suddenly, she sensed something strange behind her. Turning around, she saw Luo Qingcheng's face, within reach of her.

Luo Qingcheng nodded slightly to her: "Xiaoxiao. You're here."

"Hmm..." Ye Xiao was a little embarrassed. After thinking for a while, she said, "You don't smell anymore."

A trace of sadness suddenly flashed across Luo Qingcheng's deep, clear eyes: "A month has passed. Time really flies. What I thought would be unforgettable has turned out to be so fragile. Everything has changed."

Ye Xiao lowered his head again, lost in thought for a long time, his mind filled with countless thoughts, and he didn't know where to begin.

Luo Qingcheng bowed slightly: "Xiaoxiao... please do as you please, I'll go back first."

Ye Xiao panicked and blurted out, "I heard everything you just said."

Luo Qingcheng was neither surprised nor flustered, and still smiled calmly: "So what if you heard it? You've suspected me for a long time anyway, haven't you? Now that it's confirmed my guilt, isn't that for the best?"

Ye Xiao bit her lip: "I only found out today that the Shmaha Cult is the Netherworld City."

Luo Qingcheng said "Oh," and shook his head: "No. Shmokha is Shmokha. Shmokha means sacred. You Central Plains people have always said, 'Those who are not of our race are sure to have different hearts.' Therefore, the Shmokha sect was regarded as a heretical sect by the Central Plains people, so they had to live in seclusion and established the Heavenly City... Wudu City, which is here. Later, the Shmokha sect produced Wudu, who built a larger city of the same name in the desert oasis. They lived and worked in peace there, but they were suspected and framed by the Central Plains martial arts world and were demonized, becoming a monster that everyone wanted to kill... Youming City. Hehe, do you remember what Guo Qiwu and others said about us, the remnants of Youming City..."

"But back then... Lord Lu did indeed lead the Netherworld City to sweep across the entire Central Plains martial arts world, stirring up a bloody storm!"

Luo Qingcheng hummed in agreement: "Yes, there is a reason for that, but City Lord Lu is indeed an ambitious man. Moreover, he is a martial arts prodigy who appears only once in a century, so it's inevitable that he's a bit arrogant."

Ye Xiao fell silent again, as did Luo Qingcheng. The two stood on either side of the tall pillars, looking at each other in silence. After a long while, Luo Qingcheng sighed, "If you have nothing else, I'll head back now."

Ye Xiao opened his mouth: "Actually... you are Lu Mingfei's son, and the true young master of Youming City, right?"

The bright moon was there at that time