The Lord of Void and Real

Chapter 71: Chapter 70: Discussion About Demons

“First, let’s look around for any bridges or other paths nearby.”

Muttering to himself, Shen Luo dismounted from the black horse, tethering it to a tree at the riverside. He then walked forward, surveying the surroundings along the riverbank.

At this moment, the moon was high in the sky, casting down a silver radiance. Combined with his now greatly enhanced vision, Shen Luo could see as clearly as if it were daylight.

However, the winding and twisting river was lined with lush trees that hindered his line of sight, preventing him from seeing too far ahead.

Shen Luo deliberated for a moment, deciding to go to the open-view center of the river. He subsequently channeled the Water-Stepping Art inwardly as a layer of blue light began to form under his feet, allowing him to tread upon the water’s surface.

Two whirlpools of water appeared beneath his feet, supporting his weight.

His last use of the Water-Stepping Art had been on the calm surface of a brook, but this time he was faced with a turbulent river. Dark eddies nearby made it even more difficult to perform his beginner level Water-Stepping Art. His body started to sway left and right with the waves, looking as though he’d fall into the river at any moment.

He hurriedly infused his feet with a continuous stream of mana to maintain the Water-Stepping Art. Simultaneously, he outspread his hands to adjust his body posture and balance against the river’s current. As he progressively adapted to the river’s flow, his body gradually became steadier.

“It seems that practicing the Water-Stepping Art on various rivers is necessary – particularly learning how to maintain balance in various complex water conditions. Then it will be truly useful when I need it.”

With a sigh of relief, Shen Luo steadied his mind and continued stepping towards the center of the river.

“What a marvelous Water Manipulation Technique!”

Just then, a clear voice suddenly rang out from the distance. Although the sound wasn’t loud, it managed to overpower the roaring of the waves, sounding as if it was right next to Shen Luo’s ear.

Shen Luo, who had been focusing entirely on executing the Water-Stepping Art, was shocked by the sudden voice, disrupting his concentration.

His mana flow stagnated slightly, the blue glow at his feet dissipated instantly, and with a “plop”, he dropped into the river.

Shen Luo thrashed about in the water, hastily forming a magic spell with both hands. The surrounding river water stirred into a spiral whirlpool around him, and a buoyant force propelled him from beneath his feet, raising him back to the surface. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Completely drenched, he looked towards the riverside where he’d left his horse. A tall young man had appeared near the tree where he’d tethered his horse. He didn’t know when the man had arrived.

Under the moonlight, the young man’s distinguished face was clearly visible. His sword-like eyebrows tilted into his temples and his eyes shone brightly. His prominent nose was like a mountain range, and his slightly thick lips wore an evident smile.

The young man was clad in a round-necked robe with a half piece of fish scale armor draped from his right shoulder to his rib. A long antique longsword was slung across his back. From head to toe, he exuded an aura of bravery and martial valor.

“May I ask, is Your Excellency an Inner Sect Disciple of the Weak Water Sect?” Before Shen Luo could speak, the young man greeted him with a fist-cupped salute, preemptively asking.

“Where does that assumption come from?” Shen Luo frowned slightly, replying.

Of course, he was not the same Shen Luo who had just entered the Spring and Autumn Pavilion as a merchant’s son two years ago. He knew that there was more than one place for cultivation in the world, but he had never had a chance to learn about other Cultivation Sects, hence had no knowledge of the Weak Water Sect.

“Oh, isn’t it? I thought that within Dongping Prefecture, only an Inner Sect Disciple of the Weak Water Sect could command water techniques so proficiently. You appear so youthful that I assumed as such,” the young man raised an eyebrow, voicing his confusion.

“It seems you have misunderstood. I am simply a freelance cultivator who practices without much guidance, and not someone with Sect inheritance,” Shen Luo said nonchalantly, his eyes flickering.

Saying so, he stepped forward towards the bank, intending to take his horse and leave, wanting to avoid any further complexities with this stranger of unknown origin.

“As fellow cultivators, let’s use the term ‘Daoist friend’ for now. I am called Lu Huaming, and I come from Chang’an. May I ask your name?” The young man swiftly introduced himself as he noticed Shen Luo step back onto the shore and walk towards his horse without turning back.

“I am… Shen Jiacheng, a local. Since Daoist Lu is from the capital city, why have you come to this remote Song Fan County?” Shen Luo hesitated for a moment, then turned around with a smile to reply.

He was cautious towards this sudden stranger, and decided not to disclose his real name.

“So, you are Daoist Shen. I’m just a courier visiting Dengping City. On my way back, I happened to see you practicing here and curiosity led me to come over and greet you. I hope you don’t find my approach rude,” Lu Huaming stated apologetically, seeing Shen Luo’s drenched condition.

“No, not at all. It’s my lack of skill that has given you a laugh,” Shen Luo responded with a smile, observing that the man’s eyes were clear and sincere—not at all like a person harboring ill intentions.

“It’s my pleasure to witness your Water Manipulation Technique today. Pardon my boldness, but the technique you practiced just now, was that the Water-Stepping Art from the water techniques?” Lu Huaming hurriedly gestured a denial and asked.

“Oh? Daoist Lu, do you also study this?” Shen Luo’s eyebrows raised in surprise as he asked in return.

“Not at all. I’ve just heard that this technique consumes minimal mana, yet allows cultivators to hold an invincible position over water. It’s particularly suitable for battling some aquatic demons; it’s admirable,” Lu Huaming laughed and shook his head in denial.

“I am a mere freelance cultivator with little exposure. I’ve heard about the existence of demons and ghosts, but haven’t seen them personally. Could you share some of your knowledge?” Shen Luo grew curious upon hearing this.

His first encounter with the invisible green wolf and the wolf-headed humanoid monster in Donglai County during his dream had left a profound impression on him.

“There’s not much to say about the demon race and ghosts. Like us humans, they rely on absorbing the spiritual power of heaven and earth, adhering to the changes in Yin and Yang and the Five Elements in order to awaken their spiritual wisdom and increase their magic and Dao-practice. However, generally speaking, demons and ghosts of the same level possess all sorts of natural divine powers, making them inherently stronger than us humans by a fraction. Of course, we human cultivators also have the assistance of various external objects like talismans. So when it comes to a real fight, it’s hard to say who would win. Moreover, Daoist Shen, there’s something you may not have heard of. While the world appears to be peaceful on the surface these days, underground currents are surging. Our Great Tang Dynasty not only has roaming monsters, but also frequent incidents caused by demons and ghosts. The local officials are struggling to deal with these occurrences. Even just half a year ago, the court officially issued an edict to reward heroes with heavy gold to address the situation,” Lu Huaming explained earnestly.

“Is that so!” Shen Luo was a little surprised.