Chapter 389: 387, Calling the Lady (4/4)
"If it was two months ago, then they should be here for the selection tournament. Go inside and have a look; you might find them."
If Lin Kewu’s friend had come to the Mountain and Sea City last year, he wouldn’t dare make any promises. But if it was two months ago, he could guarantee they’d be inside—as long as they made it alive to Mountain and Sea City.
Because the Hundred Sects Alliance had consolidated the powers within Mountain and Sea City, no one dared to recruit disciples beforehand; it was unified into these seven days. Moreover, they set a standard of 50 spots for One-star Influence, 100 spots for Two-star Influence, 200 spots for Three-star Influence, and 500 spots for Four-star Influence.
The goal was to create "Dragon Ascension Day." To make this Mountain and Sea City spectacle attract countless people to watch the seven-day "Dragon Ascension Day," thus both promoting the development of Mountain and Sea City and enhancing its reputation.
"Sect Leader." Hearing the words of Sea of Clouds Cang Lan, Lin Kewu immediately cast a longing gaze towards Wen Ping.
"Alright, if you’re going, then go together." Wen Ping signaled to Luo Mi and Yang Xi, "Take the Mountain Dog with you... Remember, don’t run around. Otherwise, it’ll be hard to find you when I return."
"Long live Sect Leader!"
"Sect Leader, we definitely won’t run around."
Yang Xi and his companion were delighted; meeting Master H Lan was less appealing than this annual grand event lasting only seven days.
After disembarking from the beast vehicle with the three and the dog, Wen Ping said to Sea of Clouds Cang Lan, "City Lord of Cloud Sea, keep going."
"Mm."
Sea of Clouds Cang Lan nodded and continued driving the beast vehicle forward.
After driving for an hour, it turned onto a narrower street and twisted several times within that street. Only by evening did it stop at a place with two Divine Profound Upper Realm guards standing at the gate of a glazed tile building.
When Wen Ping and his companion got off the vehicle and entered, the two Divine Profound Upper Realm guards did not move a muscle, not even blinking. Sea of Clouds Cang Lan said nonchalantly, "Sect Leader Wen, don’t mind them; it’s been like this for over ten years."
Even though Sea of Clouds Cang Lan said so, Wen Ping could not help but take another look at them.
"Why is no one here today?" As they walked towards the main hall, its emptiness puzzled Sea of Clouds Cang Lan. "Sect Leader Wen, sit here for a while; I’ll find that fellow H Lan for you."
Clearly, Sea of Clouds Cang Lan and H Lan were old acquaintances.
As Sea of Clouds Cang Lan disappeared from the main hall, Wen Ping withdrew his gaze and looked at the items arranged there. On the ancient display shelf behind him, it displayed various Celestial Materials and treasures, brimming with Spiritual Qi.
Just the items on the ancient display shelf would cost at least a thousand pieces of White Crystal to purchase, yet he arranged four such shelves. It’s no surprise that the Vortex Divine Artisan has Two-star as their target with such opulence.
"Sect Leader Wen..." At this moment, Sea of Clouds Cang Lan returned, accompanied by a woman. She was an exceptionally beautiful lady, looking no older than 30.
As the woman arrived, Sea of Clouds Cang Lan quickly introduced, "Sect Leader Wen, this is Master H Lan’s wife."
"Madam H Lan."
Wen Ping greeted symbolically.
He was waiting for Madam H Lan to speak.
Sure enough, next moment, the hurried Madam H Lan spoke, "Sect Leader Wen, I apologize. My husband began his retreat a few days ago to create a Two-Star Vortex Map, and cannot come to see you today."
Sea of Clouds Cang Lan was known to her.
The City Lord of Cloud Sea City, with four Half-Step Mountain Suppression under their command, was also only a step away from the Mountain Suppression Realm. Such a person, her husband always maintained a good relationship and did not dare neglect.
Not that a Two-Star Vortex Divine Artisan is inferior to a Half-Step Mountain Suppression and cannot show arrogance, but Sea of Clouds Cang Lan is different. Cloud Sea City is certain to become a Four-star Influence, and even a Two-Star Vortex Divine Artisan must remain humble towards Four-star Influence, so Sea of Clouds Cang Lan always remains a respected guest in her and her husband’s eyes.
Now, this honorable guest emphasizes this youthful-looking individual comes from even greater places; since her husband cannot meet him, she, as H Lan’s other half, must come out promptly.
Seeing this Sect Leader Wen, she, even at Divine Profound Upper Realm, could not perceive his realm, she believed Sea of Clouds Cang Lan’s words.
After hearing Madam H Lan’s words, Wen Ping quickly asked, "Then when will Master H Lan emerge from seclusion?"
"The day after tomorrow... My husband only needs three days to create a Two-Star Vortex Map; he began his retreat yesterday." Madam H Lan promptly replied, "However, if Sect Leader Wen has urgent matters, please tell me, I will relay them promptly when H Lan reemerges."
"Never mind, I’ll come back the day after tomorrow." The Vortex Divine Artisan creating a Vortex Map cannot be disturbed in the slightest, not even with a word, so saying anything beforehand would be pointless.
These three days would be an ideal time to investigate Iron Mountain Pavilion’s information within Mountain and Sea City.
Wen Ping stood up, cupped his fists, and prepared to leave, "Madam H Lan, as night has fallen, I shall not intrude further."
"Safe travels, Sect Leader Wen." Madam H Lan eagerly saw Wen Ping off, only turning back after he left the mansion’s vicinity, drawing the attention of many who watched him.
This area is inhabited by distinguished figures, having a status comparable to Two-Star Vortex Divine Artisans—mostly heads of academies and guest ministers of sects, none below Divine Profound Upper Realm.
"Who is this person to warrant such a respectful farewell from Madam H Lan?"
"Vortex Divine Artisans have their temper, and naturally, their family too has a bit of pride; Madam H Lan has never sent someone off so respectfully, only after he was completely gone did she return."
"Judging by appearance, he might be a young master from some Four-star Influence."
"Seems likely."
Several Divine Profound Upper Realm individuals in the tavern couldn’t help but discuss, fueled by alcohol, beginning a discourse about the topic. Eventually, the rumor grew, involving Four-star Giant Level Influence.
For H Lan is backed by Three-Star Vortex Divine Artisan, neither he nor his wife should show such respect toward mere ordinary people.
At this time, Wen Ping was naturally unaware of people idly speculating about his origins; he boarded the beast vehicle and headed to the Martial Arts Arena. Sea of Clouds Cang Lan continued to accompany him, without mentioning departure.
As he didn’t mention when to leave, Wen Ping didn’t bring it up either; having a "guide" was pleasant enough.
Upon reaching the Martial Arts Arena, the selection tournament had concluded, and the onlookers began to disperse into the night. Some headed home, others returned to the inn, while Lin Kewu and his group remained by the roadside waiting for Wen Ping.
As Wen Ping reached the Martial Arts Arena’s entrance, the Mountain Dog suddenly barked and ran toward him, with Lin Kewu’s trio promptly gathering near.
"Get on the vehicle." Sea of Clouds Cang Lan gestured, and after everyone had boarded the beast vehicle, he spoke while moving forward, "Young man, how did the search go, did you meet the person you were looking for?"
"Saw the Elder from Qi Bing Academy, but didn’t see the person I was searching for." Lin Kewu’s face showed not a trace of happiness.