Martial Peak

Chapter 6125, Escape (9)

Author: Silavin

“Boy, you ready?” A voice spoke to Yang Ji, directly into his mind. Naturally, it was Liu Sang Hu, who was basically lying sideways, floating above the ground.

They were in a tunnel, long abandoned by the city. It was small and cramped, basically the height of a child. It was for this reason that Yang Ji could easily walk through while Xing Ting and Liu Sang Hu had to either crawl or lie down and use their Qi to push their bodies forward.

The two, Yang Ji and Xing Ting, had their figures hidden under dirty cloaks. If one were to see them, they would assume they were from the Lower Realm. In fact, Yang Ji had basically removed his disguise at this point, appearing as a normal boy, while Xing Ting had disguised herself with dirt and dust. 

“Why are you being so dramatic? We are just walking out of this place…” Yang Ji said, unamused while walking.

*Boom!* 

However, as he spoke, off at a distance, an explosion occurred. It was so large that even from a distance, even through the earth, reverberations could still be felt. 

Liu Sang Hu shrugged and looked at Xing Ting, who had worry in her eyes. “Relax. That guy won’t fall over this minor matter. Else, why do you think Hong Huo Liang had to show himself? You should already know just how rare it is to encounter an Immortal King, and besides, none of the guards guarding the other entrances are Immortal Kings. If he follows the plan, my men will not act and he will be able to escape in time to join the group.”

In the end, Hong Jun was made to concede to playing the distraction. He took the two girls with him and went out of one of the nine entrances.

Meanwhile, Liu Sang Hu was sent to be with Yang Ji and Xing Ting.

The entrance they chose was the one closest to the port. However, it could be also said that it was the more disgusting entrance of the two.

Both entrances have been abandoned, but this one was smaller than the other. Naturally, this meant that in terms of it being a potential shelter, this one would lose out. Furthermore, anyone who wanted to clean the place would have a much harder time. 

Still, those were minor problems when one looked at the history of this entrance.

This entrance was not made by the city. It was made from the so-called slaves, or the Lower Realm inhabitants. Even with Seal for Bloodlines chaining them down to the island, they still hoped to escape from their fate. This entrance was just one of those efforts made. 

As for the reason for its size, some believe this entrance was specifically made for children to use. However, those that constructed it have been long dead by now, and their bodies… some remained inside. Maybe, as a mark to their end being in the only place where their own two hands had willingly created?

Some of that had rotted into the walls, and were left uncleaned. Yang Ji could even see random bits of bones here and there. Thus, this entrance was far more vile than the other entrance.

However, for the three currently passing through, this was not so much of an issue. The two adults basically kept themselves off the ground. Meanwhile, Yang Ji had experienced worse while out in the wilderness. 

The amount of time they spent also did not take long. While there were enough rumblings to make Xing Ting’s worries more apparent on her face, light could be seen peering from beyond in small streams.

Liu Sang Hu took the lead and exited first, removing the cover, followed by Xing Ting and then Yang Ji.

However, what they did not expect was the scene on the other side.

They already knew the rough scenery of the exit from the map Liu Sang Hu had created. So, that was not what took them aback. Rather, it was the few obvious Lower Realm denizens who were gratefully greeting Liu Sang Hu when they saw him.

Liu Sang Hu waved them off before turning around and made a sly smile towards the two. “What’s with those shocked eyes? Are you surprised I’m that popular?”

Then, not wanting to wait for an actual response, Liu Sang Hu questioned Yang Ji directly, “You seem to have a couple of questions for me. You might as well just openly say them using your Divine Sense.”

The moment ‘Divine Sense’ was brought out, Yang Ji immediately got on guard. However, Liu Sang Hu quickly calmed him down, “Relax. No one else knows but me and that obsessive old man. Your Divine Sense is unique enough that it hides well, and you don’t use it often enough to get detected. But, back in his shop, that old man naturally noticed and he told me.”

Wu Lun added, seemingly as though helping Liu Sang Hu, “Kid, no need to get all riled up over this. You can trust that man.”

“Really?” Yang Ji expressed his doubt.

“Just ask him the questions in your mind and you’ll understand.” Wu Lun said.

Thus, Yang Ji openly used his Divine Sense to talk to Liu Sang Hu this time, privately conversing with him, leaving Xing Ting out of the loop. “In that case, are you close to that old man?”

Liu Sang Hu’s smile got wider and he started to walk, making sure that they kept up to the schedule. He did so while he directly answered Yang Ji, “Yeah. You can sort of say that he is the reason why I’m technically here. Else, I might be in some other city.”

“Then, you know who that old man is?”

“Ha ha ha. If he didn’t actually tell you his name, then that is not for me to answer. You’d need to ask him that yourself in the future. But, I bet that isn’t the original question you wanted to ask me, right?” Liu Sang Hu genuinely chuckled but his facial expression hardly moved. It was truly masterful acting, or at least masterful control of his own facial muscles.

“…” Yang Ji paused for a moment, hesitating a little, before asking, “Those two… are they going to be okay? Why did they volunteer to do something so dangerous?”

“My. You’re surprisingly kind, aren’t you.” Liu Sang Hu smiled and before he explained, he warned Yang Ji first. “Kid, this is merely the second time we’ve met, and you hardly know me. It’d be best if you never show such kindness to strangers. They’ll just take advantage of you. Just from that statement alone, I can already somewhat guess your pampered upbringing. Especially since you are directly from the Lower Realm. That places you in even more danger. If you want to live, conceal such kindness in your chest.”

Yang Ji was so taken aback by his identity being exposed that his steps stopped for a moment, causing Xing Ting to turn towards him, wondering what was wrong.

However, Yang Ji could feel a gentle push from behind, seeming as though reminding him to not falter over something so minor.

“That Artifact concealing your Lower Realm Aura doesn’t work on that old man, and he told me about you prior. So, you need not worry about me exposing you. Still, take my warning to heart, okay?” Liu Sang Hu then continued, “As for those two… well, we basically had a trade. They accepted the role because there is a payout. I’ll help their Sister if they do it, and this is regardless of if they live or die. That’s why they agree to do it. As for their safety… though that man, Hong Jun, does not mind killing countless people from the Lower Realm, he is someone who sees the bigger picture. He will do what he can to protect them, since they are decoys.”

While he spoke, Yang Ji noticed the street seemed to have cleared of any bystanders as the rumbling sounds continued to grow louder. It was obvious that the battle there was getting more heated. The Lower Realm denizens, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire, quickly hid themselves in their buildings. Some fled further from the sound. Some kids even sought shelter back inside the entrance…

After all, if they got killed, it would basically be of no consequence to the murderer. No one would bat an eyelid to their death, and they could not expect anyone to bother defending them.

Still, Liu Sang Hu seemed unaffected by the scene. It was as though this was a normal occurrence, that he had gotten bored of seeing it. He just continued to explain, without missing a beat.

“For the little one, I believe I need not explain. As for the bigger one, she too would be protected. She is posing as Xing Ting. He obviously can’t let her identity get exposed, so he would need to protect her as well.” Liu Sang Hu said as though having already predicted all of it.

“Then, why would they trust you enough to risk their lives like this? If they died, you would not need to fulfil the end of the deal, right?” Yang Ji, seemingly noticing how Liu Sang Hu likes to explain things, continued to question.

“Of course they trust me. Basically, everyone who has ties to the Lower Realm knows me. Heck, even that Hong Jun of yours has to take my words seriously despite his doubts.” Liu Sang Hu chuckled once more at that question. Indeed, it was as he said, before he even swore to Heaven, Hong Jun took his words seriously due to his reputation alone.

“Huh? I don’t really understand.”

“It’s a matter of reputation. I accomplish my requests without fail, that’s why they have such trust in me. Some call me an old fox behind my back because I might take some liberties in accomplishing those requests, but I always deliver all the same. Also, this is regardless of their background. So, even if the request is from those from the Lower Realm, I treat them just the same. That’s why I have this reputation. And, for that reason alone, even those from the Lower Realm treat me with respect.” Liu Sang Hu explained.

“And that’s enough to treat you warmly?” Yang Ji recalled the faces of those Lower Realm denizens. Unlike when they faced cultivators directly from the Upper Realm, they obviously treated Liu Sang Hu differently. When facing the former, these people would keep their eyes down and move in a muted, fearful manner. However, with Liu Sang Hu, they seemed able to show their expression on their face and meet his eyes.

“Boy, that’s a dangerous question to ask.” Liu Sang Hu warned once more and plainly explained it to him, “From what you’ve said, I’ve already deduced you are directly from a Lower Realm World. You’re lucky that it’s me who you’re talking to and not someone else. Be careful with your curiosity, lest it comes back to bite you.”

“But, now knowing your background, I guess it’s best I inform you more about the Upper Realm so that you don’t get your identity blown like just now.” Liu Sang Hu sighed, as though a troublesome matter had just fallen onto his lap. Still, he did not complain or anything, which just showed how much patience he has, or how much good will he holds for Yang Ji. 

“In the Upper Realm, it is common for the locals here to discriminate against those from the Lower Realm. Those from the Lower Realm basically have no rights here. They are seen as no different to Sub-Humans. I believe you’ve already witnessed this cruel reality firsthand.”

Yang Ji nodded, thinking back to the time when he first entered Defiance City, where there was a clear disparity between the two sides, with one obviously being oppressed by the other.

Liu Sang Hu continued with a heavy tone this time, “This kind of thinking runs deep within our society, regardless of what Race you belong to. So, when you are outside, and you are going to pose as someone from the Upper Realm, it is expected for you to not show them any kindness.”

When Liu Sang Hu said this, Yang Ji thought back on the two girls that Liu Sang Hu had so causally handled with little regard for their safety earlier. It was a huge contrast to how he was treating him, and how he treated those random Lower Realm denizens earlier.

“Ah. Is that why you treated those two so roughly earlier? If that’s the case, wouldn’t that mean you’re from the Lower Realm too?” Yang Ji thought he might have seen through Liu Sang Hu this time. However, his hopes were dashed as Liu Sang Hu just chuckled through his Divine Sense.

“I guess you’d think that after all I said to you. But, no, I was born and raised in the Upper Realm. I just had a different experience to most in regards to people from the Lower Realm. So, I have a different opinion from the rest. If you are talking about someone from the Lower Realm, the person right next to you would suit that description more.” Liu Sang Hu casually said such a bombshell that Yang Ji could not help but immediately look at Xing ting in confusion. 

“Haven’t you wondered why her name is Xing Ting when she is part of the Hong Clan? What’s more, she is basically no different to a servant for the Young Mistress.” Liu Sang Hu seemed to have felt quite the amusement in Yang Ji’s reaction. So, he dropped another bombshell. “Just like you, she is wearing an Artifact to conceal her Lower Realm Aura. But, unlike you, she grew up as basically a slave all her life. It was actually fortunate that she has been accepted by the Hong Clan, seeing as to how they allowed her to cultivate and get to this point. Also, apparently many of the Clan members do not know about this, so go figure.”

Such a revelation was both interesting and unnerving. Yang Ji could not help but wonder if this guy was another Wu Lun.

“It’s actually because I know her background that I’m more comfortable bringing her here to where all these Lower Realm denizens live. Besides, if she’s with you, she’ll definitely treat you better than Hong Jun.” 

[Huh? So, he has even calculated to that extent??] Yang Ji could not help but be slightly amazed at Liu Sang Hu’s tactical intellect.

At this point, the rumblings seemed to die down for a period, and that caused Xing Ting to worriedly ask, “Sir Liu, are you sure Sir Hong Jun is going to be alright? Based on what I know, even if there are no Immortal Kings mobilized by the city, there might be Immortal Kings taking action due to the other side…”

Liu Sang Hu this time expressed his laughter on his face, openly ridiculing the notion. “Most of the Clans or Sect that are currently visiting are from the Inner Heaven. No one from the Central Heaven would deign to visit this dump. And if you include the status of your Hong Clan into the mix, and that this matter is basically a dispute within the Clan itself, would most Forces want to pick a side? Even our city, when requested, just assisted superficially. No one truly wants to get on the bad-side of either side. What more, when we are in the city, where all eyes are present and they would not be able to hide their actions.”

“In that case, Sir, can you help him out?” Xing Ting lowered her head and pleaded.

“Extending my hand to assist you this far is already my bottomline. I did not even need to personally guide you to the port, so think a little in why I did so.” Liu Sang Hu said with an air of mystery. Indeed, he had shown them a perfectly recreated map of the city earlier. If Yang Ji had perfect memory due to his cultivation, surely Xing Ting and Hong Jun should have perfectly memorised it. Therefore, they could have just used that map to move towards the port themselves. In terms of directions, they actually did not need Liu Sang Hu to lead them.

“…” Xing Ting seemed to be unable to figure it out. 

As for Yang Ji, he thought for a moment and directly asked Liu Sang Hu using his Divine Sense, “If it isn’t because of the request, then, is the city choosing to back Hong Lan Tian?”

Liu Sang Hu mused, “Interesting theory, but no. The city definitely wishes to remain neutral. It’s just that with your current identities, it would be a little tough to move about through the streets without facing problems. Just think of me as your protective ward that chases away evil spirits until I leave your side.”

[Protective ward?] Yang Ji still did not seem to quite understand, that was when Wu Lun explained clearly.

“He’s saying that his presence here basically prevents you two from being messed with by others. Instead of him chasing away evil spirits, more like he’s the evil spirit that others do not want to get close to.” Wu Lun smirked.

“Wait… why is he the evil spirit?” Yang Ji could not think of a reasonable explanation as to why Wu Lun would call Liu Sang Hu that. The man was gentle and amicable, very attentive and helpful. Even those from the Lower Realm treated him warmly. 

However, Wu Lun did not explain and just let that question continue to wander about in Yang Ji’s mind. He was confident that the boy would understand soon enough, if not eventually.

Still, it was truly thanks to Liu Sang Hu’s presence that the pair did not encounter any troubles all the way to the port. Even when there were others eyeing them, nothing happened.

In fact, even at the port, Liu Sang Hu handled all the matters for them. The pair only had to follow him around like little ducklings and the man would handle every detail. Even the ship that they would get on was handled by him. 

Xing Ting had actually been worried about how they would get on a ship once they were at the port. After all, they were not looking to take any public ship but a private one.

However, each of these private ships naturally were owned by Forces that, though might not be comparable to the Hong Clan, was still not something they could afford to offend in their current situation. 

Like Liu Sang Hu had said, they would most likely wish to have their hands off of the internal conflict within the Hong Clan. So, how would they possibly be willing to allow two stowaways onboard? Stowaways that were basically magnets for trouble.

Yet, despite all this, they managed to get onto a ship. Furthermore, before they got on, Liu Sang Hu had both Yang Ji and Xing Ting show themselves. 

Yang Ji had to put on a dress and return to playing the Young Mistress of the Hong Clan, while Xing Ting simply cleaned herself and swapped back to her usual clothing. In short, they were openly declaring that they were from the Hong Clan, and that they were openly getting onboard the ship.

The strange thing was, they were greatly welcomed on board the ship, treated like important guests. It was not a stretch to say that their warm hospitality was shocking.

However, it all became understandable once Liu Sang Hu bid his farewell to Yang Ji.

“Boy, though our meeting was short, it was memorable for me. I hope you will reach your destination in peace. But, as you most likely have noticed by now, there is going to be a cost to this smooth journey so far. Don’t worry. They won’t act so soon. But, you’d best be careful.”

His words were still warm like usual. However, they naturally hinted to something moving behind the scenes. 

Silavin: Double length again.

Wanted to flesh out Liu Sang Hu a little more, and open up more lore about the Upper Realm. A lot of talking here and little description, but that’s really because this journey after they parted with Hong Jun had been exceptionally smooth.