XIAO SHUXIANG'S

322 - Blood Moon City

Compared to the South-South-Central Heaven Emperor Range was actually friendlier to the Northern Heavens Emperor. Many cooperative relationships between the two Empires were forged, even further strained by a marriage bond between the two Emperors.

As the owner of a larger territory, the Middle Sky Emperor had also always maintained his relationship with the Southern Celestial Emperor. However, political competition still often occurs, and sometimes cause quite a lot of problems.

In addition, the problems that sometimes arise also come from cultivators and warriors, especially the dispute between the White Stream and the Black Stream.

Addressing this matter, the three Emperors actually preferred to be silent. They claim to be part of the Neutral Flow which seems to be the purpose and principle of the flow is misinterpreted.

Neutral flow should be the mediator, break up, and help the two flows to get back together.

But it turns out that the Neutral Stream is more apathetic, feeling that the dispute between the two different schools of principle must be resolved on their own without them having to intervene in it.

This kind of attitude belonged to Xiao Shuxiang long ago and probably until now. The notion that 'Mixing in other people's affairs is the most foolish act' seems to still be attached to it.

He could really not care about anything, even if there was a person who was dying and needed help before his eyes.

Instead of a panicked face, Xiao Shuxiang would instead put on a flat face full of his sense of indifference.

Perhaps this is what makes him look cruel in the eyes of others. Well yeah.. You won't be able to get anything if you wish on a Black Jade-hearted person like Xiao Shuxiang.

The young man will only help people he knows, while doing it for others.. Xiao Shuxiang was only willing to help if he wanted to.

Just like now, the young alchemist seemed indifferent to the explanation of the two gatekeepers of Blood Moon City. Meanwhile, his other friends seemed to be seriously listening.

".. We always give this kind of warning to newcomers. But most of them don't want to hear and think this is a joke,"

This man who was talking had a reddish dot on his forehead. For 40 Years old.. His body was much more muscular although not as big as Jing Mi.

".. There is a rule that prohibits even the townspeople to not move outside the house after the sun goes down, let alone do it until midnight.."

The man explained that this rule was made for a very long time, but still many violated it, especially from among cultivators and warriors. The rules were made for safety.

His colleague added that before midnight, many Blood Moon City residents tied themselves and their family members to beds, chairs, or walls. Some even made dungeons so they could hide.

".. Right in the middle of the night, the sound of music that was out of nowhere would start to sound. The first five minutes, his voice sounded melodious and soothing. It's just the tenth minute.. The sound of the music was starting to sound terrible, let alone.."

The young green-clothed man gulped before continuing. ".. Moreover, the scream of pain also became his escort, and in the morning.. There will be people killed outside the house in terrible circumstances,"

It was hard to actually say this, but the two guards had no other choice. They could say they do not want any more casualties.

"If that's true, then why are you still here? It was really dusk and soon it would be night. Isn't it strange that you are still on guard at a time when the city is in a state of alarm..?"

Yi Wen crossed both hands as he spoke, he made Xiao Lu nod in agreement regarding his words.

The two bodyguards were not at all jolted when they heard the question from the girl with hair along her neck.

One of the two replied that they too would immediately go to a safe place and hide themselves.

They only gave the necessary explanation, but Xiao Lu instead asked if the citizens of Blood Moon City no one would want to evacuate to another place? Unfortunately, this cannot be done.

The natives of Blood Moon City would not be able to leave their residences. Once there was someone desperate to leave, but the next day he was found dead in a state of being pressed on the walls of his house.

".. The Mayor has tried his best to address this issue. He even asked the Daoists for help, but those people.."

Xiao Lu, Yi Wen, and their friends seemed to understand what was happening with the daoists as they watched the look on the faces of the two men in front of them.

Not only daoists, but warriors and cultivators who were quite haughty and did not heed their warnings also experienced the same thing.

".. You look young and your curiosity is so great. But remember to always be careful and do what we say.. Hide and never come out at night,"

The most visibly Mad Beggar Boy was so scared, he continued to embrace Xiao Shuxiang's arm while pleading for protection.

Lan Guan Zhi and Ling Qing Zhu nodded softly, both of them saluted then invited their friends to look for lodging.

"I still want to ask.." Yi Wen was obviously the one most interested in the stories of the two gatekeepers, the information he could get was still too little.

Xiao Lu, "I'm actually curious as well. If the two uncles' stories were true, then tonight would sound terrible music.."

Xiao Qing Yan walked behind Xiao Lu while holding onto his horse's reins. His curiosity was quite high, but he preferred not to make any sound.

...

In fact, ever since he first set foot in this city, Xiao Qing Yan's premonition had already started to feel uneasy. He felt as if he was being watched, but what confused him was.. Why do his friends look so calm and mediocre? Maybe only he felt this?

Xiao Qing Yan stopped his steps and then turned his head back. There was no one other than the two gatekeepers earlier and now they also started walking away.

He exhaled softly and then shook his head, "Maybe I'm too timid.."

Xiao Qing Yan returned following his friends, they were looking for a nearby inn to use to rest. The horse they had previously ridden was inserted into Xiao Shuxiang's Universal Bracelet when the surrounding conditions were quite quiet.

*

*

One of the simple inns that was quite close to the door of the Blood Moon City Gate was named the Flower Fibrillon Inn.

The place only has eleven rooms, a kitchen, and a fairly spacious room for customers who only come to eat or just take a break.

There are no special dishes that make this inn crowded visited, you could say Flower Fiber belongs to the inn that does not have a big name in Blood Moon City.

".. Madam, we must immediately close the gate, "a girl dressed in white with a yellow flower pattern appears to be speaking softly to the old lady beside her.

The 20-year-old girl spread her gaze around the place in this room. There are about 21 tables complete with four chairs each, but only eight tables filled.

The customers that this sweet girl saw were mostly monks and it seemed like they were talking about what happened to the city where she lived.

The old woman standing next to him was about 45 years old, there were a few wrinkles on the forehead and her skin was slightly loosened.

Every night before, worry, fear, and other uncomfortable feelings always come. In his mind always crossed the question, 'Who will die next?'.

"Miu'Er, tell the customers that we'll close the gate soon,"

"Okay, Madam."

The long-haired beautiful girl in two braids carried out the orders of the innkeeper. He walked over to one of the tables and informed the customer with great courtesy.

No customers were evicted, the beautiful girl only asked her customers not to leave the inn until the sun rose.

"Miss, our arrival here is not to rest in peace. But we'll also help address the problems these city dwellers face,"

"Miss, if I manage to save your city, then you should marry me,"

Che Miu, that was the name of the servant girl who spoke to the four swordsmen. He could only smile wryly as these four men teased him in his difficult times.

This is no joke. The fear that enveloped Blood Moon City had already lasted for nearly three whole years. Many warriors and cultivators who were experts in daoism were killed horribly.

Mouth blocked by hot iron, two eyes pierced by twigs, body crucified on the wall, until the head hangs on a tree as if to be the first sight that residents of Cold Cloud City see in the morning.

Che Miu firmly gripped his clothes, both his hands seemed to tremble. "If.. If you can save the city.. Then I'll give you whatever you want, including my own body,"

Dilanda was terrified for so long and was unable to leave the city.. It was Che Miu's heaviest burden. He had already lost those closest to him, his friends one by one were dead, and somehow his turn would come. He could barely hold on anymore.

Many girls of Che Miu's age would not care about his pride as long as his city could be saved, even if he was asked to be a bed warmer once.

The four warriors seemed to be trifling the matter, they smiled and started laughing. One of them stood up and approached Che Miu and touched the girl's chin.

"You'd better hold your word, miss.."

Che Miu was afraid of this big, rough-handed man touching his chin, carefully looking at the face of the man in front of him who apparently had a burn scar on the right cheek.

The face was firm, fierce, and reinforced by the eyes of the killer seemed even more frightening to him, but when compared to the condition of his city now.. It's definitely nothing.

Slowly, the face of the man in front of him grew closer. Che Miu wanted to refuse but if that was the case, it was likely that this swordsman would even be offended.

He was forced to just close his eyes tightly when he felt the roar of his breath begin to sweep his facial skin.

A speck of water formed at the corner of Che Miu's tightly closed eyes, he closed his lips and clearly the look on his face showed rejection. But as if the man who touched his chin was even closer to the face.

Che Miu's heart raced fiercely, as the fierce-looking man opened his mouth and almost scooped his lips if a loud noise could not be heard.

!!

".. Aunty..! Bring Arak and Your Best Food Here..! Brother Xiao, you pay."

"Tsk, Yi Wen.. Do I look like a walking money well to you?"

Xiao Shuxiang picked a table that was quite close to the door, before he had already sat down, but stood back up and started to slide one more table to put together, himself assisted by the Crazy Beggar Boy who raised the chair.

Two tables were put together and with seven chairs had been arranged quite neatly. Xiao Shuxiang sat opposite to Ling Qing Zhu, on his right side sat the Crazy Beggar Boy, while on the other side was Yi Wen.

Lan Guan Zhi himself was adjacent to Xiao Qing Yan, while Xiao Lu sat between himself and Ling Qing Zhu. Their presence invites the attention of customers who are also in the room.

Che Miu was finally able to escape due to the arrival of his new customers. He hurried away with reason there was still a lot of work waiting for him.

The swordsman who touched Che Miu's chin earlier seemed so upset at Xiao Shuxiang and his friends. However, her frustration instantly disappeared as she looked at one of the girls she thought was very beautiful.

!!

Not only the fierce-looking man, but also his colleagues and other customers. Their gaze seemed to be fixated on the figure of the long white-haired girl wearing the thin veil.

As for the cultivators and female warriors, they could not turn their eyes away either.

There are three objects so beautiful in view. The first was a holy youth who seemed to have just descended from the sky, the second was a dazzling angel of death, and the third was a kind of jade-faced human.

Not only that, Yi Wen, Xiao Lu, and Xiao Qing Yan also attracted quite a lot of attention. Girls like Yi Wen other than her face.. She also has a beautiful body shape, especially the upper part is more contained than most girls her age.

Xiao Lu did not need to be asked, even though he was not as big as Yi Wen.. But he has his own charm. The color of his eyes that looked like flowers blooming when exposed to light, soft lips and natural tinge on his cheeks was too dear to miss.

Xiao Qing Yan was a woman, but her clothes and hair that were not too long made her look like a boy, let alone her clothing style that was far from the word 'feminim'. He was clearly able to deceive many people, including Yi Wen, Xiao Lu, and the Mad Beggar Boy.

"Brother Xiao, what do you think of the two gatekeepers' story?" Yi Wen asked as he poured the wine that a servant had just brought, he gave the young man beside him a cup of ceramics.

Xiao Shuxiang drank the wine Yi Wen gave in one gulp, he clucked softly and placed his cup on the table. ".. I think it's really too ridiculous that these townspeople have to tie their bodies up at night, and the terrible music they're talking about.. It can't be heard,"

The Crazy Beggar Boy nodded in agreement, "That's right. Right enough. There must be a mastermind behind this.. The actor who played the music. I'm right, aren't I? Lan'Er Gege..?"

"Mn, perp.. Possibly a human being." Lan Guan Zhi felt that way too. The music was played by someone and he was sure it was a cultivator.

Xiao Lu, "I thought the same thing. But the reason the man did this is still not understood,"

"If you had an addiction to blood and committed murder, or maybe you learned the Prohibition Technique.. So it's no longer strange to make the citizens of this city as the object of your candlestick satisfaction,"

Xiao Qing Yan recalled when he was still confined in Tomoaki Maeno's place. For him, there is no specific reason for a person to commit a crime, just as there is when that person does a good deed.

Xiao Shuxiang enjoyed drinking his wine while occasionally being fed by the Mad Beggar Boy and Yi Wen. He actually wanted to object to Xiao Qing Yan's opinion just now, but when thought again.. The boy had a point too.

"If I am that person, then-!!"

Xiao Shuxiang gasped as he spoke and Ling Qing Zhu instead picked up the wine cup he was holding. He and his friends were obviously shocked at this.

"Don't drink too much wine,"

!!

Xiao Shuxiang did not know what kind of expression to have. Ling Qing Zhu warned him so calmly, he did not even expect this to happen.

"Since when has this girl been so considerate of me..?"

As Xiao Shuxiang remained together with his friends.. The inn gate began to close tightly. Che Miu who had finished putting the last dish on the table Xiao Shuxiang-looking walked towards the door and then closed it.

"Hm? Missy? Why did you close the door?" Yi Wen asked, she said she had not finished eating and should not be expelled in this way.

Che Miu gave the same explanation as he had told the warriors earlier. ".. If Miss needs a room, we still have some empty ones. Miss doesn't have to pay as long as it complies with the rules here,"

The rule that Che Miu meant was that Yi Wen had to tie her legs and hands to the bed. This is a form of prevention so that when the sound of terrible music is heard.. Yi Wen did not get out of the building.

".. That voice made anyone who heard it would go crazy. Even if we close our ears in various ways.. The voice is still heard. L am.. I tell you the truth and please believe this,"

Che Miu asked for his parting permission, he had previously told about the empty room in this place to Xiao Shuxiang and his friends.

Just as he was putting his feet.. The wind blowing outside the inn began to change direction. One by one the lights in each house became extinguished by itself.

***