The brothers Liu Ziming and Liu Ziliang thought they were dealing with early-rising merchants, and paid them no mind. They simply signaled their men to move aside and make way for the approaching group.
Little did they know, as the two groups passed each other, a person on one of the opposing horses gave Liu Ziming a sinister smile.
Seeing the smile, Liu Ziming was stunned at first, then his mind raced and he realized, "Oh no."
Before the thought had even fully formed, a puff of white smoke enveloped him.
Liu Ziming didn't even have time to jump off his horse. His body swayed and wobbled, and with a thud, he collapsed onto the carriage.
If the formidable Liu Ziming couldn't react, the others, who were far less capable, had no chance to resist at all.
Seeing that they were all drugged, the leader let out a cold laugh, "What 'one in a hundred, one in a thousand' masters are no match for a puff of sleeping powder."
He then pointed to a man beside him and said, "You, go report back to the Sect Leader. Tell him the task is done."
He then pointed to Liu Yuanwu's coffin, "Bury this well. We'll find Liu Xiangnan later and get a good price for it."
Finally, he pointed at Liu Ziming, "Leave this one. Take the rest."
Peace quickly returned to the scene. By the time Liu Ziming was woken up by passing merchants, it was almost noon.
Liu Ziming opened his eyes and looked at a kind-faced old man before him. He was completely bewildered. "Where am I?" he asked.
The old man was quite speechless. He looked at him. "Young man, you were sleeping by the roadside. When I passed by, you were asleep, and when I returned, you were still asleep. I had to wake you up."
Liu Ziming's mind flashed back to the scene before he was drugged. He couldn't help but slap his forehead. "Ah!"
He quickly stood up and clasped his fists at the old man. "Thank you, old sir. I was rushing and too tired, so I fell asleep by the roadside."
Liu Ziming figured out his direction and sprinted towards the capital.
Losing Liu Yuanwu's coffin was a major event. Even if it meant facing severe punishment, he had to deliver the message first.
Meanwhile, a thousand miles away, on Green Ox Mountain, Chen Xiaobei, along with Liu Rumei and the True Man Taiping, had reached the summit.
He had already experienced the feeling of looking down on all mountains.
So, after ascending the mountain, Chen Xiaobei leaned back and silently watched Liu Rumei and the others busy themselves.
The True Man Taiping stood on the summit, surveying the surroundings, and couldn't help but sigh.
"Abundant in spirit and beauty, it truly is a good place, a good place indeed."
Liu Rumei cupped her fists again. "Senior, please quickly tell us where the Dragon's Eye is and where the Dragon's Head is."
The True Man Taiping stroked his beard, pondered for a long time, and then pointed forward.
"Miss Liu, look. This entire grand canyon is the dragon."
"And that is the Dragon's Eye."
Upon hearing "Dragon's Eye," Chen Xiaobei also became interested. He followed the direction the True Man Taiping was pointing. Chen Xiaobei felt a slight tremor in his heart.
According to the True Man Taiping's direction, wasn't that the small hill where rainbows often appeared?
Liu Rumei turned to see Chen Xiaobei. "Village Chief Chen, have you ever been to that small hill?"
Chen Xiaobei shook his head. "No, we've never been. We usually only go as far as the Mountain God Temple."
Liu Rumei understood the unspoken meaning: if you people hadn't interfered, we wouldn't have come here.
"Rumei, you must guard the Dragon Vein and protect the Dragon's Eye. As long as you hold this, the Great Cang Kingdom can be prosperous for ten thousand generations."
Liu Rumei nodded. "Rest assured, senior. I will guard it."
The True Man Taiping then pointed down the canyon. "Look, the canyon winds its way down, all the way to the distance."
"This signifies the continuous prosperity of our Great Cang Kingdom."
It had to be said, hearing such auspicious words was quite comforting. With talk of eternal prosperity and continuous abundance, a look of joy immediately appeared on Liu Rumei's face.
After offering his praise, Chen Xiaobei was also secretly amazed by the explanation of the Dragon Vein. He had been standing there for a long time and couldn't see how this canyon resembled a dragon, nor could he see how that small hill was the Dragon's Eye. It seemed the True Man Taiping did have some abilities.
While Liu Rumei arranged for lunch to be prepared, she discussed with the True Man Taiping how to set up formations and guard the Dragon Vein. Chen Xiaobei had no interest in these matters.
However, a few words from the True Man Taiping suddenly made him somewhat inclined to continue listening. "If we set up the Four Symbols Formation and protect the Dragon's Eye, all will be well."
Chen Xiaobei knew of the Four Symbols Formation. He had heard of it in his previous life, with mentions of the Azure Dragon on the left, White Tiger on the right, Vermilion Bird in front, and Black Tortoise behind.
But honestly, from a scientific perspective, such an arrangement made no sense. Before people like them arrived, wasn't the so-called Dragon Vein just quietly existing there?
He also recalled many strange novels he had read in his past life. Even the most powerful formations were eventually broken.
Therefore, the so-called Four Symbols Formation was merely a psychological effect, meant to comfort themselves and deter enemies. Nothing more.
But for Liu Rumei and the True Man Taiping, this psychological effect was a great comfort.
"Senior, how many people do you think we'll need to mobilize?"
The True Man Taiping stroked his beard and sighed softly.
"Alas, if only we could find the Four Divine Beasts. Then we wouldn't need a single soldier."
Hearing this, Chen Xiaobei almost laughed.
This further confirmed his judgment: the so-called Four Symbols Formation was purely a psychological suggestion.
He was too lazy to listen to them continue talking.
Chen Xiaobei took a few steps forward, looking down the so-called Dragon Vein canyon towards the distant horizon, until it vanished into a blur.
Positionally, this canyon seemed to lead in the direction of their River Head Village.
Could there be a possibility of returning home by following the canyon? Chen Xiaobei scratched his head. The idea seemed a bit audacious.
By the time they descended the mountain, the sun was already setting in the west.
Ma Biao and the others, who were guarding the camp, were about to start cooking when Liu Rumei stopped them.
"We're not staying here tonight. We'll descend the mountain quickly and find a place to camp after crossing the rope bridge."
Chen Xiaobei was very happy with this arrangement, as he was eager to return home.
Sun Jian had clearly observed all the movements of Chen Xiaobei and his group.
Seeing them heading towards the rope bridge, Sun Jian became excited. He hurried to report to Sima Wushuang and the Daoist Master Jueding. "Great Swordsman Sima, Daoist Master, the people from the mountain are coming down."
Upon hearing this, the two also became excited and followed Sun Jian to the entrance of the rope bridge.
Wushuang looked across and let out a cold laugh. He said to Sun Jian, "When they are halfway across, release the arrows. Remember to kill a few more."
Sun Jian chuckled upon hearing this. "Don't worry. If one comes, we kill one; if two come, we kill a pair."
Darkness soon fell. Out of caution, Liu Rumei did not order her men to light torches, and they descended the mountain in the dark.
It was precisely this action that afforded them a sliver of a chance for survival.