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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 198: Sanctuary of the Professionals
Ma Tongwei said, "I thought you had records of the entrance location, but it seems we won't be able to attack the camp tonight."
Ji Zichen pondered that there might be a Divine Dawn underground, and she couldn't help but want to take a look at those records. "With all this rush, Uncle Jiang, are you sure you've seen all the records clearly?"
Uncle Jiang hesitated for a moment, looking embarrassed. "Uh, I did check the ones with annotations, but there were no records in the scattered scrolls. I can't be certain."
Ji Zichen glanced at Xia Zhou, her eyes filled with a pleading look. "Can I go see those scrolls?" She thought that since Xia Zhou was their guard officer, even though she didn't know who held a higher status between Xia Zhou and Ma Tongwei, Xia Zhou should be able to speak on her behalf.
Xia Zhou noticed Ji Zichen's intention and smiled slightly. "According to the rules, you shouldn't be allowed to go, but having an extra pair of eyes is beneficial. You can come with us."
Ma Tongwei frowned and said, "Xia Zhou! Are you really going to let her go to the Sanctuary? Isn't that nonsense?"
Xia Zhou replied seriously, "Hold on. She is more qualified than either of us to go to the Sanctuary; she has the ring of Kai Zhou Shen."
Uncle Jiang suddenly jolted and stared at Ji Zichen in unison with Ma Tongwei. "You've met Kai Zhou Shen!"
Ji Zichen nodded. "Yes."
Xia Zhou expressed envy. "Not only does she know Kai Zhou Shen, but she has also fought alongside him. That's an honor neither you nor I have."
Uncle Jiang chuckled. "Brother Ji, since she has caught Kai Zhou Shen's favor, she can certainly return with us. But I can't guarantee that there will be any clues in the other scrolls."
Although Ji Zichen knew the chances were slim, this was their only lead. She said, "I believe we will find clues. While I don't know how extensive the Defensive Works are, I believe they must have records."
From Ji Zichen's words, it seemed she was implying something beyond just artifacts, but Uncle Jiang couldn't guess her thoughts; after all, he wasn't someone skilled at reading others' minds. Regardless, Uncle Jiang was willing to get closer to those who believed in Kai Zhou Shen.
Ma Tongwei led the others back to his place, while the remaining individuals headed towards the Sanctuary of the Professionals.
Ji Zichen and Yu Ren suddenly withdrew entirely, which puzzled Elder, but it was ultimately beneficial for them.
The Sanctuary of the Professionals was located on the other side of Zhuque Chenjing, nestled deep within a lush forest. The sanctuary itself was not large and was well hidden, making it inconspicuous.
To ensure safety, the first line of defense consisted of insect Demon Beasts. Although Zhuque Chenjing was home to the Vermilion Bird, there were originally some Demon Beasts in this area as well, but their numbers were few. Elder could not see any Demon Beasts here because most had been tamed and captured to serve as a protective barrier for the Sanctuary. The remaining Demon Beasts had long since fled to safer grounds.
Over the years, apart from the occasional chatter among the stationed guards, it was rare to hear the chaotic sounds of Demon Beasts in this part of the forest. Thus, spotting a Demon Beast here was not an easy task.
The remaining Demon Beasts had all retreated to the forest behind the Sanctuary. Although there were few in number, they were incredibly fierce. Hardly anyone dared to venture into that area, even fully armed professionals avoided getting too close because that forest was filled with ferocious Demon Beasts. No one wanted to provoke them, especially since they harbored a strong hatred for professionals.
Their living environment had been forcibly altered by professionals, and countless of their kind had perished at their hands. Therefore, whenever they spotted a professional, they would swarm together to attack in defense of their dwindling territory and kin.
In such circumstances, any professional who entered the forest behind the Sanctuary would emerge injured; losing an arm or a leg would be considered a minor injury—indeed, a stroke of luck.
The Boundary Wall of the rear forest was like an impenetrable fortress for the Demon Beasts; they did not dare to approach easily.
As Ji Zichen and Yu Ren reached the front forest, Lin Chuyu sensed an unfriendly atmosphere in the air. She widened her eyes and scanned her surroundings. Although she saw nothing unusual, she couldn't help but shiver as the towering trees around her resembled massive demons grinning menacingly at her. Strange lights flickered among the branches and underbrush, sending chills down her spine.
“Creak!”
A sound came from above Lin Chuyu's head. Startled, she looked up and saw a soft creature hanging from a branch. Lin Chuyu blinked in confusion, wondering what it could be.
Jiang Dahuzi said, “Don’t be afraid; it won’t harm you as long as you stay with us.”
Lin Chuyu moved closer to Ji Zichen, remaining cautious.
Ginger Beard turned to Ji Zichen and said, "Besides looking for the entrance in the scroll, we also need to find a way to deal with the rats. Although a lot of time has passed, if some have survived..."
Ji Zichen replied, " Uncle Jiang is right; we cannot overlook this."
Ginger Beard was quite pleased with Ji Zichen's response, as he understood his concerns.
Ji Zichen glanced at the forest and asked, "Do you live here?"
Ginger Beard understood what Ji Zichen meant. "Are you referring to the Demon Beasts? There are indeed many Demon Beasts here, but they have all been tamed by us. They won't attack us unless provoked."
Only then did Ji Zichen feel reassured and nodded. These practitioners were similar to those from the village of Flying Wolf; although the Demon Beasts were dangerous, they could be tamed and turned into a force for assistance.
At that moment, they arrived at the entrance of the Sanctuary. The gate stood three men high and was simply enclosed by a fence. It didn't look very sturdy, but for a place like this, it was sufficient. Inside, many practitioners moved about, and everything seemed orderly.
The air in the forest was clean and clear, and dark clouds loomed overhead, indicating that rain was on the way. To the right of the gate flowed a stream, reminding Ji Zichen of the mountains behind the Divine Clan's rift.
Seeing Ji Zichen taking in the beautiful surroundings, Xia Zhou sighed and said, "This place wasn't always like this. According to records in the true map, when this Sanctuary was first established, it was in complete disarray. You can't imagine the contrast; it was truly shocking back then."
Xia Zhou pointed to the stream. "At that time, this was a large river filled with fallen trees floating by, rocks scattered everywhere, and corpses blocking the flow. It took months of cleaning before the river could flow freely again."
Ji Zichen recalled what he had seen in the true map and knew that Xia Zhou was not exaggerating.
They entered the Sanctuary, which contained two types of buildings: one made of gray stones that gave it a dull appearance and some wooden houses covered with vines. Even if one flew over on a Serpent Bat Dragon, it would be hard to spot this place unless intentionally searching for it. It was clear that considerable effort had gone into constructing this Sanctuary.
"Oops!" Just as Lin Chuyu stepped through the main gate, she collided with a boy carrying a basket of melons, causing fruits to scatter everywhere.
The boy immediately apologized, "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... I didn't mean to..."
Beside them, Uncle Jiang shot a furious glare at the young man. "Zhang Tang! Why are you always so reckless? Do you even look like a professional?"
Zhang Tang looked aggrieved. "I... I..."
It wasn't until they entered the main door, distancing themselves from Lin Chuyu's displeased expression, that things eased a bit. Lin Chuyu gently said, "I'm fine," as she bent down to help the young man pick up the fallen fruits.
Ji Zichen remarked, "I didn't expect there to be such a young professional."
Once the fruits were gathered, Uncle Jiang warned, "If you act recklessly again next time, I won't let you off so easily."
The young man trembled slightly as he replied, "I won't, I promise there won't be a next time." He hurriedly left with the basket of vegetables.
Ji Zichen chuckled, " Uncle Jiang, why are you so harsh on him?"
Uncle Jiang replied, "If I don't toughen him up now, he won't amount to anything in the future. He's been here for thirty years and still can't remember the simplest teachings."
Lin Chuyu gasped, "He's already thirty years old!"
This was clearly unexpected for Ji Zichen as well; the young man looked younger than his actual age. Ji Zichen sighed with a wry smile, "Our age must seem like nothing but children to you."
Xia Zhou laughed in agreement. "If you say so, I can't argue that you're wrong."
At that moment, a distant rumble of thunder echoed. Uncle Jiang said, "We better move along; it's about to rain."
Ji Zichen nodded as Uncle Jiang pointed to a Stone House. "Let's head into that building."
They had only taken a few steps when the rain began to pour down heavily.
Yu Ren ran forward, and Ji Zichen used her palm to shield her head from the rain. Despite the short distance, she still ended up soaked.
They arrived at the house pointed out by Ginger Beard. From the Grass Hut across the street, soft chanting could be heard. Ji Zichen didn’t know what they were reciting, but it brought her a sense of calm and invigorated her spirit.
Xia Zhou said, “What are you standing there for? Hurry up and go inside.”
The group entered the house.
The interior was clearly a study; aside from a desk, there were shelves filled with scrolls and books.
Xia Zhou turned to Ginger Beard and asked, “Is there anything I can help you with regarding that matter?”
Ji Zichen stood beside them, sensing that they had something important to discuss. Unfamiliar with the customs here, she hesitated to offer her assistance. “If you have something to do, go ahead. Are the shelves and books here?”
Ginger Beard glanced at Xia Zhou before looking at Ji Zichen and Lin Chuyu. Both of them were drenched from the rain. Realizing that this wasn’t an urgent matter, he said, “As for finding books, we can do that later. Right now, it’s best for you to change into dry clothes so you don’t catch a cold.”
The rain outside intensified, and a cold wind blew in through the window. The gust made Lin Chuyu and Ji Zichen feel icy all over. Ji Zichen wasn’t too worried about herself catching a chill, but she was concerned about Lin Chuyu. “That sounds good. Uncle Jiang, could you find us some clean clothes to change into?”
Ginger Beard chuckled lightly. “There are no clothes in this study.” He walked over to the window and pointed toward a house beyond the two buildings on the right side where the chanting was coming from. “Do you see that house with the lantern? If you go there, someone will help you find clean clothes.”
From a corner of the study, Ginger Beard retrieved two oil umbrellas and handed them to them. “Go on; I’ll come find you when the rain eases up.”
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