Dungeons of the Divine (Blue Phoenix Book 2) (25 page)

Having returned to the city of mercenaries, Hui Yue and the entourage went to the Mercenary Guild where they once more took over one of the smaller courtyards.

While Hui Yue remembered that they would have to go visit Zhou Long soon he tried to push it as far back as possible, refusing to go anywhere before he finished refining the items he got, along with drying the meat.

The main reason why Hui Yue did not go yet was because he was as uncertain about Zhou Long as ever. During the battle, it was obvious that the man could have finished it earlier, yet he allowed for the beast to thrash around for quite a while and he even left the majority of the work to Hui Yue, not to mention him letting the beast kill the formation specialists and Little Poppy.

What the man wished to accomplish by bringing Hui Yue along, the white-haired boy had no idea, nor did he know whether or not the man gained what he wanted leaving him feeling unsettled.

On one hand, Hui Yue wished to stay far away from the man. It was obvious that he was planning something..

On the other hand, Zhou Long was a free ticket to the next tunnel. He was obviously from the Dragon Corps’ headquarters, and if they were to follow him gaining access through the tunnels would be an easy feat.

In the end, Hui Yue was unable to decide what to do, but eventually he realized there was no harm in listening to the task Zhou Long was holding for him. With a determined expression on his face, Hui Yue packed away all the Horned Snake scales and bones which were laying by his side, along with all the refined materials before he made his way towards the Dragon Corps’ office. The place where Zhou Long said he would be waiting for him.

Moving through town, Hui Yue stopped wearing his cloak, but even still lots of eyes were drawn in his direction. Some were staring at him due to his peculiar appearance, while others were staring at him in awe remembering his performance during the tournament. Although Hui Yue did not win first place  he had long since been recognized as one of the leading cultivators within the city.

Hui Yue started to understand more about cultivation, and he also understood exactly why Lan Feng chose this place to be his training ground.

Although King ranked experts existed in the Demon Dwelling Cave, there were very few whereas the majority were Master and Grandmaster ranked.

Having asked around, Hui Yue was told the next cave was mainly Grandmasters with the peak experts there being King ranked.

Two caves away  the average was Duke ranked experts while the final caves all had an average of King ranked experts or above.

This was of course talking about the major caves, between them were smaller caves, caves the size of Cave’s End. These caves were fiefdoms, and belonged to the nobility living in the final few caves.

Having learned this, Hui Yue knew that Zhou Long belonged to the main caves, but for some reason he was in this small cave with pitiful cultivators.

While thinking about the various caves, Hui Yue suddenly found himself in front of the main office for the Dragon Corps and with a sigh he pushed the door open and stepped in, looking around only to find everything deserted.

Looking around the building, Hui Yue found that the main office was nothing like he expected. For some reason he expected something similar to that of a police-station in his old world, but this was clearly a mansion built for the Dragon Corps to reside within whenever they were in the City.

“Hello?” Hui Yue called while looking around but no one answered him. Wondering whether or not he should stay within the main hall or leave the house, Hui Yue was at a loss about what to do. Yet before he had the time to make a decision, the front door opened up and Zhou Long appeared in the doorway with a smile like usual.

“Yue, my good friend!” He exclaimed with exaggerated arm gestures before he placed one of his arms around Hui Yue’s shoulder and firmly lead him up the stairs through various corridors before they arrived at a large room.

Being led inside, Hui Yue’s mouth was agape as he saw elaborate carvings of azure dragons all around. The four columns in the room were carved into azure dragons, the windows had mosaics depicting the dragons and azure dragon figurines were placed all around the room.

Although Hui Yue called it a room it was in fact three rooms adjourned to each other. One room contained a luxurious bed, while another was a washroom, and finally the room in which Hui Yue was standing was a office.

The office contained a large table made from heavywood, along with two chairs.

Gesturing for Hui Yue to sit down, Zhou Long went behind the table and sat down. Sitting still for a short while, Zhou Long was looking at Hui Yue in a peculiar way. A way which Hui Yue could not quite describe and the whole time the creepy smile was still present on Zhou Long’s face. A smile which was a little to friendly.

“I have to stay here in this cave for half a year,” Zhou Long started, as he looked through the various memory stones and papers which were spread out on the table. “However I have some information I need to deliver to the main office,” He continued, as he picked up three memory stones and one parcel.

“These items need to get to the capital, but since I am unable to leave I need to rely on others to take it for me.” Zhou Long continued, his voice slightly complaining about the task.

Had it been anyone other than Hui Yue who was within the room right now, they would have stopped him right there. If It was true that Zhou Long had to stay within the cave for half a year, then if he were to rush back after that half year he would easily be able to reach the final cave before Hui Yue and his entourage could. .

The fact that Hui Yue did not point this flaw out strengthened Zhou Long’s impression of Hui Yue being connected to the Frozen General. The fact that he did not know showed that he was not from the underground world.

Hui Yue on the other hand felt lucky. The fact that they were asked to carry something to the final cave would give them access through every tunnel on the way, and he felt extra assured the moment he heard that Zhou Long had no intention of following them on the way. That he had to stay behind for half a year.

No matter how Hui Yue thought about it, it was beneficial for them and with a nod of his head he accepted the task.

“Great!” Zhou Long said with an excited and happy expression on his face, “Pass me your mercenary emblem.” He continued, and Hui Yue withdrew the golden emblem from within his memory stone, wondering what exactly was going to happen.

With curious eyes, Hui Yue noticed how Zhou Long placed the emblem against his forehead and after a flash of blue light, Zhou Long gave it back.

Seeing Hui Yue’s confused expression Zhou Long decided to explain, “Don’t let the gold cover fool you.” He laughed, “This is a memory stone just like every other emblem. What I just placed within the stone was the specifics about your mission. That it is a mission on behalf of the Dragon Corps and that it is considered an A rank mission. I have upgraded you to B rank and also embedded a picture of you as the leader.”

Hui Yue was taken aback from what he heard and he narrowed his eyes as the words made no sense to him.

“What’s B rank?” He asked curiously.

“B rank means that you have the right to request help in every town, and they have to obey you. The only ones above you are the leaders of each cave along with the leading officers and elders of the Dragon Corps, and if they were to go against you they would need a very good reason.”

Hearing that he had been given so much authority, Hui Yue gulped slightly. Everything that he had wished for was right here within his reach, but it also proved that Zhou Long was no ordinary member of the Dragon Corps. To be able to promote one to such a rank he had to be some important.

Although Hui Yue was still somewhat skeptical about Zhou Long’s intentions, he was grateful for the promotion and the mission was perfect for what he had in mind. Showing a genuine smile, Hui Yue nodded in approval.

“We will leave town in a few days,” Hui Yue said to Zhou Long, feeling that he should inform him about their plans, and he thanked the older man then got ready to leave.

Seeing that Hui Yue wanted to leave, Zhou Long did nothing to try and stop him. He was not stupid and was perfectly well aware that Hui Yue did not trust him. Let alone trust, Hui Yue was constantly on the guard when it came to Zhou Long, and the man knew it.

He had from the very start shown his favouritism in a way to make Hui Yue notice and even now, he would do everything he could to show the younger boy just how much he approved of him.

Although it was a risky gamble, it was a way to ensure that Hui Yue would remember him later on, and if Hui Yue remembered him as someone who helped him, then Zhou Long had succeeded. Anyone who was beneficial to the Frozen General was rewarded greatly.

Sighing deeply, Zhou Long leaned backwards as he looked at the now empty office. A smile appearing on his face as he picked up another set of memory stones. Placing one after another on his forehead, Zhou Long started picking out random groups of mercenaries as his hand was resting on a poster that said Hui Yue was a wanted man and his companions were worth more dead than alive.

Completely unaware of what Zhou Long was doing, Hui Yue was whistling happily on his way back to the courtyard, excitement evident on his handsome and youthful face.

Now that he obtained the mission from Zhou Long, they no longer needed to worry about how they could get from one place to another. All the worries Hui Yue had had just now vanished.

Although he was still uncertain about Zhou Long, Hui Yue knew that soon they would escape his grasp and with the privileges he was given how could they not have an easy road ahead of them?

Whistling happily, Hui Yue could not wait to share the good news with his friends. He  picked up his pace and ran through town as fast as possible, impatient to see his friends.

”You are going to be delivering information to Dragon Corps’ main office?” Xu Piao asked agape as he looked at the young man in front of him.

Seeing the surprised expression on Xu Piao’s face, Hui Yue could not help but chuckle slightly and he nodded his head, handing out his mercenary emblem.

Seeing the emblem Xu Piao carefully took it and placed it on his forehead, the shining light that was iconic of memory stones fluctuated out, enveloped everyone present. Xu Piao’s eyes were closed as he saw the mission description.

Unlike Hui Yue, Xu Piao was perfectly aware that Zhou Long was capable of reaching the final cave much quicker than Hui Yue. It was also incredibly rare for information to be sent with mercenaries, especially since there was no way they could be rely on.

Thinking about it, Zhou Long had been showing favouritism towards Hui Yue, as though he knew something about the young man which Xu Piao did not. The Guild Master pondered slightly as he gave Hui Yue a searching look as if he hoped whatever it was Zhou Long saw in the young man would become aware to him as well.

Although he spent some time looking at Hui Yue causing the white-haired boy to feel oddly uncomfortable, he finally sighed and gave up the endeavor.

“Looks like the mission is pretty good,” Xu Piao said with a sigh as he handed back the golden emblem, but his face showed  an expression of not completely comprehending why Hui Yue had been given such a task.

Seeing his expression, Hui Yue somewhat understood what Xu Piao was thinking, and although the Guild Master said nothing, the white-haired boy quickly understood that the mission was not as simple as he had expected it to be.

Before Hui Yue had the time to ask any questions, a telling gaze landed on him from Xu Piao who very slightly shook his head signaling that this was not the location to chat. Seeing his gesture, Hui Yue did not continue the conversation, instead he smiled happily as he heard cheerful sounds from his friends; all of whom were thrilled with the idea of finally leaving Mercenarythis  Ccity.

Walking to the side, Hui Yue gestured for Xu Piao to follow him which the other man did willingly.

“What do you think about this mission?” Hui Yue asked in a very low voice, ensuring that no one close by would be able to hear what was being said.

Scratching his head, Xu Piao gave a wry smile showing his helplessness as he asked, “What  is your relationship with Zhou Long? Giving you a mission of such importance should make you someone he has known for years and trusts unconditionally.”

Hearing that Hui Yue nodded his head. It was indeed odd how Zhou Long treated him as if he was a long lost friend when they had not know each other from before. Could it be that Hui Yue reminded him of someone he knew?

Both Xu Piao and Hui Yue were quiet as each contemplated in why Zhou Long trust him so much, but both were unable to find an answer.

“So what are your plans now?” Xu Piao asked as he looked at how his friends were drinking and eating, playing around the bonfire they had started in the middle of the courtyard. Smiling Hui Yue answered, “I don’t think Zhou Long has any malicious thoughts against me.” He stated , his words making sense to Xu Piao.

“If he wanted me dead I would have died long ago,” Hui Yue continued, “but instead of killing me he constantly finds situations which are beneficial to me.”

“I think this mission is the same. He wishes to have control of how and where I travel, but at the same time he knows that I would declined the offer, if we were to travel together.” Hearing this Xu Piao was the one who nodded his head.

“Would you mind if I were to tag along?” Xu Piao suddenly asked, as he scratched his chin with a somewhat embarrassed expression on his face. “I have delayed a trip to the Dragon Core, final cave, for quite some time since I enjoy the leisurely life within the Demon Dwelling Cave. I have gotten quite a few orders about travelling soon, but I did not go. Perhaps if I could journey with you it would be much more interesting.”

Xu Piao gave a hurried explanation before Hui Yue had the time to answer, and the suddenness of it caused Hui Yue to laugh a little as he considered the situation.

In the cave they were at right now Hui Yue was seen as a strong man, and in the previous cave he had been the strongest. Yet he was aware that he would not be considered strong in the caves to come, yet if his group consisted of Hui Yue’s friends along with the two King ranked experts then it would be a lot safer.

This mission was highly lucrative for everyone as it dealt with the Dragon Corps. Although the Dragon Corps was seen as the highest power within this tunnel and cave system, other factions also existed.

Although these factions were not fighting against the Dragon Corps outright, they would pay a hefty sum of money to gain access to the information Hui Yue was carrying making the lucrative mission dangerous as well.

Currently the only ones aware of the details of the mission were Hui Yue, Xu Piao, and Zhou Long. Bringing along Xu Piao would also make it so that he could not sell the information. Although Hui Yue highly doubted that it was something Xu Piao would do, it was still a possibility.

Considering all the pros and cons Hui Yue slowly nodded his head, “It’d be a pleasure to have you join us.” He said in a quiet voice as he looked over at Deng Wu teasing Wang Ju Long by the campsite. A sad smile appeared on his face as he remembered how Wang Ju Long lost her Little Poppy whom she had spent a lot of time raising.

Little Poppy died a heroic death, as it managed to inflict severe damage to the face of the Horned Snake. It was, sadly, too slow in retreating, yet it had gone out in a blaze of glory.

After Zhou Long left the battleground, Hui Yue and his friends stayed behind where they created a grave for the flower.

The loss of her Little Poppy was hard on Wang Ju Long, but after some time Deng Wu and Hui Yue managed to break through her expressionless exterior and they once more saw the beautiful girl’s embarrassed smile.

Seeing Wang Ju Long smile like that made the heaviness vanish from Hui Yue’s heart and cheerfulness welled up in its place. It was as though his heart  ached together with Wang Ju Long, yet it had been for another reason.

Seeing that Deng Wu managed to make the still slightly depressed Wang Ju Long smile, Hui Yue could not help but let a smile appear on his own face, relief flooding his senses and happiness shining from his eyes.

Xu Piao noticing his change of expression looked in the direction Hui Yue was gazing at and a knowing smile appeared on his face along with laughter.

The laughter could be heard throughout the entire courtyard and with a red face Hui Yue pretended that nothing happened.

Their secretive meeting was interrupted by laughter, but they both knew that they would be comrades, and with their eyes did, they agreed upon meeting the following day to plan out the details of their trip.

Laughing out loud, Hui Yue and Xu Piao together reentered the party which was ongoing in their courtyard. Although everyone knew that the two had been conversing with hushed voices about important matters, no one asked any questions instead they accepted that they would not to be told before the matter before it was settled.

Walking to the bonfire in the middle of the courtyard Hui Yue smiled as he grabbed a stick with some meat which was being grilled. Looking at the freshness of the meat, Hui Yue could instantly tell that it was not his dried wolf meat, nor was it dried Horned Snake meat, and with a slight harrumph he ate the fresh food.

Hui Yue liked saving money. He never knew when he would need it and as long as he had dried meat he would have preferred to eat that. In spite of this, as soon as the tender meat entered his mouth the white-haired boy was stunned by how it melted in his mouth, exploding with flavor. A satisfied and relaxed expression appeared on his face.

This was not normal meat, this was meat from a magical beast which had been seasoned with medicinal herbs for the sake of defeating fatigue. Creating food like this was something which Wang Ju Long wished to learn, however, no teachers could be found within Riluo City.

Seeing that the meat was right in front of them and that Xu Piao was clearly not the creator, Hui Yue was even happier now than before. Because this meant  that Xie Lan was a cultivator with affinity for Wood and that she specialized in something Wang Ju Long was eager to learn.

Xie Lan was a great benefit to Hui Yue and he could not help whistling the rest of the time while he was eating the delicious food. Afterwords, he moved closer towards Sha Yun who was talking with Xie Lan and Xu Piao at  his side.

….

“So we will be leaving in three days,” Xu Piao said as he looked at Hui Yue. The two of them were standing within Xu Piao’s office and the older of the two had been packing items into storage stones getting ready for their trip.

Hui Yue nodded, three days was a perfect amount of time. This gave them time to purchase the items they would need and at the same time also give them enough rest to be ready for their journey out of the Demon Dwelling Cave. After all they had only left Mercenary City once, to slay the Horned Snake, and they were not familiar with the terrain..

Looking into the horizon and up at the sky it was hard to believe that this was truly just a cave. Everything looked as if they were in the world above and not underground.. Only if one looked carefully they would see a stone ceiling above the sun and in the distance, if one strained their eyes to the limit, one would be able to see the cave wall enveloping this world, locking everything inside as though it was a prison.

Hui Yue completely understood why Xu Piao was tired of this world, and maybe if he kept following the white-haired boy and assisting him when he was in trouble  Hui Yue would be willing to bring the older man out of this underground world. Friends helped each other after all.

Standing up, Hui Yue nodded to Xu Piao who nodded back, and with steady steps Hui Yue strode towards the courtyard where all his friends were waiting, curious to hear what it was that they had been conversing about.

Although they trusted Hui Yue’s judgement they could not help but be curious. They previously discussed what they thought the conversation was about and they all expected Hui Yue had invited Xu Piao to join them.

Strictly speaking they were wrong, as Hui Yue did not asked him to join, but Xu Piao suggested it, still as soon as they heard that the latter would be accompanying them and that he would bring Xie Lan as well happiness was visible on their faces, and everyone was overjoyed to hear the news.