Sanshou Lake

The rain did not stop, so they ended up wrapping only the luggage in the tarp and carrying it.

“I should have borrowed Senior Brother Kou’s poncho.”

Seiran said that as if he had just remembered it.

“That can only be used by one person. If only you did not get wet in the rain, Elder Tsuen would definitely complain.”

Seiran glanced at Elder Tsuen and then nodded. They wrapped everyone’s luggage in the tarp, tied it to a thin bamboo pole, and the two of them carried it together.

That evening, they finally arrived at the next village. Everyone was soaked, but only the luggage was safe. Elder Tsuen negotiated with the village chief, and they ended up being allowed to stay at his residence.

“We could not reach the town we were aiming for.”

Haoxuen said with regret.

“It was raining, so it could not be helped.”

According to their schedule, they were supposed to reach the next town, but when they arrived at the village before it, the sun was about to set, so they decided to stay there for one night.

“I apologize. This is such a small village that we do not even have an inn.”

“We are grateful enough just to be allowed to stay.”

Bowen thanked the village chief.

Even though it was the village chief’s residence, it was a small building. They had no choice but to sleep together in a room like a hall. After spending an uncomfortable night, Haoxuen and the others set out early the next morning.

“I am glad it is clear today.”

Seiran said while looking up at the sky.

“We will hurry. We must make up for yesterday’s delay.”

Elder Tsuen said that as if to remind them. After that, they proceeded smoothly and arrived at Sanshou Lake five days later. Goyou Cave was located on an island in the center of the lake.

When they went to the pier on the lake, an inner disciple from Goyou Cave was waiting.

“You are the people from Gyorei Cave, correct?”

“That is right. Could you guide us to Goyou Cave?”

“Of course. Please board the boat.”

That inner disciple introduced himself as Sonryen, a direct disciple of Elder Chiu.

Sonryen had prepared a boat that could carry about ten people, and they boarded that boat and headed for the island of Goyou Cave. Haoxuen, who had boarded the boat, watched the sight of them gliding across the water’s surface.

“The wind feels nice.”

Meimei, who was sitting beside him, nodded.

“It really is a pleasant wind. If it is an island in the center of a lake, it might be comfortable even in summer.”

“But they say that wherever there is a sect, there is a demon realm where demonic beasts live. I wonder if there is a demon realm on the island?”

Hearing that, Bowen cut into the conversation.

“That is not the case. Goyou Cave is a little unusual. On that island, there is something called the ‘Gate to Another Realm.’ If you use that gate, you can fly to a place where demonic beasts live.”

Bowen taught them so that all the young Taoist practitioners could hear.

“Fly? Do you fly through the sky?”

Seiran asked.

“No. Moving in an instant is called ‘flying.’”

“Is that so? Then where do you fly to?”

“I do not know the exact location, but they say that demon realm is in a warm region.”

Haoxuen turned his eyes in the direction the boat was moving.

“I wonder what this ‘Gate to Another Realm’ is like.”

“I cannot even imagine what that gate is. Goyou Cave has something mysterious.”

Seiran said that with his eyes sparkling.

“Look, it is the island.”

Hongfa, who had found the island, raised her voice. When Haoxuen and the others turned their eyes toward it, they saw an island with a large mountain towering at its center.

The boat pulled up alongside the island’s pier, and the Taoist practitioners from Gyorei Cave landed. Sonryen guided them to Goyou Cave’s Main Hall. The building of that Main Hall felt more historical than Gyorei Cave’s.

In front of that Main Hall, Elder Chiu of Goyou Cave and several Taoist practitioners were waiting to greet them.

“Welcome, everyone from Gyorei Cave. We welcome you.”

Besides Elder Chiu, several young Taoist practitioners had also come. Among them were those who would fight in exchange matches with Haoxuen and the others. One cheeky-looking person among them looked Haoxuen and the others over as if appraising them.

“There is no one impressive here. Will Goyou Cave have an easy win this year?”

He probably intended to speak quietly, but Haoxuen and Seiran heard him. The fact that the two of them heard it meant that Elder Tsuen and Bowen heard it as well.

Elder Chiu glared at that inner disciple.

“I apologize for my disciple’s lack of proper education.”

Elder Tsuen glanced at the inner disciple of Goyou Cave who had said something rude.

“It is fine for him to be energetic. However, it would be better for him to remember that responsibility comes with one’s words.”

Hearing that, Elder Chiu gave a wry smile.

“Does that mean you have promising young ones growing up?”

“No, no. It feels about the same as usual.”

“I see. We also have only one person who seems to have talent, but whether he will amount to anything is another matter.”

After that, Haoxuen and the others were shown to guest rooms. They would rest there, and from the next day, the tour of Goyou Cave and the exchange matches would apparently begin.

After the young Taoist practitioners went to sleep, Elder Tsuen and Bowen began talking while drinking the alcohol they had received from Elder Chiu.

“Among those seven, is there anyone who can defeat Goyou Cave’s young ones?”

Elder Tsuen asked Bowen.

“Let me see. Haoxuen and Seiran may be able to win.”

Hearing that, Elder Tsuen frowned.

“Those two are people who train together with Kou.”

“Elder Shanshi said that Kou has talent.”

“Hmph. There is no way a brat like that has any talent. Those two train together with that Kou. It would be better not to expect anything from them.”

“I know that you dislike Kou, Elder Tsuen. However, there is no need to dislike even his training companions.”

“There is a saying: ‘If you mix with vermilion, you become red.’ People who associate with Kou are bound to become impertinent.”

Hearing that, Bowen shrugged.