Chapter 113: Moran’s Choice

High in the sky, Shen Yue looked down at Gu Xiaoyao and Bai Ting, confusion swirling in her mind.

“Why can’t I see my son, Gu Qingyi? How strange. Never mind, I’d better go down and check.”

She landed softly beside Bai Ting and the unconscious Gu Xiaoyao, eyeing them both from head to toe.

Bai Ting, her voice choked with sobs, quickly fell to her knees and knocked her head to the ground.

“Senior, I beg you, please save Young Master Gu! His injuries are too severe, and my skills are useless.”

Shen Yue felt Gu Xiaoyao’s meridians and checked his wounds, then let out a sigh.

“Enough, girl, don’t cry. Let me see… Looks like he’s lucked out, the wounds avoided his heart.”

“And any other critical spots too. He’s out of danger now, just get him home and let him recover.”

She stopped the bleeding and channeled a bit of spiritual energy into Gu Xiaoyao, then stood up and calmly wiped her hands before heading off to search for Gu Qingyi.

“My son, where are you? Why can’t your mother find you anywhere?” Floating in midair, Shen Yue darted through Sky Sword City, scanning high and low.

She finished searching the entire city in no time but still didn’t see a trace of Gu Qingyi, prompting her to mutter to herself.

“How odd. That man’s meridians from before felt a lot like my son’s, but up close, it wasn’t quite right. Such a mystery.”

“I must be imagining things. At least he’s safe for now. That’s good enough.”

Feeling her mind was spinning with too many questions, Shen Yue sighed and left.

“Thank you for your help, Senior.” Bai Ting watched Shen Yue’s retreating figure, kowtowed one last time, then helped Gu Xiaoyao away.

………………

Elsewhere, at the gates of Vast Sea City.

The blood had long since dried, and the bodies had been picked clean by vultures and crows, leaving only a field of bleak white bones.

From within the giant pit outside, two figures struggled to climb out. Making sure nobody was around, they slipped away. The two escapees, looking battered and beaten, were Moran and Muyan.

Moran helped the more seriously injured Muyan, his voice careful. “Muyan, how are your wounds? Will you be okay?”

“Relax, I’m not dying yet. Let’s put some distance between us and this place first—head for Yingchun, catch our breath, then decide our next move.” Muyan waved him off, and together, they limped away.

………………

Meanwhile, in Yingchun City, at the City Lord’s Mansion.

Every bookshelf was lined up perfectly. By the desk, two anxious figures paced back and forth—Bruce and Kasao.

It had already been three days since Yingchun City fell, and no word had come from the other two cities. Both men were on edge, restless like ants on a hot pan as they waited.

Bruce slapped his palm in frustration. “Damn it, could something have gone wrong? It’s been so long and not a single message. Even with delays, there should’ve been news by now!”

“I’ve got the same feeling something’s off. Knowing them, if it had worked out, someone would have sent word already,” Kasao heaved a heavy sigh, collapsing into a chair.

A sudden voice interrupted their thoughts.

“Report, Generals. The two Marshals have arrived. They’re staying outside the city gates and await your instructions.” A Demon Race guard knelt respectfully on one knee.

A mix of fear and relief flashed across Bruce’s face. “What? The Marshals are here? That’s great news—we finally heard something!”

Kasao’s worry changed to delight. “Bruce, let’s hurry and go greet them!”

The two of them rushed out, unable to hide the smiles breaking across their faces. A crowd of followers surged after them to welcome Moran and Muyan.

At the city gates, the two Marshals had traveled a long, hard road. Too badly hurt to fly, they had no choice but to walk.

The guards at the gates scrambled forward, trying to offer support, but the pair brushed them off and slumped heavily onto the ground.

Moran looked up at Yingchun City with a wry smile, trying to make light of things. “In the end, we miscalculated. Who would’ve guessed there was such an old monster in Vast Sea City? Next time, we’ll regroup and bring him down!”

“Easy for you to say,” Muyan sighed. “That old man really was something else. His techniques shut us down completely.”

As they spoke, Bruce and Kasao marched over with a large group behind them, the procession grand and imposing.

When Bruce and Kasao caught sight of the Marshals’ sorry state, they were both stunned.

Bruce’s voice shook. “Marshals, what happened? How did things end up like this?”

“Yes, Marshals, we haven’t heard from you in days. Why did only you two make it back? Where is everyone else?” Kasao stared behind them, baffled by the empty road.

Muyan burst out laughing. “Is it so shocking? Hahaha, we lost. And badly, too!”

Bruce was all confusion. “How can that be? You Marshals are the strongest in the clan’s campaign. Who could have done this to you?”

Moran slammed the ground, teeth clenched. “Who else could it be but that old bastard, Lu Buwei, the City Lord of Vast Sea City? Once we’ve recovered, we’ll take his head for sure!”

“For now, you should rest and heal. We’ll talk about dealing with Vast Sea City later,” Kasao interrupted.

Muyan nodded. “Agreed. Let’s recover first. Later, that old man will pay.”

With Bruce and Kasao’s help, Moran and Muyan left the gate, while the guards watched the road ahead with sharp, steely eyes.