Chapter 67: The Road to the Northern Mountains

The cool night breeze rustled through the trees as Tang Xiu and Lei Xian walked down the mountain path. The faint glow of the moon lit their way, casting long shadows over the uneven trail.

Lei Xian, still trying to catch his breath after the chaos at the Yan Clan estate, glanced nervously at Tang Xiu. "Boss, are we seriously going after that artifact? The Northern Mountains aren't a joke. That place is cursed, they say."

Tang Xiu smirked but didn't stop walking. "Cursed? Those are just stories spread by the ignorant. Most likely, the area is protected by formations or ancient traps left by true cultivators. But that's exactly why we're going."

Lei Xian groaned, scratching the back of his head. "You make it sound easy, but the Northern Mountains are crawling with beasts. Even mercenaries don't venture too deep. I've heard stories of entire teams disappearing in there."

Tang Xiu's pace didn't falter. "If it were easy, it wouldn't be worth my time."

They walked in silence for a while, the weight of their journey settling over them. Lei Xian finally broke the quiet.

"Boss," he said hesitantly, "what's so special about this artifact? Why would the Yan Clan go to such lengths to find it?"

Tang Xiu glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "If the Yan Clan is desperate enough to trap me for it, then it's something valuable. The elder mentioned it grants unparalleled strength. That kind of power could upset the balance of this entire region."

Lei Xian frowned. "But do you need it, Boss? You already seem unstoppable to me."

Tang Xiu's smirk softened into a small smile. "Unstoppable? Hardly. What you've seen so far is only the beginning. My current strength is nothing compared to what I once had. To reclaim my rightful place, I need to seize every opportunity. And this artifact might be the key to unlocking more of my power."

Lei Xian nodded slowly, though he still looked uneasy.

As they continued down the path, the forest grew denser, the air heavier. Strange sounds echoed around them—the distant calls of beasts, the rustle of leaves in the wind, and the occasional snap of a twig that set Lei Xian on edge.

"Boss," he said, his voice low, "we're being followed."

Tang Xiu stopped, his sharp gaze scanning the darkness around them. He closed his eyes briefly, his spiritual sense spreading out like an invisible net.

"Three people," he said quietly. "Skilled, but sloppy. They've been tailing us since we left the estate."

Lei Xian clenched his fists. "Should we deal with them?"

Tang Xiu shook his head. "Not yet. Let them think they have the upper hand. We'll draw them out when the time is right."

They resumed their journey, pretending not to notice the shadows moving behind them. Tang Xiu's demeanor remained calm, but his senses stayed on high alert.

After an hour of walking, they reached a clearing where a small stream cut through the forest. Tang Xiu stopped and motioned for Lei Xian to rest.

"Here's good enough," he said, his voice casual.

Lei Xian blinked. "Good enough for what?"

Tang Xiu smirked and turned toward the trees. "For our friends to make their move."

As if on cue, three figures stepped out of the shadows, their faces masked and their weapons drawn.

"Well, well," one of them said, his voice dripping with arrogance. "You've got sharp senses, I'll give you that. But it doesn't matter. Hand over whatever you took from the Yan Clan, and we might let you live."

Tang Xiu crossed his arms, his expression bored. "You've been following me for hours, and this is the best you can come up with? Pathetic."

The masked man bristled. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But arrogance won't save you."

Tang Xiu sighed, shaking his head. "I don't have time for this. If you're going to attack, get on with it."

The masked men exchanged glances, then lunged forward in unison, their weapons gleaming under the moonlight.

Lei Xian moved to defend, but Tang Xiu raised a hand to stop him. "Stay back. They're not worth your energy."

With a flick of his wrist, Tang Xiu sent a wave of energy rippling through the air. The masked men froze mid-attack, their bodies trembling as an invisible force pressed down on them.

"What… what is this?!" one of them gasped, his weapon falling from his hands.

Tang Xiu stepped forward, his aura growing heavier with each step. "You dared to follow me into the wilderness, thinking you could rob me? Let me teach you the cost of underestimating your opponent."

He flicked his fingers again, and the masked men were sent flying backward, crashing into the trees with bone-crunching force.

Two of them groaned, struggling to get up, but Tang Xiu's cold gaze stopped them in their tracks.

"Leave," he said, his voice icy. "Tell whoever sent you that Tang Xiu doesn't forgive or forget. If they want to come after me again, they'd better be prepared to pay the price."

The men scrambled to their feet and disappeared into the forest, their arrogance shattered.

Lei Xian let out a low whistle. "Boss, you really don't hold back, do you?"

Tang Xiu smirked. "They're lucky I was in a forgiving mood."

Lei Xian chuckled nervously. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."

Tang Xiu glanced toward the horizon, where the Northern Mountains loomed in the distance. "We've wasted enough time. Let's keep moving."

As they disappeared into the forest, the path ahead seemed to grow darker, the dangers more tangible. But Tang Xiu's resolve was unshakable. No matter what lay ahead, he would face it head-on, his sights set firmly on the artifact and the power it promised.