Chapter 6: Pan Ning City - A New Life Begins  

A murderous glint flashed in his eyes as he raised his hand. Bang! At that moment, the big black ox suddenly stood up, its hooves slamming into his back with the force of a boulder. The sound of bones cracking echoed sharply. The man's face twisted in shock, and with a loud cry, blood gushed from his mouth. His mind reeled from the blow, his body pitching forward. 

Chen Xun's chest heaved, adrenaline surging through his veins, yet his mind became eerily calm. He drew the mountain-splitting axe from his waist and swung it fiercely at the man's neck. Though he controlled his strength, the blade still cut deep, exposing bone. The axe lodged in the man's spine, and Chen Xun's face was splattered with blood. He panted heavily. 

"Old Ox, get to work," Chen Xun said, his pupils trembling. He pulled out a flint. Dry wood was scattered all around. The big black ox didn't dare delay and began digging a pit nearby. Flames roared to life, consuming the body until even the ashes were scattered. Man and ox worked swiftly to erase all traces, even staging the scene. They dared not take a single item from the man's belongings. 

Then they ran. Faster and faster. Chen Xun swore to himself that he had never run so fast in his life. The big black ox was even faster than him. 

Two hours later, several figures arrived at the crime scene, their brows furrowed. 

"Master, this is where Liu Tian stopped earlier," one of them reported. 

"Why?" 

"There was a boy leading a big black ox. I imagine Brother Liu wanted to buy the ox to nourish the new disciples." 

"Hmph." 

The sect master stood on a tree branch, hands clasped behind his back, surveying the ground. "There are burn marks here, and the footprints are chaotic, making it hard to discern any direction." 

"Master, could it be that Liu Tian was killed…" The man's heart sank. Liu Tian was a skilled member of the Bai Xuan Sect. If something had truly happened to him, it was unthinkable that he wouldn't have put up a fight. 

"The perpetrator is meticulous, leaving few traces. That boy is the key," the sect master said, frowning. "Did anyone remember his appearance?" 

"Master… no," the man replied, bowing his head. Who would bother to remember the face of a cowherd, especially while on a mission? 

"Useless." 

"Please calm your anger, Master," the others said, bowing their heads. Liu Tian's death was indeed baffling. 

"Let's go. There's nothing more to find here. Take care of his family. Without a body, we can't be certain he's dead," the sect master said with a sigh. Though there were burn marks on the ground, he refused to believe that someone could kill and incinerate a body in such a short time. 

"Yes, Master." 

With a light step, they moved like swallows through the trees, vanishing in the blink of an eye. 

… 

By a riverside, Chen Xun lay flat in the water, washing away the blood that covered him. He stared at the sky, momentarily lost in thought. 

The big black ox played in the water nearby, suddenly splashing him in the face. Chen Xun jolted, instantly snapping back to reality. 

"Old Ox, you did well this time. Remember, when ambushing someone, don't waste words," Chen Xun said coldly. Kill or be killed—he was no saint. "We don't provoke others, but if someone harbors murderous intent toward us, we'll grind them to dust!" 

Moo! Moo! 

The big black ox snorted fiercely. If anyone dared to harm Chen Xun, it would kick them to death without hesitation. 

By the riverbank, they burned their bloodstained clothes. Chen Xun changed into a fresh set and spent the night there. The night passed uneventfully. At dawn, they resumed their journey. Their destination was a great city, rumored to be home to many cultivators—a far safer place than the wilderness. 

… 

Half a year later, it was the end of the year. The setting sun bathed the horizon in blood-red light. A young man leading a black ox appeared in the distance. 

Far ahead lay a massive city, sprawling like a crouching beast, its gaze menacing as it watched the travelers coming and going. 

Pan Ning City. Withstood the test of countless ages, steeped in history. The city gates bustled with activity, throngs of people coming and going. Within the city, fighting was strictly prohibited. It was a place of order, prosperity, and vibrant commerce. Backed by the vast Ningyun Mountain Range, the city's residents often ventured into the mountains to gather spiritual herbs to sell to cultivators. 

The Ningyun Mountain Range stretched endlessly, its depths unknown. It was said that an immortal sect resided within, hidden among the clouds, unseen by the mortal world. 

"Wow, I've never seen such magnificent city walls before," Chen Xun exclaimed, gazing at the weathered yet imposing city in the distance. A smile spread across his face. "Old Ox, our new life is about to begin." 

Moo! 

The big black ox pranced with excitement, equally awed by the grand city. It was far more impressive than the flimsy fences back in their village. 

"What a vast world this is, to see its mountains and rivers, to experience its splendor—this is the true meaning of immortality," Chen Xun said, his eyes brimming with anticipation. "Old Ox, let's go!" 

Moo! 

Man and ox broke into a trot, kicking up clouds of dust. Chen Xun laughed heartily as he held the ox's lead, while the big black ox mooed in delight. 

Passersby along the road shook their heads with a smile, though some couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. Ah, to be young again. 

The gates of Pan Ning City were enormous. Countless carts and villagers with livestock passed through, yet the flow remained smooth and orderly. 

Chen Xun's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he looked around, smiling warmly at anyone who glanced his way, earning nods of goodwill in return. 

He marveled at the city guards stationed at the gates, their imposing presence exuding vigor and strength. It was his first time seeing ancient soldiers, and they truly lived up to their reputation. 

One of the guards frowned slightly, noticing the boy's lingering gaze. He was about to step forward when the boy suddenly gave him a thumbs-up, his expression full of approval. The guard paused, then smiled and nodded. I understand, his look seemed to say. 

Entering the city, the view opened up before them. Man and ox stood frozen in place, awestruck as a vibrant scene unfolded like a grand painting. 

The streets were wide and bustling. Vendors lined the sides, shouting to advertise their wares. Street performers drew crowds with their acts, earning cheers and tossed coins. 

People in silk garments strolled by, their every movement exuding an air of elegance and refinement. 

Looking up, Chen Xun saw pavilions and towers everywhere, lanterns hanging high. Scholars and beauties recited poetry from balconies, their voices mingling with the lively atmosphere. The dazzling sights overwhelmed the senses. 

"Wonderful!" 

Moo! 

Chen Xun and the big black ox joined the crowd watching a street performance, enthusiastically cheering along. But soon, a flicker of hesitation crossed Chen Xun's face. Watching for free didn't feel right. 

After rummaging through his belongings, he tossed a copper coin into the performer's gong. Hearing the clink, the performer immediately turned toward Chen Xun and breathed out a plume of fire, drawing gasps of amazement. 

"Bravo!" 

Chen Xun clapped with delight. The big black ox, startled, thought the performer might be a cultivator putting on a show. Truly, this was a great city. 

After watching for a while, they left the crowd and bought two skewers of candied hawthorn. Chen Xun took a bite, then offered the ox a bite, drawing laughter from passing young women. 

"These are exquisite," Chen Xun said, marveling at the craftsmanship of the street vendors. Everything was handmade, the result of a lifetime of dedication. There was no room for deceit in such work. 

"Young man, see anything you like?" a vendor asked kindly. 

"I'm just looking. When I have money, I'll definitely come back to buy something," Chen Xun replied with an embarrassed smile, his words sincere. 

"No worries. I have a wooden carving here that's slightly flawed. If you like it, you can have it," the vendor said, handing him a tiger figurine. It was lifelike, though its tail seemed to have been carved incorrectly. 

"Sir, let us trade you some rice for it. I really like this carving," Chen Xun said. 

"Deal!" 

The vendor handed over the carving, and Chen Xun gave him some rice in exchange. 

Back on the street, Chen Xun held the figurine in both hands, admiring it with great fondness. The big black ox looked on enviously, wondering why the vendor hadn't given it a gift too.