The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Three days later, the group led by the idiot was attacked by bandits.

"Hand over the goods immediately, or you'll all be splattered with blood on the spot," the leader of the bandits threatened fiercely.

The foolish senior sneered and replied, "With your rabble, you dare to rob our Tiger Gate Escort Agency's goods? You're simply courting death." Before he finished speaking, he waved his hand, and the escorts quickly took their positions, ready to fight.

Luo Yifei showed no fear, gripping his longsword tightly and standing at the front of the group. Although he was only at the Body Refinement Realm, his fighting spirit was high, and he was determined to protect the goods and safeguard the reputation of the escort agency.

The battle erupted instantly, with the bandits launching the first attack, brandishing their weapons and charging towards the镖师 (bodyguards/escorts). The镖师 (bodyguards/escorts) were not to be outdone, each displaying their unique skills in a fierce battle against the bandits.

Luo Yifei also joined the battle. Although his cultivation level was not high, he engaged in a fierce fight with a bandit using his agile movements and tenacious fighting spirit. Although his swordsmanship was not skillful, it was quite sharp, and every strike was aimed at the bandit's vital points.

In the midst of the fierce battle, Luo Yifei suddenly noticed a thief stealthily approaching the goods. Startled, he hurriedly shouted, "Everyone be careful! A thief is trying to steal the goods!" With that, he struggled to shake off the thief in front of him and chased after the thief who was trying to steal the goods.

Seeing Luo Yifei chasing after him, the bandit panicked and quickened his pace. Luo Yifei pursued relentlessly and finally caught up with the bandit just as he was about to touch the goods. Luo Yifei shouted and slashed at the bandit's arm with his sword. The bandit, in excruciating pain, released his grip, and the dagger fell to the ground.

At this moment, the idiot senior arrived and punched the bandit in the face. The bandit couldn't dodge in time and was knocked to the ground. Seeing this, the other bodyguards quickly surrounded him and subdued the bandit.

After a fierce battle, the bandits were finally driven back. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as they watched the bandits being subdued. The idiot senior stepped forward, patted Luo Yifei on the shoulder, and said, "Fellow Daoist Luo, you did a good job just now. You were able to sense the danger at the crucial moment and protect the goods."

Luo Yifei quickly clasped his hands in greeting and said, "Senior, you flatter me. This is the result of everyone's joint efforts. What should we do with these bandits?"

The Foolish Senior's eyes turned cold as he said, "These bandits have a history of committing numerous evils and robbing the innocent; they cannot be let off easily. Tie them up first, and when we reach the next town, we'll hand them over to the authorities so they can receive their due punishment." The other镖师 (bodyguards/escorts) readily agreed and quickly bound the remaining bandits tightly. Afterward, they checked the goods again to ensure nothing was missing before continuing their journey. Along the way, Luo Yifei chatted amiably with the Foolish Senior, learning much about镖路 (escort/escort) experience and survival skills in the Illusionary Continent. The other镖师 also shared anecdotes and thrilling experiences from their own镖路 journeys, giving Luo Yifei a deeper understanding of this profession. As night fell, they found a suitable campsite to spend the night. After the Foolish Senior arranged for guards, everyone rested to prepare for the next day's journey.

The night was deep and still, utterly silent except for the occasional chirping of insects. Luo Yifei lay on his makeshift bed, unable to fall asleep. The fierce battle with the bandits earlier that day was still vivid in his mind; the tense atmosphere and the intense fighting still stirred his emotions. At the same time, he was also aware of his own shortcomings in cultivation, sometimes feeling powerless in combat.

"Fellow Daoist Luo, are you still awake?" came the voice of the idiot senior from the side.

Luo Yifei sat up and said softly, "Senior, I felt deeply that my cultivation was insufficient during today's battle. If I had a higher cultivation, I might be able to deal with those bandits better."

The foolish senior chuckled and said, "Fellow Daoist Luo, the path of cultivation is inherently long and arduous, and your performance today has been quite good. To improve your cultivation, besides diligent practice, you also need some opportunities. This Illusionary Star Continent is vast and boundless, with countless opportunities. As long as you are determined, you will definitely find a way to improve your cultivation."

Luo Yifei nodded and said, "What you say is true, senior. But I wonder if there is a suitable place for me to cultivate nearby?"

After pondering for a moment, the foolish senior said, "There is a spiritual mountain not far ahead called Qingfeng Mountain. The mountain is rich in spiritual energy, and many cultivators go there to cultivate. However, there are also some dangers on that mountain, and occasionally demonic beasts appear. But with your current cultivation level, as long as you are careful, there shouldn't be any major problems."

A hint of surprise flashed in Luo Yifei's eyes as he said, "Thank you for your guidance, senior. After this escort mission is over, I will go and take a look at Qingfeng Mountain."

The idiot senior patted him on the shoulder and said, "Good, that's ambitious. But before that, we still need to complete this escort mission well. For us escorts, reputation is the most important thing."

Luo Yifei nodded solemnly and said, "Senior, rest assured, I will do my best to complete this escort mission."

The two chatted for a while longer before going to sleep. The next morning, as the sun shone on the earth, everyone packed their bags early and continued their journey. Along the way, although they occasionally encountered minor troubles, they were all easily resolved.

After several days of travel, the group finally arrived at their destination—a bustling town. They breathed a sigh of relief after safely delivering the goods. As previously agreed, the idiot senior led Luo Yifei to the government office and handed the bandits over to the authorities. The officials expressed their gratitude to the Humen Escort Agency and promised to handle the bandits properly.

After leaving the government office, Luo Yifei said to the idiot senior, "Senior, I benefited greatly from your guidance during this escort mission. Now that the mission is successfully completed, I would like to rest in this town for a few days and inquire about the situation at Qingfeng Mountain."

The foolish senior smiled and replied, "Fellow Daoist Luo, you don't need to be so polite. This is my duty. You can rest here for a few days. If you need anything, come to the escort agency to find me. I'll go back to the escort agency to report now."

Luo Yifei quickly clasped his hands in greeting and said, "Take care, senior. We'll meet again." Watching the foolish senior's departing figure, Luo Yifei's heart was filled with anticipation for the future.

Before he left, Jingyun did not stop him, but whispered, "Be careful in everything, and run if things get tough."

Without much thought, Luo Yifei bid farewell to the Humen Escort Agency. Escorting goods for cultivators was very different from escorting goods for mortals. Through a communication talisman, Luo Yifei learned that Ye Xuehan and the others had just arrived at the Immortal Ferry, but he did not delve into it. He decided to explore the town thoroughly first to prepare for his journey to Qingfeng Mountain.

The town was bustling with activity, its streets teeming with people and lined with a dazzling array of shops. Luo Yifei strolled along the streets, admiring the vibrant scene around him while inquiring about Qingfeng Mountain from passersby.

He entered a teahouse, found a seat by the window, and ordered a pot of tea. He listened to the casual conversation of the other tea drinkers, hoping to glean some useful information. At that moment, the conversation at the next table caught his attention.

"I've heard that Qingfeng Mountain has been quite unsettled lately. There are many demonic beasts roaming the mountain, and many cultivators who went there returned empty-handed, some even injured," a tea drinker said.

“Yes, but the spiritual energy on that mountain is indeed abundant. If one could safely cultivate there for a period of time, one’s cultivation level would definitely improve,” another tea drinker replied.

Luo Yifei's heart stirred. After the two had finished their conversation and left, he stood up and walked to the teahouse owner, cupping his fists and asking, "Boss, I just heard those two guests mention Qingfeng Mountain. Do you know anything about Qingfeng Mountain?"

The teahouse owner looked Luo Yifei up and down and said with a smile, "Sir, Qingfeng Mountain is not far from this town. It is true that the mountain is full of spiritual energy, but as those two guests just said, the monsters on the mountain have been active recently, so it is not very safe. However, if you really want to go, just go east out of the town, and it will take about half a day to reach the foot of the mountain."

Luo Yifei quickly thanked the shopkeeper, feeling reassured. He strolled around the town a bit more, buying some necessities such as healing pills and protective talismans.

A few days later, Luo Yifei felt he was ready, so he left the town and headed towards Qingfeng Mountain. Along the way, he was cautious, constantly on guard against any potential dangers.

When he finally arrived at the foot of Qingfeng Mountain, he was awestruck by the sight before him. The mountain peaks soared into the clouds, shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland. But at the same time, he also sensed a faint aura of danger.

Luo Yifei took a deep breath and resolutely walked up the mountain. Not long after entering the mountain, he encountered a small demonic beast. This beast resembled a wild boar, but its body was covered in sharp quills. Upon seeing Luo Yifei, it roared and charged at him.

Luo Yifei swiftly dodged to the side, simultaneously drawing his longsword and thrusting it at the demonic beast. The beast was incredibly agile, easily avoiding Luo Yifei's attack, and then charged at him again. Luo Yifei fought the beast for several rounds, gradually figuring out its attack patterns.

He seized the opportunity, dodging to the side as the monster charged again, and then plunged his sword into its abdomen. The monster cried out in pain and turned to flee. Luo Yifei gave it no chance, chasing after it and killing it with another strike.

After defeating the monster, Luo Yifei continued his ascent up the mountain. As he ventured deeper, the monsters he encountered grew increasingly powerful. But he did not back down, relying on his tenacious fighting spirit and agile movements to repeatedly escape danger.

After walking in the mountains for several days, Luo Yifei finally found a place with abundant spiritual energy. It was a small valley surrounded by dense trees, and in the valley was a small spiritual spring with crystal-clear water that emitted a faint spiritual energy.

Luo Yifei was overjoyed and decided to cultivate here. He first built a simple dwelling in the valley, and then began to cultivate in peace. Nourished by the spiritual energy, he felt his cultivation level gradually improving.

However, just as he was immersed in his cultivation, an even greater crisis was quietly approaching. One night, Luo Yifei was cultivating when he suddenly sensed a powerful aura approaching the valley. He opened his eyes and looked warily towards the valley entrance.

A gigantic demonic beast appeared there. Its body resembled a tiger, but it possessed a single horn on its head and exuded a terrifying aura. Upon seeing Luo Yifei, it roared and pounced on him.

Luo Yifei was startled; he knew this demonic beast was far stronger than any he had encountered before. But he didn't back down. Gripping his longsword, he prepared to fight. As the beast charged towards him, he dodged to the side, simultaneously slashing at its leg.

The demonic beast reacted extremely quickly, leaping away before pouncing on Luo Yifei again. Luo Yifei engaged the beast in a fierce battle, causing the spiritual energy in the valley to surge and sword shadows to flash.

During the battle, Luo Yifei gradually felt his strength waning, and he sustained multiple injuries. But he gritted his teeth and persevered in fighting the demonic beasts. Just when he was about to give up, he suddenly remembered what the foolish senior had said: the path of cultivation requires opportunities.

A thought struck him. While dodging the monster's attacks, he began to observe his surroundings, trying to find a way out. Just then, he noticed that the monster would instinctively protect its single horn each time it attacked.

Luo Yifei's eyes lit up; he guessed that the horn might be the monster's weakness. So, he deliberately created an opening to lure the monster into attacking. When the monster pounced again, he seized the opportunity and thrust his sword at the monster's horn.

The monster hadn't expected Luo Yifei to attack its horn. Unable to dodge in time, it was stabbed by Luo Yifei's sword. It let out a scream and swayed. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Luo Yifei thrust his sword deep into the monster's horn.

The demonic beast struggled a few times before finally collapsing to the ground. Luo Yifei, exhausted, also collapsed to the ground. Looking at the dead beast, he was filled with emotion. This battle with the powerful demonic beast had made him realize his shortcomings and strengthened his resolve to improve his cultivation.

After resting for a while, Luo Yifei got up and disposed of the monster's corpse, then continued cultivating in the valley. He felt a deep unease as he cultivated. He had come here to live in harmony with the monsters, seeking help from Senior Qingluan; now, however, he was hunting monsters in the mountains to improve his cultivation.

"I wonder where Senior Qingluan is? Is she still alive?" Thinking of this, Luo Yifei coughed up blood and almost suffered a qi deviation.

Luo Yifei suppressed his thoughts, deciding that he should get up the mountain as soon as possible.

He quickly tidied himself up and, despite his injuries, continued his ascent to higher ground of Qingfeng Mountain. Along the way, he encountered several more powerful demonic beasts, but thanks to his experience from previous battles with strong beasts, he managed to repel them all with difficulty.

As Luo Yifei ascended, he noticed the surrounding spiritual energy becoming increasingly dense, but the sense of danger also intensified. When he reached the edge of a steep cliff, he suddenly heard a low roar coming from below. He cautiously approached the cliff edge and looked down, only to see a gigantic beast, its body radiating an eerie light, slowly rising from the valley. Its eyes gleamed with ferocity as it stared intently at Luo Yifei.

Luo Yifei's heart tightened; he knew this demonic beast was far beyond his capabilities. Retreat was no longer an option. He took a deep breath, channeling his remaining spiritual energy, preparing for this fierce battle. The demonic beast leaped forward, charging at Luo Yifei with incredible speed. Luo Yifei dodged to the side, simultaneously swinging his longsword, imbued with his concentrated spiritual power, and slashed at the beast. The beast roared in pain, but wasn't seriously injured; instead, it attacked Luo Yifei even more frantically.

In the midst of the fierce battle, Luo Yifei gradually felt his spiritual energy about to be exhausted, and his body became extremely weak due to repeated injuries. Just as he was feeling desperate, a light suddenly flashed from his arms; it was a mysterious talisman he had bought in town earlier. He had found this talisman at an inconspicuous stall, and bought it because he thought it was somewhat special. He never expected it to emit light now.

Luo Yifei's heart skipped a beat. He quickly took out a talisman and activated it using a spirit stone. The talisman instantly unleashed a powerful force, forming a light barrier that repelled the demonic beast. The demonic beast was forced back by this sudden power, letting out angry roars. Luo Yifei took the opportunity to adjust his breathing and recover some of his strength.

He observed the demonic beast temporarily blocked by the light barrier, pondering a countermeasure. Suddenly, he noticed that although the beast was ferocious, its movements were somewhat sluggish under the suppression of the light barrier. Luo Yifei seized this opportunity, concentrating all his spiritual power and launching a full-force attack towards the beast's head. The longsword, carrying a sharp aura, pierced the beast's eye, unable to dodge in time. It let out a shrill scream and struggled violently.

Luo Yifei gave the demonic beast no chance to breathe, continuing his attack and finally slaying the powerful creature. Looking at the dead beast, Luo Yifei collapsed to the ground, panting heavily. He was covered in wounds, and his spiritual energy was almost completely depleted, but he knew he had overcome another challenge on Qingfeng Mountain.

After resting for a while, Luo Yifei got up and continued walking towards the top of the mountain.