Section 206

In the early morning, Black Kirin, still dressed in her plain robes, packed her belongings simply and arrived at the secluded banyan tree south of the city, their agreed meeting spot. When she arrived, Lei Shi and several other young men from the Fire Sparrow Clan were already waiting. There were also over a dozen more clansmen with them—men and women, young and old—each dressed in tribal attire with fiery red tones, carrying packs, and wearing expressions of devotion and solemnity.

"Miss Mo, you've arrived." Seeing Black Kirin, a smile appeared on Lei Shi's face. He pointed to an elderly man standing at the front of the group, holding a Coiling Dragon wooden staff, with white hair and beard but a spirited and vigorous appearance. "This is our leader for this trip, Elder Huang Lei."

Black Kirin stepped forward and bowed slightly to the old man. "Junior Black Kirin greets Elder Huang Lei."

Elder Huang Lei's gaze was deep and sharp, as if he could see through one's heart. He looked Black Kirin up and down before slowly speaking in an aged but resonant voice, "Lei Shi has told me everything. You say you are searching for an old friend, and that friend might have a connection with my Fire Sparrow Clan?"

"Precisely," Black Kirin replied neither submissively nor arrogantly. "My master traveled through the Southern Border in his early years and had a connection with a Senior from the Fire Sparrow Clan. My sect Elders mentioned that that Senior might be an acquaintance of one of your tribe's Elders. This is a token gifted by my master back then; please have a look, Elder."

As she spoke, she took out the specially made Mohist wooden kite from her robe and presented it with both hands.

The wooden kite was exquisitely crafted, with movable joints in the wings, making it look lifelike. Elder Huang Lei's gaze fell upon it, and a faint, almost imperceptible flicker passed through his sharp eyes. He reached out an aged, withered hand, took the wooden kite, and examined it carefully for a moment.

"This wooden kite... does indeed look familiar," Elder Huang Lei mused. "The person who made this must be a master craftsman. May I ask the name of your old friend? Or perhaps any distinguishing features?"

Black Kirin felt a surge of joy; it seemed this wooden kite truly held some weight. Following her prepared story, she described a fictional wandering hero who had some connection to the Mohist school and stated that he might have had contact with the Fire Sparrow Clan several decades ago.

Elder Huang Lei listened quietly, his expression not changing much. He handed the wooden kite back to Black Kirin. "I cannot recall the person you speak of for the moment. However, my Fire Sparrow Clan has lived in the Hundred Thousand Mountains for generations and has little contact with the outside world. If a clansman did indeed befriend someone from the Central Plains, they were likely a maverick of sorts."

He paused, his gaze returning to Black Kirin. "Today is our tribe's annual Fire God Festival. We are heading to the outskirts of the Holy Land, 'Phoenix Nest,' to offer sacrifices. That is our tribe's Forbidden Ground, and outsiders are not permitted to enter. However, for the sake of this wooden kite, if you do not mind the long and arduous journey, you may accompany us to the sacrificial party's campsite. Once the preliminary rites are completed, I can ask several of the older members of the tribe on your behalf to see if anyone knows of your old friend's whereabouts."

These words neither fully agreed nor fully refused, leaving considerable room for maneuver. Black Kirin understood that this was the greatest concession Elder Huang Lei could make.

"Thank you for your help, Elder," Black Kirin bowed again. "I am willing to accompany you, and I hope you will forgive any inconvenience I may cause."

Elder Huang Lei nodded slightly and said no more. He turned to his clansmen and said, "The hour is late. Let's depart!"

With the order given, the Fire Sparrow Clan's group set off in an orderly fashion, heading deep into the mountain forests to the southeast.

Black Kirin followed at the end of the line, and Lei Shi took the initiative to keep her company.

"Miss Mo, our Fire Sparrow Clan rarely brings outsiders near the Holy Land. For Elder Huang Lei to agree is already an exception," Lei Shi explained in a low voice. "The Elder is the wisest person in our tribe. Since he said so, he will definitely do his best to help you."

"I understand," Black Kirin said with a smile. "Brother Lei Shi, what kind of rituals does your Fire God Festival involve?"

"The Fire God Festival is our tribe's grandest holiday. It is mainly to sacrifice to the Fire God, praying for his protection so our tribe has favorable weather and stays away from disasters. The ceremony will be held at the Holy Fire Platform on the outskirts of the Phoenix Nest, presided over by the High Priest. We will offer the best sacrifices, perform sacrificial dances, and sing hymns to the god." Lei Shi's eyes were filled with pride as he spoke of his tribe's traditions.

The group moved at a brisk pace. Having lived in the mountains and forests year-round, the Fire Sparrow clansmen's stamina was far beyond that of ordinary Han people. They were familiar with every small path in the mountains and could easily avoid areas frequented by venomous insects and fierce beasts. With her martial arts, Black Kirin naturally kept up easily, but she also noticed that even the women and children of the Fire Sparrow Clan had incredible physical strength.

Along the way, the scenery of the Southern Border was strangely beautiful and treacherous—ancient trees reached for the sky, vines were densely packed, and miasma appeared and disappeared fitfully. The deeper they went, the scarcer the human presence became, and the air was filled with a primitive and mysterious aura.

As she walked, Black Kirin observed secretly. She found that the Fire Sparrow clansmen were filled with awe for this mountain forest; they did not pick plants at random nor did they easily harm animals, as if they had reached a certain understanding with this land.

By evening, the group arrived at a leeward valley to camp. There was a clear stream in the valley, and the surrounding terrain was relatively flat. The Fire Sparrow clansmen skillfully set up simple tents, lit campfires, and prepared food.

Black Kirin also found a clean spot and took out her rations and water skin.

Lei Shi walked over carrying a bowl of steaming meat soup. "Miss Mo, try our tribe's roasted meat and soup. Though simple, the flavor is quite good."

The soup was simmered with wild game from the mountains and some unknown spices, giving it a fragrant aroma. The roasted meat also emitted an enticing charred scent.

"Thank you." Black Kirin didn't stand on ceremony and took a sip of the soup; the taste was indeed delicious.

The campfires blazed, reflecting on many simple and devout faces. Some young Fire Sparrow men and women gathered around the fire and sang melodious songs. The singing was graceful, with a hint of desolation and mystery, echoing through the valley.

Elder Huang Lei sat by the fire, resting with his eyes closed. The wooden staff in his hand was planted in the soil beside him, and the coiling dragon on the staff head flickered in the firelight, as if it had come to life.

Black Kirin listened quietly to the singing, her gaze occasionally sweeping over Elder Huang Lei. She could feel that this old man seemed to hide many secrets. The jade pendant in her possession seemed to feel even warmer after approaching this area.

The direction guided by the Star-Seeking Compass was perfectly consistent with the direction they were traveling.

The Phoenix Nest, it seemed, was truly not far away.

As the night deepened, most people had entered their dreams except for the clansmen on watch. Black Kirin leaned against a large tree, appearing to doze, but in reality, she was listening and watching in all directions. She knew the true test might still lie ahead. Would that shadow lurking in the dark follow them here?

The next morning, the group continued their journey to the southeast. The mountain path became increasingly rugged and difficult, the trees grew denser, and in some places, they even needed to use machetes to clear away vines to pass. The sense of humid heat in the air grew heavier. Occasionally, brightly colored venomous snakes and strangely shaped insects could be seen flashing through the grass, forcing Black Kirin to stay fully alert.

The Fire Sparrow clansmen were long accustomed to this; they could even scent danger in the wind and avoid certain areas in advance. Elder Huang Lei walked at the very front of the group, his wooden staff tapping the ground from time to time, as if in silent communication with this ancient mountain forest.

Black Kirin noticed that the closer they got to the Phoenix Nest, the more solemn the expressions of the Fire Sparrow clansmen became. They no longer chatted as easily as the day before, and even the children were much quieter, following closely beside the adults. A pious atmosphere, almost like a pilgrimage, filled the group.

That afternoon, after the group crossed a treacherous mountain ridge, the view ahead suddenly opened up. A massive basin appeared in front of them. In the center of the basin, a towering mountain of a peculiar shape was faintly visible. The color of the mountain was crimson, as if it had been scorched by flames. Even from a distance, a faint, scorching aura could be felt coming from that direction.

"That is Divine Fire Mountain, where the 'Phoenix Nest' is located." Lei Shi pointed at the distant crimson peak, his voice filled with deep awe. "Our Holy Fire Platform is on a plateau at the foot of Divine Fire Mountain. Tonight, we will rest at the campsite at the foot of the mountain and hold the ceremony tomorrow morning."

Black Kirin gazed at the crimson mountain, feeling quite shocked. In the afterglow of the setting sun, the silhouette of the peak truly looked somewhat like a giant bird about to take flight. And the Fire Sparrow jade pendant in her robe now emitted an increasingly intense warmth, as if resonating with the distant mountain. If she took out the Star-Seeking Compass now, the needle would surely point there unswervingly.

"Will the phoenix feather crimson flame... be in this mountain?" Black Kirin thought to herself.

The group stopped at a relatively flat clearing in the woods on the outskirts of Divine Fire Mountain; this was their campsite for the night. This place was still several miles away from the crimson peak, but the unique scorching aura could already be clearly felt.

The Fire Sparrow clansmen began busily setting up tents and preparing items for the ceremony. Elder Huang Lei walked alone to a massive ancient banyan tree, sat cross-legged facing the direction of Divine Fire Mountain, and muttered to himself, seemingly performing some kind of prayer ritual.

Black Kirin did not disturb them. she found a slightly higher mound and carefully observed the surrounding environment. The terrain around Divine Fire Mountain was extremely complex, with steep cliffs and vegetation that appeared charred black, clearly due to the year-round influence of high temperatures. In the air, besides the freshness of plants, there was also a faint smell of sulfur.

Chapter 197: Traveling the Southern Border! Fearing Neither Cold Nor Heat!

Just then, Lei Shi walked over, holding a few wild fruits. "Miss Mo, these are 'Flame Fruits,' a fruit unique to our tribe. Try one."

The fruit was crimson all over, crystal clear, and emitted an enticing sweet fragrance. Black Kirin took one and took a bite, feeling a surge of warm, sweet juice flow down her throat with a hint of strange spiciness; the flavor was quite unique.

“Thank you.”

“Miss Mo, after tomorrow's ceremony, the Elder will inquire about news of your old friend for you,” Lei Shi said. “However, the Phoenix Nest is our clan's Holy Land. Even for us, we can only enter the outer regions on specific days under the guidance of the High Priest. Deeper inside... legend says there is divine fire guarding it, and no one can get close.”

Black Kirin nodded. “I understand. To have come this far is already an imposition.” She changed the subject, asking seemingly casually, “Brother Lei Shi, your Fire Sparrow Clan members seem to have a different Physique from ordinary people; you don't fear heat or cold and possess great strength. Is this related to this Divine Fire Mountain?”

Lei Shi chuckled with a hint of pride. “Our Fire Sparrow Clan has lived in this region since ancient times. We drink the spring water from the foot of Divine Fire Mountain and eat Flame Fruits. Over time, our Physiques naturally became extraordinary. Legend has it that our ancestors were once baptized by the divine fire of the Undead Bird, and thus the power of flames remains within our Bloodline.”

As they were speaking, a slight tremor suddenly came from the direction of the distant Divine Fire Mountain. Immediately following it, a strange, long whistle that sounded like a phoenix cry pierced the sky. Though distant, it was clearly audible!

“Liiiii—!”

The sound was high-pitched and desolate, carrying an unspeakable majesty and power.

Hearing the sound, all the Fire Sparrow Clan members changed countenance. They knelt on the ground one after another, bowing toward Divine Fire Mountain and shouting in an unintelligible tribal language, their expressions showing both awe and excitement.

Black Kirin was also shaken inwardly. This sound... was actually somewhat similar to the resonance occasionally emitted by the “phoenix cry” zither in her arms! Could it be that there truly was an existence related to the Phoenix within the Phoenix Nest? Could the phoenix feather crimson flame be the feathers of this Undead Bird?

Just as everyone was immersed in excitement and awe, a sudden change occurred!

From the dense forest on the flank of Divine Fire Mountain, over a dozen dark shadows suddenly lunged out. Their movements were as swift as ghosts as they pounced straight toward the Fire Sparrow Clan's campsite!

These dark shadows were each dressed in tight-fitting black clothes with masks covering their faces. They held strangely shaped weapons that emitted a chilling Killing Intent. Their target seemed to be the Fire Sparrow Clan members who were preparing items for the ceremony!

“Enemy attack!” Lei Shi was the first to react. With a roar, he drew the scimitar at his waist and prepared to meet them.

“Protect the Elder and the offerings!” Several young men of the Fire Sparrow Clan also drew their weapons, guarding Elder Huang Lei and the area where the offerings were piled.

Black Kirin's gaze sharpened. The movement techniques and clothing of these dark shadows were identical to the ones who had spied on her at Zhennan Pass that night! They had indeed followed her! Moreover, they chose to launch a surprise attack at the moment when the Fire Sparrow Clan members were most relaxed and about to hold their ceremony—how sinister!

“Miss Mo, be careful!” Lei Shi shouted anxiously.

Black Kirin did not hesitate for a moment. With a flicker of her silhouette, she blocked the way in front of several unarmed Fire Sparrow Clan women and children. With a flick of her wrist, a soft sword was in her hand, the sword light like water, cold and pressing.

“To launch a violent raid in broad daylight, you certainly have a lot of nerve!” Black Kirin's voice was cold and carried a hint of anger. Although she was not exactly a chivalrous hero, she could not stand such acts of bullying the weak, not to mention these people were likely related to the goal of her trip.

Seeing the surprise attack obstructed, a flash of ferocity crossed the eyes of the leading man in black. He barked in a raspy voice, “Unrelated persons, step aside immediately! Otherwise, no mercy will be shown!”

He spoke in the Han language, but his accent was somewhat stiff, clearly not someone from the Central Plains.

Elder Huang Lei had also stood up by now, his face ashen. He thudded his wooden staff heavily on the ground. “Who are you people? Why do you intrude upon my Fire Sparrow Clan's Holy Land and harm my clansmen?”

“Old man, cut the chatter! Hand over the ‘fire spirit jade marrow’ and your lives may be spared!” the leader in black sneered. His greedy gaze swept over the Fire Sparrow Clan members before finally landing on Elder Huang Lei, as if he were hiding some rare treasure on his person.

fire spirit jade marrow? Black Kirin's heart stirred. What was this? Judging by the name, it seemed to be related to the Fire Sparrow Clan's jade stones.

A sudden encounter battle abruptly broke out on the eve of this sacred ceremony! In an instant, the air was filled with the clashing of metal and angry roars.

Holding her soft sword, Black Kirin fought against two men in black. These men in black had strange martial arts and ruthless Moves, and they coordinated seamlessly, clearly being well-trained assassins. However, Black Kirin's swordplay was even more exquisite. Mohist Martial Arts emphasized practicality and change; the soft sword in her hand was like a spirit snake emerging from its hole, frequently stabbing out from incredible angles, forcing her opponents into a frantic state.

However, while the Fire Sparrow Clan members were brave, aside from a few young men who had some martial arts skills, most of the clansmen were not adept at fighting. Facing these wolf-like men in black, they quickly fell into a disadvantage, and several clansmen had already fallen to the ground wounded.

Elder Huang Lei was advanced in years; though he had prestige, his combat power was limited, and he could only manage to hold on under the protection of a few clansmen.

“Lei Shi, take the Elder and the clansmen and retreat first! I'll hold them off!” Black Kirin shouted as she saw the situation turning sour. She saw that the target of these men in black seemed to be the so-called “fire spirit jade marrow,” and since they were numerous, the Fire Sparrow Clan would only suffer heavy casualties if they kept fighting head-on.

“Miss Mo...” Lei Shi's face was full of anxiety and reluctance.

“Go now! As long as the green mountains remain, there is no fear of lacking firewood!” Black Kirin forced back her opponent with a sword strike, her tone brook no argument.

Elder Huang Lei glanced at the battle. A flash of determination crossed his eyes as he said to Lei Shi, “Listen to Miss Mo! Protect the clansmen and retreat toward the Holy Fire Platform! There are our tribe's defensive fortifications there!”

Just as the Fire Sparrow Clan members were preparing to retreat, the leader in black sneered, “Want to leave? Too late! Attack, leave no one alive!”

More men in black swarmed out from the forest, completely surrounding the entire campsite.

The situation took a sharp turn for the worse!

Night should have been a time of silence and the low murmurs of insects. However, at this moment, the Fire Sparrow Clan's campsite at the foot of Divine Fire Mountain was completely torn from its tranquility by firelight and slaughter.

Black Kirin parried the weapons of two men in black with a sweep of her sword, the wind from the blade ruffling the stray hairs on her forehead. She could see clearly that although these men in black were attacking fiercely, they seemed to be deliberately avoiding killing the Fire Sparrow Clan members directly, focusing more on wounding and pushing them back, with their target aimed straight at Elder Huang Lei and the offerings.

“fire spirit jade marrow... they really are after that.” Black Kirin's thoughts raced.

“Miss Mo, we'll cover you, take the Elder and go!” Lei Shi shouted at Black Kirin, scimitar in hand. Several bloody gashes had appeared on his body, yet he still fiercely guarded Elder Huang Lei. Beside him, several Fire Sparrow Clan youths were also wounded, yet not one of them retreated.

Black Kirin glanced at the situation. Although the Fire Sparrow Clan members were unafraid of death, the enemy was simply too numerous, and every one of them was a well-trained assassin. If this continued, the Fire Sparrow Clan members would likely be slaughtered to the last.

“Go!” Black Kirin shouted. The soft sword in her hand suddenly accelerated, sword light spilling out like splashed ink, forcing the two men in black in front of her back several steps in an instant. Her silhouette turned, and instead of retreating, she actually charged toward the area where the men in black were most densely packed!

“Miss Mo!” Lei Shi cried out in shock.

Seeing this, the leader in black had a flash of cruel delight in his eyes. “Overestimating yourself! Since you're in such a hurry to die, I'll fulfill your wish!” With a wave of his strangely shaped curved blade, several men in black immediately closed in on Black Kirin.

Black Kirin was like a bolt of black lightning weaving through the crowd. Her swordplay was not about grand sweeps but was extremely exquisite; every strike targeted the enemy's most uncomfortable spots—be it the wrist, the knee, or the weak point of a weapon. Mohist Martial Arts were inherently good at using ingenuity to break strength and using weakness to overcome the strong. For a moment, several men in black were actually held back by her alone, their offensive slowing slightly.

“Now is the time! Lei Shi, take the Elder and the clansmen and retreat to the Holy Fire Platform!” Black Kirin's voice came clearly, carrying an unquestionable decisiveness.

Elder Huang Lei took a deep look at Black Kirin's back as she fought a bloody battle, a flash of complex emotion in his eyes—both gratitude and determination. He thudded his wooden staff heavily. “Listen to Miss Mo! Warriors of the Fire Sparrow Clan, protect our women and children, retreat to the Holy Fire Platform! That is our last hope!”

“Yes!” the remaining young men of the Fire Sparrow Clan responded in unison, their voices filled with tragic heroism.

Lei Shi gritted his teeth and no longer hesitated. Supporting Elder Huang Lei, he began to retreat toward a slightly higher slope behind the campsite along with the other clansmen, guarding the women, children, and important offerings.

Seeing the Fire Sparrow Clan members trying to flee, the leader in black roared, “Trying to run? Stop them! Especially that old fellow, you must not let him escape with the fire spirit jade marrow!”

A portion of the men in black immediately split off, intending to give chase.

“Your opponent is me!” Black Kirin snorted coldly. Her sword momentum changed again; the soft sword in her hand seemed to transform into a venomous snake waiting to strike. With tricky angles and chilling Sword Qi, she forcibly dragged back those men in black who were attempting to pursue.

However, the men in black were simply too numerous. Several people still bypassed Black Kirin's interception and chased after Lei Shi and the others.

“Protect the Elder!” Several Fire Sparrow Clan youths roared as they turned back to face the enemy, using their own flesh and blood to buy time for their clansmen's retreat. Screams rang out one after another, and the smell of blood in the air grew even thicker.

Black Kirin was anxious, but she was entangled by several experts and could not easily break free for the moment. She noticed that the martial arts styles of these men in black faintly carried an exotic flair—ruthless, direct, and lethal with every Move, vastly different from the martial arts of the Central Plains Martial Forest.

Chapter 198: The Sound of Resonance! A Cat-and-Mouse Game!