Hyperdimensional Universe: I have Three Thousand Ultimate Talents

Chapter 18: Testing the Sword in the World

Guhuai Town.

It was an ancient town, named after a thousand year old ancient pagoda tree. Because of its propitious location by the mountains and water, it exuded prosperity.

It wasn't far ahead.

"This is the slowest and longest journey I've ever taken," Lu Yuan lounged on his horse, murmuring incessantly, "Luckily, we're almost at Guhuai town. They have great wine, delicious food, even a brothel; it's truly the liveliest spot. Brother Jiang, fancy experiencing something fresh?"

"I definitely do not wish to be a fellow practitioner!" Jiang Ming replied.

"Fellow practitioners?" Lu Yuan responded, taken aback. Understanding at last, he turned his head towards Jiang Ming seated in the carriage, displaying a peculiar expression, "Is this something you would be aware of?"

Lan, however, was puzzled.

Old Ma up front smiled at this exchange.

"All men!" Jiang Ming opened his eyes, "This trip might be slow, but your powers have increased considerably."

"Indeed they have, but..." Lu Yuan grimaced, "I can't believe I didn't gain any advantage from you. You even suppressed me effortlessly. You truly are..." Seeing Jiang Ming's hostile expression, he quickly changed his words, "Fortunately, I've learnt a lot of brilliant moves from you, otherwise, I would be at a real loss."

The two of them had had numerous competitive bouts on the road, he didn't mind losing, but what astonished him was that he observed an incessant growth in Jiang Ming's abilities.

Lu Yuan was filled with a chilling sensation.

He had met talents before, but none as monstrous as this.

In his opinion, even Elder Zhang from the Zhen Wu Sect wasn't as frightening as this.

Just then, a figure leapt down from a tree in front of them, addressing Old Ma, "Uncle Ma, is the Young Master in the carriage..."

"Yes, it's the Young Master inside!" Old Ma hastily reminded the man. Seeing his ragged clothes, fatigue-filled face, and bloodshot eyes, Old Ma anxiously asked, "Has there been some trouble?"

Jiang Ming jumped down beside the young man, "Liu, is there trouble?"

When he had asked General Chang and others to go their separate ways, he had planned everything.

Even his approximate whereabouts were informed to the other party, in order to stay connected at all times.

He had received numerous reports during their journey.

"You, Young, Young Master!" Liu knelt down on one knee, visibly stirred, "General Chang told me you'd be passing this way, I've been waiting here for three days!"

Jiang Ming helped Liu to his feet.

Lan too disembarked the carriage.

Lu Yuan dismounted from his horse, choosing to stand to the side.

"Can you tell us what exactly happened?" Jiang Ming investigated further.

Liu rapidly filled them in.

General Chang and his men were initially sent to travel along the mountain range for experiential learning, destroying mountain bandit camps they encountered, seizing goods and wealth in the process, all while continuing to accrue cultivation skills.

After Jiang Ming came down the mountain, his journey was slightly adjusted based on the direction he was heading.

He received a few messages on the way. General Chang had already eliminated quite a few bandit groups, each time they destructed a group, they would seize supplies and recruit some people to replenish their own team.

As a result, their group troops had swelled in size.

However, when they arrived in the neighborhood a few days ago, they discovered three separate bandit groups; Erlong Mountain, Baiyun Village, and Longhu Village.

They were suddenly ambushed by Erlong Mountain, but managed to decimate almost all enemy troops. However, they were pushed back when Baiyun Village and Longhu Village intervened to support the enemy.

Just as they were planning to choose an opponent to eliminate first, they were encircled and attacked by all three bandit groups together. As if matters couldn't get worse, an Innate expert showed up and seriously injured General Chang.

"We're fortunate to have undergone rigorous training in the past, and have superb cooperation. Otherwise, General Chang would have been killed, and our team would have been dispersed. During the withdrawal, General Chang quietly ordered the three of us to meet you here." Liu's face turned grim, "Brother Xiong and Brother Yang didn't make it here."

Not being here meant they were dead.

Shuddering a little, Liu quickly added, "The situation is probably not looking good for General Chang and the others. Young Master..."

"Don't worry, leave it to me!" Jiang Ming patted Liu's shoulder, saying, "Old Ma, Lan, you'll take Liu to the town ahead and rest there for a while. Wait for my return."

"Brother Lu, will you accompany me into the mountains, or will you go to the town?" Jiang Ming looked at Lu Yuan, taking out his weapons from the carriage.

A sword and a knife, strapped across his back with Lan's assistance.

There was also a flying knife in his waist, covered by his outer robe.

"Of course, I'm joining!" Lu Yuan appeared eager, "It's been peaceful for too long, how could I miss finally getting to some excitement? Brother Jiang, I'm known for my unparalleled Light Skills in the world of martial arts, would you like a race? Since I'm familiar with the region and the situation in the three villages, I can guide you!"

"Okay!" Jiang Ming nodded.

"Please be careful, Young Master!" Lan showed her concern.

"You two hold fort in town, if there's any trouble, just mention Lu Brother's name!" Having said this, Jiang Ming soared into the air. Like a lightning bolt, he was soon twenty metres away.

"What speed!" Lu Yuan's face filled with exhilaration, while also shooting off like an arrow. The two were soon out of sight.

"Don't worry, with the Young Master's capabilities, he can go anywhere in the world." Seeing the worried expressions of the duo, Old Ma smiled, "Let's go, we'll wait in the town for the Young Master, but remember to keep a low profile."

The three of them urged the horses to proceed.

Lu Yuan was met with a sad realization: despite his expertise in Light Skill, he was increasingly lagging behind Jiang Ming. He called out in desperation, "Wait!"

Jiang Ming slowed down, waiting for Lu Yuan to catch up, unable to contain his laughter, "You're really too slow, I'm just beginning to warm up."

"Freak!" Lu Yuan huffed, "This town here is Guhuai. Not too far ahead is the Mountain City. If we're going by the book, this place shouldn't be laden with bandits. But there are three bandit groups here. Do you know why?"

"They're being bred?"

"Exactly, they're being bred!"

Mountain City is special, serving as a gateway to the continuous mountain range. There's also a major river that flows by it, thus rendering it an advantageous geographical location.

All sorts of exotic treasures from the mountains and goods from different regions, many of them transit here.

The city is dominated by three factions, the largest of which is the Xiao family, whose fame is resounding and they're no less powerful than any general sect. The second is the Liang family, their heritage spanning over two hundred years also makes them incredibly powerful. The third faction comprises of representatives from the government, mainly from the Six Gates Sect, who kept an eye on the happenings within the city.

"I suspect Erlong Mountain, Baiyun Village, and Longhu Village were all bred by these three factions." Lu Yuan appeared thoughtful, "The Six Gate's men generally don't involve themselves in the conflicts, they simply observe the situation between the others. The Xiao and Liang families have been engaging in covert fights, yet they maintain harmony on the surface. However, I suspect that their relations are extremely complex. Additionally, there are several other forces inside the city that barely constitute a fourth faction, along with some sects having their branches setup here."

"Why is the Six Gates Sect stationing people here?" Jiang Ming wondered, "Don't they only intervene during major cases?"

"Due to the large profits involved here, the Six Gates Sect wanted a share of it. They placed one of their constables here, securing the situation and maintaining order amongst the factions, to prevent chaos."

"Six Gates Sect isn't really dominant. Otherwise, how could these two families grow so powerful, and even breed three bandit groups."

"Ah, indeed. But Brother Jiang, you better consider this: If you confront these mountain bandits, you're likely to face difficulty from the entire Mountain City. In addition to this, the Shaoyang Scripture has also appeared here, the Divine Fist Sect and Sun and Moon Demon Sect will dispatch powerful men here, along with other figures from the world of martial arts. Just thinking about it makes me excited but also sends shivers down my spine."

"The more powerful they are, the better. It's a good time for me to measure up against the world."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yuan shuddered even more.