C7 Black Wind Ridge(1)

The sound of horse hooves echoed through the forest path, growing louder as they approached. A lone rider sped by, kicking up a cloud of dust in their wake.

Ding Yue pressed on urgently and at last reached the bank of a vast river.

The river, about thirty feet wide, surged eastward with a fierce current. Muddy waters occasionally erupted as strange black fish leapt out, preying on unsuspecting birds above the surface.

Predatory birds also took their chances, swooping to snatch the leaping fish, creating splashes of blood that quickly diluted and vanished into the murky depths.

Ding Yue, scratching his head, gazed at the remains of a collapsed stone bridge, his anxiety mounting.

Nearby, clusters of people were engaged in heated discussions and curses.

"The bridge was intact when we crossed earlier. We managed to gather two sets of herbs, and in less than two hours, it's fallen apart. Some vile creature must be responsible."

"It's undoubtedly a Fellbeast," an elder with a white beard speculated, squinting. "Let's not panic. Old Huang has been notified; he'll know what to do."

Ding Yue listened to the crowd's chatter and noticed a look of reverence in their eyes whenever they spoke of Huang Weng.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, time marched on.

From the distance, a carriage approached and came to a halt nearby. Someone from the group called out, "Mr. Huang Weng has arrived!" The crowd surged towards the carriage.

Observing the carriage from a short distance, Ding Yue mused, "This Huang Weng, with a second-level 'Qilin Horn Horse' pulling his carriage, must be a practitioner."

A white-robed elder with thinning silver hair cascading over his shoulders stepped down, his complexion healthy and his eyes clear and bright, a stark contrast to those of an average elderly man. Ding Yue sensed a subtle vibration of Yuan Qi emanating from him, accompanied by a slight oppressive aura.

"Huang Weng must be in the Transcending stage," Ding Yue concluded silently.

The crowd bombarded the old man with greetings and questions, to which he responded with a smile and a nod.

He then gestured for silence and made his way to the riverbank. As he passed Ding Yue, he paused briefly, then shook his head slightly and continued onto the remnants of the bridge.

With a hand seal formed and his lips muttering incantations, Huang Weng raised his arm, sending a talisman flying into the murky river. Moments later, the water's surface roiled tumultuously.

"Boom!" A towering water spout erupted, revealing at its peak a bizarre fish with the face of a tiger and the body of a fish. It opened its massive mouth and unleashed dozens of water arrows toward Huang Weng.

"A Tiger-faced Arrow Fish, a fourth-level Fellbeast, how can this be?" an astonished shout rang out. Huang Weng's expression grew grave as he waved his sleeves, stepping back to conjure a series of wind barriers before him.

The water arrows flew at him. "Puff, puff." The wind barriers shattered instantly. Huang Weng conjured a shield in his hand, blocking the water arrows. The impact turned the arrows into a spray of droplets that fell to the earth like rain.

The tiger-headed fish did not launch another attack. With a flick of its tail, it somersaulted and plunged back into the river depths.

Huang Weng's complexion was ashen. Seeing that the Fellbeast had ceased its assault, he let out a quiet sigh of relief.

He turned to address the onlookers with a stern voice, "It seems a Fellbeast of this sort has taken up residence in the Turbid River. I advise you all to return to Firewood City for a few days. I will seek assistance from the Flowing Cloud Sect's Senior Brothers to slay this creature. Once they've used the Stone Moving Technique to rebuild the bridge, it will be safe for you to pass."

Having spoken, Huang Weng clutched his chest and coughed lightly.

"Huang Weng must be at the mid-stage of Transcending. His odds of defeating a fourth-level Fellbeast are slim," Ding Yue mused with a furrowed brow, pondering how he could possibly reach the Great Stone Ridge by noon the next day.

"Huang Weng, my mother is gravely ill. I must take a detour through Black Wind Ridge to get back to her," a brawny man with a bare, reddened arm implored, clutching two bundles of medicine.

"Nonsense, it will be nightfall by the time you reach Black Wind Ridge," Huang Weng retorted sharply. "You're well aware of the dangers there. Should any mishap befall you, what would become of your mother?"

The man with the red arm's complexion shifted subtly as he bowed his head in silence.

"Your mother has been ill for many years. A few more nights won't make a difference. Don't you trust me?" Huang Weng said gently, looking at the burly man.

"Of course, I trust you. You've been treating my mother for years. I was just anxious. Please, don't take offense," the burly man said quickly, bowing in apology.

Huang Weng dismissed the apology with a wave of his hand and addressed the onlookers, "If you have no kin in Chai City, feel free to stay at my Huang Dao Clinic for a few days. I can at least provide meals."

The crowd bowed and expressed their gratitude before dispersing in small groups.

As Huang Weng was about to board his carriage, a voice called out from behind him.

"Old Mr. Huang, please wait."

He turned to see Ding Yue approaching and asked with a hint of curiosity, "Young man, what can I do for you?"

"Senior, I'm in a bit of a bind. Could you please direct me to Black Wind Ridge?" Ding Yue inquired.

Huang Weng paused, then replied, "You must have missed my earlier words."

Ding Yue bowed once more and explained, "I have urgent business and must reach Great Stone Ridge by noon tomorrow."

Huang Weng, noting Ding Yue's earnest and respectful demeanor, furrowed his brow and cautioned, "Black Wind Ridge is notoriously dangerous for miles around. Young man, consider this carefully. It's not worth risking your life."

Ding Yue implored, "I beg you, Elder Huang. My matter is of great urgency; I cannot afford to delay."

Huang Weng studied Ding Yue intently, noting the calmness on his face and the clarity in his eyes. After a moment, he relented, "Very well. Head east from the River of Turbid Water's bank. It's less than a hundred miles. The river flows into a deep pool within the ridge, joining an underground river. Just follow the riverbank; there's no way to get lost."

Ding Yue bowed in thanks and turned to leave, but Huang Weng called out, "Hold on a moment, take this with you."

After finishing his words, he pulled a cloth bag from his pocket and handed it to Ding Yue.

"Considering the time, by the time you reach Black Wind Ridge, it will be getting dark. This is a bag of 'Spirit Repelling Powder'."

"I recommend you camp outside the ridge tonight and sprinkle this powder around. It'll keep poisonous insects and wild beasts at bay, ensuring your safety."

Ding Yue accepted the medicine bag with both hands and earnestly replied, "Thank you, Elder Huang. I'm grateful for your kindness today and will find a way to repay you in the future."

Elder Huang stroked his white beard and chuckled heartily. He cautioned once more, "Make sure you cross Black Wind Ridge after sunrise tomorrow."

"Black Wind Ridge is quite peculiar. During the day, when the sky is clear, the poisonous insects and fellbeasts vanish, and the landscape is quite beautiful, complete with many rare herbs. But come nightfall or in rainy weather, chilling winds howl through the ridge and a thick black fog envelops everything. Anyone who enters then is certain to perish."

"If you cross the ridge tomorrow, you should reach Big Stone Ridge by mid-morning, well before it's too late."

Ding Yue nodded and assured him, "Rest easy, I understand the risks. My thanks to you, Mr. Huang." He mounted his horse, saluted Huang Weng once more, and with a gentle tug on the reins, his horse sprang into an eastward gallop.

"This young fellow is quite the enigma. I do hope he heeds my advice," Huang Weng mused to himself as he too departed.

Black Wind Ridge. The name was inscribed in three large blood-red characters on a soaring mountain peak.

Visible from a great distance, the setting sun cast a crimson glow across the sky, making the ominous inscription stand out starkly.

By the time Ding Yue arrived, dusk had fallen. Using the last remnants of twilight, he found a sheltered spot, gathered some dry wood, and kindled a campfire. He then settled down to eat some food.