C21 In the Inn

After several hours of travel, Qin Yu had left the boundaries of the Clear Essence Sect, following the Dragon Head Sect Disciples through bustling towns and cities. The lively streets, crowded with people, fascinated him. It was his first time venturing beyond his sect, his first glimpse of the vast world outside.

Despite his fascination, Qin Yu knew he couldn't keep trailing the Dragon Head Sect Disciples. In a few dozen miles, they would enter Dragon Head Sect territory, and if discovered, Yun Hee wouldn't hesitate to kill him. So, he needed to find a way to part ways with the disciples.

Slipping away from the group was easier said than done. Yun Hee's sharp senses meant that any slight movement from Qin Yu would be detected. Thus, he cautiously stayed with the group, biding his time for the right moment to escape.

By noon, Yun Hee and his entourage reached a small town and headed straight for an inn. The innkeeper greeted them warmly, "Elder Yun, what brings you here? Your presence graces our humble establishment!"

Yun Hee offered a slight smile and a dismissive gesture. "Spare the pleasantries. We've been on the road for hours and are famished. Bring us your best dishes."

"Certainly, right this way," the innkeeper replied, ushering Yun Hee and his followers to the second floor.

Qin Yu kept pace, reaching the second floor to find it nearly deserted, save for a group of four rugged men and a single elegant woman. The contrast between her grace and their roughness was striking, leaving onlookers to wonder why such a refined lady would be in the company of such brusque men.

Guided by the waiter, Qin Yu and the Dragon Head Sect Disciples took their seats at separate tables by the window, while Yun Hee sat at a different one. Concerned about being recognized, Qin Yu nestled into a corner and subtly bowed his head. Fortunately, the Dragon Head Sect Disciples, weary from their journey, remained silent after seating themselves, merely waiting for the waiter to serve the meal. This allowed Qin Yu to breathe a sigh of relief, as no one seemed to pay him any mind.

Before long, the waiter arrived with plates of steaming food, the aroma of which was enough to whet anyone's appetite. However, the Dragon Head Sect's strict etiquette meant that none of the disciples dared to eat before Yun Hee had lifted his chopsticks.

It took some time, but once Yun Hee began to eat, the rest of the Dragon Head Sect Disciples eagerly dug in. Meanwhile, Qin Yu's mind was preoccupied with thoughts of escape, leaving him with little desire to eat. He idly pushed his food around with his chopsticks, feigning interest in his meal.

As he played with his food, Qin Yu's gaze wandered, repeatedly drawn to the table where four men and one woman sat. He couldn't shake the feeling that the woman occasionally cast glances their way, almost as if she were keeping watch over them.

Shaking off the thought, Qin Yu decided not to dwell on it. He was about to try and eat when he noticed that the Dragon Head Sect Disciples had already devoured every last morsel on the table. He was taken aback, thinking to himself that the disciples certainly had hearty appetites.

After the meal, Qin Yu had barely touched his food, while the Dragon Head Sect Disciples were thoroughly satisfied. They rose from their seats, following Yun Hee out of the inn to resume their journey to the Dragon Head Sect.

Simultaneously, the group of four men and the woman settled their bill and departed the inn. As they left, Qin Yu caught the woman stealing another glance at them, deepening his sense of puzzlement.

Qin Yu didn't ponder the matter further. His mind was singularly focused on one thing: escape. Steeling himself, he continued to follow Yun Hee and the group for several more hours, drawing ever closer to the Clear Essence Sect's territory. Yet, without an opportunity to slip away, Qin Yu's anxiety gradually mounted.

Finally, Yun Hee and his companions made their way into a dense jungle. Beyond this woodland lay the Dragon Head Sect. Leading the way, Yun Hee gestured for a halt and said calmly, "We've been on our feet for quite a while. Let's take a break."

The Dragon Head Sect Disciples quickly complied, each finding a spot to sit. Qin Yu chose a discreet location and settled down, scanning the surroundings for potential hiding spots. It was clear that this thick forest offered the perfect opportunity for him to slip away from Yun Hee and the rest.

Yun Hee, meanwhile, found a clean spot and seated himself, crossing his legs and closing his eyes. Before long, he was as still as a meditating monk, motionless. The Dragon Head Sect Disciples, evidently exhausted from the day's travels, also found comfort against trees and rocks, resting with their eyes shut.

Sensing his chance, Qin Yu's heart raced. He subtly moved his feet, ready to dart into the forest's depths. But just then, the sound of slicing wind approached from afar. Moments later, dozens of sharp arrows whizzed toward them. Qin Yu, startled, quickly ducked behind a large tree for cover.

The Dragon Head Sect Disciples, inexplicably unaware, fell to the ground, eyes still closed. Soon, they were struck by the arrows, yet eerily silent, as if they were already lifeless.

In that instant, Yun Hee's eyes snapped open. As the arrows neared, he dodged with swift moves, narrowly escaping. His body surged with Genuine Qi, and with a thunderous shout, he unleashed a barrage of golden Astral Energy from his palms, deflecting the incoming arrows. Fuming with anger, he bellowed into the distance, "This is outrageous! Who dares to attack the Clear Essence Sect?"