Chapter 120: Approaching the Eastern Wilderness

Not long after, Kou Jue and the Yuan Ying realm ancestor Kou Li, who stood behind him, visited Chen Mu together with anxious hearts. They brought lavish gifts in hopes of putting an end to the longstanding feud between the Sands Empire and the Great Xia Empire. They earnestly wished for Chen Mu to refrain from taking action against the Sands Empire in the future, solemnly promising that their empire would no longer provoke Great Xia.

It was Chen Mu’s first time meeting the emperor of the Sands Empire and the venerable ancestor behind him. Though he harbored some disdain for the Sands Empire’s people, their gesture left him somewhat bewildered. Yet, out of respect for the grand gifts, Chen Mu boldly said, “If you truly wish to settle old grievances, you should speak with Xiahou Longchen. I am not the ruler of Great Xia; what use is it to discuss this with me? However, since you have presented these gifts, I shall reluctantly accept them. I will speak to Xiahou Longchen about this matter and try to create an opportunity for peaceful negotiations.”

Upon hearing this, Kou Jue and Kou Li finally understood that Chen Mu bore no great hostility toward the Sands Empire—it was their own fearfulness that made them appear jittery before him. Both men smiled wryly. The prospect of Chen Mu promoting peace was something they longed to see. After all, the Sands Empire was the weakest of the three empires; if Great Xia attacked, their nation would inevitably be destroyed and become a vassal state. Thus, peace negotiations were undoubtedly the best outcome.

Gurdos, who had accompanied Chen Mu, looked displeased upon seeing Kou Jue and Kou Li arrive in person. He made several attempts to discuss the relationship between the Sands Empire and Chen Mu but was repeatedly ignored. Though he maintained a humble and respectful demeanor toward Chen Mu, his inner thoughts churned with dissatisfaction over Chen Mu’s reconciliatory handshake with Kou Jue and the others.

Among the grand gifts Kou Jue brought was a Yuan Ying realm magical artifact, numerous rare celestial materials accumulated over many years, and some precious elixirs to boost vitality and blood. Though the Yuan Ying artifact was valuable, it was not well-suited to Chen Mu, who already possessed the formidable Chiyang Sword, a convenient Yuan Ying artifact. In essence, it was dispensable.

The celestial materials, though numerous, were of only mediocre quality. Yet these were the best the Sands Empire could offer, and gathering such an amount was a feat for Kou Jue as the empire’s sovereign. Still, Chen Mu had little use for these items.

Only the vitality and blood elixirs made Chen Mu’s eyes gleam with interest. With these, his body refinement cultivation could advance further. Though the other gifts were precious, these elixirs were what Chen Mu most desired.

Because Chen Mu accepted these gifts, his attitude toward Kou Jue and Kou Li improved considerably, leaving the two somewhat overwhelmed with gratitude. Intelligence reports had painted Chen Mu as a ruthless and volatile demon-child who slaughtered without mercy; yet, his amiable nature was a complete surprise, unlike the fearsome figure they had imagined.

Seeing that the feud between them and Chen Mu had been erased, Kou Li awkwardly spoke, “Fellow Daoist Chen Mu, I heard that your visit to the Sands Empire is for the purpose of exploring a secret realm within the Eastern Wilderness?”

Chen Mu was taken aback and asked, “How did you come to know about this? Yes, that’s correct. I am here to seek out the secret realm.”

Pleased with Chen Mu’s straightforward admission, Kou Li chuckled and said, “This secret realm lies within our Sands Empire’s territory. Naturally, our empire has eyes everywhere, including the Huochen Sect. I hope you will allow the Sands Empire to participate in your exploration. Though our power has waned, our manpower remains sufficient. If you agree, we can certainly assist you in uncovering this secret realm.”

Had Gurdos, who waited outside, overheard this, he would have been furious—imperial agents infiltrating their sect meant that the empire knew almost everything about their internal affairs.

Chen Mu’s expression turned strange. After some thought, he shook his head and smiled bitterly. It seemed Kou Li believed Chen Mu sought the Immortal-Mortal Path for treasure, and not only Kou Jue and Kou Li but even Gurdos of the Huochen Sect shared this assumption. Understanding their thoughts amused Chen Mu, yet he chose not to reveal the truth.

Though these men misunderstood Chen Mu’s purpose in seeking the Immortal-Mortal Path, believing it held treasures, this did not prevent him from using their subordinates to help locate it.

After all, having more people was more efficient. Since it was a mutual arrangement, having their assistance was far better than wandering the Eastern Wilderness alone, aimless and uncertain.

Therefore, Chen Mu readily accepted Kou Li’s proposal. Who would refuse such a boon, with willing laborers presenting themselves?

Soon, after discussing matters with Kou Jue and Kou Li, Chen Mu summoned Gurdos.

Upon learning that the Sands Empire also intended to seek the secret realm, Gurdos was inwardly irate but dared not show it. He could only sullenly obey Chen Mu’s instructions alongside Kou Li.

As for Kou Jue, despite being emperor, Gurdos held him in no regard. In his eyes, though Kou Jue was no tyrant, he was a mediocre leader, lacking the prowess befitting an emperor.

Kou Jue was self-aware and did not grow angry at Gurdos’s disregard—after all, Gurdos was of the Yuan Ying realm and far stronger.

Once the arrangements were settled, Kou Jue returned to the imperial capital of the Sands Empire, knowing that his presence here was superfluous with Kou Li, the venerable ancestor, in attendance.

At last, the group arrived near a small town on the outskirts of the Eastern Wilderness. The town was desolate and impoverished, its inhabitants living in great hardship.

Upon seeing so many generals, soldiers, and sect members arrive, the townsfolk grew uneasy, wondering if some calamity had befallen their town to warrant such a gathering.

Without explanation, the newcomers set up camp just outside the town, establishing a base to support future expeditions into the Eastern Wilderness. Exploration here would proceed step by step, so this town was destined to become a supply hub, with more provisions arriving over time.

Though the Sands Empire troops and Huochen Sect members ignored the townspeople, Chen Mu, feeling idle, took the opportunity to interact with the locals.

He wished to learn what they knew of the Eastern Wilderness, as his understanding was limited.

Seeing that someone had finally engaged with them, the town’s mayor, an elderly man leaning on a cane, bowed respectfully and stammered, “My name is Amda, mayor of Dianmu Town. I apologize for my poor reception, honored military gentlemen. May I ask what brings you and your soldiers to our humble town?”

Chen Mu smiled affably. “Sir, please do not be tense. I am not military myself; you may call me Chen Mu. We have come to Dianmu Town to establish a base for exploring the Eastern Wilderness. I would like to ask what the locals know about the Eastern Wilderness — any stories, legends, or information?”

Seeing Chen Mu’s friendly manner, Mayor Amda relaxed somewhat. After all, the townspeople’s impression of the Sands Empire soldiers was that they were often arrogant bullies who oppressed commoners.

Perhaps because Chen Mu appeared quite young—only about fifteen or sixteen—Amda was reminded of his grandson, who had left for the big city. This softened his tone further.

“Young man,” Amda said kindly, “the Eastern Wilderness is a place where survival is impossible. Once someone enters, they do not return. How is it that someone your age would venture there alongside an army to explore?”

Chen Mu smiled ruefully. “I have my own pressing reasons for entering the Eastern Wilderness. Is it true that no one ever comes back alive? My father was once chased by enemies into the Eastern Wilderness. After spending more than a month inside, he was fortunate enough to escape. He discovered a certain place within. That is why I’ve come here. Have you heard of the Immortal-Mortal Path?”

Chen Mu adjusted his wording to make it more understandable to common folk, referring to the secret realm simply as “a certain place” rather than using arcane terms.

Amda was surprised to hear that Chen Mu’s father had not only entered the Eastern Wilderness but lived there for over a month and survived.

The mayor pondered briefly and said, “There are rumors that the Eastern Wilderness is a man-eating place; anyone who enters never returns. Yet, old tales mention a few lucky souls who did not get lost or perish but lived to come out. But these are likely just rumors. Those who returned disappeared without a trace, and nobody paid them any attention. Long ago, there were whispers of ghostly wails and howls from within the Wilderness, and that demons would whisper beside those who entered. But those are probably fabrications to deter people from stepping inside.”

Chen Mu was silent. Amda’s answers were little more than empty rumors; it was clear the townspeople knew very little about the Eastern Wilderness.

Still, one thing caught Chen Mu’s attention—though it might be his imagination. Upon hearing of demons whispering inside, his mind immediately turned to Xuetian.

Where was Xuetian now? The demon constantly sought to regain power and return to the Demon Realm, surely plotting some scheme somewhere. Chen Mu was about to depart and could not spend time hunting Xuetian. The fate of the Yuanyao Continent in dealing with Xuetian would have to rest on its own.

Just as Chen Mu prepared to leave, Mayor Amda suddenly said, “By the way, last month someone ignored our warnings and rashly entered the Eastern Wilderness.”

Chen Mu’s heart stirred. “What did this person look like? Did they come out?”

Amda sighed. “He was wrapped head to toe, his face unseen. He never emerged after entering.”

Amda knew little else of this individual, leaving Chen Mu somewhat disappointed.

Yet, it was puzzling—just one month before Chen Mu intended to enter the Eastern Wilderness, someone had gone in ahead of him. How long had it been since anyone last entered? Probably his father, Chen Haoran.

At such a critical moment, someone had taken the first step into the Wilderness—not under duress or pursuit, but of their own will. This was indeed intriguing.