The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 185 The life-saving bell rings, and everyone gathers in the council hall.

The doctor was a kind-faced middle-aged man. He pointed to the long table in the middle of the tent, signaling the two stretcher bearers to lift the seriously injured young man onto the table. His eyes revealed a hint of fatigue, but even more so, a firmness and determination. He wore a white robe, stained with blood, indicating he had just undergone a tense rescue. His fingers were long and strong, every movement revealing his professionalism and experience.

He then lit a fire in the stove inside the tent, and picked up a pair of scissors to heat them over the flames. The scissors glowed a faint reddish light in the firelight, resembling a sharp blade. The physician intently observed the temperature of the scissors, his brow furrowed slightly, as if considering the next steps. As the scissors heated until they were red-hot, the physician said, "Those who are not seriously injured can go back and rest. Those with more serious injuries should stay and wait a while."

The atmosphere inside the tent immediately became heavy, and everyone withdrew, leaving only a few seriously wounded advance team members behind. Shi Qingfeng followed the others out of the tent. His feelings were complicated; he was worried about the young man's safety, yet also felt helpless about his own powerlessness.

……

As night fell, the camp was brightly lit, a tense atmosphere permeating the air. Some of the wandering cultivators who had come seeking opportunities were already considering retreating. They had initially come at the invitation of the Sword Immortal Sect, and upon arriving at the camp, they had met many elders from powerful sects who lived in seclusion in blessed lands, their strength far surpassing their own. They had thought their trip was merely icing on the cake, but their first battle had ended so miserably. Several of them had already gathered together to discuss their future.

As night deepened, inside the physician's tent, the young man lying on the long table had his clothes cut open, and the three wounds on his chest, abdomen, and thigh had all been stitched up. Apart from these three wounds, the young man's skin was intact, without any scars from previous injuries. Two disciples of the Sword Immortal Sect carried the young man, along with a stretcher, to a bed near the stove. The physician began treating the wounds of the seriously injured advance team members. His movements were skilled and swift; each wound was carefully cleaned and stitched.

"Dr. Huo, with these people in the camp, it seems unlikely we'll see this through to the end," a heavily injured cultivator said to the doctor. His voice trembled slightly, clearly showing his worry for the future.

"Take good care of your injuries. Yun Youzi should have a solution soon." The doctor patted the cultivator on the shoulder, trying to comfort him.

……

Inside Song Changxin's wooden cabin, Li Chao sat opposite him, and the two chatted from dawn till dusk. A faint aroma of tea filled the air, and a pot of tea sat between them, its steam rising gently. As the light outside gradually dimmed, the lamplight inside seemed especially warm.

"If that's the case, is Tang's struggle for the title of ruler of the world ultimately good or bad for the people?" Li Chao asked. His eyes revealed a hint of confusion and bewilderment; clearly, this question had troubled him for a long time.

"People on the mountain don't concern themselves with matters down below. As for matters of the court, you can continue with your previous plans. Of course, I'll look for Ding Wenyuan when I have the chance. He's always wanted to plan a radical reform, but he's too hasty. If he does, many people will die," Song Changxin replied. His voice was calm and firm, revealing a well-considered decision.

Li Chao nodded, then, as if remembering something, said, "Then Wen Bin..."

"That's the worst-case scenario. Things shouldn't get that bad. He's not one of the mountain people, nor is he a mountaintop dweller. He's probably an envoy of the heavens, a representative of some more powerful beings. Some speculate that those beings are the Heavenly Dao of various worlds, while others think otherwise, since the Heavenly Dao has no will. Don't worry, as long as those unstable tunnels close, unless the world collapses, he won't make a move."

As Song Changxin finished speaking, a summons bell rang out from the camp's council hall.

"Let's go."

Li Chao followed Song Changxin out of the wooden house. On the way, they ran into Lin Hai and Zhou Hong, who were walking together. Lin Hai had a worried look on his face, while Zhou Hong appeared more composed.

Shi Qingfeng was already waiting in the council hall. His gaze swept over Song Changxin and Li Chao, seemingly anticipating their arrival.

……

On the Floating Continent, north of Northern Liao, Ding Wenyuan and Xu Xiaohong boarded a ship heading towards the far north. The sea wind was biting, whipping their clothes with a rustling sound. The two stood at the bow, both wearing green cotton coats produced in Northern Wu. Although simple, the coats were of excellent quality and sufficient to keep out the cold.

"What exactly is in the far north?" Xu Xiaohong asked directly. His voice carried a hint of curiosity and anticipation, clearly showing his keen interest in the journey that was about to begin.

"I don't know. According to Li Chao, it should be the tomb of a god. There should be no more messengers inside. However, there is still a village in the far north called Far North Village. Perhaps someone there can make the final decision for this eternal peace," Ding Wenyuan replied. His eyes gleamed with wisdom, clearly full of confidence in this expedition.

Inside the cabin sat a beautiful, slender woman and a robust, middle-aged man. The man was setting up a tea set, a pot of tea brewing on the stove. His movements were practiced and elegant, like that of a tea master. He took the teapot off the stove, poured four cups of tea, and called out, "The tea is ready."

Upon hearing this, Ding Wenyuan and Xu Xiaohong went down from the cabin. As they entered, a faint aroma of tea wafted through the air, creating a sense of warmth and tranquility.