Chapter 42 - The Daemon King of Celestial Beast (1/2)

The morning sun rose above the mountains, casting the first of its incandescent rays onto the grounds of Ye Castle. Most of the members were awake by then, in fact Ye Moyuan had already begun hammering away in his shop, the sounds of metal clanking traveled across the streets in the neighborhood.

In the sparring hall, a group of youths could be seen training diligently.

“Ha! Ha! Ha!”

The sound of their punches clouded the air, syncing perfectly like the roar of thunder.

Heralding the start of a new day.

As Ye Changxuan strode past the sparring hall with Ye Chen by his side, the group of youths broke into an upright formation. Members of the clan crowded both sides of the hallway and looked at the ex-patriarch and his grandson, all clearly worried and eagerly praying for the two.

“Come on, let’s go.” Ye Changxuan patted Ye Chen on the head. Noticing Ye Zhantian and the others from the corner of his eyes, he smiled reassuringly. “Relax, I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure Little Chen comes home safe and sound, even if costs my life.”

“Remember Chen, don’t forget to seek grandpa’s advice before you act on anything!” Ye Zhantian cautioned. Deep down, he was worried nonetheless.

“Yes father.” As much as Ye Chen had begun to grow weary of his father’s words, he nodded accordingly for he knew his father spoke out of genuine concern.

Ye Chen looked over to Ye Rou.

Her face was ridden with guilt. She had sought the elders’ permission to tag along but they would not grant it.

Ye Chen reached over to stroke her forehead, “Don’t worry, I’ll be back in one piece.”

“Stay safe, Brother Chen.” Chimed Ye Xuan.

“I will.” Ye Chen flashed her a smile, before departing with Ye Changxuan for Yun Castle.

As the two walked along, more clan members gathered behind them and accompanied the two, refusing to leave. They followed them outside of the castle, some of the elderly wept as they did so.

“Godspeed, Elder Chief!

“A banquet awaits you upon your return, Elder Chief!”

“Safe travels, Elder Chief!”

Ye Chen was touched by the heartwarming farewells from the clan. Ye Castle reminded him of home. To him, every single one of them was family.

“All things must come to pass. It is time for Chen and I to go now, please take your leave.” Saluted the ex-patriarch.

With that, Ye Chen bade the crowd farewell. Even as the two walked away, the crowd remained at the entrance of Ye Castle, refusing to disperse.

By the time the two were within the territory of the Lianyun Mountain, the castle was no longer in their sights when they turned their head backs.

“Little Chen, now that we’re away from the castle, there’s bound to be eyes working for Yun Castle along the way. Let us travel off the beaten path.” Advised Ye Changxuan. It was a given for him to remain ever-so-vigilant. After all, the fate of the clan rested on his shoulders.

The distance between Yun and Ye Castle was twenty miles at best. That said, now that they were traveling off the beaten path, the journey had doubled or tripled in distance. Factoring in the rocky slopes, it would take them at least five to six hours to get there.

Little Tanuki perched atop Ye Chen shoulder, its eyes scanning the surroundings vigilantly.