After a long moment, Li Zhong sighed and said, "Young Master, you've been drinking heavily these past few days. You'll bring disaster upon yourself sooner or later!"
Zhou Yan's father, Zhou Ba, was originally the wealthiest man in Qingyun Town. He possessed excellent cultivation talent and, at a young age, had already reached the peak of the Hua Gang realm. However, he was ambushed and killed by enemies at Black Stone Ridge. These were not secrets.
"Insolent cur! How dare you discuss my affairs?"
Hearing this, Zhou Yan's eyes widened. He kicked Li Zhong to the ground and cursed fiercely, "If you speak another word, do you believe I won't chop you?"
"Spare my life, Young Master. This servant knows his crime."
Li Zhong's face turned ashen with fear. He knelt on the ground, begging for mercy.
"Hmph!"
Zhou Yan let out a cold snort and ignored him, closing his eyes as if dozing, continuously drinking the fine wine.
"Young Master, are we leaving Black Stone City?"
Seeing this, Li Zhong summoned his courage and asked.
Although Zhou Yan was drunk, he had not forgotten his duty. Their journey to Black Wind Valley was to search for medicinal herbs.
"Of course, we are!"
Zhou Yan narrowed his eyes and said, "Not just Black Stone City, but Qingyun City too. We can't stay here anymore!"
"Oh? Why do you say that, Young Master?" Li Zhong asked, surprised.
"You don't know yet?"
Zhou Yan looked astonished. "My father was killed by the rebels from Black Wind Valley. My mother, heartbroken, moved with me and my sister to Black Stone City. Unexpectedly, the Prefect of Black Stone City sent troops to surround us."
"The Prefect?"
Li Zhong blinked and asked, "Then what shall we do?"
"Wait for death,"
Zhou Yan said indifferently. "After all, there's no spiritual energy in Black Stone City. Even if I cultivate to the Xiantian realm, I won't live long. Better to fight for survival."
"Fight for survival?"
Li Zhong smiled bitterly and advised, "Young Master, your cultivation talent is good, and your future is boundless. There's no need to oppose Black Wind Valley."
"My talent being good doesn't mean I'm foolish."
Zhou Yan sneered. "Black Wind Valley has abundant primal energy and an excellent cultivation environment. As long as I endure the initial three years, I'll surely break through and become a Martial Disciple. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, how can I give it up so easily?"
"But, what if Black Wind Valley has a Martial Master guarding it? If you barge in recklessly, it'll be nine deaths out of ten."
Li Zhong said, "Black Wind Valley is full of experts. Even without a Martial Master, with their powerful protective formations, we won't be able to get in."
"This..."
Zhou Yan frowned. "What you say makes sense. Then what should we do?"
Li Zhong hesitated for a moment before saying, "How about I accompany you to Black Wind Valley, Young Master?"
"Good."
Zhou Yan nodded.
Then, the two prepared themselves and left the Zhou family.
As the night deepened, in a dense forest, Zhou Yan and Li Zhong concealed themselves.
"Young Master, what do we do now?"
Li Zhong looked around and asked in a hushed voice.
"Wait."
Zhou Yan shook his head and said, "Someone from Black Wind Valley will surely come out. If we wait until midnight, we'll have a chance to capture the rebels."
"But..."
Li Zhong gritted his teeth and said, "What if those rebels don't come out at all?"
"Heh heh..."
Zhou Yan sneered and said, "If the rebels truly don't come out, then we'll have to retreat."
In Black Stone City, there were hundreds of rebels who would come out to burn, kill, and loot at regular intervals. Currently, the number of rebels in Black Stone City was growing. Some even pledged allegiance to Black Wind Stronghold. This was why Zhou Yan and Li Zhong were so wary of Black Wind Stronghold's strength. After all, with hundreds of rebels in Black Stone City, if they united, it would be quite troublesome.
"Alas, I hope the rebels come out soon."
Li Zhong sighed helplessly.
"Mmm, let's hope so."
Zhou Yan replied and clenched his fist. He, too, felt a sense of unease. If the rebels didn't emerge, he would have to choose to flee.
"Young Master, something's happening!"
Suddenly, Li Zhong pointed into the distance. Following his gaze, they saw a group of about thirty to forty people emerging from Black Stone City and walking slowly towards the distance.
"What are they doing?"
Zhou Yan frowned and inquired.
Li Zhong said, "They're probably going out hunting or purchasing supplies."
"Hunting?"
Zhou Yan's eyes darted around. "Heh heh, if they're hunting, we can just intercept them and make them help us transport provisions."
"That's a good idea!"
Li Zhong's eyes lit up, and he agreed.
Zhou Yan nodded and said, "Uncle Li, immediately give the order and call all those merchants here."
"Yes, Young Master."
Li Zhong respectfully replied, turned, and left.
Not long after, he returned with seventy to eighty merchants.
"Young Master Zhou, do you need any help with what you've called us for?"
These merchants dealt in various goods like grain and vegetables, and worked for the Zhou family to earn wages.
"Go and help me hijack a few carriages."
Zhou Yan commanded, "As long as you obey, I guarantee you generous compensation!"
"Young Master Zhou, what do you mean by this?"
At once, the faces of the merchants changed drastically, and they quickly shook their heads, refusing.
"I'm telling you, don't refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!"
Zhou Yan's face darkened, and he sneered, "I've already received news that riots have broken out near Black Stone City, and the rebels from Black Wind Stronghold have attacked Black Stone City. We are going to explore Black Wind Valley. If you dare to obstruct me, you are rebelling!"
"Rebelling?"
"This..."
In an instant, the merchants' faces turned pale, and fear showed in their eyes.
"Young Master, I believe this matter requires careful consideration!"
Li Zhong pondered for a moment and cautiously suggested, "After all, the people of Black Wind Stronghold kill without batting an eye. If we anger them, none of us will have a good outcome."
"What do you know!"
Zhou Yan glanced at Li Zhong and rebuked, "I've inquired clearly. Black Wind Stronghold does not have a Martial Master guarding it. Moreover, many other rebels are pursuing those traitors, so they won't be able to attend to Black Stone City in the short term. As long as we seize the opportunity to infiltrate Black Wind Valley and seize the spiritual medicine, we can escape even if discovered. Furthermore, there are many treasures within Black Wind Valley."
Zhou Yan said with longing, "It is rumored that Black Wind Valley possesses many elixirs and spiritual artifacts, which are priceless. As long as we obtain them, our Zhou family will prosper."
"Hiss!"
After hearing Zhou Yan's words, everyone gasped.
Elixirs! Spiritual artifacts!
These two terms were too distant for ordinary people, like existences beyond the horizon. Even wealthy families rarely indulged in elixirs. Unless they were willing to spend vast fortunes to buy large quantities of elixirs and spiritual artifacts.
"Young Master is wise!"