Chapter 319 - Blocked by Heaven's Gate

Three nights later, Yang Lu regained consciousness.

In the bitterly cold desert, Yangu Lu woke up wrapped in a thick quilt, the bedding warm and snug. Propping herself up with weak arms on the edge of the bed, she felt a lingering fatigue.

Baili Gucheng was outside the door, leaning back in a chair and pretending to nap as he watched over her.

The night sky was studded with stars, and the Great Wasteland felt even more vast and desolate under the moonlight. From time to time, the distant howls of wild beasts echoed through the stillness.

Noticing the movement within the room, Baili Gucheng immediately opened his eyes. Moments later, Yang Lu’s voice called out weakly from inside.

"Gucheng, Gucheng..." Her voice was still faint.

Baili Gucheng quickly pushed the door open and walked briskly to her bedside. "I’m here."

He adjusted the pillow behind her back so she could sit more comfortably.

Yang Lu’s complexion was still pale, but much improved compared to the past few days. Glancing at the room’s furnishings, she asked, "Where are we? Have we reached Grand Succession City yet?"

Baili Gucheng shook his head. "Not yet. This is a sand bandit camp. Your body was too weak, and I figured that these bandits, living in the desert year-round, must have someone who knows how to treat illnesses. So, I brought you here."

Yang Lu’s expression darkened as she gave a bitter smile. "I’ve been a burden to you... I’m sorry."

"Not at all," Baili Gucheng said, shaking his head. "I had the doctor prepare some medicine for you. Drink it first, and once you’re better, we’ll continue."

With that, Baili Gucheng called out toward the door, "Doctor. Bring the medicine."

Shortly after, someone entered with a bowl of medicine in hand.

Baili Gucheng took the bowl and casually asked, "Has it gone cold?"

The bandit quickly forced a smile and replied, "No, no, it’s been kept warm by the fire. It’s not too hot. It’s perfect for drinking."

Baili Gucheng nodded and instructed, "You can leave now."

Watching Yang Lu drink the entire bowl of medicine, Baili Gucheng finally felt satisfied.

"How far are we from Grand Succession City?" Yang Lu asked, gazing out the window.

Baili Gucheng set the empty bowl aside. "I asked the bandits. It’s about seven days away to the northeast. Since our pace isn’t slow, we should be able to make it in six days."

Upon hearing this, Yang Lu tried to get out of bed. "Then let’s leave as soon as possible and try to get there sooner."

"There’s no rush," Baili Gucheng quickly said, reassuring her while gently holding her down. We’ll leave once you’re fully recovered. You’re in no condition to move around right now."

Yang Lu struggled a little but couldn’t overpower him and had no choice but to lie back down, her gaze lowered. "It’s my fault. If I still had my martial strength, we might already be there."

"Don’t say such nonsense," Baili Gucheng said, taking her hand and placing it on his knee. "How could this be your fault? If anyone is to blame, it should be me. I’m the one who caused all of this."

Yang Lu shook her head. "That’s not right either. It’s because I insisted on pushing you to the capital..."

"What’s the point of arguing over this?" Baili Gucheng interrupted, "It’s all in the past. Your priority now is to recover fully and come with me to the Grand Succession Sword Sect."

"I can’t win an argument with you," Yang Lu said with a smile. She lifted a strand of Baili Gucheng’s hair and twirled it between her fingers. "There’s a lot more black now... it seems your internal injuries have really healed."

"Thanks to the Transcendence Stone," Baili Gucheng said, picking up a strand of his own hair and examining it. The roots of his hair were all black, and only the tips were still silver. "Although the battle at Suantian Shrine left me severely injured, it actually benefited me greatly. After recovering, my abilities have improved significantly. I haven't fully mastered the Concealed Sword Art, but I feel like I’m just one step away."

"Stuck at a bottleneck again?" Yang Lu asked curiously.

Baili Gucheng tilted his head as if deep in thought. After a moment, he shook his head. "No, it doesn’t feel like a bottleneck..."

Yang Lu blinked, her curiosity growing. "Then what is it?"

"It’s like..." Baili Gucheng squinted as he thought about it. "Like a door... I'm standing right in front of it. It only takes one step to enter, but somehow, I just can’t take that step."

"A door? You can’t go through it? What kind of explanation is that?" Yang Lu said, half laughing, half exasperated.

Baili Gucheng shook his head. "I can’t really explain it, but that’s how it feels. And I sense... if I can step through that door, it’ll be a whole new world on the other side."

Yang Lu sighed. "With the way you’re describing it, I definitely don’t understand. Maybe I could relate to it if I still had my abilities, but now, I can’t help you at all."

"It’s fine," Baili Gucheng said with a smile. "That’s exactly why we’re going to the Grand Succession Sword Sect. They say all swordsmanship in the world started there. Perhaps someone there can help me find the answer.

"Besides, after Master He Wenxian perfected the Concealed Sword Art, he also visited the sect. Along the way, he shattered countless swords and solidified his title as the Sword Sovereign of the world. As his disciple, perhaps this trip will bring me some fortune as well."

Yang Lu pointed at the sword hanging from Baili Gucheng’s waist. "Don’t forget, this sword is the prized treasure that He Wenxian stole from the Grand Succession Sword Sect. Aren’t you worried that you might not solve your doubts and end up leaving the sword behind?"

"Then it’s the perfect opportunity to test the skills of the Sect," Baili Gucheng replied, his eyes glinting with determination, his face full of confidence. "Let’s see if their swordsmanship is truly as legendary as they say. Maybe a fight will help me take that final step forward."

Yang Lu’s expression turned serious. "Don’t think like that. The Grand Succession Sword Sect has nearly a century of profound heritage. It’s not easy to deal with them. Avoid conflict if you can. Promise me you won’t act recklessly. When the time comes, I won’t be able to help you, so you need to be extra cautious."

"I understand," Baili Gucheng reassured her, patting her hand. "Don’t worry."

Three days later, Yang Lu had mostly recovered and urged Baili Gucheng to set off. Unable to dissuade her, Baili Gucheng relented.

They packed supplies from White Camel Camp and took two horses, finally resuming their journey. As they departed, the bandits at White Camel Camp put on a grand farewell, with music, cheers, and neighing horses. They seemed genuinely afraid that Baili Gucheng might change his mind and decide to stay.

Baili Gucheng was a fair man and acknowledged that the White Camel Camp had been helpful, so he didn’t hold any grudges against the camp. They left without looking back.

Word of the duo’s presence quickly spread among the sand bandits of the Great Wasteland. The camps along their path began preparing in advance. Whenever the two were about to arrive, the bandits would wait outside their gates, offering supplies and fresh horses with utmost respect before sending them off with profuse thanks.

After receiving their offerings, Baili Gucheng would express his thanks and leave without causing the bandits any trouble.

With a steady supply of clean water, Yang Lu’s health held up well. Six days later, the vegetation along the route grew denser, and a sprawling mountain range appeared on the horizon. At the foot of the mountains, the outline of a city emerged.

They had arrived at Grand Succession City.