Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 68 - Echoes From The Void

"Achoo!"

Jiang Cheng's sneeze echoed across the tranquil waters, startling a few nearby seabirds into flight. With practiced elegance, he swiftly produced a handkerchief, dabbing at his reddening nose with a slight grimace.

Two majestic Yunmeng ships had just arrived at the Baron's private estate, their sails billowing gently in the warm breeze from the South Sea. These vessels bore an illustrious cargo: the esteemed clan leaders of Yunmeng, Gusu, Lanling, and Qinghe. The cultivators had converged in Yunmeng before embarking on this long journey southward, following the great rivers that eventually led them to the sea and the distant shores of the Khufu kingdom. Alongside these dignitaries, the ships also carried a more ominous group - the apprehended Dache criminals, their every move closely monitored by the ever-vigilant Silent Serpents.

After six days of navigating the Southern Ocean's expanse, the ships had docked at the estate's secluded and luxurious private dock, which offered a discreet and grand entrance. Nestled in a lush coastal forest, the estate commanded a sweeping view of the ocean while remaining hidden from casual observers. Its design combined opulence with secrecy, making it an ideal location for important gatherings and covert operations.

The estate itself was an impressive sight - a grand mansion rising three levels high, its architecture a blend of desert aesthetics and northern influences. Located a few miles from the bustling heart of Khufu, it stood as a perfect midpoint between the city and the vast rainforest beyond, offering both accessibility and unparalleled privacy.

As passengers began to disembark, their robes fluttering in the warm desert wind, the Baron approached the still-sneezing Jiang Cheng from behind. With a light tap on Jiang Cheng's shoulder, he spoke, his voice tinged with amusement and concern.

"It seems the desert flora doesn't agree with you, my friend," the Baron observed, offering his own intricately embroidered handkerchief. "The pollen from our local flowers can be quite potent, especially to those accustomed to the gentler environment of lotus ponds."

Jiang Cheng accepted the offered handkerchief with a nod of thanks. "Wonderful," he muttered, his voice muffled as he buried his face in the soft fabric, trying to soothe his itchy nose.

The Baron's eyes crinkled with mirth as he patted Jiang Cheng's back sympathetically. "Fear not, I have just the remedy. Once we're inside, I'll provide you with a local concoction that works wonders for such allergies. It'll have you breathing freely in no time."

The Gusu Lan contingent disembarked with graceful poise, their white robes a stark contrast against the sun-baked landscape. Lan Xichen, Wei Wuxian, and Lan Wangji stepped onto the dock, their eyes sweeping across the breathtaking panorama of the Baron's private estate. Trailing behind them, Lan Haoran's face betrayed a mixture of awe at the surroundings and deep-seated concern for his son, Lan Xinming.

Lan Haoran's decision to accompany Lan Xichen had been driven by parental anguish. His son, now counted among the Dache criminals, faced an uncertain fate. In hushed, earnest tones, he had pleaded with Lan Xichen - his cousin and Clan Leader - for leniency. The proposed bargain: a reduced sentence in exchange for Lan Xinming's cooperation in exposing Dache's operations in Khufu. Lan Xinming, eager for redemption, had readily agreed, vowing to accept whatever punishment awaited him after fulfilling his end of the bargain.

Wei Wuxian, meanwhile, couldn't contain his excitement at the novel sights before him. His eyes danced with wonder as he took in the unique flora of the oasis kingdom, so different from the familiar landscapes of Gusu.

"Lan Zhan, look!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed, tugging at Lan Wangji's sleeve. "Have you ever seen trees like these? Those must be the palm trees I've heard about! And look at how they sway in the breeze - it's nothing like our forest back home."