Yue Qin looked at everyone and said, “You all worked well together during your training in Li’er Country and Wufan City, and you gained quite a lot from it. Since you’re already familiar with each other, it’s beneficial to continue working together.”
“Eh?” Tian Fangfang asked in surprise, “We can also go?”
Apart from the Sacred Tree, the treasure location would likely have other opportunities. Most people who get a treasure map tend to keep it hidden, fearing others will discover it. Who would actively bring along Gu Baiying like Zanxing does, and now even share it with so many people?
Xuan Lingzi looked at Zanxing with a very fond expression: “This is Zanxing’s exceptional quality. In all these years, I’ve never seen such a sharing disciple. It was Zanxing who proactively told me that she wanted all of you to join.”
Tian Fangfang was deeply moved by this and grasped Zanxing’s hand, swearing, “Good Junior Sister, Martial Brother is indeed not wrong in treating you well! When I become successful, I will definitely not forget your great kindness!”
However, Mu Cengxiao’s expression grew a bit awkward.
Gu Baiying’s gaze fell on Mu Cengxiao, his eyes darkening slightly.
The undercurrent in the hall was noticed by Zhao Mayi. He stroked his beard and smiled slightly, “Then, you should all go back and rest. We’ll set off in two days.”
“That soon?” Meng Ying asked.
“Although Seventh Junior Brother’s spiritual veins are currently under control, they won’t hold for long, and there’s danger at any moment. It’s better to leave as soon as possible. Junior Brother,” Yue Qin turned to Gu Baiying, “What do you think about this plan?”
Gu Baiying glanced at Zanxing, paused for a moment, and then said, “It’s fine.”
And so, the matter was settled.
After finalizing the plans, everyone went back to prepare their belongings. After all, since they didn’t know what they might encounter at the treasure location, it was always better to pack more into their Qiankun Bags.
Men Dong followed behind Gu Baiying with a sigh. “As expected.”
Gu Baiying was puzzled. “As expected, what?”
“As expected, Yang Zanxing is still not giving up on Senior Brother Mu,” Men Dong pointed to the distance where Zanxing was standing beside Mu Cengxiao, smiling and chatting with him. Men Dong said, “She’s not really sharing the treasure map with us; she clearly just wants to share it with Senior Brother Mu. But people are dreadful. Since Senior Brother Mu wouldn’t accept it, Yang Zanxing had to tell Sixth Martial Uncle that we should all go together. So, what was meant for one person ends up being given to everyone. She truly loves Senior Brother Mu deeply.” Men Dong nodded. “Martial Uncle, you were right to think ahead. Since Yang Zanxing likes Mu Cengxiao so much, it’s possible that they might cultivate together in the future. With the Sacred Tree’s fruit still not here and your spiritual veins not fully repaired, you should keep an eye on them… Martial Uncle?” He turned around, but Gu Baiying had already disappeared from view.
“Martial Uncle… wait for me!” Men Dong quickly hurried to catch up.
*
At night, a breeze stirred on Gufeng Mountain.
Hong Su took out the thick clothes from the trunk, carefully selecting a few pieces and folding them neatly.
Zanxing was putting the prepared pills into a box and said, “There’s no need to be so particular, just pack a few casual pieces.”
“That won’t do,” Hong Su said earnestly. “The place you’re going is extremely cold, with snow all year round. White snow looks best with red clothing, but unfortunately, the clothes sent by Uncle Niu don’t have bright red. Only rose red, which is a bit less vivid.”
Zanxing sighed as she looked at Hong Su shaking out a rose-colored cloak with silver flowers.
The treasure map given to her by the Snake Shaman Clan indicated that the Sacred Tree was located in the Cold Wilderness north of Duzhou, a vast snowfield. Legend had it that there was once a small country in that area, but due to the extreme cold, it became uninhabitable. The people moved south, and over time it became a deserted land. With snow falling year-round, the footprints of past inhabitants were covered, and no traces of human habitation remained.
Hong Su continued to chatter, “Since you’ve decided to have both Young Master Gu and Young Master Mu accompany you, it seems you’re choosing between them. If you wear something deeply striking, regardless of who you choose, the other will always remain in the background, waiting. It’s like leaving yourself an escape route in case you regret it later, with someone still waiting with a longing heart.”
Zanxing was taken aback. She hadn’t expected Hong Su to be such an adept strategist in matters of the heart.
She said, “Red is a bit too conspicuous.”
“Being conspicuous is exactly the point. We mustn’t let anyone steal the spotlight from us,” Hong Su insisted firmly. By “others,” she naturally meant Meng Ying.
Zanxing sighed inwardly. What she feared most now was stealing the spotlight, especially from Mu Cengxiao. She had previously offered the treasure map to Mu Cengxiao, but he had refused, leaving her no choice but to give the map to Xuan Lingzi and suggest that everyone go together for the training.
Only if Mu Cengxiao went could he obtain the opportunities meant for him, while she… Zanxing lowered her gaze to the red marks on her palm. The red flowers indeed hadn’t continued to grow, indicating that as long as the main plot didn’t collapse, the situation wouldn’t deteriorate too badly.
But… who knew what might happen on this trip to the treasure location?
She needed to be very careful, avoiding drawing attention unless absolutely necessary. Zanxing thought to herself, determined to stay under the radar.
*
That night, perhaps due to the impending journey, Zanxing slept restlessly. The next day, when everyone gathered at Chu Hong Terrace, Tian Fangfang looked at Zanxing’s dark circles in surprise and asked, “Sister, did you go out killing last night?”
“I didn’t sleep well,” Zanxing replied weakly.
“There’s no need to worry,” Tian Fangfang comforted her by patting her shoulder. “I asked Master, and that treasure location is remote with few visitors. Even if there are dangerous beasts, it’s not a problem with your senior brother around to ensure you’re not harmed.”
Gu Baiying, with a neutral expression, brushed past them, pushing aside Tian Fangfang’s hand that was on Zanxing’s shoulder. “Move aside.”
Mu Cengxiao and Meng Ying also approached. Zanxing asked, “Oh, where is Miss Liu?”
Every time they traveled, Liu Yunxin seemed to be reluctant to part with Mu Cengxiao, but today she was nowhere to be seen. Facing the curious gazes, Mu Cengxiao said with difficulty, “She’s… not feeling well today. I told her she didn’t need to see us off.”
Men Dong, emerging from behind him, looked understanding and said, “You didn’t have a fight, did you?” He then gave a bit of advice with a hint of condescension. “Quarrels are common among young couples. If you find any precious flowers or herbs at the treasure site, bring them back as an apology gift. I’m sure Miss Liu will overlook it.”
“No…” Mu Cengxiao glanced at Meng Ying. “We’re not a couple.”
Men Dong seemed not to believe it.
“Are you done talking?” Gu Baiying said impatiently. “If you’re done, let’s get going.”
At the familiar old place, the teleportation array was already prepared. The spirit stones radiated a dazzling light. One by one, the group stepped into the array. Zanxing, holding Mimi, went last and waved goodbye to the tearful Hong Su.
And once again, they set off.
Meanwhile, deep in Gufeng Mountain, before the Shuiyan Stream, a white-haired man gazed intently at an empty chessboard.
He sighed softly.