“Qiancha Senior Brother,” a sudden shout came from behind. Lu Qiancha turned his head and met Shangguan Yunzhu’s cold, picturesque face, which at this moment carried a… strong look of curiosity!
Lu Qiancha really wanted to say, [Please maintain the dignity and pride befitting an icy beauty,] but in the end, he only showed a slight smile and waved his hand, signaling her not to say more.
His demeanor—aloof and polite—clearly conveyed the message: “Please do not disturb.”
“…Sorry for the intrusion.”
Shangguan Yunzhu was shut down by this silent but unmistakable refusal, and the curiosity on her face faltered slightly.
On that icy visage, a faint ripple appeared—a fleeting expression somewhat akin to grievance flashed quickly across her phoenix-like eyes.
At this moment, Lu Qiancha’s spiritual sense sharply detected Qingfeng, who was standing behind them with his eyes closed, furrowing his brow slightly.
Two days later, the vast and sparsely populated East Victory Divine Continent, dotted with countless sects, gradually receded behind them.
The little boat flew through clouds and mist, day and night without rest, finally reaching the northwest border of East Victory Divine Continent.
Lu Qiancha spent the journey recuperating, focusing on the space around him, while at the edges of his vision, he often caught glimpses of fleeting figures soaring through the sky.
Fortunately, they encountered no obstacles along the way.
Xuanmo stretched lazily as the boat slowly decelerated, gently descending toward the towering mountains below.
The Xianren Xuan yawned and called out to the few behind her, “Everyone, get ready. We’re about to enter the border of Bei Juluzhou.”
“Listen carefully, Bei Juluzhou is no friendly place. You’re here to train, so don’t recklessly snatch any treasures or rare medicines.”
The five disciples stood up simultaneously, cupped their hands in respect, and said in unison, “Thank you for your guidance, Aunt.”
“Hm.”
Xuanmo nodded with satisfaction and then addressed them, “Bei Juluzhou is the territory of the Yao Clan. When you arrive at the towns below, buy some supplies. Don’t be shocked if you see Yao Clan members around.”
The five cupped their hands in acknowledgment and followed Xuanmo to a town under Yao Clan jurisdiction.
The town was nestled in a valley, with caves carved out on both sides. Numerous plank roads and wooden buildings were constructed among the cliffs.
Surrounding these were a few grand halls and pagodas, but mostly earth and wooden structures.
The place was bustling with people—both humans and Yao Clan alike. Next to many wooden buildings, vendors were setting up stalls, selling mostly herbs and precious materials native to Bei Juluzhou.
Xuanmo moved skillfully through the town, conjuring a white cloud to ferry the six of them as they toured half the town.
She compared prices at several stalls, then instructed them to produce Ling Stones and buy some reasonably priced Dan Yao and Talismans.
“Hm? Why isn’t this little one moving?”
Xuanmo glanced at Lu Qiancha, who had been standing silently behind her with his hands behind his back, and sighed softly.
Without much ceremony, she casually tossed a small pouch over her shoulder, hitting Lu Qiancha right in the arms.
“I already knew your master didn’t leave you much. I just don’t understand why she insists on guarding that little peak… Take these Ling Stones to buy some supplies and food. You’ll be training for over a month, so don’t be careless.”
Xuanmo crossed her arms and grumbled at Lu Qiancha.
“Uh.”
Lu Qiancha was momentarily stunned but then looked up at the straightforward Aunt and showed a gentle smile.
This kind of smile was something he only revealed to his master and his junior sister.
Just as he was about to explain that he had already prepared everything, a delicate jade hand suddenly extended a large stack of yellow paper Talismans and two plump ceramic bottles toward him.
It was the girl wearing fire-colored robes, carrying a broken sword.
Shangguan Yunzhu turned her head away and said as calmly as she could, “Consider this an apology for earlier offenses, Senior Brother.”
Then she turned and casually walked over to a nearby stall as if nothing had happened.
Lu Qiancha found it somewhat amusing and cupped his hands toward her retreating figure, saying nothing.
This icy beauty was a bit overrated.
She seemed a little silly.
Yeah, even sillier than her junior sister.
***
Four hundred miles north of the town lay their training ground—Juezhang Treasure Forest.
As they neared the forest’s border, Xuanmo’s laziness gradually faded, replaced by the radiant aura of the great sun Lu Qiancha had seen earlier within the cloud domain.
As their cloud platform slowly descended, Xuanmo’s expression turned serious. She looked at everyone and said, “According to the rules, this training lasts thirty-five days.”
“The countdown begins once you enter Juezhang Treasure Forest. If you withdraw before the thirty-five days are up, it will be considered a failure. Upon returning to the sect, you will have to accept the penalties yourself.”
She blinked and then lightened her tone, “Actually, it’s just a small deduction of your monthly stipend. If you’re in danger, survival comes first. If it gets too tough, just pull out—no need to be stubborn.”
“Both I and this big guy will stay here waiting for your return.”
Upon hearing this, Qiong Gong immediately cupped his hands and requested permission, “I have been sent on orders. Please, Xianren Xuan…”
Before he could finish, Xuanmo cut him off indifferently, “They’re here to train. Why do you need to follow?”
“General Qiong, please wait outside and leave everything to Aunt’s arrangement.”
Shangguan Yunzhu spoke up beside her, her presence emanating a faint authority—clearly someone used to giving orders from a young age.
“Yes, sir!”
Qiong Gong replied solemnly, then subtly glanced at Qingfeng.
Qingfeng promptly spoke loudly, “General Qiong need not worry. Even if I have to risk my life, I vow to protect Junior Sister Yunzhu to the death.”
Shangguan Yunzhu gave no response, maintaining her usual icy demeanor.
Lu Qiancha, who had been trailing behind Xuanmo, shifted his gaze between Qiong Gong and Qingfeng.
Clearing her throat, Xuanmo continued, “I’ll give you two some advice. First, since you’re all fellow disciples, avoid going off alone. Qingfeng, Yunzhu, you two have higher cultivation levels, so if you have the energy, look after the others.”
Qingfeng smiled, “Don’t worry, Aunt.”
Shangguan Yunzhu also spoke, “Understood.”
Xuanmo nodded and added, “Don’t chase after fortunes. Opportunities can’t be rushed. Also, watch out for those precious medicinal herbs. They’re usually guarded by ferocious beasts—don’t get caught in their traps.”
As she said this, Xuanmo suddenly reached out with hands moving like afterimages, lightly pinching the cheeks of Lu Qiancha and Shangguan Yunzhu.
“Especially you two, with your delicate skin and tender flesh.”
“Aunt, please show some restraint!” Shangguan Yunzhu frowned and scolded, while Lu Qiancha’s mouth twitched fiercely as he took a step back, leaving Xuanmo laughing heartily.
Amid the laughter, Xuanmo pulled out five thin jade tablets from her bosom and tossed them to the five disciples.
“Here, these are transmission jade for emergency calls. If you’re in trouble, crush one and I’ll sense it immediately and come to your aid.”
“Using it means your trial has failed, but like I said, it’s just a deduction in your stipend, nothing serious.”
She waved her hand and said, “Off you go, be careful! Don’t actually die in there.”