Chapter 204 |
After the big fire a few days ago, no one dared to chase after them anymore.
The effect of killing the chicken to scare the monkey was evident.
They traveled over mountains and ridges, following the map projected by the Dragon Pill and the Eye of Truth.
After more than half a month, they found a place to rest.
Dongfang Minghui had just fed Little Fatty some food when she saw Seventh Sister stride over to Toothless.
"Tonight, when the moon is at its peak, we need to combine the Dragon Pill and the Eye of Truth again to see if we can map out the other half of the terrain," Qian Wanyu said seriously, looking at Toothless.
"What if we can't get the other half of the map?"
"Impossible."
Qian Wanyu's confident tone made Toothless particularly annoyed, as if everything in the world was under her control.
Yet, this woman in front of her could draw the map perfectly after just one look.
Toothless snorted and walked over to Dongfang Minghui, watching her gently feed Little Fatty some fire lotus seeds.
The fire energy contained in the seeds was very pure, and Little Fatty ate them like snacks, finishing them in two bites.
After eating, it would pretend to be innocent to get more, which was quite annoying.
"Little Fatty, you can't eat too much."
Dongfang Minghui didn't feed it too often, fearing that Little Fatty would poke holes in the bed and floor like last time at the inn.
Now, they had three big fireballs around them, each more dangerous than the last, making it feel like a sword was hanging over their heads, ready to burn everything within a radius of several days to ashes.
"Ah."
More.
"No more."
Toothless, who usually found Little Fatty annoying, was delighted to see Dongfang Minghui insist for once.
In a rare moment of goodwill, she extended her hand and said, "Give me one."
Dongfang Minghui was overjoyed.
It was rare for Toothless to be so friendly.
Without asking, she placed a fire lotus seed in her hand.
"This was prepared for you. Try it."
Little Fatty watched from the side, almost drooling.
Toothless mischievously teased Little Fatty with the fire lotus seed, almost making it angry, before slowly tossing the seed into her mouth, crunching it like a bean.
"Not bad. I want another one."
Dongfang Minghui said indulgently, "Eating too many at once isn't good, but I think one more won't hurt."
Toothless nonchalantly tossed another fire lotus seed into her mouth.
"Ah ah."
Little Fatty opened its mouth wide in frustration.
If it could talk, it would probably be nagging Dongfang Minghui non-stop.
"Little Fatty, if you eat too much, you won't be able to control yourself. When you grow as big as Toothless, I'll give you another one."
Dongfang Minghui then pinched Little Fatty's cheek.
Toothless also leaned in.
When she realized what she was doing, her face darkened.
Qian Wanyu watched everything clearly from the side and shook her head helplessly at Ninth Sister's distribution.
She waved her hand repeatedly, "Little Fatty, come here."
Little Fatty's lively eyes dimmed.
After looking around and realizing there was no good food to be had, she obediently ran over.
When she saw Qian Wanyu take out a high-quality medicinal plant, her eyes brightened a bit, "I might need your help later tonight. I'll trade this medicinal plant for your assistance. Are you willing?"
Usually, Little Fatty would snatch any medicinal plant she saw, fearing someone else might take it.
This time, however, she didn't act immediately.
Instead, she tilted her head, looking at the medicinal plant and then at Qian Wanyu, as if she were contemplating something.
"This little thing isn't dumb," Qing Mo remarked in the soul sea.
"She's very clever," Qian Wanyu praised without hesitation.
"Just like a human's intelligence."
Whether the soul separated from Little Bean Sprout's bud was a gold-eating rat or something else, no one could say for sure.
The fact that she managed to separate from her original form during the landslide in Dragon Valley and transform into a human shape showed she was exceptionally smart.
Little Colour was fuming in the soul sea, "Your Seventh Sister is so biased."
Dongfang Minghui also felt that Seventh Sister took special care of Little Fatty.
She repeatedly took out her private stash of medicinal plants, plants that even Dongfang Minghui didn't know about.
"When you first saw Seventh Sister, you wanted to use her as a furnace. Maybe she sensed your intentions. It's a miracle she didn't skin you alive."
Given Seventh Sister's personality, if she had known, she would have coldly smiled and found an opportunity to torment Little Colour.
Little Colour shivered violently and stayed quiet in the soul sea like a quail.
"Little Colour, Seventh Sister likes to control everything. It's not personal. This time, she's giving Little Fatty the medicinal plant because there's something you can't do," Dongfang Minghui comforted in the soul sea.
"Besides, hiring you is like taking half my life. Seventh Sister cares about you, which is why she didn't assign those tasks to you."
Hearing this, Little Colour felt relieved that the ‘main position' was still secure.
"Hmph, she does care about you."
Dongfang Minghui's eyes curved into a smile, looking like a cat that had just eaten a fish.
After hesitating for a moment, Little Fatty quickly swallowed the medicinal plant and ran back to Dongfang Minghui, climbing up and finding a spot to sleep.
Toothless had the urge to pull the fat face pressed against Dongfang Minghui away, but then remembered her own shameless behavior earlier.
She pinched herself hard and suppressed the displeasure.
As night fell, Qian Yiling approached Qian Wanyu directly, "Do you have any plans? If we don't leave tonight, Mother will instruct them to set up camp and stay here for the night."
Qian Wanyu nodded slightly, "Mother, it's best if you set up camp ten meters away."
Qian Yiling didn't ask for details and took her group away, leaving only Zilan behind.
Dongfang Minghui watched as Qian Yiling left her sight and sighed heavily.
Ever since Uncle Wood brought Qian Yiling along when they set out, she had been so nervous she didn't know where to put her hands and feet.
Qian Yiling was no longer as kind to her as before, sometimes even ignoring her.
"Sigh."
"Fool, what are you sighing about?"
Qian Wanyu ignored the presence of others and gently pinched the other person's cheek.
Everyone present, except for a few like Leen and Xiao Miao who were unaware, averted their eyes, feeling like they were being force-fed dog food.
Mu Sheng kept sneaking glances at them, the more he looked, the sweeter the atmosphere seemed.
The two of them standing together looked especially well-matched.
Qian Ziyan glanced at him and lightly coughed.
"Aren't you worried about letting Qian Mama go alone?"
Dongfang Minghui, though troubled by the tension between mother and daughter-in-law, still had her rationality.
In this desolate wilderness, unfamiliar with the terrain, if something were to happen, help would be too far away.
"Don't worry, the people Mother brought with her are enough. Otherwise, I wouldn't have allowed Sister Zilan to stay behind."
Qian Wanyu looked at her worried expression with increasing fondness, wanting to hug and kiss her, "Don't worry, Mother will come around."
Dongfang Minghui pouted.
She knew it was just a long-term tug-of-war, waiting to see who would compromise first.
"Seventh sister, are you really sure about this? I'm not good enough, my cultivation is lacking, and my medical skills are mediocre—"
If she hadn't known most of the plot in advance, she would still be fumbling through things, with no particular strengths.
Qian Wanyu's eyes darkened, "Do you want me to tell Mother that I'm just playing with you, and that after some time, I'll be open to male-female relationships?"
"No—" Dongfang Minghui quickly denied it.
She couldn't imagine what it would be like without Seventh sister, not because of life and death, but because it would be unbearable.
She shook her head repeatedly, murmuring, "That's not possible."
"Fool."
Qian Wanyu pulled her into her arms, "I'll handle Mother's issues. You don't need to overthink. You're great."
Mu Sheng shyly covered his eyes.
He had known Sister Wanyu for so long but never knew she could be so romantic.
That soft whisper of ‘you're great' melted his heart, making it feel as soft as water.
Such a cold and aloof person, willing to whisper sweet nothings for Minghui, must truly be in love.
Qian Ziyan found a spot and took out a wooden carving that had been in his space for a long time.
The carving already had a rough shape.
After looking at it for a moment, a small knife appeared in his hand, and he began carving as if no one else was around.
After comforting her, Qian Wanyu looked up at the night sky, "Xiao Miao, come here."
Xiao Miao was a very quiet person.
Ever since those who played with him were burned to death by the flames on his body, he had no friends.
Following them, Toothless and Little Fatty weren't afraid of him at all and would occasionally play with him, so he listened to Qian Wanyu very well.
"Seventh sister, I want to go with you."
"Let's go."
Except for Qian Ziyan, everyone else followed Dongfang Minghui and Qian Wanyu.
Mu Sheng wanted to go too, but seeing his uncle sitting there motionless, seemingly indifferent to everything, he decided to stay behind.
After a while, Qian Ziyan asked, "Why didn't you go with them?"
Mu Sheng mumbled to himself, his voice softer than a mosquito's wings.
He was probably worried about Qian Ziyan being alone.
After spending some time with his uncle, he occasionally complained about why he had to team up with such an unromantic person to find someone…
But he always remembered the kindness of the Qian Family, who had given him much guidance and help.
That's why he couldn't bear to see Qian Ziyan holding that precious wood carving alone.
"Wanyu has many people around her. It doesn't matter if I go or not."
"Mm."
Qian Ziyan no longer paid attention to him.
The image of that person in his memory had already become somewhat blurred.
——
Qian Wanyu specifically found a place with a water source and instructed Xiao Miao, "You should enter the water, leave your head above the surface, and then take off your robe."
Xiao Miao obediently swam into the lake.
The water was quite shallow, so he had to squat down a bit to do as Qian Wanyu asked.
After taking off his outer robe, the calm water surface suddenly began to evaporate, bubbles eagerly rising to the surface.
At the same time, the creatures in the lake started to flee in a panic, probably sensing danger.
Qian Wanyu stood on the shore and took out a soft Water Spirit Pearl from her space, tossing it to Xiao Miao.
"Swallow this. No matter how uncomfortable it gets, you must stay in the lake."
Xiao Miao felt the smooth Water Spirit Pearl and swallowed it without hesitation.
Soon, he felt a cool sensation spreading through his internal organs.
"Seventh sister, he looks like he's in a lot of pain. If this continues, will something bad happen?"
Dongfang Minghui hugged Little Fatty tightly.
Just now, Little Fatty had almost jumped into the water to catch fish when he saw Xiao Miao go in.
"He has to endure this himself."
Cultivation is something that others cannot interfere with; it depends on personal insight.
Qian Wanyu didn't know how far Xiao Miao could go.
As Qing Mo had said, leaving him alone in the outside world would definitely cause big trouble.
It was better to watch over him personally.
Toothless snorted disdainfully, "This water will be evaporated soon. If he can't suppress it, that precious Water Spirit Pill will be wasted. I didn't expect you humans to be so harsh on yourselves."
The Water Spirit Pill is no different from a Dragon Pill, both taken from within the body.
That's why Toothless made such a sarcastic remark.
Qian Wanyu didn't comment.
In this world, humans are indeed the most ruthless creatures.
"Toothless."
Dongfang Minghui, fearing another argument, tugged at her sleeve.
Toothless pouted, clearly unhappy.
"Mother, you always side with her."
After saying that, everyone present was stunned, especially Dongfang Minghui, who looked at Toothless in shock.
She quickly grabbed her wrist.
"Toothless, what did you just say? Say it again."
Toothless wished she could slap herself.
What was wrong with her?
She kept doing things she couldn't understand herself, and now she had called a human "mother."
Toothless shivered, forcefully shook off Dongfang Minghui, and ran away.
Qian Wanyu caught her steadily, "Ninth Sister, this matter needs to be approached slowly, we can't rush it."
Dongfang Minghui's eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment, "I know."
"Do you need me to go after her?"
Leen had also wanted to reach out, but Qian Wanyu was faster.
"No need."
If Toothless wanted to leave, no one could catch her, "Seventh Sister, will she come back?"
Qian Wanyu smiled, "She will."
As long as that silly dragon remembered to look for the Dragon Clan's land, she wouldn't mess up at a critical moment.
But, clearly, Qian Wanyu overestimated Toothless.
By the time the moon was high in the sky, that silly dragon still hadn't returned, which made Dongfang Minghui very anxious, "If she really cares about calling me ‘mother,' then she doesn't have to call me that anymore. But… why did she leave without saying goodbye?"
The little spirit beast she had raised was like her own child, and she had poured a lot of affection into it.
Dongfang Minghui felt genuinely sad and wanted to cry in Seventh Sister's arms.
Qian Wanyu wished she could skin Toothless alive.
She released a bit of her consciousness and walked away quietly, but after circling back, she didn't see any trace of Toothless.
Her eyes darkened, and a cold aura emanated from her, "Wait here, Seventh Sister will help you catch her back."
"Seventh Sister."
Dongfang Minghui grabbed her wrist, "Toothless doesn't remember us. Forcing her back is useless. If she really doesn't want to come back, let her go."
"Is that really what you think?"
Qian Wanyu didn't believe Ninth Sister could let go so quickly, "Toothless has gained intelligence and grown stronger. When she comes back, Seventh Sister will help you teach her a lesson, okay?"
Dongfang Minghui was almost amused by Qian Wanyu.
Seventh Sister's Toothless sounded like a rebellious teenager, "Seventh Sister can discipline her, but I'm afraid Toothless won't accept it and will throw a tantrum."
Qian Wanyu pondered silently.
When Toothless returned, she indeed needed to have a fight with her to curb that arrogant dragon's usual haughty attitude.
"Little White."
Little White hadn't appeared since Toothless left.
When Qian Wanyu summoned it, Little Fatty didn't seem as eager to climb onto its big head as Toothless.
Little White growled softly, shook its fur, and habitually rubbed against Dongfang Minghui, insisting she pet it before it would settle down.
Dongfang Minghui squatted down, letting it affectionately lick her face, "You must have known Toothless had changed, so you've been staying in Seventh Sister's soul sea for so long."
Little White whimpered pitifully.
Qian Wanyu raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit jealous.
Ninth Sister seemed to understand Little White's thoughts.
Little White's had been listless in the soul sea, and she thought it was sick.
It turned out it was lovesick.
Ninth Sister not only attracted the affection of these medicinal plants and spirit beasts, but now, with her growing power, she also attracted others.
Her gaze shifted slightly, landing on Leen.
Leen noticed her gaze sharply, smiled slightly, and nodded at her.
"Little White, go find Toothless."
"Awuu."
Little White nudged Dongfang Minghui with its big head and quickly dashed off.
Dongfang Minghui watched the white figure disappear quickly, "Seventh sister, is it okay to let Little White go find Toothless alone?"
Qian Wanyu firmly denied, "No problem."
Little White isn't stupid, it was just a bit shaken by Toothless transforming into a human.
After all, over the years, the two spirit beasts had been secretly competing in height and size, and in the end, one of them inevitably transformed into a human.
"Toothless indeed stimulated Little White, but it might not be a bad thing."
"Seventh sister, do you think this kind of stimulation will make Little White more aware of the gap between them, and thus work harder to cultivate and transform into a human form sooner?"
"Yes."
Qian Wanyu had exactly this in mind.
They waited all night.
Although they didn't get the map, Xiao Miao, who had been soaking in the lake water, gradually suppressed the flames within his body and successfully evaporated the entire river.
When he walked up from the dried riverbed, he revealed a particularly handsome face.
"Wow, I didn't expect Xiao Miao to be a little handsome guy."
Dongfang Minghui had never dared to get close to this young man.
Every time Xiao Miao showed his face, the fiery red light would cover his entire face, leaving the only impression of fire.
"Be careful."
Qian Wanyu pulled her back into her arms.
Xiao Miao still had some flames leaking from his body, which quickly set the grass on fire.
Little Fatty quickly rushed over and transferred the small flames onto himself.
"Little Fatty."
Little Fatty rarely didn't pounce on Dongfang Minghui.
She had spent the whole night fishing in the river, making her belly swell up.
Qian Wanyu smiled and said, "From now on, I'm afraid you'll have to protect her."
Dongfang Minghui couldn't help but laugh and cry.
She thought Seventh sister had given Little Fatty some task, but it turned out to be an opportunity to improve Little Fatty's cultivation.
The river where Xiao Miao was had been filled with fire element spiritual power, and as he released and retracted it, some inevitably spilled out.
Little Fatty took advantage of this, and even she had to admit, "Seventh sister, you're too partial to Little Fatty."
"Wrong, I'm partial to you."
After Little Fatty finished scavenging, Little Fatty didn't bother Dongfang Minghui.
Instead, Little Fatty found a spot and fell asleep right away.
Dongfang Minghui squatted nearby, watching for a while.
Seeing that nothing was amiss, she finally felt relieved.
Qian Wanyu called over Zilan and instructed, "Tell mother that we need to stay another night."
"Yes, Young Master."
——
As night fell, everyone lit a bonfire.
Leen had gone somewhere and hunted a small mini pig demon beast, just enough to satisfy their cravings.
To distract Dongfang Minghui, Qian Wanyu mentioned that it had been a long time since she had tasted Ninth Sister's cooking.
Dongfang Minghui patiently took on the role of the cook, resuming her old trade.
Watching the faint flames flicker, she suddenly remembered the early days with Seventh Sister.
"Seventh Sister, I kind of miss the demon beasts in the Purple Demon Mountain Range."
Qian Wanyu's thoughts were also pulled back to five years ago.
At that time, she was filled with loathing for this Ninth Sister, often wanting to get rid of her, even hoping she would stay in the Purple Demon Mountain Range forever.
Looking back now, it was a momentary lapse in judgment, and fortunately, she didn't act on it.
"You're thinking of those Poison Flower Lightning Mice, aren't you?"
Mu Sheng perked up with interest and hurried over to the bonfire.
"Sister Wanyu, you and Minghui have both been to the Purple Demon Mountain Range? I've heard that the beasts there are numerous and the deeper you go, the more dangerous it gets. Is that true?"
"Of course, it's true!"
Little Colour, in the soul sea, became more animated, almost wanting to jump out and recount its past glories to Mu Sheng.
"Back then, you almost turned the Purple Demon Mountain Range upside down."
For a Purple Cloud Fruit and a Flying Wing Elephant cub, they provoked the Blood Fiend Alliance and the Qing Lan Sect, even disturbing the old folks residing in the Purple Demon Mountain Range.
Little Colour shuddered at the memory.
If it hadn't run fast enough, who knows what would have happened.
Dongfang Minghui's smile widened, "Seventh Sister, back then you used to complain that my roasted meat wasn't tasty."
Qian Wanyu's lips curved slightly, "Your current cooking skills are thanks to my training."
Back then, she had to give face and finish the roasted meat, then secretly go out to find lots of fruits to eat, otherwise, she would feel very greasy.
Ninth Sister loved to make all kinds of roasted meat.
For a while, when she returned from outside and smelled the roasted meat, her stomach would churn, and she would eat less.
But when she met Ninth Sister's hopeful and cautious eyes, she felt a bit guilty, otherwise, she would be asked—was it not tasty?
If she really answered that it wasn't tasty, Ninth Sister's expression would turn both aggrieved and pitiful.
Thinking of those days, the same smile appeared on both their faces.
Mu Sheng waited for a long time… but no one answered his question.
Seeing the two of them so engrossed in each other, he inexplicably felt like an extra.
By the bonfire, Leen sat calmly.
He wasn't much of a talker and had a weak presence.
He only turned the roasting meat when the shaman forgot, letting the delicious juices drip onto the flames below, making a sizzling sound.
He remembered that when he met the shaman, they spent their time like this too.
He really missed the shaman's cooking.
Xiao Miao's presence was even weaker; if he didn't speak, almost no one would notice him.
Qian Ziyan was still holding the wood carving, but his hand had stopped moving.
The interesting events that happened during his training were similar to what he experienced many years ago.
It had been over twenty years, but recalling them felt like it was just yesterday.
While everyone was lost in their own thoughts, Little White smelled the aroma and snuggled up to Dongfang Minghui, pushing its big head into her arms, "Awoo."
Dongfang Minghui heard footsteps and looked up to see Toothless pouting, reluctantly returning.
She checked the singed fur on the little white ball and patted its big head with some heartache, "Little White, you did great. I'll reward you with extra roasted meat today."
Qian Wanyu smiled helplessly, "If I didn't know you could cook, I'd think you only knew how to roast meat."
Dongfang Minghui's smile grew brighter, and she quickly invited Toothless to sit down, "Toothless, come, sit here. The food will be ready soon."
Toothless glanced disdainfully at the meat being roasted over the fire, only to meet Qian Wanyu's cold gaze.
Stiffening her neck, she said, "I came back just for the map."
Qian Wanyu replied coldly, "I thought you had grown up and matured, but I didn't expect you to be so childish. We waited for you all night yesterday. If you don't want us to follow you to the Dragon Clan's land, I can give you the True Eye."
Qian Ziyan disapprovingly looked up but didn't stop her this time.
Toothless didn't care about the True Eye.
Hearing Qian Wanyu's words, she felt she had made a mistake coming back.
She stood up, but a hand pulled him back.
Dongfang Minghui held onto Toothless and looked up, "Toothless, where are you going?"
Toothless snorted, still feeling a bit aggrieved.
"Seventh sister and I are very worried about you. Sit down and eat something first. Later, you and Seventh sister can work together to complete the map. I will take you back to the Dragon Clan and find your biological parents."
Toothless was terrified of Dongfang Minghui's gentle nature; she couldn't resist her soft approach…
"Fine, I won't leave."
"Really?"
"Yes."
Dongfang Minghui had the little white ball on one side and Toothless on the other.
She divided the roasted meat into several pieces, giving some to everyone, with extra portions for Toothless and Little White.
Toothless initially looked disdainful, but after taking a bite, her beautiful black eyes sparkled.
She quickly finished the meat and looked at Dongfang Minghui with blinking eyes.
"This little bit won't fill you up. Toothless, eat some more."
"Ninth Sister, look back for a moment."
Qian Wanyu didn't eat much.
She could go days without food, as the higher her spiritual power level, the less food she needed.
She found it amusing that there were so many foodies around Ninth Sister.
Dongfang Minghui fed a bite to Little White, then turned around in confusion, only to see Little Fatty with its butt in the air, eyes closed, head to the ground, sniffing its way towards the scent.
"Hahaha—" Mu Sheng couldn't help but laugh out loud at the sight, almost choking on his food.
"Minghui, even when Little Fatty is asleep, it instinctively wants to eat. You should save more later."
Even the usually refined eater, Xiao Miao, couldn't help but laugh at Little Fatty's antics.
"Alright."
She waited for Little Fatty to come over, then quickly picked up the little creature and tried feeding it a piece.
Little Fatty moved, opened its mouth without even looking, and quickly ate the piece of meat, all while keeping its eyes closed.
"Don't feed her too much," Qian Wanyu reminded.
"You all should share this meat."
"Okay."
The mini pig beast wasn't very big to begin with, and it was quickly divided among a few people.
Leen felt unsatisfied, thinking he should have brought back more.
The meat seemed to sink into the abyss, bringing little satisfaction.
But he thought, there will be more opportunities in the future.
"Shaman, do you need my help to take care of her?"
Leen volunteered, thinking Little Fatty was too fat, especially after eating all night and cleaning out the river's creatures.
Now, nestled in the thin arms of the shaman, it looked exhausting.
Dongfang Minghui shook her head.
"No need, I'll take care of her."
Little Fatty's weight fluctuated, but in her arms, it was manageable.
In others' hands, it would be a hassle.
Toothless grumbled, "Why not just leave her where she was? When the Dragon Pill and True Eye appear, it will definitely affect her."
Dongfang Minghui thought it over and agreed.
She was worried that the commotion from those two would attract magical beasts and people from miles around, possibly leading to a fierce battle.
She held Little Fatty for a while longer.
"We'll see later."
This statement nearly infuriated Toothless.
She glanced repeatedly at Little Fatty's adorable face.
Leen and Mu Sheng automatically stood guard around them.
When the moon was high, Qian Ziyan also stood up, unfastened the iron box on his back, and took out his cherished harp.
His slender fingers plucked a few notes.
The intermittent harp sounds drifted away with the wind.
"Hopefully, we won't have to resort to a massacre this time."
"Thanks to Toothless's previous show of force," Little Colour said, "we haven't had any incidents on this journey. But those people aren't fools. They know we're after the next part of the map and will definitely keep following us."
Dongfang Minghui took out the drawing book and whispered, "Stay alert and keep an eye on Little Fatty."
Little Colour reluctantly replied, "Don't worry, even if she loses you, she won't lose him."
The dragon pill was thrown into the air, its fiery red glow illuminating half the sky at night.
Just like last time, the two of them each held an item.
Qian Wanyu held the Eye of Truth in mid-air, searching for the most suitable position.
Once the two items aligned, the next part of the map was projected into the air like a screen, with a fiery red background.
Dongfang Minghui quickly sketched the map.
After she finished, the projection lingered for a couple of breaths before completely disappearing.
"Strange."
"What is it?"
"There's more to this map."
At the same time, when Qian Wanyu held the Eye of Truth in her palm, she heard a faint sound coming from the stone embedding the Eye.
Standing still, she placed the Eye of Truth under the moonlight.
Despite the darkness, she noticed a small crack on the stone.
"Could it be that it couldn't withstand the spiritual power I released?"
"Wanyu, is something wrong?"
Qian Ziyan found the night unusually quiet, especially compared to the screams from the fire half a month ago.
"To avoid any unforeseen complications, I think we should meet up with your mother tonight."
"Agreed."
Qian Wanyu put the Eye of Truth back into the box.
After counting the group, they continued their journey under the cover of night.
During the journey, Qian Wanyu was uncharacteristically silent.
After a long while, she pulled Qian Ziyan aside and whispered, "Uncle, besides breaking medium-level formations, does the Eye of Truth have any other uses?"
"Other uses…?"
Qian Ziyan was stumped by the question.
Seeing her serious expression, he asked, "Did something happen?"
"The container holding the Eye of Truth just cracked," Qian Wanyu explained.
"I don't know if it's because my spiritual power was too aggressive or if there's something wrong with the Eye of Truth itself…"
Qing Mo, also silent in the soul sea, said, "This item must have been authenticated by the appraisers at Yuntian Pavilion. If there were any issues, Nangong Yuntian wouldn't make the same mistake twice. This is very peculiar."
Qian Ziyan wanted to examine the Eye of Truth but said, "It shouldn't be. The Eye of Truth is extremely difficult to craft, and no craftsman would use a container that can't hold it, unless—"
The two looked at each other and simultaneously said, "Unless it's a fake."
After saying that, Qian Ziyan gasped.
"This item was bought by your mother to find someone. If it's fake…"
The consequences would be unimaginable.
He could almost picture her disappointed face.
Dongfang Minghui was quite far from them.
She saw that Seventh Sister had set up a formation for the two of them, so she couldn't hear their conversation.
However, she noticed their serious expressions, as if something wasn't quite right.
Thinking about the half-drawn map she had just made, she murmured, "Could it be that Seventh Sister also realized that this map isn't just two pieces? But that doesn't seem right either."
Toothless snorted, feeling annoyed by the sudden appearance of some tails behind her.
"It seems the last punishment wasn't enough. I—what did you just say?"
Dongfang Minghui was interrupted by Toothless's question and was momentarily confused.
"What?"
"You mentioned the map just now," Toothless reminded her.
"Yes."
Dongfang Minghui nodded slightly.
Seeing that Seventh Sister and Qian Ziyan had stopped ahead, she quickly approached with Little Fatty in her arms.
"Seventh Sister, is it about the map?"
Qian Wanyu was momentarily stunned, having been focused on the Eye of Truth.
"The map—" She thought for a moment and quickly understood the issue.
"There are at least two more pieces of the map, but there could be more."
Toothless chuckled.
"It seems we'll need to use the dragon pill and the Eye of Truth a few more times to complete the entire map."
Qian Wanyu gave Toothless a serious look.
Toothless, thinking she was afraid of being difficult, said, "Don't worry, just tell me when to use it, and I'll cooperate."
After all, it was to help her find the Dragon Clan's land.
Once they found it, she could easily find an excuse to get rid of them.
Qian Wanyu nodded slightly, sarcastically saying, "Thank you for your cooperation, Miss Toothless."
"You're welcome."
Dongfang Minghui keenly sensed that they weren't talking about the same thing, but she couldn't figure out what Seventh Sister and Uncle Wood were discussing.
"Seventh Sister, let's go. Aunt Qian must be anxiously waiting for us."
"Alright."
The group hurried along, and when they reached ten miles away, the surroundings were bright.
Three to five tents were set up in a circle, with a bonfire in the middle.
Besides the smell of roasted meat, they also caught a whiff of alcohol in the air.
Dongfang Minghui wasn't much of a drinker, so she and Seventh Sister hadn't prepared any alcohol along the way.
They hunted and ate their food on the same day.
"Uh."
She hadn't expected Aunt Qian to be quite the connoisseur.
Qian Wanyu and Qian Ziyan stood still.
With their keen eyesight, they quickly noticed that besides the people Qian Yiling had brought, there were a few unexpected guests.
"Uncle, do you recognize anyone in this group?"
"No."
A total of five extra people had arrived, and they had taken over a tent for themselves.
Four of them were gathered around a campfire, chatting and toasting each other, seemingly at ease.
Inside the tent, there was another figure, whose gender was unclear.
Dongfang Minghui felt a strange sensation.
"The light emitted by the Dragon Pill just now would be hard to miss even from ten miles away. For them to sit here so calmly, drinking and enjoying themselves, they must have quite the composure."
"Yes."
Not only was their composure impressive, but they were also much better than those who just followed them around.
"Seventh sister, should we go out?"
"Of course, otherwise it would be a waste of the food and drink they provided."
"Let's go."
New chappie enjoy!