These past years, Huang'er and
But even so, Huang'er felt it was much better than her previous life. At least, she didn't have to live amidst constant scheming and backstabbing every day.
Though young, she had been born into an environment brimming with intrigue and frantic power struggles.
From childhood, she had grown utterly weary of it all.
Ever since the Eternal Spirit Mountain, when Elder Shun had brought her out from the shadows into the light, letting her truly meet people like
It had to be said, after that, Huang'er's state of life and her mental state underwent tremendous changes. Her mindset transformed through many experiences.
Gouyu's open-hearted enthusiasm and fearless love and hate; Jiang Chen's straightforward integrity and extraordinary bearing; and
Living with these people, Huang'er's heart completely opened up, requiring no precautions.
This lifestyle was simple, pleasant, and every day was filled with sunshine.
Unknowingly, Huang'er had grown deeply fond of this state of life, of these people she spent her days with, and of this simple passage of time.
And the torment of the Hundred-Lifes Linked Hearts Curse upon her, because of Jiang Chen's intervention, had been temporarily suppressed, allowing her to forget almost all her worries.
If this time could last forever, she wished it would never change.
Therefore, when Jiang Chen mentioned the Soul-Calming Wood, when he spoke of lifting the Hundred-Lifes Linked Hearts Curse, Huang'er felt no wild joy. Instead, there was a faint sense of loss.
Deep down, she even harbored a quiet hope that perhaps this day would never come. She had already grown accustomed to this plain, real life.
...
Three days later, after settling affairs in his cave dwelling, Jiang Chen specifically went to
Danxia Valley saw large numbers of disciples coming and going daily. Neither Jiang Chen nor Mu Gaoqi were among the very top geniuses of Danxia Valley, so their movements couldn't attract much attention.
Once outside the sect, Jiang Chen summoned his Golden-Winged Sword Bird.
Mu Gaoqi had his own mount, but compared to Jiang Chen's advanced Sword Bird, its speed was still far inferior.
Seeing Jiang Chen's Golden-Winged Sword Bird, Mu Gaoqi was filled with envy.
Jiang Chen was generous and directly gifted one to Mu Gaoqi. "Fellow Daoist Gaoqi, these Golden-Winged Sword Birds are extremely picky eaters. You have plenty of pills; feed it well, and it will advance even faster."
Mu Gaoqi nodded repeatedly. "Of course, of course."
Even riding the Golden-Winged Sword Bird, the journey actually took a full four days before they reached the outskirts of a vast mountain range.
Deep within these mountains, peaks rose one after another, shrouded in mist. Riding the Sword Bird obviously wouldn't allow them to penetrate deep inside.
After jumping to the ground, Mu Gaoqi cautioned, "Brother Jiang Chen, this is the Ten-Thousand-Mile Qingming Mountain. There are numerous fierce beasts here, along with all kinds of terrifying insects and snakes, bizarre creatures, and even tree vines that can pose lethal threats to people. Walking here requires utmost caution."
Jiang Chen nodded. "Where did you agree to meet the others?"
"Once we enter Qingming Mountain, there's a designated meeting point. Oh, by the way, Brother Jiang Chen, if they ask, don't reveal your real name. Just make up a name."
Mu Gaoqi was very cautious, continuously advising Jiang Chen and telling him various details.
Jiang Chen naturally had no objections. He was here for the Spirit Wood Spring anyway; these were minor matters. Whatever Mu Gaoqi suggested, he would follow, as long as it didn't cross his bottom line.
Jiang Chen activated the Heavenly Eye Divine Pupil and Seven Apertures Spiritual Resonance throughout the journey, proceeding with great care.
Although they encountered many trials, because Jiang Chen was on guard ahead of time, nothing posed a real threat.
About an hour later, Mu Gaoqi led Jiang Chen to a spot beside a stone forest.
This stone forest was filled with all sorts of strange boulders – some standing upright, some lying down, some jutting out at angles. Their various formations created a strong visual impact.
"Here we are." Mu Gaoqi looked around and muttered to himself, "Seems we're among the first to arrive."
Jiang Chen smiled faintly but didn't refute anything. In truth, his Seven Apertures Spiritual Resonance had already sensed three groups of people, all hidden within the stone forest's shadows.
Upon seeing it was Mu Gaoqi, these people emerged from the shadows.
There were three groups, each consisting of two people. It seemed they had an agreement to bring only one helper each. In this regard, no one had broken their word.
When Mu Gaoqi saw these three groups come out from the shadows, he suddenly seemed a bit flustered.
"I thought we'd be earliest, didn't expect you all to be earlier," Mu Gaoqi stammered.
"Gaoqi, everyone's counting on your pills this time. You brought them all, right?" one group asked. They wore golden robes and carried long swords, giving off a sharp, fierce air.
"Brought them all, I have them right here!" Mu Gaoqi chuckled.
"And this is?" the golden-robed swordsman asked, looking Jiang Chen over with an appraising gaze.