Chapter 63

Chapter 63

Ai Yi and the four reacted differently; seeing the indicator, he sighed in relief, "There's a reaction, thank goodness! That brat, once we find him, I'm going to give him a good scolding!"

It seemed that his disciple had intended to find someone, hence the reckless venture into this place.

Only, he wondered why his disciple hadn't informed him.

Venturing in recklessly but failing to find a way out, even losing himself.

Now, it was uncertain how many had entered these mountains throughout the day.

"It seems every year has its foolish acts, but this year seems particularly abundant."

Ai Yi was relieved he had called the master as soon as he sensed something was amiss; otherwise, they might still be unaware of the potential dangers ahead.

Xie Qingfeng instructed Ai Yi to pack up the items, then led the way in the indicated direction.

Jing Xi and the others followed closely.

The four onlookers remained in place for a while, mouths agape, then shivered and hurriedly followed, rubbing their arms. Wait for them!

If that wasn't an act, then that person might indeed be a true master.

Jing Xi quickly caught up to Xie Qingfeng, walking almost in step with him, just half a step behind.

Xie Qingfeng glanced back at Jing Xi, understanding his thoughts, and spoke in a low voice, "Although I'm not as skilled in combat as you, dealing with these things is more my expertise."

Xie Qingfeng knew Jing Xi well; his half-step behind was intentional, ready to protect against any sudden danger, using his own body to shield Xie Qingfeng from harm.

Knowing Jing Xi's protective instincts was one thing, but seeing it in action stirred complex feelings in Xie Qingfeng.

For Xie Qingfeng, being transported from the ancient world to here didn't bother him much. After all, when he decided to sacrifice himself for his country in the treasury, he was prepared to die; surviving was a fortunate twist of fate.

Even in a strange world without his senior brothers, disciples, or familiar faces, he was always adaptable.

Unable to return, he chose to stay and make the best of his situation.

Unexpectedly, there were unforeseen joys. Although he often said he didn’t want any more entanglements with the Little Emperor, keeping him close was a contradiction to his words.

The Little Emperor was the only person from his world here, sharing secrets and a common origin, not to mention their close bond from childhood.

Yet, the man before him, once an emperor revered by thousands, now reduced to relying on him due to poverty, prioritizing him above himself, stirred a sense of guilt in Xie Qingfeng.

Jing Xi blinked slowly, uncertain whether the National Teacher's words were out of concern or something else.

Without certainty, he decided to hold back his actions.

As expected, Xie Qingfeng continued, "Even if you don’t try so hard, I would still repay your debts and help you break your contracts."

Jing Xi: "..." He knew it.

After speaking, Xie Qingfeng continued walking forward, expecting that Jing Xi, having heard his words, would stop trying to prove himself. Yet, to his surprise, Jing Xi swiftly moved past him, not just half a step behind anymore but now leading at the front.

Xie Qingfeng: "............"

Hao Jixin, of average stamina, almost couldn't keep up, jogging breathlessly to catch up. He saw Jing Xi walking briskly ahead, his tall figure providing a sense of security. "How does Emperor Jing have such stamina? We all eat the master's food daily, but why does he seem so much more capable?"

However...

"Master, why do I feel like Emperor Jing is in a bad mood?" Hao Jixin, using a stick he found for support, tapped his way along the path.

Xie Qingfeng glanced at Jing Xi's retreating figure and shook his head, reviewing his own words. There didn't seem to be anything amiss. Could he have unintentionally upset Jing Xi?

The group walked for over two hours before barely reaching halfway up the mountain. According to the direction indicated, the path didn't continue upwards.

By now, the sky was completely dark. Ai Yi, anticipating the search for the missing person, had brought a flashlight just in case.

He walked at the rear, behind the four youngsters who were now visibly fatigued. But with the darkness and the conversation they had overheard, they dared not lag behind, fearing being left alone in case of any danger.

Ai Yi, observing the darkening sky, felt increasingly anxious. He was relieved to see Xie Qingfeng stop ahead and quickly passed the four to reach him, "Mr. Xie, how is it?"

Xie Qingfeng looked ahead, raised his hand and waved it, causing a flicker of spiritual energy. Suddenly, amidst the pitch-black darkness, a faint green light shimmered in the distance, "We're almost there. Keep up."

Ai Yi and the others immediately responded, their spirits lifted by the news that they were close. They briskly followed.

The path ahead was dense with undergrowth and increasingly difficult to navigate. Jing Xi, leading the way, hacked through the foliage. Hao Jixin, feeling awkward about letting Emperor Jing do all the work, also took a branch and moved forward to help. Ai Yi, ensuring no one was left behind, continued to follow at the back, providing light for the group.

Xie Qingfeng and Jing Xi had brought small flashlights with them. Noticing the limited brightness and the abundance of insects, Xie Qingfeng saw Jing Xi swatting at the air. He promptly drew a couple of talismans, infused them with spiritual energy, and stepped forward to tap Jing Xi's arm.

Jing Xi turned around, raised an eyebrow, and upon noticing Xie Qingfeng's gaze, looked down at the talisman. His lips curved up slightly, "What's this?"

Xie Qingfeng casually responded, "It's for repelling insects."

Jing Xi wanted to express his concern for Xie Qingfeng but swallowed his words. A little flirting was fine, but too much might make Xie Qingfeng suspicious and potentially drive him away.

Moreover, with others around, it wasn't convenient, and he worried Xie Qingfeng might be embarrassed by overt displays of affection.

Thinking this, Jing Xi glanced at Hao Jixin, the "other person." He had to admit Hao Jixin was decent enough; despite lacking physical strength, he was hardworking and loyal. Most importantly, being a straight man, Jing Xi wasn't worried about him getting too close to the National Teacher.

In high spirits, Jing Xi accepted Xie Qingfeng's "love-infused mosquito-repelling talisman," but noticed something off about its thickness, giving him an ominous feeling.

Sure enough, Xie Qingfeng glanced at Hao Jixin, "The other one is for Hao Jixin."

Hao Jixin, who had been eavesdropping, initially felt envious but was thrilled to learn he also had one. He eagerly took a talisman from Jing Xi, immediately feeling a cooling sensation enveloping him from where he touched the talisman.

Despite the mountain chill as night fell, the temperature now felt just right, and the previously bothersome insects seemed to have vanished.

Overjoyed, Hao Jixin exclaimed, "Master, you're too kind to me! From now on, I'll do anything for you, even dedicate my life to you!"

In his eagerness to show loyalty, Hao Jixin blurted out anything that came to mind. Halfway through, he remembered something and symbolically slapped himself, "I was just kidding about the last part!"

Sneaking a glance at Jing Xi, he felt like Jing Xi's eyes were shooting daggers at him.

Holding the talisman, Hao Jixin timidly jogged a few steps ahead, "I'll continue scouting the path!"

Xie Qingfeng glanced at Jing Xi, noting his scare tactics on Hao Jixin.

Jing Xi, noticing Xie Qingfeng's expression, looked at him with a slightly grievous gaze, "I thought I was the 'special' one."

His reference to being 'special' was about them both coming from the same place.

Xie Qingfeng chose to ignore the comment. They continued leading the way, and although using the talismans consumed spiritual energy, Xie Qingfeng's cultivation had significantly improved. It wasn't a big deal to him. After all, it wouldn't be fair to favor one over the other, would it?

He couldn't bring himself to do such a thing.

The four people behind them, although not catching the entire conversation, heard Hao Jixin's louder remarks and realized that the impressive master had given them something very effective.

The four exchanged glances, then slowed down, with one of the men cautiously approaching Ai Yi, "Excuse me, sir, the master seems to have given something good to the two gentlemen in front. It looks like a mosquito repellent. Could we possibly get a few too? There are quite a lot of bugs up here."

After receiving a nonchalant response, he tried a different approach, "We men can tolerate it, but it's not good for the ladies to get bitten. There are snakes, centipedes, and other bugs here, and it would be bad if they got scars from scratching. We don't need any for us, but could you ask for two for the ladies?"

Ai Yi glanced ahead, knowing that the master hadn't prepared any mosquito repellent and likely created them with talismans on the spot. They were given to Jing Xi and Hao Jixin because they were at the forefront, most exposed to harm. The four were well-protected in the middle.

Moreover, if they hadn't encountered them, these four might well have lost their lives. And now they were worried about bug bites, when even he didn't have a talisman?

Ai Yi, seeing the gleam of persistence in the young man's eyes, knew he would likely approach the master directly if denied, so he nodded in agreement.

The young man's face lit up, but his joy was short-lived as Ai Yi casually added, "If you're willing to lead the way and face the brunt of the insects, underbrush, and thorns, then you can ask Jing Xi and Hao Jixin for the talismans."

The young man's expression stiffened, realizing something, and he swallowed his words, laughing it off, "On second thought, let's not bother the master. We're almost there anyway."

Ai Yi ignored him, thinking the man didn't want to offend Xie Qingfeng and had cunningly tried to get him to ask. His scheme was to remind Ai Yi of the talismans, but he ended up betraying his companion, cunning and selfish.

The mountain was quiet, and with Hao Jixin no longer tormented by insects – possibly due to the talismans – the thorns seemed to avoid them. His mood lightened, leaving him free to observe other things.

Hearing the low but wind-carried words from the young man behind, Xie Qingfeng's lips twitched slightly. This guy, already engaged in scheming despite his own unclarified affair of infidelity.

Fortunately, they soon crossed the overgrown area, and an open space appeared ahead. The sound of water reached their ears, and as they arrived, a faint mist seemed to materialize, creating an elusive, indistinct vision.

Seeing this, Xie Qingfeng frowned and quickly grabbed Jing Xi's wrist, pulling him back, while simultaneously dragging Hao Jixin by the back of his shirt. Both of them were swiftly moved to a safer position behind.

Xie Qingfeng then lifted his arm, sending a surge of spiritual energy forward. The mist before them dissipated instantly, restoring clarity to their surroundings.

Jing Xi's expression darkened, "What was that just now?"

Xie Qingfeng retracted his hand, "A hallucinogenic array set up here, inhaling the mist causes illusions." At mid-mountain, surrounded by cliffs and abysses, one misstep in unclear vision could be fatal.

A fierce look flashed in Jing Xi's eyes, "It seems we're in the right place."

The person who posted the invitation must be knowledgeable in such practices, luring so many here with ill intent, likely to perform a ritual using their lives for some purpose, perhaps to prolong their own life.

After all, masters capable of such feats are rare and require significant resources.

Xie Qingfeng's expression was grave. He turned to Ai Yi and the four others, "From now on, do not leave our sight, and don't touch anything." Ai Yi immediately nodded gravely, "Understood, we'll keep an eye on them."

It was better to keep them in sight than having to search for them later if they wandered off. It was safest to keep an eye on them until they found the others and could return together.

Xie Qingfeng discerned their direction and continued forward. The sound of water grew clearer until they reached a cliff. Circling around it, they discovered a hot spring pool, with steam swirling around it and a greenish hue tinting the surroundings.

This scene, under the night sky, appeared somewhat eerie, causing the four accompanying Ai Yi to gasp and look uneasy.

Especially unsettling were the strange talismans hanging around the natural hot spring, illuminated by torches planted in the ground, creating an even more ominous atmosphere. They instinctively stepped back.

Ai Yi blocked the four, "Don't move." He sensed something off about the place and feared any disturbance might hinder Xie Qingfeng's efforts.

Indeed, as they stirred, several figures approached from another direction.

"The leader of the group, a middle-aged man dressed in a Daoist robe and accompanied by several young apprentices, stood out with his pale, bloodless face. Under the green light, he looked even more sickly, as if on the brink of death."

"A middle-aged man in a suit, seeing the newcomers, his eyes lit up, 'Master, more people to join? Will that increase our chances of success?'"

"After all, these newcomers looked younger and more vibrant, symbolizing strong life force."

"The leading master, however, furrowed his brows, feeling an uneasy aura, but dismissed it thinking they were just young and unlikely to pose a threat."

"With his cultivation, there were few in City B who could surpass him, the only equal being Daoist Hu."

"But he heard Daoist Hu was recently outsmarted by a certain Mr. Xie, who even broke his prized Meng Po talisman."

"Daoist Hu’s downfall made him more famous in the industry. Initially concerned about his reputation, he couldn’t refuse Jia's generous offer and convinced himself he wouldn’t be as unlucky as long as he didn’t encounter this Mr. Xie."

"After this job, he could retire comfortably."

"Besides, he prided himself on not harming lives. By gathering many people, each would sacrifice a little of their lifespan to extend Jia’s life. After the ritual, they would be mildly ill for a year or so and slightly shorten their lifespan, but it wouldn’t be noticed immediately, attributed to travel fatigue."

"He planned to leave with the money, a perfect exit."

"Jia, growing impatient, urged, 'Master, what are you waiting for? Knock them out like the others. The auspicious time is approaching, don’t miss it.'"

"The Daoist nodded, 'Don’t worry, I won’t delay. You know my capabilities, right? In all of City B, I am the most powerful.'"

"'Really?' Jia, somewhat distracted, coughed, 'As long as the ritual succeeds, you’ll get everything promised.'"

"Suppressing his excitement, the Daoist took out several talismans, lighting them with a torch, 'Jia, rest assured, the auspicious time is near. Unless that legendary Mr. Xie shows up, no one can stop me. After the ritual, the Meng Po talismans from Daoist Hu will erase their memories, leaving no worries.'"

"Jia sighed in relief, 'Good, good...'"

"But as he looked up, he saw the young man with a tree branch smiling at him, causing him to cough violently."

Hao Jixin clicked his tongue and grinned even wider: "Is the auspicious time approaching? Unless the renowned Master Xie shows up, right? Seems you're well aware of your limitations. But, looks like your luck isn't so good."

The Taoist priest and Mr. Jia frowned, remaining silent. Was this man still defiant, trying to stall for time as his end neared?

Hao Jixin stepped aside, gesturing towards Xie Qingfeng: "Guess what the surname of this master beside me is?"

The Taoist priest looked at the young man who had been silent since his arrival, who, despite hearing their conversation, remained indifferent. A sense of foreboding grew in him. Surely his luck couldn't be this bad? The auspicious hour was nearly upon them; how could he be this unfortunate?

Yet, he couldn't help but shiver: "What... what surname?"

Hao Jixin, with a mischievous smile and hands tucked in, stepped aside and said slyly: "Naturally... the surname is Xie."