Chapter 254

Chapter 254

"I'm sorry, I don't know; I've never heard of it."

Su Molan's response left Wen Qiao somewhat disappointed, but considering the teleportation array deep within the Black Wind Desert, almost buried by sand, she understood to some extent.

Among alchemy, talismans, artifacts, and arrays, only array formations have always been incredibly profound, beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. This has led to a scarcity of array masters, let alone high-level ones. This is why Ai Jue and his group respected Ning Yuzhou so much when they learned he was a Heaven Rank array master.

Array masters are rare, and high-level array masters even more so. Without high-level array masters, it is impossible to set up teleportation arrays.

Setting up a teleportation array is a significant test of an array master's strength and insight. Even Ning Yuzhou did not dare claim he could successfully set one up now; he could only focus on repairs.

A teleportation array spanning continents is far more complex and profound than those within a continent, making its successful setup even more challenging.

The two intercontinental teleportation arrays Wen Qiao had seen were remnants from ancient times.

This shows that in ancient times, it was an era of unimaginable brilliance. Talents emerged in droves, especially in alchemy, talismans, artifacts, and arrays. Though considered minor disciplines, they were indispensable supplementary skills, and many cultivators used them to achieve their own paths to enlightenment.

In today's cultivation world, what they know well are the teleportation arrays within continents. Intercontinental teleportation arrays, however, are largely unknown, and rarely used.

"Do you have any knowledge about the other continents outside of your valley?" Wen Qiao asked again.

Su Molan hesitated for a moment before saying, "I know there are other continents beyond ours, but very few people know what the situation is like out there."

From Su Molan's explanation, Wen Qiao learned that the highest cultivation level on the Pleiades Continent was Emperor Yuan Realm, with no Saint Yuan Realm elders.

Only cultivators who reach the Saint Yuan Realm can traverse space; otherwise, facing the vast ocean beyond the continent, most would not return. Not to mention the natural forces of the vast ocean, the countless sea beasts alone make it impossible for cultivators to cross safely. Therefore, unless necessary, few cultivators choose to venture into the sea.

It seems the situation on the Pleiades Continent is similar to that of the Holy Martial Continent.

Without Saint Yuan Realm elders to explore, the cultivators on the continent know nothing of the world beyond, unknowingly becoming like frogs at the bottom of a well, believing their continent is the entire world. They do not realize how vast the "lower realm" truly is, something even Saint Yuan Realm elders cannot fully comprehend.

They chatted for a long time, with Wen Qiao asking questions and Su Molan answering.

No matter what Wen Qiao asked, Su Molan answered honestly, without raising any doubts.

If she hadn't disfigured herself, her obedient demeanor would naturally be endearing. But with her current swollen and blackened appearance... it made Wen Qiao feel a bit uncomfortable, a feeling akin to being visually assaulted.

When they were done talking, Ning Yuzhou walked out of the neighboring cave.

Ning Yuzhou handed a pill bottle to Su Molan.

Su Molan opened the pill bottle and saw ten flawless Transformation Pills inside, causing her to pause in surprise.

Although she knew Ning Yuzhou was a Heaven Rank alchemist, she didn't fully grasp the concept. Given his cultivation level and his status as a Heaven Rank array master, it seemed he was overly ambitious in his pursuits. She assumed that even if he could refine Heaven Rank spirit pills, the success rate and quality would not be too high.

However, these ten top-grade Transformation Pills in the pill bottle showed just how formidable Ning Yuzhou's alchemy skills were.

Ten pills, all top-grade!

He was indeed an extraordinary individual.

Su Molan sighed inwardly, stood up, and sincerely thanked him, "Thank you, Young Master Ning."

Ning Yuzhou said, "First, heal your injuries, then take the Transformation Pills to change your appearance."

"Yes."

Su Molan responded respectfully, only coming back to her senses after Ning Yuzhou returned to the neighboring cave to continue refining pills. She then met Wen Qiao's bright eyes.

"Why are you so respectful to my husband? You're not his subordinate," Wen Qiao asked, puzzled.

Su Molan replied, "I admire him. Any alchemist who can refine top-grade pills deserves respect and admiration."

Cultivators fear death and may get injured at any time, needing alchemists to save them. Thus, alchemists are always respected, especially high-level ones with great skill. Ning Yuzhou's display today showed his alchemy skills were on par with his array mastery, naturally commanding respect.

"You're right," Wen Qiao nodded matter-of-factly. "My husband is indeed very capable, and admiring him is appropriate."

Seeing her proud expression, Su Molan's lips twitched, having witnessed the couple's constant displays of affection. Each time, she felt caught in the middle, feeling awkward.

She had once had a fiancé, who was initially a gentleman, showing care and respect. Later, he fell in love with Xiao Minxin, and his attitude towards her became quite subtle, even joining forces with Xiao Minxin against her.

In short, she no longer wanted to think about fiancés.

***

Three days later, Su Molan had almost completely recovered from the Black Devouring Scorpion's poison, regaining her frail and harmless appearance.

Seeing her tearful, fragile face again, Wen Qiao couldn't help but sigh, "Although your face isn't ugly now, for some reason, I found your disfigured appearance more pleasing."

Su Molan, still marveling at her recovery, felt another stab of pain upon hearing this.

Her eyes filled with tears, though she wasn't crying, giving her a pitiful look. She said, "Miss Wen, how could you say such a thing? I... I didn't mean to..."

Wen Qiao silently glanced at her, then picked up Wen Tuto and Wen Guangun, turning away without responding.

Su Molan was once again left speechless.

Seeing that Su Molan's poison had been cured, they prepared to leave.

Su Molan took a Transformation Pill, and her face and body visibly changed.

Within moments, Su Molan transformed into a completely different person, from a pitiful white lotus into a cute girl with a round face, slightly shorter in stature. If not for her bone age, she looked like an innocent and adorable young girl.

Su Molan summoned a water mirror to see her new appearance, feeling very satisfied.

Each Transformation Pill lasts three years, and if she was unsatisfied, she could take another to change her appearance. Thanks to Ning Yuzhou, she now had ten Transformation Pills, allowing her to transform into any appearance she desired.

Ten Transformation Pills should be enough for her to complete her plan and escape her current situation.

When Su Molan emerged from the cave in a bright red dress, she saw two people coming out of the neighboring cave.

Upon seeing them, Su Molan's eyes widened in surprise as she exclaimed, "You... you are Young Master Ning and Miss Wen?"

Standing before her were two male cultivators, one tall and one short. The taller one had a stern, serious face, while the shorter one looked delicate and adorable, smiling like a cheerful young boy. They appeared to be brothers.

Wen Tutu and Wen Guangun were perched on the shoulders of the shorter boy.

Since no outsiders could enter here, Su Molan instantly recognized who they were. But the question was, hadn't Ning Yuzhou given her all the Transformation Pills? Where did they get their Transformation Pills?

Ning Yuzhou replied, "I casually refined a few batches later."

"A few batches?" Su Molan was stunned.

Ning Yuzhou ignored her and turned to Wen Xiao, saying, "Wen Tutu and Wen Guangun are too conspicuous. Have them hide for now; don't let them always perch on your shoulder."

Wen Tutu and Wen Guangun quickly clung to Wen Xiao with their paws, protesting loudly.

Why should such cute bunnies (and rolls) have to hide?

Wen Xiao nodded, "Indeed, both Zhenwu Sect and Hexin Sect disciples have seen them; it would be easy to recognize them."

Even Wen Jiejie agreed, so there was no changing it. The two furry balls, though disheartened, obediently hid—inside the space. They were furious, wishing to leave the Pleiades Continent sooner to avoid hiding.

Su Molan stood aside watching them discuss, feeling somewhat conflicted.

She originally thought that getting one Transformation Grass was already incredibly lucky. She never expected that they also had plenty of Transformation Grasses. No wonder they didn't covet her Transformation Pills but gave her an entire batch...

***

Jisha City is located at the edge of the Blackwind Desert.

As the time for the black winds to rise in the second half of the year approached, more and more cultivators left the Blackwind Desert, entering Jisha City to rest and sell various items they obtained in the desert, exchanging them for necessary cultivation resources.

Every year, when the black winds subside, many cultivators enter the Blackwind Desert.

These cultivators aren't necessarily looking for Floating Islands, as the probability of finding one is very low, and not everyone can be lucky enough to encounter one. Given the limited time in the Blackwind Desert, they naturally wouldn't waste time searching for Floating Islands. Instead, they focus on hunting the venomous insects and snakes within the desert.

The venomous insects and snakes in the Blackwind Desert contain many treasures useful for refining pills or artifacts. Selling them to specialized merchants can fetch a good number of spirit stones and cultivation resources.

This year, many cultivators emerged from the Blackwind Desert, and merchants were already waiting at the gates of Jisha City to purchase the desert's specialties.

Disciples of the Zhenwu Sect and Hexin Sect also entered Jisha City.

They weren't there to sell anything but to rest briefly and regain their strength before returning to their sects.

After parting ways with Ning Yuzhou and his group, they felt quite reluctant, discussing Ning Yuzhou and Wen Xiao's origins and sects along the way. They believed that, given their abilities, their master couldn't be a mere wandering cultivator. Even if he were, he must be a powerful one.

As for "Lan Su Su" traveling with Ning Yuzhou, they collectively ignored her.

After entering Jisha City, the disciples of the Zhenwu Sect and Hexin Sect found an inn, ordered some tea, and rested.

Not long after they sat down, they heard lively discussions around them. When they heard the name "Su Molan," the sensitive Fan Xiuxiu immediately perked up her ears.

"...Is Su Molan really missing?"

"Yes, the Xiao family and Shen family have issued a wanted notice. I heard that every cultivation city has hung portraits of those two thieves, offering a reward of one million spirit stones."

"One million spirit stones? That's enough to buy a lower-grade heavenly-level spirit weapon."

"Exactly. Those two are really bold, daring to kidnap Su Molan. Don't they know she is the only successor of the Pleiades Valley, raised by the Xiao family and future mistress of the Shen family?"

"How could they not know? I heard that Xiao Minxin and Young Master Shen returned severely injured and are still bedridden."

The entire inn was buzzing about this sensational news, and the disciples of the Zhenwu Sect and Hexin Sect listened intently.

Everyone was surprised. Su Molan, raised by the Xiao family, had been kidnapped? And the kidnappers had injured Xiao Minxin and Shen Yuanjin?

Fan Xiuxiu said joyfully, "Those two who kidnapped Su Molan did a great job!"

"Sister, keep your voice down," a senior sister from the Hexin Sect quickly cautioned.

Although Su Molan's reputation wasn't good, she was still the only successor of the Pleiades Valley, backed by the Xiao and Shen families. It wasn't something ordinary people could criticize.

Fan Xiuxiu pouted, unhappy. "It's true, isn't it? Someone must have kidnapped her out of resentment! She has been involved with so many men and betrayed her fiancé. Such a shameless and immoral woman is bound to have many enemies. It's normal for someone to take action against her."

Everyone present knew Fan Xiuxiu harbored a strong bias against Su Molan. Regardless of whether the rumors were true, it didn't concern them.

"How could it not concern us? She even seduced Senior Brother Jiao!" Fan Xiuxiu said indignantly.

Jiao Junhao, caught off guard by the topic turning back to him, frowned and said unhappily, "Stop spreading nonsense!"

Fan Xiuxiu's expression faltered, and her eyes instantly welled up. Senior Brother Jiao was once again defending Su Molan. What was so special about Su Molan? She was clearly a promiscuous woman who deceived many cultivators. Why were these cultivators still willing to side with her?

That woman was too sinister.

After finishing their tea, the disciples of Zhenwu Sect and Hexin Sect had overheard enough to understand the situation.

It was said that not long ago, Su Molan, along with Xiao Minxin, the daughter of the patriarch of the Xiao clan, and Shen Yuanjin, the young master of the Shen family, entered the Blackwind Desert to search for Floating Islands. However, they encountered two audacious cultivators who not only injured Xiao Minxin and Shen Yuanjin but also kidnapped Su Molan. They even lured a sand lizard to try to kill Xiao Minxin and Shen Yuanjin.

If not for the teleportation scrolls given to them by their elders before entering the Blackwind Desert, allowing them to escape safely, they might have died in the jaws of the sand lizard.

Everyone present had heard of the sand lizards in the Blackwind Desert, which possess combat power comparable to Emperor Yuan Realm cultivators. Encountering one would mean certain death unless one had the strength of an Emperor Yuan Realm cultivator.

Fortunately, the Xiao and Shen families were wealthy enough to provide such valuable teleportation scrolls to their cherished descendants, ensuring their safe return.

Upon learning what happened to their descendants, the Xiao and Shen families were enraged, vowing to capture the two audacious thieves who injured their children and kidnapped Su Molan, and to rescue Su Molan.

Immediately, the Xiao and Shen families issued widespread rewards, with the amounts steadily increasing, making many cultivators envious.

As Jisha City lies on the edge of the Blackwind Desert, it naturally received the bounty notice from the Xiao and Shen families right away and posted it in the most conspicuous place within the city.

After leaving the inn, Fan Xiuxiu said, "Let's go take a look at the bounty notice from the Xiao and Shen families."

Of course, she wasn't concerned about Su Molan's well-being; rather, she was curious about who would be so bold as to attack the direct descendants of the Xiao and Shen clans. In fact, she secretly hoped that those two people would capture Su Molan and torture her thoroughly, ridding the world of this woman who continued to seduce innocent male cultivators.

Everyone could see through her intentions and feared that she might quarrel with Jiao Junhao again, so they all agreed to her suggestion.

Thus, the group headed towards the tallest sand tower in Jisha City.

The most prominent landmark in Jisha City is the sand tower in the center of town.

This sand tower is made from refined yellow sand and stands tall in Jisha City, serving as its symbol. It is said that whenever the black wind blows in the desert, a gentle black wind also rises within the sand tower. This wind is not as fearsome as the one in the desert, having only ten percent of its power, making it excellent for body tempering. Many cultivators choose to enter the sand tower during these times to practice.

The group arrived in front of the sand tower.

There were many others like them who had come to see the bounty notice. Like Fan Xiuxiu, they were very interested in the two individuals who dared to defy the Xiao and Shen families. Naturally, they wanted to join the crowd, hoping that they might encounter these individuals by chance someday and help the Xiao and Shen clans capture them, earning a handsome reward.

The bounty notice was posted on a sand wall in front of the sand tower.

Many people crowded around to view it, discussing it animatedly.

The disciples of Zhenwu Sect and Hexin Sect were astounded, unsure whether these people were truly after the reward or just gossiping.

After all, the four major families have always been powerful on the Pleiades Continent, and few cultivators dare to provoke them. The ones who abducted Su Molan had offended two of these families at once, making this incident incredibly explosive.

Such an event hasn't happened on the Pleiades Continent in a long time.

Cultivators have excellent eyesight, and even though they were some distance away, they could still clearly see the content of the bounty notice and the portraits of the two individuals mentioned.

Cultivators can recreate someone's appearance from memory, and the portraits of the two individuals were drawn very clearly.

When they saw the faces of the two individuals, the disciples of Zhenwu Sect and Hexin Sect were stunned.

How could it be them?