Chapter 11 (1/2)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

If one were to travel about 150 kilometers toward the north from this town, they would arrive at the boundaries of the North Continent’s Miasma Qi. At the extreme end, the region was the training ground for disciples of the Immortal Du Sect—the Chaos Treasure Forest.

Outside the Miasma Qi, there was a bare desert mountain. It was a stark contrast to the unending blackness of the jungle covered in Miasma Qi. This contrast also drew an obvious border between the two regions.

As they got closer to the forest covered in Miasma Qi, Jiu Jiu seemed to be a whole other person. Her eyes were filled with caution and wariness, as her immortal senses inspected the area within tens of kilometers from them. Every gust of wind and movement of the gra.s.s was checked.

She led the group to fly at a low alt.i.tude. Then, she used a good amount of immortal power to conjure a white cloud. The huge wine gourd shrunk to about three feet, and she hung it on her back. The mouth of the wine gourd continued to glow light-blue. It looked like it was ready to fly out and spit at people at any moment.

At last, when they reached the Miasma-Qi-covered forest border, Jiu Jiu got off the white cloud, turned around, and addressed the five disciples.

“According to the rules, each expedition should last 20 days. The timer starts from the moment you enter the Chaos Treasure Forest. If you come out on your own, anytime before the end of these 20 days, your expedition will be counted as a failure. You will then return to endure the punishment.”

Jiu Jiu blinked, her tone suddenly easing. “Actually, the punishment is as simple as a deduction of your monthly allowance or something. You won’t get seriously hurt. If you run into danger, survival is most important. If you find it too tiring, come out at once. Don’t force yourself to stay in there. I will wait for all of you here. Since this expedition is meant to push you beyond your limit, I cannot follow behind you all the time. I also cannot become your personal bodyguard. The hunk will stay here as well. You will wait for her here.”

Yuwen Ling cupped his hands and made a request. “I came on orders to protect Her Highness, the Sixth Princess. Immortal Elder, please allow me—”

Jiu Jiu calmly interrupted, “Do you want to stay here on your own or be tied here by me?”

Youqin Xuanya spoke up from the side. “General Yuwen, please stay outside. Follow Aunt-Master Jiu’s instructions.” She seemed faintly imposing as well. It was obvious that she had given countless orders growing up.

Yuwen Ling answered in a low voice, “This General receives your orders!” Then, he frowned and turned to Yuan Qing.

Yuan Qing immediately said, “General Yuwen, do not worry. I will protect Junior Sister Xuanya even if it costs me my life.”

Youqin Xuanya gave no response whatsoever. Instead, she maintained her icy-cold expression, which she put on daily.

On the other hand, Li Changshou, who had been standing behind Jiu Jiu the entire time, turned to study Yuan Qing and Yuwen Ling.

‘Indeed, there is something fishy going on with these two.’

Jiu Jiu cleared her throat and continued, “I will give you all two warnings. First, help each other out when you get inside. Remember that you are from the same sect. Take care to avoid moving on your own. Yuan Qing, Xuanya, both of you are of higher cultivation levels. If you have extra energy, look out for the others.”

Yuan Qing smiled and answered, “Rest a.s.sured, Aunt-Master.”

Youqin Xuanya also answered, “Your disciple receives your orders.”

Immortal Jiu Jiu added, “Second, do not push your luck. Do not risk your lives to look for herbs. Ferocious beasts would normally guard the most valuable herbs. These ferocious beasts are not stupid, and you are the greatest nourishment they would get.”

At that point, Jiu Jiu suddenly made a move. Her left hand shot out as quickly as an illusion, as she gently pinched Youqin Xuanya’s face. “Especially fine, tender, premium-grade meat like yours!”

“Aunt-Master, please maintain your dignity,” said Youqin Xuanya, frowning.

Jiu Jiu sn.i.g.g.e.red by the side. “Whoa, so smooth. I really envy you, natural beauties. Your Aunt-Master doesn’t have what it takes. My skin is so dry. I also don’t have anyone behind me shouting, ‘Junior Sister Jiu Jiu, Junior Sister Jiu Jiu’ all day.”

While joking, Jiu Jiu retrieved five crescent-shaped jade stones. She tossed one into each of the five disciples’ hands.

“Here, this is a communication jade in case you need any help. If you run into any trouble, just break it. Your Aunt-Master will be able to sense it, and I will go and help you at once.

“Using the communication jade means that you give up on your expedition. When you get back, they will deduct your monthly allowance. It’s no big deal.

“Go, go. Be careful! Don’t die in there!”

The five disciples kept their communication jades, cupping their hands and bowing to Immortal Jiu Jiu one by one. Then, they stuck on their respective Miasma-Repelling Talismans. With Youqin Xuanya and Yuan Qing at the front of the group, they headed into the Miasma-Qi-covered Forest.

Li Changshou remained half a step behind them because he first stuck the Miasma-Repelling Talisman on his Dao robe. Then, he swiftly lifted up the inner-layer of his robe and stuck another talisman on his inner thigh. Finally, he stuck a third talisman at the back of his collar on his inner s.h.i.+rt.

This would cover all bases. There would be no need for him to worry that the talismans would fall off on their own. He would just have to take care to change them every few days.

He heard the sound of the wind, as a pair of footsteps quickly traveled towards him.

Li Changshou looked disheveled as he took two steps forward, easily dodging the figure running towards him.

Jiu Jiu chided him in frustration. “You’re still not going? Remember to follow them closely! You are only in the Ninth Stage of Soul Formation! You’re such a careful person, what are you doing in such a rotten place?!”

“Take care, Aunt-Master.” Li Changshou turned and cupped his hands, the corners of his lips twitching slightly. He sent a voice transmission to Immortal Jiu at the same time.

Then, he walked away briskly, trailing at the back of the group of five.

The Miasma Qi engulfed them. Immediately, the Miasma-Repelling Talismans of the four people in front emitted a soft glow. A thin, transparent protective layer appeared around each of their bodies.

Li Changshou’s situation was more amazing. Three layers were covering his body so that even breathing felt difficult. However, the air that he tried hard to breathe in felt especially fresh.

w.a.n.g Ji cleared his throat and said, “Senior Brother Changshou can come with me later on. I’m just here to try my luck. I’m not looking for any herbs in particular. Junior Brother Yuan Qing and the others need not be burdened.”

“Great.” Li Changshou smiled at w.a.n.g Ji knowingly, while the latter raised his eyebrows in response. A kind of chemistry had developed between the two—this was probably chemistry among lightbulbs.

…

While moving around within the North Continent, those who had not yet ascended to immortality had to avoid flying. Three feet above the ground, the Miasma Qi would feel extremely thick. What’s more, with so many poisonous insects and ferocious beasts around, it would be much safer for them to remain on the ground.

At that moment, there was only one path to take. What looked like burnt, black wood lined that pathway. Most of the branches there did not have leaves on them. However, another type of life seemed to flow within them.

As the five of them walked down the path, they tried to expand their spiritual awareness as much as possible. From time to time, they would spot one or two poisonous beasts, hiding in the darkness and watching the invaders coldly.