Chapter Seven, Indirect Hints, Shadows in the Forest

I am not afraid! The youthful face still shines with a resolute brilliance that even countless practitioners have never possessed

In his eyes, Yun Qing has always been mysterious and powerful, seemingly capable of overcoming any challenge thus far. Despite having studied for many years and believing himself to be well-versed and capable of anything, he finds himself unable to accomplish anything once he steps outside. He cannot bear burdens, cannot lift anything, and is so frightened by difficulties that he feels half-dead; he can even get lost while on the road.

Xie Yao shivered; it was early autumn, and the heat of the late summer was still lingering in the valley, but it was already quite cold in the mountains. He had few clothes on him, and the remaining items were being carried by A Mang. He initially intended to stay put, hoping that Yun Qing would notice his absence and return to search for him, but the coldness of this place made him feel somewhat uneasy.

At present, Yun Qing is in charge. Although it is said that Song Liuyou is not to be trusted, they can only let him ramble on. Both of them know that, no matter how elusive this celestial fate may be, how absurd it seems, or how much it resembles a trap, they must be prepared to gamble their lives on it

This young gentleman ... ... ?

"How do you say it?" Yun Qing suddenly smiled and asked him with great interest

"So what?" Yun Qing's expression showed little change, "He is not as important to me as you might think"

Xie Yao stared blankly at the smile of the person in his dreams, feeling his legs go weak and his heart tremble: "You... you are not perhaps... a fairy?!"

This time, the confusion of the divine path is undoubtedly a significant opportunity for Xie Yao

Xie Yao was just about to step forward when he suddenly felt a jolt in his heart. He halted his steps and cupped his fists in salute: "Fairy Wuxia, it has been many years since we last met, and you have not changed one bit."

Aman felt the cloud-like fingers of Yunqing pinch his earlobe, and immediately stopped in his tracks, carefully curling her fingers to reassure her

Although I am trapped in a seal and my original body has been destroyed, I have been in the path for many years. It is still quite easy to quietly employ some means around here. Song Liuyou thought of the leverage the other party had over him, and immediately felt much more confident.

I, I am indeed willing..." Xie Yao could no longer speak, stumbling as she made her way through the vines, rushing towards that person.

"Ha, that kid was always a burden, losing him is just fine." Song Li You raised an eyebrow and approached Yun Qing with ill intentions, "With countless legacies in the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, why do you need to wade into this murky water?"

"It is well known among cultivators that the emergence of ancient relics is mostly a fabrication. Even if it were true, it would be a contingency left behind by our ancestors from tens of thousands of years ago, and no one would risk their life to take advantage of it." Song Li You analyzed, "Yet you still chose to follow me, regardless of whether my words are true or false. Therefore, I suspect that you likely possess accurate information regarding the Li Palace"

The Green Emperor is the God of Spring residing in the East, one of the Five Emperors who reign over all living beings. Now, he has vanished without a trace, and it is unknown where his soul has returned.

Song Liuyou had indeed practiced cultivation for many years, and from this seemingly dismissive remark, one could faintly discern a hint of mystery. However, this realization was quickly drowned out by the greed in his heart: "Little girl, you are refusing a toast only to drink a penalty drink!"

Cutting off worldly ties and seeking a connection with the divine require immense courage and willpower

Xie Yao turned around and saw a woman in white standing among the deep woods, her face somewhat familiar

Yun Qing does not understand how to assess the qualifications of cultivators, but when it comes to temperament, he is the best she has ever seen. He is even better than Zhu Wuxia.

"Where is Daoyuan?" Yun Qing asked persistently.

Indeed... the woman in white smiled gently, "Many years have passed since we last met, yet you remain as charming as ever, captivating the hearts of many."

Where is Daoyuan? Yun Qing carefully discerned before asking, and naturally, there was only one person to inquire of.

Xie Yao stood still for a moment after realizing that he was lost

"A-Mang." Yun Qing listened carefully to the footsteps for a while, and there were only three people left. She softly called out to A-Mang

Do not be stubborn any longer! You must have noticed it as well; just now, I have guided you into the divine path according to the star positions. That young man is merely a mortal and cannot possibly maintain his true nature; he will inevitably become lost on this divine path. Quickly hand over the information about leaving the palace, and I may still be able to save his life; otherwise... in just half a stick of incense's time, there will be nothing left of him but bones!" Song Liuyou spoke with firmness, yet deep down, he began to feel a hint of uncertainty. After all, the ability of the Ten Thousand Great Mountains to turn against someone is unmatched by anyone else.

Xie Yao tucked the jade ruyi into her bosom, a faint smile appearing on her face: "I am unwilling to be just a mortal."

Zhu ... ... the Untroubled Fairy! ! ? '' Xie Yao exclaimed

She recalled the first encounter when Amang knocked down the wall of Xie Yao's house, releasing the noble young man who was trapped in the deep courtyard, filled with thoughts of seeking immortality... What did Xie Yao say back then...

"Never mind him, little girl, tell me, do you know anything about the palace of departure?" Song Liuyou took another step closer, with her hands clasped behind her back, exuding an air of confidence.

***

"The things you do not know, I do not know either." Yun Qing still spoke in that naive and unpretentious tone

"I also have some ancient historical materials at hand. If you share what you know, we can exchange it, and our chances of success will be greater," Song Liuyou continued to entice. In his view, Yun Qing most likely benefited from the legacy of the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, being merely a mortal himself. However, this strange man was rather peculiar, and caution was necessary. Yun Qing was young and inexperienced in worldly matters; as long as he could control her, that big man would be easy to deal with.

The woman in white took a breath, calmed herself, and continued to smile gently: "What is the matter?"

With this thought in mind, Yun Qing paid no attention to the furious Song Li You behind him, but simply sat on A Mang's shoulder, moving forward step by step. The two figures gradually disappeared into the dark depths of the forest

Song Liuyou clearly did not believe it. He had spent several hundred years piecing together a few clues about the Palace of Parting, yet this girl, upon their first meeting, claimed that the Palace of Parting had already been divided into "Li Palace" and "Bie Pavilion." How could she possibly have just learned of this matter

Is this... perhaps an illusion caused by my longing?" Xie Yao stared blankly at this scene, her mind struggling to comprehend.

Xie Yao's heart was heavy with worries as she rode her donkey deeper into the secluded mountains, unaware that she had already fallen far behind several others.

As long as it is Xie Lang, I will not mind

In the novels that Xie Yao has read, the protagonist often acquires various remarkable legacies through different means, soaring to great heights and achieving extraordinary success. However, when this situation falls upon him, it evokes a sense of unease. If it were an ordinary senior expert, it would be acceptable, but the title of the Azure Emperor is rather overwhelming, almost too grand to be believable. Moreover, this Song Liuyou, who claims to have lived for several hundred years, makes him feel rather skeptical, as he cannot ascertain whether even a single one of his ten statements is true.

Oh. Yun Qing smiled faintly and nodded, then turned to A Mang and said, "Let us continue walking"

The era of the ancient great powers has come to an end, and the distant past, as if from another world, exists only in myths.

Yun Qing shook his head: "It was only after I met you that I understood what a palace is."

He stood up, took a deep breath while gazing at the terrifyingly deep forest, and resolutely walked in.

This place is a deep mountain forest far from the official roads, where a dim light seems to have shrouded the area since ancient times, guiding lost souls to unknown destinations.

The gaze of the woman in white instantly transformed from alluring to indifferent, as she cast him a glance that seemed inexplicable, her figure gradually fading away in the air

***

This is ... ... a jade ruyi

"How could the Celestial Fairy possibly take a liking to a mere mortal like me?" Xie Yao said with a bitter smile, lowering his head in silence, when he suddenly noticed something shimmering in the spot where the woman in white had just stood.

A palm-sized jade ruyi was slanted into the soft soil, and its warm glow reminded him of the gaze of the woman in white he had just seen

"Do you want to die?" Yun Qing asked, tilting his head, his youthful smile sending a chill down one's spine

A gentle voice came from behind him

The woman in white was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said: "So it is you, young master... I did not recognize you just now"

You! Song Li You's expression changed at this moment, "Such a young age and truly so ruthless!"

"After many years apart, do you know how much this young lady has been thinking of you?" The woman in white slightly extended her hand towards Xie Yao, "Would you be willing to accompany me to the realm of immortals and enjoy a carefree life together?"

Xie Yao lowered his head in frustration, then raised it again, calling out "Yun Qing" several times to the surroundings. The only response he received was the chilling mountain wind.

If he cannot even traverse the divine path of the abandoned palace from ten thousand years ago, it is likely that his future quest for immortality will not be long. Even if I help him this time, can I possibly guard him for a lifetime?" Yun Qing laughed loudly without looking back, saying, "Such a mediocre person, it would be better if he were dead.

I... wish to become an immortal!" Xie Yao looked steadfastly at the woman in white.

"Do you not want to know where that burden surnamed Xie is?" Song Li You's expression stiffened; his current state could not withstand A Mang's strange force. However, fortunately, he still had a backup plan.

The woman in white smiled mysteriously, just as she was about to clasp hands with him, but Xie Yao suddenly stopped.

"No time, no time fairy..." Xie Yao's face was flushed, and after much inner turmoil, she could not utter a word.

The towering trees surrounding me block out the sky and sunlight, casting an incredibly dim light in the forest, where I can only barely find my way by the scattered patches of light cast by the sun.

The sound of some beast's roar came and went, while a venomous snake coiled upon the brightly colored mushrooms at the base of the tree. The vines hanging down from the tree occasionally brushed against his shoulder, and this cold sensation felt somewhat unreal

Because opportunities like this, if missed this time, are likely to be hard to encounter again in this lifetime, and one may end up living a life of mediocrity.

However, I do mind!" Xie Yao interrupted her hastily, and after speaking, he was momentarily taken aback, not expecting that he would be so disrespectful to the fairy in his dreams. "I neither wish to delay your celestial journey, nor do I wish to live a mundane life."

Fairy ... ... I, though I wish to share the same bed and fly together with you ... ... I am ultimately but a mortal. '' Xie Yao's heart gradually calmed down, feeling an indescribable sense of clarity.