Yueqin looked at everyone: “Previously, you all got along very well during your training in Li’er Kingdom and Wufan City, and gained quite a lot. Going together again this time, you’re already familiar with each other.”

“Eh?” Tian Fangfang asked in confusion: “We can go too?”

In treasure lands, besides the Sacred Tree, there were bound to be other opportunities. When others obtained a treasure map, most would hide it away, fearing that others would discover it. Who else would be like Zanxing, actively bringing Gu Baiying along, and now even sharing it with so many people?

Xuan Lingzi looked at Zanxing with a very loving expression: “This is where our Zanxing excels. In all these years, this is the first time I’ve seen such a disciple who enjoys sharing. It was Zanxing who actively told me she wanted you all to go together.”

Hearing this, Tian Fangfang was deeply moved, grabbing Zanxing’s hand and swearing: “Good junior sister, this senior brother truly didn’t love you in vain! When I prosper in the future, I will never forget your great kindness and virtue!”

However, Mu Cengxiao’s expression became somewhat awkward.

Gu Baiying’s gaze fell on Mu Cengxiao, his eyes darkening by two degrees.

The undercurrents surging in the hall were noticed by Zhao Mayi. He stroked his beard and smiled slightly: “Well then, you should all go back and rest. Set out in two days.”

“So soon?” Meng Ying asked.

“Although Seventh Junior Brother’s spiritual meridian stagnation has been suppressed for now, it won’t last long and could be dangerous at any time. It’s better to set out early. Junior Brother,” Yueqin asked Gu Baiying, “What do you think of this arrangement?”

Gu Baiying glanced at Zanxing, paused for a moment, then said: “It’s fine.”

The matter was thus settled.

After the discussion, everyone went back to pack their things. After all, they didn’t know what they might encounter in the treasure land, so packing more in their Qiankun Bags couldn’t hurt.

Mendong followed behind Gu Baiying, sighing: “As expected.”

Gu Baiying was baffled: “As expected, what?”

“As expected, Yang Zanxing still hasn’t given up on Senior Brother Mu.” Mendong pointed into the distance, where Zanxing was standing beside Mu Cengxiao, speaking to him with a bright smile. Mendong said, “How could she want to share the treasure map with us? She only wanted to share it with Senior Brother Mu alone. It’s just that gossip is fearsome, and Senior Brother Mu refused to accept it no matter what, so Yang Zanxing told Sixth Master Uncle she wanted us all to go together. This is giving to everyone just to give to one person. She truly loves Senior Brother Mu deeply.” Mendong nodded: “Master Uncle, you’re still thinking long-term. Since Yang Zanxing likes Mu Cengxiao so much, it’s clear that the two of them might still dual cultivate. Now that the Sacred Tree fruit hasn’t been obtained yet and your spiritual meridians haven’t been repaired, you’d better guard against them… Master Uncle?” He turned his head, and Gu Baiying’s figure had long since disappeared.

“Master Uncle… wait for me!” He hurried to catch up.

—

That night, wind arose on Gufeng Mountain.

Hong Su took out all the thick clothing from the chest, comparing and selecting a few pieces, then carefully folding them.

Zanxing was putting refined pills into a box while saying, “No need to trouble yourself, just pack a few items casually.”

“That won’t do,” Hong Su was very serious: “Young Miss, where you’re going is extremely cold, with snow year-round. White snow matches red clothing beautifully, but unfortunately, among the clothes Uncle Niu sent, there’s no bright red, only rose red, which lacks some brilliance.”

Zanxing watched her shake out a rose-colored cloak scattered with silver flowers and sighed.

On the treasure map the Serpent Witch had given her, the Sacred Tree’s location was in the cold wasteland north of Duzhou, a vast snowfield. Legend said this place once had a small kingdom, but later, because the weather was so cold and truly unsuitable for human habitation, the people migrated south, and it gradually became an empty kingdom. Later, with constant snowfall year after year, the accumulated snow covered all traces of human habitation, and there were no longer any signs of people living there.

Hong Su continued chattering: “Since Young Miss has already decided to let Young Master Gu and Young Master Mu travel together, it’s clear you want to choose between these two. If you dress strikingly and brilliantly, no matter which one you choose, the one who doesn’t get you will forever carry you in his heart, which gives you a way out. If you regret it later, there will still be someone waiting devotedly.”

Zanxing: “…” She hadn’t expected that Hong Su was an expert at keeping multiple suitors.

She said, “Red is too eye-catching.”

“Eye-catching is good, it should be eye-catching.” Hong Su insisted: “We can’t let others steal our spotlight.”

The “others” she mentioned naturally referred to Meng Ying.

Zanxing sighed inwardly. What she feared most now was stealing others’ spotlight, especially Mu Cengxiao’s spotlight. Earlier, she had actively wanted to give the treasure map to Mu Cengxiao, but he refused to take it. Having no choice, she had to give the treasure map to Xuan Lingzi and suggest that everyone train together.

Only if Mu Cengxiao went could he possibly obtain the opportunities that should rightfully be his, while she… Zanxing lowered her eyes, looking at the red mark on her palm. The red flower indeed hadn’t continued growing. Indeed, if the main storyline didn’t collapse, at least the situation wouldn’t deteriorate too much.

But… who knew what would happen on this trip to the treasure land?

She must act carefully on this journey, and unless necessary, she must never steal the spotlight, Zanxing thought secretly to herself.

—

That night, perhaps because of the impending journey, Zanxing didn’t sleep very well. The next day, when everyone gathered at Chuhong Terrace, Tian Fangfang pointed in surprise at the dark circles under Zanxing’s eyes: “Junior sister, did you go kill someone last night?”

“Didn’t sleep well,” Zanxing said listlessly.

“No need to be nervous,” Tian Fangfang patted Zanxing’s shoulder consolingly. “I asked Master about it. That treasure land is in a remote location where few people go, and I haven’t heard of any fierce beasts or evil creatures haunting it. Even if there are, it doesn’t matter. With senior brother here, I guarantee you won’t suffer even the slightest injury.”

Gu Baiying expressionlessly passed between the two of them, brushing away Tian Fangfang’s hand that was resting on Zanxing’s shoulder: “Excuse me.”

Mu Cengxiao and Meng Ying also walked over. Zanxing asked: “Eh, where’s Miss Liu?”

Every time they went out, Liu Yunxin would practically give Mu Cengxiao an elaborate send-off, but today, not even her shadow could be seen. Facing everyone’s curious gazes, Mu Cengxiao said with difficulty: “She’s… not feeling well today, so I told her not to come see us off.”

Mendong came around from behind him, looking knowing: “You two didn’t fight, did you?” He then lectured him in an old-fashioned manner: “Fighting between young Dao companions is very common. On this trip to the treasure land, if you encounter any precious flowers and plants, remember to bring them back as an apology gift. I’m sure Miss Liu won’t hold it against you.”

“No…” Mu Cengxiao glanced at Meng Ying, “We’re not Dao companions.”

Mendong looked unconvinced.

“Are you finished talking?” Gu Baiying looked up impatiently: “If you’re finished, let’s go quickly.”

It was still the familiar old place, with the teleportation array already prepared. Spirit stones radiated brilliant light, and everyone entered one by one. Zanxing, holding Mimi, followed at the end, waving to the tearful Hong Su.

They set out once again.

At the same time, deep in Gufeng Mountain, by a stream and brook, a white-haired man slightly focused his gaze, looking at the empty chessboard before him with not a single piece placed.

He sighed softly.