Chapter 112: Continuing the Journey

Xue Feng turned to look at Bai Shengyun and Bai Qirui, who had appeared by his side at some unknown moment, and asked, “Your Highnesses, what are your thoughts?”

They exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement.

Though both agreed, their thoughts diverged.

Bai Shengyun thought: Since both are on par with Huo Tianqing in cultivation, if Huo Tianqing were to cause trouble en route to the Immortal Sect and harm the sect’s citizens or cultivators, they could intervene in time.

But Bai Qirui, who knew Huo Tianqing well, understood that Huo was proud and ambitious, and definitely had no intention of wantonly killing innocents or harming life. He was only concerned with indulging in daily pleasures.

Moreover, Bai Qirui was fully aware that Huo Tianqing had entered the mortal realm of the Immortal Sect multiple times, leisurely sipping tea and listening to music in the tea houses.

If it were someone else from the heretical sect entering the sect’s mortal realm, Bai Qirui might have risked everything to stop them; but if it were Huo Tianqing, based on those two points alone, he would wholeheartedly agree.

At that moment, Xue Feng’s resonant voice rang out across the hall once more, “Very well, then we shall depart at once.”

With that declaration, the matter was considered settled.

Everyone dispersed in turn.

Before long, the moon hung high at its zenith.

Within the heretical sect, crows cried and spirits laughed—a cacophony that newcomers initially found unbearable. Yet gradually, they found themselves able to share quarters with ten thousand ghosts at midnight, intoxicated in unison, and even play chess with demons to determine victory.

All who first came to the heretical sect inevitably transformed into such beings.

Among them was Xie Yingying.

Since Xue Feng announced the immediate departure, Xie Yingying’s heart had been in turmoil, often recalling the harsh days at Gu Feng Mountain, and feeling an overwhelming sense of vexation.

Now, idly seated outside Huo Tianqing’s palace, she toyed with a little ghost at her side.

The little ghost had been diligently cultivating but, upon being disturbed by her, bore no ill temper and simply ignored her.

However, once Xie Yingying’s injuries had improved significantly, her playful nature surged, and she persistently teased the ghost.

This provoked the little ghost’s annoyance.

He turned his head and began “howling” at her, the sound somewhat reminiscent of a cat’s meow.

Xie Yingying found him increasingly amusing but was soon reminded of her impending journey to Gu Feng Mountain, plunging her into deeper gloom.

In her frustration, she bullied the little ghost, who, angered, tried to bite her several times but couldn’t quite reach.

Just then, Bo Meng arrived to find the scene unfolding—

Xie Yingying held out a hand near the little ghost’s mouth, wiggling it with a smug smile, “Come and bite.”

The little ghost opened his mouth to bite, but she swiftly pulled her hand back like a released arrow, eyes twinkling mischievously.

“You won’t get me.”

Bo Meng chuckled at the sight.

Hearing the laughter, Xie Yingying looked up to see Bo Meng dressed in simple dark clothes.

She glanced at the sky; the blood moon was slightly tilting westward, partly veiled by dark clouds, faintly spilling red light.

It was nearly the end of midnight.

Turning to Bo Meng, she asked curiously, “Why come find me so late?”

Bo Meng, hearing her imply it was late, looked up at the sky and confirmed as much. Scratching the back of her head sheepishly, she said, “I’ve been pondering something and just made a decision. That’s why I came to find you. I didn’t realize it’s already deep into the night. No wonder the road was empty. Sorry, senior sister.”

Xie Yingying, sensing Bo Meng had something to ask of her, inquired, “Oh? What is it?”

“Well,” Bo Meng stepped closer, cupping her cheeks with both hands and looking at Xie Yingying earnestly, “Tomorrow you all leave, and so will our benefactor… I haven’t yet repaid my gratitude. So when you set off tomorrow, could you bring me along?”

“Ah?” Xie Yingying was momentarily stunned. “You want to go with me to the Immortal Sect?”

Bo Meng nodded confidently, “Yes! I want to be with my benefactor!”

“Oh…” Hearing such candid admission, Xie Yingying’s face flickered with a teasing smile, deliberately asking, “So, when do you two plan to be together?”

“Together?” Bo Meng looked puzzled. “If we set off together tomorrow, aren’t we already together?”

Xie Yingying realized Bo Meng was still young and naive, so she rephrased, “When do you plan to marry?”

“Marry?” Bo Meng blinked. “I never thought about that. So, senior sister, can you take me with you tomorrow?”

Seeing Bo Meng quickly steer the conversation back, Xie Yingying suddenly found teasing her pointless. She released the little ghost she had been clutching and rested her forehead in thought.

In truth, this journey to Gu Feng Mountain with Bai Shengyun was meant to serve their own interests and fulfill their individual plans. Bringing Bo Meng along was hardly suitable.

But… whenever Xie Yingying thought of Bo Meng’s even more tragic fate than her own original self, a chill ran down her spine.

If Bo Meng could walk alongside Bai Qirui in this life, protected by him, perhaps her ending wouldn’t be so cruel.

Having read the original story, Xie Yingying truly felt Bo Meng was a great regret in her heart.

Besides, Bai Qirui appeared gentle on the surface but was resolute and strong-willed underneath, making him a perfect match for Bo Meng.

Noticing Xie Yingying shiver, Bo Meng quickly removed her outer robe and draped it over her, then crouched before her, patiently awaiting her answer.

The gesture brought Xie Yingying back to herself; feeling the warmth of the robe, her heart softened.

Seeing Bo Meng’s adorable pose, she couldn’t resist pinching her cheek and smiled, “Of course you can come.”

Bo Meng beamed with joy, initially about to pull her hand away but suddenly stopped.

“Thank you, senior sister. Pinch away—pinch as long as you like!”

Xie Yingying laughed out loud.

The next day, at dawn.

After breakfast, some disciples of the heretical sect who had yet to break through the Qi refiner stage hurried toward the sect’s main gate, chatting idly about the gossip from the past two days.

Bai Shengyun and Bai Qirui had arrived empty-handed and thus needed no belongings for the journey.

Each summoned a white wooden spirit boat; one produced a top-grade spirit stone generously, animating the boat as if it had life, causing it to rise slowly into the air.

The onlookers parted, creating a path.

Huo Tianqing, Xie Yingying, and Bo Meng stepped out through the tightly surrounded gate.

At this moment, Xue Feng’s voice transmitted once more through a sound talisman: “Bon voyage.”

The group responded in unison.