Volume Three: Rising Fame Chapter Sixty-Eight: Playing Dumb
Although the exact whereabouts of the Blizzard Phantom Crystal were unknown, certain signs suggested that this treasure was likely located near the center.
The spy within Xiu’er Xiong’s team had managed to leave a note to convey information, indicating they were not far from his current position.
Li Yu made a decisive nod, and naturally, no one else voiced objections. After a brief rest, they set off.
“Young master, if we find the Xiong clan...” Wen Xiangxuan trailed beside Li Yu, her words hesitant.
Li Yu was well aware of her implication: she feared being discarded once crossed.
He cast a sidelong glance at her before speaking, “Within the Xiong clan, I only know Xiu’er Xiong. Before entering the secret realm, his brother entrusted me to keep an eye on him. Now that I have the news, it is only natural that I go to check.”
He offered a brief explanation, mindful that the others were unaware of his connection to the Xiong family.
If any grew suspicious and fled, it would complicate his efforts to gather people and earn points.
Wen Xiangxuan nodded slightly, understanding the meaning behind his words: “I’m not acquainted with the others.”
One reason she followed despite hearing he intended to seek out others was that they had no points left on their tokens; the barefoot fear not the shod.
Had their tokens still held points, they would have long since abandoned the group, wary of being led into ambushes or traps.
Knowing Li Yu’s intentions, Wen Xiangxuan relaxed somewhat. With a fifth-rank cultivator nearby, she felt considerably safer.
Li Yu remained silent.
Previously, the Xiong clan had no overt alliances with any other families. Now, suddenly learning that over ten people from the Xiong side had gathered, and being told to rest assured, was plainly false.
Li Yu harbored doubts and naturally would not easily trust that the Qing and Xiong clans were on good terms enough to confidently entrust his back to them. With so many people, the mix of good and bad was inevitable. He’d rather separate and stay with Wen Xiangxuan and the others.
At least none of these people could overpower him.
Having them accompany him meant a few extra pairs of eyes within the secret realm. While perhaps useless against clan members, they could still help guard against the distinctly marked Blue Star cultivators.
...
“Grrr!”
The bear paw, as large as a millstone, struck the tree. The ancient tree, having grown for many years, could not withstand the force and snapped, sending splinters flying.
Missing its target, the sixth-rank exotic beast, a Red Star Iron Bear, stood on its hind legs, pounding its chest.
“Boom!”
A bolt of lightning descended from the sky, striking the Red Star Iron Bear in the center. Its movements froze, and the majestic beast collapsed, dead.
“Thank you for your intervention, young master!” Wen Yongsi leapt up from the ground, cupping his hands in gratitude.
He glanced at the Red Star Iron Bear, which showed no outward major injuries, his eyes revealing a trace of lingering fear. Then he looked toward Li Yu with reverence in his voice.
Just moments ago, when facing the sudden attack from the Red Star Iron Bear—also a sixth-rank realm—the thick-skinned beast had held the upper hand, striking him to the ground repeatedly. He had only been able to attack during brief openings, and the beast barely evaded. He could not penetrate its hide.
Yet Li Yu’s casual strike had dispatched the beast effortlessly, ending the threat without resistance.
From that single blow, Wen Yongsi understood why his clan sister had insisted everyone follow Li Yu.
Without Li Yu, their many members would have struggled greatly against such a beast, not so easily prevailing.
“This is the seventh one!” Wen Xiangxuan said beside the youth.
“The ferocity is intense,” Li Yu examined the bear’s paw and mused after a moment, “I wonder... cough cough, are the beasts nearer the center increasingly fierce?”
...
Following the token’s directional guidance, the group pushed forward.
Those scouting ahead felt mounting pressure. Numerous hidden powerful beasts struck frequently, seeing them as prey.
Several times, danger was barely avoided; without Li Yu’s support, casualties would have occurred.
“Humans contend with humans, and beasts contend with humans,” Li Yu pondered aloud. “It seems the closer we get to the center, the bloodier it becomes.”
Wen Xiangxuan rolled her eyes at Li Yu, who appeared as carefree as ever, showing no sign of worry.
“Aren’t you concerned?” she asked.
But considering Li Yu’s strength, she understood he truly faced no pressure. Was the gap between people really so vast?
She felt somewhat discouraged.
“What are you thinking? Of course I’m worried!” Li Yu spoke confidently. “Think about it—doesn’t the strength of those we encounter increase the deeper we go? I’ll have to work harder to earn points.”
“Why not contact others from the Qing clan?” Wen Xiangxuan asked curiously.
As they ventured further, she had overheard some news from the group encountered that morning.
Among it was news of Qing Yuan from the Qing clan shining brilliantly, defeating a team guarded by a fifth-rank cultivator despite himself being fifth-rank.
Such a person was clearly a formidable asset, yet Li Yu dismissed the matter entirely, never mentioning it.
“Strength breeds strength. Rather than dabbling in politics and alliances, it’s better to improve one’s own power,” Li Yu said solemnly.
As for someone like Qing Yuan, he could easily handle two at once—what use was that?
Moreover, if not for him, Qing Anqi would not have been poisoned. That Li Yu did not move against him was already generous. Why would he want Qing Yuan to join forces with him?
“Alright, alright! We won’t hold you back!” Wen Xiangxuan said softly.
Though their relationship hadn’t warmed, she no longer felt timid after some time together.
Especially since half the points earned that morning belonged to them.
Upon hearing “fifty-fifty,” Wen Xiangxuan’s eyes shone brightly.
“Thirty miles east lies the Blizzard Phantom Crystal. Any thoughts?” Li Yu inquired.
That morning’s gains included not only points but also the crystal’s location, gleaned from that group.
“Master, I don’t fully trust that group. It feels like they deliberately fed us false information to lead us to our deaths,” Wen Xiangxuan carefully considered before speaking. “We can approach that area cautiously, maybe capture a few to verify the news before proceeding.”
“Of course. No one who lost points would casually share good news,” Li Yu said thoughtfully. “Higher-level beasts grow more numerous. They should move in pairs for safety. Let’s scout ahead and survey the surroundings first.”
The Blizzard Phantom Crystal was a precious item—part spiritual plant, part exotic gem—usable in myriad ways. It had not been found in this otherworld for nearly a decade.
Its mere existence proved its rarity.
For Li Yu, its allure was immense, offering great benefits.
Though the topic shift was abrupt, it was effective.
Wen Xiangxuan organized the eight others into pairs, preparing to investigate their target.
...
The deceased youth had mentioned the Blizzard Phantom Crystal; following these leads, surviving members of the other group also carried notes mentioning it. These notes further revealed others were determined to seize the crystal.
In total, three groups were aware of the crystal’s existence.
This was unusual for the secret realm.
If the treasure were truly valuable, why was the information spread rather than kept secret?
Neither Li Yu nor Wen Xiangxuan believed there was no one pushing this from behind. Human nature dictated that such news would be closely guarded, not broadcast. Otherwise, others would discover it only later.
Yet, many already knew—this was unlikely to have occurred naturally.
Wen Xiangxuan remained alert, her heart burning with excitement but not clouded by the crystal’s allure.
Observing the fiery woman’s arrangements, Li Yu had to admit her skill in managing people was impressive. No wonder Xing Chengping, a fellow sixth-rank peak cultivator, held little sway in the team and deferred to Wen Xiangxuan.
“Thirty miles isn’t too near or far,” Wen Xiangxuan mused. “Should we go to the location they mentioned, or...?”
“Of course, we find another spot!” Li Yu looked at Wen Xiangxuan in surprise. “Advancing twenty miles forward is enough, then we search laterally.”
He thought for a moment, then called back Wen Xiangxuan, who was about to organize the team.
Looking at her retreating figure, he said, “No need to feign ignorance. You don’t have to ask me about everything. Just make your own decisions.”
“Understood!” she paused, replied, then turned to carry out the orders.
Beside them, Can Yishuang asked curiously, “Is she pretending to be dumb?”
“...”
Li Yu turned to see her wide, innocent eyes seeking answers. Having lived secluded in the mountains without much communication, it was natural she might not grasp such subtleties.
After thinking, he explained, “There used to be more people in that group. After an ambush, those who escaped rallied under Wen Xiangxuan’s leadership. Do you think she lacks decisiveness? Yet she always asks me first. Why?”
Can Yishuang blinked. “Why?”
Defeated! So straightforward and you still don’t get it? With your reading comprehension, you’d score zero in language class!
Li Yu rubbed his forehead and continued, “After what they went through, they trust Wen Xiangxuan. That’s true. But now they’re with us. If she asks them first every time, do you think we’d be happy?”
“So Wen Xiangxuan is pretending, fearing we’d be displeased, always acting indecisive to seek our opinion.”
Can Yishuang said, “Isn’t it better? Why let her decide alone?”
Are you a walking ‘Why’ question?!
Li Yu sighed, then said, “The power is in my hands. What tricks could I possibly pull?”
Not far away, Wen Xiangxuan stumbled upon hearing this loudly spoken warning.
She realized this young man was easy-going but not foolish. All her previous acts were transparent to him—he likely saw them as nothing more than a performance.
“This sly one!” she thought.