Chapter 11: Leaving the Team Feels Light

From this town, heading north for another three hundred *li*, one reaches the boundary of the miasma in Beijulu Continent, and the outermost area is the trial ground for the five disciples of Du Xian Men on this journey—Luan Zhang Bao Lin.

The barren, bald mountains outside the miasma stand in stark contrast to the vast, dark forest covered by the miasma, clearly marking the boundary.

As they drew closer to the edge of the miasma forest, Jiu Jiu seemed to transform into a different person. Her eyes were filled with vigilance, and her immortal sense scanned the surrounding hundreds of *li* for any sign of movement.

While leading the group in low-altitude flight, she expended her *xianli* to form a white cloud and shrank the large gourd to about three feet long, carrying it on her back with a faint blue glow emanating from its mouth, ready to summon it at any moment to attack.

Finally, upon reaching the edge of the miasma forest, Jiu Jiu dispelled the cloud and turned around, her face serious as she looked at the five disciples.

"According to the rules, this trial will last for twenty days.

From the moment you enter Luan Zhang Bao Lin, if you come out on your own before the twenty days are up, it will count as a failure, and you'll face punishment from the sect when you return."

Jiu Jiu blinked and suddenly lightened her tone:

"Really, it's just things like deducting your monthly allowance—nothing serious. Prioritize your safety if you encounter danger; don't push yourself if it's too tough. Just retreat right away.

I'll wait here for you. Since this trial is meant to temper you disciples, I won't follow behind or act as your personal guard.

As for this big fellow, he'll stay here and wait too."

Yuwen Ling cupped his hands and requested, "This humble officer was ordered to protect the Sixth Princess. I ask the immortal to permit—"

Jiu Jiu replied indifferently, "Would you rather stay here on your own, or be tied up by me?"

Youqin Xuanya interjected from the side, her own faint aura of authority evident—clearly, she was accustomed to giving orders from a young age: "General Yuwen, please wait outside and follow Master Uncle Jiu's arrangements."

"This humble officer obeys!"

Yuwen Ling responded gravely, then frowned and glanced at Yuan Qing.

Yuan Qing immediately declared, "General Yuwen, there's no need to worry. Even if it costs me my life, I will protect Junior Sister Youqin."

Youqin Xuanya showed no reaction, maintaining her usual icy expression.

Meanwhile, Li Changshou, who had been standing behind Jiu Jiu, let his gaze linger on Yuan Qing and Yuwen Ling for a moment.

'Indeed, I still find these two a bit suspicious.'

Jiu Jiu cleared her throat and continued, "I'll give you two pieces of advice.

First, inside, you must support each other. Remember, you're fellow disciples, so try to avoid acting alone. Yuan Qing, Youqin, since your cultivation is higher, help out the others if you can."

Yuan Qing smiled and said, "Master Uncle, rest assured."

Youqin Xuanya added, "This disciple understands."

Jiu Jiu went on, "Second, don't obsess over opportunities or risk your lives searching for herbs.

Valuable spirit herbs are often guarded by fierce beasts, and these beasts aren't stupid—you're just prime targets for them to devour."

At that, Jiu Jiu suddenly reached out, her left hand moving like a phantom to gently pinch Youqin Xuanya's cheek: "Especially someone like you, with your delicate, fine features—a real premium catch!"

"Master Uncle, please conduct yourself properly," Youqin Xuanya frowned and said, while Jiu Jiu let out a series of mischievous chuckles.

"Wow, so smooth. I really envy your natural beauty. I'm not so lucky—my skin is all dry and rough, and no one's ever trailing after me, calling me Junior Sister Jiu Jiu, Junior Sister Jiu Jiu~"

Amid the laughter, Jiu Jiu pulled out five crescent-shaped jade stones from her sleeve and tossed them to the five disciples.

"Here, these are transmission jades for emergencies. If you run into trouble, just crush one, and I'll sense it and rush in to rescue you.

Using the transmission jade means you're giving up on this trial, so you'll just lose some monthly allowance when you get back—nothing major.

Off you go, all of you! Be careful!

And don't actually die in there!"

The five disciples stowed away the transmission jades, each bowing with cupped hands to the immortal Jiu Jiu, then affixed their miasma-warding talismans. With Youqin Xuanya and Yuan Qing leading the way, they headed into the miasma forest.

Li Changshou fell half a step behind because he...

First, he stuck a miasma-warding talisman on his robe, then swiftly lifted the hem of his long robe to place another on the inside of his thigh, and a third on the back of his neck under his inner clothing.

This way, it was foolproof against the talisman accidentally falling off, and he could just replace them every few days.

Suddenly, a gust of wind rose, and a foot kicked toward him from the side.

Li Changshou stumbled forward two steps in what looked like disorder but easily dodged the incoming kick.

Jiu Jiu snapped in frustration, "What are you waiting for? Get in there! Stay close to the others! You're at the ninth stage of Huashen!

If you're this cautious, why even come to this wretched place?"

"Master Uncle, take care," Li Changshou turned and bowed slightly, his lips moving as he sent a voice transmission to Jiu Jiu.

Then he hurried to catch up, taking his place at the back of the group.

As the miasma enveloped them, the talismans on the other four emitted a faint glow, forming shallow, transparent barriers around each of them.

Li Changshou, however, was even more protected, enveloped in three layers, making his breathing a bit labored.

But the air he inhaled felt exceptionally fresh.

Wang Qi cleared his throat and said aloud, "Later, Senior Brother Li, you can walk with me. I'm just here to try my luck; I don't have any specific herbs I need to find, so we won't bother Junior Brother Yuan Qing and the others."

"Very well," Li Changshou replied with a knowing smile, and Wang Qi raised an eyebrow in response—the two shared a tacit understanding.

This was probably the solidarity of being the third wheels.

...

In Beijulu Continent, those who haven't achieved immortality should avoid flying through the air as much as possible. The miasma is too dense at three *zhang* above the ground, and it's a hotspot for poisonous insects and fierce birds. The ground, on the other hand, is safer.

The path under their feet was the only one, lined with blackened trees that looked like charred wood, mostly just branches without leaves, yet pulsing with an unusual vitality.

As the five walked along, they extended their spiritual senses as far as possible, occasionally spotting one or two venomous beasts lurking in the shadows, coldly eyeing these intruders.

The place was dark and full of hidden dangers.

Luan Zhang Bao Lin was known for producing several types of precious herbs and dozens of poisonous ones, but because this was a relatively safer border area, the herbs here had already been picked over by demon clans and human cultivators. It would be quite challenging for them to find what they wanted.

Moreover, the poisonous herb Li Changshou was after wasn't even in Luan Zhang Bao Lin—it was deeper inside.

As they walked, Li Changshou took out a palm-sized sheepskin map, glanced at the marks he had drawn on it, and confirmed his next direction.

First, he needed to find a suitable excuse to separate from the group.

Most importantly, he had to ensure that Master Uncle Jiu Jiu, who was secretly following them in the air, wouldn't intervene to stop him...

After walking for about half a *shichen*, the forest ahead grew darker, and a rotten stench filled the air. Swarms of poisonous insects buzzed noisily, while predators hidden in the shadows began to fix their gaze on these five living targets.

There were swamps floating with bones, alluring but deadly flowers and fruits, and demonic spiders perched on high trees, emitting eerie cackles...

The Du Xian Men group was skilled and bold enough; they quickened their pace, gradually adapting to the environment.

Li Changshou stayed close behind the four, still far from the point where he needed to change direction, so he wasn't in a rush to split off.

Suddenly, a suppressed beast roar echoed, and the buzzing of insects in the forest intensified. A wave of murderous intent surged from ahead!

A venomous beast couldn't hold back any longer and was attacking them!

Youqin Xuanya, at the front of the group, immediately raised her hand to halt the others, her great sword on her back beginning to tremble lightly.

Yuan Qing casually flicked his right hand, and a green immortal sword appeared in his grasp, his entire demeanor sharpening with edge.

But while the four in front focused on the black shadow darting from the left side of the forest, Li Changshou turned his gaze to the right, stepping back to stand behind Wang Qi and whispering,

"Watch the right side."

Almost as soon as Li Changshou spoke, a *zhang*-long black shadow burst from the left side of the forest!

It was a black-skinned leopard with wings on its sides, its front claws glowing with a dim ink-green light. Without a word, it viciously pounced on the four!

"Die, you beast!"

Yuan Qing shouted lowly, his figure like a gust of wind rushing past Youqin Xuanya. His three-foot green sword extended eight inches of azure light, his footwork leaving trails of afterimages!

The sword light traced a elongated "zhi" shape, and as the black leopard raised its claw, jets of black blood sprayed into the sky!

Its head was severed in an instant!

At that very moment, two more black shadows leaped from the right side of the forest, lunging straight at Liu Yaner and Youqin Xuanya...

"Let me handle this!"

Wang Qi yelled, charging in front of Liu Yaner with his hands enveloped in flames, pressing them toward the two leopards from a distance.

But before his flames could erupt, a flash of fiery red swept past. The great sword, still in its sheath, produced a dull whooshing sound as it swept horizontally, striking both charging leopards and sending them flying like sandbags.

It was just a single sweeping strike with no follow-up, yet as the two leopards soared through the air, two crimson lotus flowers bloomed from within them, instantly exploding their bodies to pieces. The vivid flames then consumed all remnants and black blood!

In the blink of an eye, not even ashes remained of the two leopards...

Wang Qi chuckled awkwardly, dispelling his technique and stepping back quietly.

Li Changshou's eyes lit up.

'Nine Lotus Severing Fire Strength? So Youqin Xuanya has actually mastered it?'

With the three leopards slain in an instant, the gazes watching them from the shadows dwindled significantly.

The five reformed their formation and continued onward, with Youqin Xuanya and Yuan Qing employing simple footwork techniques, the other three easily keeping up.

Until they reached a fork in the path, where the five stopped in unison.

Youqin Xuanya turned and said, "Senior Brother, Senior Sister, I need to go in this direction to find the Yan Huo Ming Xin Grass. There are records in the sect that it's been spotted there.

Please all take care and don't venture too deep."

Liu Yaner also mentioned the herb she was seeking and that she needed to go another way.

The group began to split up, with Yuan Qing naturally accompanying Youqin Xuanya, as he was there to assist and protect her.

Wang Qi, just there for the experience, decided to help Liu Yaner search for her herb.

Then, the four turned their eyes to Li Changshou.

"I'll take this path and part ways with you all for now," Li Changshou said, pointing to a direction different from theirs. The others frowned slightly.

Youqin Xuanya asked, "Which herb are you seeking, Senior Brother Li?"

Li Changshou replied seriously, "It's not something I can easily explain, but don't worry about me. Everyone, take care."

Yuan Qing advised, "Senior Brother Li, why not go with Senior Sister Liu..."

Before Yuan Qing could finish, Li Changshou had already stepped onto his chosen path, activating a simple footwork technique. His robes fluttered, his long hair unmoving, and he quickly vanished around a bend in the forest ahead.

"Really, kindness repaid with ingratitude."

Liu Yaner muttered discontentedly, while Yuan Qing and Wang Qi shook their heads slightly, likely thinking Li Changshou was just being stubborn to save face.

Youqin Xuanya, however, seemed thoughtful. She turned and headed down her selected path, her figure with the great sword on her back appearing even more slender.