Chapter 11: Leaving the Team Lighthearted

Heading north from this town, another 300 *li* lay to the boundary of the miasma in Beiluzhou. The outermost reaches of this boundary were the training grounds for the five disciples of the Duxian Sect: the Miasma Treasure Forest.

The barren, desolate mountains outside the miasma formed a stark contrast with the continuous black forest covering the miasma-laden region, clearly delineating a boundary.

As they drew closer to the Miasma Forest's boundary, Jiu Jiu transformed completely. Her eyes filled with vigilance, and her spiritual sense monitored every stir within hundreds of *li* in all directions. As she led the group flying low, she expended immortal power to create a white cloud. Her large gourd, now three *chi* long, was slung behind her back, its mouth emanating a faint blue glow, ready to be unleashed to spray anyone at any moment.

Finally, upon reaching the edge of the Miasma Forest, Jiu Jiu descended from the white cloud, turned, and looked at the five disciples with a serious expression.

"According to the rules," she began, "this training session will last twenty days. Starting from the moment you enter the Miasma Treasure Forest, if you retreat on your own before the twenty days are up, this training will be considered a failure, and you will face punishment within the sect upon your return."

Jiu Jiu blinked, and her tone suddenly became much lighter: "Actually, it's just a deduction from your monthly stipend or something similar; no big deal. If you encounter danger, prioritize saving your life. If you find it too challenging, retreat immediately; don't try to be a hero. I will wait for you here. Since this is a training exercise meant to temper disciples, it's naturally impossible for me to follow behind you, nor will I act as your personal bodyguard. This big guy will also stay and wait here."

Yuwen Ling clasped his hands and requested, "This subordinate was ordered to escort Her Royal Highness, the Sixth Princess. I ask for the Immortal Master's permission to remain with her..."

Jiu Jiu said calmly, "Do you want to stay here willingly, or do you want me to tie you down here?"

"General Yuwen, please wait outside. Everything must follow Martial Aunt Jiu's arrangements," Youqin Xuanya said, a subtle air of authority emanating from her, clearly accustomed to giving orders since childhood.

"This subordinate obeys!" Yuwen Ling said in a deep voice, then frowned and glanced at Yuan Qing.

Yuan Qing immediately declared loudly, "General Yuwen, you needn't worry. I will protect Junior Sister Xuanya even if it costs me my life."

Youqin Xuanya offered no response, maintaining her usual "icy facade" expression. Instead, Li Changshou, who had been standing behind Jiu Jiu, let his gaze linger on Yuan Qing and Yuwen Ling for a moment. He thought, 'I still feel there's something fishy about these two.'

Jiu Jiu cleared her throat and continued, "I have two pieces of advice for you. First, help each other inside. Remember you are fellow disciples and try to avoid acting alone. Yuan Qing, Xuanya, your cultivation levels are higher, so if you have the spare capacity, look after the others."

Yuan Qing smiled, "Martial Aunt, rest assured." Youqin Xuanya also said, "This disciple obeys."

Immortal Jiu Jiu continued, "Second, don't demand opportunities, and don't desperately search for herbs. Precious spiritual herbs are often guarded by fierce beasts. These beasts are not stupid; you are their best tonic." As she spoke, Jiu Jiu suddenly reached out, her left hand moving like a phantom, lightly pinching Youqin Xuanya's cheek. "Especially prime quality like you, with tender skin and delicate flesh!" she exclaimed.

"Martial Aunt, please behave yourself," Youqin Xuanya said, frowning, while Jiu Jiu gave a strange, teasing chuckle.

"Wow, so smooth! I truly envy your natural beauty. This Martial Aunt can't compare; my skin is dry and withered, and there's no one following me around every day calling me Junior Sister Jiu Jiu, Junior Sister Jiu Jiu~"

Amidst her laughter, Jiu Jiu took out five crescent-shaped jade stones from her embrace and tossed them into the hands of the five disciples. "Here," she said, "these are signal jades for requesting help. If you encounter trouble, just crush one, and this Martial Aunt will sense it and rush in to rescue you. Using a signal jade means you've abandoned this training session, and upon your return, it's just a deduction from your monthly stipend; no big deal. Go on, go on, be careful! Don't actually die in there!"

The five disciples put away their signal jades, each cupped their hands in salute to the Wine Immortal, then affixed miasma-warding talismans to themselves. With Youqin Xuanya and Yuan Qing leading the way, they headed towards the Miasma Forest.

Li Changshou lagged half a step behind because he first affixed a miasma-warding talisman to his Daoist robe, then deftly lifted the hem of his robe, stuck another one on his inner thigh, and coincidentally affixed a third talisman to the back of his inner collar. This way, it would be foolproof, ensuring the talismans wouldn't fall off without reason, and he only needed to replace them every few days.

Suddenly, a gust of wind rose, and a foot came flying in for a kick from the side. Li Changshou seemingly stumbled two steps forward, yet easily dodged the incoming kick.

Jiu Jiu cursed exasperatedly, "Hurry up and get in there! Remember to stick close to the others! You're a ninth-stage Spirit Transformation cultivator! Why are you even coming to this dreadful place if you're so cautious?!"

"Take care, Martial Aunt," Li Changshou said, turning his head and cupping his hands. His lips moved slightly as he transmitted something to Jiu Jiu. Then he quickly caught up, staying at the very back of the group.

As the miasma approached, faint light emanated from the miasma-warding talismans on the four people ahead, each expanding into a shallow, transparent film that adhered to their bodies. Li Changshou's situation was quite impressive; he was covered by three layers of film, and even breathing became a bit difficult. However, the air he forcefully inhaled was exceptionally fresh.

Wang Qi cleared his throat and said loudly, "Later, Senior Brother Changshou, why don't you come with me? I'm actually just here to try my luck and don't have any specific herbs I absolutely need to find, so there's no need to disturb Junior Brother Yuan Qing and the others."

"Good," Li Changshou said, giving Wang Qi a knowing smile. Wang Qi returned it with a raised eyebrow. The two of them had developed a certain unspoken understanding, perhaps born from being fellow "third wheels."

***

When operating in Beiluzhou, those who had not yet achieved immortality were advised to avoid flying through the air. Three *zhang* above the ground, the miasma was too dense, and it was an area where numerous poisonous insects and fierce birds frequently operated. The ground, by contrast, was relatively safer.

At this point, there was only one path beneath their feet, and along its sides were mostly scorched-looking black trees, largely bare branches without leaves, yet pulsating with an unusual vitality. The five walked along the path, their spiritual senses spread out as much as possible, occasionally spotting one or two venomous beasts hiding in the shadows, coldly observing them, the intruders.

It was dark, with no direct sunlight, and dangers lurked everywhere. The Miasma Treasure Forest was rich in several types of precious medicines and dozens of types of poisons, but because it was a less dangerous border area, most of the herbs here had already been gathered by demon races and human qi refiners. It would be quite difficult for them to find the herbs they wanted. Furthermore, the poisonous herb Li Changshou was looking for was not even in the Miasma Treasure Forest, but in a deeper area.

As they walked, Li Changshou took out a palm-sized sheepskin map, looked at the several marks he had drawn on it, and determined which direction he should head next. First, he needed to find a suitable reason to leave the group; most importantly, he needed to ensure that Martial Aunt Jiu, who was secretly following them in the air, would not intervene to stop him from leaving.

After walking for about half an hour, the forest ahead grew increasingly dim. A decaying smell permeated the air, swarms of poisonous insects buzzed noisily, and predators lurking in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity, began to fix their gaze on these five lively beings. Swamps with floating white bones, enchanting yet deadly flowers and fruits, and demonic spiders perched on tall trees, emitting cackling sounds, filled the landscape.

The Duxian Sect disciples, being skilled and daring, walked faster and faster, gradually adapting to the environment. Li Changshou followed closely behind the four. At this point, the moment he would need to change direction was still far off, so he wasn't in a hurry to leave the group immediately.

Suddenly, a suppressed beast roar was heard, the buzzing of poisonous insects in the forest suddenly intensified, and a fierce aura surged from ahead! A venomous beast couldn't hold back and was about to attack their group!

Youqin Xuanya, at the front of the group, immediately raised a hand to stop them from advancing, and the greatsword on her back began to hum softly. Yuan Qing flicked his right hand lightly, and a green immortal sword appeared in his grasp, his entire being exuding a compelling sharpness.

While the four in front were distracted by the black shadow darting from the forest to their front-left, Li Changshou, however, shifted his gaze to the right, took a step, stood behind Wang Qi, and whispered, "Watch out for the right side."

Almost as soon as Li Changshou's words fell, a ten-foot-long black shadow suddenly darted out from the forest to the front-left! It was a black-skinned leopard with a pair of wings on its ribs, its front claws gleaming with a faint dark-green light. The moment it appeared, it lunged fiercely at the four without a word!

"You beast, you seek death!" Yuan Qing growled, his figure darting out from beside Youqin Xuanya like a wisp of clear wind. The three-foot green blade in his hand extended eight inches of green light, and his footwork left trails of afterimages! The sword light flashed in an elongated 'Z' shape. Just as the black leopard raised its paw, streams of black blood spurted towards the sky! It was instantly decapitated!

Just then, two black shadows suddenly darted out from the forest on the right, lunging directly at Liu Yan'er and Youqin Xuanya.

"Let me handle this!" Wang Qi roared, rushing in front of Liu Yan'er, his hands already enveloped in flames, and pressed them towards the two leopards from a distance. But before the flames could erupt, a fiery-red figure flashed past. The greatsword, still in its sheath, created a muffled whooshing sound as it swept, striking both charging leopards simultaneously and sending them flying like sandbags. It was just a single horizontal sweep, with no follow-up attack, but as the two black leopards were sent flying into mid-air, two fiery-red lotuses erupted from their bodies. Their forms were directly shattered, and their black blood and remains were completely engulfed by the vibrant flames! In the blink of an eye, nothing was left of the two black leopards.

Wang Qi gave an embarrassed chuckle, dispelled the spell in his hands, and obediently stepped aside. Li Changshou's eyes lit up. He thought, 'Nine-Lotus Fire Severing Technique? Youqin Xuanya actually cultivated this?'

The three black leopards were instantly slain, and the gazes of those lurking in the shadows, observing the five, immediately reduced by more than half. The five resumed their formation and continued their journey forward. Youqin Xuanya and Yuan Qing began to use simple movement techniques, and the three behind them easily kept pace.

Until, a fork in the path appeared ahead, and the five instinctively stopped. Youqin Xuanya turned and said, "Senior Brothers and Sisters, I need to go in this direction to search for the Miasma-Resisting Clear Heart Grass. There are records within the sect that this type of spiritual herb has been found in this direction. Please take care of yourselves and do not venture too deep."

Liu Yan'er also stated the herb she was looking for and that she needed to proceed in another direction. The group then began to "split up." Yuan Qing naturally intended to go with Youqin Xuanya, as he was originally here as a helper and protector for her. Wang Qi was here to gain experience, and so decided to help Liu Yan'er search for her herb. Subsequently, the four's gazes fell upon Li Changshou.

"I'll take this path; I need to separate from you all for now," Li Changshou said, pointing in a different direction from the four. The others simultaneously frowned.

Youqin Xuanya asked, "Senior Brother Changshou, what kind of herb are you looking for?"

Li Changshou replied gravely, "This matter is not easy to explain, but you needn't worry. Please take care of yourselves."

Yuan Qing advised, "Senior Brother Changshou, why don't you go with Senior Sister Yan'er..." Before Yuan Qing could finish, Li Changshou had already stepped onto his chosen path, employing a simple movement technique. His robes fluttered, his long hair undisturbed, and he swiftly disappeared around the bend in the forest ahead.

"Honestly, good intentions wasted on him," Liu Yan'er grumbled somewhat discontentedly. Yuan Qing and Wang Qi also shook their heads slightly, probably thinking Li Changshou was just being stubborn due to pride. Youqin Xuanya, however, seemed lost in thought. She turned and walked down her chosen path, her silhouette, with the greatsword on her back, appearing even more slender.