Chapter 461 - 214: Reward Settlement
Chapter 461: Chapter 214: Reward Settlement
Dust billowed on the ancient road.
A gray-and-white Exotic Beast was galloping madly down the path.
It was so fast that a common traveler seeing it from afar would think their eyes were playing tricks on them. By the time they rubbed their eyes, the Exotic Beast would be right in front of them, and before they could even cry out in surprise, it would already be gone.
When they came to their senses and looked for it again, it would be nowhere to be found.
They would be left to wonder if it was all just a dream.
If they were to mention it to others, the story, embellished with each retelling, would likely become another myth or strange tale.
This black-and-white Exotic Beast was, of course, Fang Dabao.
Since leaving Qingping Town, Fang Shuwen hadn’t asked Fang Dabao to control its pace. It had been a mad dash straight toward Divine Deer Valley.
It didn’t matter whether that letter from Mo Wen would successfully trick Shi Wuya into coming.
He had to go to Divine Deer Valley regardless.
For one, he wanted to get his hands on the system’s reward. For another, he wanted to see what was hidden behind that door in Divine Deer Valley that Miao Feichan had mentioned.
Fang Dabao wasn’t currently running at its top speed, but at this pace, factoring in time for traveling by day and resting by night, they could reach Divine Deer Valley in about six or seven days.
And this time, three people sat on Fang Dabao’s enormous back.
The newcomer was, of course, Yu Yaoguang.
Fang Lingxin, on the other hand, had left with the people from Yuqing Pavilion.
She wasn’t supposed to have come on this trip at all. Yu Yaoguang had only brought her along to see Fang Shuwen, considering their relationship.
It was also a way to elevate Fang Lingxin’s status.
Although there was little scheming and plotting within Yuqing Pavilion, friction between disciples was inevitable. As the Sect Leader, there were times she couldn’t show blatant favoritism.
But she could use Fang Shuwen’s name to intimidate others a little, which would also make Fang Lingxin’s life a bit more comfortable.
Of course, no one else knew of these considerations.
Fang Shuwen had thought that after that night at the inn in Qingping Town, he probably wouldn’t get another chance to cultivate Martial Arts and study the Great Dao with Yu Yaoguang.
He never expected that when night fell, Yu Yaoguang would still sneak over.
Fang Shuwen was quite shocked by this, but he didn’t disappoint Yu Yaoguang.
It was just that every morning, Miao Feichan would glare at him.
At first, her gaze was filled with simple annoyance.
Later, it seemed to carry a hint of resentful longing.
Other than responding with a smile, Fang Shuwen had no good way of dealing with it.
Yu Yaoguang, however, was carefree and didn’t seem to take any of it to heart. She just occasionally asked about Fang Dabao, or about the details of Fang Shuwen’s trip to the Northern Domain. Sometimes, she even asked if Long Qingzhi was pretty.
She had actually wanted to ask on the first day they met.
But reuniting with Fang Shuwen after so long, how could she have spared a thought for anything else?
Now that she had idle time, she was naturally curious.
Of course, Fang Shuwen wasn’t about to say another woman was pretty in front of his own.
He had at least that much emotional intelligence.
He glossed over Long Qingzhi’s appearance, focusing instead on the details of how he met Fang Dabao. He also took out the Purple Jade Bamboo he had obtained in the Purple Bamboo Forest.
Holding it in his hand, he could feel a gentle warmth.
Previously, because Long Qingzhi’s body was weak, this item had been left in her care.
Later, after Long Qingzhi began practicing the [Glazed Holy Heart Scripture] and made progress with her Inner Strength, her weakness was no longer an issue.
So she returned the Purple Jade Bamboo to Fang Shuwen.
Yu Yaoguang took it and examined it closely.
"This thing does have some wondrous effects. Perhaps it can calm the mind and spirit."
"Have you ever tried holding it while you circulate your energy for cultivation?"
Fang Shuwen shook his head.
"You can try it next time."
Yu Yaoguang twirled it in her hand and then said with a smile,
"It’s a bit long. We could split it into three and make three bamboo flutes. What do you say? One for each of us?"
As she spoke, she glanced at Miao Feichan.
Miao Feichan huffed.
"Don’t include me."
Fang Shuwen smiled.
"Why be so polite?"
"Who’s being polite with you...?"
Miao Feichan turned her head away.
’Things have been fine this whole trip, so why is Miao Feichan suddenly throwing a tantrum after spending a few days with Yu Yaoguang?’ Fang Shuwen couldn’t help but glance at Yu Yaoguang.
He looked at Yu Yaoguang, naturally seeking an explanation; after all, they were good friends.
Yu Yaoguang returned Fang Shuwen’s look with a blank one of her own, expressing that she didn’t know either.
Seeing this, Fang Shuwen didn’t press the matter, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t quite right.
Fortunately, Miao Feichan soon returned to normal. The three of them chatted idly, and time passed quickly.
The only one suffering was Fang Dabao.
Fortunately, Fang Dabao could generate its own Inner Strength. Despite its thick fur, it wasn’t troubled by the scorching summer heat. Otherwise, it would have been truly miserable.
Six or seven days passed in the blink of an eye. The place they were traveling through now was completely desolate.
They had reached a place with mountains and water all around, but not a single road in sight.
They had to rely on Miao Feichan to lead the way.
Miao Feichan didn’t shrink from the responsibility and quickly found a rather narrow path.
Fang Dabao plunged into it, following the path downward. Gradually, the way became more and more winding.
Miao Feichan told Fang Shuwen and Yu Yaoguang,
"The first time I came looking for this place, I searched the outside for three whole days and nights."
"I thought I’d never find it... I was just about to give up when I unexpectedly discovered this hidden little path."
Fang Shuwen nodded. The path was indeed well hidden.