"I need to take a bath immediately."
As soon as they exited the seven-level cave of Nüluo Rock, Han Lingsha couldn't wait to return. Despite Liu Mengli's fragrant incense masking the odors, Han Lingsha still felt extremely uncomfortable.
On their way back, although the Earth Spirit Pearl couldn't teleport them directly to the maze's entrance, the group of four moved quickly. After all, on their return trip, they didn't need to investigate monsters or worry about traps underfoot like they had when entering.
"We meet again." The group had just left the cave when several streaks of sword light appeared ahead. Moments later, a familiar and refined figure stood before Daniel Davis and the others. Recognizing them, Huai Shuo immediately gave them a gentle smile—it was the same person they had met before.
"Indeed, Young Master Huai Shuo," Han Lingsha responded with a smile and nodded slightly.
"Senior Brother, who are these people?" As he spoke, a few more streaks of sword light descended, and Xuanji appeared beside Huai Shuo.
"Don't you remember? We met them earlier."
"We've met so many people since leaving the mountain. How am I supposed to remember them all? Hurry and deal with the monsters—Senior Uncle Ziying might already be in Chenzhou. We can't afford any further delays."
Before Huai Shuo could finish speaking, Xuanji impatiently interrupted him, prompting Huai Shuo to give Daniel Davis and his companions an apologetic smile.
"Apologies, my junior sister is…"
"No need. Your junior sister is very charming. I imagine she must be highly favored by your Senior Uncle Ziying." Just as Huai Shuo was about to apologize for Xuanji, Han Lingsha suddenly interjected.
The previously impatient Xuanji brightened up immediately upon hearing Han Lingsha's words. "Really?" she asked with delight.
Han Lingsha's skill in catering to people's preferences was exceptional; a single sentence was enough to change Xuanji's attitude toward them.
"Of course," Han Lingsha replied with a confident nod.
Huai Shuo quietly shook his head but didn't say anything. After all, Han Lingsha's comment about Xuanji being "very charming" was not meant maliciously, and it was something he himself agreed with.
"Senior Brother, let's quickly deal with the monsters here and then go find Senior Uncle!" Thrilled by Han Lingsha's compliment, Xuanji didn't forget her purpose in being there.
"If you're planning to deal with the monsters, I don't think it's necessary. We're here investigating reports of monsters harming people, but it seems we're too late. The monsters inside have already been dealt with by someone. Judging by the swordsmanship, it must have been a very powerful Sword Immortal," Daniel Davis said promptly.
As a fellow human, Daniel naturally approved of Sword Immortals who eliminated demons and defended humanity. After all, in this world teeming with monsters, humanity's survival would be grim without the efforts of Sword Immortals. Certain monsters, like the Feng Xie Beasts, were completely unreasonable and a threat to human life.
However, the situation with the locust tree spirits was different. They hadn't harmed anyone—instead, humans had encroached on their territory. Daniel didn't want anything to happen to the little tree spirits.
"It must have been Senior Uncle! We're finally catching up to him!" Xuanji's expression was one of sheer excitement.
"I understand. To ensure no loose ends, we'll investigate once more and then quickly pursue Senior Uncle. Don't worry, he needs to study the Eight Trigrams Array in Chenzhou, so he won't leave too soon this time," Huai Shuo gently reassured his junior sister.
This exchange showed Huai Shuo's meticulous and steady nature.
"Haha, there's no need for that. We've already thoroughly investigated the area, and there are no monsters left inside," Yun Tianhe chimed in with a couple of awkward laughs.
"Exactly. Don't you trust Senior Uncle's skills? How could there be any leftover monsters? Besides, they've already confirmed that there are none. I'm heading out to find Senior Uncle!" Xuanji declared, not waiting for Huai Shuo's response. She immediately performed a hand seal, her body surrounded by streaks of sword light, and then took off into the air. Watching her depart, Huai Shuo apologized to the group and then swiftly followed her on his sword.
"They left so quickly. I was hoping to ask how to join their sect," Han Lingsha remarked with a hint of disappointment as she watched Huai Shuo and Xuanji disappear from sight.
"Miss Han, do you want to become a Sword Immortal?" Liu Mengli suddenly asked, noticing Han Lingsha's expression.
"Becoming a Sword Immortal doesn't matter to me. I just want to know if Sword Immortals have a way to achieve immortality," Han Lingsha replied, her expression calming as she mentioned their next destination—Chenzhou.
"Immortality... Miss Han, forgive me for saying this, but immortality isn't necessarily a good thing."
"You don't understand. I have to find a way to achieve immortality," Han Lingsha interrupted Liu Mengli sharply, her face darkening. Realizing her emotions had gotten the better of her, she quickly apologized, "I'm sorry." With that, she sped off, leaving the group behind.
"Did I say something wrong?" Liu Mengli asked, looking somewhat lost as she turned to Daniel Davis and Yun Tianhe.
"I don't think so," Yun Tianhe replied, scratching his head. He was entirely clueless about Han Lingsha's situation.
"She might have her reasons. Since she doesn't want to talk about it, let's not press her. I'll go check on her," Daniel said. After nodding to Liu Mengli and Yun Tianhe, he followed in Han Lingsha's direction, leaving the two of them alone.
"Where are the others?" Han Lingsha hadn't gone far, and Daniel quickly caught up with her. It seemed she was waiting for the rest of the group to catch up.
"They're behind us and should be here soon."
When Liu Mengli and Yun Tianhe arrived, the four of them returned to the Liu estate. Upon seeing her daughter, County Magistrate Liu and his wife hurried forward, full of concern. Yun Tianhe received the same warm welcome, prompting Daniel and Han Lingsha to tactfully excuse themselves.
Han Lingsha went to take a bath, and Daniel also took the opportunity to enjoy a wooden bucket bath, complete with Liu Mengli's specially prepared incense. The trip to Nüluo Rock had taken only half a day, but it seemed they wouldn't be leaving for Chenzhou today. Liu Mengli had mentioned wanting to join them on their journey, which required convincing her parents. Given the situation, departure would likely be delayed until the next day.
"This is the Wàngshū Sword? What powerful spiritual energy," Daniel murmured as he inspected Yun Tianhe's sword after lunch. Using his Devil Fruit ability, he analyzed the weapon.
In the Chinese Paladin world, excluding innate divine artifacts and celestial weapons, the Wàngshū Sword and Yìhé Sword were among the most powerful weapons. Remarkably, they weren't naturally formed or forged by divine beings; instead, they were crafted by the Qionghua Sect over a century of effort.
Daniel marveled at the immense spiritual energy contained within the Wàngshū Sword. Even with his current abilities, his surgical powers couldn't cut through it—a testament to its craftsmanship as a tool designed for ascension.
However, the swords were flawed. They were made specifically for the Qionghua Sect's collective ascension, which limited their practical application. Without a special constitution, these swords were virtually useless, their only advantage being their durability.
Later that evening, Daniel returned the Wàngshū Sword to Yun Tianhe and demonstrated proper archery techniques using real arrows. "Look, this is how you shoot arrows. Your sword wasn't meant to be used like that."
"But it's so convenient! The sword flies back to me on its own. If I had been doing this earlier, hunting would've been so much easier," Yun Tianhe replied, referencing the habit he had developed while hunting on Qingluan Peak.
"Do you want a spinning sword next?" Daniel muttered in exasperation. Unfortunately, he couldn't reveal the truth behind their circumstances just yet.
"That bumpkin isn't going to change so easily. Let's plan tomorrow's journey instead," Han Lingsha said with a shake of her head.
"Lingsha, why don't you decide?" Both Liu Mengli and Yun Tianhe readily handed over the decision-making to Han Lingsha.
"Seems like you've all grown closer this afternoon," Daniel remarked, amused.
"What, do you have a problem with that?"
"Not at all."
Earlier, Liu Mengli had addressed Han Lingsha as "Miss Han," while Han Lingsha had referred to Liu Mengli as "Lady Liu." Now, the two were on a first-name basis. Clearly, their relationship had progressed significantly in just a few hours.
"Since you're all fine with it, leave it to me," Han Lingsha said confidently. "Huai Shuo and the others have probably reached Chenzhou by now. Since we don't know how long they'll stay, we need to take the fastest route. That means going through Mount Bagong. There's a shortcut there that should get us to Ch
enzhou in about a day."
The official road from Shouyang County to Chenzhou would take about three days, which Han Lingsha found unacceptable.
"I remember Mount Bagong doesn't have any paths," Liu Mengli commented, puzzled.
"Don't worry, there's a way."
"Alright, if you're sure," Liu Mengli agreed, trusting Han Lingsha's judgment. The group decided to depart early the next morning via Mount Bagong.
The next morning, just as they were about to set out, Liu Mengli presented Yun Tianhe with a beautifully crafted bow with a piece of green jade embedded in its body—the Yùyāo Bow.
"This bow is priceless. Since you've given him such a treasure, I might as well gift him the ancient artifact, Houyi's Sunshooting Bow," Daniel joked, recalling a future event involving Han Lingsha.
"This stone is pretty," Yun Tianhe said, admiring the bow. His lack of knowledge about jade made the comment sound oddly naïve.
"Stone? That's jade! It's worth a fortune, you bumpkin," Han Lingsha corrected, exasperated.
"Oh. Well, I'll cherish it," Yun Tianhe replied, clearly still indifferent to its value but willing to treasure it because it was from Liu Mengli.
On the way to Mount Bagong, Han Lingsha couldn't help but sigh at Liu Mengli's lengthy farewell to her parents. The county magistrate had spared no effort in ensuring his daughter's comfort for the journey, providing a luxurious carriage, a rare steed, abundant provisions, and a considerable sum of money. It was clear how deeply he cared for her.
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