Zhang Chulan and Zhang Huaiyi stood to the side, silently observing Wu Tong's conversation with the group members without interrupting.
Zhang Huaiyi studied the blue screen floating in midair and turned to his grandson. "Chulan, is this the chat group you mentioned?"
Realizing his grandfather—who had died before modern messaging apps existed—would be unfamiliar with such technology, Zhang Chulan quickly explained, "Yes, Grandpa. This is the chat group I told you about."
"Actually, we have similar apps on phones now. The only difference is they can't connect across worlds."
Zhang Huaiyi sighed in amazement. "Technology has advanced so much. To think such things are possible now..."
Zhang Chulan nodded in agreement. "I know, right? Just a few decades, and society has completely transformed."
As the two caught up, they simultaneously listened to the ongoing discussion in the chat group.
Zhang Huaiyi marveled at the exchange. "Such diverse cultivation systems... The world truly holds endless wonders."
By the time their conversation wound down, the group had moved on from serious topics. Under the starry sky, the members chatted casually, sharing stories and advice. The two newcomers—Zhongli and Fu Hua—seamlessly integrated into the group's dynamic.
Though curious about Wu Tong's purpose in their world, no one pressed for details. Since Zhang Chulan had agreed to his visit, they assumed the two had already worked things out.
Time flew as they talked.
When the first light of dawn crept across the horizon, the group collectively realized they'd been chatting all night.
Conversation really is addictive.
One by one, they logged off.
...
"Chulan, Elder Zhang, what's the plan now? Head to Dragon Tiger Mountain, or somewhere else?"
After closing the livestream, Wu Tong stretched out on the grass and turned to the other two.
Zhang Chulan exchanged a glance with his grandfather before answering, "Dragon Tiger Mountain first. We should heal Great-Uncle Tian as soon as possible—he's waited long enough."
Wu Tong wasn't surprised. He'd expected this answer.
"How are we getting there? Train or plane? Wait—do you even have money?"
It suddenly struck him that Zhang Chulan was a broke college student. The last thing he wanted was to walk the entire way.
Zhang Chulan froze. "...Bro Wu, maybe we could..."
...
"This was your solution?"
Wu Tong glared at Zhang Chulan, unamused.
"Heh... Desperate times?" Zhang Chulan rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
The two stood over an unconscious pink-haired girl—Liu Yan Yan—counting the cash they'd just "borrowed" from her.
Earlier, when faced with their financial dilemma, Zhang Chulan had remembered the girl who'd caused him so much grief in the original story.
So, with Wu Tong in tow, he'd backtracked, ambushed her, and knocked her out cold before rifling through her pockets.
"Doesn't this count as repaying kindness with enmity? She did help you earlier, you know."
Wu Tong eyed Zhang Chulan's smug expression with distaste.
That face is just begging to be punched.
"Not at all! Sure, she helped, but in the original story, she made my life hell. Consider this payback."
Ah. So this was about settling scores for past humiliations.
Wu Tong sighed but didn't press the matter. What was done was done.
After calling the police to report Liu Yan Yan's location, the two left.
The authorities arrived shortly after, waking the girl and hauling her in for questioning about grave robbing.
With any luck, the Xiangxi Liu Clan would retrieve her and straighten her out—saving one misguided youth from joining the chaotic Quanzhen faction.
A virtuous deed, indeed.
...
Three days later.
"We're finally here."
Wu Tong gazed up at the Dragon Tiger Mountain scenic area, exhaling in relief. "Those Quanzhen fanatics are persistent. They chased us all the way to the mountain's base before giving up."
Over the past three days, the trio had been ambushed dozens of times—all Quanzhen operatives desperate to extract Zhang Huaiyi's whereabouts from Zhang Chulan.
If only they knew the man they sought was right there among their targets. The mere name "Zhang Huaiyi" would've sent them fleeing in terror.
"Yeah... Now we don't have to worry about them anymore."
Zhang Chulan slumped in exhaustion. Constant attacks had left him no time to rest. Only now, at the foot of Dragon Tiger Mountain, could he finally relax.
"Let's go, children."
Zhang Huaiyi's voice trembled slightly as he stared at the familiar landscape—a mix of excitement and apprehension.
Wu Tong and Zhang Chulan shared a knowing look. They understood the emotions behind his reaction. Without another word, they followed him up the mountain path.
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