novelraw Chapter 435: Waiting for You in the God-Abandoned Land
Chapter 435: Waiting for You in the God-Abandoned Land
The red-haired woman sneered disdainfully and strode away under everyone’s watchful gaze.
“She’s from the Nan Gong Family,” Jin Yuan suddenly remarked, her eyes gleaming with intrigue.
Feng Jiu Si and the others nodded faintly, clearly having recognized the woman’s origins. The object she handed to the two earlier was a Nan Gong Family token. This family, renowned across the Southern Region, was rumored to even have connections within the Great Thousand Alliance. Naturally, the people of Divine Tree Star dared not slight her.
“She plans to go to the God-Abandoned Land as well,” Feng Jiu Si commented. At his words, the others exchanged knowing glances, silently reaching an agreement.
Yu Zhao feigned ignorance of their tacit understanding, her mind preoccupied with a fleeting shadow she’d inadvertently glimpsed earlier.
After the brief commotion, the crowd settled back into order. Yu Zhao and her companions found the boarding passage, queued to submit their tickets, and boarded the ship one by one.
The starship heading to the God-Abandoned Land was a colossal vessel spanning eighty-one levels, with countless rooms. Their accommodations were located on the sixtieth floor.
Upon entering their designated floor, they encountered a familiar figure in the corridor—it was the red-haired woman from the Nan Gong Family.
The woman cast a cold glance in their direction before indifferently retracting her gaze and stepping into her room.
Huo Shao Yan scoffed. “The Nan Gong Family’s eldest daughter sure is something, with her nose perpetually in the air.” His voice was low, tinged with bitterness, audible only to those nearby. The others ignored his grumbling, each retrieving their room tokens and heading off to rest. Left without an audience, Huo Shao Yan sulked as he made his way to his room.The rooms were unexpectedly spacious, with furniture crafted from premium sandalwood exuding a faint, soothing fragrance. A finely crafted meditation cushion rested in a corner. Yu Zhao walked over to it, sat cross-legged, and gently stroked the Jade Ruyi hanging from her neck, her emotions a mixture of unease and resolve.
The God-Abandoned Land was fraught with danger, its perils unknown. Yet, no matter the cost, she was determined to take this risk. Her destiny, she vowed, would be hers to control.
Three hours later, the starship trembled with a distinct vibration, followed by a long, resonant chime. This was the signal for their departure to the God-Abandoned Land. Yu Zhao exhaled deeply, allowing herself to immerse entirely in her cultivation.
…
In another room.
“Miss Yin, Young Master Jie has already departed. Additionally, the scions of the Dong Fang and Ximen Families have received word and are on their way to the God-Abandoned Land as well.”
Nan Gong Yin toyed with the Transmission Talisman in her hand, a faint smile playing on her lips. It was unclear if she was speaking to the talisman or merely musing aloud. “So, they’re coming after all.”
The talisman flickered as a voice responded, “Miss Yin, should we send someone to intercept them?”
“There’s no need,” Nan Gong Yin replied, her slightly raspy voice laced with mockery. “You can delay them briefly, but not forever. Besides, if they didn’t show up, wouldn’t that be rather dull?”
“There are still a few who haven’t received the message. Should we…?”
“You fool!” she snapped, her tone sharp. “Are you working for me or spying for other families? Do you think I don’t have enough competition and need more trouble?”
“Forgive me!” the voice on the other end stammered, trembling.
“If they managed to get the message, it’s their capability. I have no use for worthless meddlers stirring up the waters.”
“Understood, understood.”
“Continue monitoring them. I want to know the exact time they arrive at the God-Abandoned Land.”
“Yes, Miss Yin.”
The talisman dimmed. Nan Gong Yin tilted her chin slightly, her eyes ablaze with a fiery madness. “Come on, all of you. I’ll be waiting for you in the God-Abandoned Land.”
…
A thousand miles away.
A group of extravagantly dressed youths lounged within a luxurious starship cabin. One of them, a man reclining lazily in his seat, scowled. “No wonder Nan Gong Yin’s been absent these past days. She received the news earlier than us and has likely already entered the God-Abandoned Land.”
A woman with a flowing horse-tail braid and sparkling eyes smiled faintly. “The Nan Gong Family has people in the Great Thousand Alliance, so it’s no surprise she heard first. What puzzles me is why Young Master Jie, also from the Nan Gong Family, wasn’t informed.”
All eyes turned to a round-faced youth seated at the back. Despite his resemblance to Nan Gong Yin, his softer features and round face gave him a less imposing, almost jovial air.
Nan Gong Jie, unfazed by the scrutiny, chuckled. “Nan Gong Yin is the family’s golden child, the future heir. I don’t compare. If you hadn’t told me, I’d still be in the dark.”
His self-deprecation left the others at a loss for words. Sensing their unease, Nan Gong Jie continued, “Really, there’s no need to fret. Even if she got a head start, the God-Abandoned Land is a treacherous place. Early access doesn’t guarantee success. Our combined strength isn’t inferior to hers.”
Reassured by his reasoning, the group relaxed somewhat. However, after a long silence, a woman dressed in pink with a lotus-like beauty voiced her concern. “Are we certain the upcoming selection is tied to the God-Abandoned Land’s Exotic Beasts? What if the information is wrong?”
The man who had spoken earlier replied confidently, “I spent a fortune obtaining this intel from the Great Thousand Alliance. It’s reliable. If you doubt me, at least trust the Nan Gong Family. Nan Gong Yin herself went there; could it possibly be false?”
“But…” she hesitated.
Annoyed, the man interrupted, “Dong Fang, if you’re too scared, feel free to disembark now. Stop undermining morale.”
“I… I never said I wouldn’t go,” Dong Fang Yue stammered, her face flushing.
“Ximen, she’s just worried. No need to scare her,” Bei Ming Yan interjected gently, earning a grateful glance from Dong Fang Yue.
“Hmph! I can’t stand her timidness,” Ximen Wu Ji sneered. “She’s supposed to be the most gifted heir of the Dong Fang Family, yet her younger brother overshadows her. If not for you, I wouldn’t waste my breath on her.”
Dong Fang Yue bit her lip, her eyes reddening as she struggled to hold back tears.
“See? Just one remark and she’s about to cry. No wonder her family flocks to Dong Fang Yu. Who’d want a constantly weepy eldest daughter? She’s insufferable!” Ximen Wu Ji scoffed, his tone growing harsher. Dong Fang Yue’s tears finally spilled over, though she remained silent.
Bei Ming Yan silenced Ximen Wu Ji with a sharp rebuke before consoling Dong Fang Yue, eventually coaxing a hesitant smile from her.
“Bei Ming Yan,” Ximen Wu Ji drawled sarcastically, “you should watch out for your dear sister. Word has it she’s getting cozy with Dong Fang Yu, and there’s talk of an alliance between your families. If that happens, your days might be numbered.”
Unperturbed, Bei Ming Yan replied coolly, “Marriage is a matter of family interests. As for my position—unless I choose to relinquish it, no one can take it from me. Perhaps you should worry about yourself instead.”