The Journey of Immortal Cultivation

Chapter 1002 - 548: The Situation (Part 2)

Qiongqi tightly shut its mouth, not daring to make a sound. It knew that its mistress had always been quick-witted and resourceful, but it thought that was the extent of her abilities. Unexpectedly, after the Divine Monarch had secluded himself for more than half a year, she had gradually solidified her power within the Hidden Stream, explored the world on her own, and could speak so insightfully. Has she truly grown so quickly after leaving the Divine Monarch’s protection?

Ning Xiaoxian was lost in thought for a while before standing up and opening the door to her private room, slowly walking downstairs.

After just a few steps, she felt a faint pain at her temple again.

Huangfuming hadn’t left yet. He was sitting at a table in the first-floor hall, pouring himself some tea. The restaurant was lavishly decorated, and beverages like tea were available, though likely quite expensive compared to Huaxia. The guests coming and going were prominent figures, and seeing his extraordinary presence despite his young age, no one bothered him.

She wasn’t oblivious. The way this young man clung to her, she could sense something unusual. Huangfuming looked young, appearing only ten years old, but in reality, he was nearly fourteen. Fourteen was an age when youthful affections started to blossom, but whether this affection was romantic or he saw her as a maternal or sisterly figure was unclear. After all, although he grew up in a powerful family, he was an only child who lost his mother early, and he had gaps in the familial joy he should have experienced.

She walked past without stopping and left directly after settling the bill.

Huangfuming indeed followed, speaking in a muffled voice before she could say anything: "Are you still angry?"

"Mm." She didn’t deny it and didn’t give him a pleasant expression.

He mumbled, "I’m sorry, I was wrong."

Ning Xiaoxian was so surprised that she stopped walking. This proud little ghost could actually admit his mistakes and apologize?

"I just wanted to play with you. I couldn’t help but come in when I saw you. If I disrupted your business, it wasn’t my intention." He kicked a small stone on the road, his black and white eyes full of admiration and unease, "So, could you forgive me this time?"

With such a look, even a heart of stone would melt, wouldn’t it?

He waited a long while before a familiar warmth came from above, her habitual affectionate pat on his head, signaling that she had once again forgiven him, and he couldn’t help but smile.

What else could she do but forgive him? This little ghost’s identity was extraordinary, and she was on his turf. Even if she beat him up in anger, would the Mirror Sea King let it go? Ningyuan Hall’s trade routes hadn’t opened yet; how could she afford to offend the local tyrant now?

"Let it be." She sighed with resignation amidst Huangfuming’s beaming smile, "I’ll escort you back to the mansion."

Huangfuming stubbornly replied, "No. It’s stifling in the Prince’s Mansion, and it’s hard to get out. How could I go back without having some fun?"

She frowned, "Last time you had fun, someone died."

Huangfuming heard her annoyance and quickly promised, "This time, there won’t be any deaths, and no one will get hurt." He shook her arm back and forth, "Good sister, take me out to play, and we’ll be back by nightfall!"

She looked up at the sky. She had finished her business for the day, and there was only an hour and a half until nightfall. Even walking back at a normal pace would take half an hour. Staying out for an hour didn’t seem like much.

"...Where do you want to go?" she thought, one day, her soft-heartedness would get her into trouble.

"The sun is about to set; it’s the perfect time to go to Fenglin Valley south of the city." He rolled his eyes, "Bring two Ruxiang Garden roast chickens and Ning sister’s fine wine, and it couldn’t be better."

She chuckled, letting him lead the way. Actually, going from here to Fenglin Valley and back to the Prince’s Mansion, this journey from south to north, round trip, would take more than an hour and a half. But since she had agreed, she didn’t say anything.

However, they didn’t buy the roast chicken, but followed the crowd out of the city. At this time, fewer people were going out, as besides the North Gate, the other three gates closed after nightfall.

Fenglin Valley is sixty miles from Duling City, but for her, riding the Jade Boat takes only a moment. In the Hidden Stream, she often found it inconvenient to travel with Huangfuming, so she placed a One Leaf Jade Boat in her storage bag for occasional use in carrying people, which proved useful again now.

When they arrived, the sun was already setting in the west.

Huangfuming was indeed right; Fenglin should be visited at sunset. At this time, the clouds in the sky were blazing, illuminating half the sky, and the ground was covered with endless red maple trees, even if the forest had no birdsong or human voices, it felt noisy to the extreme, and the beauty was breathtaking!

The splendor of Heaven and the Mortal World was one in the same, and such a magnificent and awe-inspiring scene could make one hold their breath, gazing at the majesty of nature.

Huangfuming proudly said, "I didn’t bring you to the wrong place, did I?"

Ning Xiaoxian smiled, "The scenery is truly beautiful. It’s indeed a good place." No wonder the ancients penned such naturally fitting verses as "I parked my cart, captivated by the autumn maples."

In truth, while the scenery was beautiful and grand, it wasn’t unprecedented. After all, she was from the Hidden Stream, and within the vast Ba Snake Mountain Range, she had seen all kinds of magnificent woodland scenes. Not to mention the red maples, even pink, purple, multicolored forests were nothing new to her. But the fact that this child was willing to share what he loved touched her somewhat. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)