The sprawling Lin Tai Mountain was shrouded in dense white fog, like a natural barrier isolating the Dongling Kingdom from the outside world.
The triennial opening of Lin Tai Hunting Valley was a grand event for Dongling Kingdom. Cultivators of the younger generation, regardless of their level, would gather here to hone their skills in the valley.
Half a month before the valley’s opening, cultivators from across the kingdom began arriving at the mountain’s base. The foothills, now a bustling encampment for cultivators, emanated an overwhelming collective aura that intimidated even the mountain’s beasts, keeping them at bay.
That day, the cultivators stationed at the base felt the ground tremble as a distant rumble grew nearer.
“Look! The Ning royal family and the four noble families from the capital have arrived!” someone called out.
Thousands of gale beasts charged in a grand procession, arriving swiftly at the foot of Lin Tai Mountain.
The carriage curtains parted, and Wen Qiao’s eyes were drawn to the towering white fog that seemed to pierce the heavens.
The dense fog enveloped the entire mountain, obscuring everything above the foothills and hiding any dangers within. No cultivator dared ascend under such conditions. The base, meanwhile, was dotted with countless cultivators, all disciples from various families and factions across the kingdom who had come to train.
After arriving, the Ning royal family and the four noble families efficiently set up their encampments, preparing to wait for the valley’s opening.
“Do you want to rest in the tent?” Ning Yuzhou asked, his concern evident.
Her recent bout of illness had left Ning Yuzhou treating her like a fragile glass doll.
Wen Qiao smiled faintly and replied, “Don’t worry, I’m fine now.” She preferred being outside, observing the surroundings, to resting alone in the cold confines of a tent.
Having grown up sheltered, this was her first time traveling far from home. That it was to Lin Tai Hunting Valley made her all the more excited.
Ning Yuzhou could easily discern her mood and refrained from pressing her. Instead, he pulled out a medicinal pill and fed it to her.
Wen Qiao instinctively opened her mouth and swallowed.
She had grown accustomed to Ning Yuzhou’s care over the past few days—his consistent feeding of medicine and water. He seemed to always have a pill ready for her, treating it almost like candy. She even suspected he had brought all of the Ning family’s medicinal pills along.
Surely, no other cultivator could indulge as extravagantly as she did, using pills as casually as she was.
Wen Qiao stood outside the tent, observing for a long while, before returning to rest as night fell.
Tomorrow, at midday, Lin Tai Hunting Valley would open.
Seated on a soft mat, Wen Qiao’s gaze fell on Ning Yuzhou, who was reclined against a large cushion, leisurely reading a book. His relaxed demeanour starkly contrasted with the other cultivators, who were fully armed and solemn. He looked more like a tourist than a participant, an attitude that some found particularly irksome.
Fortunately, Ning Yuzhou was mindful enough not to flaunt his behaviour in front of others, avoiding unnecessary attention.
After some hesitation, Wen Qiao asked, “Are you sure I can enter Lin Tai Hunting Valley with you tomorrow?”
Ning Yuzhou raised his eyes, his warm and gentle gaze settling on her. “Of course. Since you’ve come all this way, wouldn’t it be a shame not to go in?”
“But…” Wen Qiao hesitated, lowering her voice. “My cultivation is so low, and I’ve never fought before.” She stopped just short of saying that she’d be nothing but a burden.
Ning Yuzhou chuckled softly. “With the Shadow Scaled Guard protecting you, you won’t need to do anything. They’ll handle everything.”
Wen Qiao felt something off about his response. Why were they protecting her and not him?
She thought back to when they left the capital and she first saw the Shadow Scaled Guard. Clad in uniform black Armor, they exuded an overwhelming presence. Their cultivation levels were all above the Yuan Bright stage, with their leader, Qian Shou, having unfathomable strength.
The Shadow Scaled Guard was the royal family’s elite force, answerable only to the emperor. Their presence on this journey was a clear arrangement by Emperor Chenghao to ensure the safety of his son.
Ning Yuzhou’s nonchalant demeanour somehow made Wen Qiao believe in his confidence.
Though inwardly conflicted about being a potential burden, Ning Yuzhou’s calm assurance reassured her enough to come along.
Ning Yuzhou closed his book and took her cold hand into his, gently rubbing it to warm her. When he looked up, he saw her pale face tinged with a faint blush.
Despite her embarrassment, Wen Qiao remained obediently seated, her quiet demeanour softening his heart.
“Don’t overthink it. Get some rest so you’ll have energy tomorrow,” he said softly.
Wen Qiao nodded. “I know. The valley’s dangers are unpredictable, so I’ll rest well to prepare.”
Ning Yuzhou paused, slightly taken aback. That wasn’t quite what he meant, but seeing her obediently lie down, he swallowed his explanation. A small smile played on his lips as he joined her to rest.
—
While this couple rested peacefully, the encampments around Lin Tai Mountain buzzed with activity.
In the Wen family’s camp, Wen Mei sat before her father, listening to his instructions.
“I heard this time the Ning family will be led by the Third Prince,” Wen Zhongqing said, gazing at his graceful daughter. “If you encounter unforeseen danger, stick with the Ning disciples. Don’t try to show off. Only by staying alive can you achieve your goals.”
Wen Mei nodded gently. “I understand, Father. Please don’t worry.”
Wen Zhongqing was somewhat reassured but sighed nonetheless. “I also heard the Seventh Prince and Wen Qiao are coming. Those two will only create more trouble. If it comes to it, don’t risk yourself for them.”
Lin Tai Hunting Valley’s environment changed with each opening—sometimes it was calm and relatively safe, but at other times, it was fraught with peril, with survival rates as low as ten percent. This year’s conditions were unpredictable, and the only advice he could give was to exercise caution.
—
By dawn, the cultivators at Lin Tai Mountain’s base awoke from their meditations, readying themselves for the day ahead.
When Wen Qiao woke up, the camp was already bustling with activity. She hurriedly washed up and ate a simple meal from the food prepared by the Seventh Prince’s palace.
After breakfast, Ning Yuzhou handed her a small pouch to tie at her waist.
Wen Qiao looked at him in surprise, sensing the spiritual energy emanating from the pouch. It was a storage bag, a common tool among cultivators for carrying essentials. Though its space wasn’t large, it was incredibly practical.
“It contains some spiritual crystals, pills, and artefacts,” Ning Yuzhou explained.
Wen Qiao gave him a complicated look and murmured, “Thank you.”
“There’s no need to thank me. If you feel unwell, take a pill. Don’t hesitate—there’s plenty more if you need them.”
Wen Qiao didn’t know how to respond. His kindness left her feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to react.
Ning Yuzhou, understanding her unease, simply patted her head before taking her hand and leading her out of the tent.
At the valley’s entrance, the cultivators had gathered, waiting for the valley to open. Their presence was a stark reminder of the journey’s seriousness.
—
Just before noon, the Third Prince, Ning Zhezou, finally arrived at the mountain.
Ning Zhezou, a strikingly handsome young man, carried an air of authority tempered by restraint. His resemblance to Emperor Chenghao was unmistakable.
“Father, I apologize for my tardiness,” he said, bowing in apology.
“You’re not late,” the emperor replied with a smile. His expression brightened further after assessing Ning Zhezou’s cultivation level. “Good, you’ve reached the Yuan Martial Realm stage.”
The crowd buzzed with astonishment. Reaching the Yuan Martial Realm stage at 25 was an extraordinary achievement, solidifying Ning Zhezou’s status as a prodigy. Among the Wen sisters, Wen Mei’s gaze softened with admiration and shyness, while Wen Xian felt a pang of envy. If only Ning Zhezou were her fiancé…
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