At noon, the dense fog surrounding Lin Tai Mountain began to shift.
A radiant light burst forth from the mountainside, gradually intensifying until it pierced through the thick mist. Midway up the mountain, the fog parted, revealing a passageway leading into the unknown. From their vantage point at the entrance to Lin Tai Hunting Valley, the waiting cultivators could just make out a lush green forest at the end of the path, with glimpses of shadowy beasts darting through the trees.
The sight stirred a mix of anticipation and anxiety among the gathered cultivators.
Every time Lin Tai Hunting Valley opened, its environment shifted unpredictably, presenting varying degrees of danger. Yet, despite the risks, no one wanted to miss the rare opportunity to train and gather resources.
“The valley is open. Everyone, proceed with caution.”
Emperor Chenghao’s commanding voice resonated across the crowd.
Leading the way, Third Prince Ning Zhezou entered first with the Ning family disciples. They were followed by the disciples of Dongling Kingdom’s four noble families—Wen, Zhao, Sun, and Zheng. Next came the disciples of the second-tier families.
“Let’s go.”
Ning Yuzhou took Wen Qiao’s hand, and they entered the valley accompanied by fifty Shadow Scaled Guards. Emperor Chenghao and the other family elders stood at the entrance, watching them disappear into the valley.
The moment they stepped inside, a wave of concentrated spiritual energy enveloped them. The richness of the energy was so soothing that it made every pore of their bodies relax, tempting them to sit and meditate right away. But the allure of the valley’s resources was stronger, and they resisted the urge.
Inside the valley, the groups of cultivators quickly dispersed, each heading in different directions to seek their fortunes.
Ning Zhezou turned briefly to glance at Ning Yuzhou and Wen Qiao, surrounded by their formidable guards, and gave a slight nod before leading the Ning disciples away. His decision to avoid traveling with them caused some confusion among the other families, but the presence of the Shadow Scaled Guards explained it. The valley was meant for training and resource gathering, not leisurely sightseeing, so it was only natural for Ning Zhezou to prioritize his disciples.
As the Wen family disciples passed, Wen Mei cast a glance at Wen Qiao, who was being guarded at the centre of the group, before following the others.
Unbothered by the attention, Wen Qiao’s gaze wandered over the lush peaks in the distance.
Her curiosity about everything in the valley was evident. She was too engrossed in taking in the sights to notice the looks directed at her.
What delighted Wen Qiao most was the valley’s dense spiritual energy and abundant flora. Even within her limited range of perception, she spotted several types of spiritual herbs. Though they were not particularly old or rare, their energy was far more potent than ordinary plants. The vitality surrounding her made her frail body feel noticeably lighter.
She was quickly falling in love with this place.
Ning Yuzhou, unconcerned with vying for the best paths, waited for most of the cultivators to clear out before casually choosing a direction to explore.
The area around them was dense with vegetation, and they occasionally spotted low-level beasts darting through the underbrush. Among the moist greenery, clusters of younger spiritual herbs occasionally appeared.
“Can I dig them up?” Wen Qiao couldn’t help but ask.
Ning Yuzhou smiled. “If you like them, of course you can.”
Thrilled, Wen Qiao retrieved a jade trowel from her storage bag and carefully dug up the herbs, roots and all, before placing them in a jade box. She planned to replant them in pots when she returned.
After gathering several herbs, she noticed Ning Yuzhou and the guards patiently waiting nearby. Feeling slightly self-conscious, she quickly stowed her tools and said, “Sorry for keeping you waiting.”
Ning Yuzhou took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the dirt from her fingers. “No need to rush. We have plenty of time.”
True to his word, Ning Yuzhou’s pace was leisurely, almost indulgently so.
Their group moved like noble hunters, strolling through the wilderness with their guards doing most of the work. When they encountered beasts, the guards swiftly dealt with them, storing the carcasses in storage rings to use as provisions.
Soon, they had fallen far behind the other cultivators. The surroundings grew quieter, with no sign of anyone else in the vicinity.
Since they were still in the outer regions of the valley, and with earlier groups clearing the path ahead, many of the dangerous beasts had been scared off. The journey was remarkably peaceful, with only harmless creatures crossing their path. Wen Qiao felt no sense of danger at all.
By evening, they had not yet traversed the first mountain but decided to set up camp.
The Shadow Scaled Guards efficiently chose a secure location, set traps around the area, pitched tents, and started a fire to roast beast meat.
Wen Qiao sat on a log, freshly carved by the guards, and watched as Ning Yuzhou received a cauldron from one of them.
She wondered what he was planning to do with it. Moments later, she saw the guards light low-level fire talismans beneath the cauldron. The soft orange flames flared to life, and Ning Yuzhou began heating the cauldron by rotating it evenly.
Her curiosity grew.
Ning Yuzhou merely smiled at her, offering no explanation.
Shortly after, the guards brought over carefully prepared ingredients—prime cuts of the beasts they had hunted earlier. Ning Yuzhou placed them into the cauldron, added water, and covered it.
Wen Qiao’s expression turned peculiar.
She finally realized what he was doing—he was using a cauldron to make soup.
Low-level fire talismans, typically considered useless in combat, made for excellent, smokeless heat sources. They were surprisingly convenient for cooking.
Within half an hour, the air was filled with an overpowering aroma.
Wen Qiao stared at the cauldron, amazed by how effective it was for cooking. She had never imagined anyone would use such a tool for preparing food, yet the results were undeniably impressive.
At the end of the process, Ning Yuzhou added a handful of tender herb leaves—freshly picked spiritual herbs from earlier that day.
After an hour, the soup was ready.
Ning Yuzhou ladled a portion into a bowl and placed it before Wen Qiao. “Try it and see how it tastes.”
The rich, fragrant aroma filled the air. Wen Qiao worried it might attract beasts but couldn’t resist taking a sip.
The first taste overwhelmed her senses with a complex, savoury richness. It was the most delicious soup she had ever tasted, leaving her momentarily stunned.
“Is it good?” Ning Yuzhou asked.
She nodded earnestly. “It’s very good. You should have some too.” She noticed that all the ingredients had gone into this single bowl and immediately offered to share it with him.
Ning Yuzhou smiled. “This is the Six Yang, Seven Flavour Profound Yin Soup. Made with the essence of six beasts and seven spiritual herbs, it’s ideal for those afflicted by fire poison.”
Wen Qiao’s heart stirred. She now understood that the soup had been specially prepared for her. Even the beasts the guards had hunted earlier had been carefully chosen to meet the soup’s requirements. The herbs she had picked were also part of the recipe.
Her emotions grew complex. Could it be that Ning Yuzhou had come to Lin Tai Hunting Valley for her sake? The valley’s abundant resources and diverse creatures made it the perfect place to gather what was needed.
After dinner, they retired to their tent. While the guards kept watch outside, Wen Qiao lay on her mat, stealing glances at Ning Yuzhou, who was reading.
Sensing her gaze, Ning Yuzhou set down his book and took her hand in his. Smiling, he asked, “What’s on your mind?”
She hesitated, then softly asked, “How do you know how to make medicinal soups with a cauldron?”
The soup’s effects had been extraordinary. Beyond its delicious flavour, it had eased her chronic pain, surpassing even the pills she relied on. She realized the recipe must have been tailored specifically to her condition.
Ning Yuzhou chuckled. “Though I can’t cultivate, I’ve studied the ways of cultivators extensively. Knowledge is always within reach if you seek it. I told you—I won’t let you die. Trust me.”
Wen Qiao fell silent.
The first time he had said those words, she hadn’t taken them seriously. Hearing them again now, she felt a strange warmth in her chest.
Her whole life, she had accepted her mortality, believing she wouldn’t live long. She had approached her marriage with indifference, thinking it made no difference whether she wed or not. Even coming to the valley, she had been ready to face death if danger arose.
But now, for the first time, she felt the will to live.
“Thank you,” she said earnestly, her voice soft but firm.
Ning Yuzhou’s lips curved into a faint smile. “You don’t need to thank me. You’re my wife. It’s my duty to take care of you.”
Wen Qiao smiled back. For the first time, her cheeks dimpled with a small, sweet indentation, and a tiny tooth peeked out, giving her an unexpectedly adorable appearance. The usual coldness in her demeanour melted into warmth and softness.
Ning Yuzhou lowered his gaze slightly, suppressing a sudden surge of emotion. His little wife was simply too cute—so much so that he nearly lost control!
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