Zhao Jinmu, who had accompanied Sheng Yuhong, rose to his feet as well. He respectfully cupped his hands toward Yunxi before following Sheng Yuhong out of the cave abode.
Just as Zhao Jinmu stepped over the threshold, Yunxi flicked her fingers, sending a slender vial of gene-strengthening potion into the sleeve of his robe.
Zhao Jinmu instantly noticed and was about to turn his head, but Yunxi's voice echoed in his mind. "Zhao Jinmu, this is a potion I refined for you. It will help you break through your limits. Take it after we return to the sect, but do not speak of it to others."
He froze for only a heartbeat before giving the slightest nod. With Sheng Yuhong present, he dared not look back and simply followed him to the temporary cave dwellings of the Golden Core cultivators.
Once the two departed, Yunxi lowered her gaze and prepared to reset the cave's restriction. Just then, a transmission talisman from Xun Kun floated before her. "Ran Xi, are you coming with me to Mediine King Valley tomorrow?"
Yunxi raised her hand and sent back a reply. "Yes. Before that, let's see Han Lian."
Xun Kun's answer came quickly, a single word: "Alright."
The next day, Yunxi and Xun Kun traveled together to the guest peak where the Northern Region cultivators were residing. The atmosphere there was heavy with grief.
Although five cultivators from the Northern Region had successfully advanced to Divine Transformation, many Nascent Soul cultivators had fallen. Each of those disciples had been the pride of their sects, and no one wanted to accept such devastating losses.
Yunxi and Xun Kun exchanged glances, both sighing inwardly. They understood this sorrow all too well, for they had watched their companions fall right before their eyes. That helplessness cut even deeper.
"How is Xun Yan?" Yunxi asked quietly.
Xun Kun let out a soft sigh. "He needs time to stabilize his cultivation. He should be fine."
Yunxi frowned. "This time we barely scraped through alive. I don't want to see this happen again. I hate feeling powerless."
"No one likes that feeling. If not for the breakthrough potions you refined, how many would have endured until the end? Don't be too harsh on yourself."
Yunxi was grateful that she had activated the cross-server chat group. During the last two years trapped in the sealed land, she had been trading almost exclusively with "Star Trek," exchanging for energy blocks, healing potions, and energy-restoring elixirs.
By the end, even Star Trek was incredulous. "Little Cloud, are you fighting a full-scale war over there? With the amount of supplies you're requesting, we could conquer an entire star system!"
Yunxi had been exhausted, too drained to explain that the number of evil spirits they faced was a hundred times greater, and they grew stronger with every passing day. They had no reinforcements, no supply lines, and their numbers dwindled constantly as they fought to survive. Explaining that nightmare seemed pointless.
So she had only replied, "I'd love to end this war early, but we're trapped on enemy territory without supplies or backup. You're my only source of resources. Without your support, we wouldn't have lasted this long."
Hearing that, Star Trek had thrown all effort into supporting Yunxi, helping them endure to the bitter end.
Xun Kun's gratitude toward Ran Xi was heartfelt. This time, only he and Xun Yan survived from Kunmo Sect. He was glad he had fought alongside Ran Xi.
When Han Lian saw Yunxi and Xun Kun arrive together, she personally welcomed them into her temporary cave abode.
"Ran Xi, Xun Kun, what brings you here? Is something wrong?"
Yunxi nodded. "There is. Before the tournament, you mentioned that the 'Misty Snow Domain' of the Northern Region would soon open and invited us to explore it together. But now, circumstances have changed. We've both reached Divine Transformation. Can we still enter that secret realm?"
Han Lian had been so busy tending to the affairs of their fallen sectmates that she had completely forgotten. She frowned slightly. "Ran Xi, thank you for reminding me. I nearly overlooked it. I'll send a message to my master and ask. I'm not even sure where the entrance will appear this time."
"In that case, Xun Kun and I will visit Mediine King Valley first. Once you have confirmation, send me word."
"Very well. I'll let you know."
Having accomplished their goal, Yunxi and Xun Kun wasted no time leaving Huaxian Gate.
Their departure was reported to Hua Tang almost immediately. She rubbed her temples, glancing at Xian Yao who stood nearby.
"Xian Yao, have all the compensations for the cultivators from the Five Regions been delivered?"
Xian Yao bowed respectfully. "Yes, Master. Spirit stones, pills, and rare treasures have all been distributed. For now, everyone has been placated. You needn't worry."
Hua Tang exhaled slowly. "You fought alongside Ran Xi for ten years. How well do you understand her?"
Xian Yao raised her eyes to her master and replied solemnly, "Ran Xi inherited the legacy of Yixian Gate. She is exceptional. Toward the end, she had refined nearly every high-grade spiritual herb from her portable garden into potions just to keep us alive.
Without her supplies, I would have perished alongside those high-ranked evil spirits. I owe her my life and will repay this debt someday."
Hua Tang waved her hand dismissively. "Forget it. Just maintain good relations with her. Find an opportunity to repay what you owe."
"Yes, Master," Xian Yao responded.
After bowing, she retreated from her master's cave. Though she didn't know what Huaxian Gate's Ancestors were truly planning, she had sensed something strange after returning from Ran Xi's side. It seemed the manipulation of the Shanhe Scroll by evil cultivators held deeper secrets. Her master clearly didn't want her involved, so she had never been told the full truth.
Biting her lip, Xian Yao turned and slipped away, heading to find her senior brother, Xian Feng.
-
Mediine King Valley
When Yunxi and Xun Kun reappeared, they were already standing at the entrance of Mediine King Valley.
A young disciple guarding the gate stiffened at their sudden appearance and stepped forward cautiously.
"Honored seniors, what business brings you to Mediine King Valley?"
Yunxi smiled faintly. "I was invited by your young valley master, Ye Yirui, as a guest."
With that, she presented the token Ye Yirui had given her.
The disciple examined it closely. It was indeed Mediine King Valley's token. He tapped twice on a bamboo plate at his waist, then bowed deeply.
"Honored seniors, this way, please."
He used the bamboo plate to open the valley entrance and led them forward.
Inside, Ye Yirui and Ye Chengbi had been working together on a new pill formula when both received news of distinguished guests. Ye Yirui immediately guessed that Wei Yunxi had arrived and looked up at her uncle.
"Uncle, let's go greet our guests."
Ye Chengbi's eyelids twitched, but he accompanied her out. When the two sides met, the surprise in Ye Yirui and Ye Chengbi's eyes was impossible to hide. Ye Yirui was the first to bow.
"Ran Xi Zūnzhě, congratulations on your advancement to Divine Transformation."
Ye Chengbi's expression flickered as he followed suit, offering his respects, while Xun Kun remained silent but nodded politely.
Xun Kun's tone was casual yet sharp. "I'm here to see Elder Ye for a reason."
Ye Chengbi forced a smile, feigning calm. "May I ask what brings Zūnzhě Xun Kun to me?"
"I want to know why you poisoned Kunmo Sect disciples a second time."