The plateau core mentioned by Yuwen Lu is a prehistoric nature reserve located on the northeast border of Qinglong County. It is named Xilingol Plateau, also called the Gomma Grassland, with vast green grasslands and dense primitive forests.
In addition, since long ago, a special and magical people have lived there, so the plateau is also known by another name.
—— Well, if thats the case, then... what kind of people are these indigenous people? Hmm! Right... theyre horned beasts.
Simply put, the wildebeest looks like a soup bag with horns, but it is one of the few exotic animals that are regarded by humans as friends, comrades-in-arms and even sacred symbols.
Legend has it that the prairie of antelopes is where the sun and moon meet, and the two leaders of the antelopes, the divine beast Xi and Ye, are the supreme beings who control the alternation of the sun and moon, so they are revered as sacred antelopes by the ancients.
When the suns light first pierces the dawn, the moons glow awakens the night—this cosmic rhythm that divides day from night allows all life to thrive. While modern science views celestial movements as natural laws governing the universe—— yet... who can claim absolute certainty that these celestial phenomena have no connection with human affairs?
This time, the childrens request was for the divine beast. According to ancient texts, Xi——holds the day and is a descendant of the sun. With noble bearing, she has snow-white fur, pair of wings resembling a Kunpeng (a mythical creature), and an elegant yet majestic colored unicorn on her head. However, this adult seems rather aloof and emotionally detached.
Legend has it that there was once a self-important man who, ignoring the wise counsel of elders, became arrogant and tried to control his own fate. He yearned for the sensation of flying—— But ironically, this conceited figure was struck by Sheng Xis gaze. In just one glance, he was rendered powerless, as if bewitched. His eyes grew vacant, gradually becoming demented. His familys fortunes rapidly declined, ultimately ending in destitution and begging—a tragic tale that leaves one sighing with regret.
Of course, the children would never be treated like that, and Ah Jun was a good boy—— but he was worried. According to the character of Lord Shengxi, if he refused their request, what would happen to his own experience? Maybe he wouldnt even get to see them!
As arjun followed the group, he was worried, and after passing through a great canyon, they were on the outskirts of the heart of the grassland.
The Sylengle plateau is very large, and the vast expanse of —— wind blows the grass and the cattle and sheep are in groups. The main color is green, which gives a sense of freedom, comfort and nature.
The children were now on the southern edge of the prairie, and they had to walk north for a long time before they could reach their destination, a primeval forest in the heart of the land, where the two adults lived, where the wildebeest lived.
Of course, further north lies a whole new world—— Beyond that forest lies the Valley of Heaven and Earth, a place brimming with rare treasures—both perilous and enchanting. It is here that Yuwen Lus rose originated, the ultimate treasure among these extraordinary wonders.
However, this place is known as a forbidden zone – not some fun spot where you can just drop by or leave whenever you want. After all, most creatures in the Qiankun Valley forest have already cultivated into spirits, and the miasma often hinders their movement. To sum up:
——Yes, welcome, there are many babies!
If you want to quit, look, if you have money, you can. If you dont have money, you have to stay and redeem yourself.
Of course, there are people who can get away with it. Take Yuwen Luba for example. He not only didnt give the money, but also took away treasures like Ocean Star—— After all, hes no ordinary person. Its a real case of one man beating another!
So, the average person, just be content and dont take risks.
The northern edge of Qianhe Valley now stands as nothing but towering cliffs, their verticality exceeding ninety degrees. The moss-covered surfaces gleam with a smooth, slippery texture that makes free-climbing impossible ——. Yet the martial arts masters who once scaled these precipices for mere amusement still hold their own. After all, they had mastered the Complete Perfection Internal Power Technique – an esoteric art not everyone gets to learn.
Looking at the altitude, well—— at this height, even if Ah Jun used his best climbing skills, he would need to jump dozens of times in a row to reach the summit—— so the next stop, Dibei City, would be just around the corner.
After all, that cliff top was the closest point to Zhuque Countys main city. But only if the child couldnt... It was already too much, and now making him mid-air... What could he possibly step on? The air itself?
——Hmm... Of course, that possibility isnt entirely out of the question, but theres still one crucial technical gap – the master-level ability to "Takufukuro" (literally "missing the mark"). But Ah Jun cant currently... And what about his companions?
So, they reluctantly sought a more reasonable approach. After all, you rely on friends when traveling—— The small team followed Yuwen Lus unhurried pace, finally arriving in the grassland territory before Xiao Xis stomach growled and Ah Jun and Xiao Jiuwo finished their snacks with a clatter. However, due to the late hour, they couldnt enjoy the scenery. Xiao Xi was quite annoyed with that person, but he knew this pace was more considerate for Ah Jun.
—— So, at this point, should we camp or continue on the road?
At this moment, Xiao Xi thought for a moment, his little eyes darted around, and then the light bulb above him flashed. He began to consciously prepare for the camping trip, after all, being proactive was essential in front of the girl. However, his efforts were completely ignored by Yuwen Lu——The man simply waved his hand, said a few words, and then led everyone on their way again.
—— Mmm?
It turned out that the big brother had a plan—— Even if they had reached the grassland, they were still half a day away from the core area and the Illusion Forest, so it was not feasible to stay up late.
In addition, not far from where the small team is now, in the southwest of the grassland, there is a secondary military camp where they can spend the night.
There are three levels of the guardians barracks. Previously, the soldiers under Yuwen Lus command were part of the patrol unit, and their camp belonged to the third-level barracks. The army led by Xiao Shuai came from the first-level barracks, which served as the main base for border garrison troops.
As a secondary military camp, its primary responsibility is to guard the Maasai savannah, ensuring the safety of all tribes within the grassland and managing daily operations. However, theres a notable difference: some members here are direct subordinates of the royal family. Take the bodyguard—— for instance—the expert protecting Ah Jun, Qings close companion, Ai.
The sun gradually sinks along the horizon, as the legend goes, this is indeed where the sun and moon take turns. The setting sun appears larger than anywhere else, feeling almost within reach—— The afterglow lingers on the water, painting an orange sky that blends seamlessly with the green grassland, like a breathtaking landscape painting.
At this time, we can see that Xiao Xi suddenly felt a lot of emotion and said that he had a creative inspiration, and then began to recite a poem—— Colorful clouds and solitary wild ducks fly together, winter water and the sky are colorful!
—— Hmm, sounds good, but...
As soon as he finished speaking, Ah Jun and Xiao Jiuwoo immediately applauded for Xiao Xi—— Of course, Ah Jun knew his third brothers poetry and songs were not very good, but he still had to encourage him so as not to disappoint this beautiful scenery!
As for Ning er, who was standing nearby, she was amused by the boys antics. Of course, it wasnt because of his unique talent, but simply because she found him genuinely amusing. As for Yuwen Lu, he remained as unresponsive as ever, even casually revealing the truth.
"Is this original?"
" thats!"
" groan ..."
"What? No, adaptation is also creation, this is called second creation!"
After a brief argument, the sun had set, and the full moon opposite them was already shining with a silvery glow, beginning to brighten the night. At this moment, Xiao Xi was clutching her growling belly, too preoccupied to reflect. The man was so hungry that he didnt even want to talk anymore.
After half a day of running, everyone was a little tired, but Yuwen Lu was still calm—— Fortunately, a few minutes later, an ancient building complex gradually appeared in front of Ah Juns eyes.
—— Well, but this military camp... is a little too much, dont you think?
But at this moment, the little chubby boy, who had been enduring to the limit, suddenly became a little irritable. It was ok to be tired, but it was not ok to be hungry! So he did not pay attention to the situation ahead and prepared to ask the big brother to speak, but Ah Jun pressed him down again.
As instructed by her brother, Xiao Xi finally saw hope —— it was a city, looking very old, covered with vines, weeds and other vegetation, messy and chaotic.
—— Hmm, such an old city, there must be some special food!
It is said that Xiao Xis brain circuitry is really quite interesting. Driven by instinct, the little chubby boy has forgotten himself and rushed from the back of the line to the front in one leap, even without caring about the girl beside him.
And just as he was passing by Yuwen Lu, ready to find the taste of the tongue, who knew that this big brother just glanced at him casually, turned around, and led the others off the route—— leaving Xiao Xi, and braked to a stop there, tangled up.
"Coming!"
At this moment, Yuwen Lu gave a cold hint, making Xiao Xi puzzled —— was he here to make me happy? Isnt it already here!
"Hey! Where are you going?"
" come on!"
Just as Xiao Xi was about to ask questions, Ah Jun had already walked over to the side, patted his broken brother on the shoulder, and whispered a few words, which stabilized the conflict between the two.
It turned out that this architectural complex was not the site of a military camp. Through his wristband, Ah Jun learned ——that it was an abandoned city, long neglected. As for the reasons behind its desolation, even big data couldnt explain it... On the other side of the citys entrance, there was also a vast peach grove, which should be the secret passage of Qinglong Commandery—the Ten-Mile Peach Grove.
"This man, he should have said it earlier! Its disgusting to see him!"
Xiao Xi had to follow him while grinning and complaining—— The holy woman, however, did not look disgusted or surprised, but smiled slightly.
Looks like there was something to be learned from the farce.
Just as the small team changed course and gained some time, the military camp was soon reached. It seemed that Yuwen Lu had not lied, after all, quenching thirst with plums was not his character.
At the moment, Xiao Xi did not even realize that it was right next to the city, but just a bend away. No sooner said!
But when they arrived, the children were shocked——there was a neat line ready to go, the cooks had prepared delicious food and a carefully designed open-air restaurant.