Chapter Sixty-Two: Beneath Mount Changbai

Unbeknownst to Tang Wei and Zi Xuan, the undercurrents between the major factions were surging beneath the surface. They had no idea that the two of them had become, in others’ eyes, a sharp blade meant to be wielded—tools to help harvest the power of the other two great families, all toward the goal of unifying the mortal world. At this moment, their hearts held only one desire: to find Ya Ya.

Even though Zi Xuan had considered that his actions might plunge the cultivation world into chaos, he had never imagined that such ambitious figures lurked within the major cultivation families. As a result, their quest to find Ya Ya now contained a layer of uncertainty, unforeseen variables that would complicate their plans.

By now, Tang Wei and Zi Xuan had boarded the special vehicle bound for Changbai Mountain. They had intended to depart early in the morning, but an unexpected issue arose with Xuan Yuan Zhe, and by the time he resolved it, afternoon had already arrived.

At the foot of Changbai Mountain, the entrance was swarming with people—crowds returning from their excursions. Most of Changbai Mountain had been developed, and the famous Tianchi Lake Monster drew tens of thousands of visitors daily, each hoping to be the next lucky person to glimpse the legendary creature.

Moreover, Changbai Mountain boasted waterfalls, hot springs, gorges, forests, snow, and unique Korean folk customs, an experience that deeply stirred the hearts of travelers. The flow of tourists was endless, the place bustling with life.

This was the scene Tang Wei witnessed as she stepped off the vehicle. Surveying the throngs, she frowned, “Zhang San is truly peculiar. Why would he hide here among so many people?”

“You don’t know, do you?” Xuan Yuan Zhe interjected from behind. “The bigger the crowd, the better! People like him blend into the masses, attracting little attention. Plus, Changbai Mountain is vast, with untouched primeval forests nearby. If he finds a gap and slips inside, he could hide for days and no one would find him.”

“But with so many people, where should we begin searching? It won’t be easy, will it?” Tang Wei asked anxiously.

Zi Xuan mused, “He’ll probably hide somewhere less crowded.”

“I think so too. Over there is the primeval forest, much of it still undeveloped. Though entering poses many dangers, someone like Zhang San—a cultivator—should be able to move freely. He’s likely hiding in there,” Xuan Yuan Zhe pointed toward the mountain, leaving it up to Tang Wei and her companions to decide their next move.

“Then let’s search the forest!” Xuan Yuan Yunqian suggested enthusiastically, clearly eager to explore and have some fun herself.

“But what if Zhang San slips out while we’re inside? What then?” Tang Wei voiced her concern. If he escaped elsewhere, what would they do?

“Don’t worry about that,” Xuan Yuan Zhe replied confidently. “We’re not the only ones searching; who knows how many lone cultivators are after him? Your pills are treasures to them! Besides, my Xuan Yuan family has stationed many people at Changbai Mountain. Some are in the mountains, but plenty remain at the foot, keeping watch. As long as Zhang San leaves the mountain, he won’t escape us!”

He spoke as though Zhang San was already in the palm of his hand.

“Zhe, aren’t you afraid your boasting will get you into trouble?” Xuan Yuan Yunqian teased mercilessly. “This is the first time the old man entrusted you with something so important. If you mess it up, you’ll lose face! I heard the other two families have sent plenty of people too. You’d better work hard and not lose to them!”

Xuan Yuan Zhe was so irked he wanted to lash out at her, but then he remembered the gravity of his responsibility. He tapped her head, feigning profound wisdom, “Little girl, I won’t argue with you. Just watch—this time, your brother will win you over!”

Yunqian jumped up, incensed, “You dare hit my head? Are you asking for trouble? Do you want me to teach you another lesson?” She grabbed his ear and twisted it, making him cry out, “Let go! Let go!”

Yunqian grew even more triumphant, her voice full of pride, “If you want me to let go, apologize first. Promise you’ll never hit my head again!”

Zi Xuan watched from the sidelines, feeling deeply affected. Tang Wei often used this trick on him, and he couldn’t help but touch his own ear, sighing inwardly, “All women are the same—no one needs to teach them this move!” Tang Wei, seeing his gesture, shot him a fierce glare before returning to the spectacle. Zi Xuan chuckled nervously and quietly stayed out of it.

“Alright, alright! I apologize. Yunqian, you little beauty, I shouldn't have tapped your head. I admit my mistake. Please forgive me this time. I promise I won’t do it again! Now let go!” At this moment, any talk of masculinity was out the window; his ear mattered more.

Yunqian released him cheerfully, clapping her hands and grinning, “Fine, you’re forgiven this time! Behave yourself. Next time, you won’t get off so easily!”

“You cheeky girl! I’m your brother, so I won’t cause trouble. If we really fought, I’m not afraid of you anymore!” Xuan Yuan Zhe retorted, unable to resist knocking her down a peg.

Yunqian, having the upper hand, ignored him and giggled, “Zhe, you can’t blame me! I’m reminding you to take this seriously so you don’t embarrass the Xuan Yuan family. If you mess up, my reputation suffers too!”

“You just don’t trust me! Or maybe you’re jealous the old man gave me the job and not you, so you’re trying to undermine me. Isn’t that right?” Xuan Yuan Zhe speculated maliciously, laughing as he realized his own cleverness.

“Not at all! I heard the Ouyang family sent Ouyang Qihua to handle this. Who is he? He’s as capable as my eldest sister—everyone in the noble families knows it! He’s never messed up a task since he started managing affairs. Can you really beat him this time? I’m worried for you! Honestly, you’re like the dog who bites the hand that feeds it. I won’t bother with you!” Yunqian awkwardly offered an excuse to conceal her own insecurity; she couldn’t admit she resented the old man for sending Xuan Yuan Zhe out while keeping her at home.

“You and your crow’s mouth! Of all people, you had to mention him. Speak of the devil!” Xuan Yuan Zhe looked at the approaching car at the entrance, confirming that Ouyang Qihua had indeed arrived. His tone suggested that Yunqian’s words had brought this upon them.

Yunqian’s reaction was even stranger. She turned to see the two people stepping out of the car, covered her mouth, and exclaimed, “No way, it really is him!” Her gesture proved she believed herself to be a crow’s mouth, her casual attempt to bluff Xuan Yuan Zhe hitting the mark.

Tang Wei, noticing the siblings’ odd behavior, asked, “What’s going on with you two? Who is Ouyang Qihua?”

Yunqian, as if finding a kindred spirit, linked arms with Tang Wei and pointed to the two people alighting from the car, “See over there? The man is Ouyang Qihua, brother to that peacock woman from the underground trading market—she tried to seduce Brother Xuan that day. He’s formidable, never botched a mission, just like my eldest sister! Looks like Zhe doesn’t stand a chance this time.”

“Hey! What are you saying, Yunqian? I absolutely will find Ya Ya before Ouyang Qihua!” Xuan Yuan Zhe protested, but no one paid him any mind. He could only touch his nose and watch from the sidelines.

Tang Wei laughed, tapping Yunqian’s forehead, “Little girl, where did you learn all this nonsense about seduction?” She looked in the direction Yunqian had pointed.

There, indeed, was a mature, composed man walking toward them with grace. He was handsome and charming, but Tang Wei’s gaze lingered only briefly on him. Instead, her eyes were drawn to the white-clad woman behind him.