Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Twin Freaks of the Heavenly Mountain

Although they were hurrying on their way, their pace was only somewhat faster than usual. Still, the distance was considerable, and it wasn’t a matter of arriving on a whim. Tang Wei, burning with anxiety, had traveled through most of the night, yet she still considered the exhaustion of her companions. After all, their cultivation was evident; as Qi Refinement cultivators, they were only slightly stronger than ordinary people. Such a rushed journey deep into the night would inevitably tire them out! Seeing how everyone had followed her unhesitatingly for so long, Tang Wei realized she couldn’t take their goodwill for granted.

Even though she was desperate to see Yaya, Tang Wei took the initiative to suggest they rest where they were and continue at dawn. At the mention of rest, the group wasted no time pitching tents; instead, they sank to the ground, lying beneath the trees and quickly dozing off. The two girls, too, sat on the grass, massaging their calves and closing their eyes to recuperate.

Tang Wei looked at the group sprawled haphazardly on the ground and sighed inwardly: “Yun Qian and that Ouyang Qianru have always been rather pampered, yet today they endured this arduous journey without a word of complaint. Yun Qian, being so close to me, naturally understands my anxious longing to see Yaya, so her unwavering support isn’t surprising. But I never expected Ouyang Qianru to be so considerate as well. It seems I was too narrow-minded in the past; I should be kinder to her.” With that thought, she took out her homemade medicinal powder from her storage and sprinkled it around to ward off venomous insects and ants.

In truth, Tang Wei was mistaken in one regard: Ouyang Qianru’s endurance did not stem from understanding, but from her determination to not appear weak in front of Zixuan. She was only holding on for pride’s sake. Had they continued much longer, she would have reached her limit, but Tang Wei had fortunately called a halt, much to her relief.

Seeing that Tang Wei had already taken precautions, Zixuan chose a spot at random and began to meditate, standing watch for the group. With everyone drifting into slumber, Tang Wei also sat beside Zixuan, entering meditation. Given her current level of cultivation, she could easily go several days without sleep.

At daybreak, a mouthwatering aroma roused everyone from sleep. Following the scent, they discovered that Tang Wei had risen early to prepare a simple meal to reward them for their efforts through the long night.

Though these people did not dine on delicacies every day, they were at least accustomed to fine food. After two days of dry rations, they were at their limit. The vegetables Tang Wei served, though simple, came from her storage and were naturally fragrant and enticing. The moment the savory scent reached their noses, everyone leapt up as if struck by lightning and hurried over without needing to be called.

Xuan Yuanzhe was the most outrageous of all—he didn’t even think to wash up, but immediately pinched a leaf and stuffed it in his mouth. Tang Wei slapped his hand but he paid no mind, exclaiming, “Delicious, Shiyi! Where did you find these vegetables?” As he reached for more, Tang Wei grabbed his hand and threatened, “Go wash up first! If you're not quick, you’ll miss out while everyone else finishes eating!”

He dashed off to wash up halfheartedly, returning first, followed by the others. They formed a circle and began to eat. Afterward, everyone agreed, “No wonder Xiao Zhe couldn’t wait to taste it—even better than any delicacy we’ve had before!”

After their unceremonious meal, the group patted their bellies with satisfaction, declaring they hadn’t eaten so heartily in ages. When they asked Tang Wei how she always had such provisions, she simply replied that her bracelet’s storage was large, allowing her to be well-prepared. No one suspected she possessed a space larger than Earth itself; they only marveled at the wonders of her storage bracelet.

Tang Wei, ever generous, promised that once Yaya was found, she would gift each of them a larger storage tool as thanks. This promise left everyone overjoyed—a spacious storage bag was the dream of every cultivator.

After a brief rest, the group set out again. Ouyang Qianru deliberately lagged behind, pulling her brother with her. Once she felt they were a good distance from the others, she asked, “Big brother, don’t tell me you’ve fallen for that little Yun Qian?”

“You dragged me back just to ask such a ridiculous question?” Ouyang Qihua cast her a reproachful glance before replying in a low voice.

“How is that ridiculous? It’s important! Don’t you realize how strange you’ve been lately?” Ouyang Qianru pressed her concern, her brow furrowing.

“What’s strange about me? I feel perfectly fine!” Ouyang Qihua replied matter-of-factly.

“You call this fine? You used to hardly ever smile. You weren’t as cold as that Xuan Yuan family iceberg, but you were always so serious and often scolding people. But these days, I haven’t seen you stop smiling even once!” she exclaimed.

“Alright, enough. Don’t worry, I haven’t fallen for that little Yun Qian. Think about it—I’m much older than her. How could I possibly fall for a girl ten years my junior? I used to deal with subordinates every day and help father manage the family business, so I had to be stern. Now, I’m surrounded by people of similar age and background, and we get along well, so of course I’m more relaxed. You really overthink things,” Ouyang Qihua replied, though even he didn’t believe his own words.

“But—” Ouyang Qianru tried to protest, but he cut her off: “Enough, enough! You should worry more about your Chen Xuan. Leave me be and hurry up—everyone else is already out of sight.”

The moment she caught up to Zixuan, Ouyang Qianru’s demeanor changed to one of shy affection, forgetting everything else. Ouyang Qihua seized the opportunity to take her hand and hasten after the others.

No one else noticed their exchange, and the journey passed without incident. Tang Wei, anxious to find Yaya, had everyone pressing forward in silence. By midday, they finally arrived at the valley where the Xuan Yuan family had sent their message.

The valley was picturesque, with a large pool at its center and a farmhouse by its edge boasting three or four rooms. A crowd had already gathered outside—not only Xuan Yuan family members, but also people from the other two major clans.

Tang Wei, frantic, rushed inside and searched every corner, but Yaya was nowhere to be found. It made sense—even if she was here, with so many people around, Yaya would have come out to greet them already.

Inside, the others wore embarrassed expressions. After all, they had found Zhang San, but the most important person was missing—how could they not feel awkward?

Zixuan, upon entering, immediately understood. Seeing Tang Wei’s distress, he patted her shoulder and asked, “Where’s Zhang San? Bring him here for questioning.”

The Xuan Yuan family recognized him, and without waiting for Xuan Yuanzhe to speak, someone replied, “Yes, yes, I’ll bring him right away!” Two men went to the next room to fetch him.

Tang Wei took a deep breath, calming her anxious heart. With Zhang San here, it was only a matter of time before they found Yaya. By now, the whole matter was well known; surely no one would risk offending two Nascent Soul cultivators by kidnapping Yaya.

Zhang San, now aware of the little girl’s identity, knew full well that he couldn’t afford to offend two such powerful cultivators. If he wanted to survive, he had to cooperate, so he followed the Xuan Yuan men in trembling terror.

No matter how he tried to console himself, his body quaked like a leaf. The moment he entered and saw the imposing figures before him, he fell to his knees and begged, “Esteemed seniors, spare me! I, Zhang San, failed to recognize greatness and offended—!”

“Enough! Quit your sniveling. Where is Yaya now? Tell the truth, and we might spare your life!” Zixuan thundered. With his stern expression, he truly was intimidating.

“Yaya was taken away by the Twin Fiends of Tianshan!” Zhang San blurted out, eager to reveal the true culprits.