Chapter Sixty: The Misty Wilds

The hour was still early, and Yu Youwei idly remarked, “You’re more likely to ruin things than accomplish them. Loyalty you might possess, but your abilities remain to be proven.”

“In that case, if I’m so incompetent, you needn’t ask me for the news from the Yu family,” Poison Lady retorted.

“What news from there?” Yu Youwei lifted her teacup carelessly and took another sip. This tea was no common brew; it was the Hundred Herbs Spirit Tea personally crafted by Baili Feiyan. The tea’s essence, rich and mellow, slid smoothly down her throat, warming her muscles and invigorating her meridians. Apart from her, those privileged to taste this fruit tea could be counted on one hand—Baili Feiyan must have sent it specially.

“Mu Yuyan has been captured by the people of the Xuancha Palace. Yu Shiyu led a group to storm the palace and rescue her, causing a huge commotion. Both the Sword Sect and the upper echelons of Xuancha Palace have been alerted. He has publicly declared that Mu Yuyan is his fiancée.”

“Yu Shiyu may not be a good person, but at least he’s a man of responsibility.” Draining her cup, Yu Youwei pressed it to the table and rose, saying, “I have urgent business. Have your lady send a generous gift in her name.”

“Who has provoked the ruthless Poison Lady again? Truly courting disaster!” The Nine-Tailed Fox teased.

Yu Youwei made no reply, slipping away and waiting by the thicket ahead. The little white bear appeared from who knows where, lazily sprawling at her feet, while the young thunder eagle circled above her head.

On the official road, a squad of riders approached. The third among them was Ning Mofei, clad in full armor, helmet obscuring most of his face. Seeing Yu Youwei from afar, he urged his horse ahead, stopping before her—traces of tears still visible in his eyes.

“Let's leave first,” Yu Youwei urged. The other riders arrived; one dismounted, removed his armor for her to wear, handed over his mount, and then slipped into the woods.

Ning Zhongwu’s Yunhuang Army was stationed at the northern frontier, commanded by his grandfather, the previous family head. The old man had passed the family leadership to his son a decade ago but had not relinquished his post as commander. The Emperor insisted, through both persuasion and pressure, that he continue for another ten years before retiring.

Marshal Ning, hot-tempered and doting, favored his mischievous grandson Ning Zhongwu, who was thus known as Young Marshal in the Yunhuang Army—a distinction none of the other eldest sons enjoyed.

Before sending his fourth brother on his way, Ning Bowen had already sent a communication talisman to his second brother, omitting details but informing him that the fourth brother would pass through Yunhuang Mountain, and asking him to escort him to the Xianchen Sect.

Receiving the message, Ning Zhongwu was near Yunhuang Peak, hunting beasts. To avoid delay, he ordered his men stationed outside the mountain to meet them.

Yu’s suggestion to detour via Yunhuang Mountain proved wise. The Black Witch did not appear on this route, allowing Ning Mofei’s group to rendezvous smoothly with Ning Zhongwu’s men and proceed to the peak for their meeting.

Yunhuang Peak, shrouded year-round in clouds and mist, rarely enjoyed clear skies. Though within the territory of high-level beasts, their numbers were relatively few, making it an ideal meeting place.

Upon reaching the peak, Ning Zhongwu had not yet arrived. Yu Youwei led Ning Mofei to the summit to admire the scenery. Suddenly, cheerful deer calls echoed below. Looking down, they saw a herd of thirty crimson Cloud Deer scattered leisurely across the northern slope.

Ning Mofei, eyes alight, pointed at the deer king and cried, “Youwei, I want that one!”

“That’s a Cloud Deer; it breathes fire. Adult deer are third-rank beasts, and the king is at least fifth-rank.” Yu Youwei pinched his fair cheek teasingly. “Are you sure you’ll be riding it, and not getting beaten till your teeth rattle?”

“Can’t it recognize a master?”

“A fifth-rank beast—your strength isn’t enough to subdue it. Even if it recognizes you, it may turn on you. Let me catch a fawn for you to play with.”

Ning Mofei protested, “A fawn can’t carry both of us!”

This fool always had her in mind! Yu Youwei’s heart warmed. She nudged the white bear at her feet. “Go subdue the deer king.”

The little white bear shifted its round bottom, grumbling reluctantly, “Why is it always me?”

“Enough whining, or else—you know what will happen.” Yu Youwei shook her storage ring meaningfully.

“Threatening me with that again!” The white bear leapt down in annoyance.

Having grazed, the deer wandered to the lakeside for water. When the white bear was still ten meters above ground, it veered mid-air, transforming into a streak of white light and pouncing at the deer king. The king, calm and composed, waited until it was close, then leapt aside like a fiery cloud, evading the attack.

“Bow before your master!” The white bear’s childish voice thundered out, accompanied by a powerful divine beast aura. The deer king collapsed, kneeling in terror, and the entire herd prostrated themselves. The bear raised its paw triumphantly, silently beckoning, “Let the fool come collect his prize!”

Standing atop the peak, Yu Youwei gazed into the distance, finally realizing the vastness of Yunhuang Marsh. Suddenly inspired, she sent Ning Mofei to fetch the white bear and settled herself at the summit. Free from armor and helmet, the mountain winds tossed her long hair wildly, as though she might lift on the breeze at any moment.

Her heart immersed in the tranquil, boundless land, she sensed a mysterious force shrouding the depths of Yunhuang Marsh—likely the forbidden zone marked by a natural formation on the map.

“Youwei, come down! Scarlet Flame will take us for a ride!” Ning Mofei gleefully rode atop the Cloud Deer King, waving to the ethereal figure at the summit.

Nearby Yunhuang Army guards were dumbfounded. “No wonder he’s the Young Marshal’s own brother—a fifth-rank Fire Cloud Deer King, tamed as if it were nothing!”

Some wondered aloud, “Is he the Third Young Master or the Fourth?”

“It’s also called Scarlet Flame?” Yu Youwei laughed, glancing at the scarlet bracelet on her wrist. She leapt gracefully from the peak, landing elegantly in Ning Mofei’s arms. Though his embrace could not grant her safety, it gave her peace.

“Hold tight.” Ning Mofei naturally wrapped his arm around her waist, excitedly urging the deer forward.

Within the region shielded by mysterious power, most of Yunhuang Marsh was unaffected by Scarlet Flame. It ran freely, soon leaving their Yunhuang Army protectors far behind. The white bear and thunder eagle obediently lay atop its head.

“This place feels strange,” Yu Youwei said uneasily, glancing around. Ancient trees, their trunks thicker than several men could encircle, loomed overhead. The woods were filled with an eerie, dangerous aura.

“Afraid of a leaf falling and cracking your head?” the white bear mocked.

“How could a leaf crack a head? Bear Brother, you’re so silly!” Ning Mofei laughed.

“Bear Brother?” Yu Youwei roughly seized the white bear by the scruff. “You tricked Mofei into calling you Bear Brother? Then what should I call you?”