Chapter 51

This third underground passage for searching for the fire crickets should be the shortest one, reaching its end after less than five miles, possibly due to the basin-like terrain.

In the red-lit underground space, Yu Qing casually inspected it and then returned with Tie Miaqing.

Tie Miaqing originally wanted him to rest near the end to avoid running back and forth. However, the dignified Xuan-level cultivator, thinking of that unclean existence, held back his words and let Yu Qing accompany her back.

On the way, they passed the spot that made Tie Miaqing feel uneasy. The incense Yu Qing had stuck into the cave wall was still burning, emitting a faint red glow.

When the two emerged from the cave, Zhu Shangbiao and Cheng Shanping had already finished chopping the trees.

It was also getting dark.

The group rested on the spot, behind the hanging vines at the cave entrance, planning to deal with other matters after resting.

Zhu Shangbiao and Cheng Shanping built a campfire outside the cave and chatted, also serving as a watch. They couldn't all close their eyes to rest.

Midway through their chat, Cheng Shanping said he wanted to go to the nearby mountain to enjoy the night view, and Zhu Shangbiao let him go.

Yu Qing slowly opened his eyes, peeking through the vine gaps at the figure disappearing into the night, then slowly closed his eyes again...

Thud!

A stone fell from the sky, landing in the dry riverbed that was now a mountain ravine.

"Who's there?"

The Jianyuan斋 personnel, who were resting in the mountain ravine, were startled and shouted. The steward Cui You scanned the surroundings with a cold gaze.

A hoarse voice called from the forest, "Cui You."

"There!" Someone pointed in the direction of the voice.

Cui You, with a smile, flashed to the front of the group, waving to stop those who wanted to investigate. He turned back and said, "It's not your concern, continue resting." Then he flashed away.

The group was surprised, but Wu Kuang seemed to understand, knowing that it was probably the person Cui You had mentioned. He immediately turned to reassure everyone, "It's fine, it's fine, rest, everyone rest."

It was a false alarm, and it was good that nothing happened. The group, still tired, were happy to rest and sat down again.

Cui You, diving into the forest, saw a figure darting towards the mountain top and immediately shot after it.

The two figures landed under a large tree on the mountain top. One of them kept looking around, and the moonlight filtering through the tree canopy revealed his face—it was none other than Cheng Shanping from Miaqing Hall.

Cui You smiled, "Don't be so tense, no one is coming, just me."

Cheng Shanping glanced at the bandages on his chest, "It seems my judgment was correct. The fight in the ancient forest was indeed with you. Those few 'not monsters' are not to be underestimated. How did you escape from them?"

Cui You sighed, "It's not worth talking about. I have my ways. Let's get to the point. Did Miaqing Hall really find the fire crickets?"

Cheng Shanping frowned, "You didn't find them?"

Cui You chuckled, "We found them, but we couldn't reach them. We couldn't catch a single one. Otherwise, why would I have led my people to chase after you day and night upon receiving your signal? But it doesn't seem like you've succeeded either; you don't look like you're heading back to Youjiao Wharf."

Cheng Shanping: "We haven't found all of them, we're still missing one."

Cui You's eyes lit up, "You caught two? Miaqing Hall has such skills? I didn't see that coming! Tell me how you did it."

Cheng Shanping: "Actually, it wasn't Miaqing Hall who caught them. It was purely coincidental. We ran into two scholars on their way to the capital for the imperial exams..." He explained the general situation.

Cui You was stunned for a moment, "Such a thing? Is there really a way to predict the future?"

Cheng Shanping rolled his eyes, "Cui You, those two women are just being overly cautious. Are you also short-sighted? If there were really such abilities, would we be in this situation now? That guy spouted nonsense as soon as he met us. He's clearly not a good person, just using some tricks. It's obvious he used the smoke to lure out the fire crickets."

Cui You nodded in agreement with the first part but hesitated with the latter, "Smoke? I've tried that, it didn't work."

Cheng Shanping sighed, "I've also tried smoke, but it didn't work. There must be something we don't understand. From the signs, I suspect he added something to the smoke. We'll interrogate him later, and we'll find out everything. Then I'll see if he can predict his own fate!"

Cui You waved his hand, "Regardless of the method, catching the fire crickets is a skill. I just want to bring them back to the boss. Let's not waste time. Let's discuss how to proceed."

Cheng Shanping: "What else can we do? We can either take them all at once and force the boy to help you find the third one. I can make him submit, and you can do the same. Or we can wait until he finds the third one and then act. You decide."

Cui You nodded, pondering for a moment, "Hearing you say that, the chances of him finding the third one are high. If so, there's no need to complicate things. Let's wait. When he finds the third one, you signal, and we'll act immediately."

"Alright." Cheng Shanping agreed but made a request, "You can take the fire crickets, but you must ensure the safety of Miaqing Hall. I don't care about the others, but no one from Miaqing Hall can die."

Cui You sighed, "Weapons are unpredictable, I can't guarantee it!"

Cheng Shanping sternly warned, "I'm warning you, if Sun Ping and Zhu Shangbiao get hurt, Tie Miaqing will fight to the death, ruining the boss's plans. Can you answer to the boss? You can take me as a hostage to force Tie Miaqing to hand over the fire crickets."

Cui You thought for a moment, "Alright, I understand. I'll try my best to control the situation."

The two continued to whisper for a while. To be safe, Cui You wanted to control the situation and prevent Miaqing Hall from escaping. After Cheng Shanping provided the detailed location, they parted ways.

Back at the camp, Cui You immediately gathered everyone, ending their rest and leading them out in the dark.

It didn't take long for the group to reach the area where Miaqing Hall was staying.

Hidden in the forest, they could see the campfire at the cave entrance and Cheng Shanping and Zhu Shangbiao chatting by the fire.

Wu Kuang, observing the two by the fire, was surprised and whispered, "Cheng Shanping and Zhu Shangbiao from Miaqing Hall? Steward, have we been tracking Miaqing Hall all along?"

At this point, Cui You couldn't keep it a secret, so he whispered, "Keep an eye on them. This mission relies on Miaqing Hall. We'll reap the benefits!"

Wu Kuang understood but was puzzled, "We couldn't catch those three insects. How can Miaqing Hall do it?"

Cui You: "I'll explain what to do when the time comes. It might take half a day. For now, let everyone take turns resting and watching. Stay alert and don't alert them!"

"Understood." Wu Kuang nodded but hesitated to leave, rubbing his hands and grinning, "Steward, I have a request."

Cui You, watching the fire, said, "Speak up."

Wu Kuang grinned, "I heard the boss lady from Miaqing Hall is here. You know her, she's a real beauty, the flower of Youjiao Wharf, but she ended up with that pretty boy Yan Xu, leaving many men disappointed. In Youjiao Wharf, we all follow the rules, but now she's here... Steward, I've been running around with you for so long. Even if I haven't earned any credit, I've at least put in the effort. How about letting me take care of Tie Miaqing for a night?"

"Hmm." Cui You smiled sarcastically, looking him up and down, "You know Yan Xu? Do you know what he's like now?"

Wu Kuang chuckled, "I heard he was poisoned and is on the brink of death. Miaqing Hall is trying to keep him alive. Tie Miaqing, with her delicate skin, came here to complete the Youya task and save her husband."

Cui You hummed, "Do you know why Yan Xu is in this state?"

"Uh..." The bearded man was stunned, sensing something different in Cui You's words. He instantly thought of the marks left by Miaqing Hall and understood something, his face showing uncertainty.

Cui You patted his shoulder, "Wu Kuang, many people want beautiful things, but most can only dream. To truly get them, you need strength. Behind enticing things, there are often risks. Don't reach out lightly; at best, you'll embarrass yourself, at worst, you'll lose your life. Considering your hard work, I advise you to keep it in your thoughts and not act. Understand?"

"Hehe, Steward, I understand. I'll go make the arrangements." Wu Kuang laughed dryly and retreated.

Cui You shook his head and continued to observe the campfire...

By the late night, after resting sufficiently, Yu Qing stood up, his eyes first glancing at Cheng Shanping, then at the outside where insects chirped.

Once he was rested, the group from Miaqing Hall immediately sprang into action.

Cheng Shanping and Zhu Shangbiao started bringing in the chopped wood, which they had previously avoided to not disturb Yu Qing's rest.

Sun Ping served the prepared food and drink, using the last five bags of spirit rice.

After eating and drinking, Yu Qing smoothed his ponytail and went deeper into the cave alone.

The four from Miaqing Hall took turns resting, with Cheng Shanping and Zhu Shangbiao resting, Tie Miaqing and Sun Ping on watch, while Xu Fei and Chong still lingered nearby.