221 - Mistress, I Was Wrong

Qian Wanyu took the lead, deftly leaping up the slippery cave wall. Dongfang Minghui was about to follow when Li En pulled her back. Seeing the two injured companions, she advised, "Mu Sheng, you and Li En stay here for the time being. I'll go with Seventh Sister to see who it is." "I want to go with you." "Mu Sheng, remain here." Saying this, Dongfang Minghui stepped onto the spot where Seventh Sister had just climbed. The cave wall was so slick that she nearly slipped and hit the wall, but when she finally made it up, she saw a group of people in black standing before them, which made her even more uneasy. In the snow-white world, this group of people, appearing out of nowhere, seemed out of place. Qian Wanyu cast a casual glance over them, finally locking eyes with the one who appeared to be their leader. His tall frame was entirely shrouded in black, concealing him well. "Is your purpose here for the Dragon Pill?" Upon hearing they were after her Dragon Pill, Toothless's dainty brows furrowed, her fiery beauty mark glowing vibrantly. A gold flame flickered in her pupils, as if ready to burst forth. Seeing this, Dongfang Minghui quickly grabbed her wrist, only to be scalded, "Hiss—" The fire in Toothless's eyes vanished, turning back into dark pupils. Seeing the red mark on her fingers, Toothless frowned impatiently, "Haven't you learned by now? Don't approach me when I'm angry, lest you get burned by my flames." Oddly, a wood-type spiritual master had managed to raise her, a fire-type dragon, Toothless mused, imagining the hardships Dongfang must have endured, resolving to treat her better. Dongfang Minghui, unaware of Toothless's inner thoughts, patiently said, "Don't act rashly. Seventh Sister is speaking with them. Rushing in now won't reveal their true intention." The man laughed heartily. "Not for the Dragon Pill, just wish to discuss a business deal." Qian Wanyu brandished her water-thunder whip. "A deal? You lot have been tailing us for quite a while, only revealing yourselves now, showing your sincerity. What kind of deal?" Toothless clenched her fists so tightly they creaked. "See? Your Seventh Sister has known all along," Little Color bounced in the soul sea. "Xiao Miao's footprints are the best trackers. Bringing her along was a way to lure them into these layered snowy mountains." "Hmm." Dongfang Minghui felt relieved. Seventh Sister had everything under control. The man produced a pure blue stone from his hand, inlaid with a very lifelike eye, identical to the True Eye. Perhaps the container was different, giving the eye a distinct appearance. "Is it real?" Though the item sent chills down her spine, Dongfang Minghui had seen it before. By comparison, the eye the black-clad man held seemed more authentic. Qian Wanyu chuckled, "The True Eye?" "Such keen eyes, young lady. Since you've recognized it, I won't argue. The one in your possession is a fake. This one is real." The man spoke with great certainty. "Oh?" Little Fatty clung to Little Bean Sprout, somehow sidling up beside Dongfang Minghui, its chubby hand tugging her hem. Dongfang Minghui looked down. Little Fatty had grown to her waist, clearly having thrived on those fire lotus seeds. She vowed to seize any future fire-type treasures they encountered. The path of raising children... seemed truly arduous. "You don't believe it?" "Of course not," Qian Wanyu sneered. "A group tailing us without reason, suddenly claiming to have a genuine True Eye is ludicrous. You appear less like humans." The man, perplexed by Qian Wanyu's focus on their identity, attempted to speak but was cut off again. "If you were human, you'd know that Yuntian Pavilion's auctions guarantee authenticity. No deception or trickery." Qian Wanyu smirked, "If what you claim is to be believed, you've just offended Nangong Yuntian of the Yuntian Pavilion. As an old acquaintance, I know he's petty and spiteful. Anyone crossing him pays dearly. Are you prepared?" Dongfang Minghui almost applauded, impressed by Seventh Sister's apt reasoning. Their auction piece being fake would provoke fierce retaliation from Nangong Yuntian. Toothless huffed, "Hiding, masked, yet talking about cooperation? I think you're after the Dragon Pill." Provoked by Seventh Sister and Toothless, the group was rendered speechless. Dongfang Minghui watched as Toothless produced the Dragon Pill, its fiery glow tempered in the snowy world, less glaring than before. "If you're in doubt, feel free to try this True Eye." "Try?" Qian Wanyu shook her head. "Toothless, as the Dragon Pill's bearer, you decide." Toothless raised her chin arrogantly, a flame flickering in her hand. "Leave, or none of you will." The man suddenly revealed a head of graying hair, looking aged like a man with one foot in the grave, eyes devoid of life. "I'm sincere about cooperating. Regardless of my True Eye's authenticity, may I ask, do you still have yours?" Of course, it was gone. Dongfang Minghui glanced at Seventh Sister and Toothless. All present that day knew the True Eye was destroyed after use, leaving a scar on Seventh Sister's face. Seeing their hesitation, the man pressed, "I'll be direct; I want to collaborate to find the Dragon Clan." Dongfang Minghui yanked Toothless, but Seventh Sister interjected, "Oh, you're seeking the Dragon Clan too?" "Yes, without this True Eye, you might be trapped in the Snow Lotus Mountain for ages." "And likewise, without the Dragon Pill, you won't find the Dragon Clan," Qian Wanyu flatly exposed his intentions. "Miss Qian is right, hence the need for collaboration." Dongfang Minghui sensed his frustration, speculating the True Eye was genuine but underestimated the difficulty of reclaiming the Dragon Pill from Toothless. Qian Wanyu glanced at Toothless, seeing her livid, "We need to deliberate. Take your people back to the cave. We'll reply after." "We await your reply." With that, they retreated into the cave. Dongfang Minghui glanced at the cave, rolling her eyes, whimsically imagining Seventh Sister secretly collapsing the cave, annihilating them without effort. Qian Wanyu, standing amidst the storm, set a small barrier for the trio. "Toothless, the Dragon Pill is yours. While the True Eye is significant to me, we can't ensure what they have is genuine." "Seventh Sister, you think they might have multiple fakes?" "Possibly," Qian Wanyu avoided being fooled again. "Cooperating offers us the Dragon Clan map and insight into their motives." Toothless seethed, emitting heat. Dongfang Minghui calmed her, "Toothless, eliminating them doesn't prevent others from seeking the Dragon Clan. It's better to uncover their intentions first." "Hmm." Both looked at Toothless, who snorted, "These ants dare target my Clan. Who gave them the guts?" Qian Wanyu pondered aloud, "I also want to know who gave them such audacity." "Let's cooperate then. I'm curious to see what they aim for in the Dragon Clan's territory." "Agreed." Dongfang Minghui feared Toothless might impulsively annihilate them, but was surprised to see her unexpectedly reasonable behavior. Afterward, she pulled Seventh Sister aside, "Seventh Sister, are you sure Toothless won't cause any trouble like this?" Qian Wanyu knew her concerns, her expression tightening. "Indeed, there's something to worry about. Toothless has a critical flaw." "Huh?" "She looks down on them, which is why she agreed so easily. But for them to boldly follow us here, attempting to switch a fake True Eye, they must have more tricks up their sleeves." Hearing this analysis, Dongfang Minghui nodded in agreement, "Indeed, they must." Toothless shared a dragon's noble traits; since gaining intelligence, she'd shed her beastly naiveté, gaining an arrogance that didn't always serve her well. "Seventh Sister, I'll keep a close eye on her." "Mmm." Qian Wanyu didn't believe Ninth Sister could truly manage this reckless dragon alone. Within her sight, maybe, but away, she would have no control. "Let them wait for a night." "Sounds good." Mu Sheng and Li En overheard their conversation. Seeing them descend, they immediately approached, "Who are those people outside?" Dongfang Minghui glanced at Xiao Miao and remained silent. Qian Wanyu decided to address it openly, "Xiao Miao knows." Feeling intimidated, Xiao Miao tried to hide behind Toothless, but she strode off, leaving Little Fatty tilting its head at them, shifting its gaze between them and Xiao Miao. "The ones outside are from the same group as Xiao Miao's master," Qian Wanyu explained briefly. "Probably the one Nangong Yuntian mentioned, who handed him both the True Eye and the Dragon Pill." Dongfang Minghui cast a sympathetic glance at Xiao Miao. "But, if they had the True Eye and the Dragon Pill, why auction them?" "Spirit stones." "For that reason...?" A bird risks its life for food, a man for wealth; a basic human need. Since becoming an alchemist, Dongfang Minghui had rarely worried about spirit stones. The last time was during a failed attempt to buy a suitable weapon. She had indeed fretted over spirit stones then. Qian Wanyu noticed her skepticism and nudged her, "Have you ever worried about space before love entangled you? And, who promised to repay me with flesh, was it you, Ninth Sister?" She reminded her of an incident where she expended everything to protect Xian, invoking a kill order from Blood Fiend Alliance. "Uh, Seventh Sister," Dongfang Minghui blushed with shame. She had overcomplicated matters, having always relied on Seventh Sister for what she couldn't acquire herself. "So that's it, they planned it like a money-laundering scheme." Much like laundering, Nangong Yuntian would undoubtedly rage if he knew. Yuntian Pavilion was the perfect cover for them. Their only oversight was both the Dragon Pill and the True Eye fell into the wrong hands, forcing them into an unwanted collaboration. "What a challenge they face." "Minghui, why say it's difficult for them? It's quite considerate of them to hand over such treasures, only for Toothless to swoop in and claim the Dragon Pill." Li En, refraining from comment, merely noted, "The mountain grows colder. Can the witch bear it?" Dongfang Minghui hesitated for a moment, then smiled, "I have Little Fatty." Little Fatty squealed in agreement, asserting its usefulness. "Alright, Mu Sheng, is your hand healing well?" "Sister Wanyu, it's not a big issue." Mu Sheng occupied himself by circulating spirit energy to improve the circulation in his fingers. Though painful, they felt more dexterous. "Li En, however, should rest longer." "Another day's rest." Dongfang Minghui and Qian Wanyu sat together, holding hands, eyes closing as they entered their soul sea for dual cultivation. Little Fatty stayed beside them, cradling Little Bean Sprout, seriously engaging it in their own discussion of life, "Ah." In response, Little Bean Sprout wiggled its bud, seemingly communicating back. Their interaction, though cryptic, was harmonious. Toothless observed everyone before focusing on Xiao Miao, who was trying to blend into the background. She commanded harshly, "You, come here." Xiao Miao, initially unnoticed, trembled as Toothless's stern call drew attention from Li En and Mu Sheng. Toothless harshly interrogated them, "Did you bring those people outside?" Frightened, Xiao Miao fervently shook his head, fearing Toothless's fiery aura vastly different from his own. Its mere presence was inimitable, leaving him most terrified of her and another. His eyes darted to Qian Wanyu, noticing her eyes shut in meditation. Impatient, Toothless warned, "Speak, or I'll throw you to them, you little traitor." "No, please." Hearing her intention, Xiao Miao panicked, "I-I’m not a traitor." Toothless snorted, "If not for your betrayal, how could they have followed us?" Xiao Miao, stricken, remained mute, looking pleadingly to others. Mu Sheng frowned, having noted Minghui murmuring about Xiao Miao's footprints, while Li En remained impassively objective, observing without emotion. To him, only Dongfang Minghui mattered enough to provoke concern. Little Fatty and Little Bean Sprout chirped in unintelligible language, incomprehensible to others. In their soul sea, Dongfang Minghui watched Toothless confront the new kid. "Seventh Sister, if you know Xiao Miao isn't at fault, why not speak up? It'd spare him from Toothless's wrath." Qian Wanyu replied, "How do you view the matter of Xiao Miao's master being killed?" The old man was reduced to ashes by Toothless's flame, and though Xiao Miao initially froze, he continued to follow them. "If it were me, I'd find it hard to travel with my mentor's killer." Let alone travel, she would have sought vengeance. "But, Seventh Sister, this depends on their bond." "Indeed." Her reasons for keeping Xiao Miao were dual: preventing him from recklessly harming others and utilizing him to lure the followers. Although her aim was to find the creator of the True Eye, complications arose. "Xiao Miao's distant nature lacks hatred for Toothless and little bonding with us either." "So...?" "Thus, pushing him through this test reveals his true allegiance." Dongfang Minghui realized Seventh Sister intended to test Xiao Miao to gauge the Fire Child's reaction. During this discussion, Toothless had tossed Xiao Miao outside. Unnoticed, snow began to drift, covering their previous footprints, save for Xiao Miao’s. "Get back to them, don't follow us, or you're dead." Toothless drew a fiery boundary, casting Xiao Miao beyond it. "Don't cross this line." Xiao Miao stared at the five-meter-long river of gold flames, awed by Toothless effortlessly crafting what his master aimed for. Then he saw visions of his master struggling in the flames; his thoughts then were not of revenge, but relief at the death of the old man who tormented him. An orphan since awareness, labeled a monster, Xiao Miao had always been scorned. His fiery form sparked fear, bringing disaster wherever he went, instilling in him the belief of being a harbinger. He eagerly observed children play from a distance, only to face stones and taunts once noticed. The villagers would drive him out with long, thick sticks. Until a so-called 'master' appeared, showing him 'kindness' with food and warmth, guiding and nurturing him. Xiao Miao once felt he had found a good person when he met his master. However, his illusion shattered when he woke one day from a deep sleep, a soul-wrenching pain pulling him from unconsciousness. Muddled, he overheard his benevolent master saying, "A child of fire born from heaven and earth is a precious furnace. Sadly, the flames within him are undeveloped. I must nurture him further until the perfect moment to extract all his fire. That's when he'll be ripe for the plucking." ... Xiao Miao attempted to approach the golden flames, but each time he moved closer, they would rise just out of reach as if determined to keep him away. He paced back and forth numerous times, leaving distinct footprints in the otherwise pristine snow. "You claim to not be a traitor; how else could they have tracked us?" Toothless's harsh words echoed as the wind played with his robe, the fabric rustling ominously. After a long while, Xiao Miao turned towards the cave. "What an ungrateful wolf." Though Toothless had expelled him from the cave, she never took her eyes off him. Seeing him head in the opposite direction annoyed her more. Qian Wanyu and Dongfang Minghui slowly opened their eyes. Realizing they needed to calm the situation, Qian Wanyu said, "Xiao Miao's footprints naturally leave a trail due to his unique physique. He didn't intentionally lead them here. I deliberately let it happen to draw the people to us." Toothless was taken aback, her jaw dropping. She looked from Qian Wanyu to Dongfang Minghui, who met her surprise with a bittersweet smile. Unable to stay silent, Toothless asked, "You knew?" Dongfang Minghui could see Toothless's bewilderment, "I found out slightly before you did. Toothless, you've wronged Xiao Miao." Toothless, rendered uncharacteristically silent, resisted the urge to lash out at Qian Wanyu. The latter’s calm demeanor made her realize it would be pointless, as a nagging guilt lingered over the wrong she'd done. "Should I—go bring Xiao Miao back?" Toothless heard this suggestion and immediately dismissed it. She couldn’t swallow her pride. "He's chosen to go with them. Knowing they're up to no good, let him be." Unbeknownst, he'd remain ungrateful regardless. Suddenly, the ground began to tremor, a rumble echoing the onset of something catastrophic. Toothless shot back outside, spotting the quivering mountain and something falling. Dongfang Minghui, lifted by Qian Wanyu, nearly cried seeing the mountain's state. What luck to encounter an avalanche with no warning. "Avalanche, Seventh Sister, quick, let's get back inside!" "Don't panic." Qian Wanyu remained calm, guiding Dongfang Minghui back. As the ground shook and snowballs grew into an imminent threat, her gaze was fixated on the rolling boulders from the cave. The absence of anyone leaving post-collapse was suspicious. Toothless realized, "Did the cave-in cause a secondary avalanche?" "It might be Xiao Miao." "How could it relate to him if he's a traitor? But—in that case, why hasn’t he come out?" Toothless wondered, but instinctively acted faster than thought. Dongfang Minghui only noticed a flash before the shaking intensified to perilous levels. Qian Wanyu quickly brought her back inside, advising, "I'll set up a barrier above. Hopefully, it holds." "Be careful." Fortunately, they chose a location not at the lowest point. Else, the cave-in would have made them the first casualties. In a short order, Toothless returned with Xiao Miao. His cloak scorched, marked by flame scratches. Irritable, Toothless snapped, "You wouldn’t believe what he did. It’s just—" Dongfang Minghui blinked at Xiao Miao and then Toothless, who unexpectedly burst into laughter as if struck by madness. "Xiao Miao set a blaze inside. Had I been later, he aimed to go down with them." Toothless vented, "Are you dumb? Instead of fleeing after setting the fire, you wait for the cave-in? Normally you're clever, but act foolish at critical moments." Qian Wanyu arrived to see Toothless scolding Xiao Miao, who hung his head listening docilely. "And you almost killed us. That snowball was bigger than both of us combined." "I didn't know." Xiao Miao mewed softly. "Stop, Toothless," Dongfang Minghui interrupted, glancing outside where snow continuously rolled from above. Each time it hit their barrier, it glowed a pale green against the white—a breathtaking sight. The ground trembled for quite some time until it finally calmed. Listening intently, Qian Wanyu sensed the quiet outside, "Seems it's stopped." Everyone sighed in relief. Xiao Miao retreated to his usual corner, minimizing his presence while curling up. Seeing this, Dongfang Minghui couldn't help but signal to Little Fatty, who promptly approached, curious. "This is for you, this for Xiao Miao." Little Fatty's eyes lit up at the sight of the fire lotus seed, popping one in its mouth, relishing the taste yet wistfully longing for the second. Dongfang Minghui chuckled, warning, "Don't sneak any, or they go to Toothless." Little Fatty held the Tianyin Helmet under one arm and offered the fire lotus seed to Xiao Miao, generously, having weighed the option—a heap of common food against the rare seed—deciding on the latter. Xiao Miao, puzzled, looked up at Little Fatty, who mimed eating, "Ah." "For me?" Xiao Miao could hardly believe it, accepting the fire lotus seed with his flaming hand. The concentrated fire energy in the seed was familiar; he'd seen Dongfang Minghui give them to Little Fatty. He glanced up at Dongfang Minghui, receiving an encouraging nod. He bit down carefully, letting the abundant energy meld into his body. Afterwards, he spoke, "I'm not a traitor, I didn’t lead them." "Mmm, Xiao Miao, stay with us. Toothless won't chase you away again." "Really?" A hopeful smile graced Xiao Miao's lips. "Of course it’s true, right, Toothless?" Toothless huffed, awkwardly turning away, dwelling on her emotions. Yet thoughts quickly shifted to the people trapped in the cave. "With the collapse, who knows if they survived. Can we still negotiate?" Xiao Miao grew anxious at her words but saw no blame pointed his way, so he remained silent. Qian Wanyu was the embodiment of calm, "Relax, if they could be killed by mere snowballs, you wouldn't need to worry about them." They settled down for a quiet night of rest amidst the storm. At dawn, Qian Wanyu lifted the barrier. Their surroundings had transformed; a small hill now stood behind them, as if rearranged overnight. Ahead, the once hidden snowy mountain revealed its true form: cascading and layered like a blossoming ice lotus. "This looks like Ice Lotus Mountain," Qing Mo noted, "Renowned for its lotus shape, eternally frozen. Legends speak of a fierce ten-thousand-year-old beast within. Be cautious." "An interesting legend." Qian Wanyu admired the striking peak before focusing on the snow-buried cave, completely obstructed. "Anyone left inside?" As she projected her voice outside using spirit energy, another tremor jolted. Dongfang Minghui urgently grabbed Qian Wanyu's hand, "Seventh Sister, avoid loud noises; it might trigger another avalanche." "Seems caution is best." "I'll take care of it." Toothless tossed a few feeble-looking flames towards the cave entrance. Instead of extinguishing, they thrived upon contact with the snow, swiftly melting it and clearing the blocked cave entrance in one go. Dongfang Minghui and Qian Wanyu followed her lead and were amused to discover that aside from snow blocking the cave, rocks had also fallen from within. "Anyone still inside?" "Seventh Sister, if there's no response, we should proceed up the mountain. Who knows, we might stumble upon the Dragon Clan's land." "Mmm." Their exchange was lively, and Toothless, accustomed to their routine, laughed scornfully, "These folks aren't having any luck. We were just about to agree on cooperation, but now they've practically buried themselves." "Help us—!" The three of them exchanged knowing glances before bursting into laughter. After rescuing the frail, aged fellow and three or five others, bad luck claimed several more who perished due to the avalanche and Xiao Miao's fire, dwindling their numbers significantly. Dongfang Minghui maintained her practical stance, refraining from tending to enemies—a kind of self-torture. She earnestly listened to Seventh Sister's remarks, "We've encountered two avalanches in three days. If we're to proceed and collaborate, let's verify the authenticity of your True Eye first." "Yes, that seems wise." The elder, feigning severe injuries mostly for show, avoided Qian Wanyu's probing gaze, his fingers anxiously intertwined. "What the lady said isn't true; the True Eye only breaks formations, not locate the missing." "Without being its creator, how can you declare its inability for finding people?" Qian Wanyu retorted with a cold smile, "Or are you foisting a fake on us?" "I suspect he's trying just that," Toothless interjected aptly. Dongfang Minghui blinked at their exchange, uncertain if Seventh Sister was merely bluffing. Yet, knowing her determination regarding this matter, if it truly could locate people, it would be ideal. Confronted by their evaluations, the elder chuckled dryly, "Miss, you're correct in saying I'm no maker of the True Eye, thus I'm unaware if it can find people." "Then don't dismiss it until proven. Bring it forth for us to examine." Reluctantly, the elder produced the True Eye. Both its container and the eye itself appeared more refined than they remembered from the auction. As Qian Wanyu and the others studied it, he hovered nervously nearby, asking, "How do you intend to test it?" "To locate someone, naturally." "Locate someone?" Startled, the elder clutched the object to his chest protectively, and Qian Wanyu could discern its authenticity without further testing. "If not for locating, how else do you propose to verify its authenticity?" "Combine it with the Dragon Pill; the truth will reveal itself." "Utter nonsense," Toothless spat. "Old fool, do you know we reached this point using what you claim is a fake True Eye? If both can align with the Dragon Pill, how do we discern anything other than your say-so?" The elder laughed, "You misunderstand. Genuine versus fake is easily distinguished. Rumor has it you used the True Eye multiple times along this journey to piece together five maps—is it true?" "Hmm?" "A real True Eye, when used once with the Dragon Pill, provides a complete map." Dongfang Minghui observed his demeanor; it was not deceitful, but smugly proud, fueling her urge to slap him twice. Inwardly, Qian Wanyu mulled over with Qing Mo, "It does seem the elder holds the genuine article. However, if only one use is needed, acquiring it by force if he refuses to hand it over will be complicated." "Remember that map from Long County Village? Likely a pathway to the Dragon Clan," Qing Mo added. "My mother needs the True Eye—I'll find a way to acquire it," Qian Wanyu resolved. "Understood," Qing Mo acknowledged the potential link between this True Eye and Wanyu's father, letting the matter lie. Toothless awaited Qian Wanyu's signal, and with a nod from her, took action. "Old man, let's throw these treasures into the air together." Toothless was cautious. "Of course." Qian Wanyu pulled Dongfang Minghui aside, observing as the Dragon Pill radiated fiery light. In sync, under the elder's control, the True Eye opened, projecting a complete map even under broad daylight. Dongfang Minghui hurriedly sketched the map, the distinct snowy backdrop providing a slightly fuzzy contrast. Chin in hand, Qian Wanyu calculated the odds of betraying them now to seize the True Eye for herself. To steal or not to steal?