223 - Mistress, I Was Wrong
## Chapter 223: The Ferocious Beast (1) "Wu, Seventh Sister, Seventh Sister!" Dongfang Minghui found herself engulfed in a world of white, surrounded by a pervasive haze. A graceful silhouette flickered before her in the distance. Every time she tried to disperse the thick fog to see more clearly, the silhouette would move further away. The further she moved forward, the colder it became. The chill seeped deep into her bones, making her limbs stiff. Her teeth chattered as she breathed into her frozen hands, but the figure suddenly vanished before her. "Seventh Sister, Seventh Sister—" Dongfang Minghui abruptly opened her eyes, seeing seven or eight pairs of eyes all focused intently on her. She gave them a bewildered look, quickly running a hand over her chin to ensure she wasn't disheveled. "Why are you all looking at me like that?" "Little Nine, did you have a nightmare?" Qian Yiling crouched beside her, gently stroking her silky hair. Her manner was like a mother tending to her daughter, which startled Dongfang Minghui. Unaccustomed to Qian Yiling's change, Dongfang Minghui pulled away. She was already overjoyed that Qian Yiling had accepted her relationship with Seventh Sister, but physical closeness felt surprisingly awkward. Perhaps her evasion was quite apparent, as Qian Yiling awkwardly retracted her hand. "You're covered in sweat and calling out for Yu'er. Did you dream of something?" "Not really, it was just—" Dongfang Minghui tried to recall but couldn't remember anything significant, just wandering around in a cold, desolate place. She instinctively rubbed her arms, goosebumps still pricking her skin with glee. "Actually, there wasn't much, just walking around in a severely cold place. But where is Seventh Sister? I didn't see Seventh Sister." The group noticeably avoided eye contact, collectively wearing guilty expressions. Being an extremely sensitive person, Dongfang Minghui immediately assumed something had happened to Qian Wanyu, and she began to panic. Qian Yiling grabbed her wrist with enough force to prevent her from rushing off. "Yu'er left with Li En yesterday, but we don't know where they've gone. We believe she'll return soon." "Li En?" Indeed, two figures were missing from the cave. Little Fatty and Toothless had gone out to play in the snow once it had stopped, unaffected by the cold as fire element spiritualists. "How long has Seventh Sister been gone?" "Around four hours," Qian Ziyan informed her. Dongfang Minghui nodded thoughtfully. Distracted, she went through the routine of checking on Zhi Lan, giving her both fever-reducing and energy-replenishing pills. Then, she sat alone in a daze. "Little Colour, did you see Seventh Sister go out with Li En yesterday?" "I did," Little Colour explained, "Even if you'd been awake, they wouldn't have let you follow. It wasn't just your Seventh Sister woken by Li En; we trusted your sister to handle it alone, so the rest of us stayed put." Dongfang Minghui remained silent, burying her face in her knees, lost in thought. To others, she seemed pitifully heartbroken, like someone freshly abandoned by love. Mu Sheng, unable to watch any longer, approached to comfort her. "Sister Wanyu will be back soon. You need not worry." "If you've all figured it out, then that group traveling with us probably has too," Dongfang Minghui suddenly said. "They won't have; Toothless has been keeping a close watch on them," Mu Sheng reassured. Her relief was palpable, though she still pouted, wondering when her Seventh Sister would return. --- Qian Wanyu trailed Li En through the night. The terrain of Ice Lotus Mountain was treacherous, and the occasional sound of icicles or snowdrifts collapsing gave her a haunting sensation, as if footsteps echoed behind her. "No one there, stop imagining things." "Mm." They climbed steadily, braving the wind and snow from the mountain's base all the way to the peak. At the peak, there was a distinct indentation, revealing an entrance as white as the rest of Ice Lotus Mountain. This entrance just barely allowed a grown man to enter. As Li En bent to enter, he cautiously glanced back. Qian Wanyu pressed against the icy cliff, the cold touch sharpening her focus. She waited patiently outside, but when Li En did not reappear, she decided, "Better check inside." Qing Mo warned, "Be cautious of traps." Qian Wanyu unsheathed the water thunder whip hanging from her waist. Mimicking Li En's steps, she navigated a narrow ledge barely wide enough for a foot. Below lay a towering cliff, its height obscured by the absence of sound, the path incredibly slippery. She couldn't help but admire Li En's steady pace. The entrance had frozen over from years of accumulation. She grasped at it twice, narrowly missing a fall. Casting the long whip, one end fastened securely at the entrance. Qian Wanyu tested it before leaping into the recessed cave. Inside, an unexpected stillness reigned, and even breathing seemed to halt. The entire cave was shrouded in a misty haze, obscuring visibility. Vigilant of her footing, Qian Wanyu ventured deeper, discovering ominous stalactites hanging above, their sharp, jagged forms resembling rows of monstrous teeth ready to strike. Further in, she surprisingly found several neatly stacked animal hides on an icy platform. The platform bore evidence of meticulous craftsmanship, and by its side, a variety of vibrantly frozen fruits gleamed. "Wanyu, look, there seems to be an ice coffin." "Mm." Qian Wanyu carefully approached and discovered not one, but two coffins, one larger and one smaller, seemingly tailored for occupants. The larger coffin lay outside, the smaller within. When she lifted the lid of the larger one, the figure inside suddenly opened its eyes. A gust of wind attacked her, and Qian Wanyu deftly dodged. The wind blade embedded deeply into the cave wall, leaving a noticeable gouge. Li En sat up from the coffin, his eyes vacant but fixated on Qian Wanyu, tears welled in his eyes as he pitifully rushed toward her, "Mother." "Pfft," Qing Mo laughed, untimely. "What madness is this?" Qian Wanyu's face turned ashen, veins bulging on her forehead. She lashed out with her whip at Li En, determined to strike sense into him. Her attacks sent shards of ice flying from the ceiling, some heading straight for Li En. Despite babbling, calling for "Mother," Li En managed to deftly dodge, proving he hadn't lost all his wits. Unable to tolerate any more, Qian Wanyu bound him with her binding rope, leaving him tied on the ground. She propped one foot on a lower stool, her gaze coldly fixating on the dazed Li En who did nothing but call out. "Surely he's gone mad," Qing Mo lamented, "We hoped to gain some insight from him." "Not madness." "Then what is it?" Qian Wanyu lightly patted Li En's cheek, watching as his tears flowed incessantly, his voice tenderly pleading, "Mother, don't leave me, Rui Er will be good." "Rui Er? And your father?" Qian Wanyu's voice was gentle, but it sent shivers through Qing Mo. "Father?" Li En frowned, straining his memory. "Rui Er, your father?" While Li En struggled to recall, he violently smashed his head against the ice, relentless, until his forehead bled. Finally, his head lolled, and he slumped onto the ice, unconscious. The cave trembled subtly as Qian Wanyu approached the coffins, noting their parallel arrangement. The larger ice coffin was placed outside, the smaller within. When first entering, they'd seen only this coffin. She gauged its dimensions, "This ice coffin was crafted for a beast kin, given their imposing stature." "And the smaller one?" The small ice coffin was roughly half the size of the larger one, just the right size for Little Fatty. Qian Wanyu scrutinized it further. "Hmm, it seems the small ice coffin has been forcibly opened." The connection between the small coffin lid and body bore the marks of a blunt object, with splinters and metal shards embedded within. When tested, the small coffin proved movable. In contrast, the neighboring large ice coffin remained immovable despite forceful attempts. "Try using your spiritual energy." "Impossible." Qian Wanyu paced the icy cave multiple times. "Someone living atop Ice Lotus Mountain is peculiar indeed." Qing Mo sighed softly, "With the way things are, perhaps we've been mistaken all along. After all these years, Qian Ying's child might already be dead." Qian Wanyu ignored him, sitting atop the icy platform, surveying her surroundings. It wasn't until the person on the ground groaned softly that her attention refocused on Li En. Among all the beastfolk she had encountered, Li En's appearance was relatively pleasing. Unlike the rugged wildness characteristic of most beastfolk, he exuded a certain refinement. In terms of height, he resembled the beastfolk, yet other aspects mirrored the human race. She was unsure of Qian Ying's appearance, but generally, the Qian family had been known for their good looks. "Do you think I resemble the Qian family?" Qian Wanyu suddenly asked in the spiritual sea. "Yes," Qing Mo, who had seen the rest of the Qian family, replied, "You resemble your mother in looks, but your height must come from your Night Fox father, whom we've yet to meet." Indeed, Qian Wanyu was taller than Qian Yiling, with long legs that considerably enhanced her overall stature. Li En appeared bewildered, particularly after noticing he was bound. Surprise flashed in his eyes, followed by a thoughtful gaze from Qian Wanyu, as if she were contemplating dissecting him for study. "Why have you bound me, my lady?" "You chased after me, yelling to attack and kill. If I hadn't restrained you, another avalanche might have occurred," Qian Wanyu explained reasonably, pivoting to another topic before he could process, "Do you remember where this place is?" Li En noticed the bloodstain on the icy ground and, recalling Qian Wanyu's explanation, came to realization. "Yes, this is the place I mentioned in my dreams." Dreams? A smile curled on Qian Wanyu's lips as she leaped down from the platform, retrieving the binding rope. "Last night, when you suddenly opened your eyes, I followed you here. Do you still think this was all a dream?" Li En hesitated, unable to find words to refute her. The first time, he might have convinced himself it was a dream. But the second time, someone had seen him... He subtly flexed his wrists, that had been bruised from his bindings. Seeing his silence, Qian Wanyu pressed further, "Yesterday, when I arrived, you were lying in this ice coffin, Li En. Have you been frequenting dreams lately?" Li En raised his eyes wide, pointing at the large ice coffin, "Are you saying I was laying there yesterday—" "Yes," Qian Wanyu raised a brow, observing that outside, it remained completely white. Sometimes it was impossible to tell day from night. "If you're feeling unwell, let Little Nine take a good look at you to prevent you from ending up in this ice coffin again." "Alright." --- The old man kept urging them to continue their journey, but no one paid attention. Dongfang Minghui spent the entire day restless, unable to sit still or stand idle. Instead, she joined the youngsters in building snowmen in the snow. Since no one had initiated this before, everyone followed her lead, and by near nightfall, several snowmen of varying heights stood alongside the pit they had dug. Little Fatty even hugged the snowman he and Beansprout had crafted, and as a result, the snowman tilted, missing an arm and leg, collapsing into a puddle of snow water within seconds. The chill wind quickly turned the snow water into ice. "Ah—" Little Fatty's eyes widened in shock, even more massive than bronze bells, and Dongfang Minghui couldn't help but laugh quietly, to the point of clutching her stomach. "What happened?" She tried to console Little Fatty, who looked dejected. “It’s fragile, so you need to be careful when holding it. Little Fatty, let’s make another one.” With her company, Little Fatty played joyfully. Despite this, she continued to hold the Tianyin Helmet close, as if it were a precious treasure. Dongfang Minghui molded a snowman resembling Little Fatty, even dressing it up so that from a distance, it looked like a real person. "Look, doesn't it look like him?" Little Fatty studied it intently, furrowing her brows like an old lady. Then, without saying a word, she scampered behind the snowman, pulling off the coat Dongfang Minghui had draped on it and wearing it herself. The coat was one of the few pieces Dongfang Minghui had purchased after suffering backlash. Though petite, it seemed slightly snug on Little Fatty, accentuating her rounded belly. With a pair of sunglasses, she might even resemble a minor hooligan demanding protection money. "Hahaha—" The ground shook slightly as Dongfang Minghui clapped her hand over her mouth, trying unsuccessfully to stifle her laughter. Falling to the ground, she laughed so hard. When Qian Wanyu and Li En returned, they encountered this festive scene. With her excellent eyesight, Qian Wanyu spotted Min Hui from afar and assumed something had happened, only to realize up close that the figures were just snowmen. "Seventh Sister." “Have you had enough fun?” Qian Wanyu observed her red, icy hands with irritation, pulling them into her own. They were cold to the touch. Dongfang Minghui didn't mind. The initial contact with snow was freezing, but her hands warmed up soon after. She pouted, cheekily retorting, “It’s your fault for returning so late. We were—Li En, how did you hurt your forehead?” Li En smiled faintly, “Sorceress, I accidentally hit myself; it’s nothing.” Qian Wanyu shot him a look, full of hidden meaning. "You should really let Little Nine take a good look at you." Dongfang Minghui glanced between the two, eventually returning to the ice pit with everyone else. She treated Li En’s forehead injury, which seemed worse than it was. In truth, it was merely a surface wound as he stated—it didn’t interfere. “Li En, it’s best if you explain it yourself.” Dongfang Minghui blinked at Li En, “Where did you and Seventh Sister go yesterday?” Li En hesitated to explain, but faced with her curious gaze, he stammered, "Sorceress." "Hmm?" "I seem to be ill." Dongfang Minghui choked, as Li En slowly shared the recent events, “This situation feels somewhat beyond my control.” Much like the time she was bound by the Dragon Trapping Seal, forcibly robbing her of free time at night. “Have you experienced this before?” “No.” Both incidents occurred after nightfall at Ice Lotus Mountain’s base. Dongfang Minghui recorded notes in her sketchbook while asking questions. Qian Wanyu was focused, listening seriously, but toothless suddenly appeared and pulled her away. “There’s no obvious connection to my situation, but maybe there’s a link.” "There is." Little Colour, who rarely spoke, offered her insight, “The Dragon Trapping Seal controlled you because it was near the Dragon Trapping Valley. Li En’s occurrence began after reaching Ice Lotus Mountain, signifying that he may be linked to it somehow.” “Sorceress, what are you observing?” Li En’s discomfort was evident under her gaze. Even his ears had turned slightly red. “Have you ever been to Ice Lotus Mountain before?” Li En shook his head, “Never.” “But Seventh Sister mentioned you navigated Ice Lotus Mountain’s path skillfully, like frequent visitors.” Dongfang Minghui mused, “Maybe you came here as a child and forgot.” Li En was taken aback, stammering, “But—but—” Ignoring him, Dongfang Minghui left with her sketchbook in search of Seventh Sister, leaving Li En behind. Qian Wanyu was handling the elder’s issue. The old man’s impatience drove Toothless to chatter, and if angered, she would breathe fire, causing the ground to shake. To solve the problem, Toothless led Qian Wanyu to intervene. “Departure at dawn tomorrow; rest well tonight,” Qian Wanyu declared, leaving it at that before ignoring him. When she saw Dongfang Minghui approaching, she asked, “Did you find anything?” "It's hard to say," Dongfang Minghui admitted. "There are so many bizarre things in this world. Seventh Sister, I suspect Li En might have lived in Ice Lotus Mountain during his childhood. A memory can last a long time, long enough to forget, but it resurfaces when encountering familiar environments." “He’s forgotten,” Qian Wanyu mulled the thought over repeatedly, “I see.” “Huh?” Dongfang Minghui was perplexed, “Seventh Sister, what did you encounter on Ice Lotus Mountain, and how did Li En hurt his head?” For Li En, who avoids bumps and bruises, to injure his forehead seemed as unlikely as Little Fatty getting burned by his own flame—a joke that was far from funny. Qian Wanyu’s expression grew stern, her gaze both focused and troubled as she looked at Little Nine. Dongfang Minghui’s heart mirrored Qian Wanyu’s solemnity. But all Seventh Sister did was sigh softly, “Nothing much, I just inspected the ice coffin Li En mentioned.” "And then, nothing more?" "No, that's all." Qian Wanyu nodded decisively. Seeing Little Nine still suspicious, she ruffled her dark hair, “We’ll depart at first light tomorrow. You should get some rest with Little Fatty.” Dongfang Minghui felt even more puzzled, as Seventh Sister normally wouldn’t allow her to sleep holding Little Fatty. That night, Dongfang Minghui stubbornly kept her eyes wide open, watching over Seventh Sister and Li En. She stayed awake for half the night, only drifting into a deep sleep with Little Fatty once she confirmed the events from the other night didn't reoccur. "Hahaha, why didn't you tell Little Nine about Li En chasing and calling you 'mother'?" "Shut up." The topic turned Qian Wanyu's face as dark as a soot-covered pot. She wasn't about to claim such a conveniently adult son. Besides, if Li En’s identity were confirmed, he'd likely be over a hundred years old by now... Quite a stretch to call him her son. "Wanyu," Qing Mo suddenly turned serious, calling her attention. "Speak." "I know you haven't given up on searching for Qian Ying's child all year, but I have to say, Li En likely isn't him. We can't fixate solely on him." Qing Mo dreaded the prospect of her confirmation biases leading her to find evidence that didn't exist, simply to affirm a mistaken identity. In truth, apart from some peculiarities, Li En's identity diverged considerably from the child of Qian Ying. "Are you finished?" "Don't always take things so lightly. If you make a mistake, you'll pay dearly." "Nag." --- After a sleepless night, the group set off the next day. Li En's forehead injury was minor, and Zhi Lan's condition was improving. They traveled swiftly, dedicating the entire day to their journey. By nightfall, the outside was as bright as day, though gusty winds and snow proved challenging. After about an hour, some nearly slipped off the mountain, their clothes soaked through. Unfamiliar with the surroundings, Qian Wanyu searched in vain for a suitable resting place to block the wind and snow. Ice Lotus Mountain was a place where snow fell year-round, thick ice and thin layers of snow making even sure-footed people like Uncle Mu Sheng slip. "Uncle, Mother, you stay here for a moment while I check ahead with him for a place to rest." Qian Wanyu hurriedly dragged the elder along, eventually discovering a narrow mountain crevice half an hour later, just wide enough for a person to squeeze through. "Why did you drag this old man here?" "What else could it be for? Your people will freeze to death if you don't find them shelter from the elements," Qian Wanyu split her focus managing the old man, wary of any tricks he might attempt in the shadows. The old man erupted into booming laughter. "One more thing: a piece of advice." The old man listened attentively. Qian Wanyu eyed him coldly, "If you try laughing like that again, stifle it, or a snowball larger than either of us might crash down. I won't be saving you if you get buried." "You—" "Most importantly, I hold the map. If you can't match our pace, don't blame me for not warning you. Lose the way, and you'll truly be lost." Qian Wanyu brandished her whip, startling the old man. Qian Wanyu scoffed, "This old man scares too easily." Qing Mo helplessly remarked, "If he knew your thoughts on the True Sight, he'd have leverage against you." Qian Wanyu used her water thunder whip to probe the crevice and then released a wisp of consciousness, exploring the inside. Though it was pitch black, the space was ample. "All set." The old man was still processing her earlier intimidation, mentally chiding himself for being too hasty when proposing cooperation. The map should have been secured by now, but it was too late. "Has Miss Qian found a place to rest for tonight?" Qian Wanyu distrusted his politeness; politeness meant planning. If he consistently pursued the True Sight, it would reflect his true intentions. Arms crossed, she asked, "Do you have any objections?" Under her intense scrutiny, the old man felt exposed, surprisingly uneasy given her lack of overt actions. "Coming and going took half an hour, if you're worried about losing your way, the old man could wait here." "Sure." With that, Qian Wanyu swiftly headed back. Qing Mo remained distrustful of the old man, "You’d think you and Little Nine share a brain. What if he meddles in the crevice?" Qian Wanyu stayed silent, making the return journey in half an incense stick's time. "Seventh Sister." "Mother, Uncle, I found a place to shield against the snow and wind not far from here. Endure a little longer, and it’ll be fine." Qian Yiling was pleased, but asked, "Why didn't the one with you return?" "He was eager to be helpful, so I indulged him," Qian Wanyu whispered. "Reckless." "Don’t worry, Mother. Seventh Sister always has a plan," Dongfang Minghui interjected. Qian Wanyu beamed at her words, pulling Dongfang Minghui close. "You understand me best, Little Nine." She left a trace of consciousness in the cave, monitoring the old man. Until they reached the Dragon Clan lands, there was no risk of betrayal. Traveling slowly, they arrived at the location, finding the crevice narrow but navigable due to their group's tall and slender figures. When it was Little Fatty's turn, the Tianyin Helmet went through, but he got stuck in the crevice. "Huh." He couldn't get through. Dongfang Minghui was both amused and exasperated, playfully squeezing his cheeks in a mock-fretful manner, "What now? We can all fit, but you’re too plump to pass through, Little Fatty." Little Fatty became flustered, babbling incoherently. Qian Wanyu eyed him and mischievously suggested, "She doesn't mind the cold; if she can't fit, she can keep watch outside." "Ah." Little Fatty uttered a weak noise, as if dealing with the world’s heaviest blow, head drooped in defeat. Xiao Miao gently touched her hand, offering softly, "I'll stay with you." Though touched, Little Fatty was still crestfallen, yearning to join everyone inside the crevice. Dongfang Minghui scowled at Seventh Sister. Qian Wanyu made a shushing gesture, "Or, Little Fatty, grow up more. If you get taller, you won't be as wide, and then you'll fit right through." "Ah?" Little Fatty tilted her head, pondering for a long moment. Before she could react, Qian Wanyu pulled Dongfang Minghui into the crevice. "Seventh Sister." Dongfang Minghui nearly stomped in frustration. "Shh." "Stop shushing—" Qian Wanyu placed a cool hand over her lips. Inside, the narrow space could fit about ten people, with the moonstone barely illuminating a single spot. Everyone else wondered what the two were whispering about. In reality, they peeked, watching Little Fatty and Xiao Miao remain outside, gazing longingly at the passage. Beansprout wiggled slightly in Little Fatty’s hand for comfort. Remarkably, Little Fatty simply stood, miserably whimpering. Dongfang Minghui had never seen her so downcast. Since Little Fatty appeared, she’d been fearless, stomping unyieldingly without care. Yet now, a narrow pathway barred her way. Xiao Miao caught snow from outside. The flakes evaporated instantly upon contact with his palms. "Ah!" Just as Dongfang Minghui deliberated how to fix this, Seventh Sister tugged her back a step. They watched as a small chubby hand reached inside, Little Fatty desperately squeezing through. Her face, contorted comically, was determined to squeeze through or die trying. "Seventh—" "Watch." Little Fatty let out heart-wrenching cries, her appearance wrenching Dongfang Minghui’s heart. She struggled against Seventh Sister’s restraint, wondering how she could say such things to a child. Yet, as Little Fatty squeezed through, her body did stretch, just as Seventh Sister predicted. "Ah." Little Fatty’s eyes beamed like crescents, gleefully clutching the Tianyin Helmet as she nestled next to Toothless, as if nothing had happened. Her world was simple, content with Beansprout, Dongfang Minghui, and food, seemingly containing everything. Toothless regarded Little Fatty in surprise, praising without reserve, "Impressive." Xiao Miao slipped easily through the crevice and nestled beside Toothless, watching Little Fatty play with the bud that was a Beansprout. "Can I touch it too?" Little Fatty glanced at Xiao Miao, shook her head, and seeing his dejection, she gently took his hand and let him touch Beansprout. Overwhelmed, Beansprout remained frozen in place. "Ah ah." Xiao Miao nodded, seeming to understand something profound. Dongfang Minghui just stood there, unsure of how to react, pulling on Seventh Sister's sleeve with a mixture of emotions. Qian Wanyu embraced her lightly. "She's much stronger than you think, but she's not yet aware of it. We need to guide her occasionally." "But I don’t know how to teach." Having raised Toothless and now Little Fatty, Dongfang Minghui felt she wasn't suitable for raising children. The overly gentle tend to spoil them. Seeing them endure hardship pained her, yet in a ruthless world, cultivating them to be soft-hearted like herself might lead to their early demise. "Seventh Sister, I'm sorry." Sorry for misunderstanding you. Sometimes a little harshness might yield unexpected results. Dongfang Minghui watched Little Fatty, carefree despite her sudden growth, naturally untroubled. She had been upset earlier—a notion utterly self-destructive. Qian Wanyu laughed softly into her neck, "Little Nine, we'll learn together at our own pace." "Okay." They had finally found a place that shielded against the wind and snow. Sitting in a circle, warmth gradually seeped in. People like Mu Sheng and Zhi Lan, needing rest, fell asleep to the howling wind outside. The wind was loud, like the wails of the Dugu Demonic Beast, invoking shivers the longer one listened. Around midnight, the more alert ones awoke. Qian Wanyu brandished her water thunder whip, whispering, "I'll go check." Qian Ziyan stood too. "I'll accompany you." They left one after another, their movement waking Dongfang Minghui. "Where's Seventh Sister going?" Qian Yiling, seeing her puzzled face, reassured her, "Yu'er and your uncle are just scouting for the ferocious beast on Ice Lotus Mountain. They'll be back shortly." Seventh Sister and Uncle Mu Sheng's combat prowess was reassuring, leaving no room for concern. "Boom, boom, boom—" The sound was stranger than before, like something heavy repeatedly striking the ground. On a mountain sealed in ice, such pounding could easily trigger an avalanche. The sound drew nearer, echoing intimately close. "Mom, what's that sound?" "Shh, no noise." Li En had his bow and arrow ready, waiting in case a beast charged in for him to shoot. Mu Sheng, grogged by Xiao Miao's shaking, foggily comprehended the situation. Little Fatty crouched close to Dongfang Minghui, cradling Beansprout. Toothless heard the noise and frowned, suddenly standing up. "I'll go see." "Toothless." Dongfang Minghui reached to pull her back, but she was too quick, slipping through the crevice. Dongfang Minghui didn't even grasp a corner of her garment. Turning back, she called out, "Mom." Just as she began to speak, the space felt empty from the absences of those who left. The old man and his companions silently huddled in a corner, the room split into two factions of nearly equal numbers. More importantly, with Seventh Sister, Uncle Mu Sheng, and Toothless all outside, leaving would mean only Mu Sheng and the rest were left—unsettingly vulnerable. "Little Nine, what's wrong?" "Nothing, I just mean Seventh Sister and the rest will return soon. Let's patiently wait." Despite her words, Dongfang Minghui split her focus on the old man's group, with remaining attention outside. After Toothless exited, the strange noise seemed to cease almost immediately. "Little Colour, stay vigilant." Little Colour stealthily extended a vine into the darkness, poking at Mu Sheng, nearly terrifying his soul from his body. Fortunately, Mu Sheng's spiritual companion, Xiao Lu, was somewhat familiar with Little Colour. Within the span of one incense stick, the old man and his companions suddenly collapsed into unconsciousness, startling Dongfang Minghui. She sprang up, pulling Qian Yiling behind her, eyes wary of the dark corner where the old man lay, fearing any further trickery. Each movement was cautious, haunted by suspicion. "Little Nine, what's going on?" "Minghui, don't worry. I had Little White drug them to sleep soundly," Mu Sheng explained, noticing her taut nerves and reassuring her. Dongfang Minghui sighed, lacking the energy to roll her eyes. "You should’ve said so sooner; I thought we'd been attacked by a ferocious beast." "A ferocious beast? I doubt any could squeeze into this crevice." Before Mu Sheng could finish her jest, a resounding dragon roar erupted by their ears.