246 - Mistress, I Was Wrong

# Chapter 246: Peculiarities This path is entirely opposite to the one they traversed before; one descends while the other ascends. Following the terrain depicted by the Dragon's Elixir map, they made their way upwards, pausing for a break only midway up the mountain. "Wow, have we really come this far?" Not seeing was one thing, but upon looking down, they could clearly observe the endless flow of water running along the path they had traveled. Dongfang Minghui played with the water briefly; it was icy but more temperate than the freezing waters they had encountered at the Yin-Yang Spring. The waterfalls, rivers, and mountain streams of the past were nowhere to be seen—merely a distant dot on the horizon, impossible to define clearly. Splash, splash— Little Bean Sprout and Little Hui were frolicking in the stream, sending up a cascade of spray as the water cascaded down, soaking both of them thoroughly. Despite being of different natures, they were having a great time in the water. Some of the splashes landed on them, spurring Dongfang Minghui to pull Qian Wanyu to a safe distance. Looking up along the water flow, she asked, "Seventh Sister, do you think this stream originates from the mountain's peak?" "It should." "Then does that mean we're close to finding the Dragon Tribe's land?" Qian Wanyu hesitated. Although the map indicated the Dragon Tribe's land was still a distance from this waterway, discouraging Dongfang Minghui further would make her anxious. "There's no rush. We've already shortened the journey. If we detoured through the Ice Lotus Mountain's outer ring, it would take us months." Hearing they'd taken a shortcut, Dongfang Minghui felt a bit relieved. Little Hui's injuries were gradually healing. Usually, it stayed within the waterway and would move upstream when they left. Its two feet crawled quickly enough to keep up with them, though occasionally, it was swept downstream by the current. She had once witnessed one such incident, coming to understand how the friction wounds on Little Hui's underbelly occurred. After resting for a short time, they prepared to leave. Little Bean Sprout, soaking in the water, suddenly squirmed, nimbly burrowing into Little Fatty for refuge. Meanwhile, Little Hui, watching them silently from the water, slipped and was swept backward by the current, colliding heavily with jagged rocks. Its body was flung out; its abdomen was slashed open by a sharp stone, leaving a half-meter-long gash oozing blood. "Little Hui." "Don't aid it; let it use its own strength." Qian Wanyu regarded Little Hui with indifference, blocking Dongfang Minghui's way. Ding Ding fluttered its wings, hesitating to intervene due to Qian Wanyu's earlier instruction, intently watching the wound on Little Hui's abdomen. "Oh dear, Little Hui's bleeding." Dongfang Minghui, torn, softened her tone as she addressed Little Hui, "Avoid those rocks and come here. I'll apply some medicine for you." Little Hui’s injuries seemed to cycle continuously, a new wound surfacing as soon as an old one healed. Initially, Dongfang Minghui worried, thinking the constant injuries an issue. Eventually, she realized Little Hui could only live in the water. On land, its short front paws failed to support it properly, leading to abrasions when it moved. Additionally, its elongated body dragged much of itself along the ground when moving. Its soft underbelly, if fortunate enough to encounter soft grass, allowed it to traverse short distances. Unfortunately, they were on an uphill path. With a glance from its beady black eyes, Little Hui leapt from the water, landing awkwardly on its feet, while its tail smacked the ground with force, still unable to master its strength. Witnessing this had her wincing in sympathy. Yet seeing Seventh Sister’s impassive expression left her speechless. Since Little Hui rejoined their group, Seventh Sister had been especially stern with it. Ding Ding was forbidden from carrying it; instead, Little Hui had to walk on its own. Even when hurt, it wasn't allowed to be assisted, forced instead to heal itself before slowly catching up. All manner of constraints were imposed. In recent days, she'd wondered if Little Hui had somehow offended Seventh Sister. Dongfang Minghui, observing Little Hui offering its belly for medicine, felt a pang of tenderness. It’s said that when an animal exposes its vulnerable side, it shows trust and acceptance. "Little Hui, bear with me." After examining the wound, Dongfang Minghui realized it was deep, cautioning, "This injury is quite severe. You'll need proper rest until it fully heals before soaking in water again." Little Black Bean waved its short paws, coiling its tail tightly. Little Bean Sprout watched keenly from behind Little Fatty, both eyes fixed on Little Hui's abdomen. Having washed her hands, Dongfang Minghui offered, "Seventh Sister, this isn't sustainable. Perhaps—" Qian Wanyu anticipated her suggestion and interrupted, "It's not difficult to allow Little Hui to effortlessly follow us to the Dragon Tribe's land. The challenge lies in whether it can survive potential dangers." Dongfang Minghui understood the reasoning, "But—" "Nine Sister, you can care for Toothless, Little Color, Pig Immortal Grass, even Little Bean Sprout, but for Little Hui, it must fend for itself." "And Ding Ding." Ding Ding flapped its wings, chiming in, "Little Nine also looks after Ding Ding." Dongfang Minghui extended a finger, and Ding Ding promptly clutched it, dangling it back and forth. "Seventh Sister, why are you so insistent?" No matter the resolve, it didn’t change Little Hui's continual bruising. "Little Nine, Little Nine," Ding Ding exclaimed excitedly, "It can morph." "Morph into what?" Ding Ding hastily fetched a stone and placed it before her, then swapped it for a leaf. Dongfang Minghui suddenly grasped, "Oh, Ding Ding, you're suggesting Little Hui use this method to travel?" "Yes." Ding Ding harbored its own curiosity, eager to understand how Little Hui managed such feats. Qian Wanyu watched them with amusement, a faint smile briefly gracing her lips before she composed herself, leaning casually against a nearby spot. Dongfang Minghui explained Ding Ding's idea to Little Hui, with Ding Ding interjecting here and there. They made a surprisingly harmonious pair. "Little Hui, did you understand?" "Ah—" No sooner had she finished than Little Hui swiftly transformed into a log. Ding Ding anxiously sought it out, finding it several meters away, coiled around a tree, signaling its presence. Little Hui's sudden relocation was unexpectedly within expectation. To someone unaware, it would seem like it had the ability to shrink the earth. "Little Nine, Little Nine, over here." Dongfang Minghui caught a fleeting smile on Seventh Sister’s face, realizing, "Seventh Sister, you've been encouraging it to harness its strengths. I hadn't considered that angle." Qian Wanyu gently flicked her forehead, "You see, when you're soft-hearted, you overlook things. Come on, let's continue our journey." As Ding Ding darted ahead, it marveled at Little Hui's frequent stone-mimicking transformation, fascinated and inadvertently nearly collided with a tree. They trailed behind, occasionally hearing Ding Ding’s heightened, cheerful cries. "Seventh Sister, Ding Ding won’t feel lonely anymore." "Ding Ding is naturally sociable, but when the opportunity arises, it too needs a chance to grow." Watching Ding Ding soar erratically, Dongfang Minghui remarked, "Seventh Sister, does Ding Ding's master still exist in this world? Last time you mentioned it, Ding Ding seemed upset. It's the first time I've seen it show such feelings." Typically, Ding Ding was carefree, not once mentioning its master. Qian Wanyu shook her head, saying no more. If Ding Ding’s master truly reached the status of a Spirit Emperor, they wouldn't have vanished so abruptly. Such a formidable being, even if absent, should have a reputation that commands respect across the world. How could they allow the Longevity Cauldron to be forsaken on the Ice Lotus Mountain, as if disregarded entirely? The most unfortunate scenario would be that this powerful being close to a Spirit Emperor accidentally fell from grace. "In the future, let’s avoid mentioning Ding Ding’s master in front of it." "Ding Ding is carefree now, it’s best left unsaid," Dongfang Minghui agreed. Mentioning it might only incite unnecessary troubles. Besides, where would she even find Ding Ding a master? Saying those words originally was merely a tactical move to coax the Longevity Cauldron. Little Fatty and Little Bean Sprout walked at the rear, quietly listening to their conversation. Little Fatty gently touched Little Bean Sprout's branch, "Ah." Little Bean Sprout snuggled close to Little Fatty, "Little Fatty, let’s never part." Little Fatty hesitated briefly, then nodded earnestly. Hearing Little Bean Sprout, Dongfang Minghui glanced back at them, sighed softly, reminiscing about their inseparable bond. Unexpectedly, Ding Ding unexpectedly darted back after having gone ahead, diving straight into Dongfang Minghui's embrace. "Little Nine, there's someone ahead." "Oh? Someone?" Dongfang Minghui was skeptical, given the remoteness of this place. They hadn’t encountered a single magical beast, nor had Ding Ding found any fish it wanted. For days, Ding Ding and Little Hui subsisted on her stash of gnawing sticks, nearly depleted by now. Hearing of someone's presence was naturally surprising. "Lead the way, Ding Ding," Qian Wanyu instructed immediately. By the time they arrived, Little Hui was already hidden, lying in ambush, watching intently. Its dark little eyes were fixated on the person ahead, even as they approached, resembling a natural predator waiting to strike. Before them stood a tall man with white hair, carrying a small basket on his back. With his back to them, his face was obscured. From his exposed skin between his sleeves and trouser legs, they gauged his age. He was crouched by the grass, vigorously uprooting plants by their roots. Dongfang Minghui quickly discerned he was searching for herbs but seemed to lack expertise. He tossed various plants into his basket indiscriminately as if fearing to miss any useful herb. Once the man had walked far enough with his basket, Qian Wanyu lingered for a moment before leisurely standing up. "It seems he might have a patient at home, prompting the urgent search for medicinal herbs. Seventh Sister, should we follow him and see?" "Naturally." After such an encounter, it wasn’t something to pass up, particularly as their path coincided. The man was tall, standing a head above Qian Wanyu when upright. His steady stride covered ground quickly. Qian Wanyu and Dongfang Minghui managed to keep pace only with considerable effort. Suddenly, the man took the basket from his shoulder and tossed it into the flowing water below before vanishing over the edge. Dongfang Minghui widened her eyes, tugging on Qian Wanyu, "Seventh Sister, is there a path down there too?" Qian Wanyu hushed her, sending Ding Ding to investigate, "Be cautious, don’t let yourself be discovered." "Alright." Ding Ding transformed into a little bee, speeding downstream through the water, descending slightly before emerging, returning to them. It tilted its head trying to articulate what it saw. "There is a way." It attempted to demonstrate an inverted flying motion, failing its amateur maneuvering and tumbling to the ground. Quickly recovering, it tried again, this time half-inverted. Dongfang Minghui caught it just in time, "Ding Ding, be careful of your Longevity Cauldron." Who knew if the dwellers inside had experienced two abrupt shifts as well. Qian Wanyu understood, "You mean the path below is reversed compared to above?" Ding Ding was elated, "Reversed, yes!" Reversed? Dongfang Minghui found it almost unbelievable. "You stay here, Ninth Sister. I’ll descend with Ding Ding to take a look." "Seventh Sister, be cautious." Qian Wanyu swiftly crossed the water, gazing down to find a reversed path. Contrary to Ding Ding’s description, it was barely wide enough for one person, with a stream accompanying it—a living stream, quite an extraordinary phenomenon, contrary to mere appearances. "If I fall, Ding Ding, catch me." "Got it." Together, they descended; the world spun, reversing their orientation. Despite the dizziness, their view of the world below was identical to that above. Had Dongfang Minghui been there, she might have seen Seventh Sister and Ding Ding walking in reverse—a peculiar sight, though she couldn’t go see it at the moment. Little Fatty let out an alarming sound, causing Dongfang Minghui to turn back just as something pricked her neck. She quickly pulled it out to find a silver needle gleaming with black, poisoned. "Little Fatty, run." "Aaah." Little Fatty grabbed her in a panic, only to discover she had collapsed, holding a porcelain vial. Little Bean Sprout tumbled forward, shrieking at the attackers, "Ahhh—" The sound was deafening; even unconscious, Dongfang Minghui couldn’t help but spit blood, her soul shaken, rousing Little Color from its cultivation. Pig Immortal Grass promptly opened the vial, feeding her two pills. "Ugh, waking up always feels like a brush with death. What’s with these white-haired folks?" Little Color complained, disgruntled by the interrupted cultivation; it was close to leveling up, now postponed once more. Timing, after all, was not yet ripe. Qian Wanyu, shaken by Little Bean Sprout's piercing cry, found it unlike the previous water-induced disorientation, reduced in effect. "It was a trap; Ding Ding, take me up." "Okay." Ding Ding, immune to Little Bean Sprout's cries, flew up with her, witnessing a retreat of white-haired individuals disappearing swiftly, especially at the sight of them. "Little Nine, Little Nine," Ding Ding exclaimed, spotting Dongfang Minghui lying unmoving. It dashed to her side, watching over her, "What’s wrong with Little Nine?" "Ninth Sister." Qian Wanyu saw her purple lips, stained with blood at the corners. Checking her pulse, she found it erratic. "What happened?" "Poisoned." Little Color manifested, larger and more mature since last time, its features matured. It wrapped the dark needle in grass, observing, "A mixed toxin, seemingly quite potent." Pig Immortal Grass tossed the porcelain vial to Qian Wanyu, "I fed her an antidote pill—no idea if it’ll work." Qian Wanyu opened the vial, instantly recognizing it as an antidote. Ninth Sister had a habit of keeping everything in pairs: one for herself, another for Qian Wanyu’s protection. Yet the most knowledgeable about toxins now lay unconscious. "Ding Ding, bring everyone out, see if anyone can identify this poison." "Why isn't Little Nine answering me?" Ding Ding, distressed, fluttered to Qian Wanyu, "What’s wrong with Little Nine?" "Ding Ding, be good. Ninth Sister is poisoned. Please let everyone out; I have something to discuss." "Okay." Unaware of poison's nature, Ding Ding enlarged the Longevity Cauldron, releasing everyone, including the beast oblivious to the situation. Many appeared disoriented, unsure of their surroundings, especially Qian Ziyan and Qian Yiling, abruptly pulled from cultivation by Ding Ding’s insistent urging, "Little Nine is poisoned; you all must find a way." "Witch." "What?" "Poisoned?" "Let me see." One by one, they examined her, but discovered no remedy. Qian Wanyu’s expression darkened. Abruptly rising, Qian Yiling quickly grabbed her wrist, "Yu’er, what are you doing?" She unsheathed her Water Thunder Whip, "I know where those people are. Find them, and we find the cure." Qian Ziyan nodded slightly, "Wanyu, I’ll go with you." "No, you all stay here. I worry they might launch another attack if this one fails. They likely use those unsuspecting silver needles for ambush. I can set up a formation. Mother, Uncle, please watch over Ninth Sister until I return." "Yu'er, take Ding Ding with you." Ding Ding stood perched on Dongfang Minghui's shoulder, occasionally touching her chin and nuzzling her cheek, looking thoroughly distressed—a sight that tugged at one's heartstrings. Qian Wanyu gently took Ding Ding in her hand, whispering, "Ding Ding, would you like to come with me to teach those who hurt Ninth Sister a lesson?" Ding Ding tilted its head, glanced at the unresponsive Dongfang Minghui, and quickly agreed, "Yes, I want to go. But what about Little Nine?" "Once we obtain the antidote, Ninth Sister will be fine." "Then let's hurry." The two swiftly moved down the path. Qian Wanyu hugged the wall as she walked, with Ding Ding perched on her forehead, glancing around distractedly. "Why does this path feel familiar?" Prompted by Ding Ding's observation, Qian Wanyu halted; a few stones fell from underfoot, landing soundlessly. She surveyed the surroundings. "Ding Ding, does this path look like the one we took before?" "Exactly the same." "So they're mirror images?" Qian Wanyu recalled their earlier path—one direction ascending, the other descending, with water continually flowing either way. And outside the canyon were those wary Hui Tribe members who dared not take a step further. As she proceeded, she pondered rapidly, "Ding Ding, if you see anything different from above, make sure to tell me." Ding Ding nodded solemnly, "I will." The little figure sat cross-legged atop Qian Wanyu’s head for a while before suddenly saying, "There's a cave." "What?" "There, over there." Ding Ding pointed out a familiar location. Qian Wanyu recognized it instantly as a spot where they had previously rested. "Could they be tracking us through mirrors, luring us away to strike at Ninth Sister?" "Hmph." Ding Ding angrily tugged two strands of Qian Wanyu's hair, "So bad, they're too bad." "But what for?" Qian Wanyu reached out, touching the cave entrance, finding no barriers or formations. She almost second-guessed her assumptions until spotting the white-haired person they previously lost track of. "Who are you people?" The white-haired person sat quietly, using a stone to crush the herbs they collected, placing them into a broken jar. Having spent ample time with Dongfang Minghui, Qian Wanyu recognized the adept movements but not the herbs. A daring thought flashed through her mind: these people needed a healer. "What do you intend to do with Ninth Sister's skills?" The person looked up suddenly. Even Qian Wanyu, who had experienced numerous bizarre encounters, was startled by the Hui head paired with a human body, "Ding Ding, did you see Little Hui just now?" Ding Ding pondered seriously, then firmly replied, "No." Qian Wanyu gritted her teeth, "That little creature is quite sly. If I catch it again, I'll skin it." "Why skin it?" "What’s your connection to the Hui Tribe outside the canyon?" The white-haired person emerged from the cave’s depths, carrying another of their kind. This one, too, bore a human body and a Hui head—disturbingly eerie. Their immense height was imposing, with the one in his arms standing over 1.8 meters tall. Increasingly convinced of her hypothesis, Qian Wanyu declared, "If you're seeking medical help, why poison Ninth Sister? Hand over the antidote, and I'll spare your life." She watched as the white-haired person fed the potion in the broken jar to the unconscious or deceased companion. Yet the potion flowed unconsumed from its mouth, unleashing more black, mushy substance. A wave of stench enveloped the cave. Qian Wanyu held her breath, blocking her sense of smell, retreating a step in mild disgust. Then Ding Ding noticed a small white-haired person outside the cave. It also possessed a Hui-like face, appearing somehow familiar with its tiny, oft-crossed black bean eyes. Ding Ding identified it, yelling by Qian Wanyu’s ear, "Little Hui, it's Little Hui." Qian Wanyu raised her guard, wary of both the large white-haired person and the small one outside the cave. Upon noticing the red scar on the smaller one's abdomen, she confirmed it was indeed Little Hui. "Bad, bad, skin it!" Little Hui stared back for a while, then produced a broken porcelain jar performing a drinking motion. "Drink?" "Is it the antidote?" The little black bean eyes of Little Hui sparkled with energy, bringing the jar directly to Qian Wanyu. "Traitor." Little Hui opened its mouth wide, roaring menacingly at the large white-haired person but lacking sharp teeth and any semblance of aggression. Qian Wanyu instructed Ding Ding, "Ding Ding, take this jar to my mother." Without hesitation, Ding Ding grabbed the jar and flew off, occasionally looking back to ask Little Hui, "Aren't you coming along?" Little Hui stayed by Qian Wanyu’s side, boldly confronting the larger white-haired individual. Qian Wanyu began piecing together the puzzle: the mirrored paths on each side of the canyon were no coincidence. However, the mystery remained as to why half-beast forms appeared outside while half-human forms were hidden here. Drawing her Water Thunder Whip, its purple electricity threatening to discharge, the large white-haired being hesitated, retreating amidst roars of protest. Uninterested in a prolonged confrontation, Qian Wanyu launched a minor lightning strike as a warning before retreating. Little Hui followed, and they both climbed back up to the surface. Little Hui transformed back into its usual two-legged form, crawling across the ground. Despite its lack of speech and the inability to articulate complex thoughts, its human-like intelligence suggested an incomplete evolution. Could it be, as Yu Chi Shou suggested, that Hui were eternally unable to fully transform? "Ah, Little Nine, Little Nine." Dongfang Minghui blinked her eyes open, startled by Ding Ding's abrupt landing on her face. She weakly swatted it away, relieved when the disturbance ceased. Qian Wanyu helped her sit up, "Little Hui found the antidote for you. You owe it your thanks." Completely bewildered, Dongfang Minghui asked, "Antidote for what?" Qian Wanyu shot a questioning glance at Ding Ding, who presented the broken jar, "For Little Nine." The stench made Dongfang Minghui nearly faint again as she pushed the jar aside, "Ding Ding, set this aside for now. I need to examine its contents later." Having blocked her sense of smell, Qian Wanyu remained unaware of the jar's noxious odor. Yet seeing Dongfang Minghui awakening brought her relief, "You frightened me." Although dimly aware of external events, Dongfang Minghui had focused on purging the domineering poison from her body with spiritual energy. It took her some time to overcome its effects. "Seventh Sister, who were those people?" Why had they lured Seventh Sister away to target her? "It was the Hui." "Hmm?" Realizing her incredulity, Qian Wanyu elaborated on her suspicions and described Little Hui's previous human-like form in detail. Finally, she addressed Yu Chi Shou, "Yu Chi Shou, you said the Hui were expelled by the Dragon Tribe. Why are they split, with some exiled beyond the canyon, and others hidden here?" Yu Chi Shou knew not why they evolved thus. He glanced at the now-curled-up Little Hui, "Why not ask it? It might know." Little Hui instinctively rose alert, recognizing Yu Chi Shou’s aura, likely associated with his dragon lineage, prompting an instinctive wariness. "Ha, this little Hui is quite sharp, indeed," Yu Chi Shou remarked, reverting to his carefree demeanor. "Indeed, I am the Dragon Tribe's guardian. If you, little Hui, relay your clan's situation truthfully, I might just consider taking you on as a little brother." Lien snorted, unimpressed. Dongfang Minghui reached out, beckoning Little Hui, which surprisingly snuggled beside her, its tail brushing against her hand. "Little Hui, you don’t have to worry. But if Yu Chi Shou understands you, feel free to tell us anything. It’s good for us to understand your intentions." Little Hui curled up tighter, pulling its head back into its body, completely ignoring Yu Chi Shou. "Hey, this little thing dares to ignore me." Yu Chi Shou had thought that flaunting his dragon heritage would impress it enough to make it comply. To his surprise, it didn't even acknowledge him, leaving him frustrated, wanting to pick up the little Hui. "Yu Chi Shou," Qian Wanyu glared at him, "Is bullying children something to be proud of?" Lien let out an untimely laugh, "That's just how he is. He used to scare me into obedience when I was a child," Lien remarked with a hint of grudging admiration. "Little Nine, are you feeling any better?" Qian Yiling ignored their quarrel, avoiding the Hui, she wiped Dongfang Minghui's face and tidied her hair. "Look, just when I left for a moment, this is how Yu'er has taken care of you. You must think about whether you truly want someone like her as your partner. Life is long; you should find someone who adores you and cherishes you." "Mother," Qian Wanyu was both surprised and flustered by her mother's words, unsure whether to be angry or pleased. "Ninth Sister is always well cared for by me. Mother, you shouldn't try to take her from me." Dongfang Minghui could only laugh bitterly and shook her head, "Mother, it's not Seventh Sister's fault. I was caught off guard." She hadn't expected the group to use a tactic to lure Seventh Sister and Ding Ding away and then attack her with a hidden weapon. There's truth in saying that comfort breeds complacency. They hadn’t faced danger on their journey, causing their vigilance to drop, giving them this opportunity. Ignoring Qian Yiling’s disapproval, Qian Wanyu carried Dongfang Minghui a bit further away from them, staying cautious. "Ninth Sister, are you really detoxified? I still worry." She closed her eyes, letting a thread of weak spiritual power enter Dongfang Minghui, circulating through her body before withdrawing. "No wonder you're so weak." Dongfang Minghui nodded guiltily, "I used my spiritual power to expel the poison, which drained me." Ding Ding decided to play with Little Hui. Seeing Little Hui with its head tucked in, Ding Ding sat in its curled body, shaking its legs. Little Hui peeked out, moved slightly, and curled up even tighter. "Little Hui, stop napping, let’s go deal with the bad guys," Ding Ding finally remembered their purpose, realizing it hadn't yet punished those who bullied Little Nine, thus starting to bother Little Hui. Little Hui ignored Ding Ding, burying its head further each time until it was finally quiet. --- "I've never heard of any mirror paths." Qian Wanyu explained her mirror hypothesis once more, resulting in Yu Chi Shou’s straightforward conclusion. "You say you've never heard of it, maybe your ancestors thought you'd never return to the Dragon Clan’s land and chose not to tell you as a lesser burden." "Possible," Yu Chi Shou acknowledged quickly. "That little Hui could explain it, saving us from wasting time here." Qian Wanyu glanced at Little Hui, surprised once more by its actions. Though Dongfang Minghui mentioned the foul-smelling jar's contents fixed the poison, "Let it go; these are their tribe's matters. It shouldn't interfere with our search for the Dragon Clan lands. In that case, everyone should resume cultivation in the cauldron. Once Ninth Sister recovers, we'll continue our journey." Mu Sheng, Zhi Lan, Xiao Miao, and Lien didn’t seem concerned. Having had little interaction with the Hui Tribe, they didn't view it as problematic. However, Qian Ziyan pulled Qian Wanyu aside to share his thoughts, "If this path leads to the Dragon Clan’s land, Yu'er, things might not be that simple." "Yes, I know." Seeing her composed demeanor, Qian Ziyan asked quietly, "Are you planning to handle this alone?" Indeed, Qian Wanyu intended to do just that. First, because Little Hui had surprised her greatly—if it were treacherous, she'd have no qualms about dealing with it harshly. Fortunately, Ninth Sister had excellent judgment; Little Hui's peculiar behavior and its tribal members bore investigation. Secondly, resolving the odd occurrences in the canyon once and for all seemed prudent. If things continued unchecked, future complications were likely unavoidable. Threats lurking in the shadows could mean life or death for them, so it was better to address it thoroughly. She preferred decisive actions. "Uncle, don't tell Mother. You know, if she knew, she'd blindly follow me into danger," Qian Wanyu whispered. "I want to ensure her safety. The Dragon Clan’s territory isn’t your place to be. Stay in the Longevity Cauldron and protect Toothless for me. I can't fully trust Yu Chi Shou." Qian Ziyan knew not what to say; Qian Wanyu, like Lingling in the past, once resolved on something, abided by it steadfastly. Once their minds were made, they were nearly impossible to sway. "Be careful in all things."