253 - Mistress, I Was Wrong

**Mistress of the Novel, I Was Wrong** - Chapter 253: Prolonging Life "I heard that the old Lan family's kid was taken." "What kid? That's the one Old Lai planned to trade for the longevity liquid..." Dongfang Minghui and Qian Wanyu ventured deep into the forest, swinging their legs while seated on a sturdy tree, listening to the gossip. It was the first time she heard such a cacophony of random voices, a medley of all sorts. It was as if every tree had developed a consciousness, and the entire forest had become the domain of tree spirits. No wonder they found it challenging to navigate; they had barely walked far before being stumped by the current predicament. Seeing the subtle relaxation in Dongfang Minghui’s brows, Qian Wanyu playfully took her hand, fiddling with the callouses there. Noting Minghui’s absent-mindedness, she teasingly nibbles at her fingers. "Seventh Sister, stop messing around." "But did you hear some good news?" A smug smile curled at Dongfang Minghui's lips. She hadn't expected the Pig Immortal Grass's strategy to be effective. After eavesdropping for a while, she'd finally caught some useful information. She nodded lightly, "Seventh Sister, I still need you to accompany me somewhere." "A Ninth Sister's invitation, of course, I’ll accompany you." "Stop teasing." With a serious demeanor, Qian Wanyu raised an eyebrow, "Who’s teasing? I even brought the ledger. Does Ninth Sister want to personally review it?" The mention of the ledger brought back embarrassing memories. Was Seventh Sister being serious??? Dongfang Minghui glared at Seventh Sister in mock anger, "Seventh Sister, the place we're heading is rather dangerous. At critical moments, I might need your help." It wasn't clear what kind of entity the ‘esteemed one’ described by the tree and plant spirits truly was. Directed by the mischievous plants, who seemed intent on watching a spectacle, the two bantered as they walked and soon arrived at the place the plants had indicated — presumably the territory of the ‘esteemed one’. Before them stood an ancient tree, the age of which was indiscernible. Its branches were so dense and heavy that they bent the tree to a burdensome low, creating an illusion that it might collapse under its weight. The vines suspended from its branches blanketed the entire area within a hundred miles. Behind them lay the forest, a clear demarcation making her feel like, with one step forward, she would cross into someone else's territory. Dongfang Minghui and Qian Wanyu glanced back to see the plants, once loud with chatter, had retreated into their shells, quiet as chicks. All the noise from before had abruptly ended, the atmosphere around them shifting to an eerie silence. The vines rustled on the ground, weaving like countless snakes, reaching out to them, stopping just shy of crossing the boundary. Seeing the ancient tree reminded Dongfang Minghui of the ancestor of the Celestial Immortal Physique — venerable but much smaller than this tree. "Seventh Sister." "Is it this tree?" Dongfang Minghui felt hesitant, nodding lightly, "It should be the entity they spoke of." Qian Wanyu held onto her hand, releasing a faint spiritual energy as they stood quietly. In the soul sea, they communicated, "Tell me everything you've learned, and what you plan to do with it." Dongfang Minghui was forthright, "I intended to persuade the tree that holds Ding Ding to release him, offering the longevity liquid it needs in return to compensate." Qian Wanyu listened carefully and then gradually spoke, "Your plan is good, but did you consider what you'll offer this ancient tree in exchange for what it wants? Given the hundreds or even thousands of years it's existed, it's likely more challenging than the previous tree. Making a deal with it is like dealing with a cunning adversary. If it discerns the uniqueness of your blood and desires to keep you, what then?" Listening to Seventh Sister's analysis, Dongfang Minghui felt struck with realization. She'd been somewhat overconfident, thinking her little cleverness would suffice in rescuing Ding Ding. Now, she felt foolish. She had almost willingly handed herself over to a dangerous beast. "Seventh Sister, what should we do now?" "Do you know what the longevity liquid is? For now, let's understand everything clearly before considering whether to negotiate with the previous tree or with this current one." "Alright." Dongfang Minghui felt embarrassed, realizing she underestimated the situation. Qian Wanyu’s words subtly reminded her not to act impulsively. Having made their plan, they refrained from entering the ancient tree's domain and instead retraced their steps. Before leaving, Qian Wanyu looked back at the old tree, which seemed indifferent to their presence, standing firmly. Unexpectedly, a hint of coolness surrounded the soul indigo grass within her soul sea, which vanished as they walked away. "Ninth Sister." "Huh?" Qian Wanyu had intended to inquire about the soul indigo grass, but seeing her companion’s furrowed face, she gently shook her head instead, "You should continue probing about ‘that esteemed one’s deeds and also inquire about the nature of the longevity liquid." Dongfang Minghui knocked her own head lightly, thinking her intelligence must be flawed, as had it not been for Seventh Sister’s caution, she might have recklessly delivered herself to that ancient tree. "Pig Immortal Grass, why is that tree able to claim an area of a hundred miles?" Dongfang Minghui found the approach quite overbearing. "If I'm not mistaken, the ancient tree back there is the overlord of this forest. You’ve already shown yourself to it; without a proper farewell, it probably won't let you leave." "Eh?" Dongfang Minghui was startled. "So I brought about another issue?" "Not necessarily. Remember, one must know oneself and the enemy to win a hundred battles. Knowing 'that esteemed one's style early will help you devise a strategy to deal with it. Rushing in could inadvertently put you in a passive position." Pig Immortal Grass said nonchalantly, "Besides, with Seventh Sister and Yu Chi Shou on your side, a good collaboration means it might not pose a threat." Dongfang Minghui felt sheepish; she was, indeed, a bit scared. Especially her first impression of that ancient tree was discomforting — possibly due to its imposing size which created a psychological pressure. "Seventh Sister, Pig Immortal Grass suggests our path must cross that ancient tree." "Let’s tackle the current problem first." "Alright." Retracing their way, they noticed the plants resumed their chattering. A few bold ones even asked, "You’ve returned, was 'that esteemed one' harsh on you?" "Yes, yes, I find it quite intimidating..." Dongfang Minghui played demure to extract valuable information from the chatty plants and also probed about the longevity liquid, gathering plenty of information along the way. However, upon returning to where Yu Chi Shou’s group resided, Dongfang Minghui and Qian Wanyu fumed at the chaos. Yu Chi Shou and Little Hui were hanging suspended, their fates uncertain. "I had nothing to do with it; he incited it first." Little Color cursed loudly. Spotting Dongfang Minghui and Qian Wanyu, it quickly recounted Yu Chi Shou’s reckless actions, "I warned him, but he didn’t listen." The result of not listening was his current predicament. Dongfang Minghui couldn’t help but facepalm at the troublesome duo. "And how are they now?" Little Color plopped on the ground, pointing at others eager to cause trouble, "I pleaded, practically begged everyone, and only then managed to spare their lives." It gestured for Dongfang Minghui, "Come here, let me tell you something." Seeing its mysterious air, Dongfang Minghui guessed it might be something significant. She pulled Seventh Sister, and the three crouched to speak softly, "What’s up?" The story began with Yu Chi Shou inadvertently starting a fire. The blaze quickly spread, igniting the nearby trees' leaves. Watching the situation, Little Color felt hopeless, filled with anger and disappointment. Immediately, it attempted to douse the flames. Unexpectedly, the forest trees exhibited great unity; some vines viciously lashed Yu Chi Shou, then suspended Little Hui in mid-air, dangling. Then, out of nowhere, the vines brought in a large tortoise, presumably a water-type beast. It arrived spouting water, extinguishing the fire within half an incense stick’s duration. "Are you suggesting there are other creatures hidden within this forest?" "That's right," Little Color added. "Though that tortoise was wet when it arrived, it seemed like it had been pulled out of water to help. After I asked again, none of them wanted to talk about it anymore. Plus, haven’t you noticed their attitude towards you has changed?" Dongfang Minghui and Qian Wanyu exchanged a glance. "Let Yu Chi Shou and Little Hui hang there for now, as long as they're not in danger." "Agreed," Little Color concurred. "It was excessive; he knows we're most afraid of fire-type spiritual power. This oversight crossed the line, and they deserved some punishment." Speaking of attitude... Dongfang Minghui had noticed the silence upon her return. The previously affectionate vines hadn’t approached her playfully, which explained why she hadn't heard much about any fire incident while gathering information. The issue stemmed from this matter. "Let's put them aside for now; later, I'll think of a way to improve their impression of us." Qian Wanyu whispered, "Share the information you gathered with us. Together, we might brainstorm a solution for our current predicament." "Ah, so you were off gathering intelligence! I thought you were—" Having a romantic moment. "Let me start with what the longevity liquid is," Dongfang Minghui explained with a slight air of despair, knowing they would eventually face it. "According to them, ‘that esteemed one's’ domain has a cave three fathoms deep with a rare heavenly treasure known as longevity liquid yellow crystal. Every fifty years, nature distills it into liquid, which becomes the longevity liquid. ‘That esteemed one’ stumbled upon it by sheer luck and has ruled like a tyrant over that area, claiming a hundred miles, marking its territory and driving away the surrounding trees." "Minghui, stop being vague. What exactly is ‘that esteemed one’?" "It's an ancient tree, more formidable than the ancestor of the Celestial Immortal Physique," Dongfang Minghui confessed, sparing no details. The latter still bore a shred of innocence and kindness, but this tree was different. "This tree is notorious for stealing treasures from the other plants. It has existed for so long that even the eldest trees can't recall its beginning, and none would dare offend it lightly. The previous talk of trading for blue fruit was a misunderstanding. Instead, it’s more of a tribute. When the blue fruit ripens, ‘that esteemed one’ seizes it. If it’s not surrendered, it cuts off the water supply to that tree, making it a hard nut to crack." "And what about the longevity liquid? Can it truly extend life?" "From their conversations, it seems legitimate. After all, that tree has lived for over five hundred years." Little Color shrank a bit, realizing they were up against a magical plant even more mischievous than itself. Qian Wanyu queried, "So, the trade of blue fruit for longevity liquid is false?" Dongfang Minghui lightly shook her head, "Not entirely a lie. If the tribute is sufficiently abundant, ‘that esteemed one’ might reward some longevity liquid to those who comply. That's why their discussions would veer from blue fruit to longevity liquid." Little Color felt it had learned a great deal; compared to its own exploits, this was truly a 'passing blue surpassing blue' scenario. Understanding the situation, Qian Wanyu realized it was akin to a bandit’s practice—rewarding those who pleased it with spoils. She stroked her chin, "I find myself newly intrigued by the longevity liquid." "What?" Dongfang Minghui thought she was joking until she met Seventh Sister’s mischievous eyes. "But what about Ding Ding?" "Easy enough, ‘that esteemed one’ covets treasures, and we don’t need to negotiate with the ancient tree. Later, Ninth Sister, just tell it that Ding Ding is a peerless treasure and suggest substituting Ding Ding for the blue fruit." "..." Little Color gazed intently at Qian Wanyu, "That’s a sound plan." Dongfang Minghui shot it a glare—what’s so good about that idea? It’s just swapping one danger for another, leaving her to rescue Ding Ding again later. Qian Wanyu, amused by her distressed demeanor, drew her close beside her. "What’s going on in that little head of yours? When the old tree is about to present it, ‘that esteemed one’ will surely check the goods. That’ll be Ding Ding’s chance to escape, okay?" "Oh, so Seventh Sister plans for Ding Ding to flee during that moment? But what if it gets caught again?" "Then we’ll fight." Dongfang Minghui pondered briefly, "Seventh Sister plans to seize the opportunity to take the longevity liquid?" Qian Wanyu nodded approvingly, "Right, it’s a natural treasure. It feels wrong to leave it to a tree." Little Color pouted, "I can help too, but I want a share of the longevity liquid." Dongfang Minghui rolled her eyes, they hadn't even gotten it yet, and here they were divvying up the spoils. "Wake up, all of you. That 'esteemed one’s' domain isn’t easy to breach; its vines monitor us as soon as we step into its territory." "So, how do we get it?" "We need to plan carefully." Qian Wanyu pointed upward, suggesting thoughtfully, "Ninth Sister, go discuss with the old tree, tell it that as travelers we also have fine gifts for 'that esteemed one’. No time like the present, arrange a meeting." Dongfang Minghui looked at her humble stock of spiritual herbs, worriedly, "But Seventh Sister, there's not much impressive in my space." Qian Wanyu’s eyes twinkled with irony, "In that space of yours is treasure beyond measure, Ninth Sister. It's up to you to decide what to offer." "No way..." "What should I prepare?" "Transform the Pig Immortal Grass and the Man-eating Grass into tribute gifts. I have a task for them." Pig Immortal Grass popped up its head, "Seems fun!" Dongfang Minghui rolled her eyes; how could it be fun? She might end up being a meal for that ancient tree. "Seventh Sister, it's too risky. Can we use something else?" Little Color suddenly morphed into a vine, prancing before Qian Wanyu, "Look at me, can I be a gift to 'that esteemed one’ too?" Qian Wanyu assessed and shook her head, "No, too ordinary. Just the Man-eating Grass, Pig Immortal Grass, and Obsidian Soil." "What!!! Ordinary!!" Little Color nearly went berserk, caught by Dongfang Minghui who sternly warned, "Behave, Seventh Sister likely has another task for you, don't mess it up, okay?" Dongfang Minghui was exasperated by their antics. Qian Wanyu nodded approvingly, "Since you formed a blood pact with Ninth Sister, I'm concerned 'that esteemed one’ might notice. Just to be safe, stay by Ninth Sister. However, I do have a task for you now." "What?" "Yu Chi Shou and Little Hui." —— Dongfang Minghui exaggerated Ding Ding's brilliance, describing it as a rare treasure, unmatched and an opportunity not to be missed. She impressed the old tree so much that they quickly agreed to present tributes to ‘that esteemed one’ in three days. Of course, the old tree aimed to trade treasures for longevity liquid; it knew its time was short without it. Using the treasures from Dongfang Minghui, it dared to invite them along. "Remember, keep this sphere secure. If Ding Ding escapes from there, even I can’t catch it," Dongfang Minghui warned repeatedly, worried the old tree might let Ding Ding slip. "Alright." Watching the sphere bob slightly, Dongfang Minghui felt a strong desire to check on Ding Ding. However, reasoning with him now might anger the forest’s trees into an attack—a risk too great to take. Ding Ding, please hold out a few more days. Little Color, meanwhile, was nearly parched from negotiating, but finally, the vines released Yu Chi Shou and Little Hui, letting them crash to the ground. Despite the hard fall, both showed no reaction. Qian Wanyu checked their pulses—weak but alive—and relaxed, waiting for Dongfang Minghui to tend to them. "Looks like they were hit by confusion smoke," Little Color speculated, having witnessed the vines’ beating. It couldn’t intervene even if it wanted. "So many wounds." Looking up earlier, Dongfang Minghui hadn’t seen all the injuries, but now, inspecting Yu Chi Shou, she found his face etched with scars from vine lashes. Little Hui was less injured. Dongfang Minghui winced at Yu Chi Shou’s injuries, feeling pained for him, "I wonder if Yu Chi Shou is married." "Married?" "Yes, if his face is ruined, he might struggle to find a wife later. But if he's already married, the couple could just make do," Dongfang Minghui jested while Yu Chi Shou was still unconscious. After all, a real partner wouldn’t hesitate due to appearances, only cherishing him more—or if he encounters someone unworthy, well, who knows. Little Color chuckled without restraint, "Honestly, his face looks a bit better now than before." Qian Wanyu made no comment. She trusted that with Ninth Sister’s help, Yu Chi Shou’s facial injuries would be fine. And even if they weren’t, it would serve as a lesson for this reckless dragon who needed to be taught some humility. "This forest is unlike any we've encountered before. Be cautious with what you say; it might sell our words to 'that esteemed one.'" "Indeed," Little Color agreed. "This group of trees seems to have acquired some human-like flaws, possibly from living too long or through past experiences. Whatever the case, we must remain vigilant." Dongfang Minghui conducted basic bandaging and then released her wood-element spirit power, allowing the surrounding trees to feel it. She maintained this until the two on the ground began to stir back to consciousness, whereupon she pulled back her energy. “Ouch.” Yu Chi Shou attempted to rise but fell back heavily. “What happened to me?” “Don’t you remember?” Little Color taunted. “The vines only wanted to scare you a bit. Had you let them play around, they would've let you go. But no, you tried to burn them.” With Little Color’s sharp reminder, Yu Chi Shou quickly recalled. He jumped up, though his body ached as if crushed, “Play around? I am a noble dragon guardian, and this bunch—” “Enough,” Qian Wanyu interrupted. “Yu Chi Shou, you need to assess your current state. Do you think you can continue traveling with us in this condition?” Little Hui, meanwhile, had transformed into human form and stayed obediently by Dongfang Minghui’s side, having realized its injuries were treated. Hearing Seventh Sister's voice turn serious again, Dongfang Minghui grew anxious. Qian Wanyu stood up, placing several formation stones around four trees, forming a small array encapsulating them. “Explain our plan to Yu Chi Shou. Hopefully, in three days, his injuries will heal.” Yu Chi Shou looked bewildered, "What plan?" Dongfang Minghui dismissed him with a glare, “To rescue your young master.” They sat together, discussing openly within the soundless barrier of Qian Wanyu’s array. Any external vines attempting contact with the barrier were promptly repelled, sparking their curiosity or interest. Qian Wanyu watched the fascination of the vines, some escalating from mere curiosity to actual assault, even uncovering the decoy stones she had planted. Qian Wanyu smirked, those were just decoys. The real stones were buried deeper. “What are they trying to do, Seventh Sister?” “Hard to say. It seems like random probing, but it could also be them testing our defenses, not necessarily under anyone’s orders.” Qian Wanyu handed a fire-element pearl spring to Yu Chi Shou, “You have three days to reach your peak condition.” Yu Chi Shou snorted, "Such minor wounds, I won't need three days." He promptly began his cultivation. Little Hui sat quietly nearby, eyes closed, seemingly asleep while sitting. Perhaps due to the fire-element pearl, the probing vines withdrew significantly, with their attacks slowing. As Dongfang Minghui and Little Color watched the relentless poking, they worried the array might be crushed. “Seventh Sister, should we remove the barrier? They didn’t attack us before.” “That was before,” Qian Wanyu reminded. She knew full well some plants were not to be trusted. Better to complete their training undisturbed and deal with everything afterward. “Okay. Seventh Sister, you start cultivating, and I’ll guard you.” “Alright.” Dongfang Minghui took a position beside her, her spiritual power automatically gathering around, forming a green vortex drawing in the forest's essence and temporarily blocking the vines. Little Color looked on with envy, marveling at her talent—how fortunate it was to have stumbled upon her. Three days passed peacefully, and everyone awoke as agreed. Qian Wanyu dismantled the array, retrieving her stones, thankful she’d hidden them well. The forest’s flora, compared to those in Ninth Sister's spatial realm, was far from endearing. Dongfang Minghui led the group to the ancient tree. Perhaps due to prior warning, the meddlesome vines didn't emerge. Everything was eerily quiet, somewhat unnervingly so. “Seventh Sister, it's strangely silent. It feels odd.” “Don't worry,” Qian Wanyu reassured softly, “I’ll handle it.” With her reassurance, Dongfang Minghui felt her tension ease. The old tree was quite a character, having somehow procured vines resembling Little Color’s, covered with thorny spikes. Ding Ding was tangled into a ball, moving erratically as it struggled side to side. “Little Color, is that one of your kind?” “Absolutely not—" No way I’m related to something so ugly. Little Color rolled its eyes, cautioning in the soul sea, “Be careful. If we face a group assault, holding against the entire forest is a major concern. Escape could be tricky.” “I know. Stick with Seventh Sister’s plan, and find the longevity liquid with Pig Immortal Grass.” “Alright.” The group was led by the vines to 'that esteemed one’s' territory. Knowing of their arrival, the ground-bound vines parted, forming a welcoming path. Dongfang Minghui walked ahead, discreetly tossing two scented pellets into corners, allowing Little Color and Pig Immortal Grass to slip away unnoticed. Qian Wanyu kept her focus forward, as did Yu Chi Shou, who maintained his calm as they approached the old tree, with Little Hui trailing closely. When the vines halted about a meter from 'that esteemed one', they presented Ding Ding and introduced Dongfang Minghui and her companions in the voice of the blue fruit old tree. Stepping forward, Dongfang Minghui offered up the Man-eating Grass alongside Ding Ding, “Esteemed one, we wish to pass through your forest. We offer this small token of respect, hoping you might allow us passage. We hope you'll accept.” “What is it?” “It’s a Man-eating Grass,” Dongfang Minghui stood unwaveringly, watching Ding Ding wriggle against the vines, unable to stop moving. “It eats people, hence the name Man-eating Grass.” An ancient voice full of weariness reached her ears. A smile graced Dongfang Minghui’s lips, “Yes, esteemed one, but its true prowess lies not in its appetite, but in gaining the abilities of whatever it consumes.” “Oh?” Apparently uninterested, Dongfang Minghui briefly considered having Pig Immortal Grass demonstrate its capabilities. She was pondering the possibility of sacrificing Obsidian Soil. Giving up Obsidian Soil for the longevity liquid... She felt a pang of heartache over the prospect, worried about Little Color and Pig Immortal Grass finding the fabled longevity liquid. If they failed and were caught, breaking free would mean severe consequences. “Then let’s test it,” came the gruff voice again. “What would esteemed one have it consume? This vine ball here seems fitting.” Dongfang Minghui warned the Man-eating Grass with a glance, and it trembled—it wasn’t up for the daunting task of consuming the Longevity Cauldron. Unexpectedly, the vine ball stilled; just as Dongfang Minghui planned to commend Ding Ding’s behavior, it suddenly bolted and slammed into the Man-eating Grass. The Man-eating Grass cooperated, ejecting a plum blossom spike, which embedded in the vine, its poison quickly taking effect. The vine ball unfurled in a flash, freeing Ding Ding once more into the light. "Little Nine, Little Nine." Dongfang Minghui made a series of exaggerated facial expressions at Ding Ding, who was utterly confused and flew right up to her to take a closer look, opening her eyelids with its tiny hands, "Little Nine, what's wrong with your eyes?" A laugh echoed—neither cold nor warm—that was enough to send shivers down everyone’s spine. The vines on both sides slowly began to close in. Qian Wanyu flicked her fingers along her Thunderwater Whip thrice, and on the fourth, she unleashed a bolt of violet lightning at the old tree. This bolt was unlike any before it, mixing a subtle trace of black that flashed by so quickly it was hardly visible. The frustration pent up within Yu Chi Shou burst forth as he witnessed Qian Wanyu's move, climbing up the old tree with agility. However, he faced immediate resistance. The tree used its branches as if they were its hands, swiping at Dongfang Minghui and Qian Wanyu alongside Yu Chi Shou. The branches combined with vines created the appearance of a demonic claw. "I underestimated you." Having been tricked before, Yu Chi Shou transformed into a dragon—a fiery one that soared skyward, igniting the obstructing vines. Flames swiftly engulfed half the tree, sending many vine-tangled branches crashing down in smoldering ruin. Yu Chi Shou celebrated too soon. While he continued exhaling fireballs, several vines pierced through his tail. “Roar—” Little Hui, the white-haired being, swiftly dodged the vines that tried to encircle him. However, his combat skills were lacking, and the vines soon focused their attack, wrapping him into a ball just as they had done with Ding Ding before. But soon, it reemerged, alternating between the white-haired form and Little Hui. Forced back by the blazing heat, Dongfang Minghui retreated a few steps, watching as the entire tree became engulfed in flames. She felt a twinge of pity. "If you could let us pass, we would—" "Stop wasting words; it has reinforcements," Yu Chi Shou, shifting back to human form, called from the tree. He bore a large hole in his calf, a wound inflicted by the vines earlier. As he caught his breath, he spotted a spectacle along the river. “What!” Yu Chi Shou clearly saw grotesque creatures crawling up from the riverbank, all huge in size, advancing towards their location. Recalling Little Color's hint about water beasts left him perturbed. These days, even trees knew how to call for backup. Unhurriedly, Qian Wanyu continued dealing with the vines before crushing some pills in her palm and sprinkling them over the vines. Initially aggressive, the vines' attacks waned over time. “What is this?” the old tree asked nonchalantly, extending a vine through the crushed pills towards Dongfang Minghui. “An intoxicating concoction, made especially for you.” Ding Ding sat beside Dongfang Minghui, muttering, “Little Nine, we should hit them.” Dongfang Minghui took a step back as the vines encircled her feet, suggesting an impending trap. “Even with reinforcements, you're struggling to hold out. You'd better just let us go peacefully.” “No,” the old tree refused to budge, “You are remarkable.” “What nonsense.” “If you're willing to stay here with me, I’ll let them leave unharmed and overlook all past grievances.” The old tree circled Dongfang Minghui relentlessly, trying to persuade her. Countless vines surrounded her, collapsing only to be succeeded by more, determined and courageous. “I can give you the longevity liquid. It can grant you a long life, as lengthy as mine, at my age.” Flattery and allure were hurled her way like sharpened arrows amidst the encroaching smoke, which threatened to blind everyone. The constant barrage of enticements shook her resolve slightly, making her realize that Seventh Sister was right—the old tree’s shrewdness had seen through her. “Seventh Sister.” “Stay put, don’t move.” Just as the words were exchanged, the vines themselves split into two forces—one aimed at Qian Wanyu and the other pushing Dongfang Minghui towards the old tree, creating an impenetrable barrier of vines between them. Yu Chi Shou found himself entangled, battling both the water beasts and the relentless push from all angles, unable to spare any help. “Little Hui is missing.”