255 - Mistress, I Was Wrong

**Chapter 255: Causing Trouble** Aware of the dangers lurking in this forest, Qian Ziyan and Qian Yiling were reluctant to enter the Longevity Cauldron for cultivation. Qian Wanyu had no choice but to relent. Without Yu Chi Shou and Little Hui, their team gained two new members, maintaining a balanced number. As they stepped out of the old tree's domain, the surroundings took on a peculiar appearance. Previously, they traversed towering woods that blotted out the sky; now, it seemed they wandered into a landscape of barren mounds, reminiscent of an unkempt graveyard with one mound after another. Besides the water source near the grove, they'd not encountered a drop of water along their journey. The sun, once obscured by the canopy, now shone brightly, somewhat blindingly. Qian Wanyu surveyed the area for danger before casually choosing a spot on a hill for everyone to rest. Dongfang Minghui noticed that Little Color and Pig Immortal Grass in her space remained flat, making her anxious. Nevertheless, she needed to focus on healing Little Hui and Yu Chi Shou's injuries. Ding Ding dutifully expelled Yu Chi Shou from the Longevity Cauldron, with Lien following suit. "You're all out, but what about Toothless?" "Witch, Little Fatty and Mu Sheng are still inside the cauldron," Lien's gaze was fixated on the unconscious person. "No need to worry; that beast can hardly be called ferocious anymore," Qian Wanyu sighed. The once fierce creature had become ‘gentle’ in their hands. Being confined so long, its fighting spirit was dulled by Ding Ding, "Besides, with Ding Ding guarding, it won’t dare misbehave." "Indeed." Ding Ding took a quick glance inside the Longevity Cauldron. The ferocious beast lay near the ice coffin, eyes closed, seemingly resting. It fluttered its eyelids, sensing the scrutiny. Its alertness remained. Dongfang Minghui couldn't shake off the unease. If not for her obligation to watch over the injured, she would have preferred to guard Toothless in the Longevity Cauldron. She examined Yu Chi Shou, who was covered in blood. Though the wounds appeared frightening, they were superficial. Blood loss had caused his unconsciousness. She handed alcohol and cloth to Lien, who seemed more anxious than her, "You've followed me long enough; surely you can help clean up these blood stains." Lien was momentarily stunned before taking the items. It took a while for him to snap out of it and begin tending to the wounds. Next, she tossed him a porcelain vial, instructing, "Crush the pills inside and apply them evenly to the wounds. If it’s not enough, come to me for more." "Sure, Witch." Lien's feelings for Yu Chi Shou were complicated. Logically, he should repay the life-saving grace he received gratefully. Yet, faced with Yu Chi Shou’s aggravating face, he couldn’t help but feel anger, pondering why he ever let him go in the first place! Why did everyone abandon him? Seeing Yu Chi Shou drenched in blood, flung into the Longevity Cauldron, Lien felt an inexplicable fear—was that person also leaving him? Lien suppressed the turmoil in his eyes, diligently cleaning Yu Chi Shou’s wounds. Dongfang Minghui, observing his gentle movements, felt relieved and continued to check Little Hui’s internal injuries. Although Little Hui’s breathing was faint, it was stronger than before, clearly indicating that the essence-restoring pills were effective. She tucked another pill into Little Hui’s mouth, "Seventh Sister, everyone’s exhausted from this battle; let’s rest today and resume our journey after we're refreshed." "Alright." Later, she approached Qian Ziyan and Qian Yiling, "Mother, Uncle, please extend your hands." Qian Yiling looked resigned, "These minor injuries are nothing." "No injury is too trivial to ignore, Mother." When it came to medical matters, Dongfang Minghui was firm. As a doctor, she hated seeing minor ailments go untreated until they became serious. Though slight, dismissing small wounds could lead to something needing treatment too late. Qian Yiling chuckled helplessly, rolling up her sleeves to reveal multiple scratches on her arms, the blood dried and appearing inconsequential. After Dongfang Minghui cleaned with alcohol, the white arm made the wounds stand out, "Even if the wounds are small, mother must be cautious." Before having the chance to lecture them, she found herself being chastised by Little Nine instead. Qian Yiling laughed helplessly, "Alright, Little Nine, once the wounds heal, I'll let you check again, rest assured." "Hmm." Afterward, Dongfang Minghui turned to Qian Ziyan, who lightly shook his head, "I’m uninjured." "Uncle, I saw it myself." Dongfang Minghui pointed at her eyes. She had seen both getting too close to the leaf vortex, inevitably brushed by a few leaves, thus warranting this fuss. Unconvinced, Qian Ziyan rolled up his sleeves, revealing his arms—smooth and unblemished, even cleaner than Dongfang Minghui's own. A red thread-like mark coiled around one wrist, triggering a dormant memory. Dongfang Minghui reached out instinctively, touching Qian Ziyan's wrist. Both Qian Ziyan and Qian Yiling gave her puzzled looks, "Little Nine." Qian Ziyan promptly withdrew his hand, an unexpected breach of etiquette. "This appears to be my Celestial Infant Physique..." Hearing this, Qian Wanyu came closer, observing the red thread encircling Qian Ziyan's wrist, thoughtful, "Are you certain?" Dongfang Minghui nodded suddenly, "And the missing little radish." She vaguely recalled losing track of the Celestial Infant Physique in Trapped Dragon Valley—possibly having misplaced it in a moment of carelessness, "But it seems unlikely it ended up with Uncle. Maybe I’m mistaken." Qian Ziyan, hearing their murmurs, released his sleeve, sitting upright, "My hands were indeed injured, but the wounds healed rapidly on their own." "No wonder brother’s hands bear no scars." "Hmm." Dongfang Minghui looked puzzled at her uncle, then turned to her sister, "After enduring the living corpse’s poison, even recovery shouldn’t result in such a state; something must have altered him—" Prompted by her reminder, Qian Wanyu recalled the events in Trapped Dragon Valley involving reincarnation and time reversal, “Actually, it's not entirely impossible.” "Huh?" "Yu'er, do you know something?" Qian Wanyu cast a glance at Qian Ziyan and Qian Yiling, “Mother likely knows; Uncle was trapped in Trapped Dragon Valley for over a decade. Even though we entered twenty years later, we inadvertently did something that took us three years back in time. You were presumably still in the valley then, Uncle.” This timeframe was pieced together from fragmented memories she had left behind. Though she had no recollection, the evidence was undeniable. Otherwise, even she wouldn’t believe that they had traveled three years into the past. Qian Ziyan felt a jolt as he tried to make sense of his jumbled memories from the valley. "I should have been there." "Brother." Guilt flooded Qian Yiling’s eyes. "I’m fine now," Qian Ziyan pointed at his hand, "In fact, I’ve even gained from this." Qian Wanyu had a bold theory, "Perhaps Little Nine and I encountered you somewhere in Trapped Dragon Valley, and that’s when the Celestial Infant Physique ended up with you." Dongfang Minghui was utterly shocked, struggling to believe, "But why don’t I remember it?" "Forgetfulness is normal; memory fragments won’t leave lasting recollections. As for how I know, we owe it to the Trapped Dragon Seal revealing those memory shards," Qian Wanyu admitted it was incredible, yet on their journey, strange occurrences had become commonplace. Qian Yiling realized, "Is this Celestial Infant Physique the one I sent Zhi Lan after with you and that little elixir akin to a child?" "It’s a radish," Dongfang Minghui corrected firmly. Those little radishes were endearing, but if the Celestial Infant Physique could indeed transform Uncle’s constitution, perhaps it wasn’t a waste, "However, if this means sacrificing the Celestial Infant Physique is the only way to counter the living corpse poison in the future, it feels..." A life is a life, but those lively little beings are also lives. Balancing it out... She wished never to encounter those little radishes again. Seeing her conflicted, Qian Wanyu teasingly tapped her nose, "We’ll deal with future matters when they arise, plus you mentioned the radishes have moved—where would you even find them?" "Right, I won’t look for them." Hopefully, they’ve relocated to a serene haven, living happily, for Dongfang Minghui dearly wished they could avoid self-sacrifice. "The Celestial Infant Physique is capable of reshaping a person’s organs, meaning brother received a real blessing," Qian Yiling mused. Although she lacked thorough knowledge, she had seen the little radishes fetched before and, influenced by Little Nine, couldn’t bring herself to dislike the adorable creatures. "Little Nine, what is this Celestial Infant Physique?" Ding Ding asked curiously, having heard the term repeatedly. "Perhaps a creature as adorable as you," she replied affectionately. "Adorable?" "Ah." Dongfang Minghui spent some time playing with Ding Ding before Yu Chi Shou, under Lien's care, suddenly awoke. As soon as he opened his eyes, he was met with Lien's complicated expression. After a moment's pause, he cheekily asked, "Why aren't you in the cauldron? What are you doing out here?" Seeing Yu Chi Shou awake, Lien shot him a silent glare before walking over to Little Hui's side, not bothering to respond. Yu Chi Shou struggled to sit up, noticing the hundreds of various-sized wounds on his body. He shivered at the thought of the terrifying leaf vortex he faced before he passed out. Each leaf was like a sharp blade, instilling both fear and headaches. Glancing around at the barren mounds and water pits, he let out a hearty laugh, "We actually made it out." "You gave everyone quite a scare." His body was covered in blood, making him look frightening. Ignoring his own wounds, Yu Chi Shou sprang up, "Many thanks to the witch for saving my life." Dongfang Minghui gave a strange look at both him and Lien, pointing to Lien, "While I provided the medicine, Lien was the one who treated your wounds. You should thank Lien, not me." Yu Chi Shou's mischievous grin froze suddenly, and he yelled, "Did that kid poison me? Witch, you actually trusted this patient’s care to him?" Before she could respond, Lien was already storming over, furious, "Yu Chi Shou, you ungrateful wretch! If I knew, I should’ve let you bleed out—" ... Qian Wanyu pulled Dongfang Minghui to her side, "No need to meddle in their affairs, let them resolve it themselves." Dongfang Minghui blinked, feeling that strange sensation again. More and more, she perceived the interactions between Lien and Yu Chi Shou as akin to bickering lovers, filled with tension and attraction. Ding Ding, cocking its head, listened for a bit but found she couldn't comprehend their squabble. Magically, it manifested two sparkling orbs, "Little Nine, Little Nine, look, aren’t they pretty? They're for you." "Pretty." Dongfang Minghui accepted the orbs, finding them quite hefty and cool to the touch, "Ding Ding, what are these?" "They must be from the Longevity Liquid cave." Qian Wanyu, recalling the glossy orbs she'd seen rolled to the ground back then, hadn't had the leisure to worry about them, and later, the matter had slipped her mind. Ding Ding had evidently snagged a couple, and she praised, "Well done, Ding Ding." Proudly hovering in the air, Ding Ding eventually settled back on Dongfang Minghui's shoulder, "Let's play, Little Nine." Dongfang Minghui sniffed the sparkling orbs, detecting several scents—a faint smell of blood, a hint of staleness, and another she couldn’t identify. The mix was unpleasant, "Seventh sister, what are these things?" Qian Wanyu held one of the orbs, releasing a tendril of spiritual energy to probe it. She noticed tiny water ripples moving inside, very slowly, "It seems they're some sort of water-based pearl." "They're not useful for us then." "Among us, Little Hui might find them useful." Dongfang Minghui’s eyes lit up. Little Hui, as a water-based beast, could benefit from it. Noticing this, Ding Ding quickly clasped one orb and flew higher, "No, not giving it away. Little Nine, it’s mine." Seeing Ding Ding so protective made Dongfang Minghui chuckle helplessly, quickly beckoning, "Ding Ding, come down, no one’s taking it from you—nor will Little Hui." "Not giving." "When you say ‘not giving’, it doesn’t mean you have to." Ding Ding decisively swooped down, selecting one of the orbs and cheerfully handed it to Dongfang Minghui, "For Little Nine." Somewhat surprised, Dongfang Minghui accepted, a bit unsure, "Ding Ding, is this really for me?" "Yes, for Little Nine." While some were quarreling and others cultivating, the atmosphere was harmonious. Qian Wanyu smiled at Ding Ding’s gesture and was about to ask Dongfang Minghui to retrieve the Longevity Liquid when she caught sight of several sand-colored scorpions climbing up Dongfang Minghui’s pant leg at an alarming speed. If not for their contrasting colors, they might have gone unnoticed. "Careful." She quickly used her spiritual energy to snatch one of the creatures. Before she could examine it, the sound of rustling reached her ears. Hastily pulling Dongfang Minghui to her feet, she stomped lightly, revealing many earth-colored creatures around them. Dongfang Minghui gasped at the densely packed beasts, "Ding Ding, send Little Hui back into the cauldron." "Okay." Ding Ding waved a small hand and instantly sent the resting Little Hui into the Longevity Cauldron. "Hmm?" Yu Chi Shou glanced down to see the indistinctly colored creatures swarming them. With a sweeping motion, he used his fire spiritual energy to char the creatures, leaving sizzling noises in their wake. He extended an arm, gathering Lien and moving to Qian Wanyu’s side, "What are these things?" "Let go of me." Lien glared at him fiercely. As the group gathered together, they realized they were surrounded on all sides by the creatures emerging from nearby mounds. Hovering above, Ding Ding curiously observed the relentless beasts. It dove down, capturing a larger, distinct scorpion-like beast, then flew back with it struggling in its grasp. Despite its small size, it had tiny eyes and pincers like bean sprouts. Snap, snap. "Little Nine, what is this?" "Quickly throw it away; it should be an earth-type beast and it’ll bite." Ding Ding, unafraid, held the scorpion on Dongfang Minghui’s shoulder, teasing it with the shiny orb, "Come on, bite." Dongfang Minghui rolled her eyes, the scorpion snapping the orb beside her ear sounded like a nightmarish melody. She took Ding Ding into her hand, "Ding Ding, this is dangerous." "Little Nine." Ding Ding, every time about to protest, looked pitiably aggrieved. However, Dongfang Minghui was firm. Unlike with the ferocious beasts or the spirit beasts before, these small creatures truly frightened her. Qian Wanyu turned her head, "Have you noticed... their speed is increasing?" Dongfang Minghui realized she had no time to argue with Ding Ding, "Seventh Sister, what should we do now?" "It seems these mounds are their nests—this yellow land, their territory. We’ve trespassed on their grounds," Qian Yiling pointed at the small scorpions emerging from the hills, determined. They had unknowingly chosen these nests as a resting spot, likely attracting the small creatures with the scent of blood from Yu Chi Shou. Qian Wanyu surveyed them all, "Looks like resting is out of the question. Mother, Uncle, let’s move past these mounds." "That’s exactly what I was thinking." Yu Chi Shou was eager to escape the swarm, leading by example. Wherever his flames scattered, the scorpions parted. Ding Ding, seeing the opportunity, threw out the fierce beast again. As it landed, it crushed countless scorpions, though some climbed its thick legs, spurring it into a frenzy. Rolling on the ground, it squashed a vast number, "Roar—" The scene descended into chaos, and Qian Wanyu rubbed her forehead, conjuring earth walls to stem the scorpion advance. "Seventh Sister, they just keep coming." "Yes, everyone, hold on." Qian Ziyan, Qian Yiling, and Lien used wind spiritual energy to blow the scorpions into vortices. Once past, the vortices ceased, dropping disoriented scorpions onto their fellows. "Little Nine, Little Nine, big one." Dongfang Minghui turned to see the ice-type beast hindered by scorpions, making a sorry sight. Its constant rolling invited more to scamper over. Without Little Color and Pig Immortal Grass, she felt helpless, unable to extricate it from the scorpion mass. "Mother, Uncle, let's get that dumb thing out." Qian Wanyu swiftly constructed earthen walls around the beast. Qian Ziyan and Qian Yiling summoned a whirlwind to fling the scorpions off. Momentarily free, the beast seemed dazed at the sudden absence of its assailants. "Ding Ding, send this big fellow back to the Longevity Cauldron. It’s too much of a liability here." "Ouch, a drag." Ding Ding flew over to the ferocious beast and couldn't resist delivering a parting jab. The beast, feeling utterly despairing, blinked its eyes, covered in scorpion claw marks, bloodied and pathetic. "Strange, look, those scorpions have changed direction, all heading towards that ferocious beast," Qian Yiling pointed at the surrounding scorpions. "It’s indeed odd." Ding Ding grabbed the beast and instantly tossed it back into the Longevity Cauldron, flapping its wings, it flew back. Consequently, Qian Wanyu and the others witnessed a swarm of scorpions abruptly change direction and rush toward them. Everyone exchanged puzzled glances, eventually focusing on Ding Ding, who was flying overhead. Ding Ding held a smooth orb in one hand and a scorpion in the other, gleefully zooming toward them, "Little Nine, Little Nine." "Seventh Sister, are they following Ding Ding?" Qian Wanyu's eyes scanned Ding Ding's two hands, finally settling on the scorpion in its grip. A bold hypothesis flashed through her mind, and she called out, "Ding Ding, go chase Yu Chi Shou." Ding Ding halted momentarily, and the scorpions below paused, crashing into one another in a heap, "Okay." Yu Chi Shou had moved a bit further away, striding ahead as if nothing else mattered, incinerating scorpions in his path with fire, carving a clear trail. Ding Ding flew rapidly towards Yu Chi Shou. The mass of scorpions below followed suit. Dongfang Minghui watched the scorpions trailing behind Ding Ding, bewildered, "Seventh Sister, what's happening? They’re all chasing Ding Ding." Qian Wanyu chuckled, "It seems Ding Ding accidentally caught a scorpion king." Qian Yiling burst out laughing, "So that's it." "Catching the leader to scatter the herd, Ding Ding unwittingly captured this area's scorpion king," Qian Ziyan remarked. "Ah." Dongfang Minghui shook her head in disbelief. With Ding Ding leading the way, the scorpion horde followed, leading them safely across the area in roughly five hours. Yu Chi Shou was exhausted, having drained his fire spiritual energy dealing with the scorpions. Once they left the mounds, he collapsed on the ground. "You all are incredibly ungrateful." Qian Wanyu glanced at him with an amused smile, "Yu Chi Shou, it was a splendid training opportunity. You should thank us, especially Ding Ding for giving you this chance." "Exactly." Ding Ding nodded solemnly beside him. Having tired of flying, it perched on Yu Chi Shou's head, playing with the scorpion king, sparking quite a spectacle at the time. Dongfang Minghui couldn't help but laugh at the harmonious conversation between Seventh Sister and Ding Ding, causing even Lien to smile. Everyone found Ding Ding’s seriousness amusing. Qian Yiling chose a spot to sit, "Yu'er, everyone’s tired. Let’s rest. You and Little Nine take the first half of the watch, and your uncle and I will handle the second half." "No need, mother, uncle, you should rest. I’ll have Little White Ball patrol the area." Little White Ball emerged from her soul sea, gently shaking its fluffy coat. It nuzzled Dongfang Minghui affectionately before diligently beginning its patrol. Dongfang Minghui attended to Yu Chi Shou’s wounds, disinfecting, applying medicine, and once done, found a spot for Little Color and Pig Immortal Grass from her space. Qian Wanyu noticed her biting her finger and quickly held her wrist, speaking sternly, "Little Sister, that’s not good." "Seventh Sister." Showing no guilt, Dongfang Minghui still pondered ways to persuade Qian Wanyu. "Not allowed." Gazing into Seventh Sister’s deep, angry eyes, all her resolve melted away, "But Little Color still hasn't woken up, Seventh Sister." Qian Wanyu embraced her, soothing her back, "If you’re unharmed, so is Little Color. There are other ways to wake them that don’t involve that method." Qian Wanyu feared reliance on that method could become a habit, causing future troubles. Dongfang Minghui remembered Little Color enjoying soaking in the blue water beast blood within her space. She placed Little Color in it to soak. As for Pig Immortal Grass, she hesitated. "Well, just toss it into the beast blood too; shouldn’t be an issue." To her, Little Color and Pig Immortal Grass were both spiritual plants with little difference. Qian Wanyu handed a fire affinity pearl to Yu Chi Shou, "Use this to recover your spiritual energy. Considering your recent exertions, a good meditative session may yield unexpected rewards." Yu Chi Shou touched the pearl, nodding to her, "Thanks." He then sat cross-legged to meditate, following Qian Yiling and Qian Ziyan. Dongfang Minghui cast a glance at Lien, who appeared distracted, "Lien, you’ve exhausted a lot of spiritual energy. Should you rest inside the Longevity Cauldron? Ding Ding can—" "No need, Witch. I’ll help patrol nearby, won’t disturb anyone." "......" Dongfang Minghui found his words ambiguous. She looked at Seventh Sister before realizing their suggestive posture. She was leaning into Seventh Sister’s embrace, who had her arms wrapped around her waist. "Seventh Sister, you’re tired too. Take a moment to rest." "No need." Hearing her name, Ding Ding flew back, perching on her shoulder, "Little Nine, play with Ding Ding." Dongfang Minghui poked its belly, "Ding Ding, everyone needs to rest. Afterward, when there’s time, I’ll play with you." Qian Wanyu offered a soft smile and released a sliver of golden spiritual energy, "Ding Ding, time for you to absorb spiritual energy." "Okay." Absorbing spiritual energy was part of Ding Ding’s daily routine. Dongfang Minghui watched it cling to Seventh Sister’s hand, enjoying itself, then shifted her focus to the longevity elixir and the blue viscous substance Seventh Sister collected from the cave. "I wonder if the longevity liquid is truly effective," she murmured. If Little Color couldn’t wake in the water beast blood, she’d mix in some longevity liquid. --- "Little Nine, Little Nine, come here." "Hmm?" Dongfang Minghui saw Little White Ball proudly patrolling, Lien sitting on one side on watch, Seventh Sister meditating with her eyes closed. She whispered, "Seventh Sister, I’ll wander nearby with Ding Ding, back soon." Qian Wanyu opened her eyes swiftly, glancing at Ding Ding fluttering behind her, "Keep an eye on it, don’t let it cause trouble. If trouble does find you, hide in Ding Ding’s Longevity Cauldron. Safety first." "Seventh Sister, it’s just nearby, nothing will happen, aren’t you worrying too much?" Reality quickly contradicted this. Dongfang Minghui realized even if she didn’t cause trouble, Ding Ding was adept at it. Ding Ding flew in front of Dongfang Minghui, "Little Nine, I want to throw darts." "Huh?" Dongfang Minghui assumed Ding Ding wanted to play with a ball. Instead, it wanted to throw darts. She looked around; the area was barren, lacking even extra trees or stones. In the distance, there was a small hill, but it was also barren with few stones. "Ding Ding, there’s nothing here to throw at." Ding Ding looked innocently then nodded, "Little Nine, just wait a moment." Dongfang Minghui was about to suggest going back when Ding Ding flapped its wings and flew towards the hill. She waited an incense stick's worth of time, then walked in the direction, "Ding Ding, where are you?" "Little Nine, Little Nine, over here." Ding Ding replied while exerting effort, "Ugh—" Hearing something off in Ding Ding’s voice, she quickly climbed the hill to look down, stunned by the sight below. The hillside was densely planted with weapons. Ding Ding stood proudly on a large rock at the center, waving happily, "Little Nine, Little Nine, stones!" Subsequently, Ding Ding tried with all its might to lift the massive stone, many times its own size. On the other side of the stone was inscribed—Soul Suppression. Dongfang Minghui watched as a giant sword blade began to shift, following the stone as it lifted and started to rise. The ground shook violently, and all the planted blades emanated a ghostly wail like the cries of ten thousand souls, a harrowing sound piercing her ears. She stumbled and rolled down from the top of the slope. No matter how she tried to use her spiritual energy, she couldn't stop her descent, especially with a force pulling her downward, rapidly pulling her toward the sharp blades below. "Ding Ding—" "Ah, Little Nine!" Seeing Little Nine falling, Ding Ding immediately exerted strength to lift the stone and rushed over to grab Dongfang Minghui. In mid-air, Ding Ding held the massive Soul Suppression Stone with one hand and clutched Dongfang Minghui's clothing with the other. Dongfang Minghui, her heart still racing, finally composed herself and looked down—beneath the stone Ding Ding had removed, a weapon tainted with dark energy emerged slowly, then shot skyward. Dark mists surged from where the weapon was embedded, spreading rapidly around. The surrounding weapons, still swaying, lost control as the suppressive blade shot upwards, scattering wildly in all directions. The anguished wails continued to echo in Dongfang Minghui's ears. "What is that?" "We're in deep trouble, Ding Ding, we've caused a big mess." Dongfang Minghui quickly instructed Ding Ding to fly towards Qian Wanyu and the others. By the time they arrived, everyone had awakened from cultivation, looking up at the now darkened sky. "Seventh Sister, something terrible has happened." Qian Wanyu drew her Water Thunder Whip and struck away a flying sword that had appeared behind them, clashing with a sharp 'ding.' Qian Ziyan and Qian Yiling quickly gathered around, "What was that tremor just now?" Yu Chi Shou pointed to the sky, which had turned ominously dark, "What's happening with the sky? It was fine just a moment ago." Qian Wanyu gave Ding Ding and the stone it was holding an exasperated look before turning to Dongfang Minghui with a stern expression, "Explain what happened." Startled by her sister’s expression, Dongfang Minghui dared not delay, recounting everything she had witnessed on the slope, concluding with Ding Ding’s pivotal act of lifting the significant stone. Really... Ding Ding hadn’t done much—just lifted a stone... Hearing their fierce discussion involving its name, Ding Ding seemed to realize something. It casually tossed the stone aside, as if that could erase the evidence, then meekly perched on Dongfang Minghui’s shoulder, whispering, "Little Nine, does this mean no more fish flakes for Ding Ding?" Qian Wanyu shot a cold glance, like a sharp knife. "Seventh Sister, Ding Ding didn’t know," Dongfang Minghui defended. It truly was a coincidence. They intended to play darts, and Ding Ding likely picked a stone for target practice, unaware of its significance. "Oh heavens, Ding Ding, little ancestor, it seems like you’ve stirred the heavens by moving a stone," Yu Chi Shou was in awe of Ding Ding’s inadvertent chaos. "Look, there are words on the stone," Lien said, puzzled, noticing the stone Ding Ding had lifted. Kicking at it unsuccessfully, he spotted writing. Everyone gathered to see two large black characters, as if they had always been a part of the stone. "Soul Suppression." "Seventh Sister, what should we do now?" Dongfang Minghui asked, seeing the ominous signs. Ding Ding appeared to have released something that should’ve stayed contained. "Let's not focus on the stone for now. Yu'er, look—the dark clouds are coming our way," Qian Yiling pointed out, noticing the thick, oppressive clouds moving quickly towards them.