A crowd always draws attention, and the group led by Bai Zhuchuan was no different. They pushed their way through to see what the commotion was about.
The power of Sheng Prefecture’s top sect still carried weight, especially in crowded places, which was pretty useful for clearing a path. Shi Chun and the others got to experience this first-hand as they squeezed into the center of the commotion to see what was going on.
They saw a few people squatting on the ground, forming a circle around a small hole, pointing and discussing among themselves. The hole was only the size of an egg, with a small mound of dirt around it, like something small had dug it out. It wasn’t very deep, and you could see the bottom with a glance. The dirt inside the hole was loose.
This scene was exactly what the distributed maps described. It matched the surface appearance of an Insect Essence Crystal burrowing underground.
Shi Chun couldn't help but be surprised. Could it be that the flash he saw earlier was an Insect Essence Crystal? Could his right eye ability actually see them?
"Judging by the spell examination, there seems to be a stone about a foot deep. Not sure if it is or not."
"It should be."
"Look, the booklet says if the earth mound around the hole is even, it means the Insect Essence Crystal is still inside. If it’s disturbed, it’s already left."
"The earth mound around this hole is even, so it's still in there."
"Doesn't matter if it is or isn’t, let’s dig and see. It’s not like it's buried deep."
The group surrounding the hole made their decision. Someone drew a sword, motioned everyone back a little, and began digging into the soil.
The soil here wasn’t hard, so they quickly unearthed a bright blue object.
As soon as it was dug up, it darted skyward with a nimble movement.
“Wow, it is.”
Amidst the gasps, a shadow swept across, catching the agile blue object in mid-air. Then, a figure leaped up, grabbing the shadow, and elegantly landed outside the crowd.
The one who took action was none other than Bai Zhuchuan, and the shadow was the black pouch he had tossed out in a hurry.
Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang exchanged glances, both astounded. This fellow’s swift response didn’t dishonor Sheng Prefecture’s top sect’s reputation at all.
"Hurry, let's take a look."
Their companions hurried over, eager to see what it looked like, as none had laid eyes on a real one before.
Bai Zhuchuan dangled the black pouch, shook it a little, and felt it through the fabric, chuckling. “Sure enough, once away from light, it stops moving.”
He then reached a hand into the bag, slowly pulling out the bright blue object, displaying it for all to see. “It's moving, but not very strong. Strange, how does it fly, and at such speed?”
The bright blue object wasn’t large, just smaller than an egg. It was tapered at both ends, spindle-shaped, with facets, resembling a blue gemstone but more vibrant and sparkling. A deep blue, accentuated by the surrounding facets, made it quite attractive.
Having assessed its power, Bai Zhuchuan confidently released the crystal. Once freed, it darted to escape, only to be snatched back mid-air by Bai Zhuchuan’s invisible grasping force, returning it to his control. Bai Zhuchuan held it between his palms, granting the crystal relative freedom, allowing it to spin rapidly within its spatial confines, trying to break through the grasp but to no avail.
Thus, everyone finally witnessed the true operation of an Insect Essence Crystal, leaving them in awe.
Soon, Bai Zhuchuan grabbed hold of the crystal again, put it back into the black pouch, tied it securely, and hung it on his waist, cheerfully announcing, “First piece claimed.”
Unexpectedly, someone stepped forward, "We found it first."
The few who had been squatting and discussing stood up together.
Bai Zhuchuan was amused, “Didn’t even touch it, how can it be yours? Does eyesight alone entitle one to ownership? We’re not blind here. If not for my quick action, this Insect Essence Crystal would’ve escaped by now. Are you guys really intending to act tough and rob us? Honestly, I like folks like you who try to act tough!”
As he spoke, the sizeable contingent around him slowly assumed a stance.
The five were clearly oblivious, unfamiliar with Bai Zhuchuan’s identity. But truth be told, Sheng Prefecture had numerous sects, who could possibly recognize them all?
Still, these five were somewhat wise, quickly clasping their hands in apology before slinking away, earning hearty laughs from Bai Zhuchuan and his group.
It was just a minor incident, not worth lingering on. The group continued on their way.
People who entered at the same point gradually spread out, with fewer and fewer around.
Shi Chun, occasionally glancing back, noticed Sun Shigang and his group had vanished, causing a bit of worry. After some thought, he side-stepped and tugged on Bian Weiying’s sleeve, signaling to speak privately.
Bian Weiying didn’t know what he wanted but, recalling how a single comment previously led to ridicule, she cautiously fell back, separating from the group with Shi Chun.
With no others around, Bian Weiying voiced her displeasure, “Why so sneaky?”
Shi Chun said, “Senior Sister, now that we’re in, you should share some Immobilization Talismans with us, right?”
Bian Weiying grew suspicious and scrutinized him, “With so many people protecting you, why the hurry?”
Shi Chun implored, “Senior Sister, my good Senior Sister, my dear Senior Sister, we've already secured an Insect Essence Crystal here, seen by many. Stone Cloud Mountain may be impressive in Sheng Prefecture, but it’s hardly unique in the entire Sheng Continent, right? What if trouble arises?
You folks might not worry, but I’m only at the Initial Martial Realm, after all. Shouldn’t I have some means of self-preservation? I can't just hide behind you every time trouble arises; you don’t have that big of a...uh, cover, right?
As a disciple of Wukang Mountain, if I'm always ridiculed, it doesn’t reflect well on Wukang Mountain. Doesn't that matter to you at all? Share some with us, for our peace of mind.”
Bian Weiying was uncomfortable with the indirect innuendo, spitting, “What nonsense!” Shi Chun raised his hand, “I understand talismans are pricey. I promise, talismans are for emergency use only, I won’t use them lightly. Any leftovers will be returned to you.”
Essentially, if she didn’t give him the talismans, he would have to resort to other tricks.
Fine, Bian Weiying didn’t want to prolong the hassle, especially since his reasoning wasn’t entirely unfounded.
She made Shi Chun turn around, and extracted some Immobilization Talismans from her bulging travel bag.
Wukang Mountain did have storage artifacts, but they were far too valuable. Losing one wasn’t worth the risk.
Anything involving spatial abilities was extremely costly in the cultivation world; no sect would carelessly entrust such artifacts to junior disciples for events like this, as it might do more harm than good, making them targets.
Bian Weiying divided the talismans into several shares, giving one portion to Shi Chun, strictly instructing, “Remember what you said, don’t use them without good reason, and return all leftovers.”
“Yes, yes, yes,” Shi Chun eagerly agreed, checking the tally: three Grade-Three Immobilization Talismans, two Grade-Two.
He wanted to say it seemed a bit short, but Bian Weiying had already moved back to the group.
Once Bian Weiying gathered with Bai Zhuchuan’s party again, Shi Chun had Wu Jinliang tally his talismans. They turned out identical to his.
“Seems fair enough,” Shi Chun murmured, giving a subtle nod.
Understanding the cue, Wu Jinliang acknowledged it was time to follow through with their escape plan.
He did question the timing—perhaps this felt prematurely early as things currently seemed safe enough.
Soon, twilight descended, turning the skies dark.
Upon entering, it was already dusk here.
As the leader, Bai Zhuchuan raised his hand, addressing everyone, “Folks, it’s dark now. We have three months. There’s no need to rush. Let’s rest here tonight, rejuvenate, make plans, and adapt to the surroundings today. Tomorrow, we begin our search in earnest.”
“Sounds good.”
“Alright, let’s rest.”
Many chimed in agreement.
The sect leaders then convened to discuss plans. Meanwhile, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang scouted the area, contemplating their escape routes, when they noticed Bai Zhuchuan gesturing their way during the meeting.
Panic set in. Surely this couldn't be good news, but what exactly?
Sure enough, once the meeting ended, Bian Weiying approached them. After a moment’s hesitation, she delivered the news, “We can’t just rest without keeping watch. Each sect’s providing some members for perimeter patrol. You two will represent Wukang Mountain.”
She didn’t mention it was Bai Zhuchuan’s specific request, who said these two were being overly protected and ought to contribute.
Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang felt relieved. Turns out, it wasn’t so bad after all. Under different circumstances, they might not have been thrilled, but right now, while scheming their getaway, it was as if heaven-sent.
They accepted the task without protest.
Next to them, Xiang Lan’er offered, “Count me in for the night watch too.”
Bian Weiying replied, “No need. Two’s enough.”
Xiang Lan’er’s name wasn’t called in the first place. It was clear Bai Zhuchuan had taken an interest in her, favoring her with attention.
Soon after, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang reported to Bai Zhuchuan for instructions.
They assembled about twenty or so people from various sects, positioning them around the resting area, instructing them to remain hidden. Each pair was to alert everyone immediately upon spotting any movement.
As darkness fully enveloped the land, the sky was a clear, starry spectacle, calming the spirit.
Seated on the ground, Xiang Lan’er gazed up at the stars, not forgetting Sun Shigang’s instructions, contemplating ways to lure Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang away, or perhaps even expose their hidden positions.
Unaware, the very hiding spot was already devoid of the two.
Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang slipped away the moment they reached their assigned positions, leaving without hesitation, openly carrying their swords.
In their place at the patrol post remained only a spat-out remark from Wu Jinliang, “Patrol your grandmother’s—”
A while off, Wu Jinliang noticed something odd, “Chun, it feels like we’re circling back. What are we doing?”
Shi Chun replied, “Remember that Sun guy insulted you? We’re not letting that slide. Going back to avenge you.”
“Uh, about that…” Wu Jinliang was sceptical, but soon shifted to disbelief, “Really? Avenging at night? Where do you start searching?”
Shi Chun said, “Should be easy. He’s likely tailing us somewhere behind. If we keep at this direction, we’ll catch up. Once we find him, we’ll hit him with the Immobilization Talisman. Didn’t you say you wanted to thrash him? You’ll get your fill.”
(End of Chapter)