Chapter 056: There Is Only One Umbrella

Yan Shu nodded in agreement. The two of them discussed their plan: if Qiao Yurou happened to be nearby, they would seek her out directly; after Hao Yuan Pellet was fully refined, they would proceed straight to the forbidden grounds to seek their fortune. If, on the other hand, Yu Wenche was closer, they would find him first; likewise, after the refinement of the Hao Yuan Pellet, they would go to Qiao Yurou and have her lead them into the forbidden grounds.

Their plans settled, Xiao Jihan and Yan Shu exchanged glances, neither making a move.

Xiao Jihan cleared his throat softly. “There’s only one umbrella.”

Yan Shu blinked, about to say she could use spiritual power to shield them from the rain, but after a moment’s thought, she realized he must be concerned about their depleted strength. With danger lurking everywhere, it would be unwise to waste energy on such a trivial matter.

After a pause, she suggested, “How about this: you contact Qiao Yurou first, and I’ll temporarily block my five senses?”

Xiao Jihan was momentarily taken aback by her words. Then, retrieving the Mysterious Spirit Mirror, he replied coolly, “There’s no need.”

With that, he sent a message to Qiao Yurou.

The connection was quickly made, and Qiao Yurou’s delighted voice came through the mirror. “Senior Brother Xiao!”

Xiao Jihan acknowledged her with a soft “hmm.” Just as he was about to speak, the smile on Qiao Yurou’s face faded. She looked at Yan Shu, her expression wounded. “And who might this fellow cultivator be?”

Having been addressed, Yan Shu hurried to respond, “Hello, Senior Sister Qiao. My name is Yan Tong. I’m Senior Brother Xiao’s junior. I often hear him mention you.”

Xiao Jihan shot Yan Shu a cold glance.

Yan Shu pretended not to notice, continuing to smile sweetly at Qiao Yurou.

Qiao Yurou’s wounded look vanished instantly, replaced by lively energy and the slight blush of a shy girl. “Is… is that so? What… what did Senior Brother Xiao say about me?”

She truly was a worthy investment; her bashfulness was charming beyond compare.

Yan Shu’s eyes curved in amusement. “He didn’t say much, just praised your beauty and kindness, mentioned how attentive and thoughtful you are, and how much he—”

Her words were cut off by the sudden pinch and release of two strong, slender fingers at her waist. Rubbing the sore spot, Yan Shu’s voice faltered. “Well, perhaps it’s better if Senior Brother Xiao tells you himself.”

The male protagonist’s hand was merciless—it really hurt!

Xiao Jihan moved the Mysterious Spirit Mirror so that Yan Shu was out of frame, his face frosty as he spoke. “She was merely speaking nonsense just now. I contacted you to ask about the location of the restriction. If you’re available, I wonder if you might guide us there. I’ll compensate you.”

Yan Shu couldn’t help clicking her tongue at his words. Truly the model of a no-romance male lead—the straight-laced, unyielding type through and through.

Was the young lady really interested in his compensation? She clearly fancied him! Now, of all times, when he needed her help, he could at least say a few nice words. If he remained this cold, wasn’t he afraid Qiao Yurou would refuse to tell him where the forbidden ground’s entrance was?

But as it turned out, Yan Shu was overthinking it; fate’s script was unfolding as destined.

Qiao Yurou’s lips tugged in slight disappointment. “To be honest, I knew Junior Sister Yan was teasing me. With your chilly temperament, you couldn’t possibly say such things.”

Xiao Jihan remained silent, his handsome face impassive, utterly unmoved by Qiao Yurou’s dejection.

She forced a bitter smile and changed the subject. “I’m about to reach the heartland. Are you coming? The entrance to the forbidden ground is in its deepest part.”

Having obtained the information he needed, Xiao Jihan wasted no more words. “If necessary, I’ll contact you again.”

When Qiao Yurou replied with a simple “Alright,” he ended the connection at once.

So ruthless.

Putting away the Mysterious Spirit Mirror, Xiao Jihan turned to Yan Shu, who was still rubbing her waist. His fingers flexed at his side as he said, “Your turn.”

Yan Shu uttered a soft “mm,” took out her own Mysterious Spirit Mirror from her mustard seed pouch, and sent a message to Yu Wenche.

As soon as the call connected, Yu Wenche’s handsome face filled the screen. The corners of his lips lifted in a slight, delighted smile—subtle, but unmistakably pleased.

He glanced at Yan Shu, surprise flickering in his eyes before he greeted her. “Junior Sister Yan Tong.”

At the sound of her name, several gazes turned their way. As soon as Dan Zhiqing heard “Yan Tong,” her expression darkened instantly.

Yet her senior brother had already grown distant from her. If she showed open dislike for that woman now, he would only pull further away.

Dan Zhiqing forced down her jealousy, adopting a cheerful demeanor as she leaned into the mirror’s view. “Senior Sister Yan, we meet again… Hm? And who is that beside you?”

Yan Shu’s mirror was held close, so only her face was visible. But, for some reason, the usually aloof Xiao Jihan switched the umbrella to his other hand, moved from her left to her right, narrowing the gap.

Yan Shu had no intention of hiding the truth—there was nothing to hide—so she pulled the mirror back, openly letting Xiao Jihan appear on screen.

She looked at Yu Wenche and said, “Xiao Jihan.”

She did not introduce his status, simply providing his name. She knew that, with Liu Zhiqing’s earlier remarks, Yu Wenche could easily deduce both her and Liu Zhiqing’s identities, meaning he was deeply familiar with the Xuantian Sect.

Given such familiarity, he must have heard of Xiao Jihan. After all, as the greatest prodigy of the cultivation world, she had taken on a so-called “useless” disciple with a rare four-element pseudo-spiritual root—a major event in the Xuantian Sect.

Since Yu Wenche clearly knew who Xiao Jihan was, it would be awkwardly redundant to introduce him as her senior brother or junior.

Sure enough, Yu Wenche recognized him at once. He gave Xiao Jihan a single glance, then withdrew his gaze, a gentle smile on his lips. “Did you need something, Junior Sister Yan Tong?”

Yan Shu nodded. “Yes. I wanted to ask where you are. If you’re nearby, I’d like to travel with you for a couple of days.”

Yu Wenche’s eyes flickered with surprise, but it quickly gave way to joy. His smile deepened. “I was delayed, waiting to join the other disciples of the Primordial Sect. I’ve just reached the inner circle.”

At this, Yan Shu was delighted. After some thought, she decided to be upfront with him. Yu Wenche clearly had feelings for her, and though she was not opposed to the possibility of something developing, she did not wish to take advantage of his affection.

After all, both in the original story and in real life, he was forthright and upright. Taking full advantage of him would feel wrong.

So she explained, “Actually, it’s like this: because of my oversight, Xiao Jihan took the Hao Yuan Pellet upon entering the secret realm. He’s not yet finished refining it, and the spiritual energy it releases will attract fiendish beasts. So…”

Yu Wenche’s smile broadened, interrupting her before she could finish. “It’s no trouble. This is meant to be a trial, after all. If the pellet draws fiends, it’ll save us the effort of seeking them out. Wait for me by the lakeshore southeast of the valley. Bring Senior Brother Xiao along.”

Yan Shu quickly expressed her thanks. Looking at her bright smile, Yu Wenche said softly, “Truthfully, I’m very glad you thought of me when you were in need.”