Yu Mi held the communication talisman and replied, “What is there to be afraid of?”
As she spoke, the talisman connected, and Feng Yi’s voice came through, “What is it?”
Yu Mi smiled and said, “I have something to tell you. There are powerful demon spirits lurking outside the camp.”
Feng Yi acknowledged, “Got it. Is there anything else?”
Yu Mi asked, “Haven’t you set off yet?”
Feng Yi let out a heavy “hmph” and cut off the connection with Yu Mi.
It was clear he was still brooding over the matter of Bao Gu being an old servant.
Yu Mi turned to Bao Gu and asked expressionlessly, “Young Master, we have arrived at the territory. What are the arrangements now?”
The term “Young Master” was pronounced with particular emphasis.
Bao Gu glanced at the pale-faced, trembling disciples of Shui Yunze and Zhuo Yunfeng, lowered her eyelids slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, “Let’s go.”
She summoned her flying sword and took the lead into the sky.
She estimated that the great demon spirit was likely a local resident, lurking nearby to investigate the sudden appearance of Xuantian Gate.
This demon domain was referred to as “Wilderness” by the cultivation world.
The area Bao Gu had her eyes on was the “Wasteland” at the edge of the “Wilderness.”
The vast, desolate expanse was a true reflection of the Wasteland.
In early summer, the Wasteland was covered in lush green grass, with hills, depressions, and plains all blanketed by grass taller than a person.
There were no trees, no signs of human habitation, only wild birds and beasts roaming about.
Bao Gu scanned the ground with her spiritual sense and found that although the soil here was fertile, the topsoil was very thin, with a hard layer of black rock beneath it.
Coupled with the strong winds in this area, trees found it difficult to take root.
She thought that another reason Martial Uncle Feng was reluctant to choose the Wasteland as a base was due to discomfort.
Xuantian Sect was situated among the towering mountains, and even though the spiritual veins were depleted and the spiritual energy was thin, it was still a picturesque paradise with clear mountains and waters.
In this place, there wasn’t even a large river to be seen, only scattered small lakes dotting the Wasteland.
There wasn’t a single tree suitable for building houses or beams.
The companions traveling with her looked at the desolate Wasteland and their expressions turned somewhat grim at the thought of cultivating here in the future.
Feng Menglong, flying a hundred miles behind Bao Gu, finally couldn’t hold back and asked, “Bao Gu, are we going to choose this place to build the mountain gate?”
Bao Gu lightly replied with an “mm,” her gaze falling on a pack of wolves made up of dozens of wolves below, which were surrounding a flock of long-legged, agile sheep with long horns.
Although this place was desolate, it was teeming with fierce birds and beasts.
Feng Menglong took a deep breath and anxiously said, “The spiritual energy in the air here is rich, but the water spiritual energy is thin. Along the way, I haven’t even seen a larger lake. With no trees, wild beasts roaming, and low mountains, even bandits are reluctant to appear. Choosing this place to build the sect’s base, how can the disciples of Shui Yunze cultivate? The inheritance of Shui Yunze might be cut off!”
Bao Gu glanced at Feng Menglong and said, “Choosing this place has its reasons, so don’t worry.”
She turned her gaze away and noticed that the expressions of the disciples from Zhuo Yunfeng were just as grim as those from Shui Yunze.
She then looked at Yu Mi and saw her senior sister’s expression was blank, as if lost in thought.
She asked Yu Mi, “Senior Sister, what do you think?”
Yu Mi gave Bao Gu a faint glance and said, “The Grandmaster entrusted this matter to you, so he must trust you. I will follow your arrangements.”
After a pause, she added, “After flying for so long, you’ve seen what you needed to see. Can we go a bit faster?”
Bao Gu shrugged and said, “Suddenly, I regret taking on this task. If I do well, it’s expected; if I don’t do well or can’t satisfy everyone, then it becomes my fault. If anything happens to the disciples, that would be an even greater sin.”
Feng Menglong said, “That’s not what I meant. It’s just that this place is too desolate.”
Bao Gu smiled and said, “The demon domain is not desolate; above it are clear mountains and waters, and below it are rich spiritual veins and mines.”
Feng Menglong thought of the powerful demons in the demon domain that even the sect leader, Martial Uncle Feng, and Martial Uncle Chen feared, and his expression changed slightly as he said, “The demon domain is dangerous. We can choose another place; there’s no need to pick this desolate place where even birds won’t defecate.”
Bao Gu couldn’t be bothered to respond to Feng Menglong and accelerated her flight forward.
She was flying at an altitude of several dozen zhang, moving quickly, yet her eyes remained vigilant.
Yu Mi sighed, “There are packs of fierce beasts roaming here; it must be very difficult for ordinary people to survive in this place.”
She also didn’t like this area.
As Feng Menglong said, it was too desolate.
The inherent desolation and an uncomfortable aura made her vaguely feel that this place was extremely dangerous.
Bao Gu replied, “What if we cordon off this area as a training ground for new disciples or demon beasts?”
Yu Mi thought for a moment, her eyes lighting up as she praised, “That would be excellent.”
Bao Gu said slowly, “The wasteland is vast, covering thousands of miles, with very few signs of human habitation, only a handful of places have people.”
After saying this, she took out the map of the wasteland that Feng Yi had given her and handed it to Yu Mi.
Yu Mi took the map, examined it carefully, and then returned it to Bao Gu.
Bao Gu called out, “Senior Brother Feng.”
She turned to Feng Menglong, who was flying about a zhang away on his sword, and said, “You and Senior Sister Hua take a look at this map and make a copy.”
Feng Menglong flew to Bao Gu’s side, took the map, and after examining it, took out a jade tablet to engrave the map onto it, then handed it to Huashen.
Bao Gu descended to the ground, stowed her flying sword, and stood on the grass that was taller than her.
Yu Mi, Feng Menglong, and Hua Shen followed closely and landed beside Bao Gu.
Bao Gu looked around at her companions and said softly, “Martial Uncle Feng has surveyed the Wasteland and marked the places where there are signs of habitation and cultivators. The suitable locations for establishing the mountain gate have also been circled. However, the places that Martial Uncle Feng finds suitable are also attractive to other cultivators; there are many small forces but no major ones.”
Huashen asked, “What kind of forces are they? Can we defeat them?”
Bao Gu replied, “Of course we can defeat them, but right now, the most important thing for Xuantian Sect is to recuperate. It’s best not to fight if we can avoid it.”
She unfolded her map and pointed to a location, saying, “Our purpose for this trip is this! This place is called Liangjie Mountain. To the north is the vast Wasteland, and to the south is the Angry Demon River. Beyond the Angry Demon River is the Thousand-Mile Marsh, known as Yunyan Marsh. After crossing Yunyan Marsh, human traces gradually increase, leading to the human realm.”
Yu Mi carefully looked at Liangjie Mountain, which appeared to be a mountain range stretching for thousands of miles.
It wasn’t too big, but it wasn’t too small either.
She said, “Let’s go take a look.”
Bao Gu said, “No rush! First, let me tell you about this place. Liangjie Mountain is about a thousand miles long and is the main area where humans and demons intermingle, forming dozens of small towns and markets of varying sizes. It is the most populated area in the Wasteland and the mountain range with the most demon cultivators.”
This Wasteland had more than a dozen mountain ranges of various sizes, and she chose this place because of its popularity and prosperity.
Yu Mi thought for a moment and said, “Are you saying the situation in Liangjie Mountain is quite complex?”
Bao Gu replied, “It’s hard to say; we need to investigate further to know for sure. Senior Brother Feng, Senior Sister Hua, you two should act together to find out how many markets and towns are around, and gather as much detailed information as possible. Be cautious, and contact me if anything happens. If there’s danger, seek help immediately.”
Feng Menglong responded, “Okay.”
Huashen looked at Bao Gu and asked, “What about you and Yu Mi?”
Bao Gu said, “We have other matters to attend to. After your investigation, contact me with the communication talisman.”
Feng Menglong agreed, “Understood.”
Bao Gu said, “The investigation needs to be completed quickly; every extra day they stay in the demon domain increases the danger.”
Huashen replied, “Alright.”
Bao Gu put away the map and said to Yu Mi, “Senior Sister, let’s go.”
She summoned her flying sword and shot into the sky, disappearing in an instant.
Yu Mi followed closely behind Bao Gu and communicated with her, “Why are we splitting up?”
Bao Gu smiled and said, “I don’t need them to be my bodyguards. Both Senior Brother Feng and Senior Sister Hua are talented disciples with heavenly roots, and now they are both peak leaders; they wouldn’t be willing to be my subordinates. Why should I make them uncomfortable?”
Yu Mi said, “I really don’t understand what you’re thinking.”
She walked alongside Bao Gu and said, “Since you know this, why bring them along?”
Bao Gu landed on Yu Mi’s flying sword while retracting her own, wrapping her arms around Yu Mi’s arm and said, “Because we need people to gather information.”
Yu Mi huffed and said, “Is that so? Just like that?”
She glanced at the arm that Bao Gu was tightly holding onto.
Bao Gu countered, “What else would you have me do?”
Yu Mi said, “I can’t help but feel that your purpose in bringing them along isn’t simple.”
Bao Gu shrugged and said, “I really have no other intentions in bringing them along. I just thought having a few more people wouldn’t hurt. If something happens, we can support each other. I originally planned to travel with them, but Senior Brother Feng’s words made me a bit uncomfortable.”
Yu Mi elongated her voice and said, “Oh? Just because he was dissatisfied with the desolation and lack of water spiritual energy? I also think this place is desolate. Does that mean you find my words uncomfortable and want to split up from me?”
Bao Gu pouted and said, “If I were to split up from you, I might as well stay in the temporary residence and practice.”
Yu Mi huffed twice and said, “Why are you holding on so tightly? Afraid of falling?”
She could clearly hear Bao Gu’s heartbeat quickening, pounding heavily.
Bao Gu replied with an “mm.”
She enjoyed being close to her senior sister, relishing the fragrant scent that emanated from her.
Being close to her made her feel happy, as if her heart was rippling with joy.
Yu Mi, of course, knew what Bao Gu was thinking.
She said, “Bao Gu, you know I am solely focused on my cultivation and have no other thoughts. I won’t seek a partner, let alone a woman as my partner. I protect you simply because you are my junior sister, and you treat me well with all your heart. Therefore, I am willing to treat you well in return. My feelings for you are only those of sisterhood, nothing more. I am used to a life of fighting and seeking the path of invincibility with a sword in hand. I cannot live the peaceful life you desire; we are not the same kind of person.”
She released a surge of spiritual energy, pushing Bao Gu away from her flying sword, forcing Bao Gu to control her own flying sword.
Bao Gu’s previously good mood plummeted to the depths, and her heart inexplicably ached.
She let out an “oh,” unsure of how to respond, her mind feeling frozen.
Yu Mi sighed softly and said, “A heavy heart is detrimental to cultivation. I have told you this before, but you never listen. You like me and are willing to give me everything, treating me exceptionally well, providing me with countless precious cultivation resources that allow me to grow at an astonishing speed. To say I am not moved would be a lie. To be honest, I am quite happy that you like me because it means I can fully enjoy the cultivation resources and wealth you possess. Bao Gu, do you know? If it weren’t for your deep fortune and abundant cultivation resources, I wouldn’t even spare you a second glance. At most, I would protect you a little for the sake of my own reputation, given that I brought you into this world. You treat me well and like me, and I don’t want to deceive you or hinder your cultivation. So today, I want to make things clear. The reason I can say all this to you is that I know even if I say it, you will still provide me with cultivation resources. If I were to be honest with you, you would stop giving me resources, and I would deceive you, using your affection for me to take away your resources.”
Bao Gu called out softly, “Senior Sister!”
She felt as if a knife had stabbed into her heart, and the pain was intense.
Yu Mi said, “I don’t need a response; just accepting the good you give me is enough. I know that saying this will make you feel bad, but as fellow disciples and sisters, you treat me with such care, and I don’t want to let you fall deeper into this. I don’t want to owe you a debt of gratitude in the future, nor do I want to become a burden in your heart, affecting your future cultivation.”
Bao Gu trembled all over, even her breathing was shaky, and she struggled to control the flying sword that she usually handled with ease.
She thought to herself that she was still young and hadn’t matured fully.
Her senior sister must think she was just a naive child and wouldn’t take her seriously.
She always believed that once she grew up a bit more, her senior sister would no longer see her as a child and would come to like her.
She wanted to tell herself that her senior sister was saying these things because of her feelings, and she knew there were indeed reasons for that.
But she understood even more that her senior sister was speaking the truth; her senior sister simply didn’t like her!
They were not the same kind of person!
She stubbornly asked, “Is there really not even a shred of affection?”
Yu Mi turned to look at Bao Gu and said, “You are beautiful, so lively and charming; how could I not like you?”
She paused and continued, “Sometimes you are so silly that it makes people want to protect you. I have had thoughts of wanting to possess you, but that was only because you are beautiful and possess extremely rich cultivation resources, leading to a desire for everything you have to be mine. Bao Gu, do you know? You may be weak in cultivation, but your wealth, your deep fortune, your intelligence, and your means make me afraid. I dare not deceive you; I fear that one day, if I hurt your feelings, you will retaliate against me. I cannot afford to provoke you!”
Bao Gu stared blankly at Yu Mi and called out, “Senior Sister!”
She stood still in mid-air on her flying sword, unable to move.
Yu Mi also stopped, looking at Bao Gu.
She took a deep breath and softly asked, “Isn’t it good to just be simple sisters?”
Bao Gu asked, “Am I really that scary?”
Yu Mi replied, “Yes.”
She said, “I always feel like I can’t see through you. You always wear a faint smile on your face, and your eyes are always squinting with laughter, but I feel like you are unfathomable. Bao Gu, I may not be as smart as you, but I have managed to survive until now and have developed some sensitivity. You smile cutely, but I feel like I am your prey, and you are spreading a net waiting for me. I am afraid.”
She self-deprecatingly laughed and said, “I have never been afraid of anyone, nor do I fear death, but I am afraid of you, afraid of your eyes, afraid of your thoughts and schemes. Even this time, when you brought Hua Shen and Feng Menglong along, I feel like you are plotting something. I know you want them to gain experience and support each other for the good of Xuantian Gate, but I just feel like you are controlling them—like they are in the palm of your hand.”
Bao Gu fell silent.
Yu Mi said, “Bao Gu, tell me honestly, is this just my illusion?”
Bao Gu lowered her head and said, “Xuantian Sect has suffered such a blow that it can almost be said to be reshuffled. Hua Shen and Feng Menglong are rising stars among the younger generation and are the most likely candidates to compete for the future position of sect leader. If I can win them over, I will; if not, I will quell their ambitions for the position of sect leader and let them be at ease as peak leaders, to avoid any trouble.”
Yu Mi asked, “Do you want the position of sect leader? Bao Gu, the Grandmaster will be in charge of Xuantian Sect for a long time, and there is also Little Martial Aunt. You are already plotting this now; don’t you think it’s too early?”
Bao Gu shook her head.
Yu Mi asked, “Don’t you think it’s too early? Xuantian Sect doesn’t even have a mountain peak now, and yet you are calculating the position of sect leader?”
Bao Gu exclaimed, “Senior Sister, is that how you see me?”
Yu Mi said, “You have made significant contributions to Xuantian Sect; the position of deputy leader is rightfully yours. The Grandmaster’s arrangement this time has already made everything clear; you don’t need to scheme anymore.”
Bao Gu’s face turned a mix of blue and white, trembling all over with anger.
She shouted, “Is that how worthless I am in your eyes?”
Yu Mi said, “Bao Gu, I know you are wholeheartedly trying to strengthen Xuantian Sect and have no ill intentions. Xuantian Sect can do without Feng Menglong, can do without Hua Shen, and even without Martial Uncle Feng or Martial Uncle Chen, but it cannot do without you. Whether you quell their ambitions or reduce internal strife, it is beneficial for Xuantian Sect. Besides, they cannot compete with you. Just don’t include me in your calculations for the future sect leader; you know I can’t even be bothered to manage a peak, let alone a cultivation sect.”
She paused and added, “If I have misunderstood you, please forgive me.”
Bao Gu clenched her fists tightly, controlling her emotions as she said, “Senior Sister, you have not misunderstood me. I do indeed have the desire to become the sect leader, and I also want to push you into that position. I like seeing you shine brightly; you would surely be magnificent as the leader of Xuantian Sect. I want to see you live splendidly and take good care of you from behind.”
Yu Mi gently pressed her lips together and said, “Bao Gu, thank you, but I prefer to be free and unburdened, just me and my sword.”
Bao Gu smiled and said, “I was overthinking it! As you said, the Grandmaster can still be the leader for a long time. It’s too early for me to think about these things, and even if a new leader is chosen, it will be decided by the Grandmaster and the others.”
She chuckled and said, “Senior Sister, let’s go; we’ve delayed for too long.”
Yu Mi responded with an “mm,” glanced at Bao Gu, and turned to fly towards Liangjie Mountain.
She saw Bao Gu smiling, but her eyes were dark like an abyss, and she still couldn’t fathom Bao Gu’s inner thoughts or predict how Bao Gu would react after their conversation.
She understood Bao Gu’s intentions, but she also knew that human hearts were filled with too many uncertainties.
She didn’t want to place herself under someone else’s control; what she wanted was to be unrestrained and free.
Bao Gu silently followed behind Yu Mi, maintaining a distance of a few feet as they flew.
Yu Mi speaking honestly to her could be considered a heart-to-heart, which was a good thing.
Yet, she felt inexplicably troubled, her heart aching to the point that her fingers trembled.
She had originally hoped that this outing would allow her to spend time alone with her senior sister to deepen their relationship, but her senior sister had sensed her intentions and kicked her far away.
Her senior sister always said she couldn’t see through her, but she felt like she was completely transparent to her senior sister, as if she were naked and exposed, yet the feedback she received was not favorable.
She didn’t think she had any deep schemes; she just noticed some signs and wanted to plan ahead or nip any potential issues in the bud to prevent future complications.
