"Those people you've met, how are they doing lately? Are they still being cheeky and pilfering? How about Cousin? How many tombs has he robbed? And Coconut? Did Yi Xian end up killing himself?"

You Li didn't seem as unreasonable as Huangfu Liang described, as he promptly opened the conversation with flair.

However, the Self-Improvement Sect indeed seemed quite complex after she mentioned it.

It's either overseas cultivators or mechanicians who love grave robbing, plus Yi Xian, who wanders everywhere and yet never dies.

You Li certainly isn't simple either; reaching the Divine Gaze Realm at such a young age can only be nurtured by those large sects.

Even Huangfu Liang is the same.

The identities behind the two must be pretty significant.

Actually, Han Yu was more curious about how a Divine Gaze Realm cultivator, a Seeing Me Realm overseas cultivator, an Other Shore Realm mechanician, plus two minor cultivators of the Divine Bridge, managed to come together in such an unusual mix.

But faced with You Li's rapid-fire questioning, Han Yu briefly recounted Yi Xian's and another's experience of almost being devoured by creatures.

You Li smiled slightly, listening with amusement, "That's not surprising. Su Ren was the earliest to know him, and according to Su Ren, Yi Xian, when alone, was so unlucky that whenever he adventured into mountains, he encountered dangers, and whenever he entered forests, disaster struck. Yet each time, he managed to turn bad luck into good fortune."

Han Yu thought back, and it was true. As soon as they entered Black Tortoise Mountain, this guy was seduced and almost skinned, and even when driving, he managed to get their whole group arrested.

Then he went on to briefly talk about encountering Cousin at the White Bone Temple, rescuing Su Ren in Hidden Moon Valley, and being attacked by fire in Shuzhou City.

"Had I known, I would have gone with them. I didn't expect you were living such an exciting life,"

You Li listened, her eyes sparkling and she said with a look of regret.

Exciting?

Not necessarily.

Each of these events, they barely escaped death.

You Li then began talking about how they met.

In and out of Qingzhou Prefecture, it's no surprise to see cultivators; from strong Divine Gaze individuals to minor cultivators, everyone comes here with their own intentions, trying their luck.

To put it nicely, it's about seeking opportunities. Blood Ganoderma, for these junior cultivators, can be a life-altering treasure.

The Dragon Blood Stone is a legendary treasure said to allow someone at the peak of the Divine Gaze Realm to step into the Realm of Transcendence, also highly sought after by strong Divine Gaze individuals.

So it's no surprise to see any cultivators here.

Initially, You Li didn't particularly notice Cousin and his group, since there were so many cultivators coming and going.

The first time You Li became interested was when, suddenly one day, there was a sign for the "Self-Improvement Sect" on the east side of the city.

A curious name, an odd sect, and all junior cultivators, setting up in such a desolate place, it's hard not to draw attention.

With You Li's attention, she gradually discovered more interesting aspects of this group.

This group had a mindset that was completely out of place with the surrounding cultivators. Others wanted to scour the entire Qingzhou Prefecture, while they strolled leisurely.

Or a group hovering above Qingzhou Prefecture flying on several Iron Kites.

You Li had never seen such strange things, and out of curiosity, a Divine Gaze Realm cultivator ended up mingling with this lot.

After spending two months together, this group of complex individuals had become inseparable.

You Li even inexplicably joined this loose and peculiar small clique.

"Actually, a bigger reason was that I can't cook, and their cooking was just too good,"

You Li said, her face slightly embarrassed.

Han Yu raised an eyebrow, recalling the scene in the inn where You Li pushed away his venison dish for leftovers instead.

This Divine Gaze Realm is rather cheap! Joining for meals?

——

A full moon shone on the desolate land of Qingzhou Prefecture. Tonight, there was neither wind nor cloud, and under the starry sky, a shadow was stretched long.

Ou Mingdong had changed into scholar's robes; his long sword was replaced by a fan, a Magical Artifact named Carefree Fan, given to him by Ye Hei from the sect's treasury before his departure, which could enhance the Wood Spirit Attribute Technique.

Upon reaching the Divine Gaze Realm, sects would reward outstanding disciples with a magical artifact that matched their spirit root.

Obviously, only major sects offered such treatment.

It is said that many fellow disciples were envious of that Carefree Fan, but they were all brushed off by Senior Brother Ye Hei.

Using Senior Brother Ye's own words, "Those guys, with their big arms and round waists, giving them the fan would be like a bull munching on peonies, it pains me! They're more suited for weapons like swords, spears, and staves."

Ou Mingdong had both outstanding talent and good looks, making him an ideal fit for the fan.

This showed that Ye Hei did indeed hold him in high regard, though it was a pity about his other good intentions.

Originally, according to Ye Hei's arrangements, Ou Mingdong was allowed an extra two days, enough for a trip to Shuzhou City.

But when Ou Mingdong excitedly went to Shuzhou, he got the message from the Palace Guard that Su Wanjun had returned to Star Moon Pavilion for a few days and wouldn't return for three to five days.

He made the trip for nothing.

Of course, going to Star Moon Pavilion was impossible, and he couldn't wait around for three to five days either.

Thus, Ou Mingdong could only come here two days earlier.

Looking up at the crumbling city walls and desolate streets, even though Ye Hei had briefed him on Qingzhou Prefecture's situation, it wasn't until standing here himself that he understood what desolation truly means.

Along the way, the entire State Prefecture seemed like a dead place, not to mention the lack of people, even the sparse trees were just scattered.

The matters of Blood Ganoderma and Dragon Blood Stone, Ye Hei had naturally explained, even specially instructed,

"Don't hold too much hope for finding them to avoid disturbing your own heart. In over two hundred years, only three Dragon Blood Stones have appeared. The greatest opportunity for us lies in the Unparalleled Tower, remember that."

The words were true; entering one of the Celestial Essence Nine Sects in itself is another kind of opportunity.

Under the gentle moonlight, a shadow stretched long on the city wall, dark and mottled.

It was Huangfu Liang, who, after sneaking out, went straight to the wall to drink.

At this point, Ou Mingdong looked up at him, and Huangfu Liang glanced down.

"Divine Gaze Realm!"

Both were surprised at each other's age.

Ou Mingdong curiously rose into the air, gently landing on the wall.

"What a refined interest, drinking under the moon, such a wonderful ambiance."

Huangfu Liang's eyes lit up, appraising Ou Mingdong in his scholarly dress, and praised, "Drinking under the moon, your words are excellent, worthy of a great toast."

Saying so, he passed the wine gourd to Ou Mingdong.

Seeing the red gourd, Ou Mingdong's eyes flashed with slight curiosity.

No other reason, really, except that he noticed the wine gourd turned out to be a magical artifact.

What a gesture, actually crafting a magical artifact into a wine gourd.

Seeing Huangfu Liang's sincere invitation, Ou Mingdong wasn't shy, grabbing the gourd and taking a few gulps before passing it back.

What a drinking companion, unlike Han Yu, who resorts to tricks even for a sip of wine.

After receiving the wine, Huangfu Liang also took a few sips, and thinking of Han Yu, he naturally couldn't help recalling the beating he received.

Ou Mingdong, sharp-eyed, noticed the sudden distress on the other's face and curiously asked, "What's bothering you suddenly, my friend?"

"It's over a woman,"

Huangfu Liang shrugged; getting beaten twice by the same person was very damaging to one's pride.

Ou Mingdong's eyes flickered, seeming to have found a kindred spirit, and comforted,

"There's plenty of time ahead, no need to worry, there's still time yet!"

Huangfu Liang was momentarily stunned, but his heart brightened a little.

True, if I work hard and cultivate well from now on, I'm sure I can get justice.

"I didn't expect you to actually understand me."

"Because I'm in the same situation as you, I have more experience from repetition."

Huangfu Liang passed the wine back and said, "The universe isn't set yet, you and I both have chances."

Ou Mingdong, surprised, looked at him, yet deeply agreed.

As long as Wanjun has no partner, I still have a chance to win her over.

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