"Go about your business~"

Yun Ran raised her hand to dismiss everyone and continued towards the original courtyard.

The closer she got, the more distinct the fluctuations in the air became.

Yun Ran stood by what should have been the entrance and reached out to touch it, but found nothing there.

The time to set off was running out, yet she remained calm, not the least worried that she might be making this trip in vain.

Inside the courtyard, the Little Paperman saw its master standing just a wall away but couldn’t even hear her voice, and became urgently anxious.

Turning its head, it grumbled unhappily at Chi Yao, who was sipping tea not far away: "My master is here, and you’re still keeping me locked in, you villain!"

Not only was the Little Paperman anxious, even Ma San, who had been a mere background presence, was somewhat concerned.

They had been confined here for several days—though their safety was assured, it was difficult to hear news from the outside world.

Now that their master had come, there must be an important matter at hand.

"Mr. Chi, could you not make an exception?"

Ma San had a bit of a temper, but not much. Clearly, he didn’t dare to lash out like the Little Paperman and could only manage to add a hint of firmness to his respectful tone.

Chi Yao continued to squint his eyes, savoring this rare moment of leisure.

The arrival of Yun Ran signaled that his tranquil days were nearly at an end.

"I have a wish, that there be peace in the world, and that everyone may live the life they desire."

Chi Yao’s words sounded completely disconnected to Ma San, but he dared not question them.

Managing to speak up to Chi Yao had already consumed a great amount of his courage.

While Ma San dared not talk back, the Little Paperman wasn’t the least bit intimidated, especially since Chi Yao didn’t lower his voice when he spoke.

"Pfft, poser, why don’t you say your mission is world peace!"

Those marked by the Prohibition in Feng Temple dare not claim to want to be the Savior.

For anyone else saying similar things, it was just a boastful show in the Little Paperman’s view.

The Little Paperman’s sarcasm made Chi Yao’s eyes light up.

Ah yes, that’s the vibe! That’s exactly what he wanted to convey!

If peace ruled the world, there’d be nothing left for him to do, and every day could be a good day.

"Nice, nice, who’d have thought you could say something so philosophical."

At this, the Little Paperman could no longer hold back, rolling its eyes at Chi Yao several times.

"So much pointless chatter—hurry up and open the door, I want to get out!"

Even if there was danger outside, the Little Paperman accepted it.

It had already set up a Prohibition on itself, any attempt to use it against its master would trigger a self-destruct.

Chi Yao spread his hands: "There are rules, even I can’t break them. Once more than half the people at the base leave, the courtyard will reappear."

Little Paperman: ...

It truly detested this power of rules, something that couldn’t easily be broken by manpower.

Outside the door, Yun Ran was unaware that the people inside had already squared off against each other. Seeing the time had come, she left behind a piece of jade that only the Little Paperman could open.

"I’m heading off, and will leave the remaining matters to you all!"

After saying this, Yun Ran turned and left to join Long Ling and the others.

The Little Paperman finally had a chance to meet its master, but because of the courtyard’s darn rules, it missed the opportunity.

"I’m furious!!!"

Mad with anger, the Little Paperman clenched its already round hands tighter, looking even cuter.

Making Chi Yao unable to resist wanting to reach out and give it a rub.

The speed of Qing Long and his party was truly impressive; they said fifteen minutes, and it was indeed fifteen minutes, with everything equipped and ready.

Looking at the endless line of carriages in the alley made Yun Ran momentarily dazed.

Though she hailed from a ’rich family’, she’d never set out on a mission with so many people and resources.

Not comparing was fine, but after comparing, Yun Ran suddenly felt as though she used to live like a pauper.

Long Ling was also startled by the arrangement, sidling up to Yun Ran and whispering softly.

"Goodness, I thought that the supplies the Yun Family’s heir sent during the time at Death Mountain were already from a rich family.

Who knew the real rich family was like this. Do you feel like country bumpkins in the city?"

Yun Ran shot a sideways glance, her eyes warning brightly.

"You’re the country bumpkin!"

Long Ling choked on his words; apparently Yun Ran heard only the country bumpkin part!

He was clearly filled with jealousy and envy!

Especially remembering how he’d thought he’d struck it rich scouring the sea for seafood and pearls.

Having a villa, his own business, even hiring people to look after his ’little siblings’ seemed quite good.

Alas, comparison is the thief of joy; his possessions were nothing compared to what the other side took on a single mission.

"Fellow Daoist Yun, here’s the carriage prepared for you. See if it suits your fancy, if there’s anything you don’t like, I’ll have it replaced immediately!"

One second, Yun Ran was still bickering with Long Ling.

The next, the rich family themselves appeared, asking affably about their preferences.

"Fellow Daoist Long Ling, this is your carriage."

The two of them followed Qing Long’s voice and looked over at the two entirely jet-black carriages, immediately aware of their immense luxury.

The carriage compartment’s material was unclear, but the engravings on it were not the work of ordinary craftsmen.

And the horses pulling the carriage, hearty and robust, could compete with million-dollar racehorse thoroughbreds.

Just by appearance alone, Yun Ran was a hundred percent satisfied; if only she could take the carriage home—it’d surely be a priceless artifact.

Long Ling was equally satisfied with the carriage, but being out and about required keeping one’s true assets concealed.

"Fellow Daoist Qing Long is too kind; we’re guests, and it’s right to go with what the host offers, no complaints here."

Qing Long was busy; taking a moment to speak with Yun Ran and Long Ling was no small feat.

"If you’re pleased, that’s good. I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave."

Watching Qing Long walk away, the calm on Long Ling’s face faded instantly.

"Luckily you kept a straight face earlier and signaled me, otherwise I nearly asked if I could share a carriage with you!"

Long Ling was clearly taking advantage and still acting innocently.

"Weren’t you merging those skills previously? On this trip, we’ll be quite safe, and you have plenty of time, keep merging them. Who knows, your contribution might be the highlight of this mission!"




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