"Ah!"
Chen Xiao was suddenly pulled into a firm embrace, his body crashing unprepared into Xi Yunqing's broad chest. Rubbing his slightly sore nose, a fleeting thought crossed his mind, surprisingly firm yet elastic.
Xi Yunqing's deep voice resonated in his ears. "Be careful."
The rush of excitement in Chen Xiao's blood cooled at once. Embarrassed, he pulled back slightly. "Apologies. It's rare to see such a magnificent sight, I lost myself for a moment."
Xi Yunqing's lips curved faintly, his low, pleasant voice sending a shiver through Chen Xiao's ears. Chen Xiao subtly let out a hiss. Good thing I'm not the type to be swayed by voices, or else just this alone could make someone fall at his feet.
Turning his head, Chen Xiao nonchalantly pointed towards the dragon-embracing-pearl-shaped mountain ahead. "Immortal Immortal Master Xi, what region is that?"
Xi Yunqing followed his gaze, his long, dark hair brushing smoothly over his shoulders. The wind carried a few strands onto Chen Xiao's face, tickling him. It was then that Chen Xiao realized, we're too close. Close enough to cross the boundary of intimacy, close enough to feel each other's warmth and breath.
They say such proximity is only shared between family, lovers, or the closest of friends.
But there was no helping it. Xi Yunqing had to hold onto him, if not, he'd fall. That's a perfectly reasonable explanation, Chen Xiao justified to himself, unsure who he was even trying to convince.
Awkwardly, he shifted slightly, putting a bit more distance between them, leaving just enough space for Xi Yunqing's arm to rest around his shoulders. Now, their shoulders had at least half a foot between them.
Xi Yunqing didn't seem to notice his small movements. He simply glanced towards the area Chen Xiao pointed at and said, "That's a danger zone, numerous wild beasts roam there. Beyond that lies the territory of true fierce beasts. You're not ready for that yet. It's too dangerous."
Chen Xiao was reluctant. "I've heard that low-level cultivators sometimes form teams with others to explore beast-infested regions. Is that true?"
Xi Yunqing turned his head, looking down slightly due to their height difference. His gaze lingered on Chen Xiao's eager expression. After a moment of thought, he replied, "Yes, that does happen."
Chen Xiao's eyes lit up, but before he could get too excited, Xi Yunqing added, "However, that's only in areas near mortal nations, not in beast-dense regions like this."
His excitement deflated. "Oh…"
He wasn't reckless, though he was tempted by the adventure, he wouldn't throw his life away. He was still young; if he couldn't go now, that was fine. He could mark this location down and return once he was stronger. Or, if he had enough spirit stones in the future, he could simply hire a team of cultivators to escort him.
At least there was one thing worth celebrating, he had found a Feng Shui treasure land. Comforting himself with that thought, Chen Xiao quickly adjusted his mood. He was so absorbed in his plans that he didn't notice how his facial expressions shifted, but Xi Yunqing caught everything. Observing him closely, Xi Yunqing quietly made a mental note.
What would take days of travel on foot took only moments by air.
As Xi Yunqing released him, Chen Xiao reluctantly stepped away. Standing obediently in place, he said, "I'll wait right here. Immortal Immortal Master Xi, please return soon."
Before setting him down, Xi Yunqing had already surveyed the surroundings; there were no immediate dangers. But before he could say anything, Chen Xiao had already looked at him with complete trust.
Xi Yunqing had never experienced such a feeling before.
On his first training journey as a youth, his mere presence had cursed his companions with misfortune, forcing them to retreat midway. Ever since, his peers avoided him, and juniors stayed far away.
This was the first time someone had depended on him so wholeheartedly.
A strange feeling swelled in his chest, so this was what it felt like to be relied on…
Xi Yunqing's expression remained composed, but as he took off into the sky, his steps felt unusually light.
The place he had chosen for Chen Xiao was a lone peak, set apart from the surrounding mountains. Unless a bird of prey attacked from the air, he would be safe. And should danger arise, he could easily escape in any direction.
After ensuring there was no immediate threat, Chen Xiao turned toward the direction of the Feng Shui site he had discovered.
Only, the dragon-embracing-pearl formation was completely blocked by a mountain in front of him. He couldn't see anything.
Sighing, Chen Xiao reflected on the sheer difficulty of travel in ancient times. Experiencing firsthand how much physical effort was needed for transportation and exploration, he had a newfound respect for Feng Shui masters of the past. His resolve strengthened, even if just to make his search for dragon veins easier, he had to master a movement technique or acquire a suitable artifact.
His mind drifted with these thoughts, and time passed unknowingly.
After a while, he realized, Xi Yunqing and Du Rong are taking a bit too long.
"What's going on? Don't tell me Uncle Rong and Immortal Immortal Master Xi got distracted by sightseeing in the sky?" he muttered, puzzled.
Before he could wonder further, he saw two figures approaching from the distance.
Du Rong was carrying a large pack on his back, while Xi Yunqing simply held his own package in one hand.
As a result, Du Rong was essentially dangling from his backpack straps the entire way.
Chen Xiao blinked in surprise. Why are they traveling like that?
It didn't take him long to figure it out, since Uncle Rong had a heavy pack on his back, Xi Yunqing wouldn't have been able to carry him by the waist like he had done for Chen Xiao.
Satisfied with his own explanation, Chen Xiao didn't think much of it. It never even crossed his mind that, apart from the waist, there were still the shoulders or arms to hold onto.
From Du Rong's perspective, however, Xi Yunqing carrying Chen Xiao in such a way was completely natural. After all, Chen Xiao was an ordinary person, more delicate and in need of extra care. Meanwhile, as a high-level cultivator, Du Rong could manage just fine as long as there was a place to hold onto.
Rough men like him simply didn't have that level of sensitivity.
Of course, even if Du Rong had any thoughts about it, he wouldn't dare make any assumptions regarding the two of them.
When he finally landed, Du Rong's face was stiff. But definitely not because of the way he had been carried.
After taking a moment to smooth out his expression, he approached Chen Xiao and said, "Master Chen, I heard you wanted to take a look at those mountains?"
Chen Xiao glanced at Du Rong in surprise, then at Xi Yunqing, who stood calmly to the side.
Has Immortal Immortal Master Xi figured him out?
Even if he wanted to deny it, there was no use pretending otherwise now.
So, he simply nodded and said, "Yes, I found the terrain there very unusual and wanted to take a closer look."
Ever since they had entered the mountains, Du Rong had noticed Chen Xiao searching for something. However, since his employer hadn't explained, and he wasn't the type to pry, he hadn't asked.
Now, it seemed that Chen Xiao had finally found what he was looking for.
Only, it happened to be in the territory of fierce beasts, dangerously close to where the true monsters lurked.
If it were just him, Du Rong would never have agreed to let Chen Xiao go. However, after Immortal Immortal Master Xi's "persuasion" earlier, he had to admit that there was some logic to it. With Immortal Immortal Master Xi accompanying them, if they still couldn't make it, then the chances of the employer going in the future would be slim to none.
Of course, Du Rong never considered that his employer, while lacking the wealth of a tycoon, had the heart of one. Even if there was no opportunity, he would create one, no matter how many spirit pearls it took.
At this moment, Du Rong said, "Since the master insists on going, then we shall make the trip. However, we must not venture any deeper."
Chen Xiao was overjoyed, he had never expected his wish to be fulfilled so quickly. He nodded eagerly, like a chick pecking at rice, and repeatedly promised, "Uncle Rong, don't worry! I definitely won't go any deeper!"
This area was already on the border of where fierce beasts roamed. Standing atop the mountain, they could even spot black dots soaring through the sky, flying beasts with razor-sharp claws and beaks. Du Rong decided they should move cautiously, taking a winding path to avoid these aerial predators.
Chen Xiao, having gotten his way, was all smiles. He obediently followed Du Rong's lead, leaving all decisions to him. This, however, caused a subtle irritation in Xi Yunqing's heart. After all, it was his efforts that had secured this outcome, yet Chen Xiao seemed to only express gratitude to Du Rong. Naturally, someone as proud as Immortal Immortal Master Xi would never lower himself to seek recognition. There was no way he would bring up how he had "persuaded" Du Rong just to earn the same devotion from Chen Xiao.
Despite his frustration, Xi Yunqing's gaze remained locked on Chen Xiao, ensuring his safety. He had given his word, he would protect Chen Xiao, and he would not allow even the slightest mishap.
The mountainous terrain was covered with thick forests, with some areas sparse and others densely packed. Though the more open areas looked like convenient shortcuts, Du Rong refused to take risks. He would rather take a longer detour. Experience had taught him that if one chose a shortcut through sparse woods, the moment a beast, adept at weaving swiftly through trees, suddenly appeared, those same trees would become fatal obstacles in their escape.
Listening to Du Rong's quiet explanation, Xi Yunqing had to admit that the man had thought things through. If he had been in charge, he would have chosen the direct path without hesitation. After all, if they encountered a beast, he could simply cut it down with his heavy sword. But Chen Xiao was different, he couldn't afford even the slightest injury. Battles were unpredictable; the moment things went awry, the fragile Chen Xiao wouldn't survive even a single scratch from a beast's claws. By then, no amount of regret would change the outcome.
This realization led Immortal Immortal Master Xi to truly learn how to consider the well-being of others, to better care for the "delicate and fragile" Chen Xiao. Everything should be centered around Chen Xiao, and no amount of accommodation was too much.
Despite their careful approach, the trio still couldn't avoid encountering a beast. Fortunately, with Xi Yunqing present, the situation remained controlled. If Du Rong had been handling it alone, while he might have been able to manage, it wouldn't have been as effortless. At the very least, both he and Chen Xiao would have had to worry about their own safety.
They trekked onward, taking detours upon detours, until they finally neared the special terrain Chen Xiao had spoken of. It was a basin-like valley, encircled by towering peaks on all sides. The surrounding mountains provide natural protection, shielding the area from winter's harsh winds and weakening summer's torrential rains. From both a geographical and feng shui perspective, it was an ideal place for people to live and thrive.
Standing atop the peak, the three of them peered down and were stunned to find fertile land spread across the valley floor, crisscrossed with fields, glistening pools, and groves of mulberry and bamboo. Looking closer, they could see dozens of houses nestled within, and the distant sounds of chickens and dogs could be faintly heard.
Chen Xiao's face showed a trace of disappointment, while Xi Yunqing was slightly surprised. Du Rong, on the other hand, outright exclaimed, "There are people living here?!"
None of them had expected this. In such a remote area, far from Hanshan City, with dangerous beasts roaming the surroundings, let alone the even more ferocious creatures nearby, who would have thought a village existed here?
Xi Yunqing shot a curious glance at Chen Xiao. Did he somehow predict there would be people here? Was that why he insisted on coming? But judging from Chen Xiao's expression, that didn't seem to be the case.
Now intrigued by the hidden village, Xi Yunqing said, "Let's go down and take a look."
Chen Xiao quickly set aside his disappointment and followed closely behind Xi Yunqing, taking the safest path down toward the village.
Of course, he hadn't known there was already a settlement here. The fact that this prime feng shui location had been claimed was disappointing, but he adjusted his mindset quickly. In his past life, he had often come across excellent sites, only to find they had long been occupied. That was the eternal struggle for feng shui masters seeking ideal locations for residences or tombs.
The country's vast land didn't mean infinite resources, mountains and rivers were limited. Over generations, countless feng shui masters had scoured every corner of the land, and any auspicious location had long been claimed. That was why feng shui masters often had to venture into increasingly remote areas in search of untouched land.
There was another reason as well, discovering a prime feng shui site didn't mean one had the fate to claim it. In ancient times, competition for such places was brutal. The moment a location was rumored to be a treasure trove of feng shui, persuasion would be followed by coercion. Many feng shui masters had no choice but to surrender such places just to preserve their lives. It was often said in their trade that whether a feng shui master could secure a good site depended entirely on their fate.
Looking at the village before him, Chen Xiao wondered how long the residents had been here. As they descended, he paid attention to both his footing and the layout of the village. From the number of houses, he estimated a population of about two to three hundred. In this isolated wilderness, it was a sizable community, though in a prosperous region, it would be considered a small village.
As the three of them approached the base of the mountain, the villagers took notice. A slight commotion stirred within the village before several people ran toward them.
Xi Yunqing clasped his hands behind his back, while Du Rong remained quietly on guard. Chen Xiao, however, remained calm and composed, watching with interest.
The man leading the group was a middle-aged farmer dressed in simple, slightly worn work clothes. His skin was tanned, and his hands were thick and calloused.
The trio had expected these villagers to question them upon arrival. But to their surprise, the man broke into a broad smile and greeted them warmly, "Immortal Masters, you must be here to find your companions, right? They've been waiting for you for quite some time. Please, follow me!"