Bai Xifeng felt a surge of triumph now that she finally held the information she had come for. However, her excitement was short-lived as she contemplated the new obstacle before her. According to the records, the herbs she needed grew deep within the heart of the treacherous Jinxie Forest.
She desperately needed those plants to purge the toxins from her body, but the journey would be anything but easy. The Jinxie Forest was a place few dared to enter; it was infamous for being infested with powerful, high-level beasts that could tear an unprepared traveler to pieces.
Worst of all, the information revealed that a formidable creature known as the Giant Lion guarded the exact location of one of her primary herbs. Despite the danger, Bai Xifeng took comfort in the fact that she had Baishe by her side. With his power, she wouldn't need to hire mercenaries or bodyguards, which was a relief, as her wallet was already feeling quite light after the transaction at Shanghai House.
As she began her walk back home, her mind raced with plans on how to sneak away from the Bai residence for several days without raising suspicion. However, her train of thought was abruptly interrupted when Baishe, currently disguised as the fan in her hand, sent her a sharp telepathic warning.
"Stay alert. Someone is following you." Baishe whispered directly into her mind.
"What? I'm being followed?" Bai Xifeng's heart hammered against her ribs, and she instinctively swallowed hard.
"Try to stay calm. I don't sense any immediate malicious intent from them." Baishe added, attempting to soothe her nerves.
"If they aren't trying to kill me, what should we do?" Bai Xifeng asked, her voice tight with anxiety.
She knew she wasn't ready for a real confrontation yet, her current strength was nowhere near enough to fend off professional trackers. Hearing that there was no murderous intent allowed her to take a shallow breath of relief, but the problem remained.
"But why follow me at all?" Bai Xifeng questioned Baishe.
"Most likely, they are curious about your identity. It is rare for someone so young to seek out such specific, high-grade herbs. They probably suspect you are the apprentice of a powerful alchemist and want to discover your origins." Baishe assumed, his voice thoughtful.
"Oh, for heaven's sake... This is a mess. How am I supposed to return home now? If they follow me back to the residence, my entire disguise is ruined." Bai Xifeng sighed, her frustration mounting as she glanced nervously over her shoulder.
"Do not be so flustered, Master. I will handle this." Baishe reassured her.
"Really? That would be a lifesaver." Bai Xifeng replied, feeling the weight on her chest lift slightly. "But seriously, can you please stop calling me 'Master'?"
"Ah, my apologies. Old habits." Baishe remarked smoothly. "Now, listen carefully: turn into that narrow alleyway up ahead. I will take care of the rest."
Following his instructions, Bai Xifeng quickly ducked into the shadows of a cramped side street. The people pursuing her noticed her sudden movement and accelerated, rushing into the alley to close the gap. To their absolute bewilderment, the young man they had been tracking simply vanished into thin air.
They searched every corner, checked the rooftops, and peered behind crates, but the "Young Master Long" was nowhere to be found. After several minutes of fruitlessly scouring the area, they eventually gave up and retreated.
Nearby, Bai Xifeng actually walked right past them, holding her breath. Baishe had wrapped her in a sophisticated shroud of invisibility.
"Wow... it's just like wearing a Harry Potter cloak!" Bai Xifeng whispered in awe as she watched her pursuers walk right through the space she had occupied seconds before.
"What? A 'Hari' who?" Baishe asked, sounding utterly baffled by the strange name.
"Never mind. Just forget I said anything." Bai Xifeng whispered, waving a dismissive hand as she hurried toward the safety of the Bai Residence.
***This novel is a contracted work with w e b n o v e l. c o m. If you do not read this novel on w e b n o v e l. c o m, that means it has been stolen. It breaks my heart when someone steals my hard work. Can you consider reading it on the original website for those who read my novel on another website besides w e b n o v e l .c o m, as your support to me? Thank you, from, your shameless author, ZerahNeko***
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