Jian Dan had barely taken two steps when she heard Cheng Zu's words. She could only stop, smile, and ask, "I don't know what Boss Cheng Zu wants with me?"
"We're preparing to return to the original continent, and I've still got some things on hand. I wonder if Fairy Lu has any interest?" Cheng Zu said politely.
He'd already seen Jun Qingfeng in her group, along with a few familiar faces, cultivators he'd once crossed paths with at Muqing's shop. That alone explained a lot.
"Ah, we'd love to trade, but when we went into the inner region, we sold off most of our goods. The things we just got our hands on weren't even warm before we used them to buy news of my Senior Sister. So…" Jian Dan spread her hands, sounding polite yet regretful, making it clear she couldn't afford to take what he was offering.
In her heart, though, she muttered, "Is this Cheng family pair trying to freeload again? Last time it worked only because they had news of Senior Sister Jian Jun. Who knows what trick they're playing now?"
Cheng Zu instantly understood. Fairy Lu wasn't someone to fool. Last time, he'd used a single piece of information to walk away with plenty, including two storage rings when she was searching for Su Chui. If he didn't bring out something good this time, there was no way she'd bite.
"This can be worked out. We've only traded once with your squad, but both sides were satisfied. You've just returned and need to rest. Tomorrow, I'll have someone send a list of items over. You can see if there's anything you want."
"Satisfied my ass. Wasn't it basically us giving away free stuff?" Jian Dan grumbled inwardly, but her face stayed cheerful as she clasped her hands.
"Boss Cheng Zu's truly considerate. Then forgive us for disturbing you. We'll take our leave."
Everyone behind her politely cupped their hands before leaving with her.
Cheng Zu waved his hand, signaling his people to disperse, and watched them go.
"Senior Brother, you still want to press this?"
"I didn't expect to see them again. Since we have, why not try? There's no harm in it."
"Their spirit beast's really powerful," someone muttered.
Cheng Song, who'd appeared behind Cheng Zu without a sound, sighed as he spoke.
"Of course. With blood that pure, no wonder they're hiding it. If another squad saw it, they'd definitely get greedy. Honestly, even I'm tempted."
He didn't know that because of Xiao Yue, Fu Hu's Squad had been wiped out. The only two survivors were hiding gods knew where.
"Senior Brother, we should be cautious. That Fairy Lu isn't simple. With Jun Qingfeng backing her, it's better to stay steady until we return."
"Don't worry, Junior Brother. I was just talking. If what Ji Du said is true, and they really killed Mao Wu and came back here, they must have their reasons. That's why I suggested another trade. We'll adapt as things go."
Every word landed clearly in Jian Dan's divine sense. She couldn't help but respect them a little. Anyone who could survive here and even thrive wasn't an easy opponent.
"Fairy Lu, since that spot's already taken, where should we head now?"
Hou San waited until they were outside the Greenfield Lake area before asking.
"Let's go back to that mountain fissure we stayed at before."
"Yes."
The group passed through the forest and returned to the fissure. Kuang Dao and Wu Siyuan went in first, checking. Everything looked exactly as they'd left it. The place was remote enough that nobody had stumbled upon it.
They tidied up quickly. Even with twenty people, the space wasn't cramped. Xiao Yue had turned back into a little wolf cub and wandered the cave before trotting to Jian Dan's side.
"Did you find something?" Jian Dan asked directly. When they'd left the lake earlier, Xiao Yue's blue eyes had lingered on the water's surface. With the Cheng brothers right there, she hadn't asked. But now, of course, she needed to know.
"Jian Lu, I feel the passage back is inside that lake. In less than a month, it'll open."
"Good. I understand. When we trade with the Cheng brothers in a few days, I'll take you there to confirm it."
Jian Dan smiled, stroking Xiao Yue's head with both hands.
The little wolf nodded, then burrowed into her arms, squinting in contentment as she petted him.
Now that they had this news, it was time to boost morale. Everyone had been running for their lives for so long, their spirits were low.
"Everyone, Xiao Yue just told me he senses a space passage opening in less than a month. It'll lead us back to Lingyun Continent. We'll finally be able to return!"
For a moment, the whole group was stunned. Then grins spread across every face.
"Jian Lu Zūnshàng, is this real? Where's the passage?"
Xiao Yong voiced the question on everyone's mind.
"The exact spot isn't clear yet, but Xiao Yue says it's nearby. Otherwise, he wouldn't sense it. Right now it's still vague, but it'll get clearer in a few days."
All eyes turned toward Xiao Yue, who lifted his head proudly, as if to say, See, I'm amazing. Don't underestimate me. Jian Dan ruffled him again, making him squint with pleasure.
"In that case, we shouldn't split up. Nobody knows when the passage will open."
Jian Mao spoke, and no one disagreed. Everyone wanted out, especially those who'd been trapped with Jian Jun in the inner region.
"And the Cheng brothers' proposed trade?"