Chapter (12): A Journey No Longer Alone (Part 2)
Mu Yanxing was immensely pleased with being addressed as "Xing-jiejie." She had tried to force her own younger brother to call her that for years, but the brat had never once complied.
While taking Yan Tangtang out was no difficult task, the child's lingering fever worried her. They were set to continue their journey tomorrow, leaving only today for rest. If the fever didn't break, what would they do? One mustn't forget the sharp-tongued Young Master Chen was always ready to voice his disapproval.
"Xiao Tang, what books do you want to buy? I can get them for you. Or perhaps we should go in the evening? You should rest this morning," Mu Yanxing suggested.
Yan Tangtang was still unaware that the group had already discussed taking her to the border of the cultivation realms. On the night they made the decision, she had been fast asleep, and no one had briefed her yet. Under the impression that she would have to part ways with them the next day, she felt an urgent need to begin scouting her own path.
She shook her head at Mu Yanxing.
"No, I can manage. I want to see if I can find any travelogues."
Mu Yanxing looked puzzled. "Travelogues?"
Yan Tangtang had no intention of hiding her logic and explained, "I've heard that travelogues often contain personal experiences and details about different regions. I can't rely solely on maps; some are inaccurate or full of gaps. I want to cross-reference travelogues with the maps to find a viable route. That way, I can somewhat estimate the dangers of the road. Of course, some records might be fictional, but I have to try and verify them against the maps."
As Yan Tangtang finished speaking, the air seemed to freeze for a moment. Mu Yanchan was the first to break the silence.
"That... could that actually work? Why didn't we think of that before?"
Had they really failed to consider something even a seven-year-old could grasp?
Chen Zhao's eyes were clouded with deep thought before he spoke.
"I don't know if it's feasible or not, but why shouldn't we give it a try?"
Mu Yanxing and the others nodded in agreement. After all, they were also travelers who hadn't quite figured out their ultimate destination.
"In that case, Xiao Tang, you stay and rest," Mu Ranxing said. "We'll go buy them."
However, Yan Tangtang was determined to go; she had other necessities to purchase for her solo journey.
Their original plan for staying in the city was to gather intel. Now, Chen Zhao and Su Min headed out separately to scout for news, while the Mu siblings and Yan Tangtang formed a trio to hunt for travelogues.
Ran City was larger than a mere small town and was quite bustling. Not forgetting her money vouchers, Yan Tangtang asked Mu Yanxing if they could be cashed here. Mu Yanxing and Mu Yanchan led her to a draft bank first, helping her withdraw her funds. When the silver was successfully released, Yan Tangtang felt a massive weight lift off her shoulders.
Mu Yanxing refused to let the feverish Yan Tangtang carry the heavy pouch containing over a hundred silver pieces, ordering her brother to carry it instead. Yan Tangtang could only look on with gratitude.
Though the three of them were carrying a significant amount of wealth, the long swords hanging at the Mu siblings' waists and their noble bearing discouraged any overt trouble. Even if someone dared to try, Mu Yanxing was on the verge of reaching the first stage of Qi Condensation; ordinary thugs posed no threat to her.
"Xiao Tang, do you want to buy a couple more sets of clothes? I'll go with you," Mu Yanxing offered.
She had noticed the child only had three outfits. However, Yan Tangtang shook her head, and Mu Yanxing didn't press further. In truth, they themselves didn't carry more than five or six changes of clothes. On a long journey, many things were more vital than a wardrobe.
On the way to the bookstore, they encountered a pharmacy. Mu Yanxing stopped to replenish the medicine she had used on Yan Tangtang. When she saw Yan Tangtang picking out supplies for herself, she was about to stop her, only to remember they hadn't told the girl they were taking her with them yet.
So, this boy is seriously preparing to continue the journey on his own...
Leaving the pharmacy, Mu Yanxing kept her eyes on Yan Tangtang. From the child's behavior, it was clear he wouldn't give up; if they left him behind, he would likely wander off alone in his stubbornness. Recalling Chen Zhao's instructions, she spoke up.
"Xiao Tang, the path of cultivation is difficult and fraught with pain. It's not even certain yet whether you have the talent to cultivate. Are you absolutely sure you want to go forward?"
Yan Tangtang replied with a gravity that transcended her appearance. "Xing-jiejie, I am alone now. If I have a goal, shouldn't I pursue it regardless of the danger? The worst that can happen is failure. I have a deep desire to walk the path of cultivation. It is my dream. I believe I will definitely be able to do it..."
Feeling the sincerity in those words, Mu Yanxing nodded. "Very well. Then follow us to the border. Going alone is not the right way. That is, if you trust us..."
Yan Tangtang's footsteps faltered. She looked up at Mu Yanxing, her eyes wide with excitement. "Jiejie, what did you say?"
Mu Yanchan, who had been feeling ignored throughout the walk, jumped in to answer. "My sister said you can come with us!"
The shock on Yan Tangtang's face rapidly dissolved into pure joy. It would be a lie to say she didn't want to go with them. Subconsciously, she had hoped they would take her, and she had wanted to ask, but she wasn't thick-skinned enough. They had already been kind enough to bring her to Ran City; she hadn't dared to ask for more.
But now... now they had invited her. They were truly too kind.
However, remembering that Chen Zhao was the real decision-maker, she asked hesitantly, "But... Chen-ge... what about him?"
Did he really want her to come along?
Mu Yanxing, sensing her worry, explained, "Chen-ge has already agreed. But you should know his true wish was for you to give up. He said that if you were willing to stop, even if you didn't want to go home, he would have made sure you were settled safely and comfortably in this city. Do you want to think about it again?"
Yan Tangtang shook her head instantly.
"I don't misunderstand Chen-ge's kindness. But I am certain. One day, I will definitely be able to cultivate!"
Mu Yanxing could only offer a silent prayer for the stubborn child. "I hope your wish comes true."
With the mood lightened, they chatted happily until they reached the bookstore. There were several in Ran City, and they were at the largest one.
Though the shop had travelogues, they were few in number. The trio bought every travelogue in the store, spending only about five silver coins.
After picking up a few more necessities at the market, they returned to the inn. Chen Zhao and Su Min had not yet returned.
The three didn't waste time and began poring over the books. When Chen Zhao and Su Min finally returned, they joined the effort. Chen Zhao had purchased a map of Ran City; they made it a habit to buy a new map in every city, as details often varied between cartographers.
They spent the evening cross-referencing descriptions of terrains from the travelogues with the maps, trying to chart a safe path. By midnight, however, a clear route had yet to emerge. Some books seemed authentic, while others were clearly filled with tall tales. Still, the more they read, the more they felt a breakthrough was possible, so they pushed on.
In the hours just before dawn, Yan Tangtang's head had slumped onto a book on the table, and she was fast asleep. The others were also struggling to keep their eyes open when a bone-chilling scream from Mu Yanchan shattered the silence, startling not only them but the entire inn.
"AAAHHHHH!!!!"
........
Mini-Theater
Mu Yanchan: I thought everyone was reading the books as hard as I was! But it turns out I was the only one actually working! Waaaah! If I'd known, I would have taken a nap too!
.........