Chapter 1752: Pointing and Enlightening

"I'm grateful for your help, Prince Lieyang," a hint of joy finally appeared on the otherwise indifferent face of the woman in the blue dress. "Do you know where they are now?"

She was, of course, Chu Chuyan. Back in the Daoist Sect's secret realm, her group discovered that the realm was vastly different from what was recorded in their sect's texts. They spent more time than anticipated to complete their assigned task.

The group had benefited greatly from the experience. Finally, they gathered at the agreed-upon location, waiting to leave the Daoist Sect's secret realm.

Unexpectedly, they couldn't leave. They tried every method imaginable but failed. Then, a white light flashed across the sky, a terrifying black hole appeared in their world, and everyone was sucked into it.

When she woke up, she found herself in this world, with no sign of the others.

She spent several days investigating the whereabouts of her companions. While the others were important, Pei Mianman was her close friend, and given their awkward relationship, Chu Chuyan naturally didn't want anything to happen to her. How would she explain it to A'Zu once they returned?

She soon discovered that this world was far larger and more chaotic than she had imagined. Finding a few individuals was like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Later, as she passed through a valley, she happened to rescue a group of people who were being attacked by bandits. It turned out that the leader among them was a prince from a nearby kingdom.

Though this kingdom was nowhere near as powerful as the Great Zhou Dynasty, it was still considered one of the strongest in the vicinity.

The prince was none other than Prince Lieyang, the most promising heir to that kingdom's throne.

And those attackers were not bandits, but elite assassins hired by his rivals.

When Prince Lieyang saw Chu Chuyan, he was immediately captivated by her beauty, believing her to be a celestial being. He invited her back to the royal capital, citing his gratitude for her saving his life.

Chu Chuyan initially didn't want to bother, but on second thought, she realized she knew nothing about this world. Having the resources of a kingdom to assist her search would make things much easier, so she agreed.

In the days that followed, the prince's constant attempts to curry favor annoyed her greatly. Furthermore, with no news about her companions, she had already decided to leave that very day.

"I haven't fully ascertained the exact whereabouts of your companions, Miss," Prince Lieyang hastily said, seeing her cold expression. "However, a major event has recently occurred. A grand tomb has appeared in Zhichuan, rumored to be the ascension site of Immortal Lord Baopu. It is said to contain countless treasures, and even his life's work, 'Baopuzi,' might be inside. This place could hold the key to immortality."

"Immortality..." Chu Chuyan was noncommittal. In her world, countless people had sought immortality, only for it to end in vain. "What does any of this have to do with my companions?"

Prince Lieyang quickly replied, "Of course it's related. Almost all the powerful cultivators in the land are now heading to Zhichuan, hoping to open that grand tomb and discover the immortal fortune within. Your companions are all skilled cultivators; they will certainly be interested and head there too. Instead of searching for them like a needle in a haystack across the entire world, it would be better to go directly to Zhichuan. I believe you can reunite with them there."

Chu Chuyan nodded subtly. "Thank you for the information, Prince. I will set off for Zhichuan immediately."

Prince Lieyang smiled. "Miss Chu, you don't need to worry. I have already made all arrangements. I will accompany you to Zhichuan."

Chu Chuyan shook her head. "Thank you for your kindness, Prince, but I've already caused you enough trouble these past few days, and I don't wish to further delay your important matters. Besides, I'm accustomed to traveling alone and not used to being with others."

Though her tone was gentle, her refusal was firm.

Prince Lieyang was taken aback. He forced a smile and said, "In that case, I won't trouble Miss Chu further. I wish you a safe journey."

"Thank you, Prince." Chu Chuyan gave a slight nod, then floated away. She had already planned to leave that day and had no luggage to carry.

As her beautiful, graceful figure faded into the distance, the radiant smile on Prince Lieyang's face completely vanished.

A nearby attendant said spitefully, "That woman is truly ungrateful. Prince, you can have any woman you desire, yet despite your devotion to her these past few days, she still plays hard to get."

*Slap!* The reply was a red handprint across his face.

Prince Lieyang said coldly, "Either offer some constructive advice, or don't utter such mindless nonsense."

The attendant immediately became obsequious and dared not speak another word.

Another attendant nearby showed a hint of schadenfreude. "Prince, it's actually not that difficult to win a woman's heart. Miss Chu is different from the common women you've had before. She is powerful and doesn't need to rely on others, which is why your usual methods haven't worked."

Prince Lieyang nodded in deep agreement. "Continue."

The attendant smugly glanced at his dumbfounded colleague on the other side. "So, you must first break her pride and her reliance on herself."

"You mean..." Prince Lieyang's eyes lit up, but he quickly shook his head. "Miss Chu's cultivation is very high; dealing with her won't be easy. It would require mobilizing some of the top experts in the royal capital, and if the truth were to come out later, it could easily backfire."

The attendant's eyes widened instantly. *Wouldn't it be enough if the plan worked and he just got her body?* he thought to himself.

*So, you actually want her heart too,* he realized.

Of course, he didn't dare voice that thought aloud. He merely said, "We don't need to make a move ourselves. With the grand tomb in Zhichuan appearing, experts from all over the world will surely flock there. When Zhichuan becomes crowded with powerful cultivators, and considering Miss Chu's celestial beauty, some people are bound to lose control and target her. With two fists against four hands, she will inevitably find herself in a desperate situation. That's when you, Prince, can descend like a divine soldier, act as her hero, and everything will naturally fall into place, won't it?"

Prince Lieyang was overjoyed. "Little Zhu, well done! Why didn't I realize how clever you are before? Much better than Little Sha."

"It's all thanks to your cultivation, Prince," the attendant named Zhu said, casting a triumphant glance at Little Sha, who could only fume silently.

***

Meanwhile, Zu'an and his group continued their journey to Zhichuan, encountering various demons and ghosts almost daily. However, Zu'an's divine sword was unparalleled, and Qiu Honglei was a top expert capable of defeating the chief disciple of the Nine Dao Sect. Although Wei Su's cultivation was slightly lower, his years of navigating the martial world had made him resourceful and full of cunning ideas. Furthermore, Jing Teng herself was a demon and even possessed some exceptionally mysterious abilities. Thus, working together, the four managed to overcome several formidable opponents they encountered.

"I feel like something's not right," Qiu Honglei finally said after defeating another ghost. "We've encountered far too many ghosts on this journey. On the first day, we could travel nearly two thousand li, but now we can barely cover five hundred li a day."

Jing Teng's expression was somewhat unnatural. "I've told you before, demons and monsters are rampant in this world; encountering so many ghosts isn't uncommon."

"Is that so? I specifically asked some cultivators in the town yesterday," Wei Su chuckled, a glint in his eyes. "They said that while traveling is dangerous and they do encounter ghosts, the frequency is nowhere near ours." After spending these past days together, he had become somewhat immune to Jing Teng's beauty and could think clearly again.

Zu'an encircled Jing Teng from the other side. "The bridal ghost we first encountered specifically targeted you. At the time, you explained that she might have been coveting your body, intending to drain your demonic power and then use your form to charm others. I did believe that explanation then. But in the days since, many ghosts have been coming after you. It seems there's something they want from you. Aren't you going to explain this?"

Seeing the three subtly form a circle around her, Jing Teng's face showed hesitation.

Qiu Honglei frowned. "We've treated you as a companion all this way, yet you've deliberately hidden something, putting our lives at risk several times. It's hard not to feel disheartened, isn't it?"

Wei Su nodded in deep agreement. Thinking of the hardships they had endured these past few days, he felt a sudden urge to cry.

At this point, Zu'an spoke. "If you have any difficulties, just tell us. After spending this time together, you must have some understanding of our characters and trustworthiness. You should know whether we're worth trusting."

Jing Teng glared at him irritably, thinking that the young man was taking advantage while still trying to look good.

However, she finally spoke. "They must be after Immortal Lord Baopu."

"Immortal Lord Baopu?" The group was taken aback simultaneously; the name sounded unfamiliar.

Although the grand tomb in Zhichuan had appeared and seemed to be known throughout the land, the information was actually heavily restricted. Only high-ranking figures from various factions and a few exceptionally powerful individuals in this world had a chance to know about it. It was difficult for "newcomers" like them, who had just entered this world, to gain such knowledge.

"I don't know how long ago, the path to immortality was severed, and for countless years, no one was able to become an immortal. However, a few hundred years ago, one person actually achieved immortality. He was Immortal Lord Baopu..." Jing Teng began to recount.

Wei Su raised his hand, confused. "What does this have to do with you?"

Jing Teng looked in a certain direction, a nostalgic expression on her face. "I've told you before that it's very difficult for plants and trees in this world to transform into human form. They either have to absorb the essence of heaven, earth, sun, and moon over vast periods, or they encounter a serendipitous opportunity and are enlightened by someone. I belong to the latter."

She paused, then added, "It was Immortal Lord Baopu who enlightened me all those years ago."