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Chapter 191: The Intersection
Seeing Ji Zichen's expression of relief at recovering the sword, Uncle Jiang smiled suddenly. "What a coincidence! When I saw that large tent, I thought it might be where their leader was. If I could take that person's life, it would be worth it, even if it meant my own death. But when I entered the tent, there was nothing inside except for this Demon-Slaying Sword."
"The last time I saw you with this sword, I was puzzled about how it ended up in the tent. I thought it might have been confiscated, so I just took it."
Although Uncle Jiang spoke casually, his earlier attempt to assassinate Ling Xuan had been extremely dangerous. Ji Zichen felt fortunate that Uncle Jiang hadn't encountered Ling Xuan. "That person is difficult to deal with; it's a good thing you didn't run into him."
Ji Zichen hung the Demon-Slaying Sword back on her back and said, "It's good to have the sword back; at least I won't have to face her without it."
A professional looked towards the distant swirling smoke, which was about to ignite again. The smoke was becoming clearer, and he said with a dim expression, "This fire will claim many innocent lives. I'm not just talking about people but also animals. I don't want to see them harmed; we would be going against Buddhist principles."
Ji Zichen gazed in the direction of the camp, where fire and smoke continued to roll into the air. Although she didn't understand the teachings of Buddhism, she assessed from the thick smoke that they had managed to control the fire.
Uncle Jiang also looked towards the smoke and then picked up a stick from the ground. He began drawing circles in the dirt and said, "Let me show you something."
Everyone turned to see what Uncle Jiang was drawing. He created several wavy lines in the dirt and explained, "These represent mountain ranges."
He then drew a few trees around the mountains and added, "These trees represent forests."
"Is this a map?" Ji Zichen asked as she realized what he was illustrating.
Uncle Jiang nodded. "Yes. While I was helping you retrieve the sword, I saw a map on the table. It depicted these features." He pointed to a specific mountain range and said, "This is located slightly southwest from us, about ten miles away—here, here, here, here, and here." He marked several intersections.
Ji Zichen didn't understand what these intersections meant and asked, " Uncle Jiang, what do you think these intersections represent?"
Uncle Jiang pondered for a moment before replying, "I don't know. However, all of these intersections are in the wilderness."
Ji Zichen inquired further, "Wilderness? What is there in the wilderness? Ruins or something else?"
Uncle Jiang replied, "The wilderness is just that—wilderness. There's nothing there except for weeds and trees."
Ji Zichen couldn't help but ask curiously, "If there's nothing there, why would they mark it on the map?"
"This is what I don't understand," Uncle Jiang said. "I noted down these locations, but I didn't dare take the map with me. I was afraid they would become suspicious if the map went missing."
Ji Zichen nodded and replied, " Uncle Jiang, you're being very cautious. They wouldn't mark these places casually; those intersections must be their objectives for coming here."
Xia Zhou frowned and said, "I've been here for fifty years and have never seen anything worth their trouble. What could possibly be there that makes them go to such lengths?"
Uncle Jiang remarked, "I'm curious about what's there too. If we want to find out, we'll have to go take a look ourselves."
Ji Zichen had no objections and said, "It seems we have no choice."
Xia Zhou added, "There are quite a few intersections above. I think we should split up to investigate, but we mustn't alert them. After gathering information, we can regroup."
Uncle Jiang pointed to the farthest intersection and said, "You have the Serpent Bat Dragon intersection; I think that one is best left to you."
Xia Zhou nodded and replied, "Then I'll head to the farthest one."
Uncle Jiang pointed to the central intersection and told Ji Zichen, "You're not familiar with this area. I'll send someone to check the central intersections, but you should take the nearest one. Just be careful this time; don't let them catch you again."
Ji Zichen smiled wryly and said, "I'll be careful this time."
Xia Zhou took out a pill from his pocket and said, "This is the Tai Chi Purple Spirit Pill; you should take it."
Ji Zichen took the pill without hesitation and swallowed it. The pill in Xia Zhou's hand was undoubtedly a divine healing medicine. It looked crystal clear, like a piece of jade. As soon as Ji Zichen swallowed it, a refreshing sensation spread throughout his body, invigorating him.
Xia Zhou said, "Alright, now let's split up."
Xia Zhou mounted the Serpent Bat Dragon and soared away.
Suddenly, Ji Zichen thought of Lin Chuyu. He hadn't returned for such a long time; Lin Chuyu must be worried sick. He turned to Uncle Jiang and asked, " Uncle Jiang, is there any way you can send someone to Watchtower? I have a friend there who doesn't know where we are after Xia Zhou left in such a hurry."
Uncle Jiang replied, "Sure, I'll have someone take a detour."
Ji Zichen advised, " Uncle Jiang, keep your guard up. That Ling Xuan has some tricks for controlling others' bodies. If you encounter her, stay far away."
"Ling Xuan?" Uncle Jiang paused for a moment, but he understood Ji Zichen's meaning. He nodded, "Got it. The place we're heading to is quite far; we might not be back until around noon."
Uncle Jiang turned to the attendant beside him and said, "Go grab some food and water. Don't forget to bring the magical tools. You'll walk with me, but we'll split up at Three-Headed Valley."
The attendant nodded in understanding, and Uncle Jiang added, "This time it's a reconnaissance mission. There's no need to engage unless absolutely necessary."
Uncle Jiang took out a flat bean from his pocket and handed it to Ji Zichen. Not knowing what it was for, Ji Zichen asked, "This isn't for me to eat, is it?"
Uncle Jiang chuckled, "It's not for eating. It's like a communication device for you mortals. Ours are less conspicuous than yours. If you find yourself in danger, break this bean and keep it on you; we'll have a way to locate you. However, I hope you won't need it."
Ji Zichen placed the bean in his pocket and smiled, "I never thought a bean could have such a function."
"It just looks like a bean; it's not actually one. We designed it this way so it won't attract attention," Uncle Jiang explained briefly without detailing what it was made of.
"Alright, we should get going. The sooner we leave, the sooner we'll know what they're up to," Uncle Jiang said as he patted Ji Zichen on the shoulder. "Can you manage on your own? If not, I can send a few people with you."
Ji Zichen shook his head and declined Uncle Jiang's kind offer with a smile. "No need; I'm used to going solo. It's easier for me that way. I haven't been with you before; I often enter ruins on my own."
Uncle Jiang replied, "I've heard about a group called The Divine Alliance Under the Covenant in the mortal realm. They frequently enter ruins to retrieve our leftover magical tools for exorcism."
Ji Zichen was surprised. "You even know about that?"
Uncle Jiang laughed, "Of course we do! Although I haven't been out myself, we know quite a bit about what's happening outside. Well then, see you tomorrow."
Ji Zichen watched as Uncle Jiang and Yu Ren left until their figures disappeared from sight. He gently touched his chest and thought, "I hope I won't need this bean."
Ji Zichen circulated his energy within his body; his vital energy flowed smoothly now. He couldn't help but sigh, "The divine clan's elixirs truly have remarkable effects."
Looking down at the map on the ground, Ji Zichen studied it carefully to memorize the directions before wiping it away with his foot and starting off towards his destination with determined strides.
Ji Zichen knew that Jiang Dahuzi had tried his best to remember the locations of the intersections, but he was aware that there might be some discrepancies. There could also be hidden sentries along the way, and this time he had to be extremely cautious to avoid them.
Ji Zichen was very curious about why Ling Xuan had gone through so much trouble to come here. He couldn't help but wonder; they surely didn't enter through Rainbow Gate, otherwise they would have seen some ships at that time. Perhaps there were other entrances and exits here.
Ji Zichen chose not to take a direct route to the intersection. Although going straight would save energy, it was highly likely that he would encounter soldiers. They had escaped from the main camp, and there were certainly people searching for them now. If Ji Zichen was discovered, he would have nowhere to run.
No matter what, he had to remain cautious on this journey.
Ji Zichen knew very little about Zhuque Chenjing. He thought that Ling Xuan would be similar to him, but from Ling Xuan's perspective, she seemed to know this place like the back of her hand. Ji Zichen leaped forward, trying to use lightness skills instead of walking, as this would save some stamina.
However, he had to take breaks along the way. If he pushed himself too hard without rest, it would backfire.
Ji Zichen only hoped that there wouldn't be a camp as large as Ling Xuan's at the intersection. What kind of scene would that be if there were? He could hardly imagine it.
As Ji Zichen moved forward, he repeatedly gazed at the mountain terrain to determine his position. Fortunately, he was experienced with ordinary ruins; otherwise, who could utilize the mountainous landscape to assess their location like he did?
He felt fortunate to possess such knowledge and experience.
As he walked, Ji Zichen recalled the scholar. He hadn't seen that scholar in Lingxuan Camp. Had Ling Xuan abandoned that body? However, that seemed unlikely because occupying a body must involve some special method; it shouldn't be so simple to discard it.
Ji Zichen only thought about this briefly; he didn't dwell on it too much because he didn't understand Ling Xuan. Thus, he couldn't speculate on her thoughts. Currently, Ji Zichen was alone, but the people sent by Ling Xuan should be in this forest with him; they just hadn't crossed paths yet.
He was quite certain about this and wouldn't deny that thought.
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