"Are you really going? If you must go there, remember not to enter the core area." Sikong Yanguang didn't stop her, but he did express some concern about her going there.
After all, the forbidden land did hold opportunities, but those opportunities often came with danger. It contained precious heavenly treasures, as well as legendary sacred beasts—yes, beasts even higher than divine beasts. Perhaps people on this continent wouldn't believe it, since divine beasts were already legendary, let alone sacred beasts that surpassed them.
"Don't worry, I value my life too much." Ye Lanshan said teasingly, which made her seem more grounded and less ethereal.
"Alright, leave the Medicine Valley to us. Even if my father tries anything, you'll have to see if I allow it. Rest assured, I'll handle even the biggest problems." Sikong Feihe said solemnly.
But Yun Di, standing beside him, wasn't having it. "Hey, why are you stealing my lines? That's what I should be saying."
"Master, I will work hard to get stronger and help you as soon as possible." The little figure made a vow at that moment, a promise he would never forget until death—to always protect his master.
"Alright, it's just a training journey. Do you have to make it sound like a farewell forever? I'm off now." Ye Lanshan waved goodbye to a few of them and entered the forbidden land when no one was moving.
The forbidden land truly lived up to its name. The surroundings were eerie and gloomy. If not for the blackened trees and grass proving life existed here, she would have doubted whether anyone could survive here at all.
There wasn't a single animal, not a single spirit beast—only blackened trees and grass covered in wisps of toxic gas. One breath would be enough to choke. Fortunately, she had antidote pills, or she might have become the first alchemist in history to be poisoned to death while walking.
Utter silence, broken only by the rustling sound of her footsteps—the crackling of leaves underfoot.
"Where is Brother Shanluo?" Liu Chunsheng searched the entire Medicine Valley but couldn't find the figure that captivated her at a single glance, the one that made her heart race. It was as if he had vanished. He was here yesterday, so where had he gone today?
"He hasn't been in the valley for a few days. Actually, it's been a while since the exchange meeting. You should probably head back." Yun Di said tactfully, hoping to get her to leave this brewing conflict.
"What do you mean? Are you trying to kick us out because Brother Shanluo isn't here?" Liu Chunsheng wasn't buying it. She knew she should leave, but leaving now felt wrong. Brother Shanluo was in such danger—how could she leave at a time like this?
Liu Chunsheng could clearly sense Shanluo's predicament. Everyone in the Medicine Valley opposed him, and unknown forces outside were attacking him. How could she leave at such a critical moment? She was the daughter of the Alchemy Branch Head at the Xuanling Academy, after all. She could at least lend him a hand.
"That's not what I meant. I'm not kicking you out. But isn't the Xuanling Academy martial arts tournament about to start? I'm worried you might miss it."
Just as Yun Di was struggling, he suddenly remembered the tournament was approaching. It was the most important annual event at the academy, determining everyone's resource allocation, class adjustments, and even privileges.
"No rush. There's still a month until the tournament starts. No matter how late, I'll make it in time. Besides, Brother Shanluo is in such danger—how can I leave at a critical moment like this?"
To be honest, Liu Chunsheng had completely forgotten about the tournament. If Yun Di hadn't mentioned it, she might not have remembered at all. But even now, she wasn't worried. There was still a month left, and besides, what was the tournament compared to her Brother Shanluo?
"Since you know it's dangerous, you should leave even more. We really don't want to drag you into this dangerous mess. Shanluo doesn't want you involved either."
He wasn't making this up. Ye Lanshan hadn't said it outright, but deep down, she truly didn't want Liu Chunsheng to get involved.
"He doesn't want me involved, so I won't get involved? No matter what, since I call him brother, I can't just abandon him. When I see injustice on the road, I draw my sword to help—especially when it's my brother. With me here, I won't let anyone bully him."
Liu Chunsheng's words were bold and fierce, her protective and loyal spirit truly moving. But this wasn't just about saying a few words. They were up against a family. While it might not scare Ye Lanshan, others weren't like her. They didn't have her unshakable composure in the face of overwhelming pressure.
Nor could they treat the Sikong family as a real threat. To her, the Sikong family was just a stepping stone, a springboard to help her destroy the Holy Land.
"What we're facing isn't something you can handle. Staying here will only make things more dangerous. I don't know if I can protect you then. If Lan Yexin were here, she could at least shield you a bit, but even she's gone back now. What can you do here?"
Yun Di wasn't being harsh for no reason. Liu Chunsheng's strength wasn't particularly impressive among them, and she was a girl. Though this continent valued martial prowess above all, prejudice against women still lingered, with many seeing them as the weaker sex.
"Are you looking down on me? I'm a dignified Xuan Emperor General and a fifth-rank alchemist. What gives you the right to belittle me?" Liu Chunsheng had always been a genius. Only Brother Shanluo could make her feel inferior; otherwise, she was bold and unrestrained. Now someone dared to look down on her, and it infuriated her.
"I'm not belittling you. At your age, having such strength already makes you a top-tier genius. But what we're facing is a behemoth, filled with powerful people you can't handle. Take my advice and leave the Medicine Valley."
Yun Di sighed. He never expected Liu Chunsheng to be so stubborn. No matter what he said, she seemed set in her ways, refusing to leave the valley.
"I will stand with Brother Shanluo through thick and thin. Unless Brother Shanluo himself tells me to leave, I won't go anywhere."
Hearing that they were up against a behemoth only made Liu Chunsheng more determined to stay. How could she abandon Brother Shanluo to face danger alone?