"Since this secret chamber has so many formation books, why was the formation that trapped you back then so crude?" Ye Lanshan suddenly thought of this question.
"Alas! Because the conditions for learning formations were so harsh, not many in my clan could truly master them. By my generation, there wasn't even a single person qualified to study formations."
"Fortunately, an ancestor had long foreseen this problem and adapted some formations, making it possible for even those without the five types of mystic power to learn them."
"But since his understanding of formations was limited at the time, the adapted formations were naturally full of flaws. It took several generations of effort to revise them before they barely had some power."
"That's why the formations used by our Ye family, if not encountered by a formation master, still have some lethality and defensive capability. But if they run into a formation master, it's all over."
"Still, just when I thought the Ye family would keep declining like this, you gave me such a big surprise."
"I believe with you here, our Ye family can surely return to its peak."
The light in Ye Lanshan's eyes flickered, her thoughts unclear. After Ye Luotian finished speaking for a long while, she finally said, "Grandfather, rest assured, I will bring the Ye family back to the top."
Ye Luotian let out a relieved smile, but along with the relief came worry.
"I want to stay here and read for a while," Ye Lanshan said, her mind now fully absorbed in the formation books.
"Alright, it's safer for you here. Remember, don't wander off," Ye Luotian said. Though he cared about Ye Lanshan, his concern was clearly misplaced.
Ye Lanshan was incredibly strong, unafraid of the Holy Land's pressure, and she was fully prepared to stand against them. But Ye Luotian saw her as nothing more than a fledgling, unable to clash with a behemoth like the Holy Land.
He only thought about ensuring Ye Lanshan's safety, unaware that she had no need for his schemes. Yet even if Ye Luotian didn't truly understand her, his care and familial love had already seeped into Ye Lanshan's heart.
This was the first time she had felt the warmth of family bonds, the first time she knew that having such ties was a blessing. Even if Ye Luotian didn't get her, it didn't matter—at least he cared for her.
Watching Ye Luotian leave, Ye Lanshan immersed herself in the sea of books.
But just as dawn broke, she suddenly remembered what she had discussed with Fu Tian yesterday. She placed the book back on the shelf.
"Lanshan, why are you out again?" Ye Luotian was just standing at the entrance of the secret chamber, about to go in.
Ye Lanshan replied, "Oh, I suddenly remembered I have something to do, so I need to go out."
"Since you have business, I won't stop you."
Though Ye Luotian knew Ye Lanshan possessed an incredibly powerful artifact, he couldn't help but worry and advise, "But remember, be careful in everything. Nothing is more important than your life. If you run into trouble, don't panic—stay calm."
Ye Lanshan listened helplessly and then answered, "Grandfather, I understand. Don't worry, the people from the Holy Land won't recognize me at all."
"They've all seen what you look like—how could they not recognize you?" Ye Luotian only realized this after Ye Lanshan had walked a long distance away.
But Ye Lanshan was already far off and didn't hear his question.
Just as Ye Lanshan stepped out the door, Yun Di sent her a message: "We probably can't make it to the Moon Kingdom right now. Could you wait a bit longer? Once we shake off these clingy pursuers, we'll come immediately."
"Alright, make sure you protect Sikong Kuang," Ye Lanshan said, most concerned about Sikong Kuang's safety.
"Of course." Even without Ye Lanshan's reminder, Yun Di would protect Sikong Kuang—he was his uncle, his only remaining family.
"That paper-like thing of yours must be no ordinary item, right?" Sikong Kuang had wanted to ask when Yun Di first used the transmission talisman, but the situation had been too urgent then.
Now, hiding in a relatively safe cave with some breathing room, Sikong Kuang finally voiced his question.
"You mean this?" Yun Di pulled out the transmission talisman.
"Yes, I've never seen such a peculiar tool. It must be extraordinary. By my guess, it should be a first-grade divine artifact?" Sikong Kuang said hesitantly, unable to discern its rank.
Yun Di shook his head. "It's not a divine artifact."
"Huh? Not a divine artifact—could it be a super divine artifact?" Sikong Kuang was even more shocked.
"It's not a super divine artifact either. To be precise, it's not a weapon at all. It's just a talisman that allows people to communicate across thousands of miles."
Yun Di recalled that while teaching him the Cleansing Heart Mantra, Ye Lanshan had also mentioned other talismans—the one that had immobilized him before was one of them.
"Talisman? What's a talisman?" Sikong Kuang had traveled far and wide for years and knew many things, but he had never heard of such a thing.
"I don't fully understand it either. Ye Lanshan gave it to me," Yun Di admitted, unsure of what talismans truly were.
Call it a weapon? Yet it was made of paper. Say it wasn't a weapon? According to Ye Lanshan, it had strong offensive power, like when it had frozen him in place.
"The one who sent you to find me?" Sikong Kuang asked.
"Yes, that's her." Yun Di realized now how much he longed to see Ye Lanshan.
It was almost laughable—their first meeting had been fraught with conflict, and later he had even planned to kill her. Even after being forced into a heavenly oath, he had felt reluctant. But now, he found himself missing her.
"Yun Di, Yun Di, stop daydreaming and let's go!" Sikong Kuang's voice snapped Yun Di back to reality.
He then noticed they were surrounded by Sikong Cheng's men.
Yun Di's heart sank. He exchanged a glance with Sikong Kuang, as if asking what to do.
Sikong Kuang knew their only chance was to fight their way out, so he nodded without hesitation.
They quickly stood back-to-back, warily eyeing Sikong Cheng's men.
Yun Di whispered, "Don't worry, I won't let you die here." Not only because Sikong Kuang was his uncle, but also because Ye Lanshan needed him.
Even if he wasn't strong enough, he would fight tooth and nail to protect Sikong Kuang.
"Alas!" Sikong Kuang didn't know what to say, so he just sighed.