The six of them exchanged greetings and each took a seat.
Mo Tiange noticed they all shared one common trait: their outward appearances were all very young. Tian Zhiqian, who looked the most mature, was only around thirty years old, while the others all appeared to be in their early twenties.
Upon careful thought, this wasn't surprising. Ling Yunhe himself was only about a hundred years old, a scion of a prestigious family and a distinguished disciple of the Jiuyan Sect. Those who could catch his eye naturally wouldn't be too shabby either.
Ling Yunhe sat in the host's seat and began, "Esteemed friends, for this journey to Carefree Valley, I, Ling, am the initiator. I likely have a bit more understanding of Carefree Valley than the rest of you. Therefore, I shall presumptuously take on the role of leader for this expedition. I wonder if any of you have objections?"
His tone was calm, his speech neither hurried nor slow. It didn't come across as overbearing, yet it exuded confidence. Mo Tiange thought to herself, no wonder Ling Yunhe was listed as a candidate for the Jiuyan Sect's leadership position. Not only was his cultivation outstanding, but his conduct and bearing were also exceptional. What was rare was that while his actions were steady, he also appeared forthright. He felt this position should be his and didn't politely decline.
However, she wondered if his character was truly like this. If he wasn't harboring ulterior motives, he might be worth befriending.
After Ling Yunhe finished speaking, Tian Zhiqian smiled and said, "That's only natural. This trip is originally for Brother Ling's sake, so of course, Brother Ling should lead."
Ling Yunfei didn't speak. He sat in his seat, twirling a teacup in his hand, occasionally looking up. He naturally wouldn't have any objections. This was Ling Yunhe's affair, and also the Ling Family's affair. Ling Yunhe had mentioned before that due to sect conflicts and family interests, it was inconvenient for him to bring along acquaintances. Yet, he had brought Ling Yunfei, which showed that Ling Yunfei was someone he could truly trust.
Ling Yunhe's gaze fell upon the other three.
Yang Chengji said, "I have no objections."
Mo Tiange gave a slight smile as her answer.
Tian Can, his face covered by a black cloth, merely opened his eyes slightly before closing them again.
"Since none of you have objections, the matter is settled," Ling Yunhe said, pausing briefly. His eyes swept over the five seated before him as he continued slowly, "What kind of place Carefree Valley is, you all know. With our strength, entering and retreating unscathed shouldn't be difficult. However, if we cannot work together with one heart, it's entirely possible we could perish in Carefree Valley. Therefore, I hope you can all guarantee that once we enter Carefree Valley, you will follow my arrangements." At this point, he smiled slightly and added, "I can also assure you all that I will prioritize your lives."
After he finished speaking, Tian Zhiqian and Ling Yunfei nodded in agreement. Tian Can and Mo Tiange remained silent. Only Yang Chengji, after a flicker in his gaze, spoke in a low voice, "As long as Fellow Daoist Ling does not break his word, there is naturally no problem."
Ling Yunhe nodded with a smile. "As for whether we can find Carefree Fruit, that can only depend on luck. Even if we don't find any, I, Ling, will still honor our prior agreement. The conditions promised to each of you will be fulfilled one by one."
"Brother Ling's character, I trust," Tian Zhiqian was the first to say.
The others had no objections. Mo Tiange thought to herself, she wondered what price Ling Yunhe had paid to invite these people. For her alone, while she didn't ask for any treasures or Spirit Stones, those two matters he agreed to were not easy tasks.
Seeing this, Ling Yunhe said, "In that case, let's discuss the plan for this journey."
Although he said 'discuss,' in reality, only he spoke from then on. Ling Yunfei occasionally interjected a few words, while the others only asked some questions they were interested in before falling silent.
Ling Yunhe's preparations were thorough. The route, spirit talismans, medicinal pills, and such were all prepared. After informing everyone of the general route and some methods for handling situations, he distributed some essential small items.
Mo Tiange looked them over: some detoxifying pills, communication talismans, body-protecting spirit talismans, plus the map Ling Yunhe had already prepared for each person earlier. It was quite comprehensive.
She felt slightly reassured. Seeing how methodical Ling Yunhe was in his work, she thought this journey should be relatively safe.
After spending about an hour explaining the journey's plan, Ling Yunhe asked, "Do any of you still have questions?"
Everyone shook their heads. He had even considered some unexpected situations. For the moment, they couldn't think of anything to ask. For other matters, they could only adapt to circumstances.
"In that case, let's finalize the departure time. Do any of you still have matters to attend to?"
After Ling Yunhe asked this, Tian Can, who hadn't spoken a word from beginning to end, opened his eyes and said, "I still have matters. I need two days."
Mo Tiange frowned slightly. This Tian Can's voice was hoarse, like a sharp thorn, very unpleasant to hear.
Ling Yunhe gave a slight nod and asked again, "What about the other Fellow Daoists? If you have matters, please handle them quickly. Delaying until now, we don't have much time left."
Mo Tiange had already inquired before. The Jiuyan Sect's leadership selection had been prepared for over a year. The decisive period was in two months. Due to the internal strife within the Ling Family, Ling Yunhe was only confirmed as a candidate a few months ago. After returning from Carefree Valley, he still needed to adjust his own condition. He truly didn't have much time.
The others shook their heads. Tian Zhiqian and Ling Yunfei went without saying. Yang Chengji had also been in Tianxue City for several days, so presumably, his affairs were settled. Mo Tiange currently had no pressing matters and could depart at any time.
"Then, we depart in three days. Any problems?"
This time, even Tian Can shook his head. Seeing that no one had any objections, Ling Yunhe said, "Very well. Three days from now, at this same time, we gather here. Agreed?"
All assented. Afterwards, they each departed.
Tian Zhiqian, Yang Chengji, and the others were staying within the Ling Family estate. Only Mo Tiange and Tian Can left the estate, one after the other.
Just as she was about to return to her cave abode to continue meditation, a fierce aura suddenly swept towards her from behind.
Mo Tiange sidestepped. The fierce energy grazed past her. A loud "boom" sounded from a white stone not far away, shattering it into powder.
In that instant, Mo Tiange's hand flipped, and the Heaven and Earth Fan appeared in her grasp. With a light wave, she blocked the next Spiritual Qi attack. Her figure moved like lightning, instantly darting out several dozen zhang.
The attacker let out a surprised "Oh?" Although teleportation could be considered one of the most basic spells for Core Formation cultivators, there were distinctions between skilled and unskilled use. Ordinary teleportation could only dodge about ten zhang, while the distance Mo Tiange had flashed was extremely far.
But the next moment, this person immediately gave chase, launching another Spiritual Qi attack that smashed fiercely towards her.
This person's attack method was simple. It wasn't a Magical Treasure, nor did it have any fancy tricks. It simply gathered the Spiritual Qi from their entire body for a direct, hard clash.
Before Mo Tiange could even catch her breath, she felt the fierce energy pressing down on her again. She felt somewhat annoyed. She hadn't provoked anyone, why was this person so relentless?
She stopped being polite. With a wave of her white silk handkerchief, she protected her surroundings. Reaching into her Qiankun Bag, she brought out the Spirit Heaven Ruyi and hurled it at this person.
A "boom" louder than before erupted.
The person retreated at extreme speed but still failed to exit the attack range in time. With a muffled grunt, they were struck by the spiritual energy explosion triggered by the Spirit Heaven Ruyi and sent tumbling away.
But they quickly steadied themselves. Raising a hand, a small shield appeared before them. This shield was clearly a high-grade Magical Treasure, emitting a faint blue glow that instantly enveloped them in protection.
Mo Tiange retrieved the Spirit Heaven Ruyi. She didn't press the advantage but stared at the person before her, frowning as she asked, "Fellow Daoist Tian Can, what is the meaning of this?"
The one who had attacked her from behind was precisely Tian Can, who had just been at the gathering.
Once the spiritual energy explosion triggered by the Spirit Heaven Ruyi stabilized, Tian Can waved his hand, withdrawing the shield. He looked at Mo Tiange, the fierce aura around him gradually dissipating. He raised his hands in a salute and spoke in his grating voice, "Fellow Daoist Qin, impressive skills."
Hearing this, Mo Tiange understood she had been tested. Although Tian Can's attacks were fierce, he harbored no intent to kill her, which was why he hadn't used a Magical Treasure. But this person was clearly a Martial Cultivator. Such fierce energy was definitely not something other cultivators could possess.
These companions for the journey were truly interesting. She, Ling Yunhe, and Ling Yunfei were Daoist spell cultivators. Tian Zhiqian was also a Daoist cultivator, but a formation master. Yang Chengji was a demonic cultivator, and this Tian Can was a Martial Cultivator.
Mo Tiange said, "Fellow Daoist Tian Can did not even use a Magical Treasure, relying solely on energy to spar with me. Your methods are also extraordinary."
Clad in black robes, with a bamboo hat on his head, Tian Can's entire body was covered, revealing only a pair of eyes that seemed half-open, half-closed, showing no expression. He looked at Mo Tiange, his tone flat. "I am a Martial Cultivator. What need do I have for Magical Treasures in Dharma Combat? Losing is losing. Fellow Daoist Qin need not spare my feelings."
Although what he said made sense, he hadn't used a weapon, meaning he still hadn't gone all out.
Of course, Mo Tiange hadn't gone all out either, so she merely said lightly, "Does Fellow Daoist Tian Can have any other matters? If not, I shall take my leave first."
Tian Can was taken aback. Seeing she had no interest in him, he could only step aside. "This humble one will go attend to his matters now. Fellow Daoist Qin, until we meet again."
Mo Tiange cupped her hands in salute without speaking, turned, and left.
After she had gone some distance, Tian Can sighed, chose the path down the mountain, and strode away.
At that moment, however, Mo Tiange stopped. She turned around, looked at Tian Can's retreating back, furrowed her brows, and fell into thought.
What was this Tian Can's background? Was his sudden attack to test her out of momentary curiosity, or did he have some ulterior motive? In terms of Dharma Combat, with her numerous treasures now, she wasn't afraid of him. But for this journey to Carefree Valley, this person was a companion. If he harbored any treacherous intentions, wouldn't that be dangerous?
Just as "Fellow Daoist Qin" was thinking this, someone called out to her from behind.
Mo Tiange turned around and saw Ling Yunhe standing not far away, gazing thoughtfully at the ravaged scene nearby.
"Fellow Daoist Ling?"
Ling Yunhe shifted his gaze towards her and smiled, pointing to the spot where they had just fought. "The two Fellow Daoists possess remarkable skills. White Spirit Stone is extremely hard, yet you managed to damage it like this..."
Tian Can's attack had turned a massive white stone into powder, while Mo Tiange's throw of the Spirit Heaven Ruyi had blasted a large crater in the ground.
Mo Tiange smiled, her tone apologetic. "My sincere apologies for damaging this place..."
"Ah," Ling Yunhe waved his hand. "Why is Fellow Daoist Qin being so polite? Am I such a petty person? I was merely marveling at the two Fellow Daoists' astonishing divine abilities."
"Fellow Daoist Ling praises me too highly," Mo Tiange said. In truth, she didn't take it to heart, but on someone else's turf, it was proper to be polite for a moment. She then asked, "Fellow Daoist Ling came out after me. Is there something?"
Ling Yunhe shook his head and smiled. "I, Ling, merely heard the noise and came out to look. If Fellow Daoist Qin wishes to return and rest, I won't disturb you further."
Mo Tiange smiled and didn't stand on ceremony with him either. "In that case, I bid you farewell for now."