"It seems things are more terrifying than we imagined."
Tang Si sensed the gravity of the situation and couldn't help but worry, "Does Xiao La Jiao know about this?"
Even though Qing Muye had consistently asked him to address Meng Jingwei as 'sister-in-law,' Tang Si was accustomed to calling her that and found it difficult to change.
Qing Muye no longer insisted.
He shook his head, his gaze growing deeper, "I wouldn't dare let her know."
"Then continue the investigation and tell her everything after it's all clear," Tang Si suggested.
Qing Muye thought the same.
The two sat together and chatted for a while longer about the plans for the Hunting Ceremony, after which Meng Jingwei left with Qing Muye.
...
The Hunting Ceremony.
Although the Hunting Ceremony was held twice a year, this particular one coincided with a grand quinquennial event. Furthermore, within a month, it was the significant day for the succession of the new Hidden Clan Master. Thus, this year's Hunting Ceremony was exceptionally grand.
Following Elder Chen's instructions, Qing Muye had his makeup done, his disguise, akin to a facial transformation, perfectly concealing his true face.
Elder Chen had people prepare special attire for the Hidden Clan members participating in the Hunting Ceremony, instructing Qing Muye and Meng Jingwei to change into them.
After they were ready, they went downstairs and sat at the dining table for their meal.
The atmosphere at the table was somber, with everyone focused on their food.
After the meal, Elder Chen looked at the two and said, "You two come with me. I have something to tell you."
The two followed Elder Chen to a small study next to his bedroom on the first floor.
In the study, Elder Chen took out a miniature translator. "Jingwei, you've only been in the Hidden Clan for a month learning the hidden language. This translator will be useful for you."
Meng Jingwei looked at the miniature translator, glanced at Qing Muye, and nodded, "Okay."
"And this too."
Elder Chen placed a watch on the table and pointed to it. "It looks like a watch on the surface, but it's actually a hidden mechanism. When you encounter danger, press the side buttons with both hands, and it can shoot out poison needles. There are only six poison needles, meant to save your life."
Seeing Elder Chen's rare solemnity, Meng Jingwei couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion.
"Mmm, okay."
She picked up the gold watch. Its face featured a blue starry sky design, making it appear like a very ordinary watch, yet it was an hidden weapon.
"Qing Muye, this watch is for you. It's the same design. You both wear them, but do not use them unless absolutely necessary."
Elder Chen instructed them earnestly, "Put them on now."
He looked at them sternly, and only when he saw them pick up the watches and strap them onto their wrists did a hint of cunning appear in Elder Chen's eyes.
"And these two boxes of medicine."
Elder Chen placed two flat, circular medicine boxes, about the size of a thumbnail, on the table. "This is a secret medicine made with the Hidden Clan's secret formula. Take one pill when you are severely injured, and it can save your life. Each box contains only five pills."
As he spoke, he leaned over and placed the two boxes of medicine in front of them, repeatedly emphasizing, "Lifesaving medicine. You absolutely cannot lose them."
"Thank you, Master Chen."
Qing Muye put away the medicine and expressed his sincere gratitude.
Regardless of the purpose of their trip, Elder Chen's willingness to prepare these items for them was a gesture of his good intentions.
Meng Jingwei held the medicine box in her hand, feeling uneasy.
Facing the unknown dangers of the next few days, she didn't know what her chances of survival were.
"And this."
Elder Chen opened a drawer and took out a topographical map. "This is the topographical map of Mount Manopas and Mount Isazt. You two can take pictures of it with your phones and familiarize yourselves with it on the way. Due to geographical reasons, your phones will lose signal once you enter Mount Manopas and Mount Isazt. Moreover, there are many wild beasts and venomous snakes on the mountain, making it very dangerous. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it's a near-death experience."