Ye Tiancheng was unaware of Bai Long's thoughts, his attention currently focused on finding their way.
However, with Bai Long present, Ye Tiancheng wasn't too worried about the safety of himself and the little fox. Although Bai Long's thinking was simple and direct, his strength was undeniable.
Ye Tiancheng didn't know how long he and the little fox had been walking. They moved intermittently, observing patterns and clues, and gradually arrived at a different place.
Yet, this place did not seem to be the exit they were looking for.
Seeing the sudden appearance of an unfamiliar scene before them, a large cave, Ye Tiancheng and the little fox exchanged glances.
The little fox asked Ye Tiancheng, "Should we go in and explore?"
Ye Tiancheng pondered their current situation. They were essentially at a dead end. After searching for so long, this was the only change they had encountered. Regardless, they had to seize this opportunity.
Therefore, Ye Tiancheng nodded slightly and said, "Let's go take a look. We need to be careful. Stay close to me, lest anything unexpected happens."
The little fox agreed.
Ye Tiancheng led the way. Just as he approached the cave, he heard some movement from within. Ye Tiancheng's brow furrowed, and he became instantly alert.
Soon, Ye Tiancheng and the little fox witnessed a truly shocking sight.
A very, very, very enormous white tiger leisurely emerged from the cave, appearing before Ye Tiancheng and the little fox.
Just as Ye Tiancheng was inwardly vigilant, contemplating how he and the little fox could escape, this giant white tiger actually spoke.
The colossal white tiger uttered human words, "Upon waking, I smelled a familiar scent. Indeed, an old acquaintance has arrived. We meet again so soon... Hmm? It seems an old friend has also come here. Why haven't I seen them?"
Ye Tiancheng could only feel a burning sensation on his wrist. It was likely Bai Long sensing the commotion outside and wanting to emerge.
However, due to the giant white tiger's words, Ye Tiancheng did not choose to summon Bai Long immediately. Instead, he looked up at the giant white tiger and, with great boldness, asked, "Do you actually know us?"
Hearing Ye Tiancheng's question, the white tiger tilted its head, looking at Ye Tiancheng with some confusion, and then said, "Of course, I know you. Didn't you help me break the seal before? You helped me, didn't you?"
"We haven't been separated for long, and you don't remember me now?"
Ye Tiancheng looked at this giant white tiger, his heart filled with doubt. He tentatively said, "An accident happened. My brother and I both lost our memories and don't remember what happened before. We wanted to figure out what was going on, and that's how we ended up here by chance."
After hearing Ye Tiancheng's words, the giant white tiger became somewhat astonished.
The white tiger sized up Ye Tiancheng and the little fox, circling them and scanning them from head to toe. After a long while, it spoke, "That shouldn't be right. I don't see any signs of tampering on you. Did you eat something wrong that messed with your brains?"
Ye Tiancheng's heart stirred slightly upon hearing the white tiger's words.
The white tiger mentioned that there were no other signs of tampering on him and the little fox. Therefore, the problem with him and the little fox might be due to... medicine?
If it was due to medicine, Ye Tiancheng's thoughts turned.
Elder Wu was the only one among all the people in the villages here who could treat people.
So, was it really related to Elder Wu?
Ye Tiancheng didn't know the extent of his relationship with this giant white tiger, nor could he determine the situation of himself and the little fox. He also wondered if the white tiger would be willing to help them.
With countless thoughts racing through his mind, Ye Tiancheng maintained a calm demeanor.
Ye Tiancheng replied to the white tiger, "We can't provide an answer as to what exactly happened. After all, at this moment, my brother and I remember almost nothing."
After circling and observing Ye Tiancheng and the little fox, the white tiger paced back to the cave entrance, lazily lay down, and squinted its eyes. It said, "Alright, it's fine to reintroduce ourselves. I've always said that if fate wills it, we will meet again."
"But honestly, is the other old friend still not planning to show himself? Hiding his head and showing his tail... that's no fun."
Ye Tiancheng felt the constant warmth on his wrist and heard the white tiger's words. Only then did he finally release Bai Long. Ye Tiancheng felt that the old friend the white tiger mentioned might be the Bai Long he had contracted.
Indeed, after Bai Long appeared, the white tiger let out a lazy snort.
"It really is you. What rotten luck you've had, you actually leaped over the dragon gate? With you like this, no wonder. So you've become a hired hand, repaying a debt of gratitude?"
Upon seeing the white tiger, Bai Long was also exceptionally indignant and immediately started arguing with the giant white tiger.
It was then that Ye Tiancheng learned, through Bai Long's introduction, that the giant white tiger before him and the little fox was not actually a tiger. It had the body of a white tiger and two wings on its back; this was a Qiongqi, a ferocious beast.
However, there was one point that the now memory-less Ye Tiancheng and the little fox were completely unaware of: the shock they would have felt upon seeing the Qiongqi with their own eyes.
Because at this moment, Ye Tiancheng and the little fox could not comprehend what the Qiongqi truly represented.
Bai Long also did not expect that the treasure guarded in this place would be the ferocious beast Qiongqi.
Furthermore, according to Qiongqi, he had previously been sealed in another place, not far from where Bai Long had been before. Therefore, for such a long time, the divine artifact Shennong Ding, hidden here, had become ownerless.
In that case, was the Shennong Ding still here?
Thinking of this, Bai Long became a little anxious.
Facing Bai Long's anxious attitude, Qiongqi stated that Bai Long couldn't use the artifact anyway, so why would he need it.
Mainly, Bai Long acted simply and crudely, preferring to use force to solve problems rather than his brain. Therefore, Bai Long lacked the brain cells to figure out how to use the Shennong Ding.
Bai Long gave Qiongqi a meaningful glance.
Qiongqi didn't react at first, but when he realized that Bai Long's glance was directed towards where Ye Tiancheng was standing, his attitude shifted slightly.
Qiongqi stated that there was no problem with the Shennong Ding. Even if he was not present for a short period, anyone who came here would not be able to take the Shennong Ding, let alone his return now.
After a brief exchange of glances between Bai Long and Qiongqi, Qiongqi, out of consideration for an old friend and the favor of having his seal broken, spoke to Ye Tiancheng, "Looking at your and your brother's current state, it doesn't seem like you've been affected by any spells, nor by things like curses, sorcery, or hexes."
"Therefore, considering the situation and being in this place, it's highly likely due to medicine."
"Given that we knew each other before and you helped me, I can give you a chance. If it's truly due to the effects of medicine and you wish to return to normal, obtaining the divine artifact Shennong Ding is definitely the best option."
"With the Shennong Ding, no matter what medicine you were affected by before, you will surely recover."
Ye Tiancheng had witnessed the exchange of glances between Qiongqi and Bai Long. Therefore, after Qiongqi spoke these words, Ye Tiancheng cast a grateful look at Qiongqi and Bai Long before saying, "Thank you both for offering help in my time of need."
Qiongqi was a ferocious beast and disliked hypocritical refusals. He even more disliked seeing good people. Therefore, when Ye Tiancheng spoke like this, he became displeased.
Qiongqi said, "Cut the pleasantries. I dislike righteous people who speak of morality the most. I'm simply helping you now because you helped me before."
Hearing Qiongqi say this, Ye Tiancheng did not argue.
He simply accepted and noted this matter.
Regardless of Qiongqi's intentions, Ye Tiancheng would certainly repay this favor if he had the opportunity in the future.
Qiongqi said, and then made way.
He stated that obtaining the divine artifact Shennong Ding was not an easy matter and required passing certain trials. If Ye Tiancheng and the little fox wished to undertake this, they should enter the cave behind Qiongqi now.
However, after Qiongqi said this, Ye Tiancheng temporarily refused.
Qiongqi looked at Ye Tiancheng, puzzled.
Bai Long was also very worried, fearing that his master did not understand how rare and valuable the divine artifact Shennong Ding was and might want to give up. He looked at Ye Tiancheng anxiously.
However, Ye Tiancheng's reason for refusal was different.
Ye Tiancheng explained to Qiongqi, briefly outlining his current situation. Ye Tiancheng believed he should quickly return with the little fox to deal with Aya and the others in the village.
Clearly, Ye Tiancheng was worried that if he failed this time, he wouldn't be able to stay in this place peacefully.
Qiongqi did not pay much attention to the people in the nearby villages. However, Ye Tiancheng's choice was his own business, and Qiongqi would not interfere or have any objections.
Thus, Ye Tiancheng made an agreement with Qiongqi.
Ye Tiancheng would first return to deal with Aya and resolve some matters. Afterward, Ye Tiancheng would bring the little fox back here to see if they could find a way to obtain the divine artifact Shennong Ding.
Qiongqi then gave Ye Tiancheng a small tuft of his fur.
With Qiongqi's fur, Ye Tiancheng and the little fox would not have to worry about getting lost again due to the formation when they came next time, nor when they went out this time.
This whole ordeal took up a considerable amount of time.
After Ye Tiancheng made his agreement with Qiongqi, he and the little fox hurried down the mountain. However, by the time they descended, night had already fallen.
Upon returning to Aya's home, Ye Tiancheng and the little fox were naturally discovered by Aya, who had been waiting for them. They were confronted directly by Aya.
After Ye Tiancheng and the little fox returned, they found Aya guarding the entrance. The way she looked at them as they returned held a complex emotion that was difficult to decipher.
Aya watched Ye Tiancheng and the little fox approach step by step, coming right up to them.
Aya asked Ye Tiancheng, "Where did you go this afternoon? I couldn't find you anywhere, and no one else saw you... Didn't we agree that you would be responsible for lunch and dinner today? You promised, so why are you returning so late to cook?"