The Ghost Seal was entirely black, and its glow was not very noticeable. If Zhang Qiling hadn't been paying close attention, it would have been difficult to spot the faint, ethereal light points flickering on its surface.
These light points appeared a faint ink color, like a mist descending. The moment Zhang Qiling reached out to touch the Ghost Seal, these light points vanished as if their mission were complete.
Afterward, the Ghost Seal returned to its usual unremarkable state. There was no deafening noise, no images reappearing in his mind. Everything happened so quietly.
But Zhang Qiling knew the time had come.
He had been preoccupied with the conspicuous "Changbai Mountain Exploration Progress 50%" on the system panel after completing the exploration of the Li King's secret realm. In the past two days, he had also come to the realization that the remaining unexplored half was likely the Bronze Gate.
Although he didn't know why the system hadn't refreshed the Bronze Gate exploration mission until now, Zhang Qiling had no intention of waiting any longer.
Since seeing those images in the Water of Longevity, a vague premonition had arisen in his heart—
The Bronze Gate would not always remain in Changbai Mountain. If he didn't go this time, whether he could wait for it again would become uncertain.
...He didn't have much time left.
Zhang Qiling had not intended to pack. He planned to leave with just his thin black clothes and the Black Gold Ancient Blade.
However, Wu Tianzhen, who had been feeling a vague unease and subconsciously paying attention to Zhang Qiling's movements, stopped him.
Wu Tianzhen had not seen the Ghost Seal glow. In fact, Zhang Qiling's actions were no different from his usual strolls.
Wu Tianzhen didn't know why he had scrambled out of the lounge chair to stop Zhang Qiling. Perhaps it was because of the look Zhang Qiling had cast at him as he crossed the threshold.
His gaze was extremely faint, as if neither the gentle breeze nor the bright moon could leave a trace within it. It seemed like a meaningless glance.
But in that instant, Wu Tianzhen understood.
...Zhang Qiling was leaving.
"Xiao Ge!" Wu Tianzhen blocked the doorway entirely, his panting unclear whether it was from his recent sprint or his surging emotions. He gripped the doorframe tightly with both hands, preventing Zhang Qiling from passing.
But at this moment, Wu Tianzhen's mind was blank. The usually eloquent him now didn't know what to say to make him stay.
Zhang Qiling's bright gaze from inside the Yingzhou whale's body flashed through his mind. Wu Tianzhen knew that no matter what he said now, it would be futile. Thus, after struggling for a long time, he managed a strained smile.
"Pangzi hasn't come back from buying groceries yet. Xiao Ge, aren't you waiting to eat with him?"
"..."
Zhang Qiling said nothing, and Wu Tianzhen didn't speak again. The two stood in a stalemate at the entrance of Wu Shan Ju, neither making a move.
Soon, this silence was broken by Pangzi's return.
Pangzi was always a master debater in the market, striving to defeat all vendors with his eloquence and quoting classics to get the highest quality produce at the cheapest price.
Because of his meticulousness, Pangzi always took a long time to buy groceries. He didn't know why he came back so quickly today.
Driven by some inexplicable force, he rushed back and saw Wu Tianzhen, who was blocking the door like a startled puppy, and Zhang Qiling, who stood silently with his saber. He instantly understood everything.
Pangzi knew Wu Tianzhen's constant unease and Zhang Qiling's lifelong pursuit. He had long known that these two would eventually clash over this matter. He didn't say much, only sighed and gently pushed Wu Tianzhen's arm down.
"Xiao Ge, I know I can't stop you from going, and I support you in doing what you want to do."
"But..." Pangzi raised the plastic bag in his hand and shook it. Inside, a trembling old hen clucked in fright. "You have to eat this high-quality free-range chicken that I, Pang Ye, fought through three passes and slew six generals to get, before you leave, right?"
Wu Tianzhen:? You actually planned to let him go after just one meal?!
Under the emotional onslaught, Zhang Qiling hesitated, slowly shifting his gaze to ponder. Pangzi took the opportunity to secretly give Wu Tianzhen a look, signaling him to remain calm.
Zhang Qiling's thinking time was not long. He turned his gaze to Pangzi and Wu Tianzhen, then silently turned back and sat on the sofa, placing the Black Gold Ancient Blade beside him.
...This meant he was waiting for the meal.
Pangzi was instantly relieved. He exchanged knowing glances with Wu Tianzhen at the door. The two reached some unspoken agreement, and then Pangzi darted into the kitchen, carrying the hen.
After a cry, the hen met its demise.
Then, the sofa beside Zhang Qiling sank as Wu Tianzhen sat down. He asked, "Xiao Ge, what TV show do you want to watch?" but his eyes were fixed on Zhang Qiling, looking somewhat eerie.
Zhang Qiling sighed inwardly and raised no objection to Wu Tianzhen's actions.
...Pangzi had just said he wouldn't interfere with his choices. Since they would be parting soon, he didn't want to make Wu Tianzhen any unhappier.
...It was just one meal; it wouldn't change anything.
Then—
Zhang Qiling looked at Wu Tianzhen and Pangzi, who were standing at the doorway like a wall of people, having somehow packed their belongings and carrying large bags, looking ready to depart. He fell into deep contemplation.
"Then I, Pang Ye, said I support your choice!"
Pangzi even puffed out his chest indignantly. "But Wu Shan Ju has a rule: only choices that involve me and Tianzhen are good choices!"
"Right, Tianzhen?"
Wu Tianzhen suppressed a smile, looking triumphant. Ever since Pangzi returned, he seemed to have gained confidence. Facing Zhang Qiling's questioning, he was unusually firm.
"Exactly, Wu Shan Ju has always had this rule!" He keenly noticed Zhang Qiling about to voice his question in exasperation and quickly interjected, "What? When did this rule come about?"
"It just came about, it was just established, and it takes effect immediately!"
Pangzi, watching the scene unfold with amusement, added fuel to the fire, "Xiao Ge, you wouldn't know this, but this is a family rule. Our Young Master Tianzhen has just taken over as the head of Wu Shan Ju!"
Zhang Qiling: ...
He opened his mouth futilely, but with people coming and going, he couldn't possibly tie the two of them up. In the end, he simply pulled down his hood, turned silently, and walked away.
Wu Tianzhen and Pangzi behind him high-fived triumphantly, celebrating their successful operation. They paid no mind to Zhang Qiling's cold shoulder and happily followed.
...Fine, no matter what, his path to finding the Bronze Gate would not be blocked.
Perhaps after exploring the Bronze Gate, they could still...
What could they still do? Zhang Qiling didn't think further. He had already decided not to engage with these two and stubbornly remained silent the entire way.
Then, the moment they stepped into the Changbai Mountain territory and saw the white snow—
Pangzi shoved a thick black down jacket over his head, causing the Kirin tattoo that had just emerged to shrink back resentfully.
Zhang Qiling: ...