"Hmph."
Leaning against the headboard, Sima Boyong, who had been forced down the mountain overnight and could only rest at school temporarily, had stabilized his severe injuries through qigong healing and medicinal soup.
However, Gui Ye's palm strike the previous night had still dealt a heavy blow to Sima Boyong. Recalling the events of last night, his old face was clouded with gloom, and his small eyes revealed a venomous gaze. He said, "Remember, we need to explain this clearly to the outside world to avoid any repercussions!"
Sima Wentang nodded, "I understand."
But Sima Boyong also understood that people from all major sects were present last night, especially Master Huikong from Shaolin Temple, Abbess Yunbai from Emei Sect, and Elder Zhang Qing from Kunlun Sect. These three were renowned figures from their respective sects. Their presence last night witnessed Sima Boyong's true intention: to seize the position of abbot of the Wuliang Daoist Temple.
Therefore, within a few days, the martial arts world of China would undoubtedly spread the news. At that time, Sima Boyong's reputation would inevitably be affected.
It would even be almost impossible for him to revive the martial arts world.
Unless Sima Boyong resorted to other means to clear his reputation, with Master Huikong of the Shaolin Sect, Abbess Yunbai, and Elder Zhang Qing present, he could forget about entering the martial arts world of the major sects.
Now, Sima Boyong wanted to clear his name and regain some face in front of the major sects. As his son, Sima Wentang sighed in his heart, estimating that his father would have a very difficult time navigating the martial arts world of the major sects in the future.
"By the way, Dad, according to the disciples of the Daoist temple, Wuwei Zi and Wan Yunting are also heading down the mountain today to the Kunlun Mountains to search for the Phoenix Tail Grass, which can cure the thunder god vine's poison!" Sima Wentang said promptly.
"Oh."
Sima Boyong's small eyes narrowed, revealing a fierce glint. He asked, "When will Lei Laohu arrive?"
"I've already called him. They are almost here."
As Sima Wentang spoke, he immediately saw through his father's intentions. "Dad, you want Lei Laohu and his men to take advantage of Wan Yunting and Wuwei Zi entering the Kunlun Mountains to find medicine, and then kill them?"
"Hmph."
Sima Boyong sneered at the corner of his mouth, his small eyes revealing a sinister and ferocious gaze. "Such a good opportunity, how could we let that kid Wan Yunting off? Keeping him around will only cause us trouble later!"
"Understood."
Sima Wentang nodded. He had long wanted to get rid of that kid Wan Yunting.
At this moment, Wan Yunting was wearing a blue cloth daoist robe. Since they were entering the Kunlun Mountains, it might get colder at night, so in addition to thick cotton daoist robes, they also wore long cloaks and carried backpacks containing rations, supplies, and sleeping bags.
Because the Kunlun Mountains were already snowbound, finding the Phoenix Tail Grass would be extremely difficult. They didn't know how long it would take to search after entering the mountains.
Therefore, Wan Yunting, Xu Lingwei, Li Zihang, and six other young disciples all brought rations and sleeping bags. Two of the disciples even carried small tents, planning to stay in the Kunlun Mountains for three to four days.
The current abbot, Duan Wuyu, had a recurring hidden ailment, causing his health to decline day by day. Wan Yunting had confirmed last night that he could only last about ten to eight days. If they couldn't find the Phoenix Tail Grass and return within three to four days, then even the Great Luo Golden Immortal couldn't save old Duan Wuyu's life.
At the entrance gate of the Wuliang Daoist Temple, Wan Yunting, Uncle-Master Wuwei, Xu Lingwei, Li Zihang, and the six young disciples had gathered with their respective belongings.
In addition to Wan Yunting and Wuwei Zi, Xu Lingwei, Li Zihang, and the six young disciples were all carrying long swords for self-defense.
Chang Wude, Kang Nuolan, Qi Wu, and other disciples had also come to see them off.
Then Yang Jingyi arrived with her daughter, Duan Yingying. The girl was wearing a gray daoist robe and a snow-white cloak made of snow fox fur, which looked beautiful on her and accentuated Duan Yingying's delicate face and playful cuteness.
The girl was also carrying a treasure sword with a fish-skin scabbard. The sword's pommel and guard were made of bronze, carved with exquisite patterns, indicating it was an expensive sword at first glance.
At the same time, Yang Jingyi also brought a long sword and called out to Wan Yunting, saying, "There are wild beasts in the Kunlun Mountains, so you should take this sword for protection."
Wan Yunting looked at the long Han sword in her hand. The scabbard was made of rosewood and polished smooth and delicate. The hanging ring, mouth, and guard of the scabbard were all made of bronze, also carved with exquisite patterns. The sword handle was wrapped with modern rope, and the pommel and guard were also made of bronze, with dragon patterns carved on the guard.
*Swish!*
Wan Yunting did not stand on ceremony. He drew the long Han sword given by Yang Jingyi directly from its scabbard. A cold light flashed, and the eight blade edges clearly reflected his shadow. Upon closer inspection, there were feather patterns on the blade, indicating it was a finely forged steel sword crafted through countless folding and hammering.
"A good sword."
Although Wan Yunting didn't understand, he could tell that this Han sword was definitely not an ordinary iron sword. He cupped his hands towards Yang Jingyi and smiled, "Thank you, Aunt-Master."
"Hmph, this sword is the one my father often uses. If it weren't for you finding medicine for my father, I wouldn't lend you this sword," Duan Yingying glanced at Wan Yunting and pouted, humming.
"Alright."
Yang Jingyi glanced at her daughter and then said to Wuwei Zi, "Junior Brother Wuwei, the task is yours."
"It's our duty."
Wuwei Zi waved his hand at her and said, "Don't worry, Sister-in-law. We will find the Phoenix Tail Grass."
Wan Yunting held the long sword in his left hand and said, "It's getting late, let's head down the mountain."
"Aunt-Master, we're leaving..."
Li Zihang nodded and immediately greeted Yang Jingyi. Duan Yingying followed Xu Lingwei and also bid farewell to her mother. The group then began to descend the mountain.
"Kid, be extra careful, understand?"
Chang Wude specifically instructed Wan Yunting, implying that he should be wary of Sima Boyong!
"I understand."
Wan Yunting nodded. Yang Jingyi also saw them off at the gate, saying, "Remember to maintain communication with us. If anything happens, inform us promptly."
"Don't worry, Aunt-Master, we all have mobile phones with GPS tracking," Wan Yunting said with a smile.
Yang Jingyi nodded, and together with Chang Wude, Qi Wu, and the other disciples, stood at the gate, watching Wan Yunting, Wuwei Zi, and their group descend the mountain. She then raised an eyebrow and said to Chang Wude next to her, "Junior Brother Chang, I fear Sima Boyong will try to stop them from finding the medicine!"
"It's not fear, it's a certainty!" Chang Wude snorted.
Yang Jingyi's brows furrowed, and she couldn't help but feel worried. She then took out an old button phone from her daoist robe pocket...
Wan Yunting, Xu Lingwei, Duan Yingying, Li Zihang, and the six young disciples descended the mountain with Wuwei Zi. When they reached the gate of Wuliang Mountain, they found Abbess Yunbai of the Emei Sect with Zhou Ruoxi, Jiang Tingxia, and their six disciples. A minivan was parked nearby, ready to pick them up to take a car from Buxida County.
"Abbess Yunbai, why haven't you left yet?"
Wuwei Zi led Wan Yunting, Xu Lingwei, and the others towards them and asked in confusion.
Abbess Yunbai clasped her hands together towards Wuwei Zi and bowed slightly before saying, "I received a call from my Senior Sister and heard that Senior Brother Wuwei was going to the Kunlun Mountains to find the medicinal herb to save Abbot Duan. Therefore, I have stayed behind to have Ruoxi and Tingxia assist you in going to the Kunlun Mountains to search for the medicine together!"
"Oh, so it was Sister-in-law's arrangement."
Wuwei Zi nodded and bowed, saying, "Then I thank Abbess Yunbai."
Abbess Yunbai nodded, then turned to Zhou Ruoxi and Jiang Tingxia beside her and sternly instructed, "The two of you will accompany Senior Uncle Wuwei into the mountains to find the medicine. After finding the medicine, you will return by yourselves. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Senior Aunt, your disciples understand." Zhou Ruoxi and Jiang Tingxia nodded.
Wan Yunting, who was with Li Zihang, suddenly asked in a low voice, "Zi Hang, who is this Abbess Yunbai's Senior Sister?"
"It's my Aunt-Master."
Li Zihang turned to him and said, "My Aunt-Master was originally a disciple of the Emei Sect, and her seniority is higher than Abbess Yunbai!"
"I see."
Wan Yunting understood that it was Yang Jingyi who was worried about them, so she asked Abbess Yunbai to have Zhou Ruoxi and Jiang Tingxia stay and accompany them to the Kunlun Mountains to find medicine...
Abbess Yunbai turned back and clasped her hands towards Wuwei Zi, "Senior Brother Wuwei, we will take our leave now."
"Alright, Abbess Yunbai, please be careful on your journey."
Wuwei Zi cupped his fists, then watched Abbess Yunbai board the minivan with the other four male and female disciples and head back to Buxida County to take the train back...
"Ruoxi Senior Sister, I didn't expect my mother to let you and us go to the Kunlun Mountains to find medicine," Duan Yingying said happily, going up to pull them.
"Mm..."
Zhou Ruoxi smiled gently and nodded.
"Junior Brother Wan, you probably didn't expect us to go into the mountains with you to find medicine either," Jiang Tingxia said with a smile, running towards Wan Yunting.
"Indeed, I didn't."
Wan Yunting nodded with a smile. He was a little surprised that these two sisters from the Emei Sect would also join them in the mountains to find medicine.
"Alright, it's getting late, let's set off," Wuwei Zi said with a smile.
Wan Yunting and the others nodded. Jiang Tingxia immediately handed a bundle to him, "Junior Brother Wan, could you hold this for us? I have too many things."
Wan Yunting looked back at her. The girl was carrying a backpack and holding a long sword. Zhou Ruoxi was the same. Knowing they would be going to the Kunlun Mountains to find medicine together, Abbess Yunbai had temporarily asked them to swap their backpacks with other senior sisters and brothers and carry supplies, as well as some rations and snacks, which should last for two to three days.
There was no need to worry about rations. As long as they didn't stay in the mountains for more than five days, food was a minor issue. After all, there were other small animals in the mountains that could be hunted. Therefore, the only task for their group was to find the Phoenix Tail Grass...