Chapter 49: Forced to Become a Guide (3)

"Yes!" Huo Guang answered at once.

Not only was it necessary to treat everyone's wounds, but stabilizing the morale of the troops was even more crucial. Huo Guang understood instantly.

Yan Chuan rose, bringing Liu Jin along as he approached the group once more.

"Gentlemen, please come to my humble abode," Yan Chuan said to Mo Yu Xi and the others.

"Very well," Mo Yu Xi nodded.

Mr. Wenruo glanced at Yan Chuan, his expression tinged with embarrassment.

Young Lord Yang was disdainful, while Ding Wugu harbored resentment.

"Little Crane, amuse yourself for a while; come find me later," Mo Yu Xi said to the immortal crane.

The crane nodded, spread its wings, and soared into the sky.

The group followed Yan Chuan into the bamboo grove, soon arriving at a bamboo house.

Mist once again shrouded the surroundings; the formation that Azure Dragon had previously broken was slowly being restored.

Inside the bamboo house, Yan Chuan took the seat of honor. Mr. Wenruo, Young Lord Yang, Ding Wugu, and Mo Yu Xi sat down. Mo Yu Xi's four subordinates stood behind him.

Servants quickly brought in fresh tea.

"Please, everyone," Yan Chuan said courteously.

The group nodded. Young Lord Yang took a sip.

"Pah!"

"What wretched tea!" Young Lord Yang spat it out in annoyance.

"Pah! Indeed, what is this? It's not even as good as my foot-washing water," Ding Wugu cursed, spitting out the tea as well.

Yan Chuan glanced at the two, his expression unmoved, offering no retort.

Liu Jin, standing beside Yan Chuan, looked deeply troubled.

Mo Yu Xi raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

Only Mr. Wenruo, somewhat apologetic, explained, "This is Young Lord Yang Zhi Jiu, son of the 'Daoist Lord of the Rabbit Day.' The other, who caused the misunderstanding earlier, is Ding Wugu—a geomancer."

"The son of the Daoist Lord?" Yan Chuan's expression shifted slightly, then he nodded in acknowledgment.

Yang Zhi Jiu, lofty and arrogant, looked down at Yan Chuan.

"You all didn't come here just for my calligraphy, I presume. May I ask your purpose? Please, speak plainly," Yan Chuan addressed Mr. Wenruo.

Yan Chuan treated courtesy with courtesy; to Mr. Wenruo, he remained polite.

"Before that, may I ask—have you arranged a feng shui formation around this mountain forest?" Mr. Wenruo asked, curious.

"Indeed, a rudimentary feng shui formation, nothing too powerful," Yan Chuan replied without objection.

"Impossible! This can't be a feng shui formation—why can't I sense the source of its energy?" Ding Wugu exclaimed in disbelief.

Yan Chuan glanced at Ding Wugu but ignored him.

"Would you care to enlighten me?" Mr. Wenruo asked, intrigued.

Yan Chuan nodded, saying, "This formation is a hidden one. Its source lies deep underground, not on the surface. Unless you're a true geomancer, you won't be able to detect it."

"You brat, what are you implying? Are you saying I'm a fake?" Ding Wugu shouted furiously.

Yan Chuan smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying.

"Explain yourself, boy!" Ding Wugu demanded in anger.

"Ding Wugu!" Mo Yu Xi snapped impatiently.

Ding Wugu, helpless, could only glare at Yan Chuan in hatred.

"The situation is thus," Mr. Wenruo began. "We wish to enter the grand feng shui formation to the south. These past days, we've tried from the air but failed to find a way in; we couldn't fly through. So, we hope to enter from the ground, and it would be best to find a nearby guide. The Saintess mentioned you have some knowledge of feng shui, which is most fortunate. Therefore, we hope you can lead the way."