Parting Ways

Inside the stone forest, beside a giant rock.

Mo Chao Ge, Barnard, and the Nether Moon Envoy stood with indifferent expressions, as if waiting for some news.

Not long after, a Dark Star Envoy of the Dark Nether flashed out from a stone path in the distance and walked straight towards them.

Upon arriving, this Dark Star Envoy bowed to the Nether Moon Envoy and said, "My lord, there's still no trace of them."

The Nether Moon Envoy nodded and waved his hand, "Continue monitoring those checkpoints. Don't let up!"

"Yes!"

The Dark Star Envoy responsible for gathering information quietly retreated, his figure flickering between the rocks before vanishing in the blink of an eye.

An hour later.

Qiang Sen, with his severed arm, also appeared from a stone path. After bowing to Mo Chao Ge, he said, "I didn't see them."

"Mm." Mo Chao Ge nodded and instructed, "Keep watching. I don't believe they won't come out."

"Third Master, could they have been killed by Yao Beasts in the Gloomy Forest?" Qiang Sen hesitated, "I heard that after we left, the Yao Beasts in that area became even more ferocious. Many Martial Artists who frequented that area have sent word of their deaths. If they haven't come out by now, they might have already been taken down by the Yao Beasts."

"It's possible."

Unexpectedly, Mo Chao Ge didn't refute. He nodded first, then said, "But if they weren't killed by Yao Beasts and instead slipped into the Merchant Alliance while we weren't paying attention, we'll regret it immensely! You... understand what I mean?"

"Understood! I'll go and keep watching!" Qiang Sen's expression sharpened, and he hurriedly turned and left.

Mo Chao Ge frowned and said to the Nether Moon Envoy beside him, "Let's wait another month. If they still don't come out, they might truly be dead inside. What do you think?"

"Mm, I have no objections." The Nether Moon Envoy agreed and mused, "I received news that Medicine King Gan Xiao and the Thunder Wing Silver Wolf are still fighting in the Gloomy Forest. However, there are too many Yao Beasts in the Gloomy Forest, and Gan Xiao seems to be starting to withdraw. The Yao Beasts in the Gloomy Forest are now gathered around the Thunder Wing Silver Wolf, still pursuing Medicine King Gan Xiao and his retinue. That original area is actually still relatively safe."

"You mean... they might still be alive?" Mo Chao Ge asked.

"The possibility of them surviving is extremely high." The Nether Moon Envoy said, "Many Martial Artists in that area were killed, and those who weren't were scared off and came out early. As long as their luck isn't too bad, they should be able to come out of the Gloomy Forest alive."

"I hope they're alive!" Barnard of the Tusk Mercenary Group said, his eyes full of venom and cold malice, "I'll make them regret coming into this world."

The Nether Moon Envoy's eyes flashed with cold light, and he said faintly, "I'll take the one surnamed Mu away."

"I want that skinny kid for myself for a while. He stole something from our Mo Family. I need to get the item back first, and then you can do whatever you want with him." Mo Chao Ge glanced at Barnard, his tone neither warm nor cold.

Barnard fell silent, not replying, his thoughts unknown.

Shi Yan walked cautiously among the rugged stones, not daring to relax for a moment.

Mu Yu Die and Di Ya Lan were ahead, conversing in low voices, their topic unknown.

"Ding Yan." Suddenly, Mu Yu Die stopped and looked back at him.

"Hm?" Shi Yan looked surprised and slightly let down his guard, "What is it?"

"You're from the Merchant Alliance, aren't you?" Mu Yu Die hesitated for a moment and asked casually.

"Mm."

"Are you cultivating alone?"

"Mm."

"You've helped me a lot on this journey. I want to introduce you to someone. If you can gain their attention, it will be of great benefit to your future cultivation. What do you say?" Mu Yu Die's expression turned solemn, her beautiful eyes bright and shining as she looked at him.

Shi Yan was stunned for a moment, then after a long pause, he shook his head and said calmly, "Miss Mu, I appreciate your kindness, but I don't like being constrained by others."

He understood that Mu Yu Die intended to recommend him to a powerful individual or a major force.

In this world, there were lone cultivators, but most of them had extremely high cultivation levels and could do as they pleased without relying on any force.

However, the vast majority of Martial Artists chose to join major forces or prominent families.

This was because these major forces and families possessed abundant cultivation resources, comprehensive Martial Skills and materials, and guidance from experts. These things could help a Martial Artist break through bottlenecks faster and reach higher realms.

Yet, some truly formidable forces and powerful families rarely accepted people with unknown origins. Without an introduction, it was extremely difficult to enter those major forces for cultivation.

Mu Yu Die clearly knew an important figure in a major force and wanted to do Shi Yan a favor.

"Cultivating alone will be very troublesome," Mu Yu Die said, somewhat astonished and not fully understanding Shi Yan's refusal. "Only by attaching yourself to a major force can you progress rapidly. When honing your skills in certain areas, you'll also have support. A lone Martial Artist cultivating in unfamiliar territory can easily become a target for others, do you understand?"

"Yes, cultivating alone has many drawbacks. Little Die is also offering her good intentions. Why don't you decide whether to refuse after you meet that person?" Di Ya Lan also persuaded him.

"No need. I have things to do and don't want to become a slave to any family." Shi Yan firmly shook his head.

"Then it's up to you." Mu Yu Die's delicate brows furrowed slightly. She felt Shi Yan was being unappreciative but didn't insist further.

Di Ya Lan sighed, feeling a hint of disappointment.

She was supposed to be with Mu Yu Die. Now that Shi Yan had rejected Mu Yu Die's invitation, it meant she would be separated from Shi Yan, and they might never see each other again.

During this time, Shi Yan's image had deeply imprinted itself on her heart. The thought of parting made her feel uneasy.

"Ding Yan, I'm going with Little Die. You..."

After thinking for a long while, Di Ya Lan finally couldn't help but speak. Her gaze towards Shi Yan held a hint of pleading.

"You can come with me too," Shi Yan said, momentarily stunned, then added, "If you're willing."

"I..."

Di Ya Lan mumbled with a bitter expression, saying faintly, "The power behind Xiao Die can not only protect Xiao Die from harm but also continuously improve my cultivation. Moreover, Xiao Die promised me that I can not only obtain abundant cultivation materials there but also a Mysterious Grade weapon, and in the future, I might even be able to cultivate Spirit Grade Martial Skills. I..."

"Then forget it!"

Shi Yan said curtly and indifferently, "You have your pursuits, and I have my goals. What you want... I can't give you. When we reach You Ji Town, we'll go our separate ways."

It was obvious that Di Ya Lan believed the power behind Mu Yu Die would be more beneficial for her future cultivation. The conditions offered were also extremely tempting, and she had no reason to refuse.

"Ding Yan..." Di Ya Lan's heart ached as she murmured, "I'm sorry."

"You don't need to say sorry," Shi Yan shook his head and said calmly, "We were willing beforehand, and we go our separate ways afterward. Neither of us owes the other anything."

"You!" Di Ya Lan's expression changed slightly. She looked at him with a hint of hatred, her ample chest trembling slightly. In the end, she sighed faintly and murmured, "Think whatever you want. I have my plans. You're still young; you won't understand..."

Shi Yan curled his lips, his expression indifferent, a hint of disdain in his eyes. He didn't say anything.

"He doesn't know what's good for him," Mu Yu Die snorted coldly.

"When two people don't see eye to eye, there's no need for many words," Shi Yan shook his head, too lazy to bother with them. He didn't even look at her and walked directly towards another fork in the road. With his back to the two women, he said coldly, "We shall not meet again."

"Ding Yan!" Di Ya Lan exclaimed, "Didn't we say we'd part ways after reaching You Ji Town?"

"Miss Mu is at the Human Position Triple Heaven realm, and there are experts waiting for you in the stone forest. You can rest assured. I won't impose," Shi Yan's voice gradually faded, and his figure disappeared.

"A guy this arrogant will definitely suffer in the future," Mu Yu Die shook her head and said, "In this world, sometimes you have to learn to yield, or it's hard to live long, especially for us Martial Artists who cultivate the martial path."

Di Ya Lan felt very lost. "I'm really worried about him. Sigh, isn't it good to follow us? Why did he refuse?"

"Forget it, don't overthink it. We're in the Merchant Alliance anyway; maybe we'll have a chance to meet again," Mu Yu Die comforted her. "Sister Lan, we are women, and we both bear the mission of revitalizing our families and avenging Uncle Luo and the others. We must rely on powerful forces and powerful people. Only then can we achieve our wishes."

After a pause, a complex emotion flickered in Mu Yu Die's beautiful eyes. She also recalled the moments she spent with Shi Yan, remembering his domineering kiss in the cave...

But in the end, she shook her head forcefully, as if trying to erase Shi Yan's image from her mind, and murmured, "...As for him, let him be a beautiful memory in our lives."

Her words seemed to be spoken to herself.

"He's not bad either. He's about to break through to the Human Position realm, and he's still very young..." Di Ya Lan murmured.

"It takes about ten years to enter Hundred Tribulations and Earth Position realms. Who knows how many years it will take to reach Nirvana and Heaven Position realms. We can't wait that long. Besides, he's just one person, and he doesn't have the support of a powerful force behind him..."

"Sigh, forget it. I hope our decision is correct."

"I won't be wrong!"

ps: Today is Sunday. I went to the hospital in the afternoon and came back late. I'm sorry. This new book has no draft. This chapter was written on the spot. Please bear with me. I kindly request your recommendation votes and member clicks tomorrow. Thank you in advance.