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Xiang He frowned as she listened. "Since they know it is extremely difficult to keep it alive outside, why transplant it?"

"This little one does not know. Besides, the women of Little Tree Village marrying the Sacred Tree can also be considered a coming-of-age rite. This rite has never been open to outsiders. It is said that after marrying the Sacred Tree, the women of Little Tree Village must leave their families and devote themselves to serving the Sacred Tree for two years before they may marry as wives."

It sounded like nothing more than some bizarre customs, with no real danger involved. Yet Xiang He instinctively felt that the innkeeper was still hiding something. Otherwise, mere "marrying into the household" would not frighten people so badly.

"I see. Thank you for the warning, Shopkeeper. Please trouble yourself to tell me the exact location of Little Tree Village."

The innkeeper shook his head. "Please forgive me, Immortal Master. This little one does not know where Little Tree Village is either. I only know it is about a day's journey from Fang Ravine, toward the Tenfold Mountains in the west."

"That will be enough. I shall not disturb your business any longer." Xiang He took out money to settle the bill, then signaled for Junior Brother Bian to follow. Only after they left the town did Bian Chunchou speak. "Senior Sister, perhaps we should forget it and come back tomorrow."

Xiang He was someone who greatly enjoyed adventure, which was precisely why she had taken on her current post at Founding Peak. "Scared? We have already come this far. It is fine—Senior Sister will cover for you. Looking closely, Junior Brother, you are quite delicate and handsome. You really would be easily kidnapped and made into some bandit chief's husband."

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