Chapter 8

Two days later, the trio packed their belongings and set off in a horse-drawn carriage.

The carriage traveled along winding mountain paths, the rumble of wheels and clip-clop of hooves echoing through the valleys.

Fu Jing and Bai Yichen took turns driving the horses.

Along the way, the scenery was picturesque—rolling mountains, lush greenery.

The summer sun blazed overhead, its rays filtering through the leaves to cast dappled shadows on the ground.

A gentle breeze carried the crisp scent of nature.

Fu Jing, having trained under Bai Yichen for seven years, had already mastered sword flight.

But to accommodate Yuan Xi, they stretched what should have been a two-day journey into eight.

Bai Yichen, holding the reins, called loudly into the carriage, “Senior sister, you used to ride clouds and mists—why not pick it up again?”

Yuan Xi coughed, her expression slightly awkward.

“Can’t.”

The truth was—she was afraid of heights.

Fu Jing had long figured it out.

Though he could have carried her on his sword, one attempt had left her pale and trembling.

Since then, he’d insisted on traveling by carriage.

“It’s fine,” he reassured her.

“Think of it as a leisurely trip. What’s the rush?”

“Fu Jing is the most considerate,” Yuan Xi said with a grin.

Hearing this, Fu Jing couldn’t suppress the upward tug of his lips.

He coughed, schooling his expression, then picked up the teapot and poured her a cup, handing it over with quiet attentiveness.

Knowing Yuan Xi loved tea, Fu Jing always kept some on hand, even during travels.

Yuan Xi took a sip and closed her eyes in satisfaction.

Ah, this is the life.

During a rest stop by a stream, Fu Jing and Bai Yichen went fishing.

Fu Jing stripped to the waist, revealing lean, toned muscles as he waded into the water.

Sunlight glistened off his sun-kissed skin, the water cascading down his torso—a striking blend of youthful vigor and mature strength.

With swift precision, Fu Jing speared several fish with a bamboo rod.

Bai Yichen, too, caught a few—their haul was plentiful.

“Elder Sister! Look!”

Fu Jing held up a massive fish, easily ten pounds, his face alight with excitement.

The young man’s handsome features were radiant with a brilliant smile, impossible to look away from.

Yuan Xi, seated on a rock, watched the scene with pride.

My boy has grown up so well.

She gave him a thumbs-up.

“Our Fu Jing is the best!”

Bai Yichen, holding his own catch, grumbled, “Senior sister, I did well too. Where’s my praise?”

Fu Jing shot him a stern look.

“Master, stop acting spoiled.”

Bai Yichen shuddered in mock disgust.

With a flick of his hand, he sent a surge of water crashing into Fu Jing.

“You brat! Talking nonsense!”

Caught off guard, Fu Jing was drenched from head to toe, his damp hair clinging to his neck in a thoroughly pitiful state.

They roasted the fish, hanging the extras at the front of the carriage to dry.

Once their clothes were dried by the fire and changed into fresh ones, the group resumed their journey.

On the eighth day, they finally arrived at the eastern town.

A boundary stone read: Kutang Town

Yuan Xi stood at the entrance, her gaze sweeping over the settlement.

The atmosphere was eerily unsettling, as if veiled in an inexplicable shroud of mystery.

The houses lining the streets stood old and dilapidated, their doors and windows tightly shut, exuding an eerie atmosphere.

The townsfolk seemed to be hiding in their homes, with only a few elderly sitting by their doorsteps, basking in the sun.

Their faces were etched with the marks of time, their eyes clouded with confusion and fear.

The trio stepped cautiously into the town.

Yuan Xi noticed the conspicuous absence of young people, and unease settled in her heart.

She pressed forward, searching for the contact who had reached out to her.

Finally, she found the familiar address—the village chief’s home in Yudie Village.

The chief was an elderly man with a kindly face, though his eyes betrayed deep worry.

When Yuan Xi introduced herself, his expression flickered with surprise and wariness.

“You… are Elder Yuan Xi?”

The chief’s voice was hoarse, tinged with disbelief.

The young woman before him wore robes white as snow, blending seamlessly with the world around her.

Her hair was loosely tied up, a few strands cascading naturally by her ears, adding to her effortless grace.

Her face was beautiful and dignified—yet it was undeniably youthful.

It was hard to reconcile her with the centuries-old Elder Yuan Xi of legend.

Yuan Xi nodded.

“Rest assured, Chief. After receiving your plea for help, I came as soon as possible. I will rid Kutang Town of this water monster and restore peace.”

She introduced Bai Yichen and Fu Jing.

“This is my junior brother and… my younger brother.”

Fu Jing’s expression soured slightly.

His identity was awkward—he refused to be called her son or her disciple, leaving “younger brother” as the only option when introducing him to outsiders.

The chief studied the two young men—tall, imposing, and radiating confidence—and felt somewhat reassured.

Yuan Xi adopted the demeanor of a seasoned elder, surveying the surroundings before asking, “Tell me about this water monster.”

The chief sighed deeply and began recounting the town’s plight.

“About three years ago, a fisherman was suddenly dragged underwater by something unseen. He drowned in full view of many. Witnesses claimed it was a hand—bigger than an ox—reaching from the depths. Terrifying.”

“After that, no one dared go near the river. For a few days, all was quiet… until that monstrous hand emerged again, snatching villagers who strayed too close. So far, thirty-two lives have been lost. Fear has gripped us. The young have fled, leaving the village lifeless. When I heard Elder Yuan Xi was the most formidable, I sought out your whereabouts and sent that plea. If this continues, none of us will survive. Elder, we beg for your help!”

Yuan Xi’s delicate brows furrowed as she fell into thought.

She knew the task ahead was daunting, but under the hopeful gazes of the villagers, she steeled her resolve.

This monster would be eradicated.

Turning to Bai Yichen and Fu Jing, she said, “Let’s investigate the river.”

The three made their way to the water’s edge.

The river lay eerily calm.

“A giant-handed water monster… I’ve never heard of such a thing,” Bai Yichen muttered, frowning at the still surface.

Yuan Xi smirked.

“If it won’t come out, we’ll wait.”

“It probably senses your cultivation level and doesn’t dare show itself,” Fu Jing said, remaining vigilant at her side.

“We can’t let our guard down.”

Yuan Xi chuckled.

“A bully who only preys on the defenseless, hm? Then we’ll have to provoke it.”

“Oh?” Bai Yichen raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

Clearing his throat, he suddenly bellowed at the river:

“You cowardly wretch! Hiding like a turtle in the mud! If you’ve got the guts, come out and face your granddaddy! Or are you too scared I’ll beat you till your teeth scatter like beans?!”