159: Tell the truth

After leaving Star South City, Qin Feng and the other three switched to a spacious and sturdy luxury carriage. The carriage body was made of tough, century-old Ironwood, with soft padding inside, enough to accommodate several people sitting or even resting. The three steeds pulling the carriage were also robust and excellent horses, chosen from a hundred, ensuring both speed and long-distance travel.

Qin Feng and Xia Ya took turns driving the carriage outside, while Ji Ruxue was like a silent shadow, occasionally appearing on the carriage roof or high tree branches nearby, her sharp gaze sweeping over everything around them, maintaining extreme vigilance. Xiao Chun, meanwhile, organized medicinal herbs inside the carriage or attempted to Cultivate in peace amidst the bumps.

The journey was long, and the official road gradually became less smooth. The surrounding scenery transitioned from relatively densely populated plains to more hills and desolate areas. Although the atmosphere was slightly subdued due to the rush, an invisible understanding slowly grew among the four.

As night fell, they set up camp by a leeward mountain hollow. A bonfire was lit, dispelling the chill of the autumn night. After Xiao Chun and Xia Ya, who were both a bit tired from days of travel, had rested, Qin Feng sat cross-legged by the fire, his mind sinking into his Sea of Consciousness.

The zi hour had arrived.

“Ding! The zi hour has arrived! Daily intelligence has been refreshed!”

“Today's Intelligence:”

“1. [Yellow Intelligence]: The current Valley Master of Medicine King Valley, Li Changqing, Cultivation: Late Stage Martial Emperor. Highly skilled in both medicine and poison, his temperament appears detached but is actually protective and strictly adheres to valley rules.”

“2. [Yellow Intelligence]: General overview of Medicine King Valley's overall strength. Permanent forces: three Martial Emperor Realm individuals (including the Valley Master), around twenty Martial King Realm individuals (including Elders and deacons). The Valley is transcendent and reclusive, rarely participating in worldly disputes, but its Legacy is profound and not to be underestimated.”

“3. [Blue Intelligence]: Specific location and surrounding environment of Medicine King Valley. Located northwest of Star South City, it would take approximately seven days to reach from here by the current carriage. Its entrance is hidden deep within the Misty Mountain Range, and the periphery is perennially shrouded in natural poisonous miasma and dense fog. The mountains and forests are filled with mutated venomous snakes and fierce beasts, and the paths are complex. Without guidance or special means, it is extremely easy to get lost or even die.”

Looking at these three pieces of intelligence, especially the striking “Mid-stage Martial Emperor,” “three Martial Emperors,” and “twenty Martial Kings,” Qin Feng felt as if a heavy boulder was pressing down on his heart. Medicine King Valley's strength far exceeded his previous estimates. This was no ordinary Sect, but a truly reclusive power with terrifying Legacy. Forcing their way in? That would be like throwing an egg against a rock.

Just as he was deep in thought about a countermeasure, a clear, cold voice came from the shadow beside him.

“Qin Feng, our current route doesn't seem to be directly towards the imperial capital.”

Ji Ruxue had returned from her lookout position at some unknown time, standing quietly at the edge of the bonfire's light, her icy eyes fixed on Qin Feng with a hint of inquiry.

Qin Feng's body stiffened slightly. He put down the map, knowing he couldn't hide it from the meticulous Ji Ruxue, and that it was time to be honest with his companions. He took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over his three companions, finally resting on Xiao Chun's face, his tone becoming heavy: “Yes, we are not going to the imperial capital for now. Our primary destination for this trip is Medicine King Valley.”

“Medicine King Valley?” Xia Ya frowned slightly. She had heard of this name and knew it was a Holy Land of medicine in the world, but it also had strict rules and kept its distance from external conflicts.

Xiao Chun was stunned. Medicine King Valley? Wasn't that... the Sect her father had mentioned... the one he had defected from?

Qin Feng looked at Xiao Chun's instantly pale face, feeling a pang of pity, but he continued: “We received confirmed news... Xiao Chun's father, also my master, Chu Tianhe... was captured and taken back by Medicine King Valley's Enforcement Team. He is currently being punished at Self-Reflection Cliff in the Valley.”

“What?!”

It was like a bolt from the blue!

The waterskin in Xiao Chun's hand fell to the ground with a 'thud'. She stood up abruptly, her small body swaying, all color draining from her face, her large eyes instantly filled with disbelief and immense panic.

“Father... Father was captured? Medicine King Valley... Self-Reflection Cliff...” she murmured, her voice trembling, tears streaming down her face like broken pearls. “Why... Father has been gone for so long... why would they still capture him... to be punished... will Father be...”

Overwhelmed by immense worry and fear, her legs gave out, and she was about to collapse.

Ji Ruxue, who was closest to her, flashed forward and supported her, gently pressing her down onto the prepared soft cushion. The usually cold Ji Ruxue's actions were surprisingly gentle at this moment.

Xia Ya also immediately stepped forward, kneeling beside Xiao Chun, holding her cold little hand, transmitting warmth and strength, and softly comforting her: “Little sister Xiao Chun, don't be afraid, don't rush, listen to Qin Feng finish.”

Qin Feng squatted in front of Xiao Chun, looking steadily into her tear-blurred eyes, and said word by word: “Xiao Chun, don't worry. We are going this time to rescue Master!”

Xiao Chun sobbed, raising her tearful eyes: “But... Brother Qin Feng, I heard that... Medicine King Valley's Valley Master Li Changqing is at least a Martial Emperor level expert... The Valley is full of masters... How can we save him?”

This was a realistic problem. A powerful force with a Martial Emperor at its helm and a long Legacy was definitely not something a few Martial Kings and Grand Martial Masters could force their way into.

Qin Feng had already considered this issue. He said in a deep voice: “I naturally know we can't use force. I plan to try diplomacy first. With my identity as an Elder of Hundred Flowers Pavilion and a loyal and courageous gentleman of Great Qian, I will formally visit Medicine King Valley and present the fact that Master has saved lives, healed injuries, and trained pharmacists in Star South City for many years, contributing to the nation. I hope to use these merits, coupled with the potential influence of Hundred Flowers Pavilion, and even pay some price, to gain Medicine King Valley's leniency for Master's past and allow him to leave safely.”

He paused, then continued: “If that doesn't work... I will immediately contact Pavilion Master Yue Long, and even request the main branch of Hundred Flowers Pavilion to mediate. Although Medicine King Valley is strong, my Hundred Flowers Pavilion is not to be trifled with. Master's matter is not an unforgivable crime; there is always room for maneuver.”

His words were clear and logical, encompassing both the “diplomacy” of using his official status and the “force” of relying on Sect power, showing that he was not acting on impulse but had thought it through carefully.

Ji Ruxue nodded silently; this was consistent with Qin Feng's usual style of planning before acting. Xia Ya also understood the feasibility of the plan, and her heart settled slightly.

Xiao Chun listened to Qin Feng's comprehensive plan and saw the undeniable determination in his eyes. The churning panic and despair in her heart gradually replaced by a warm current and hope. She knew that Brother Qin Feng never made promises lightly, and once he did, he would do his utmost.

She vigorously wiped away her tears. Although her nose was still red, her eyes had regained their firmness. She clasped Qin Feng's hand tightly, her voice choked with tears yet exceptionally clear: “Mm! Brother Qin Feng, I believe you! We'll go together, and we'll definitely rescue Father safely!”

Seeing Xiao Chun regain her composure, Qin Feng felt a little relieved. He looked up at Ji Ruxue and Xia Ya: “This trip to Medicine King Valley will certainly not be smooth sailing, and may even face great risks. You two...”

“No need to say more.” Ji Ruxue interrupted him, her voice as cold as ever, “As companions, we naturally go together.”

Xia Ya also laughed heartily, patting the giant shield beside her: “My shield is already ready to shelter my companions from wind and rain. What's more, Great Master Chu is Xiao Chun's father and your master; by both reason and sentiment, I will not back down.”

The team's hearts, at this moment, were united more closely than ever before due to their common goal and honesty.

Qin Feng was moved, nodding heavily: “Good! Then let's all go to Medicine King Valley together!”

He unfolded the map again, following the System's blue intelligence, pointing to an area deep within the mountains, marked with symbols of dense fog and danger.

“The specific location of Medicine King Valley is here. At our carriage speed, it will take about six or seven more days. The area outside the valley is perennially surrounded by special mist and venomous snakes and fierce beasts, forming a natural barrier. We need to be prepared.”

The bonfire illuminated four young and resolute faces. The path to rescue their master was uncertain, but no matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, they were determined to face them together.

The carriage continued to drive steadily towards the mist-shrouded mountains.