Chapter 220: Oh My, This Is Just Too Stunning!
Inside the abandoned building, moonlight slanted through the broken windows, casting mottled light and shadows on the dust-covered floor. The air was filled with a damp, musty smell, and occasionally the rustling of mice could be heard. This place was once a high-end office building, but now it had become a temporary stronghold for the All-Sex.
Xia Liuqing stood before Gong Qing, his heart filled with anticipation yet tinged with a bit of unease. He had not seen Jinfeng Popo for a long time, the person who had given him guidance when he was at his lowest. Whenever he thought of the past, his heart was filled with gratitude.
"Before the operation begins, I want to go see Jinfeng," his voice could not hide his excitement, "I haven't seen her for a long time. And, at this special moment..."
Gong Qing sat on a dilapidated office chair, the chair emitting a teeth-gritting creak with his movements. Moonlight shone on half of his face, making his expression appear exceptionally deep and unfathomable. He was silent for a moment, then suddenly spoke: "Go."
This permission came somewhat unexpectedly; Xia Liuqing was stunned for a moment, but quickly turned and left with joy, fearing that Gong Qing would go back on his word. His footsteps echoed in the empty corridor, gradually disappearing into the darkness.
After Xia Liuqing's aura completely vanished, Shen Chong walked out slowly from the Yinying, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes: "Gong Qing, is it really okay to just let him go see Jinfeng Popo like this?" He paused, his voice dropping lower, "There is her most precious thing in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms Valley; once she knows our plan, I'm afraid..."
"You are too nervous," Gong Qing chuckled, his voice carrying the confidence of someone who had everything under control, "Do you think we are the only ones interested in those things? Various forces have long been restless." He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the brilliant city night view in the distance, "Even if Jinfeng Popo wants to stop us, she won't have the time to pay us any mind."
"You mean..." A flash of realization crossed Shen Chong's eyes.
"The more chaotic it is, the easier it is to fish in troubled waters." Gong Qing's voice carried a deeper meaning, "Sometimes, the best cover is the actions of others."
Shen Chong nodded thoughtfully. He had to admit that Gong Qing's vision was always much further-reaching than ordinary people's. It was precisely this ability that allowed him to hold such a lofty status within the All-Sex.
The next morning, sunlight spilled through the gaps in the hotel's floor-to-ceiling windows, adding a layer of warm halo to the luxury suite. Lin Xuan stood in front of the full-length mirror, while Xiao Qing and Xiao Bai were doing the final tidying for him. Xiao Qing and Xiao Bai's movements were elegant and meticulous, striving for perfection in every detail.
"Benefactor," Xiao Qing asked playfully while tidying Lin Xuan's clothes, "Do you think we will encounter anything interesting on this trip to the Qinling? I always feel like something big is about to happen."
"Hard to say," Lin Xuan looked at the reflection in the mirror, a faint, elusive smile hanging on the corner of his mouth, "But looking at the current situation, it probably won't be very peaceful."
Xiao Bai tidied the wrinkles on the collar of Lin Xuan's clothes, her movements as gentle as if she were treating the most precious Golden Treasure in the world: "Those forces must be unable to hold back anymore." Her voice remained calm, but a trace of fighting spirit had already flashed in her eyes.
After the three of them finished packing, they checked out and left the hotel. When they hailed a taxi at the entrance, they had already attracted the attention of many passersby. Xiao Qing and Xiao Bai's appearances were truly too outstanding, and that otherworldly temperament made it impossible for people to look away.
"Driver, to the airport." Lin Xuan's voice was calm and firm.
Along the way, the reactions of passersby became increasingly enthusiastic. Many people took out their phones to take pictures and record videos, and some even completely forgot what they were going to do, just standing there blankly. The driver also peeked in the rearview mirror from time to time, nearly running a red light.
"My god, these two beauties are just too stunning!" "Like an Immortal descending to the mortal world..." "Are there really such beautiful people in reality?"
Soon, the videos and photos went viral on major social media platforms, attracting a massive amount of reposts and comments.
"Is this for filming some Immortal-hero drama?" "Who is that man? His temperament is so unique..." "Why do I feel like they aren't ordinary people? That temperament, that feeling..." "They must be doing some promotion, right? But it's too realistic..."
The three of them turned a deaf ear to these discussions. They passed through security smoothly and boarded the flight to the Qinling. The plane took off slowly, breaking through the clouds and flying toward that ancient land.
At the same time, on a desolate small hill in the suburbs, Xia Liuqing was anxiously searching for the traces of Jinfeng Popo. The morning dew soaked his trouser legs, but he was completely unaware.
"Jinfeng Popo!" His shouts echoed in the mountains, "It's me, Xia Liuqing! Are you here?"
His voice carried unconcealable anticipation and excitement, like a wanderer reunited after a long separation. However, the only response was the rustling of the mountain wind brushing through the treetops.
Finally, a voice that was dignified yet carried a hint of kindness came from behind: "So noisy, what are you yelling about so early in the morning."
Xia Liuqing turned abruptly to see Jinfeng Popo standing under an ancient tree, looking at him with an indifferent expression. Although time had left its mark on her face, that unique temperament had not diminished in the slightest; instead, it had added a bit of depth.
"Jinfeng~!" Xia Liuqing's voice trembled with excitement, "I've missed you so much!"
"Spare me that," Jinfeng Popo said with a straight face, but a trace of tenderness flashed in her eyes, "Speak, what is the matter for coming to find me this time?"
Xia Liuqing restrained his excitement a little, but the joy in his eyes could not be hidden: "I just wanted to come see you, and by the way, tell you one thing—we are going to the Qinling."
"Qinling?" Jinfeng Popo's eyes suddenly became sharp, as if she could see through people's hearts, "You're aiming for the Twenty-Four Solar Terms Valley, aren't you?"
This direct question left Xia Liuqing speechless for a moment. He hadn't expected Jinfeng Popo to guess their purpose so quickly, but upon reflection, given her experience and wisdom, this was perhaps not surprising.
"I'm going with you," Jinfeng Popo said suddenly, her tone brooks no argument. This decision came so suddenly that Xia Liuqing didn't react for a moment.
"This..." He was a bit troubled, "Popo, this operation might be very dangerous, and..."
"What?" Jinfeng Popo snorted coldly, her eyes becoming sharp, "Do you think I'm old and will hold you back? Or is there some unspeakable plan?"
"No, that's not what I meant..." Xia Liuqing explained hurriedly.
"Say no more," Jinfeng Popo interrupted him, "I am definitely going on this trip. The things in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms Valley are not for you to dispose of as you please." Her tone revealed a dignity that could not be refuted.
Looking at Jinfeng Popo's firm attitude, Xia Liuqing could only nod in helpless agreement. He knew Jinfeng Popo's personality too well; once she decided on something, no one could change it.
On the way back, Xia Liuqing's mood was exceptionally complex. He was happy to see Jinfeng Popo again, yet worried about the impending situation. He didn't know how to explain this sudden development to Gong Qing, nor did he know what impact Jinfeng Popo's participation would have on the original plan.
And at this moment in the sky, the flight carrying Lin Xuan and his group was traveling through the clouds. Through the porthole, one could vaguely see the outline of the continuous Qinling Mountains gradually becoming clear in the distance. Sunlight shone through the clouds onto the mountains, illuminating this mysterious land in a golden glow.
A grand drama capable of changing the landscape of the entire Outsider world was about to be staged on this ancient land. And everyone participating in this grand drama, carrying their own purposes and obsessions, was searching for their own answers in the torrent of fate. No one knew what the final result would be, but what was certain was that this would surely be an earth-shattering transformation.
End of Chapter
