Chapter 147: Forming Cooperation

Jiangnan stared at the Gu Tribe girl before him, like a deep mystery. He slowly opened his mouth:

"Five-colored Spirit Stone, the legendary divine artifact. I came for it, yet I did not expect to hear such a tragic case."

A flash of shock passed through the girl's eyes, then turned into deep sorrow. She bit her lower lip, as if suppressing something.

Jiangnan noticed her change and asked further: "What has the Gu Tribe encountered?"

The words seemed to strike the girl's painful heart. She could no longer hold back, and tears streamed from her eyes like beads broken from a string.

"My family... all... died..." she choked, her voice trembling so much it could barely form a sentence.

Jiangnan furrowed his brows, a complex feeling rising within him. He had not expected the situation to be so severe.

The girl wiped away her tears, striving to steady her breath. She lifted her head and stared directly into Jiangnan's eyes:

"My name is Caili. Since you came for the Five-colored Spirit Stone, perhaps you can help us..."

Jiangnan gave a slight nod, indicating for her to continue.

Caili inhaled deeply and began recounting the Gu Tribe's plight. Her voice was low and hoarse, as if telling an ancient, sorrowful legend.

"Three days ago, a group of mysterious men in black suddenly broke into our Holy Land. Their methods were ruthless and merciless."

Jiangnan listened, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. He could imagine the massacre's brutality.

Caili continued: "They seemed to be searching for something, rummaging everywhere. The tribe rose to resist, but... but..."

She could not go on, and tears burst out again. Jiangnan gently patted her shoulder, silently offering comfort.

Caili dried her tears, forcing herself to stay calm: "I luckily escaped and hid in this Forbidden Land. I did not expect to meet you."

Jiangnan remained silent for a long while, his gaze like a torch, staring at Caili's still-wet face. Within the Forbidden Land, silence reigned, only the girl's faint sobbing echoing.

"I am not good at comforting others," Jiangnan said slowly, his voice low and firm, "but I can avenge you and settle the hatred."

Caili suddenly lifted her head, hope flashing in her eyes. Jiangnan continued: "The condition is, I need the Five-colored Spirit Stone."

The hope in the girl's eyes was instantly replaced by resolve. She nodded without hesitation: "If you are willing to avenge the Gu Tribe, the Five-colored Spirit Stone will be yours."

Jiangnan raised an eyebrow, showing slight surprise. Caili inhaled deeply, a strange light flashing in her eyes: "Not only that, I am willing to offer my own body, only asking that you avenge us."

The air seemed to solidify, Jiangnan's brows slightly furrowed as he examined the girl before him. Caili's gaze was steadfast, showing no sign of retreat.

"Why?" Jiangnan asked softly.

Caili bit her lower lip, fists clenched: "Because this is the only thing I can do. My tribe, my family, have already..."

Her voice choked, unable to continue. Jiangnan let out a gentle sigh and reached out to pat the girl's shoulder.

"No need for that," his voice softened a bit, "I will help you, but you need not pay such a price."

The damp air permeated the Forbidden Land, and Jiangnan's gaze unintentionally swept over Caili's thin clothing. Her garments were already soaked with tears, clinging to her body and outlining graceful curves.

Caili sensed Jiangnan's gaze, a hint of cunning flashing in her eyes. She suddenly stood, her slender fingers gently brushing the collar of her shirt.

"What are you doing..." Jiangnan slightly frowned, his voice tinged with caution.

Caili gave no answer, only smiled lightly, her hand's motion continuing. The clothing slipped down, revealing her pale shoulder.

Jiangnan abruptly turned his head, his voice low: "No need for that."

Caili was momentarily stunned, then let out a light laugh: "Sir Jiang, where did your mind wander? I only wanted you to help dry my clothes."

Jiangnan remained silent for a moment, then slowly turned around. Caili had already redressed, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

"I know true Qi can dry clothing," Caili explained, "but my cultivation is shallow, so I cannot wield it."

Jiangnan raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on Caili. The girl's eyes were clear to the bottom, showing no hint of frivolity.

"I see," Jiangnan sighed lightly, "then let me give it a try."

Caili's eyes brightened, and she quickly removed her clothes, handing them to Jiangnan. Jiangnan took the garments, slightly startled.

Jiangnan took the clothing Caili handed over; his fingertips brushed the soft fabric, a faint delicate fragrance drifting into his nose. He was stunned, his gaze involuntarily falling on the stack of clothes.

In an instant, Jiangnan's pupils contracted slightly. Hidden beneath the outerwear was, astonishingly, an exquisite bra and panties. His breath caught briefly, his Adam's apple rolling gently.

Caili stood nearby, a cunning glint in her eyes. She looked at Jiangnan with a half‑smile, the corner of her mouth lifting slightly: "What's wrong, Sir Jiang?"

Jiangnan inhaled deeply, forcing himself to stay calm. He shifted his gaze away from the stack of clothes and replied lightly: "Nothing."

A subtle aura drifted in the air. Jiangnan closed his eyes, his internal true Qi circulating swiftly. A gentle warm current surged from his palm, enveloping Caili's clothing.

The damp fabric, under the influence of true Qi, gradually became dry. Jiangnan opened his eyes and handed the clothes back to Caili: "All done."

Caili took the clothes, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "That fast?" She lightly brushed the dry fabric, exclaiming: "Truly marvelous."

Jiangnan turned his head away, giving Caili space to change. A faint rustling sound reached his ears, and he forced himself to focus his attention on the surrounding environment.

After a moment, Caili called softly: "Sir Jiang, I am ready." Jiangnan only then turned around, his gaze landing on the girl.

The dry garments clung to Caili's graceful figure, outlining elegant curves. Jiangnan quickly averted his gaze and asked: "What place is this?"

Caili shook her head, bewilderment in her eyes: "I don't know either. I fled here by accident, felt safe, and have stayed here ever since."

Jiangnan slightly frowned, his gaze sweeping the dim, damp surroundings. Ancient stone walls were covered with strange runes, and a mysterious aura filled the air.

"This should be an Ancient Ruins," Jiangnan said slowly, his voice low and resonant, "we must act cautiously."

Caili nodded, unconsciously stepping a pace closer to Jiangnan. A trace of reliance in her gaze, she asked softly: "What should we do next?"

Jiangnan pondered briefly, his gaze sharpening: "First find an exit, then investigate the Holy Sect's origins." He paused, adding: "And also search for clues to the Five-colored Spirit Stone."

A hint of hesitation flickered in Caili's eyes, but was quickly replaced by determination. She inhaled deeply and said solemnly: "I will help you find the Five-colored Spirit Stone, as long as you can avenge my tribe."

Jiangnan gave a slight nod, a trace of approval flashing in his gaze: "I will fulfill what I promised." He extended his hand, making a beckoning gesture, "Let's go."