Chapter 157: The Hidden Treasure

Jiangnan and Caili walked silently down the mountain, a heavy atmosphere cloaking the two of them. The mountain wind howled, brushing their robes as if recounting the thrilling scene just now.

Caili stole a glance at Jiangnan and saw his brows tightly knit, his expression solemn. She knew that losing the Five-colored Spirit Stone was a considerable blow to Jiangnan.

"Jiangnan," Caili whispered, "do you really need that Five-colored Spirit Stone?"

Jiangnan halted, turned to look at Caili. He was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, "It is the hope for my breakthrough."

Caili heard the loss in his words and felt a pang in her heart. She knew how crucial a breakthrough is for a cultivator.

"Actually…" Caili hesitated, then gave a mysterious smile, "the Gu Tribe has another Five-colored Spirit Stone."

Jiangnan jerked his head up, a flash of surprise and hope crossing his eyes. "What?"

Caili nodded, lowered her voice, "It's hidden in a place only I know."

Jiangnan stared deeply at Caili, complex emotions flickering in his eyes. He hadn't expected that, when hope was lost, a surprise would come from Caili.

"Will you tell me?" Jiangnan asked softly, a hint of expectation in his voice.

Caili smiled, a cunning light flashing in her eyes, "Of course, but…"

Jiangnan raised an eyebrow, waiting for her continuation.

"But you must agree to one condition," Caili said playfully, winking.

Jiangnan was slightly taken aback, then showed a helpless smile, "What condition?"

Caili took a deep breath, mustering courage, "I want to go with you to find that Five-colored Spirit Stone."

Jiangnan fell silent, a hint of hesitation in his eyes. He knew the search might bring many dangers.

Seeing Jiangnan linger without answer, Caili felt a little disappointed. She lowered her head and said softly, "If you don't want to…"

"Fine." Jiangnan suddenly spoke, cutting off Caili.

Caili looked up in surprise, unable to believe her ears, "Really?"

Jiangnan nodded, a gentle light in his eyes, "But you must promise me that if danger arises you will listen to me."

Caili excitedly nodded like a pestle, "I promise!"

Watching Caili's joyous demeanor, Jiangnan felt a warm surge in his heart. He turned and continued down the mountain, with Caili tightly following behind.

"Where is that Five-colored Spirit Stone?" Jiangnan asked as he walked.

Caili smiled mysteriously, "In a place called 'Misty Valley.' It's shrouded in fog year‑round; ordinary people can't find the entrance."

Jiangnan nodded thoughtfully, "Sounds like a dangerous place."

Caili nodded in acknowledgment, "Indeed very dangerous. However, I know a secret passage that leads straight to the core of Misty Valley."

Jiangnan raised an eyebrow, looking at Caili with new respect, "Looks like you're quite familiar with that place."

Caili lifted her chin proudly, "Of course, I am the princess of the Gu Tribe."

Jiangnan chuckled lightly, saying little else. The two continued down the mountain, and Caili began to detail the situation of Misty Valley to Jiangnan.

"Misty Valley contains many rare treasures and exotic herbs, but also many dangerous Poison Insect beasts," Caili said seriously, "We must be cautious."

Jiangnan nodded, a hint of gravity in his eyes, "I understand. But with you as a guide, we should be able to avoid most dangers."

Caili felt a little embarrassed by Jiangnan's praise, a faint blush spreading on her face, "I—I will do my best."

The two talked all the way, and before they knew it they had reached the foot of the mountain. Jiangnan stopped, surveyed the surroundings, and after confirming no one was tailing them, said to Caili:

"How about we find a place to rest first?"

Caili shook her head lightly at the suggestion, a cunning glint in her eyes. She leaned close to Jiangnan, lowered her voice, "No need to look elsewhere for rest.

In Misty Valley there is a hidden cave, a secret base I discovered as a child. It's safe, comfortable, and close to here."

Jiangnan raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on Caili's face for a moment, seeming to weigh her credibility. Finally, he lightly nodded, "Alright, I'll follow your lead."

With Jiangnan's approval, joy flickered in Caili's eyes. She turned toward a direction and hurried away, Jiangnan close behind.

The two passed through a dense forest and soon arrived at the entrance of a valley shrouded in thick fog. Caili stopped, turned back and made a shushing gesture to Jiangnan.

"From here on, be careful," she whispered, "Stay close to me, don't get lost."

Jiangnan nodded silently, his expression solemn. Caili inhaled deeply and was the first to step into the mist.

In the thick fog, visibility was extremely low; Jiangnan could barely make out Caili's silhouette. He couldn't help quickening his pace, staying close behind her.

Caili seemed extremely familiar with this place, moving through the mist with ease. She would sometimes stop to carefully discern direction, then stride forward, leading Jiangnan

around some hidden traps.

"When I was a child, I often sneaked here to play," Caili said while guiding, her voice tinged with nostalgia, "This is my

secret garden; no one but me knows how to get in."

Jiangnan gave a soft "mm," indicating he was listening. Encouraged, Caili continued, "Once, I found an injured little fox here.

I snuck it home to care for it. My father discovered it, and he was so angry he almost overturned the whole mountain."

At this point Caili couldn't help giggling. Jiangnan heard her laughter, and a smile involuntarily curved his lips.

"What happened next?" Jiangnan asked, curiosity in his voice.

Caili turned back, winked at Jiangnan, "Later, I secretly returned the little fox here. Guess what? It remembered me,

and every time I come, it comes to play with me."

Jiangnan nodded slightly, admiration flashing in his eyes, "Seems you have a strong bond with the creatures here."

Caili smiled and nodded, "Yes, this place is like my second home."

The two talked while moving through the mist, and Caili's childhood anecdotes made the tense journey feel light and pleasant.

Suddenly, Caili stopped, reaching out to block Jiangnan. "Careful," she whispered, "There's a trap ahead."

Jiangnan focused, and indeed the ground ahead looked odd. He couldn't help admiring Caili's keen observation: "Your perception is sharp."

Caili proudly lifted her chin, "Of course, I grew up here."

Skipping the trap, the two continued onward. Caili's steps grew lighter, and the excitement in her eyes deepened.