Ye Qiu’s face darkened as he asked, “Mum, what exactly happened?”
Qian Jinglan said, “Since your dad came back last time, he’s been busy searching for the dragon vein.”
“Seven days ago, he went out again and hasn’t returned since.”
“Before, he’d come back every three or four days at most, but this time, it’s been seven days with no sign of him. I suspect he’s gone missing.”
“Kunlun Mountain is vast, covered in ice and snow. I don’t know where to look for him, I…”
Ye Qiu quickly comforted her, “Mum, don’t worry, I’m coming now.”
“Wait for me.”
After hanging up, Ye Qiu turned to Master Longbrow, “Old man, come with me to Kunlun Mountain.”
“For what?” Master Longbrow asked, puzzled.
“My dad’s missing,” Ye Qiu said.
Master Longbrow shot to his feet, “Wushuang’s missing? What happened?”
“I’ll explain on the way. We’re leaving now.” Ye Qiu instructed Xiao Zhan, “I’m leaving Huzi with you.”
“Also, keep an eye on Qian Duoduo. If he acts up, break his legs.”
“Third leg included!”
Qian Duoduo felt a chill in his groin, clamping his legs shut in fear.
That afternoon, Ye Qiu and Master Longbrow arrived at Kunlun Mountain.
The temperature plummeted below zero.
Though dressed lightly, their cultivation made them impervious to the cold.
Looking out, Kunlun’s peaks towered, wrapped in snow, stretching endlessly like sleeping dragons, exuding a majestic aura that inspired awe.
“This is the ancestor of dragon veins?” Ye Qiu marveled, “Truly extraordinary.”
Master Longbrow said, “Kunlun is called the First Divine Mountain. It’s birthed countless myths—Queen Mother of the West’s peach banquet, Chang’e’s flight to the moon, Lady White stealing immortal herbs, Nüwa mending the heavens…”
“Since ancient times, poets and scholars have penned countless verses about it.”
“Whether in myths or poetry, Kunlun is depicted as a beautiful, sacred place people yearn for.”
“But if you think this is the real Kunlun, I’m telling you, you’re wrong.”
“Because Kunlun has another terrifying name: the Gate of Hell!”
Ye Qiu was shocked, “Gate of Hell?”
“Exactly,” Master Longbrow said. “Kunlun’s terrain is vast and treacherous, with frequent eerie phenomena. Countless lives have perished here.”
Hearing this, Ye Qiu grew even more worried for Ye Wushuang’s safety and said, “Old man, cast a divination to see if my father’s alive or dead.”
Master Longbrow teased, “Didn’t you say you don’t believe in my divinations?”
Ye Qiu snapped impatiently, “Are you helping or not?”
“When you ask, I’d brave mountains of blades or seas of fire, let alone a divination.”
Master Longbrow took out three copper coins, shaking them in his hands while muttering incantations.
Seconds later, he tossed them, and the coins hovered above his head, spinning rapidly.
A moment later—
*Clink!*
The coins fell, aligning in a straight line, all face-up.
Ye Qiu asked, “What’s the result?”
Master Longbrow grinned, “A most auspicious sign. Your father should be safe.”
Ye Qiu’s heart sank.
Auspicious? That likely meant his father was in danger.
“Let’s go!”
Not daring to delay, Ye Qiu led Master Longbrow into the mountains.
An hour later, they stood atop a scenic peak.
At the summit were several stone huts.
As soon as they appeared, Qian Jinglan emerged from one, tears in her eyes, “Qiu’er—”
“Mum!” Ye Qiu hurried over, embracing her.
Qian Jinglan looked haggard, with heavy dark circles, clearly having not rested in days.
Ye Qiu’s heart ached.
“Qiu’er, your father, he…”
“Mum, don’t worry. On the way, I had the old man cast a divination. It’s an auspicious sign, so Father should be fine.”
“But it’s been seven days with no word. I’m so worried.”
“Mum, trust me, I’ll bring Father back.”
“Mhm,” Qian Jinglan nodded, then greeted Master Longbrow, “Master, thank you for your trouble.”
“A small matter, no need for thanks,” Master Longbrow said. “Little brat, let’s hurry and find Wushuang!”
“Mum, did Dad say where he was going before he left?” Ye Qiu asked.
“He only said he was heading north. I don’t know exactly where,” Qian Jinglan added. “He looked serious when he left. I think it’s no simple place.”
Ye Qiu said immediately, “Mum, stay here. The old man and I will go look for Father.”
Qian Jinglan urged, “Qiu’er, Master, be careful. If you find Wushuang, great. If not, come back soon. Don’t make me worry.”
“Mum, give me three days. Whether I find Father or not, I’ll be back within three days.”
Ye Qiu drew a tracking charm to trace Ye Wushuang, confirming he’d gone north as Qian Jinglan said.
He and Master Longbrow set off again.
Heading north.
Soon after, fierce winds howled, and heavy snow fell.
Both were Venerable Realm experts, vanishing into the storm, leaving no footprints in the snow.
They crossed over a dozen peaks.
Traveling more than 200 kilometers.
Finally, they reached a canyon.
At its entrance, hundreds of soldiers stood guard, armed with heavy weapons, their faces stern.
“Why are there soldiers here?” Ye Qiu asked, surprised.
Master Longbrow said, “I’ve heard Kunlun has many restricted zones, all heavily guarded.”
Ye Qiu noticed the tracking charm pointed into the canyon—Ye Wushuang was inside.
As they approached, a middle-aged officer stopped them.
“Halt!”
The officer said, “Ahead is a restricted zone, extremely dangerous. Civilians are not allowed. Please turn back.”
Ye Qiu pulled out his credentials and handed them to the officer.
The officer glanced at them, his expression shifting. He quickly returned the credentials, snapped to attention, and saluted, “Greetings, Chief!”
“A few days ago, did a middle-aged man in white enter the canyon?” Ye Qiu asked.
“Yes!” the officer nodded.
Ye Qiu said, “He’s my father. I’m here to find him. Please make an exception.”
The officer understood, raised his hand, and shouted, “Clear the way!”
The soldiers parted, opening a path.
“Thank you!”
Ye Qiu thanked him and, with Master Longbrow, swiftly entered the canyon.
