Chapter Five: Revealing Strength

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Yuedong’s expression grew increasingly displeased. “I told you, she is not a burden. Your disdain could make us lose a valuable ally.”

Behind Chen Ying, Ding Lin remained silent as always—reserved and reluctant to voice her opinion easily.

Watching Yuedong unabashedly defend Qinglan, Chen Ying’s heart sank slightly.

Chen Ying wore a faint smile as he lightly patted Zhu Yan’s shoulder, his tone conciliatory. “Alright, since Yuedong has spoken, I won’t refuse.”

He shifted his tone. “But you know, bringing along a stranger, especially on such a high-risk mission, we need a proper reason.”

Mu Qinglan saw that the real decision-maker was speaking.

She stepped forward gently. “Captain Chen Ying, is it? If you want a reason, then I shall provide one.”

She asked sincerely, “The Firegold Vine thrives among countless ordinary creepers, but once this vine reaches its second stage, it assimilates those common plants. Tell me... who among you can confidently identify it?”

Chen Ying narrowed his eyes. Even he was unfamiliar with the habits of this plant, let alone the others.

Qinglan smiled. “You don’t even know this, yet you dare to snatch the Cang Lang’s treasure?”

Yuedong was momentarily surprised at her boldness.

Zhu Yan was somewhat annoyed. “Just because you can recognize it, does that mean your skills are genuine? Who knows if you’re telling the truth?”

This was precisely what Qinglan had been waiting for.

She glanced toward a cluttered street stall, then approached.

The stall owner was bargaining with a buyer. Seeing a strange girl approach, both were taken aback.

Qinglan’s gaze flickered over the goods, then lightly picked up a dust-covered jade slip, brushing off the grime. She said solemnly, “This jade slip seems ordinary, but it conceals a transmission rune inside. It must be a secret technique left by some predecessor cultivator.”

The stall owner and buyer were stunned and looked at Qinglan with newfound surprise.

Qinglan did not pause. She put down the jade slip and turned to another object—a nondescript green stone. She moved its surface slightly and said, “This stone contains faint yet pure fire spirit energy. Though hidden, it can aid cultivators in practicing fire-based techniques. Any discerning merchant wouldn’t casually leave such an item here.”

The stall owner’s expression suddenly stiffened.

Qinglan scanned the stall with a hint of disdain—how was it all just deceptive rubbish?

Finally, her eyes landed on a medicine bottle in the buyer’s hand, who was weighing it carefully. Her expression turned subtle. “The pill in your hand... its effect is mediocre, but one ingredient inside is extremely rare, worth far more than the others combined. By the value of this ingredient alone, you could buy everything on this stall ten times over.”

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No sooner had she spoken than the stall owner’s face dramatically changed. The shrewd look vanished, replaced by discomfort.

He glanced at Qinglan, then at the buyer’s medicine bottle, afraid of giving the other an advantage. Hastily, he waved his hand and shouted, “Not for sale! I’m not selling this anymore!” He then scrambled to pack up all the items on the stall.

The buyer nearby frowned in displeasure and sneered, “You’re quite savvy, stall owner. The item’s already in my hands; you can’t just back out now. Are you playing games with me?”

The stall owner gripped the medicine bottle tightly and retorted harshly, “You’re the one playing me! I said I’m not selling. Why should I give a good price to someone who doesn’t know real value?”

Their voices escalated, drawing the attention of nearby passersby.

Qinglan paid no heed, turning away as if the argument had nothing to do with her.

She calmly returned to Yuedong and the others, quietly looking at Chen Ying.

Chen Ying involuntarily drew a breath of cold air, his eyes registering surprise.

Yuedong was equally astonished—considering how many treasures the Mu family had unearthed in Mingshan over the years, Qinglan’s contributions were undeniable.

Zhu Yan stood dumbfounded, his face shifting repeatedly. Though still harboring discontent, the spiteful smirk in his eyes finally faded. Reluctantly, he curled his lips and muttered, “Hmph, just a bit of skill.”

Chen Ying finally nodded, a satisfied smile softening his tone. “Yuedong was right. Miss Qinglan truly has an eye for treasure.”

He then signaled to the other team members. “Alright, Qinglan is joining us. We must cooperate closely in the upcoming operation.”

...

Late at night, the inn in Qingshi Town was enveloped in silence.

After Yuedong set up soundproof formations around the room, the five sat around a wooden table. Candlelight flickered over a slightly yellowed map, casting shadows on the intricate terrain surrounding the Cang Lang’s territory.

Yuedong steadily pointed to a red mark on the map. “The Firegold Vine grows near the Cang Lang’s den. The exact location still needs Ding Lin’s reconnaissance. This Cang Lang is highly intelligent and fiercely territorial; we can’t avoid its watchful eyes.”

Chen Ying’s face turned grave. “Then it’s a frontal battle. The Cang Lang is known for agility and sharp senses. Zhu Yan and I will work together to distract it, buying enough time for the others.”

Zhu Yan snorted softly.

Yuedong continued, “The Firegold Vine’s tendrils spread wide and emit fire spirit energy that interferes with spiritual detection. Fortunately, with Qinglan’s help, her treasure-hunting talent will let us quickly pinpoint the vine’s location, saving us much time.”

Chen Ying’s gaze shifted to Ding Lin. “Ding Lin, during the operation, you’re responsible for protecting Qinglan to ensure she can search safely.”

Ding Lin nodded slightly.

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Yuedong said, “Since the plan is set, there’s no reason to delay. We depart first thing tomorrow morning.”

Zhu Yan slammed his fist on the table, revealing fierce battle eagerness. “Fantastic! I can’t wait to face the Cang Lang!”

Chen Ying smiled. “That’s all for now. Everyone, get some rest.”

...

As the four rose to return to their rooms, Yuedong was about to leave when a voice called from behind: “Yuedong, wait.”

She stopped in her tracks.

Chen Ying stood by the window, the faint light casting shadows across his face.

The night breeze gently stirred the curtains. Chen Ying gazed into the distance, silent for a moment, then sighed softly, “Seeing Qinglan again... it reminded me of the past. Our team hasn’t had a fifth member in a long time.”

Yuedong stood quietly, her face unreadable.

“Awán,” Chen Ying’s voice held a trace of nostalgia and faint sorrow, “she also had wood spirit energy and worked well with Ding Lin.” His tone lowered, eyes shadowed with pain. “But to save me, she... I still feel guilty.”

“Yuedong, do you remember her?” Chen Ying asked softly, testing.

Yuedong was slightly taken aback. “Awán was a good person, self-sacrificing and without regret.”

Chen Ying’s expression faltered, a cold glint flashing in his eyes before he masked it with a wry smile. “Yes, she truly was that kind of person.” He sighed heavily, “Awán... was a rare talent. Losing her means our team lost much of its brilliance.”

He exhaled deeply and gently patted Yuedong’s shoulder, lowering his voice, “Enough. Don’t dwell on the past. Let bygones be bygones.”

...

Watching Yuedong leave, Chen Ying’s expression gradually hardened. Standing by the window, he narrowed his eyes slightly, a dark and inscrutable emotion flickering within them as he murmured to himself,

“Bringing back a girl so much like her... what exactly are you trying to do?”