Chapter 38: Baoming Seeks the Truth and Searches for the Cause

Yun Yao’s fingertips lightly touched the mystical treasure, its warm and smooth texture seemingly infused with a life force that resonated with the doubts deep within her heart. The golden light grew ever more radiant, as if striving to break free from its confines, guiding her toward an unknown destination.

She lifted her gaze, her eyes piercing through the layers of palace pavilions, finally settling on the depths of the Immortal Sect’s gate, where an ancient and mysterious secret appeared to lie hidden.

“Mo Han, I feel there is some connection between this treasure and the depths of the Immortal Sect,” Yun Yao’s voice carried a trace of gravity, cutting through the clamor that followed their victory.

Jun Mo Han’s deep eyes flashed with understanding upon hearing her words. He was well accustomed to Yun Yao’s keen intuition and had also sensed the treasure’s extraordinary nature.

“Let’s go to the intelligence chamber,” he said with steady resolve, like an unshakable anchor, silently offering his support to Yun Yao.

Side by side, they strode through the bustling crowd toward the most secretive corner of the Immortal Sect—the intelligence chamber.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, they were greeted by the scent of aged scrolls mingled with a faint mustiness that lingered in the air. The dimly lit chamber was lined with towering bookshelves, silent giants dividing the space into countless labyrinths, so quiet it felt as though the footsteps of time could be heard.

Jun Mo Han led the way to a row of ancient tomes, beginning to leaf through them in search, while Yun Yao scoured another shelf, her fingertips brushing over thick pages, the soft rustling barely audible.

They poured over one volume after another, yet records of the treasure were sparse and vague. Many crucial clues seemed deliberately erased, leaving behind only a hazy void.

Time slipped by silently as the sound of turning pages echoed like a sigh through the tranquil room. The towering piles of books felt like merciless taunts, pressing down so heavily it was hard to breathe.

A wave of deep frustration engulfed Yun Yao, threatening to drown her. She looked down at the treasure in her hand—the golden light still dazzling, yet offering no guidance forward.

Jun Mo Han came to her side, drawing her into his arms in silent comfort. He could feel her anxiety but understood that now was not the time to give up.

They had invested so much time only to be met with such a disappointing outcome. The atmosphere in the intelligence chamber grew heavier, as if the very air had congealed, suffocating in its stillness.

Yun Yao took a deep breath, striving to calm the turmoil within.

Suddenly, she recalled the little fox that had appeared near the treasure earlier. The fox possessed an extraordinary spirit—perhaps it knew something.

She lifted her head, about to speak to Jun Mo Han, but he gripped her hand tightly, his gaze sharp and voice resolute: “Let’s leave here first.”

***

Yun Yao carefully stored the treasure and, holding Jun Mo Han’s hand, briskly exited the intelligence chamber. The oppressive air was left behind, replaced by the fresh mountain breeze, tinged with the scent of earth.

The stifling atmosphere had made it hard for Yun Yao to breathe; she needed fresh air to clear her mind.

“Mo Han, let’s find the little fox,” Yun Yao said firmly, a spark of hope shining in her eyes.

Jun Mo Han said nothing, merely returning her grasp gently, offering silent encouragement. He understood that Yun Yao’s ideas often surprised others but invariably led to unexpected gains.

Following their memories, they returned to the spot where the treasure was first discovered.

Here, verdant trees cast cool shadows, birdsong and blossoms filling the air—a stark contrast to the gloom and heaviness of the intelligence chamber.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering patches of light like dancing notes, playing a melody of hope.

The little fox was curled beneath a large tree, its fluffy tail covering its body as it vigilantly watched the surroundings.

Upon spotting Yun Yao and Jun Mo Han, it immediately perked its ears.

“Little fox, don’t be afraid,” Yun Yao whispered, stepping lightly forward, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze caressing the cheek.

She extended her hand, palm up, offering her goodwill.

The fox hesitated, but unable to resist Yun Yao’s sincerity, it cautiously stretched out its nose to sniff her palm.

A faint, refreshing fragrance enveloped it, soothing its nerves.

Seeing the fox relax, Yun Yao’s heart brightened.

She gently stroked the soft fur, feeling the warmth radiating from its body.

The fox closed its eyes contentedly, emitting a soft “woo-woo” sound.

Jun Mo Han stood nearby, watching the interaction between Yun Yao and the little fox with tenderness. His gaze brimmed with love, warm as sunlight, enveloping Yun Yao.

Sensing Jun Mo Han’s gaze, a warm current surged through Yun Yao’s heart.

The little fox seemed to perceive Yun Yao’s lingering doubts. It lifted its head, pawed at the treasure, then pointed toward the depths of the Immortal Sect.

A flicker of realization stirred within Yun Yao. She seemed to understand the fox’s meaning.

“You mean, the secret of the treasure lies in the depths of the Immortal Sect?” Yun Yao asked softly.

The fox nodded once, then shook its head, as if wanting to convey more but unable to speak in words.

It anxiously paced in place, emitting a low, mournful whine.

“I know, no need to rush. Take your time,” Yun Yao soothed the fox, her heart filled with hope.

She was certain that following this lead would unravel the treasure’s secret.

***

Watching the interaction between Yun Yao and the little fox, Jun Mo Han felt a nagging unease—things were not as simple as they appeared.

“Yao’er,” he reached out, pulling Yun Yao into his embrace. “Be careful. I have a feeling something isn’t right.”

Guided by the fox’s clue, Yun Yao and Jun Mo Han returned to the Immortal Sect, preparing to probe deeper into the treasure’s mystery.

However, an unusual tension began to permeate the air.

Some disciples of the Immortal Sect whispered among themselves, their glances flickering with suspicion and unease.

It seemed they believed Yun Yao and Jun Mo Han were secretly hoarding the treasure’s benefits, breeding resentment toward them.

“Yao’er, the looks these people give us aren’t right,” Jun Mo Han murmured, tightening his grip on her hand as a chill ran through him.

His keen senses detected that this internal strife would bring them greater trouble.

Yun Yao narrowed her eyes slightly, her mind racing.

Using her mind-reading skill, she captured the swirling thoughts around her and quickly identified the source of the problem—Junior Disciple Luo.

Luo stood not far off, covertly sowing discord, deliberately spreading rumors that Yun Yao and Jun Mo Han had hidden the treasure for their own gain, stirring dissatisfaction among the other disciples.

A cold smile flickered across Yun Yao’s face. She knew she had to expose Luo’s scheme swiftly, lest dire consequences follow.

“Junior Disciple Luo, come out,” Yun Yao suddenly called out, her voice clear and resolute.

The surrounding chatter ceased instantly; all eyes converged on her and Luo.

Luo’s complexion changed, but he quickly forced a calm facade. “Junior Sister Yun, what are you saying? Such words are baseless.”

Yun Yao sneered, a determined light gleaming in her eyes. “Luo, I know you’re the one secretly stirring trouble, spreading rumors about us hoarding the treasure. Your aim is nothing more than to make us lose trust so you can profit.”

Luo’s face turned pale, and murmurs erupted among the Immortal Sect disciples.

Yun Yao continued, “Don’t think your schemes can fool everyone. I see right through your intentions.”

Jun Mo Han stood beside her, his voice firm as he added, “What Yun Yao says is true. Luo, your actions have violated sect rules. I hope you recognize your mistakes, or bear the consequences.”

Unable to maintain his pretense, Luo roared in anger and tried to flee, but was quickly surrounded by the disciples.

Their fury and scorn overwhelmed him, restoring Yun Yao and Jun Mo Han’s innocence and solidifying the disciples’ trust in them.

At that moment, the treasure in Yun Yao’s hand suddenly emitted a dazzling burst of light, engulfing her entirely.

Jun Mo Han was shocked, reaching out to grasp her but only catching a phantom in the air.

“Yao’er!” his voice echoed, laden with uncontrollable anxiety and fear.

Yun Yao’s figure blurred amid the radiant glow and then vanished completely.