Instead, her sharp ears caught three words: "Yuejin Pill."
The Yuejin Pill, as its name suggested, was a legendary elixir that could help a cultivator leap past the Golden Core stage and directly advance to Nascent Soul. Such a pill was priceless beyond measure.
But her Master had already reached Divine Transformation. Who could she be refining a Yuejin Pill for?
Bai Yang's heart began to pound heavily in his chest.
He didn't even need to think—of course it was for him!
She had always been like this in the past, quietly making arrangements for him without ever saying a word. Even now, though she appeared cold and distant, she was still silently looking out for him. Bai Yang's chest grew warmer with emotion, and with it came a deep regret for his past actions.
Guilt and gratitude nearly spilled from his eyes. He quickly lowered his head, not wanting his Master to notice the change in his expression. She didn't press the matter further.
To further conceal his identity, Song Wanníng took out a mask and placed it on his face. His features instantly became indistinct, as though shrouded behind a veil of clouds.
Bai Yang's lips curled upward ever so slightly. He quietly savored this rare moment of his Master's care. It turned out one only truly understood the joy of being cherished by one's Master after almost losing it.
…
The flying carpet sped forward at full force. Guided by the memories of Feng Youming, Song Wanníng headed straight for the rift. They passed through several cities before finally arriving, just before the anomaly appeared.
It was a stretch of abandoned grassland, with crooked weeds and broken tree trunks scattered about. Wildflowers swayed in the breeze, forming a strange yet faintly beautiful disorder.
Bai Yang frowned, leaping down from the carpet to inspect the area.
He had some talent in the Formations and had made modest progress. He wanted to see what kind of restriction his Master had spoken of.
Song Wanníng put away the carpet, her gaze sweeping carefully around. Without Feng Youming's memories, she would never have sensed there was a restriction here at all.
Bai Yang examined the place for a long time but found nothing. His lips pressed into a thin line. He had wanted to ease his Master's burdens, but his skill was still far from enough.
"Let's wait for now."
The rift opened only once every six months, but she didn't know the exact hour. Waiting was the only option.
The two of them sat in silence.
Finally, as night descended, something unusual stirred in the air.
The previously still atmosphere began to ripple.
Song Wanníng and Bai Yang rose at once, eyes fixed on the disturbance. Slowly, a small tear formed in the air, widening with each heartbeat.
Song Wanníng's brows lifted slightly. At last, it had arrived.
When the tear stabilized, she forced down the flicker of excitement in her chest and said calmly, "Wait here for me."
Above her head, the hairpin immortal artifact began to release a soft, hazy light.
This was her confidence in bringing Bai Yang here.
The artifact was said to be able to break any restriction in the lower realm. This one should be no exception.
Still, she could not be certain there wasn't an ambush beyond the rift. If the Feng clan's Patriarch was standing on the other side, Bai Yang would be exposed instantly.
That would ruin her entire plan, so she would go first to test the way.
Guided by the hairpin, she approached the restriction, choosing a spot just beside the rift. Cautiously, she extended one foot inside. To her relief, the restriction did not hinder her. Her gaze darkened slightly as she stepped fully into the barrier.
The instant she entered the Secluded Land, rich spiritual energy washed over her. Every pore in her body opened, greedily drawing it in.
Song Wanníng's heart stirred. The qi here was several times denser than outside. No wonder the cultivators in this place were so powerful. Without natural enemies, most lived their lives in ease and prosperity. But that also meant they were often lacking in real combat experience. Otherwise, Feng Youming would never have been defeated so easily back then.
She cautiously extended her divine sense, found no one nearby, and finally exhaled in relief before stepping back out of the barrier.
Bai Yang immediately asked, "Master, what's it like inside?"
"No ambush. In a moment, you'll come with me. But once inside, you must follow my orders. If something happens, I may not be able to save you."
Her voice was cold and firm.
She had brought him to borrow his fortune. If he caused trouble for her, she would not hesitate to turn on him.
"Master, rest assured. This disciple knows the stakes."
Bai Yang nodded, convinced she was worried for his safety. His Master was devoted to him, and even in danger, he would never betray her.
"Good. Once inside, wait for me in place." Her tone eased a little.
When she finished speaking, Bai Yang obediently moved to the rift and slipped through.
Only after he vanished entirely did Song Wanníng raise her hand to touch the hairpin.
She had originally not planned to bring it inside. If her clone perished and the Feng Patriarch found the hairpin, entering and leaving the restriction would be far too easy for them. But without it, she might not even have a chance to escape if danger arose. The rift would not open again for half a year.
After some thought, she decided to take it in.
If the worst came, the hairpin might still give her a chance to break free.
The rare Xi Rang material used to form her clone was too precious to waste. Having made up her mind, Song Wanníng stepped into the barrier without hesitation. Once more inside the Secluded Land, she drew in a deep breath of its spiritual energy. Beside her, Bai Yang was frozen in astonishment.
"Master, the qi here… it's so dense."
His eyes were wide in disbelief. No wonder she said this place teemed with experts. With qi like this, he would have reached Nascent Soul long ago.
"Come. Stay close to me."
Song Wanníng's expression remained grave. Even with Feng Youming's memories, this was still her first time here, and she could not afford to be careless.
Following the remembered directions, she led Bai Yang northward. A Concealment Talisman on his body made him difficult to detect, and he moved with extreme caution, afraid of causing her trouble.
Along the way, the world seemed a true paradise. The mountains were clear, the waters pure, and life flourished everywhere. The air carried the fragrance of grass and flowers. Streams gurgled over smooth stones, the sound like soft music that never ceased.
Song Wanníng was momentarily dazed. Only by being here in person could one understand why this place was called the Secluded Land.
The chaos and slaughter of the outside world felt impossibly distant.
In just a short while, the restlessness in her heart had quieted.
Her steps slowed, no longer rushed.
This mission was important and dangerous; haste would only invite mistakes. The more tense she became, the more likely she was to reveal something. She had to immerse herself in Feng Youming's life, becoming him in every way, at least for now.