Chapter 430 A Depleted Body

“Senior Chen! Forgive me for lying to you earlier!”

As soon as he stepped into the tent, Mo Qing bowed his head in sincere apology.

Chen Fei chuckled. “You and I are strangers passing by each other in this vast world. Being cautious is only natural. Besides, who in the Northern Wastes doesn’t carry a few secrets?”

Hearing that, Mo Qing couldn’t help but look up, gratitude shining in his eyes.

Just as he was about to speak further, Chen Fei raised his hand.

“I helped you yesterday only because I wanted to get back to Zhenbei City quickly. As for your business, solve it yourself.” Chen Fei’s tone was blunt and direct.

Mo Qing’s face dimmed with disappointment.

The Mo Clan was already on the brink of collapse. As the second young master of the clan, he had disguised himself as a Seeker to escape—but word of his flight had still reached the Mo Clan, which led to last night’s ambush.

Still, Mo Qing knew just how tangled and dangerous the Mo Clan’s internal affairs had become. Since Chen Fei had clearly expressed disinterest in getting involved, it would be unreasonable to press him any further.

“Please rest assured, Senior Chen. We will definitely escort you safely to Zhenbei City,” Mo Qing quickly pledged.

Although Chen Fei refused to interfere, Mo Qing still had some cards up his sleeve. If he could make it to Zhenbei City alive, there was still hope for his clan.

Chen Fei had only acted last night because he was annoyed by the interruption. As for the Mo Clan’s mess, he had no intention of being dragged into it.

With calamity looming across the land, it was dangerous enough just trying to survive—especially when his own strength had yet to fully recover. Jumping into others’ muddy waters would be outright reckless.

Soon, the group finished packing up and set off again.

The northern wind howled. Ji Wugou glanced at Chen Fei with a pitiful expression.

Her treasure pouch had been destroyed, and the once-wealthy heiress of the Ji Clan now didn’t even have a magic item to keep warm.

Chen Fei sighed helplessly. Now that he knew the Heaven Silkworm Gu would also drain Ji Wugou’s qi, he wasn’t keen on letting her wander off and die.

At least she was being quiet for once.

He tossed her a magical item casually. Ji Wugou caught it without a word and silently followed behind him.

As for the Seekers, none of them dared look at Ji Wugou.

After Chen Fei’s display of overwhelming power last night, who would dare provoke him? Even if their relationship seemed a bit odd, what if that’s just how powerful seniors liked it?

Rule number one of surviving the Northern Wastes: Don’t look. Don’t ask. Don’t die.

Maybe it was because of Chen Fei’s earlier display of dominance, but their journey today was peaceful—no interruptions at all.

Before long, a massive black silhouette appeared ahead through the snowstorm.

“Senior Chen, that’s Zhenbei City up ahead!” Mo Qing moved close and raised his voice.

He wasn’t being overly loud on purpose—it was because the White-Haired Wind had picked up!

Despite its name, the White-Haired Wind was a deadly mix of wind and snow. The snowflakes were the size of goose feathers, and under the violent gusts, they were as sharp as blades. Without qi shielding, one could easily be sliced to ribbons!

This was one of the more dangerous natural phenomena in the Northern Wastes. Luckily, Zhenbei City was right ahead, so the group pressed on through the storm.

Chen Fei looked up at the towering outer walls of the city and couldn’t help but feel a touch of awe.

The place was truly majestic and imposing.

The grey-blue walls were engraved with densely packed formations, and massive claw marks ran across the stone, telling tales of fierce battles long past.

Zhenbei City was one of the final human outposts on the Xuanhuang Continent.

Further north lay only the domain of beasts. Other than Seekers who braved the wilds in search of treasures, no human settlements could be found.

It was this city that held the beast tide back from flooding the continent’s heartland.

The White-Haired Wind grew fiercer. Even magical gear couldn’t completely block the biting cold.

Chen Fei glanced at Ji Wugou.

She was tightly clenching her lips, shivering uncontrollably, looking extremely weak.

Chen Fei placed his hand on her shoulder.

Qi flowed unimpeded into her body, causing Ji Wugou to look up in surprise.

This might not seem like much to Chen Fei, but for Ji Wugou—who had cultivated a special Ji Clan art—it was nothing short of shocking.

She hadn’t asked for help earlier because the Ji Clan’s technique rejected all external qi unless it was from another Ji Clan technique. Even if another person’s qi entered, it would just dissolve!

But Chen Fei’s qi not only entered smoothly—it felt unbelievably comforting.

“Don’t look at me like that. If you die here, I’ll be the one who suffers the most,” Chen Fei said coldly in response to her complicated gaze.

Ji Wugou instantly flushed with anger.

If she weren’t so depleted right now, she would never tolerate this kind of insult!

She tried to shake off his hand angrily.

“Stop it. One more move and I’ll leave you here,” Chen Fei warned coldly.

Ji Wugou instantly fell silent, puffing out her cheeks, eyes brimming with tears.

Chen Fei was getting tired of dealing with her. Thankfully, Zhenbei City was just ahead.

Mo Qing, understanding the city’s rules, suddenly stopped walking. He pulled out two identity tokens.

“Senior Chen, you’ll need an identity tag to enter Zhenbei City. These belonged to two of my men… We had some mishaps on the way. If you don’t mind, please use them,” Mo Qing offered respectfully.

Chen Fei had been thinking of a low-profile way to get in.

To his surprise, Mo Qing had already solved the problem for him. He accepted the tag immediately. “Alright. Thanks.”

Mo Qing waved it off with a smile. “It’s nothing.”

Even though the city looked close, it still took them three more hours to reach it—only then did the White-Haired Wind begin to weaken.

Even seasoned Seekers, used to the harsh environment, were nearly crippled by the sudden storm.

But perhaps because the city was near, everyone’s spirits lifted.

“This job was really something… When I get back, I’m definitely spending a few days at San Yue Tower.”

“Old Wang, didn’t you say you were saving up to get married?”

“Pfft, that was crap. Guys like us, with our heads strapped to our belts, trying to find wives? One mistake and your wife’s sleeping with someone else!”

Old Wang spat dramatically.

“Especially if you’ve got a wife and kid. Think about it—you bust your ass out here risking your life, and if you die, some other guy comes along, sleeps with your wife, beats your kid, and spends your money. Hell, I’d claw my way out of the grave just to slap myself!”

Everyone laughed at Old Wang’s exaggerated antics, but they couldn’t deny the truth in his words.

Only Qin Ba-tou, the grizzled veteran, gave him a cold glare. “Cut the crap. Go drink your wine and chase your girls. Me? I’ve spent my life in the Wastes, and there’s nothing better than coming home to a warm bed with a wife and kid.”