Chapter 643

Chapter 643: Traveling Together

“Ling’er!”

Jin An urgently warned the girl to hold her tongue. If someone of such profound cultivation joined them, when they reached the place their Master mentioned and found that treasure, Ye Yun might kill them immediately. While Jin An cared little for his own safety, he absolutely couldn’t let any harm come to the girl – the consequences would be disastrous.

“What’s the big deal? We’ve faced countless dangers already with our low cultivation levels. If we’re truly heading to the Extreme Northern Frost Land, we’ll encounter even more perils along the way.” The girl completely ignored Jin An’s anxious expression, smiling at Ye Yun. “I’m Golden Ling’er. You can call me Ling’er – it’s friendlier, my father said. Since you’re heading north too, you must be after something in the Extreme Northern Frost Land like us.”

Ye Yun studied her. “What makes you think I seek something there?”

“Silly senior! When those two were harassing us earlier, you didn’t act immediately. That means you happened upon us while traveling. Your northward path matches ours – what else would attract someone of your stature besides treasures in the Xumi Treasure’s Extreme Northern Frost Land?”

Ye Yun smiled faintly without replying, his gaze shifting to their companion. The man’s eyes suddenly flashed with excitement as he turned to flee.

“Leaving so soon?” Ye Yun’s cold chuckle preceded a sword arc slicing through air. A severed head thudded to the ground.

“Y-you scared me half to death!” Golden Ling’er clutched her head, then sighed in relief when realizing she wasn’t the target. “Lucky me – that sword didn’t take my head!”

“Explain yourself!” Jin An’s face twitched, disturbed by this mercurial killer’s presence.

“That sect disciple bore hidden grudges. Had he escaped after overhearing us, you’d face greater dangers.” Ye Yun wiped his blade calmly. “I removed future complications.”

Golden Ling’er clapped excitedly. “So you’re our protector now! You have to keep me safe!”

“Return them.” Ye Yun’s voice turned icy, ignoring the girl.

“Return what? I didn’t take anything!” She blinked innocently.

“My three Immortal Spirit Stones.” Ye Yun’s amused grin appeared as he stroked his chin.

“Stingy! Stingy old man!” The girl pouted, tossing the glowing stones back.

Jin An watched nervously as Ye Yun pocketed the stones. “If you truly object, senior, we’ll leave immediately.”

“What dark secrets does the Frost Land hold that you’d drive me away?” Ye Yun’s piercing gaze made Jin An kneel.

“We only seek survival, senior. Please reconsider accompanying us.”

“Speak. I’ll decide after hearing your tale.” Ye Yun noted the man’s steady eyes – likely truthful, though he cared little beyond maintaining cover. The Fire Dragon Whip’s incomplete submission and twenty-nine unruly top-quality Immortal artifacts within him demanded constant suppression. Joining this group served his needs regardless.

“We’re from Golden Mountain Sect. Our Earth Immortal Master discovered a Xumi Treasure map jade tablet but couldn’t retrieve it himself. That’s why…” Jin An presented the tablet reverently.

“Move out.” Ye Yun commanded after scanning the tablet.

“What?!” Jin An gaped in disbelief.

“I’ve accepted your junior sister’s three top-tier spirit stones as payment to escort you to the Frost Land. What happens after doesn’t concern me.” Ye Yun sighed internally at Jin An’s grateful look – this mercy served his own ends.

Golden Ling’er suddenly clung to Ye Yun’s arm. “Thank you, senior!”

“Tsk, rejecting such affection? In my youth they called me the Passionate Sword Ancestor!” The Ancestor of the Sword Path’s voice teased in Ye Yun’s mind.

“You know my disinterest.” Ye Yun frowned, another Ling’er with awakened Demon Race bloodline flashing through his memories.

“Senior? Is something wrong?” The current Ling’er touched her face nervously.

“Treasure this innocence,” Ye Yun thought, his gaze briefly softening before turning away.

“Forward march! No more creeping around!” Golden Ling’er declared, dragging Jin An along. The Sword Ancestor mused on their budding camaraderie – a warmth now beyond his ghostly reach.

That night, firelight danced on Golden Ling’er’s cheeks as Jin An roasted meat. “Ling’er hates spirit food, so I’ve perfected this – almost Earth Immortal-level cooking!”

“Burnt offerings, more like!” The girl giggled, poking holes in her senior’s boasts.

Jin An chuckled awkwardly. “Pay her no mind, senior. The central Xumi Treasure regions lack such peaceful nights.”

“Rare beauty indeed,” Ye Yun murmured, eyes closed against memories.

“Come back here!”

The girl’s sudden shout shattered the stillness as she chased glowing insects, Jin An in bemused pursuit. Watching them, Ye Yun’s lips curved slightly.

“This… isn’t entirely unpleasant.”