Chapter 175: The Misplaced Recognition
As the saying goes, “Men and women working together makes the work less tiring.”
With Mu Jixue’s cooperation, they pretty much bulldozed their way through.
In just one minute, they were ready to escape the forest.
As long as they could reach that place…
The area around the relay station was protected by a regional barrier. Though its rank wasn’t high, it was more than enough to keep out the untrained crows.
Stepping into the barrier meant safety.
But Su Xiaoxiao couldn’t shake off her unease.
Despite Yun Zhonghe and Mu Jixue’s intimidating strength, her bad luck was no joke, and both looked close to exhaustion.
Who knew when another big wave would come and sweep them away?
Subconsciously, she glanced at Lin Zhongyu. That “mom vibe” emanating from Lin Zhongyu gave her courage to ask for help. She felt instinctively that only Lin Zhongyu wouldn’t be affected by her bad luck.
That might be the premonition between a Luckless Princess and the Fortunate Maiden.
But Su Xiaoxiao saw no concern on Lin Zhongyu’s face.
Unable to contain herself, Su Xiaoxiao blurted, “Don’t you fear? If Brother Yun and Jixue can’t hold up, we’re all doomed here!”
Lin Zhongyu was taken aback, not expecting Su Xiaoxiao to say this.
From her words, Lin Zhongyu sensed concern… and fear.
Clearly, fear of d*ath.
Realizing this, Lin Zhongyu sighed and replied with a smile, “This isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve gotten used to it, plus Jixue and Yun Brother will surely lead us out. I trust them.”
Su Xiaoxiao was speechless, marveling at Lin Zhongyu’s endless trust in the two.
These three were closer than she thought. Could she fit in?
Especially the girl in white, whom she now feared and dreaded.
Su Xiaoxiao had heard before that Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu were childhood friends who knew each other for a long time. This made Su Xiaoxiao even more envious.
She once had a childhood friend too, though they hadn’t seen each other in years. Could they reunite and trust each other like this?
Boom!
With the final united spiritual energy blast, Yun Zhonghe and Mu Jixue tore an opening through the crow horde, revealing a path ahead.
Entering that path meant entering the barrier, ensuring their safety.
Yun Zhonghe urged Su Xiaoxiao and Lin Zhongyu to follow closely. He continued to team up with Mu Jixue, slaying bl**d-eyed ravens one by one. Only after Su Xiaoxiao and Lin Zhongyu entered the barrier did they jump inside.
Crash! Crash! Crash! Crash!
A multitude of crows bombarded the barrier like raindrops, but they were held back.
The barrier rippled, barely showing strain.
But those crazed crows beyond were unsettling, acting as if possessed.
Just as the four caught their breath, a formidable presence approached rapidly.
It was the mercenaries guarding the station. Leading the charge was a powerful Yuan Ying cultivator, who noticed something amiss at the barrier.
“Are you folks alright?”
The flying Yuan Ying cultivator sounded quite polite. After all, those stopping by the station usually had influential backgrounds – throw a brick and you never knew which noble family you’d hit.
Even though the Yuan Ying was strong, one must still be cautious here. You never knew whose toes you’d step on.
Yun Zhonghe thanked the Yuan Ying for saving them and explained their predicament.
“We apologize. It’s our fault. However, we frequently clear out nearby threats. Strange ravens should have been impossible.”
The Yuan Ying felt some oddity but promised to investigate personally.
“You can get treated at the station’s infirmary. We’ll cover the costs. In turn, perhaps this Young Master could describe what’s beyond the barrier?”
The Yuan Ying seemed quite courteous, offering free treatment. Yun Zhonghe naturally agreed.
Throughout the whole exchange, Su Xiaoxiao stood there in shock, mouth agape at Yun Zhonghe’s easy interaction with the powerful Yuan Ying.
Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu remained calm, leaving everything to Yun Zhonghe.
Su Xiaoxiao: How could they be so calm? Don’t they feel any tension? This is a Yuan Ying cultivator!
Her knees were knocking together as she faced the Yuan Ying.
Mu Jixue: “…”
Seeing Su Xiaoxiao flustered, Mu Jixue’s memory flickered.
She felt like they’d crossed paths before.
Back in the forest, she was too frazzled to think properly, but now, it all clicked.
Mu Jixue stared blankly at Su Xiaoxiao, then drew closer, “Xiaoxiao… Suzhou City… Are you that little rascal from the Su family?”
Little Rascal… That’s what the Sus called Su Xiaoxiao back then.
Because back then, she was indeed small, weaker than Mu Jixue.
Su Xiaoxiao froze.
Wait, did she know me ages ago?
Mu Jixue… Xue’er…
That’s how Lin Miss called her just now. As for her beloved childhood friend, she used to call her Xue’er too.
Thinking of that, Su Xiaoxiao’s brow darkened. Disbelief and disappointment warred in her expression.
“You… could you be… Xue’er Sister?”
Because of her better nutrition, Mu Jixue grew taller, appearing older.
Now, things were reversed. Mu Jixue was small, while Su Xiaoxiao towered over her.
No wonder they hadn’t recognized each other then.
Who would’ve guessed the “big sister” would become the “little sister”?
Lin Zhongyu: ???
You two know each other?
The atmosphere grew awkward.
Meanwhile, Yun Zhonghe had just sent off the Yuan Ying, only to see Mu Jixue and Su Xiaoxiao gazing at each other like fools.
“Uh?” Yun Zhonghe blinked.
“Eh!!!!!”
Mu Jixue exclaimed, as if echoing her thoughts delayed by a million centuries.
They were acquaintances, making things very awkward.
Recalling her cold earlier, Mu Jixue felt conflicted.
Given her nature, she would’ve greeted Su Xiaoxiao warmly. They did have a good past friendship. But now, it was hard to reconnect.
Especially since she couldn’t forget the sight of Yun Zhonghe carrying a disheveled Su Xiaoxiao.
Mu Jixue found the situation uncomfortable at the time, but she kept telling herself that Su Xiaoxiao would leave the team soon, like Song Ziwei had.
She could play it cool and not worry. Eventually, everyone leaves anyway.
But now… She realized she might need a fourth spot.
Given her personality, she couldn’t just drop old friends.
But what expression could she wear seeing both Su Xiaoxiao and Yun Zhonghe again?
(ó__ò) Ugh, this is miserable!
One side was a newly found old friend.
The other was someone dear to her heart.
Two happy things together, yet the result was misery.
Why did Mu Jixue feel so upset, so stifled?
