jdhmnovel Chapter 16 Encountering Adorable Children in the Valley, Protecting the First Blossoms of the Heart
Chapter 16 Encountering Adorable Children in the Valley, Protecting the First Blossoms of the Heart
As soon as Dai Yao stepped into the mysterious valley, she felt a sense of oppression. The surrounding mist was thick, and the cold, damp air clung to her skin like countless prying eyes.
The valley was silent, save for the occasional sound of dripping water, which added to the eeriness of the place.
Knowing full well that this journey would not be easy, she quietly produced a jade talisman that shimmered with a faint light in her hand; this was her most treasured life-saving artifact.
"I hope this time, I won't be disappointed..." she murmured to herself, her figure gradually disappearing into the thick fog.
The thick fog obstructed her vision, and Dai Yao could only proceed cautiously, relying on her keen sense of fortune.
The surrounding trees were twisted and bizarre, like menacing monsters, sending chills down one's spine.
After walking for about half an hour, Dai Yao suddenly heard a faint sobbing sound.
Following the sound, she parted the dense vines, and a small clearing appeared before her.
In the middle of the open space, a tiny, delicate-looking child sat on the ground, tearfully munching on a blade of grass, looking utterly pitiful.
The little dumpling looked about three or four years old, with two lines of tears hanging on her chubby little face and her big, dark eyes full of grievance.
He was wearing a simple-looking garment, but the material was extraordinary, with a subtle shimmering light.
As soon as Dai Yao approached the little dumpling, she sensed an exceptionally powerful aura surging within him, like a small vortex constantly attracting the surrounding spiritual energy.
This made her realize that the little dumpling's identity was definitely not simple, and it might be related to the opportunity in the valley.
It's like finding a needle in a haystack, only to have it come to you effortlessly – what an unexpected bonus!
Dai Yao was secretly delighted, but kept a straight face. She squatted down and asked softly, "Little one, why are you here all alone? Where are your parents?"
The little dumpling looked up, sniffed, and said in a childish voice, "I...I'm lost..."
Dai Yao understood immediately; the little guy had most likely wandered into this place by mistake. Just as she was about to ask him a few more questions, a sharp killing intent suddenly swept over her from behind…
Dai Yao's eyes sharpened, and the jade talisman in her hand shone brightly, forming a barrier that blocked Ye Ying's attack.
"Trying to snatch someone right under my nose? You underestimate me!" Dai Yao sneered, shielding the little dumpling behind her.
Dressed in black, Night Shadow moved about like a ghost, his dagger gleaming coldly, each move deadly.
He thought he could succeed easily, but he was surprised by Dai Yao's quick reaction.
"Who are you? How dare you stop me?"
"You should help those in need, understand?" Dai Yao raised an eyebrow, her tone flippant, but she secretly mobilized her spiritual power, preparing to fight with all her might.
She sensed the weak point in Nightshade's attack and nimbly dodged to the side, avoiding a fatal blow.
At the same time, he struck back with a powerful palm strike, containing immense spiritual energy, directly at Night Shadow's chest.
Nightshade groaned and was forced back several steps.
A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes; he clearly hadn't expected Dai Yao's strength to be so formidable.
"If you won't listen to reason, you'll have to suffer the consequences!" He launched another attack, faster and more ruthless.
Dai Yao remained fearless, relying on her perception of destiny to always anticipate the enemy's moves and defuse Night Shadow's attacks.
She even had the energy to tease the little one behind her from time to time, saying, "Don't be afraid, little one, I'll protect you."
The little boy clung tightly to Dai Yao's leg, his big eyes filled with dependence on her. He said in his childish voice, "Sister, you're so amazing!"
Dai Yao smiled slightly, but became even more wary.
Although Night Shadow is only at the late Foundation Establishment stage, his moves are ruthless and should not be underestimated.
A prolonged struggle would be disadvantageous for her; a swift victory was necessary.
With a thought, the jade talisman's light surged once more, transforming into a stream of light that shot straight into the night shadows.
Night Shadow was unable to dodge in time and was struck by the streak of light. He let out a scream, staggered backward, and a trickle of blood spilled from the corner of his mouth.
"Damn it!" He clutched his chest, staring at Dai Yao with a sinister look in his eyes.
Just as Dai Yao was about to press her advantage, she suddenly sensed two powerful auras rapidly approaching.
She knew something was wrong. She looked up and saw two figures descending from the sky and landing beside Night Shadow.
One of them was Xiaoxuan from the Loose Cultivator Alliance, and the other was Yuan Qi, a scion of an ancient family.
Xiaoxuan, dressed in red, looked heroic and spirited, her long sword radiating a sharp sword aura.
Yuan Qi, dressed in white, was elegant and refined, gently waving a folding fan in his hand, exuding an air of superiority.
When the two saw Dai Yao protecting the little dumpling, their eyes gleamed with greed.
Xiaoxuan spoke first, her tone unfriendly: "Little Dumpling was discovered first by our Loose Cultivator Alliance. If you know what's good for you, hand him over right now!"
Yuan Qi chimed in, "That's right, this child is destined for me. If you hand him over to me, I can forgive and forget."
Dai Yao sneered and held the little dumpling even tighter.
It seemed a fierce battle was inevitable... She gently patted the little dumpling's head and whispered, "Hold on tight."
Holding the little dumpling, Dai Yao darted into the dense jungle like a nimble cat.
"Want it? Then come and catch it yourself!" Her clear voice echoed through the valley, carrying a hint of provocation.
Xiaoxuan and Yuanqi were both stunned when Dai Yao ran away.
Xiaoxuan was the first to react, and shouted, "Chase!" She lightly touched the ground with her toes and chased after them like a gust of wind.
Yuan Qi was not to be outdone, so he unfolded his folding fan and followed closely behind.
Despite being injured, Nightshade endured the pain and joined the pursuit.
The valley has a complex terrain with towering ancient trees and jagged rocks. Dai Yao took advantage of the terrain, dodging left and right like a slippery eel, making it difficult for her pursuers to pinpoint her location.
"Damn it! How can this woman be so slippery!" Xiaoxuan angrily brandished her longsword, cutting down the vines blocking her way, but she still couldn't catch up with Dai Yao.
Yuan Qi remained calm, fanning himself with a folding fan and a cold smile playing on his lips. "Don't worry, this valley is only so big, she can't escape our grasp."
Ye Ying remained silent, his eyes flashing with cold killing intent as he stared intently at Dai Yao's figure, like a venomous snake eyeing its prey.
Dai Yao ran wildly through the valley with the little dumpling in her arms. She sensed three auras chasing closely behind her, and she couldn't help but feel anxious.
This can't go on; she has to find a safe place to hide.
Suddenly, Dai Yao sensed a faint fluctuation of fortune ahead. This fluctuation was somewhat similar to the fortune emanating from the little dumpling, and it seemed to carry a peaceful aura.
Is there some secret there?
A thought struck Dai Yao, and she decided to take the risk. Holding the little dumpling, she ran towards the direction from which the fluctuations in fortune were coming from.
Xiaoxuan and Yuanqi, who were chasing behind, also noticed the fluctuation of luck. They exchanged a glance, and a hint of greed flashed in their eyes.
It seems there really is some treasure hidden in this valley!
Although Ye Ying didn't know what luck was, he keenly sensed Dai Yao's intentions and quickened his pace.
The four of them, one after the other, rushed towards the direction from which the fluctuations in fortune were coming. Finally, they arrived at the front of a hidden cave.
The entrance to the cave is hidden by dense vines, and it is difficult to discover that there is a cave here unless you look closely.
Without hesitation, Dai Yao pushed aside the vines, picked up the little dumpling, and walked into the cave. Xiao Xuan, Yuan Qi, and Ye Ying followed closely behind, entering the cave as well.
The cave was pitch black, and you couldn't see your hand in front of you.
Dai Yao felt the little boy's hands gripping her clothes tightly. She gently patted his head and whispered, "Don't be afraid, sister is here."
Just then, an aged voice suddenly came from deep within the cave: "Who dares to trespass into my cave?" Although the voice was old, it carried an undeniable air of authority.
Dai Yao's heart skipped a beat. It seemed that a master lived in this cave... Just as she was about to explain, she heard the little dumpling call out in a childish voice, "Grandpa!"
Dai Yao's mind raced; the sudden appearance of this "grandfather" gave her a glimmer of hope.
Rather than fleeing for their lives in the valley, they might as well gamble on the owner of this cave.
She feigned composure, but her palms were actually slightly sweaty.
Xiaoxuan, Yuanqi, and Yeying were also stunned by the word "Grandpa".
Yuan Qi stared wide-eyed in disbelief. This little dumpling actually had such a powerful backer?
Footsteps echoed from deep within the cave, growing louder as they approached.
An elderly man with white hair and beard, exuding an air of otherworldly wisdom, slowly walked out. He looked at the little dumpling with a kind expression, his eyes full of affection.
"Little one, where have you run off to play again? Grandpa has been looking for you everywhere." The little dumpling broke free from Dai Yao's embrace and rushed into the old man's arms, sweetly calling out, "Grandpa!" The old man lovingly patted the little dumpling's head, then looked at Dai Yao and the others, his gaze sharp as a hawk.
"Who are you people? Why are you with the little guy?"
Dai Yao spoke first, her face beaming with smiles, and bowed respectfully: "Senior, I happened to find the young master lost, so I brought him back. I didn't expect..." She paused deliberately, feigning embarrassment, "...to disturb your peaceful cultivation. I hope you will forgive me." Xiao Xuan and Yuan Qi also quickly stepped forward to explain, but Ye Ying remained silent, cautiously surveying her surroundings.
The old man gave Dai Yao a deep look, seemingly understanding her thoughts, but he didn't point it out. He simply said, "If that's the case, then come in." After saying that, he turned and walked deeper into the cave.
Dai Yao was overjoyed; it seemed she had made the right bet!
She followed quietly, with Xiaoxuan and Yuanqi close behind. Yeying hesitated for a moment before also going in.
The cave winds and twists, becoming increasingly cold and damp the further you go in.
Dai Yao felt a sense of antiquity wafting towards her, as if it carried the marks of time.
Suddenly, her footing gave way to nothing...