Chapter 371: Chapter 371, Negotiation
Chu Yu glanced at Yuwen Ya before calling Yun Jinnian, Yuwen Ya, and Old Hu to one side.
"Old Hu, you’re from Nanjiang. Why do you think this is happening?"
After a moment of contemplation, Old Hu answered, "It must be because there’s something among us that those wild beasts fear, and that thing is most likely on Young Master Han’s person!"
Though aware that Yun Jinnian was a woman, he still courteously addressed her as Young Master Han.
After all, it was Yun Jinnian who had led them to the Snow Lotus, and now, with the Spiritual Poisonous Insect leading the way, finding the Snow Lotus again would be effortless.
"Could it be that insect?" Yuwen Ya said, his eyes suddenly widening.
Chu Yu and Yun Jinnian were no fools and instantly understood.
It wasn’t because of the insect, but because of the small cauldron in Yun Jinnian’s purse, which seemed to be of similar nature to the Spiritual Poisonous Insect, hence its fearlessness.
Moreover, the small cauldron had absorbed Yun Jinnian’s blood and started showing some changes.
No, that wasn’t quite right either. It should be since the Spiritual Poisonous Insect had nestled in the cauldron that they had begun to notice. At the start of the journey, they had also encountered some beasts on the road.
Without a word, Chu Yu simply looked indifferently at Old Hu, "You may go back to your tasks, just remember not to blabber!"
"Your Highness, rest assured, this servant understands!"
After finishing his words, Old Hu went off to attend to other matters.
Yun Jinnian, Chu Yu, and Yuwen Ya stood still, looking at each other in silence. After a while, Chu Yu finally spoke, "Jinnian, don’t leave my side or Yuwen Ya’s in the future!"
He didn’t trust anyone else.
"Madam Qian and her group are quite reliable, but Old Hu and those from the Great Zhou Kingdom..." Chu Yu continued.
These were the two groups he was primarily on guard against.
Yun Jinnian nodded, understanding Chu Yu’s point.
The three of them discussed some other matters, mostly with Chu Yu and Yuwen Ya talking, while Yun Jinnian listened, interjecting occasionally with a suggestion. Their discussion was very clear-cut.
"Uncle, what if the people from Nanjiang come asking for the Spiritual Poisonous Insect?" Yuwen Ya asked worriedly.
"That’s why we must find the Snow Lotus as quickly as possible, so when they come, we can just give the insect back to them!" whispered Yun Jinnian, though she also seemed somewhat reluctant to part with it.
After a moment of silence, Chu Yu finally said, "A strong dragon cannot suppress a local snake, so if they come for it, giving it back is the best course of action!"
But, it was hard to let go.
With the Spiritual Poisonous Insect, they could find the Snow Lotus, and after such effort to get it, giving it back was not something Yuwen Ya was keen on, his brows furrowed with concern.
Yet, it didn’t seem right not to return it.
Chu Yu lightly patted Yuwen Ya’s shoulder, "This trip has still been quite fruitful for us!"
Yuwen Ya took a deep breath, "Indeed, at least we found the Tian Mountain Snow Lotus. Once we find it again, we shall set up camp and focus on cultivating the Blood Lotus!"
Having settled on a plan, Hemei could be seen eagerly looking their way from a short distance, signaling that the food was ready.
The three of them then walked towards the group.
As if nothing was amiss.
"Wow, this smells amazing!" exclaimed Yuwen Ya as he tore off a rabbit leg to offer to Yun Jinnian, and two more for Hemei and Henuan, "You two eat as well!"
Since Hemei and Henuan were young, it was natural for Yuwen Ya to favor them a bit, and nobody would find fault with that.
Quarreling with a ten-year-old kid wasn’t very heroic or honorable.
And it was embarrassing just for the sake of food.
"Thank you!"
Thanks to Old Hu’s experience, everything needed for their journey into the mountains had been well prepared, including a full supply of seasonings.
The roasted rabbit was delicious, and, enjoying the flavor, Yun Jinnian ate a whole leg for once.
After eating nearly half a bowl of rice, Chu Yu even made Yun Jinnian have a bowl of chicken soup, leaving her feeling quite full.
Once sated, they rested briefly, boiled snow to wash the dishes clean, filled their flasks with hot water, and then continued on their way.