Crimson Flame Ferret

Li Wu Ya spent more than ten days at the Tianchi Peak. The Tianchi Pavilion had a complete collection of medicinal herbs, and Li Wu Ya prepared some essential medicines, as well as an ample supply of face masks for the Tianchi Elder.

"Master, I'll miss you and Second Senior Brother. Once I reach the capital, I'll make sure to write to both of you regularly."

"Master, please watch over the Shen Nong Hall that I've established. Once I've settled down in the capital, I'm even planning to open branch stores."

"In my plan, I intend to expand the Shen Nong Hall across the entire Da Chu."

"Second Senior Brother, can you give me two more of those golden eagles you trained? It will make it easier for us to stay in touch."

"Master, when I arrive in the capital, I'll visit Eldest Senior Brother. He'll surely take care of me. You don't need to worry too much about me."

After providing the Tianchi Elder with a facial treatment and giving Zhan Peng a comprehensive acupuncture massage, Li Wu Ya bid her farewells and departed.

Once she left, the Tianchi Elder couldn't help but tease Zhan Peng, "This young lady is quite a handful. When she gets to the capital, your Eldest Senior Brother is going to have his hands full."

"Let's not tell your Eldest Senior Brother about this for now. Let that girl stir up some trouble and come knocking on the door herself. It might give Eldest Senior Brother quite the headache."

Due to Li Wu Ya's delay, it was towards the end of July when Li Chang Sen's family finally prepared to set off for the capital.

Before their departure, Jiang An Tai invited Li Chang Sen's family to the Jiang residence. This served both as an opportunity to get acquainted with the Jiang family and as a way to bid them farewell.

It was the first time Li Chang Sen's family had set foot in the Jiang residence and met all the Jiang family members. Given the unfamiliarity between the two families, compounded by the previous unpleasantness due to the revelation of their true identities, the atmosphere wasn't particularly warm.

After the meal, Li Chang Sen, Li San Lang, and Li Qi Lang were called away by Jiang An Tai, leaving behind Jin Yue E, Li Er Ya, and Li Wu Ya to face the Jiang family's female members.

Although the Jiang residence had declined over the years, it was still more prosperous compared to the Li family. With a bevy of maidservants and servants around, the attention was overwhelming. Jin Yue E felt nervous amidst the scrutiny, while Li Er Ya maintained a cold and distant demeanor. Only Li Wu Ya appeared more at ease.

Seated at the main position, Jiang Madam observed the trio closely, assessing them. Jin Yue E, visibly nervous, remained tense throughout the encounter. Despite Jiang Madam's attempts to engage her in conversation and make her feel at ease, Jin Yue E remained reserved, and after several attempts, Jiang Madam gave up.

The elder daughter seemed composed and had a moderate way of speaking. She answered questions succinctly, coming across as calm but somewhat aloof.

As for the younger daughter, she was the most composed of the three. She ate and drank as if she belonged, displaying a relatively positive attitude. However, her manners and etiquette were questionable, and her curious glances revealed her restless nature.

The Jiang family was still an aristocratic household, and although its glory had waned over time, the sheer number of residents and attendants gave off an aura of grandeur.

But could Jin Yue E and her daughters truly adapt to life in the grand estate?

Despite their intelligence, they lacked proper upbringing and education befitting their new status. Their knowledge and behavior would inevitably clash with the high society manners of a noble house.

Furthermore, Jin Yue E and her daughters had put the Jiang family in a tight spot twice. First, they claimed their rightful identity, which led to the revelation of the child-swapping incident, creating both internal and external controversies. Then, they pushed the issue of the Yuan family's departure from the Jiang residence, which was likely to strain the Jiang-Yuan relationship.

These two incidents, while necessary for Li Chang Sen's family, would surely breed resentment within the Jiang family.

Without the bonds of shared childhood, and given their own shortcomings, returning to the Jiang family was bound to be a complex endeavor. They might find themselves constantly compared to the more favorable Yuan family.

Li Wu Ya sensed that Jiang Madam was scrutinizing and evaluating them, but she paid it no mind. Their family's flaws were objectively present.

After all, transitioning from being struggling military commoners on the brink of subsistence to becoming members of a noble house was a significant leap. It was bound to expose numerous problems, which couldn't be remedied in the short term. They would need time to learn, grow, and adapt.

Disregarding the numerous gazes upon her, Li Wu Ya continued to observe the furnishings and decorations within the Jiang residence's living room.

In her previous life, even as a high-ranking esper, she hadn't encountered many fine things. The beginning of the apocalypse had destroyed much of the luxury, leaving only a few valuables in the hands of the government and powerful factions.

She appreciated the exquisite ornaments that seemed to defy nature and the landscapes depicted in the ink paintings. Even if she couldn't fully comprehend them, she found herself drawn to their beauty.

She had already decided that once she gained the means, she would decorate her room with both grandeur and artistic elegance. Whether she could successfully merge the two styles together was a secondary concern. The primary goal was to create a space she loved.

"Why are they so reserved?"

"I heard they used to work in the fields, and being exposed to the sun naturally darkened their skin."

"I agree, their skin isn't just dark; it's also rough. It's even worse than the maids around us."

"And the clothes they're wearing, the style is outdated, and the fabric is coarse. It's hard to believe that such people are our cousins!"

"I heard that the cousins from Uncle Zheng Kun's family are refined and knowledgeable individuals. It's such a shame that they lost their position to these rustic country bumpkins."

"What nonsense are you talking about? Uncle Chang Sen is the one with blood ties to our family. If you keep talking like this, I'll tell our grandparents, and they'll reprimand you."

Listening to the hushed discussions of the Jiang family girls nearby, Li Wu Ya furrowed her brow and looked down at her slightly darkened hands. Since arriving in Rong City, she had provided her family with creams and bath supplies to lighten their skin. However, due to the short time and their frequent outings, the results weren't very noticeable.

Observing how the Jiang family girls ceased their chatter under Jiang An Tai's stern gaze, Li Wu Ya recalled that this was Jiang's second daughter, named Jiang Dai Huan. It seemed that, as expected, the disposition of the grandchildren mirrored that of their grandparents.

Jiang Lord and Lady's attitude toward Li Chang Sen's family was motivated by strategic considerations. Nonetheless, Jiang's Second Lord showed a certain degree of attachment to them.

Sitting among the Jiang family's female members, the mother and daughters maintained distinct expressions. They remained in this state until Jiang An Tai returned with Li Chang Sen and his sons, at which point they bid their farewells.

Once outside the Jiang residence's gate, Li Wu Ya held Jin Yue E's slightly cold hand and spoke with Li Er Ya, "Sis, those Jiang cousins were just talking about how dark and uncouth we look. After we go back, I'll prepare some herbal baths. If we use them every few days, I guarantee we'll be fair and tender in no time."

"By the way, they also said we can't talk properly. Hmph, they don't consider that their eloquence was practiced and honed over the years. If we had the same opportunities, we'd be just as skilled as they are."

Li Er Ya glanced at Li Wu Ya and noticed Jin Yue E's expression. She nodded and took over the conversation, "It's true, practice makes perfect. After experiencing these situations repeatedly, we'll naturally become just as adept in handling them."

Li Wu Ya vigorously nodded, "Exactly, as long as you've seen and heard enough, who wouldn't get good at it?"

Engrossed in their discussion, the sisters exchanged thoughts. Observing them, Jin Yue E's expression eased considerably, and she no longer appeared so tense.

Indeed, there were many things she didn't know. But that was because she had never encountered them before. If she was willing to learn, she could surely avoid embarrassing her husband and children.

As a mother, she couldn't let herself fall behind even her own daughters.

Jin Yue E straightened her posture, gripping the hands of Li Er Ya and Li Wu Ya more firmly.

Li Wu Ya and Li Er Ya exchanged a knowing look, their lips curling upwards.

"Mother, Xu Mo Ma is the maidservant attendant of Old Lady Shi. She must be quite knowledgeable about the Shi family. After we set off tomorrow, let's share a carriage with her and have her tell us more about the Shi family's members and affairs."

Jin Yue E had this idea in mind and readily agreed.

"Father, why did you take so long? You had us waiting with Mother and Sister."

Li Wu Ya suddenly turned to look at Li Chang Sen.

Li Chang Sen's expression remained calm, "Your eldest uncle said our family is going to the capital. He took us to the Governor's Mansion to bid farewell to Governor Cai."

Li Wu Ya drew out a prolonged "Oh" and then glanced at the packages on the cart behind them. "That's good. We can't go back empty-handed and just take their things for free."

Early the next morning, Jiang An Tai and Jiang An Bang saw off Li Chang Sen's family at the city gate of Rong City.

Accompanying them were Shi Nian and Xu Mo Ma. The entourage consisted of two cart drivers and two maids.

With two carriages from the Shi family and two from the Jiang family, the four vehicles set off towards the direction of the capital.

After traveling for less than ten miles, Li Chang Sen's previous employer, the chief escort of the Longyuan Escort Agency, arrived with several people to see them off.

The chief escort spoke with Li Chang Sen for a while before turning to Li San Lang, "This Thousand-Li Steed was tamed by you. The Escort Agency doesn't have anything particularly valuable, so consider this a memento."

Knowing that Li Chang Sen loved horses, he even gave him the horse Li Chang Sen had ridden daily.

This gesture deeply touched both Li Chang Sen and Li San Lang.

Inside the carriage, Li Wu Ya observed everything and, after some thought, took out a bottle of Heart-Protecting Pill. She called Li Qi Lang over and instructed him to give it to Li Chang Sen.

Li Chang Sen understood his daughter's intention and handed the Heart-Protecting Pill to the chief escort. He then took him aside and explained the medicine's effects.

"In the past, I managed to survive in Northern Yan thanks to this pill. If you take it, even if your heart meridians are damaged, it can sustain you for a while until you receive treatment."

The chief escort hadn't anticipated such a rewarding farewell and immediately expressed his gratitude.

He held high regard for Li Chang Sen and Li San Lang; both father and son were upright individuals with exceptional skills. Their joining the Escort Agency had brought him immense joy.

However, fate often trumps plans, as Li Chang Sen turned out to be the young master of the Bo Mansion.

"Hope we can meet again in the future!"

"Take care!"

After parting with the escort agency members, Li Chang Sen and Li San Lang didn't board the carriages. Instead, they rode their horses.

Watching Li Chang Sen and Li San Lang mount their horses with a renewed vigor, Shi Nian and Xu Mo Ma's eyes flickered.

"Master Chang Sen and Third Master are no ordinary people."

In July and August, the temperature in the northwest border remained high. Traveling under the scorching sun was truly challenging, and the discomfort reached its peak as they passed through the renowned Chishi Mountain.

Stretching for hundreds of miles, Chishi Mountain was a barren landscape of rugged peaks and ridges with no vegetation. The blazing sun illuminated the reddish-brown mountains, causing the sandstone to gleam brilliantly. The hot air churned and rose like raging flames, creating a fiery spectacle.

As they drew closer, Li Chang Sen's group felt as though they were in an oven.

The inside of the carriage was stifling, and Li Wu Ya didn't want to be confined. She lifted the curtain and shouted to Li San Lang, "Brother, I want to ride a horse."

Li San Lang, observing Li Wu Ya's flushed face, waved her to dismount.

Once off the carriage, Li Wu Ya was promptly led onto a horse by Li San Lang.

Li Qi Lang, seeing this, immediately leapt off the carriage and approached Li Chang Sen. "Father, I want to ride too."

Li Chang Sen pulled him onto the horse, then instructed the carriage driver, "Let's speed up a bit and try to leave Chishi Mountain as soon as possible."

The convoy picked up pace, and both Li Chang Sen and Li San Lang rode alongside Li Qi Lang and Li Wu Ya, urging their horses onward.

"Brother, stop for a moment!"

As they passed through a folded valley on Chishi Mountain, Li Wu Ya suddenly called out to Li San Lang.

Li San Lang tightened the reins, slowing down the horse. "What's wrong?"

Li Wu Ya exclaimed, "I just saw the Red Flame Ferret from the Western Regions, as recorded in the Poison Encyclopedia. It ran into that valley. I need to go in."

Li San Lang frowned. "The temperature outside is already this high. Who knows how scorching it is inside the mountain?"

Li Wu Ya hurriedly pleaded, "Brother, you know my lightness skill. I'll be out in no time. Brother, slow down the horse and let the carriage move ahead. Don't let Mom and Dad find out, or they'll scold me again."

Li San Lang remained hesitant.

Li Wu Ya had to explain, "Brother, encountering the Red Flame Ferret is quite rare. Its blood can be used to prepare an antidote for all cold toxins. I can't afford to miss this chance."

Li San Lang, after listening, reluctantly slowed the horse.

As the carriage moved ahead, Li Wu Ya jumped off the horse and sprinted towards the valley. In just a moment, she disappeared from Li San Lang's sight.

Upon entering Chishi Mountain, Li Wu Ya extended her mental power to the maximum.

With age, her mental power had grown stronger. Although she could only sense things within a radius of a hundred meters, her telekinetic ability had improved.

Under her mental probe, it didn't take long for Li Wu Ya to locate the Red Flame Ferret. It was near a spot where magma was flowing, perched at the edge. Approaching it now risked falling into the magma.

For most people, this would be a helpless situation.

However, Li Wu Ya slowly raised her right hand, palm open, and made a grabbing motion.

In the next moment, the Red Flame Ferret near the magma was seized by an invisible force around its nape. It was swiftly lifted and brought to Li Wu Ya's side.

By this time, Li Wu Ya was drenched in sweat. Holding the ferret, she rushed towards the exit.

Anxious, Li San Lang awaited her. Before long, he saw a soaking wet Li Wu Ya emerge as if she had just emerged from water.

"It's so hot, I'm melting. Brother, give me some water!"

Chishi Mountain stretched for hundreds of miles, with barren peaks and ridges devoid of vegetation. Birds were scarce, and under the bright sun, the reddish-brown mountains reflected a scorching intensity, with sandstone gleaming brightly. The turbulent hot air churned upwards, resembling fierce flames, as if tongues of fire reached for the sky.