Chapter 981: Chapter 981 Ascending the Mountain

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“The girl’s father was speechless, overwhelmed by the sudden decision.

Zhou Ying, sensing his hesitation, offered a solution. ‘We’ll be spending two days up in the mountains. Take that time to consider your answer. If you choose to leave, bring your household registry. Otherwise, you’re free to do as you wish. However, this barbaric practice of drowning must cease. It’s blatant murder.’”

With those words, she signaled to Gu Chengrui. After the carriage arrived, they rejoined the group and ascended the nearby mountain.

Once a significant distance separated them from the village, the crowd dispersed.

The clan leader glared at the girl’s family of three before flicking his sleeves and storming off with his son.

Witnessing their departure, the girl’s father’s heart sank. He understood that they were destined to become enemies without a marriage alliance. Perhaps leaving wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

On that note, the family began making preparations.

Meanwhile, Zhou Ying’s group reached a flat area after their climb. They set up three tents, establishing a temporary camp.

After lunch, Gu Chengrui addressed Zhou Ying. “Babe, why don’t you let Third Fatty rest for a while? I’d like to take Guoguo and Chenchen on a trek in the mountains. They can practice their skills.”

Zhou Ying considered this for a moment, observing Third Fatty, who was drifting off to sleep. Finally, she agreed. “Alright, but be cautious. The southern mountains are teeming with poisonous snakes and insects.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve come prepared with plenty of insect repellent. You take care as well.”

“Okay.”

Once they departed, Third Fatty fell fast asleep. Taking precautions, Zhou Ying placed him in a sleeping bag. While a little stuffy, it ensured his safety.

Exiting the tent, she surveyed the surrounding area, addressing Tiger and the others who seemed idle. “Why not explore yourselves? Just stay nearby.”

“There’s no need, Mistress. We’re a bit tired and require some rest,” Tiger declined.

He understood the potential dangers lurking in the deep mountains. He’d never dare leave Zhou Ying and Third Fatty alone. After all these years under their care, the thought of failing to protect them in a critical moment was unbearable.

Seeing his resolve, Zhou Ying didn’t press the issue. Instead, she positioned herself on a nearby peak and extended her divine sense, scanning the surroundings.

The southern mountains boasted greater height and density, resulting in a richer ecosystem. This included a variety of medicinal herbs, mushrooms, and more.

To her surprise, she discovered tigers, leopards, and even wolves inhabiting these mountains. Fortunately, they were far removed from their current location, residing deep within the mountain range.

Uninterested in disturbing them, she focused on collecting precious herbs, mushrooms, and trees and storing them within her interspace. This included rare, high-grade medicinal herbs typically found only in the deep mountains, like ginseng, Ganoderma lucidum, Chinese knotweed, tremella, and Tianqi. She even stumbled upon a vast area teeming with Kudzu Root and Wormgrass.

But her greatest delight came from discovering a large amount of wild honey.

Finally, she cast an overview over the entire mountain range. Despite the nearing winter, the southern mountains displayed a vibrant spirit. Certain areas were even adorned with colorful wildflowers. Selecting some particularly beautiful blooms, she added them to her collection within her interspace.

Meanwhile, Gu Chengrui led his two children, Lin Yitian, and five others on their trek.

After securing their leggings and applying generous amounts of insect repellent, they ventured deep into the mountains.

Initially, Lin Yitian worried about the children’s ability to keep pace. However, he was surprised by their agility, easily outpacing the adults despite their small stature.

Guoguo, in particular, seemed to be in her element, exploring the mountain with boundless enthusiasm.

In just a short while, they had disappeared into the dense foliage.