1806 Into Snow Territory 1
She resembled Qing, with her delicate features and graceful demeanor. However, Qing should not have been present at that moment; she was supposed to be at the temple. Gu Chaoyan couldn’t understand how she could have missed Qing, who had faithfully served her for so many years.

But…

Just as Gu Chaoyan was about to investigate further, Ouyang Mingjing approached her, concern evident in his eyes. “What’s going on?” he asked.

Gu Chaoyan shifted her gaze towards the girls from Snow Territory, who bore a striking resemblance to each other. None of them was Qing. Perhaps her vision had deceived her, and it was all a blurry illusion.

Putting aside her thoughts, Gu Chaoyan turned to Ouyang Mingjing and spoke calmly, “There seems to be a lingering dispute between the Saint Divine Land and Piaomiao Pavilion, but we have resolved it amicably. It’s nothing serious.”

“….”
Ouyang Mingjing showed a gentle smile intact as he nodded. “No need to apologize. Let’s continue.”

Gu Chaoyan acknowledged his understanding with a nod, grateful for his reassurance.

Back in the wagon, Gu Chaoyan couldn’t shake off her confusion. She turned to Sword One and asked, “Sword One, did you notice a girl among the ones from Snow Territory who resembled Qing?”

“Elder Miss, no, I didn’t see anyone like that. Could it be that you’re feeling unsettled because we’re leaving?” Sword One inquired.

Gu Chaoyan glanced at Zhou Huaijin, who shook his head in agreement. He hadn’t noticed anything unusual either.

Relieved by their responses, Gu Chaoyan concluded that she must have been mistaken. Qing had made arrangements to stay at the temple after recent events, and Sword One had ensured her safety. There should be no reason for her to be anywhere else but the temple. Gu Chaoyan realized that her own anxiety had caused her to overthink the situation, likely due to the shock of Duke North’s unexpected demise, which she was still struggling to come to terms with.

Deciding to put the matter aside, Gu Chaoyan returned to her wagon, pushing the thoughts from her mind. They had a journey ahead of them, and dwelling on uncertain sightings wouldn’t be productive.

And so, they continued on their way.

As they traveled, Gu Chaoyan couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast between the people from Snow Territory and their own group. It seemed as though the Snow Territory individuals possessed an otherworldly power, allowing the wagon to move swiftly yet steadily.

Typically, the journey from the capital to the border would take five days, even with the fastest horses. However, the group managed to depart from the Saint Divine Land’s boundaries in just two days. It was an astonishing feat. Even the concealed guards from Shadow Door felt a sense of awe, realizing that their own well-honed skills would pale in comparison.

The abilities of the Snow Territory group were truly exceptional.

They had just been pondering over their recent observations when they arrived at an exceedingly peculiar location.

In this moment…

Longqing halted and turned to address Ouyang Mingjing. “City Lord, we are now at the very border of Snow Territory. We should be cautious and prevent these outsiders from discovering the entrance.”

“….”

“Perhaps we should consider devising a solution…” Longqing hesitated as he voiced his concerns.

Ouyang Mingjing regarded Longqing with a composed expression. It was evident that he remained unruffled by the situation. He replied softly, “The border of Snow Territory is not a complete enigma to everyone.”