1821 Separation 3
Gu Chaoyan hesitated for a moment, her mind filled with uncertainty. After a lengthy pause, she carefully weighed her options and eventually nodded in agreement.

Her anxiety had been overwhelming, but strangely enough, she hadn’t even noticed the biting cold that surrounded her. It was only when she finally came to a stop that she became aware of a searing, indescribable pain coursing through her body.

Ouyang Mingjing’s words echoed in her mind, and she couldn’t deny the truth they held. She had lost her composure, and simply returning to their previous location would not suffice.

This called for a different approach. She needed to find a solution.

With a renewed determination, Gu Chaoyan nodded once more and prepared to enter the wagon. However, before she could step inside, she voiced her idea to the others. “It’s growing colder by the minute. Sword One, please retrieve my red clothes and tear them into strips. Hang them on the wagon—they’ll stand out against the snow. If we’re not too far away, someone might spot us!”

As she spoke these words, Gu Chaoyan felt a glimmer of assurance within her.

Sword One promptly took charge of the task and set out to carry it out.

Meanwhile, Gu Chaoyan finally made her way into the wagon, where she was greeted by a comforting warmth. The interior offered respite, and she felt her tension ease considerably.

Lingyun, who was attending to her inside, offered words of solace. “Elder Miss, I understand your worries, but please try not to overwhelm yourself. Our leader is resilient and won’t succumb easily.”

Gu Chaoyan simply nodded, too fatigued to muster a response.

Exhaustion weighed heavily upon her, and she pressed a hand to her forehead, desperately seeking a solution.

As time passed, darkness descended, interrupting their brief respite.

Lost in her deep contemplation, Gu Chaoyan failed to notice the passage of time. Eventually, she lifted the curtain and was met with the shroud of darkness outside.

Startled, she hurriedly stepped out of the wagon and called out to Sword One, her voice filled with urgency. “Sword One, start a fire. They may not see the redness, but they can spot the flickering flames!”

Sword One acknowledged her instructions and descended to arrange everything accordingly.

Ouyang Mingjing, nearby and growing increasingly irritated by her exhaustion, turned to Longqing and issued a stern command. “Tomorrow, lead the way and assist her in leaving this place. No more searching, understood?”

Upon hearing this, Longqing nodded in agreement, fully comprehending the gravity of the situation.

He fervently wished for Phoenix Girl to return to town swiftly. The City Lord had weighed the circumstances and realized the paramount importance of Snow Territory’s affairs over all else.

“Understood,” Longqing replied resolutely.

Longqing proceeded to descend and make the necessary arrangements as instructed.

Ouyang Mingjing had intended to approach Phoenix Girl and address the situation, but upon seeing her current state, he decided against it. He didn’t want to get too close to her in this condition, so he chose to leave instead.

However, as he turned to depart, a familiar figure caught his eye.

It was her!

What was she doing here? He had already explicitly warned her against such reckless actions. Why couldn’t she understand and accept his words?
Truly, she was as stubborn as ever!

Ouyang Mingjing quickly pulled her aside, finding an empty corner where they could speak privately.

Glaring at her, he spoke with a firm tone, “Didn’t you hear what I said? No more of these foolish endeavors! If you continue, you’ll face the consequences!”