Chapter Seventy-Six: Tang Hao Is in Trouble

“Chu Han, get up now, you lazy pig! I know you can move on your own now. Come and see how my wild vegetable stew turned out!”

Chu Han was still dozing, half-asleep, when a shrill voice pierced the air. He rolled over, intent on continuing his slumber, but suddenly felt his ear being tugged sharply.

He cried out in pain and scrambled to his feet. Before him stood Ye Tingyu, cheeks puffed in anger. Chu Han gave an awkward grin and stretched his limbs, just as a fragrant aroma wafted over, making his stomach rumble audibly.

Hearing the sound, Chu Han scratched his head in embarrassment. Ye Tingyu burst out laughing, “Alright, you’re hungry, aren’t you? Come eat.”

She took the lead, settling herself beside their simple stone hearth. Chu Han could only follow, sitting across from her. Before them stood a stove built of stones and a wooden pot, from which the wild vegetables exuded a tempting fragrance.

Their appetites awakened, the two devoured the meal with ravenous enthusiasm.

Chu Han found himself enjoying this life. Since his injury, the two had spent a week in the mountain cave. During this time, Ye Tingyu had cared for him with meticulous tenderness, as if her nature had changed completely, surprising Chu Han.

It was a welcome change—at least she no longer acted like a spoiled princess, sparing him many headaches.

“Chu Han, when are we going back? Your injury seems much better now, doesn’t it?”

Ye Tingyu lay atop a stone, speaking softly, her face devoid of emotion. Whatever she was thinking remained hidden.

Chu Han paused, realizing after so many days that they did need to return. After all, they didn’t belong to Mangdang Mountain, and staying here meant danger would find them eventually.

Yet he felt reluctant to leave, torn by conflicting feelings. “Let’s set out tomorrow. My core hasn’t fully healed yet. I’ll finish healing it today, and we can depart tomorrow.”

Ye Tingyu merely responded with a brief “oh,” saying nothing more. The silence grew awkward. Chu Han shook his head helplessly, about to speak, when Ye Tingyu beat him to it. “We’re about to go back—are you happy?”

Chu Han forced a smile, “Of course. Who would want to live in this forsaken place? I’m glad to return. Aren’t you?”

But even as he said it, a trace of bittersweetness lingered on his face, unnoticed by Ye Tingyu.

“I’m happy, too. But I’ll always miss life here,” Ye Tingyu smiled and nodded, standing up, her gaze fixed intently on Chu Han. “And you mustn’t forget these days. If you do, I won’t forgive you.”

Seeing her earnest expression, Chu Han nodded heavily. He did cherish this life, but soon his thoughts were consumed by vengeance. He had yet to avenge his father; staying here was out of the question. This was never his true home.

Chu Han then sat down, swallowing a pill to heal his core. Fortunately, he had gathered plenty of herbs from Northern Plains Bear, so he lacked nothing for his recovery.

His core was gravely injured, on the verge of shattering, but as a master alchemist, healing himself was not difficult. In just one day, his core was restored. He raised his right hand, summoning the power of lightning, and nodded in satisfaction.

The night passed quietly.

Before dawn, the two hurriedly set out. Chu Han had previously observed that they were not far from the foot of the mountain, already on the outskirts of Mangdang. He still wondered how Ye Tingyu had found this place.

After two hours of trekking, they finally descended the mountain and breathed a sigh of relief. Ye Tingyu glanced back at Mangdang Mountain, shivering; she never wished to return to that cursed place again.

They went straight to the Xuanming Sect. The youth tournament had long since ended, and talk among the disciples had shifted. Chu Han recalled the events on Mangdang Mountain, feeling as though they belonged to another lifetime.

Upon entering the sect, Zhang Yinshan nearly wept upon seeing Ye Tingyu. He had endured much trying to conceal the truth from the imperial capital, but now, with the princess safe, his worries were laid to rest.

“Chu Han, I truly owe you this time. If anything had happened to the princess, the Xuanming Sect would have ceased to exist. From now on, you’ll be the most honored guest in the sect. If you need anything, just say the word, and we’ll do our utmost.”

Chu Han smiled politely, ready to reply, when someone rushed forward from behind—it was Li Fu.

“You’re finally back. There’s news from the Tang Prince’s residence. I meant to inform you yesterday, but the item you gave me was crushed, and nothing happened. I didn’t dare act rashly, so I waited for your return.”

Li Fu spoke in a grave tone, worry etched in his brows. Chu Han’s heart sank—trouble had come to the Tang Prince’s residence.

He quickly pulled Li Fu aside. Ye Tingyu watched them curiously, catching only the words “Tang Prince’s residence.” Her eyes flickered, pondering silently.

“Tang Yuan brought Mr. Tang Hao back with a scheme in mind. They threatened and enticed Tang Hao to hand over his rewards to Tang Feng, but didn’t let him acknowledge his lineage. Instead, they imprisoned him. According to the young prince’s sources, they plan to make their move against Tang Hao in the next few days.”

Li Fu spoke anxiously, and Chu Han’s face darkened with rage. As expected, Tang Yuan harbored sinister motives, as vicious as ever.

Chu Han deliberated. The matter at the Tang Prince’s residence could not wait; if delayed, his father’s life would be at risk.

“Li Fu, keep investigating the Wolf Tribe here. I’ll return to the capital. You head to Nine Immortals Island and find someone named Yin Qing. He knows how to contact the Wolf Tribe. Work together to capture them, then send word to me.”

Chu Han quickly gave instructions, and Li Fu nodded, setting off at once. Chu Han had to return immediately; no one knew when Tang Yuan would act.

A chill ran down his spine as he realized how close he’d come—had he delayed any longer, he would have regretted it for life.

“Tang Yuan, Tang Feng, it seems you’re courting death. In that case, I’ll grant it.”

Chu Han muttered darkly, his face cold and merciless, sending chills through anyone who saw him.

As everyone wondered what was happening, Chu Han stepped forward. “Elder Zhang, I must take my leave. I have urgent business in the capital, but I will visit again someday.”

Zhang Yinshan was momentarily stunned. He had hoped to host Chu Han properly, but trouble had arisen. He had overheard Chu Han and Li Fu’s conversation and saw the urgency on Chu Han’s face, so he agreed.

“Master, it’s been so long since I returned to the capital. I miss my father. I’ll go with Chu Han—he can protect me on the way.”

Ye Tingyu came forward, smiling, then shot Chu Han a provocative look that left him bewildered, unsure what the mischievous girl was planning.