?


    Ouyang Mingjing had spoken the truth. Something had indeed urred during the night.


    Snowdrifts covered the surroundings, indicating that the mountains had copsed once again. Thanks to Ouyang Mingjing''s protection, they had emerged unharmed.


    However, this meant they would need to take another detour today. Gu Chaoyan couldn''t help but wonder if it would cost them more time. She disliked wasting time trudging through the snow.


    Stepping out of the wagon, she immediately felt an intense chill. Despite the cold, she weed the chance to leave this ce and stretch her legs.


    As she circled the wagon, an unsettling feeling washed over her. It seemed as though someone was watching her. Furrowing her brows, she directed her gaze toward the source, but there was nothing visible.


    This sensation had persisted since the beginning of their journey. Initially, Gu Chaoyan dismissed it as a figment of her imagination. However, it happened far too frequently for her to believe she was mistaken.


    She surveyed the area where the stare originated from and then nced down.


    Footprints marked the spot, evidence that someone had stood there alone.


    Comparing the footprints to her own, she deduced that they belonged to a girl.


    Who was watching her?


    The intensity of that gaze was unsettling, leaving Gu Chaoyan on edge.


    There were no other girls apanying Ouyang Mingjing.


    "Elder Miss, is something the matter?" Sword One inquired, noticing Gu Chaoyan''s perplexed expression.


    Gu Chaoyan shook her head. "It''s nothing. I was just lost in thought. Let''s return to the wagon." With that, she ceased her pondering and reentered the wagon. Before closing the drapery, she briefly nced outside, hoping to catch a glimpse of the person she felt was watching her. Yet, to her disappointment, there was no one in sight.


    Letting out a sigh, she relinquished her search.


    "Elder Miss, what''s going on?" Sword One asked, still bewildered.


    "It''s nothing. I have the sense that someone keeps staring at me. Sword One, stay vignt and try to identify who it might be," Gu Chaoyan instructed, her dislike for being scrutinized evident. She desired to uncover the person responsible as soon as possible.


    Sword One nodded, her concern deepening.


    Once the meal was finished, they resumed their journey.


    During their travel to the town, Longqing seized the opportunity and approached Ouyang Mingjing. He had intended to discuss this matter with the City Lord the previous night, but Ouyang Mingjing had been busy safeguarding Gu Chaoyan. Longqing was unwilling to wait any longer.


    "What is it that you seek?" Ouyang Mingjing inquired, noting Longqing''s discreet approach.


    Longqing had a certain demeanor when he had something important to discuss.


    "The Elders have returned to the Snow Territory towns, and before their departure, they entrusted me with the task of ensuring your safe return. Therefore, I have a few questions for you, City Lord."


    "…"


    "We cannot afford to let the King from the Saint Divine Land enter our towns," Longqing dered firmly, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.


    Longqing possessed certain insights regarding this matter.


    Having established Shadow Door at the young age of 10, he had seen the organization grow into a formidable entity over the years. That particr individual, if left unchecked, would pose a significant threat to Snow Territory. Magical powers or not, his presence had to be eliminated.


    Ouyang Mingjing had previously overlooked this concern.


    However…