Sorry for the delay, I'll be posting both chapters now. I've been feeling a bit discouraged this weekend.
-x-X-x-
**Chapter 53: Sunset Forest**
In the absence of Qian Xunji, Yue Guan directly addressed him as Xiao Yi.
"Professor Yue Guan, we're off to hunt for treasure!"
"Please, take a look!"
Gu Ziyi smiled at his question, then took out the homemade incomplete image and handed it to Yue Guan.
"Oh? Treasure hunting? That sounds intriguing!"
Hearing this, Yue Guan's eyes sparkled with excitement as he took the torn map from Gu Ziyi and inspected it curiously.
The moment he glanced at it, Yue Guan stopped instantly, paralyzed, as his hands holding the map trembled slightly.
"Lao Yue, what's wrong?" (N/E: If I'm not mistaken, 'Lao' means brother in Chinese.)
"The king of the Immortal Plants... 'Lovesick Heartbroken Red'!"
(N/E: Also known as 'Lovesick Red Heart' or 'Acacia Heartbroken Red,' it's the same name as the Acacia tree and was used by Xiao Wu during the Soul Master Competition arc in the original work.)
"Your Highness, is the image really set in Sunset Forest?"
When he heard his old friend's voice, Yue Guan snapped out of his daze and quickly grabbed Gu Ziyi's hand, asking urgently.
The reason Yue Guan was so excited was that Gu Ziyi had painted the 'Lovesick Heartbroken Red,' a flower symbolizing undying love.
'Lovesick Heartbroken Red' is regarded as the King of Immortal Plants and Herbs among all existing Immortal Plants. Given Yue Guan's character and his near-devotion to flora (especially flowers), this plant undoubtedly held incredible allure for him.
In the original story, he even offered to protect Xiao Wu simply because he discovered that she possessed this Immortal Plant and, filled with admiration, acknowledged her as its rightful owner.
"I found this fragment in the Library Pavilion. It seems quite ancient. I also deduced Sunset Forest as the map's location. Whether it's true or not, I must go there to find out!" Gu Ziyi explained.
"You found this in the library?"
"Sunset Forest… how did Your Highness deduce Sunset Forest as the exact location?"
"I based my deduction on the remaining image on the back of this map fragment," Gu Ziyi replied.
Hearing this, Yue Guan quickly flipped the map over, noticing a faint design on the back.
"…"
Based on Gu Ziyi's analysis, Yue Guan deduced the information represented by the design and found himself at a loss.
Isn't this a stretch?
Basing it solely on a sunset pattern, it's quite a leap to connect it to Sunset Forest, isn't it?
"I can't help it. Other than Sunset Forest, I can't think of any other place on the continent related to the pattern!"
"Either way, I have to check it out for myself."
"Even though the High Priest promised to help me find treasures to improve my talents, I don't want to sit around waiting for it. I don't know how long I'd wait, nor if any would be found. So I decided to take this chance to go out and find it myself!"
Upon seeing Yue Guan's expression, Gu Ziyi laughed inwardly and continued with a determined smile.
Unintentionally, he also mentioned Qian Daoliu's support.
While Gu Ziyi trusted Yue Guan, he felt it necessary to mention Qian Daoliu to underscore the value placed upon him.
This way, they'd feel even more cautious about harboring ill intentions.
Besides, there are so many Immortal Plants in the Yin-Yang Ice Fire Well. He only needed the two best to help him develop his Martial Spirit.
He never wanted to rely on the Martial Soul Hall. It was mere greed driving his desire to claim all Immortal Plants for himself.
Realizing he didn't need that many Immortal Plants, he decided to focus on securing the specific ones he needed.
Solving his Martial Spirit issue was what mattered most.
"High Priest…"
Sure enough, upon learning that Qian Daoliu held Gu Ziyi in high regard, Yue Guan and Gui Mei's expressions changed subtly.
"Yes, if there's any place tied to the design, it has to be Sunset Forest!" Gu Ziyi affirmed.
"Don't worry, Your Highness. If there's an Immortal Plant there, Lao Gui and I will definitely help you find it!"
Yue Guan reassured Gu Ziyi.
"As long as I can take a look, I'll be satisfied!"
"My only concern is that Your Highness may be disappointed if there's nothing there or no Immortal Plant to help. I know Immortal Plants greatly benefit Soul Masters, but I'm unsure if they can enhance Martial Spirits!"
Finally, Yue Guan reminded Gu Ziyi, concerned he'd be disappointed if the trip proved fruitless.
"Yes, I understand!"
"Professor Yue Guan, Senior Ghost, let's head out quickly!"
Gu Ziyi nodded lightly, urging Yue Guan and Gui Mei to set off promptly.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
"We'll leave now!"
…
Two days later, Gu Ziyi and his party entered the Tiandou Empire.
A week later, they finally reached the outskirts of Sunset Forest!
"We're finally here!"
"Old Ghost, you'll lead the search while I'll protect Your Highness!"
"Based on the places His Highness mentioned along the journey, his method seems correct. If an Immortal Plant truly exists here, it must be hidden in a challenging spot to find. We should search places with distinct features, like caves!"
Gazing at Sunset Forest before him, Yue Guan felt a surge of excitement, turning to his brother to discuss the search strategy.
"Don't worry, leave it to me!"
"Just make sure you protect His Highness!"
Ghost responded without expression, his figure flashing as he vanished into a shadowy mist.
"Your Highness, let's go search for the location too!"
Once Ghost had left, Yue Guan said to Gu Ziyi.
Although he was responsible for protecting him, that didn't mean they'd stop searching. He simply prioritized Gu Ziyi's safety as they explored.
"Alright, Professor Yue Guan, let's go!"
Naturally, Gu Ziyi had no objections to this arrangement. He was eager to locate the Yin-Yang Ice Fire Well.
He knew that finding the site relied solely on his two protectors, Yue Guan and Gui Mei, so he only had to follow obediently.
So they entered Sunset Forest and began their search.
As Ghost scouted in one direction, Yue Guan and Gu Ziyi naturally looked in another.
In the outer regions, Yue Guan found it easy to navigate. However, as they ventured deeper into Sunset Forest, things grew more challenging. After all, there were many ten-thousand-year-old Soul Beasts, so he remained on guard to protect Gu Ziyi.
Confident in his ability to protect him, he still erred on the side of caution.
"Second Soul Ability: Cleansing Curse!"
At that moment, Gu Ziyi began casting a Cleansing Talisman on Yue Guan.
"Is this the effect of your talisman? Impressive, it even affects me!"
Feeling his senses sharpen, Yue Guan couldn't help but praise the soul ability.
Even so, they encountered interruptions from impulsive Soul Beasts within Sunset Forest.
Yue Guan avoided fighting them, instead fleeing with Gu Ziyi.
The pair searched the forest for days, finding nothing until a shadowy figure approached them suddenly.
"Lao Yue, Your Highness!"
"I found the place!"
…
(End of Chapter)
--