Bonus Chapter!---"Heh, the problem is, do we even have what it takes to be this third party?"
Xingqiu's lips twitched. "Don't you think if we stay here any longer, those monsters will just finish us off?"
"What else can we do? Even if we charge out right now, we'd only make it easier for those creatures to find us."
Gu Sanqiu shrugged. "We'll wait for Chongyun. Once he finishes examining the metal and sees if it works, then we'll figure something else out."
"What are you waiting for?"
Chongyun's voice came from deeper in the cave as he opened his eyes. "Don't tell me we've run into more trouble?"
"It's not new trouble, just the old kind. And it's a pretty tough one to deal with too," Xingqiu explained, giving Chongyun the rundown and successfully earning a confused expression from him.
"So, we're completely stuck here now?"
"If we go out, we'll definitely get attacked, so I hope you can tell me that piece of metal can suppress your Pure Yang body."
Gu Sanqiu gestured outside. "A small group of monsters left, but those two Abyss Mages are still there. If we go out now, we're in for a tough fight."
"It's working well, actually. I can already feel my Pure Yang body isn't fully suppressed," Chongyun said with a joyful expression. "Which means I can finally live like a normal person, without being bound by all those restrictions!"
"Not fully suppressed?"
"Yes, aside from its unique composition, the metal seems to be infused with a strong resentment. That resentment is actively resisting my Pure Yang body."
Gu Sanqiu and Xingqiu both frowned. "Can you estimate how long it will last?"
"Hmm, well, so far I haven't felt any significant depletion. At this rate, I'd say it could last for at least half a year to a year without a problem."
Xingqiu rubbed his temples. "So, we went through all this trouble, got surrounded by a horde of monsters, and ended up with a consumable that lasts for half a year at best?"
"Well..." Chongyun looked a bit embarrassed. "Sorry, guys. I didn't expect it to turn out like this."
"If we keep the metal away from you, will the resentment still be consumed?" Gu Sanqiu asked, shaking his head. "Are you planning to pair it with other cursed objects to extend its duration? That doesn't seem practical."
"If this thing is a consumable, its resentment energy has been depleting since the moment it was activated. Unless you find some extremely cursed place to store it, it's basically useless."
"And if you did go searching for such places, it would go against our original goal of seeking out the remnants of the Archons. Chongyun's life would still be tied to these things."
"So what do we do?"
"We'll take it one step at a time. Right now, we need to figure out how to get out of here. Not only are we in unfamiliar territory, but we're also surrounded by dangerous creatures."
Gu Sanqiu flexed his wrist. "After we get back, we'll gather some information. Next time, we can plan a safer route into Guyun Stone Forest so it won't be as dangerous."
"Good idea. Six months to a year to prepare should be enough," Xingqiu agreed, slowly letting go of the idea of handling everything in one go after Gu Sanqiu's persuasion.
They weren't old men with no time left. With proper preparation, they could definitely pull it off!
"So, it's settled?"
Seeing both of them nod, Gu Sanqiu started distributing supplies and preparing for their escape.
"These are powerful talismans I scavenged from the wild. When you throw them, make sure to use all your strength. Otherwise, the explosion might take you down with it."
"That dangerous?"
"What did you expect? I found them in some ruins. They were likely war supplies back in the day. Of course, they pack a punch."
Besides the combat gear, Gu Sanqiu also prepared enough provisions to ensure that the two wouldn't starve on the way back.
Then, as he was about to speak, he noticed the serious expressions on both Xingqiu and Chongyun's faces.
"Sanqiu, be honest with us. Are you planning on doing something dangerous after giving us all these supplies?"
"It's nothing dangerous."
After a moment of thought, Gu Sanqiu decided to come clean. "I just want to check out what those monsters are fighting against."
Σ(っ°Д°;)っ
Their serious expressions instantly shattered, and they looked at Gu Sanqiu in disbelief.
"You just said the situation outside is incredibly dangerous, and now you want to head straight toward the most dangerous spot?"
"Gu clan members don't have a death wish, do they?"
"You're overthinking it. I just want to take a look, that's all. Besides, I can distract the creatures for you, making it easier for you to escape. Otherwise, getting out of here won't be easy."
"Say no more."
Gu Sanqiu shook his head. "This is something the Gu clan should handle. You can't convince me otherwise."
"My clan has neglected Guyun Stone Forest for too long. Now's the time to gather some updated information."
Chongyun looked like he wanted to argue, but Xingqiu patted his shoulder. "Don't try to stop him. It's part of his job as a Gu clan member—there's no changing his mind."
"We'll make our way back to the starting point. Once you've finished your investigation, shake off the monsters and meet us there."
After calculating the provisions they had with them and those left on the ship, Xingqiu held out his hand.
"Five days. We'll wait on the island for five days. Whether you make it back or not, we'll have to leave. After that, we'll send a larger ship to retrieve you."
"But try to make it back with us. If Liyue's fleet finds you, I doubt you'll enjoy the experience."
Gu Sanqiu's expression darkened. "Trust me, I'll be back in two or three days, tops."
He was just going to observe what the two sides were fighting over. After all, in his memory, as long as an Abyss Mage was involved, the Hilichurls wouldn't be fighting each other.
Yet now, all signs pointed to a battle between the Hilichurls, and that piqued his curiosity.
Just who are the two sides fighting?
"No need to say more. Once I've drawn the monsters' attention, you two make your escape. Don't look back, and make sure no other Hilichurls catch sight of you."
With that, Gu Sanqiu pushed aside the vines covering the cave's entrance, leaped out, and with his spear in hand, quickly dove toward a Geo Shield Mitachurl!
"Roar!"
"Yah!"
"Go!"
Xingqiu and Chongyun crouched low, slipping out of the cave and making their way toward the small island where their boat was anchored.
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