Chapter 2244: Cherishing Life (2)

As they entered November, the weather became chilly. Fortunately, since they had been in the Jiangnan region all along, it didn’t feel too cold.

However, geographically speaking, Yunmen Mountain should be in the Jiangbei region. So, as they traveled north, the weather got increasingly colder, forcing them to add more clothing as they journeyed.

Two days later, they arrived at the foot of Yunmen Mountain.

Unlike typical sects where the mountain gate is visible at the foot of the mountain, here there was nothing visible. All they could see was a forest, with a mountain behind it.

Of course, there was a pavilion in front of the forest, offering a place to rest, sheltered from the sun and rain.

If it weren’t for the stele next to the pavilion, inscribed with the words "Yunmen Mountain," even if you passed by, you might not recognize it.

"Master, this forest looks pretty dense, we can’t even see a path. How do we get across?" Yang Ruxin looked at the forest in front of her. The trees were varied: black pines, Elaeagnus angustifolia, and plum trees about to bloom. Of course, there were also some tree species she didn’t recognize. This forest was essentially the first gateway to the Cloud Sect, or rather, the barrier to entering Yunmen Mountain.

Only those who could break through the formation at the gate could enter.

"I’ve taught you the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams. Why don’t you give it a try?" Dao Xuzi, along with Ming Guang, each holding a wine gourd, were lounging in the pavilion, sipping on peanuts and drinks.

"But I haven’t even mastered the basics," Yang Ruxin frowned. "What if I can’t get out?"

"Why so little confidence?" Dao Xuzi stared. "It’s just an Eight Trigrams Array. What’s so difficult about it?"

Yang Ruxin pouted. You make it sound easy, but what if there are traps and I end up dead inside?

"You can recite the Song of the Eight Trigram’s Metaphors, right?" Dao Xuzi asked, seeing Yang Ruxin not moving.

"Yes," Yang Ruxin nodded.

"Just follow it, and you’ll be fine."

"I won’t." Yang Ruxin shook her head again. "I won’t go in, it’s no big deal if I don’t become the Sect Leader. I honestly don’t care. I won’t risk my life for something I’m not skilled at."

"You..."

Yang Ruxin just plopped down in the pavilion, pulled out some dates, and shared them with everyone.

"I give up on you," Dao Xuzi chuckled in frustration and stood up. "I’ll take you in."

"That’s more like it." Yang Ruxin was delighted.

"Then give me another jug of wine." Dao Xuzi held out his empty wine gourd.

Ming Guang followed suit, pouring the rest of his wine into his mouth before stretching out his gourd.

"We’ll talk once we’re inside," Yang Ruxin spread her hands.

"Give us a little now," Dao Xuzi frowned.

"Give a little," Ming Guang echoed.

"No," Yang Ruxin crossed her arms. "Only after we’re inside can we talk about the wine exchange."

"You..." Dao Xuzi wanted to glare but found himself lacking confidence. In the end, he could only sigh in resignation, "Let’s go then." Turning, he flew toward the forest. "Keep up. If you get lost, you’ll have to figure it out yourself."

Gu Qingheng chuckled, picked up Yang Ruxin, and leaped after them.

Naturally, those behind them weren’t willing to lag.

From the outside, the forest seemed dense, with trees tightly packed. But once inside, they discovered the spacing was quite generous, and every tree was planted according to the orientation of the Eight Trigrams. However, the combined formation wasn’t all that difficult.