Zhu Chang left straight away to talk to the people who were going to be involved in the trip of theirs to keep everything prepared by the morning.
After handling everything to make sure they could leave as fast as they could before anyone could change their mind, he walked back to his room and started resting. Tomorrow was going to be a big day and slightly less boring.
He was finally going to the Plum Blossom Mountain again to have some fun, and he wasn't alone this time.
He hadn't slept in a long time. He spent his night sleeping just to get some rest for the trip ahead.
...
The light night passed in silence like any other ordinary night; however, it wasn't as silent for the most important people of the clan.
The Patriarch of the Black Tortoise Clan was standing before a barren land with his brother on each side.
"When did you notice it?" he asked his third brother.
"It was discovered by a guard who was patrolling this place in the morning, not long after you had left."
"Did you search the whole place?" The Patriarch asked.
"We did. But it wasn't useful. We couldn't find it..."
"That means it must be somewhere in this Realm freely? You know how dangerous it can be? How can you all be so lax! And you still didn't warn the citizens?"
"We didn't want there to be a commotion as that might have obstructed the search. And we also wanted to wait for you to return," the Third Brother said, sighing.
"I think he is right. The worst thing we can do is cause fear amongst our people for no reason. So far, we have no news of anyone being killed. I think it might be possible that it did come here, but it left just as fast after realizing where it was?" The Second Brother suggested.
"I doubt we're that lucky," Zhu Lin said, looking in the distant horizon. "I want you to increase the personnel on the ground. Search the entire realm once again. Tell the men to keep an eye on all suspicious things."
The sun had started shining on the distant horizon as well.
...
Back at the clan, Zhu Chang woke up with the first ray of light falling on the ground. He swiftly got ready after taking a shower and getting adequately dressed before leaving his courtyard.
He walked to the courtyard of Long Chen. Since he wasn't standing outside, Zhu Chang walked to the door and knocked. "Long Chen, are you ready?"
"Huh? What?" Long Chen lazily opened his eyes, hearing the voice.
Through the night, he hadn't slept. And just as he was going to sleep after a long night, he heard Zhu Chang's voice. "It's already the time?"
Zhiqing, Mingyu, and Ming Lan were lying on his left while the other three were lying on his right.
Only Xun was sitting on the chair. She was the only one who hadn't participated in the nightly activities of Long Chen.
Long Chen didn't involve her either, since it was slightly off to just include her out of nowhere before his wives.
All the ladies had already fallen asleep, extremely tired. One Xun and Long Chen were still up.
Long Chen got off the bed and wrapped a towel around his waist before walking to the door. "I'm still not prepared. Just give me half an hour. I'll be right out."
After updating Zhu Chang, he walked inside the bathroom and took a shower. After getting dressed, he started leaving.
"When they wake up, tell them I left. Alright?" he told Xun, standing at the door.
"I won't be telling them," Xun replied, rolling her eyes.
"And why not?" Long Chen asked.
"Because I won't be here either. I'm coming with you."
"Are you back to it again? You know we talked about it. We can't take it! It's risky for you!"
"It's not. I talked to Zhu Chang. He said I could come. He said you have a Revival Talisman, which you aren't going to need after seeing your strength. He said I should be safe to come if you give me that," Xun replied.
"You... Why do you even want to come?"
"Do I even need a reason? I've been with you since your childhood. Who will come with you if not me? I am coming with you. No matter what you say."
"What if I say no?" Long Chen asked, frowning.
"Then I'll tell all your wives about some things that you might not want them to know." Xun smiled. "You know, like the bet you had with me?"
She knew blackmailing wasn't right, but she really wanted him to take her at any cost.
"And that won't be all. I'll still follow you outside and leave this clan to find the Plum Blossom Mountain on my own. It didn't matter if you took me or not. I'll end up in that place one way or another. The choice is yours," she further added.
"You know, you're really shameless," Long Chen said, walking towards Xun. "But thanks for reminding me about that bet. I had completely forgotten about it."
He bent forward, placing his lips on Xun's lips after she reminded him of a bet where he was allowed to kiss her whenever he wanted.
"Still, I guess I'll take you. It's better that you come with me than going alone. And I certainly know how stubborn you can be," he said, freeing her lips. "I blame Zhu Chang more. It's all because he told you that you could come safely."
"Come," he said, walking back.
Xun was already dressed as if she had expected this outcome. She swiftly stood up and followed after Long Chen.
Long Chen stopped before the door once again. "Oh wait, since you're coming with me, who will tell them?"
He walked back and wrote a letter, leaving it for his ladies before he departed.
After finishing, Long Chen left with Xun.
"Finally, you are out. I thought you were going to take all day."
"I would've been out much faster if you hadn't told Xun that she could come with us," Long Chen replied. "But before leaving, I need to do one more thing."
"What thing?"
"I wanted to ask your Mother if she could train my family and teach her a few things so they could defend themselves in danger at least. You think she'll agree?" Long Chen asked.
"Will she? Is that even a question?" Zhu Chang asked. "I think she would be happy instead.. Come, I'll tell her on the way out."