Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Lu Chen stares at the lady before him. Under the morning rays, her snow-white skin and slightly flushed face makes her look like the most beautiful peach blossom in the world. Enchanting and alluring, she exudes a charm that dazzles others.

After a short moment, he nods his head, Alright, Ill bring you there.

Ding Dang cheers as she tugs on Lu Chens sleeves happily. Her eyes twinkle with warmth as she smiles, Thank you, I knew that you were a good person!

Lu Chen smiles at her words and continues, The Dragon Lake is on the west foothill behind the tea mountain. We will take at least four hours to get there. Do you want to make some preparations f, or should we set off now?

Ding Dang clenches her fist excitedly and anxiously, Lets set off now!

The tea mountain isnt a towering mountain. Looking at it from the foot of the mountain, it looks ordinary. However, as the adage goes, a horse who runs towards the mountain dies of exhaustion. The moment you start walking up the mountains, the feeling turns completely different. This is especially so for Lu Chen and Ding Dang, who is in the midst of treading up the mountain now. Given how they arent cultivators, making them no different from ordinary humans, it is difficult for them to walk up the mountainous paths.

Of the two, Lu Chens physical body is clearly much stronger than Ding Dangs. On the way upwards along the mountainous paths, his footsteps are light. Furthermore, as he is familiar with the roads on the tea mountain, he freely brought Ding Dang around the countless labyrinth-like intersections along the mountainous path.

On the other hand, although Ding Dang was spirited at the start, after an hour of walking, her face slowly pales and beads of perspiration flows profusely down her face. Her breathing slowly deepens. Just by a look, it is clear to see that she has never done menial labor or ran long distances in her life.

After walking a little further, Lu Chen sees that Ding Dang is about to collapse, so he stops to grant her a moment of breather. Without a second word, Ding Dang finds a rock by the path and sits limply on it while gasping for air.

Lu Chen shakes his head and says, How can you walk up the mountain in your state? Should we head back down?

Although Ding Dangs face is frighteningly pale, she is persistent on this matter. She resolutely shakes her head and says, Theres no need for that. I will be fine after resting for a moment.

Lu Chen shrugs.

After resting for around a teas time, Ding Dang stands up and towards Lu Chen, who is sitting by her side, she says, Lets continue.

Lu Chen is taken aback. Bewildered, he asks, What? Then how will you get down from here?

Ding Dang waves her hands and smiles, I am not a child. I can find my own way back. I would like some time to myself, so you should go back first.

Lu Chen went silent for a moment. He looks up at the sky and says, It is no longer early, so by the time you get down the mountain, it could already be night. It would be harder to find your way then, are you sure you can manage?

Ding Dang hesitates for a moment, but her face is still determined. She nods her head vigorously and says, I will be fine, dont worry. I just want to have a private moment here.

Lu Chen stares at her for a moment and chooses not to say anything about it. He simply nods his head and replies, Alright then, take care. After which, he turns around to walk back down on the path he came from.

Ding Dang watches as his back gradually miniaturizes and a complicated expression flashes across her face. It seems to contain a tinge of warmth, gentleness and apology. However, she soon turns around and continues gazing at the tranquil lake.

Yet, at this moment, footsteps sound from her back again. Ding Dang turns around and she is taken aback. It is Lu Chen returning back here. Lu Chen walks towards her with big strides and stuffs something into Ding Dangs hands.

Ding Dang lowers her head to take a look, it is an ignitable paper roll. Then, she hears Lu Chens flat voice, If it is dark by the time you walk down the mountain and you find yourself lost, find a few logs and light them up. Then, wave them in the direction towards the foot of the mountain. If youre lucky, I might come and fetch you if I happen to catch sight of it. However, if I have forgotten about it or if I have already slept, then you can only blame yourself for your ill-luck.

Ding Dang closes gently closes her fingers and grabs the ignitable paper roll in her palm. Then, she lifts her gaze and stares at Lu Chen as emotions ripple in her eyes. After a short moment, she flashes a charming smile and nods her head, Alright!

Lu Chen chuckles and turns around to leave. This time, he doesnt turn back. It didnt take him long to disappear for him to disappear into the distance.

Ding Dang stares at the back of that man as it slowly fades. Her eyes twinkle, and it is hard to tell what thoughts are lingering in her mind right now.

a horse who runs towards the mountain dies of exhaustion. ()

The saying comes from the idea that the mountain is huge, so even though it is in sight, if you try to approach it, you will realise that it is still a far distant away.

It means that even though something may seem easy, it is actually difficult to carry out.