The carriage traveled straight north.
Half a month later, the group crossed the border of Danfeng Kingdom and finally saw the legendary wilderness. It was indeed barren and uninhabited, with desolate scenery stretching as far as the eye could see.
In the fading light, amidst the bare mountains, stood small hills of varying heights, devoid of any greenery. The distant mountains seemed endless.
The wind rose, whipping up dust, coarse sand mixed within. No wonder it was so barren. Crops simply couldn't grow here, making it impossible for people to survive. Who would willingly stay in such a desolate place?
As for the location of Villain Island, they had inquired at the border of Danfeng Kingdom. It did exist. Following the barren lands northward, one would soon come across an oasis.
This was the only patch of green in the entire desolate region. It was said to be inhabited by a group of Yi people, who lived independently, free from the constraints of all kingdoms, and isolated from the outside world.
Villain Island was a small island adjacent to this green oasis. It was home to five great villains, whom most people dared not offend. They were the local overlords of the Yi tribe, commanding respect even from the chieftain.
"Let's go."
Qingyao gave the order, and Moyou rode ahead. Fortunately, this wilderness wasn't a true desert, otherwise, they might not have been able to enter. It was covered in thick sand, which the wind occasionally stirred up and then let fall.
The group spent most of the day crossing the sandy terrain and finally saw greenery before nightfall, much to their relief.
It seemed they had arrived at Villain Island.
No outsiders had ever entered this island before. Even if some had, they had done so stealthily. No one had ever arrived so openly. Therefore, as soon as Qingyao's carriage stopped, someone reported to the chieftain.
The other villagers gathered around the carriage to watch the spectacle. They had never ventured out of their region before, and their customs were simple and pure.
The chieftain was soon brought over. He was a man in his fifties, dressed in resplendent clothing.
The attire was similar to that of the men they had seen earlier, a riot of colors layered upon his body. Yet, with so many colors on one person, it didn't look unsightly. On the contrary, it appeared natural, perhaps they were naturally suited to such vibrant hues.
Qingyao dismounted and bowed to the chieftain.
"We apologize for the disturbance. We had no choice but to come to your island."
The chieftain did not blame them. He clasped his hands together at his chest, bowed slightly, and respectfully inquired, "May I ask why our guests from afar have entered our Hua Jiang tribe?"
"Hua Jiang tribe?" Qingyao's excitement was piqued upon hearing the name.
Since Wuqing was afflicted by a blood curse, and this was the Hua Jiang tribe, with the people's speech and demeanor revealing an air of mystery, she wondered if this was still the land of the Wu Ang tribe. The thought was enough to make her speak before she could restrain herself.
"May I ask, honored chieftain, do the people here know how to use Ang techniques?"
"Ang techniques?" The chieftain was taken aback for a moment, but then he smiled and spoke slowly.
"Some do, but the people of the Hua Jiang tribe never harm others." As soon as the chieftain spoke, Qingyao knew he had misunderstood. He must have thought they were here for retribution.
While it was close, it wasn't these simple, honest people they sought, but the villains on Villain Island.
"We wish to enter Villain Island."
As Qingyao finished speaking, the chieftain's expression flickered, and he quickly said, "Guests, you absolutely must not. Those people are not to be trifled with. No one has ever entered and emerged. Please do not go in."
Qingyao knew that those who practiced Ang techniques were often secretive, and the five great villains must be formidable. However, she could not stand by and watch Wuqing suffer.
"A friend of mine was cursed by some people from the island. To break the curse, we must obtain the antidote from that person. Please, chieftain, you must help us."
As Qingyao finished speaking, the villagers who had been gathered around them quickly dispersed, seemingly fearful of the five great villains and of getting into trouble.
The chieftain's face turned a little pale. He looked up at Qingyao, noting her dust-covered simple clothes and ash-covered face. She must have traveled a long way; it had to be a very important friend.
However, if they were allowed to enter the island, it would likely be a one-way trip. The chieftain felt a pang of reluctance, torn between his options.
Qingyao looked at the chieftain pleadingly again. Finally, the chieftain gritted his teeth.
"Alright, I will prepare a boat for you. You may enter, but you must be cautious. They are all very powerful. Do not fall into their traps, do not fall victim to their Ang. With Ang techniques, first, do not let them get close. Second, do not look directly into their eyes. Third, do not break blood."
Qingyao was immensely grateful for the chieftain's warning.
"Thank you, chieftain. We will be fine, please do not worry."
The chieftain of the Hua Jiang tribe prepared a boat and sent them off. The simple villagers on the shore waved goodbye continuously. Their gazes were filled with pity and sympathy, carrying an air of the valiant warrior embarking on a perilous journey from which there is no return. Each face was bathed in a gentle light as they stood by the lake, waving them off.
Even after their boat had sailed far away, the villagers remained standing there.
In truth, the Hua Jiang people hated the five villains on the island even more than outsiders, but they were powerless against them. They had always hoped someone would come to deal with them, but everyone who went there never returned. No one had ever been seen emerging unharmed.
In the dark night, silver moonlight shone upon the lake, making the water ripple and gleam. A sliver of a new moon was reflected at the bottom of the lake.
Qingyao stood at the bow of the boat, the cold wind blowing. The spring night was chilly, seeping into every inch of her skin, yet she felt no cold. Instead, a fire burned fiercely in her chest.
Villain Island had finally been reached. These detestable people dared to curse Wuqing; she would not let them off. No matter how wicked they were, she would make them wish they had never been born.
A aura of death enveloped her, her face somber, her black pupils emitting a seductive, peculiar gleam.
Silence reigned around them, broken only by the swishing sound of the boat cutting through the water, which was exceptionally clear in the dark night.
The small island was hidden in the lake, with a peak emerging. From a distance, it resembled a large ship stranded on a reef, half submerged and tilted.
The island was not large. Lights could be seen here and there, along with human laughter, a chilling sound that sent shivers down one's spine.
As the boat neared the shore, Moyou, with sharp eyes, called out, "Look out, there are hidden reefs ahead! Be careful not to capsize the boat!"
Upon hearing her words, Moyou immediately used her inner strength to steady the boat. She hadn't expected the surroundings of the island to be riddled with hidden reefs. A single misstep could cause the boat to crash and perish. No wonder many entered but could not leave; this was a hidden barrier.