Under everyone's gaze, a "little carp" soon appeared again on the scene. However, this little carp was crooked and wobbly, looking quite comical.
In truth, what people understand the least is always themselves.
For instance, try to imagine your own appearance, and you'll find it hard to form a concrete impression. After all, not everyone stares into a mirror all day.
The state of mind that the mud monster transformed into was entirely related to the little carp's imagination. Perhaps this was how she envisioned herself.
Thinking of this, Liu Nanfeng and Zhu Yin'e couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.
The little carp was also very dissatisfied. "How can I, a cute little child, be so... funny?"
The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became. The more anxious she was, the harder it was for the mud monster to maintain its form. Soon, it reverted to its initial state, a pile of mud spread across the ground.
"You can try changing into your good friend," Zhu Yin'e pointed at Gugu beside them.
The little carp's eyes lit up at the words, while Gugu's mouth gaped in surprise.
Then, under their watchful eyes, the mud monster on the ground elongated and grew, and finally, a lifelike Gugu appeared before everyone.
Her eyes were bright and her face was smiling, making it almost impossible to distinguish her from the real Gugu.
However, she could not speak or move on her own; everything was controlled by the little carp's thoughts. Yet, even so, the little carp found it incredibly fun, enthusiastically making it strike various poses.
Gugu: ...
Of course, these were just the outward appearances. Zhu Yin'e also examined her from within, her expression turning to shock.
Because this imitation Gugu also had flesh and blood, showing no sign that she was formed from a lump of mud.
This was truly the ability of God, no, of Nuwa, of a Creator.
The most difficult thing to create in this world is life, yet now it was conjured by the little carp's thoughts.
From this, it was evident that the "mud monster" had an extraordinary origin.
Zhu Yin'e even thought of dozens of ways to apply its abilities.
---
"Mengyao..."
Hu Mengyao, who was eating noodles, heard the call from behind. She turned her head and saw Yang Ruoyun standing not far away, smiling at her, which brought a surge of joy to her heart.
She quickly waved for her to come over.
"Have you eaten?"
After Yang Ruoyun sat down, Hu Mengyao sized her up. Instead of asking about her injuries first, she inquired if she had eaten.
Yang Ruoyun smiled and shook her head.
"Boss, another bowl of noodles, with an egg," Hu Mengyao called out loudly.
Then, after a moment's thought, she added, "And an extra serving of beef."
Seeing her like this, Yang Ruoyun burst into laughter.
Hu Mengyao had always lived frugally. To treat someone to a meal, and even add an extra serving of beef, was the greatest expression of her friendship.
"No need to treat me, I have money. I'll treat you," Yang Ruoyun said, covering her mouth and chuckling.
"No, if I say I'm treating, then I'm treating. Besides, if you treat me, how can I just eat noodles? I'm saving my appetite for a feast."
Yang Ruoyun didn't insist further, nodding with a smile. She didn't take Hu Mengyao's words too seriously, knowing that her friend was just saying it.
Although Hu Mengyao was a poor fox, she was a poor fox with principles.
"Liu Nanfeng told me you were injured. How is it? Are you all better?" Hu Mengyao finally asked.
Yang Ruoyun spread her arms with a smile, "Not only am I completely healed, but my cultivation has even advanced a bit."
The reason for her improved cultivation was the abundant spiritual energy within [Guan Shan Hai].
As for why her cultivation remained so low after guarding [Guan Shan Hai] for hundreds of years, it was because she had not utilized its abilities.
For these hundreds of years, she had tried many methods but still couldn't enter [Guan Shan Hai]. Furthermore, she discovered that [Guan Shan Hai] was not entirely an inanimate object.
As the saying goes, divine artifacts conceal themselves, and treasures await their fated encounters; everything depends on destiny. She lacked such destiny. Despite having hundreds of years, she still couldn't find a way in.
"That's good," Hu Mengyao sighed in relief.
Then, her expression turned serious. "Who did you provoke? That day, when I was tracking your whereabouts, the other party actually followed the clues to me. If I hadn't met Liu Nanfeng and his friends, I would have been in serious trouble."
Thinking about what happened that night, Hu Mengyao still felt lingering fear.
"It has nothing to do with you. Don't ask too many questions; it won't benefit you," Yang Ruoyun did not answer the question.
As for what Hu Mengyao had encountered that night, Yang Ruoyun already knew from Liu Nanfeng, so she was even less inclined to put Hu Mengyao in danger.
"I don't want to, but now I'm already involved. Do you think they'll let me go?" Hu Mengyao shrugged.
Yang Ruoyun thought about it and realized it was true. The other party didn't need a reason. Since she was already implicated, how could they easily believe she had nothing to do with it?
"Tidal Society."
"What?"
"I said it was people from the Tidal Society."
"Tidal Society?"
Hu Mengyao frowned, vaguely recalling hearing the name somewhere, but it was too long ago, so long ago that she had almost forgotten.
"The Tidal Society is a very ancient organization..." Seeing her reaction, Yang Ruoyun began to speak.
Since she had decided to tell her, she didn't hold back, recounting the entire incident from beginning to end.
However, she didn't go into detail about why the Tidal Society was targeting her, merely stating that they wanted to snatch something from her and then glossed over it.
As Yang Ruoyun spoke, Hu Mengyao slowly remembered everything about the Tidal Society.
When she was in her clan, she had heard her elders mention it, but that was a very long time ago.
"Their power is immense. You need to be very careful," Yang Ruoyun advised.
After a moment's thought, she added, "If things get too bad, you can go to the Nine Departments and ask for their protection. After all, you are a Great Xia person—demon. These outsiders are simply too brazen."
Yang Ruoyun's face showed indignation.
Hu Mengyao shook her head.
"I'm afraid some people in power might not think so. After all, they also belong to Great Xia. In the current global situation, the higher-ups might hope they can return to Great Xia and increase the strength of Great Xia's cultivation world."
Although Hu Mengyao appeared somewhat naive and clumsy in everyday life, she was actually extremely intelligent, and her words hit the nail on the head.
Yang Ruoyun was stunned for a moment, and the more she thought about it, the more it made sense.
So, after some thought, she said, "How about you come with me and cultivate in seclusion for a while? I know a place that is absolutely safe, and the spiritual energy is extremely abundant, which will be very beneficial for your cultivation."
The safe place Yang Ruoyun was referring to was naturally within Liu Nanfeng's [Guan Shan Hai].
Hu Mengyao hesitated slightly, but in the end, she nodded.
"However, before I go into seclusion with you, I have one thing to take care of."
"Sure, there's no rush. What is it? Do you need me to accompany you?"
As she spoke, the boss brought over the items they had just ordered.
Hu Mengyao nodded. Having Yang Ruoyun with her would be good.
If her fourth sister had indeed leaked her whereabouts, she might be in some danger. Having Yang Ruoyun help her would be beneficial, but before that, she also needed to make some preparations.
After finishing their noodles, the two of them headed straight for Hu Siniang's beauty salon.