The Miao territory was a lawless land, belonging to no nation, yet no nation dared conquer it due to its unique character.
Gu poison was its protection.
Miao territory was nestled within a valley, shielded by a poisonous mist. Unlike the Poison King Valley, this mist was invisible. Had Han Xiwen not tossed a stone into it, which turned purple upon contact, any rash advance would have proven fatal, turning the body purple.
"Young Master, how do we enter here?" Liu'er asked.
Xue Zining also looked at Han Xiwen. She had heard him mention knowing some things about Miao territory, after all, he had suppressed the poisonous effects of the Cold Emperor's bamboo leaf green. His mother was from Miao territory.
Han Xiwen produced a short flute. Xue Zining recognized it as the same one used that day to subdue the Cold Emperor's bamboo leaf green.
After playing a melody, Han Xiwen lowered the flute and said, "Someone should be coming."
As his words fell, a figure appeared in the distance.
As the person drew closer, Xue Zining saw they were wearing clothes of various colors, with a silver collar around their head and neck.
The newcomer glanced at Xue Zining and Liu'er, then their gaze fell upon Han Xiwen. For a fleeting moment, their eyes widened in surprise.
At that moment, Han Xiwen stepped forward and bowed slightly, "I am Han Xiwen, and I wish to see the elder."
The person looked at Han Xiwen again, then after a pause, said, "Follow me!"
"Entering Miao territory so easily? I heard that Miao territory is not a place ordinary people can access," Liu'er exclaimed in surprise.
Xue Zining's gaze fixed on the person leading the way. They seemed to be Han Xiwen, yet pretended not to know him. Why?
It wasn't until she almost bumped into Han Xiwen in front of her that she stopped. Looking up, she saw that the residences of the Miao people were built in the trees. Passing Miao people, similarly clad in vibrantly colored garments, also looked at the outsiders with surprise.
Liu'er then spoke, "This is my first time seeing dwellings built in trees. Aren't you afraid of falling off while sleeping at night?"
The person leading the way replied, "We will not fall. The people of Miao territory have lived here since birth and are accustomed to it."
Upon hearing this, Liu'er instinctively glanced at Xue Zining, clearing her throat lightly, "Forgive my ignorance."
"This is the elder's residence. However, the elder is currently performing a ritual, so it may take some time. Please wait here for a moment."
"Can outsiders observe the ritual?" Xue Zining suddenly asked.
The person leading the way looked at Han Xiwen. Han Xiwen's gaze flickered. Seeing this, Xue Zining said, "If it's inconvenient, then never mind."
"I will go and request permission to observe. Please wait."
The guide left.
Xue Zining looked around. It seemed normal, yet she felt a sense of unease.
"Miss Ning, do not be afraid. Although I have never been here before, due to my mother's connections, they would not dare do anything to us," Han Xiwen said.
Xue Zining nodded and asked, "What kind of existence did your wife hold in Miao territory?"
Han Xiwen's gaze paused. Seeing this, Xue Zining said, "If it's inconvenient, you don't have to say."
Han Xiwen then looked elsewhere. "It's not that I cannot speak of it. My mother is the Saintess of Miao territory."
Xue Zining was stunned. The Saintess of Miao territory was a sacred figure.
"Then you..."
"The Young Master of Miao territory!" Han Xiwen turned to look at her, his eyes gleaming with a light that was both captivating and inscrutable.
"The elder has arrived."
Xue Zining turned to look at the approaching figure. It was an elder with white hair, but his physique was agile, not at all like an old man's.
Upon seeing Han Xiwen, the elder's steps faltered. He quickened his pace, bowed, and said, "Young Master, you have finally returned."
Han Xiwen nodded, then turned and gestured to Xue Zining, "This is my friend, Miss Ning."
The elder quickly said, "Miss Ning."
Xue Zining responded, "Elder."
"Elder Xue, how is the ritual proceeding?" Han Xiwen asked.
Elder Xue shook his head, "It is no use. We still cannot awaken the Saintess."
Han Xiwen nodded, "I understand."
Elder Xue said, "Young Master, Miss Ning must be tired from her journey. I have prepared accommodations. Please, Young Master and Miss Ning, rest first."
Han Xiwen looked at Xue Zining and said, "Miss Ning, I will have someone escort you to rest."
Xue Zining nodded.
Her room was in the innermost large tree. Although built in a tree, it was fully furnished and lacked nothing.
Lying on the bed, Xue Zining closed her eyes.
Soon, she drifted into a dream. She entered a void, a place she was very familiar with, where she had stayed before.
Walking further, she saw a figure. As she approached, she realized it was An Ning.
An Ning looked up at her and said, "You've come."
Xue Zining nodded, "Yes."
"Was he rescued?" An Ning asked.
Xue Zining knew who she was referring to and shook her head, "Not yet. There are still things I need to do."
"Xue Zining, you can surely rescue him, can't you?"
Xue Zining paused. An Ning's eyes were glistening. She said solemnly and earnestly, "Yes, because he is my beloved."
An Ning trembled all over, then smiled, a smile tinged with sadness. "I had actually forgotten. When it comes to liking and love, you feel no less than I do, perhaps even more."
"An Ning, once I have completed all this, let us make a decision about us!"
"Alright," An Ning replied, looking up at her without a hint of hesitation.
"Now, you will have to endure being here."
"As long as it helps rescue him and save your country, my being here is meaningful and worthwhile."
Xue Zining suddenly opened her eyes. There was a sound from outside. She leaped up and landed on the ground, but there was no one there.
She walked to the door, hearing sounds from outside. She suddenly pushed the door open. No one was there. Just as she was about to close it, a black cat leaped onto her arm.
Xue Zining startled and tried to shake off the black cat. The black cat looked up at her, its gaze showing no intention to attack, but rather an indescribable feeling.
"Miss Ning, are you alright?" Han Xiwen, who had arrived shortly after, also entered her room. Upon seeing the black cat in her arms, his expression changed for a brief moment.
"I'm fine. This black cat just appeared from nowhere."
Han Xiwen said, "This is the holy cat of this place. Please, Miss Ning, hand the holy cat to me. I will return it."
Xue Zining nodded and handed the black cat over. Just as Han Xiwen was about to touch it, the black cat bristled as if facing him.
Han Xiwen's gaze turned cold, "Come here."
The black cat continued to watch Han Xiwen vigilantly, emitting a low growl.
"It seems to dislike you," Xue Zining said.