Chen Baiqing's Action

"That's all I know for now. If you want to learn more, the ancestral hall might hold more secrets."

Zhou Ping had practically spilled every piece of information he could recall.

He briefly recounted when Ancestor Zhou first began acting strangely, which villagers seemed the most suspicious, and the general details of each ritual.

At this point, the little girl in the rabbit mask might truly be his last hope.

Compared to a silent and helpless end, Zhou Ping wanted to struggle once more, even if it proved futile.

Chen Baiqing's gaze remained steady. This was the first time she could actually help her master.

If possible, she didn’t want to mess things up.

The only reason she could pass through the barrier was that it lacked any real defensive power—Chen Baiqing had forced her way in by brute strength as a Golden Core cultivator.

Her innate abilities allowed her to deceive spiritual energy, but that didn’t mean her own energy could be completely concealed.

So after crossing the barrier, Chen Baiqing refrained from recklessly using her powers to gather information, unsure of the exact situation.

What if there were rituals inside the barrier capable of detecting spiritual energy?

Her master had taught her through both words and actions: always prepare for the worst and never rely on miracles.

Though her master had once mentioned an exception—their eldest senior sister didn’t count.

A strange thing to say… but then again, their eldest senior sister did have unnaturally good luck.

After entering the barrier, Chen Baiqing quickly identified Zhou Ping as her target based on her own observations.

While the other villagers radiated fanaticism and desire, Zhou Ping exuded nothing but despair—the kind that clung to life without truly living.

One glance was enough to confirm that this man was a uniquely unlucky soul.

So far, everything was going smoothly.

And this unlucky fellow seemed to have some wits left, judging by the desperate hope in his eyes when he looked at her.

Clearly, his will to survive was strong.

Chen Baiqing swiftly assessed the situation: this guy could be useful, but in a crisis, he’d probably sell her out first.

But nothing in life was ever truly safe.

Without using spiritual energy, Chen Baiqing was just a frail little girl—albeit one who could single-handedly slaughter a hundred tigers.

Besides, she figured that apart from her master, no one could actually betray her successfully.

Having made up her mind, Chen Baiqing spoke: "In that case, lead the way."

"W-what? Me?!" Zhou Ping’s composure cracked.

Chen Baiqing nodded lightly. "Yes, you."

"I’m completely useless! I’d just hold you back—I don’t even know what I could possibly do!" Zhou Ping’s scalp prickled as he hastily protested.

"If the Immortal doesn’t know the way, I can just point it out for you, can’t I?"

Chen Baiqing replied matter-of-factly, "I know the way just fine. But it seems you’ve missed the path I’ve pointed out for you."

Zhou Ping’s mind raced—then it clicked. What she meant was: I’ve given you a way out, but you don’t seem to appreciate it.

At this point, Zhou Ping could only bargain for whatever advantage he could. Lowering his voice, he asked,

"...Then could you at least walk in front?"

"I can walk on your head, if you prefer."

Zhou Ping: "..."

Truly, the ways of immortals were beyond mortal comprehension. Only ordinary people cared about things like pride.

He was beginning to realize that this immortal’s petite stature was the only thing about her that seemed approachable.

Well, things had come to this. Retreating now would just mean waiting for death—might as well gamble with his life.

"Wait a moment." Zhou Ping crouched by his bed and pulled out a large herb-gathering basket.

Everyone in the village knew each other. If someone spotted a young girl in luxurious robes wearing a white rabbit mask at this hour…

They’d probably skip the interrogation and jump straight to execution.

Zhou Ping carefully picked out a few large leaves, then glanced at Chen Baiqing. She was an immortal—though not particularly concerned with dignity—but hiding in a basket was still a bit… undignified.

Would she even agree to this?

What could he say that wouldn’t anger her?

To his utter shock, the immortal didn’t seem to care about pride at all. Without even asking, she took the basket from his hands and immediately sat down inside, folding her legs neatly.

Chen Baiqing was slender, but the basket wasn’t that spacious—she barely fit after settling in.

She looked up at the stunned Zhou Ping. "Time’s short. Let’s go."

"R-right. Sorry about this—I’ll close the lid now."

"Mm."

Zhou Ping quickly secured the lid, then mustered his strength to lift the basket. To his surprise, the immortal inside wasn’t heavy at all—if anything, she was light.

The basket was woven from bamboo vines. Since it wasn’t meant to hold water, it wasn’t airtight.

Chen Baiqing could still make out glimpses of the outside through the gaps.

The scenery outside the basket shifted slightly as Zhou Ping stepped out of his home and headed toward the newly built ancestral hall.

The rituals were elaborate, requiring many kowtows and prayers.

Doing them properly was exhausting.

After returning to their homes, most villagers would rest, eagerly awaiting the next day when they might be chosen as the lucky one.

So as Chen Baiqing peered through the gaps in the basket, the dirt paths were completely empty.

From this, she deduced that the villagers likely still had their own consciousness—they weren’t mere puppets.

After walking for a while, Zhou Ping suddenly stumbled.

Chen Baiqing initially thought he might be signaling something—perhaps this clever lad had noticed danger.

But then Zhou Ping’s voice came through, so soft it was almost a whisper, barely audible even to himself.

Still, Chen Baiqing’s Golden Core cultivation allowed her to hear it clearly.

"Sorry… it’s too dark. I can’t see the path."

Chen Baiqing could only sigh inwardly. She’d thought her fifth junior brother was the epitome of unreliability.

But after venturing outside, she realized her master’s judgment wasn’t so bad after all.

At least her fifth junior brother was competent enough.

Well, it wasn’t like she’d had high expectations for Zhou Ping in the first place.

Zhou Ping waited a moment, but the immortal in the basket gave no reaction. His initial nervousness eased slightly.

The new ancestral hall wasn’t far now.

Unlike the rest of the village, the hall was always illuminated by red lanterns, making it easy to spot.

From where Zhou Ping stood, he could already see their glow.

Just as he was about to move forward—

"Zhou Ping, what are you doing out here at this hour?"

From the shadows of a nearby house, a hunched middle-aged man stepped out, his dull eyes fixed on Zhou Ping and the large basket on his back.

"Uncle Zhou… I’m gathering white lotus seeds. The merchants are paying a good price for them—I’m saving up to get married."

"In the middle of the night? Can you even see? Why not go during the day?"

"The moonlight’s bright tonight. I can see just fine."

"Why go through all this trouble? Just pray to Ancestor Zhou more. Let him grant you a wife."

"It was only after paying respects to Ancestor Zhou today that I went to gather white lotus seeds. With Ancestor Zhou's blessing, I'm sure to collect even more. As for Ancestor Zhou promising me a wife, wouldn't you have your turn first, Uncle Zhou?"

"Heh... you've got a sweet tongue, kid."

Chen Baiqing listened to their conversation from inside the basket, hearing Uncle Zhou's footsteps draw nearer.

Clearly, Zhou Ping's answer hadn't satisfied Uncle Zhou.

"Kid... that basket of yours looks heavy. Need Uncle Zhou to lend a hand?"

"Empty basket, how could it be heavy? No need, Uncle Zhou..."

"Empty? Doesn't look like it to me!"

Uncle Zhou's previously sluggish movements suddenly sharpened—Zhou Ping didn't even have time to react.

A blur swept past as the lid behind him was flung open.

Uncle Zhou's gaze fell squarely into the basket.