Chapter 027

Chapter 27: Saving the Red Maned Colt

“Really? This grass has such a use?”

It was Wei Zong Hao’s first time hearing about it, and he hadn’t yet learned much about spirit plants.

“Of course it does! My maternal uncle once told me that Weiwei grass is even better than ordinary ingredients for making Breath-Concealing Pills. Unfortunately, I can’t refine pills yet, so we can only disguise ourselves with the raw material.”

Wei Zong Hao’s interest was piqued. He moved closer and asked, “Then teach me how to recognize Weiwei grass, and I’ll pick some too.”

“Alright, come here,” Wei Yun Xi patiently explained. “Weiwei grass is shorter and thinner than normal grass, with a lighter color. It grows near places with abundant water and likes to hide between stones. If you look carefully, you’ll find some.”

Wei Yun Xi described it very clearly. Not long after, Wei Zong Hao found a blade of grass and pulled it up, bringing it to Wei Yun Xi for confirmation.

“Yes, that’s exactly Weiwei grass. Let’s collect more; it’ll reduce danger tonight and help you save some of your Breath-Concealing Talismans.”

Wei Zong Hao nodded eagerly. His family hadn’t given him many talismans, so he had to be careful.

The two quickly gathered a bundle of Weiwei grass. By the time a water lizard poked its head out of the stream, they had already left the small creek and continued onward.

Not long after, Wei Yun Ting’s group reached the same stream. When Wei Yun Qing knelt down to refill her water flask, she was suddenly attacked by the water lizard. Fortunately, her reactions were swift. She dropped the flask and scrambled desperately back to Wei Yun Ting’s side.

Wei Zong Han swiftly formed hand seals and barely managed to conjure a fireball to drive the water lizard back into the creek. He shouted loudly, “Move quickly!”

The six-person team was forced to continue their journey in haste. Everyone subtly distanced themselves from Wei Yun Qing, feeling that trouble seemed to follow her wherever she went. Even fetching water was dangerous for her.

Wei Yun Qing felt deeply wronged. How was she to know there was a spirit beast lurking in the creek, just waiting to attack her?

While their team’s atmosphere grew tense, Wei Yun Xi and Wei Zong Hao were enjoying an easier time. They crushed the Weiwei grass and rubbed it onto their bodies, masking their scent with a fresh grass fragrance. After disguising themselves, they moved forward again.

“Yun Xi, this Weiwei grass really works!” said Wei Zong Hao excitedly.

“Brother Zong Hao, even if Weiwei grass is helpful, don’t relax your vigilance. Its effect is still weaker than a Breath-Concealing Talisman or pill. To spirit beasts, we’re just moving clumps of grass. If one becomes curious, we could end up running for our lives.”

“I know, I know,” the little fatty quickly nodded in agreement.

They avoided stopping by the stream at noon, as many spirit beasts came to play there during the hottest time of the day. Instead, just like the night before, they rested on a tree branch to regain their strength before continuing onward.

True Lord Yu Feng, hidden in the shadows, nodded approvingly at the two little ones from the Wei Clan. Although separated from the main group, they had remained calm and alert, cleverly using nearby resources for protection. He especially noticed that the little girl was very knowledgeable about spirit plants.

After climbing down another slope, Wei Yun Xi and Wei Zong Hao paused to rest for a short while. At that moment, a sudden neigh echoed through the air.

Wei Zong Hao immediately stood protectively next to Wei Yun Xi. “Yun Xi, that’s a spirit beast, isn’t it?”

“Yes, I heard it too. I’m not sure how many there are or if they’re coming toward us.”

“Then let’s climb that big tree and take a look first,” the little fatty said, pointing at a tall pine tree nearby.

Wei Yun Xi nodded in agreement, and the two scrambled up the tree like agile monkeys, carefully looking toward the sound.

“Ah! It’s a Red Maned colt—a small foal! Why is it here?” Wei Zong Hao’s eyes sparkled brightly with excitement.

Wei Yun Xi shook her head thoughtfully, “I’m not sure, but it seems to be tangled up in iron brambles.”

The young Red Maned colt struggled, unable to break free from the thorny vines. It neighed urgently, likely calling out for help from its companions.

“Yun Xi, should we capture it?” Wei Zong Hao asked, greedily eyeing the adorable foal.

Wei Yun Xi smiled wryly and asked, “Brother Zong Hao, do you have a Spirit Beast Bag?”

Wei Zong Hao immediately shook his head, “Nope. Those things are even more expensive than storage pouches.”

Wei Yun Xi continued thoughtfully, “Since we’re so close to Grand Righteous Sect, could it be a sect-owned beast used for riding?”

“It’s possible, but it’s so small—surely not suitable for riding,” replied Wei Zong Hao.

Wei Yun Xi touched her chubby chin and said, “It’s indeed small, but carrying the two of us should be manageable.”

“You’re thinking of riding it?” Wei Zong Hao looked at her, astonished by Yun Xi’s bold idea.

Wei Yun Xi smiled slyly, “Brother Zong Hao, don’t you want to be the first to reach the gathering point?”

“Of course I do.”

“With our short legs, it’ll take us at least three days to get there. Riding this little colt could save us at least half a day. Wouldn’t you like to give it a try?”

Wei Zong Hao helplessly rubbed his face, “Well, we need the colt’s consent.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll rescue it first, and then kindly negotiate. I’m confident it’ll agree to carry us for a while,” Wei Yun Xi said confidently.

The two children then carefully conferred, ensuring no adult Red Maned colts were nearby. An adult Red Maned colt would be far beyond their ability to handle.

“Younger sister Yun Xi, I think its companions aren’t around here.”

“Yes, otherwise it wouldn’t have gotten itself trapped alone in the iron bramble thicket.”

Confident their plan was safe, they slid down from the tree and quietly approached the trapped little colt.

The colt quickly noticed Wei Yun Xi and Wei Zong Hao. It snorted curiously, large black eyes filled with doubt. The beings before it were humans but unusually small, and their scent was oddly different.

Facing the colt’s suspicion, Wei Yun Xi waved to Wei Zong Hao, who immediately took out a piece of candy from his storage pouch—something his mother had specially prepared for him.

“Brother Zong Hao, hurry up!” Wei Yun Xi reminded him impatiently as the little fatty swallowed hungrily.

She was glad that even as a child, she had never liked sweets, and this body wasn’t tempted by them either.

At last, Wei Zong Hao reluctantly tossed the candy near the colt’s mouth and gently coaxed, “Here, little horsey, eat it. It’ll give you strength.”

The colt, displaying surprising intelligence, sniffed at the candy curiously. After a moment’s hesitation, it licked the treat into its mouth, chewing happily and licking its lips afterward, obviously pleased with the taste.

Seeing the colt had calmed down, Wei Yun Xi took the dagger Wei Zong Hao handed her and began slowly cutting away the iron brambles tangled around the colt’s hind legs.

Wei Zong Hao transformed into a chatty companion, continuously talking to and calming the colt, periodically giving it candy to restore its energy.

Wei Yun Xi carefully sliced through the brambles, paying close attention to the colt’s reactions. Whenever it grew restless or impatient, she would pause briefly, giving it time to adapt to the situation.

Half an hour later, the little Red Maned colt was finally free.

Rubbing his hands nervously, Brother Wei Zong bluntly asked, “Beautiful little colt, would you be willing to carry us to Grand Righteous Sect?”