3093 Set Off
The next morning.
Holy Son Miyan reorganized the team and checked the headcount. Satisfied, he nodded and announced, “We have a complete roster of 32 people from the Imperial Academy this time. Not a single one is missing.”
“Fire-Tempering City and Icebound City squads are also intact.”
“Both the Flying Sword Academy and Lanyang Academy have each lost a student. Their status, whether alive or dead, remains unknown.”
“The Da Feng tribe and the other tribes are unscathed, and the itinerant cultivators are all unharmed.”
“Overall, it’s a blessing in disguise,” Holy Son Miyan concluded, addressing the group. “Now, we’ll be crossing the Red River Canyon.”
“Be cautious, as the canyon is infested with poisonous insects, snakes, and potential ambushes by large spiritual beasts. Watch your step.”
“Some of our teammates returned just last night and may not have fully recovered from their fatigue. Let’s show empathy and let them walk in the middle of the team.”
“I’ll lead the way. Eldest Young Sir Dou, please accompany me.”
“I’ll rely on Crown Prince Lian and His Highness the Chen Prince to safeguard the rear of the team.” His Excellency the Holy Son turned to Mo Lian and Duan Yue, nodding slightly.
“Both of you, being the highest-ranked cultivators other than myself, must stay vigilant with your divine senses. If you detect any unusual activity, inform the team promptly.”
Qiao Mu couldn’t help but roll her eyes at this. She thought, “This Holy Son truly holds himself in high regard.”
Issuing orders to Mo Lian and Duan Yue seemed quite effortless now.
Crown Prince Mo and Duan Yue simultaneously rolled their eyes at His Excellency, and the Holy Son instantly felt a little defeated.
“As for Qiao…”
“Little Junior Sister won’t be separated from us.” Liang Qingqing promptly stepped forward, joining Qiao Mu’s side and lifting her petite form.
“We’re in the same team! No matter what, we have to stick together!” Little Fatty nodded vigorously.
This time, it was His Excellency the Holy Son’s turn to roll his eyes. He scolded them abruptly, “I didn’t ask her to separate from you. What I meant was that Miss Qiao’s situation is rather unique. With her short legs, walking won’t be easy. You guys need to pay extra attention to her!”
This was a no-fly zone. He better not stumble if he couldn’t walk properly. Otherwise, he’d be subjected to a barrage of criticism!
“Your entire family has short legs! Your Lunisolar Shrine has short legs!” The little lady glared angrily.
Everyone: …
“Pfft!”
“Hahahaha!”
Liang Qingqing stifled her laughter and carried the little lady to the middle of the group. “Little Junior Sister, let’s just ignore him! He’s the one with short legs! A short person himself, yet he’s mocking others. Bah!”
Everyone: …
His Excellency the Holy Son couldn’t help but be both amused and exasperated. He couldn’t be bothered with this group of Her Highnesses anymore, so he turned around and led everyone out of the camp.
Descending the mountainous path, the terrain gradually sloped downward.
The Holy Son guided the group with familiarity, leading them throughout the morning without encountering any significant danger. A few blind spirit beasts attacked, but the group swiftly dealt with them, and the journey remained uneventful.
They pressed forward, opting to save time by forgoing the setup of a camp and a midday fire to cook lunch.
Given their cultivation levels, going without food for half a month wouldn’t pose a significant challenge.