Chapter 1247: Chapter 1246: Wang Junyi’s Guilty Conscience

The Yuanqi Mountain Range is divided into three layers: the outer region, the inner region, and the central region.

Under normal circumstances, most people venture into the outer region, with only a select few daring to enter the inner region. As for the central area, it has been years since anyone has dared to enter.

Typically, ninety-nine percent of the people remain in the outer region, while only one percent dare to enter the middle zone. As for the core, it’s been many years since anyone dared to venture in.

For those true experts, the exotic beasts of the Yuanqi Mountain Range have lost their allure; they are more intrigued by the Sourceless Forest.

As Wang Junyi, on horseback, reached the passageway to the inner circle of the Yuanqi Mountain Range, many people looked on with open envy.

"Wang Junyi advanced two ranks; he must be heading for the inner region."

"He’s a fourth-rank expert; why would he waste his time in the outer region?"

"If Wang Junyi really becomes a beast tamer, then Tianshui City will be the domain of the Wang Family."

"Yes, and didn’t Wang Junyi once fancy the beloved daughter of the Shen Family? But she didn’t fancy him and ended up marrying a wastrel. She might be regretting it now."

Su Changfeng, listening to this, couldn’t help but glance at Shen Rushuang. Her expression remained indifferent, as if she had anticipated such a reaction from the crowd.

The passageway was a small path between two mountains. As Wang Junyi went in, Shen Rushuang followed.

Seeing this, Su Changfeng naturally decided to follow as well.

Even though Shen Rushuang intended to kill him, Su Changfeng was confident he wouldn’t die just like that. He might as well take the opportunity to see some other exotic beasts.

"Shen Rushuang? What does this mean? Is she planning to go to the inner circle too?"

"Shen Rushuang should only be a first rank, right? Has she gone mad? This is blatant suicide!"

"Hey, there’s a man with her. Could he be someone Shen Rushuang specifically brought as help?"

The crowd murmured among themselves, clearly curious about Su Changfeng’s identity.

Entering the inner region is risky if one’s strength is not at the fourth rank. Hence, in people’s eyes, if Shen Rushuang dared to enter, she must have been prepared. But they didn’t recognize Su Changfeng, leading to inevitable speculation.

However, it wasn’t long before someone recognized Su Changfeng. Previously, when Su Changfeng visited the teahouse, he did cause a bit of a stir.

"That person, isn’t he Shen Rushuang’s husband?"

"No way, could it really be him?"

"But hasn’t everyone been saying Shen Rushuang’s husband is a good-for-nothing? Could the rumors be false?"

"No, I heard it too. That guy really is a wastrel. As for why Shen Rushuang would bring him to the inner region, I have no idea."

"Could it be that they both lost their minds?"

For a moment, everyone speculated. Some thought the rumors might be false and that Su Changfeng could be a hidden expert. Others speculated that Shen Rushuang intended to take Su Changfeng to the inner circle to commit a joint suicide.

Of course, there were also some with deeper thoughts who believed Shen Rushuang intended to get rid of this useless husband during the hunting expedition, hence going to the inner region.

In truth, Wang Junyi also felt a little uncertain. After all, he had never been to the inner region before and couldn’t determine what kind of exotic beasts he might encounter. If luck wasn’t on his side and he encountered a formidable one, he might never make it back.

But seeing Su Changfeng also entering with Shen Rushuang, Wang Junyi felt completely relieved. In his eyes, with Su Changfeng as his mentor, there wouldn’t be any issues even if they went to the center of the Yuanqi Mountain Range.

After dismounting, Wang Junyi deliberately slowed his pace, wanting to walk alongside Su Changfeng. However, Shen Rushuang wasn’t willing to stay with Wang Junyi since she planned to seize the opportunity to test Su Changfeng’s abilities. If he truly turned out to be as useless as he appeared, she’d eliminate him then and there, but such matters naturally couldn’t involve others being present.

"Wang Junyi, even though you’re a fourth-rank expert now, do you still plan to join us?" Shen Rushuang intentionally provoked Wang Junyi.

"Shen Rushuang, since you’re aware that I’m a fourth-rank expert, wouldn’t it be safer for me to protect you?" Wang Junyi responded with a smile.

"I don’t need it," Shen Rushuang replied.

"How could that be?" Wang Junyi remained determined. "I enjoy the hustle and bustle, and besides, with greater power comes greater responsibility. I should at least protect you a bit."

Unable to help herself, Shen Rushuang frowned. Her well-laid plans were being disrupted by Wang Junyi’s unexpected involvement. However, since Wang Junyi insisted on staying together, she had no choice.

Su Changfeng found it amusing. He naturally knew Wang Junyi was merely afraid and hesitant to venture alone. Yet, surprisingly, despite being a fourth-rank expert, his courage seemed lacking.

Su Changfeng couldn’t help but wonder if he had been too impulsive when he accepted a disciple with such limited bravery; how much success could he hope for in the future?

Once inside the inner region, the expressions of Shen Rushuang and Wang Junyi became noticeably more serious. They understood this wasn’t the outer region, and increased danger awaited. If luck wasn’t on their side, they might truly lose their lives.

Compared to Wang Junyi, Shen Rushuang appeared more tense. At least Wang Junyi knew that Su Changfeng had the ability to deal with the exotic beasts, but Shen Rushuang knew nothing of this.

Observing Su Changfeng walking behind, Wang Junyi nonchalantly slowed his pace to match Su Changfeng’s.

Since Shen Rushuang was constantly observing the surroundings, she didn’t notice the whispered conversation between Su Changfeng and Wang Junyi.

"Master, I’ll be counting on you later. You’re my master; you must protect me. I don’t want to die here," Wang Junyi whispered.

"You’re a fourth-rank expert, and this isn’t the central region. Why are you so scared?" Su Changfeng’s mouth twitched slightly.

"Master, even though it’s not the central region, it still has formidable exotic beasts. After all, beasts from the central zone come here to forage," Wang Junyi explained.

Su Changfeng nodded. Indeed, if luck wasn’t on their side, a fourth-rank expert might truly be insignificant.

It was then that they faintly heard the sounds of conflict in the distance. Shen Rushuang paused, while Wang Junyi quickly distanced himself from Su Changfeng, clearly intent on keeping their relationship under wraps.

"Looks like there’s an exotic beast ahead. Should we check it out?" Shen Rushuang asked Wang Junyi, as she considered him a master and regarded Su Changfeng as nothing more than a wastrel. In crucial moments, she hoped Wang Junyi would protect her.

Wang Junyi discreetly glanced at Su Changfeng, who nodded slightly before Wang Junyi made his decision: "Of course we should. We might find some advantage."

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