Late at night.

In the southwestern part of Jianghai Province, deep within Wolong Mountain, lies an isolated peak neither too large nor too small.

Halfway up the peak, there are three simple thatched huts, and beside the hut on the far right grows a thick old pagoda tree.

At this moment, beneath the old pagoda tree, an elder clad in coarse hemp clothing, with white hair and beard, lay fast asleep in a recliner.

Swoosh!

A gentle mountain breeze swept across, causing the sleeping elder's beard to flutter with the wind. His brows twitched gently, then settled back into calmness.

It seems this sudden mountain breeze did not interrupt his peaceful slumber!

But in the next moment, his eyelids suddenly snapped open, emitting two sharp beams of light as he stared directly at the starry night sky above.

After focusing for a while, the elder's brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of confusion flashed in his eyes, as if there was something he couldn't quite comprehend.

After pondering for a moment, he sat up from the recliner and moved to the cliff edge, once again lifting his gaze towards the starry sky.

The elder's gaze slowly traversed the night sky as if observing something.

"Hmm? This star pattern is..."

Suddenly, his gaze sharpened as he noticed a particular spot in the Northwest. His pupils slightly contracted, displaying a solemn expression.

Because at the spot he was observing, there were two dim red stars emitting a faint glow, flickering ominously.

They were like two lantern-like eyes, peering downwards, giving an eerie impression.

Above these two dim red stars was another star of a haunting blue color. These three stars aligned in a straight line, forming a peculiar celestial spectacle called the 'Golden Star Alignment.'

This phenomenon, known as Mars in Scorpio, is considered an omen of great misfortune in astrology! In ancient times, it was believed to be a heavenly punishment for an unjust emperor.

Staring at the celestial alignment of the three stars, the elder's brows knitted tightly, then he shifted his gaze towards the northern sky, where the North Pole star rested.

With his eyes fixed on the North Pole star, he once again began his observation!

Strangely enough, tonight the North Pole star's light was far dimmer than usual, as if shrouded by clouds, its brightness gradually fading with signs of vanishing into the night sky.

While observing the North Pole star, its light faded completely, engulfed entirely, as if it never existed.

With eyes gently closed, the elder's brows furrowed deeper, his forehead creased with profound wrinkles, as he lifted his right hand, calculating with his fingers.

After about half a minute, he reopened his eyes, his face characterized by a melancholic expression, softly muttering to himself: "Mars in Scorpio, swallowing Ziwei, these are signs of great calamity! Moreover, the fate deduced from these two star patterns bears a striking similarity to that brat's. Could it be that brat is about to face great danger?"

...

On the following day.

Ye Xuan woke up early, and after breakfast, he prepared to go into the mountains to gather herbs for Zhou Cuilan, which he had promised her the night before.

Because Zhou Cuilan's condition was quite serious, and according to his assessment, acupuncture alone wouldn't completely cure her. It must be supplemented with herbs to ensure a dual guarantee for eradicating the cancer cells thoroughly.

And the simplest and most effective way to find such herbs was naturally to venture deep into the mountains! Especially in these uninhabited deep mountains, which have not been harvested by humans, the chances of finding herbs are exceptionally high. Thus, he decided to venture into the mountains to try his luck.

Luckily, near Huayu Village, there is a range of mountains, allowing him to gather herbs nearby without a long trek.

Moreover, Ye Xuan had already observed when he arrived that these deep, secluded forests with few human traces were prime areas for gathering herbs!

"Ye Xuan, are you really going into the mountains to gather herbs? Won't it be too dangerous? I've heard there are wolves and tigers in there that prey on humans."

Lu Miaochan's face showed signs of concern. Early in the morning, after hearing Ye Xuan's plan to gather herbs in the mountains, although she wished for her grandmother's illness to be healed, she also hoped Ye Xuan wouldn't encounter any mishaps.

After all, in these dense and isolated mountains, Ye Xuan would be entering single-handedly, and the danger level was indeed high!

Not only are there wolves and tigers, and poisonous insects, but also many perilous terrain where accidents could easily happen. From her heart, she hoped Ye Xuan wouldn't take such a risk.

"What's there to worry about? Didn't I tell you I grew up in the mountains? I could find my way with my eyes closed! Any wolves or tigers will have to run away when they see me. This place is no different from a zoo or amusement park for me."

Ye Xuan patted his chest, smiling confidently in a relaxed tone.

"Hmph, keep bragging! Brag all you want, but when trouble comes, you won't be able to brag anymore!" Lu Miaochan snorted with ill temper.

"Sweetheart, everything I said is true. How dare you accuse me of boasting? Should I catch a bear and cook you some braised bear paws?" said Ye Xuan casually.

Upon hearing this, Lu Miaochan was startled and quickly responded, "Please don't do that! It's illegal to hunt wild animals, and it would scare my grandparents! Don't do anything against the law."

"Hehe, you're worried about me?" Ye Xuan chuckled, asking teasingly.

"Who said I was worried about you? I'm worried you'll be eaten whole by a wild bear, and then there'll be no one to cure my grandparents," Lu Miaochan retorted, pouting.

Regarding Ye Xuan's skill, Lu Miaochan was well aware, knowing he indeed had the ability to take down a brown bear.

But she couldn't let him do such dangerous things, and it was not ethical!

"Alright, I'll listen to my future wife and avoid provoking the ferocious beasts."

Ye Xuan displayed a cheerful smile, his eyes twinkling as he leaned closer and said with a grin: "But before I go, as your future husband, shouldn't you give me a farewell kiss?"

"Kiss your sister! If you want a kiss, go kiss a pig," Lu Miaochan frowned, immediately snapping, unable to hold back from swearing.

This rotten scoundrel was so awful; he could make a gentle, polite lady like her resort to cursing, sheer shamelessness!

"Hehe, Miaochan, I want to kiss you, yet you ask me to kiss a pig? Isn't that insulting yourself?"

Ye Xuan grinned slyly and said matter-of-factly, "Just because you dislike yourself, you shouldn't degrade like that! Besides, where in the world is there such a pretty pig? Isn't that mocking others?"

"You... you... you're the pig! You're the most despicable dumb pig in the world!" Lu Miaochan shouted in exasperation.

Seeing Miaochan on the verge of blowing up, Ye Xuan immediately grinned in an attempt to placate her, saying: "Miaochan, it's my fault, I misspoke! I'm the dumb pig, and you're the lovely cabbage on the ground. I got lucky as the pig who stumbled on this beautiful cabbage. How's that?"

"Get lost! Go die somewhere else!"

"Uh... as you command, my dear wife, I'll get lost right away."

To prevent Lu Miaochan's wrath from escalating, Ye Xuan promptly slid out of the room like a swift slippering eel.

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