The 39th time got lost?

  Ximen Qing stopped and looked up at the flower window of Warming Wind Pavilion in a trance. Wu Yin asked softly, "Young master, why not go in and see if Qinglian has returned?"

  Ximen Qing's eyebrows slightly furrowed, his feet shifted slightly, and finally he let out a sigh, saying: "Never mind, Qing Lian didn't come back after all. Let's go!"

  After finishing speaking, he turned around and left directly. Wu Ying slightly frowned, pursed her lips, and then chased after him.

  A year ago, Qinglian disappeared without warning, without telling Ximenqing any news. When Ximenqing found out, Qinglian had already been gone for ten days. As for Qinglian's disappearance, Ximenqing did not feel angry in his heart. However, Zhang Tian Shi's words made Ximenqing feel uneasy, making him dare not to see Qinglian again, even if he missed her in his heart, he did not dare to enter the Warming Wind Pavilion to ask about her again.

  "Qing Er, Qing Lian's identity is not ordinary. If you are with her, you may have sent her to her death! Even one day, there will be a war between you two! The fate between you two can only be decided by heaven!" These were the original words of Zhang Tian Shi.

  Ximen Qing likes Qinglian, naturally doesn't want her to encounter any danger because of himself, let alone possibly meeting in battle! If such a day were to happen, Ximen Qing would rather give up Qinglian now. Therefore, Ximen Qing dares not see Qinglian now, fearing that his own reluctance will disturb the determination he has made. Since fate can decide one's destiny, let time prove it; if the two truly have a predestined relationship, they should be able to overcome obstacles and truly be together...

  Back at the mansion, Ximen Qing did not resume his cultivation, but instead accompanied Ximen Chui Xue and Zhang Shi to have a good chat. In three days, he would be leaving, and if he didn't spend quality time with them now, it would take a long time before they could meet again. His parents were getting on in years, and so were Ximen Chui Xue and Zhang Shi; Ximen Qing still had to leave, which was really not right, and he felt guilty about it in his heart.

  ·······

  Three days later, before dawn broke, Ximen Qing set out with a bundle on his back, a waist knife at his side, a dagger on his chest, and a three-sectioned Fang Tianhua halberd in hand. He led out a sturdy yellow horse from the rear courtyard of the Ximen estate and quietly departed under the cover of darkness. Mounting the horse, he galloped eastward along the official road of Qinghe County.

  He left so early, fearing that he would wake up Ximen Chaoxue and Zhang Shi, and make it hard for them to part ways. However, what Ximen Qing didn't know was that when he rode away, Ximen Chaoxue and Zhang Shi stood behind the gate with Wu Ying's accompaniment, watching him leave for a long time until his figure disappeared...

  After several twists and turns, Ximen Qing walked along the official road, crossed over a few small mountain ranges, and traveled for two or three days. Unbeknownst to him, he had already left Qinghe County far behind. The farther he went, the more confused Ximen Qing became. Finally, he could only stop and look around, trying to figure out where he was. But as soon as he looked around, Ximen Qing's eyes widened in shock.

  Walking along the edge of the wilderness, distant mountains stand tall, lush trees grow luxuriantly, and the ruggedness of the mountains is vaguely visible through the drifting clouds. Nearby, however, is a thicket of wild grasses, a winding stone path stretches out as far as the eye can see.

  "Alas, in the past when I followed my master, finding directions was all about listening to him. Now that I'm alone, I don't even recognize the roads. In my previous life, there were electronic maps to help, but where can I find electronic maps in this life? I'm curious, how do those brothers who crossed over into ancient times know their way around? This wilderness looks all the same in every direction, which road leads to Xizhou?" Ximen Qing said, scratching his ears and cheeks as he sat on horseback.

  After looking around and having no other choice, Ximen Qing could only sigh and say: "We can only move forward from here, see if we can meet anyone and ask for directions."

  He took a sip of water and Ximen Qing set off on horseback, galloping forward.

  The range of human habitation in ancient times was far narrower than it is today, and most people lived on plains, near water sources. Places like this hilly area were naturally less populated.

  In ancient times, the mountains and fields were desolate, often with no signs of human habitation for hundreds of miles. Even if one was lucky enough to find a place with people, it might only be a small village. The population in ancient times was sparse to begin with, and most people lived in densely populated cities on the plains, so searching for people in the wilderness was quite a headache.

  At this time, Ximen Qing was in a headache.

  Since leaving Qinghe County, Ximen Qing has been excited like a wild horse that has escaped from its cage, galloping all the way. He thought that as long as he followed his own sense of direction and kept walking, everything would be fine. However, after traveling for two or three days, he still hadn't seen any signs of human habitation. This couldn't help but make Ximen Qing suspect that he had taken a wrong turn.

  "Damn it, next time I must find someone who knows the way, this feeling of being lost is really fucking annoying!" Ximen Qing cursed in frustration.

  It was actually Ximen Qing's bad luck. If he had followed the official path, he would have arrived in Yanggu County by now and would be drinking and eating meat at a hotel there. But as he walked, he took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up on a small side road, which is why things turned out this way.

  Ximen Qing dismounted his horse with great impatience, took out a water bag and some dry rations to satisfy his hunger. At the same time, he didn't forget to observe his surroundings while eating.

  At this time, Ximen Qing was in a hilly area surrounded by low and short mountain ranges, only 134 meters high. Although these small hills were not high, the steepness was quite severe, and it would take some effort to climb up. At this time, Ximen Qing's position was on a rugged mountain path, which extended forward, winding around the front valley, and didn't know where it led to. Beside this mountain path, there was a small stream flowing, with exceptionally clear water, and the stones at the bottom of the river could be seen clearly. Such a peaceful and serene natural scenery should have made people feel happy, but Ximen Qing only felt annoyed.

  After careful consideration, Ximen Qing still had no clue about human activity.

  Suddenly, Ximen Qing slapped his forehead and said helplessly: "Alas, I'm really muddled. After being reborn, I forgot all my experience as a soldier in my previous life. It seems that I need to review the lessons of wilderness combat again. Standing high and looking far, why don't I stand on the small hill and gaze into the distance? That way, I can see if there are any signs of human habitation in the distance. Like this, riding aimlessly along the road is really a waste of energy!"

  He said and did it. Ximen Qing tied up his horse and then ran out of the "Treading Snow Without a Trace" towards a small hill that was close by.

  In less than an incense stick of time, Ximen Qing had climbed up the small hill.

  Standing on the mountain top, feeling the cool breeze blowing against his face, Ximen Qing suddenly felt refreshed. Looking down from above, the surroundings below were all within sight.

  Just looking at it like this, Ximen Qing was worried again. Because all around the mountains and fields were dark, without a single lamp to adorn them.

  In ancient times, there were no electric lights, and people relied on candles for lighting. The wealthy, such as city dwellers, could stay up all night, but rural farmers, who were already poor, couldn't afford to waste candles or lamp oil. As soon as it got dark, they would rest at home.

  So although standing high and seeing far, but looking out at everything is dark, and there's nothing that can be done about it.

  But fortunately for Ximen Qing, he did not follow the original path. Because that path wound its way into the distant mountains, if he had run in, it would have been truly despairing...

  PS: Today continues with three updates. The number of recommended votes is a bit low, now there are only 329 votes. Pitiful~~~ If today can break through 500 votes, then I will have four updates tomorrow, if 600 votes, then I will have five updates...