Chapter 56: Misery Loves Company

Lin Chen abruptly interrupted her: "Don't talk nonsense. If it weren't for you, I would probably have lost my life long ago. But rest assured, I will never let Yan Ruyu and those bastards from the Yaoguang Sacred Land off the hook!"

Xie Mengmeng sensed the firm determination in Lin Chen's words. She knew very well that he had made up his mind, but she also understood that the Yaoguang Sacred Land possessed immense power—an enemy they simply could not afford to provoke.

"Lin Chen, we cannot act rashly. The Yaoguang Sacred Land is not so easily dealt with. We need to plan this carefully," Xie Mengmeng urged earnestly.

Lin Chen nodded. "I understand. That's why I need to increase my strength as quickly as possible. Once I am powerful enough, I'll go settle the score with them!"

Gazing at Lin Chen's resolute face, Xie Mengmeng felt a deep sense of helplessness, yet she knew all too well that the Sacred Land would never let the two of them go either. The Yaoguang Sacred Land had always been arrogant and condescending, and they would never tolerate the killing of their disciples.

"Fine! This lady will accompany you and face it together!" A fierce determination flashed in Xie Mengmeng's eyes as she nodded heavily.

The snow in Nanyang City was gradually melting, leaving the roads muddy and treacherous. Every three steps brought a slip, and every two steps a stumble, making progress exceptionally difficult. From time to time, the dull thud of accumulated snow sliding off tree branches echoed through the woods.

"Mengmeng, why don't you get down and walk for a bit? This road is simply too slippery," Lin Chen said with a troubled and hesitant expression. In truth, he knew very well that her injuries had mostly healed, yet she kept using the excuse of being severely wounded to refuse to get down.

"No way! This lady is your savior; you need to show gratitude and know how to repay a kindness, understand? Just carry me on your back and keep walking," Xie Mengmeng said, pretending to be angry.

Lin Chen didn't reply, but instead muttered to himself, "Sigh! I wonder where that old donkey ran off to. I hope it's all right."

He vaguely remembered seeing its four hooves flying in the air, looking immensely powerful as it suddenly kicked several people flying before vanishing without a trace. It was the first time he had ever seen the old donkey act so fierce and ferocious. Those people were cultivators, after all, and even Lin Chen himself would have found it difficult to send someone flying with a single kick.

"Don't worry! Who would have the time to pick a fight with a donkey? Besides, that donkey of yours doesn't seem ordinary; it's entirely possible it's looking for you right now," Xie Mengmeng reminded him from his back.

Carrying Xie Mengmeng, Lin Chen trudged laboriously through the muddy path. Every step sank deep into the mire, and pulling his feet out produced squelching, sucking sounds. As dusk approached, the cold wind cut across their faces like sharp blades.

"Lin Chen, let's take a rest," Xie Mengmeng whispered, pressing closely against his back.

Lin Chen shook his head resolutely, gritting his teeth as he persisted. "There might be a place to rest and take shelter just ahead. Let's hold on a little longer."

After walking for a long while, they finally discovered an abandoned thatched cottage tucked away in a mountain col.

Stepping inside, bizarre-looking bugs scurried away in panic, thick cobwebs hung everywhere, and dust danced in the air. Carefully lowering Xie Mengmeng, Lin Chen turned around to clear a patch of ground, gathered some dry firewood, and painstakingly started a fire with a flint. The flames leaped up with a crackle, casting a gentle, swaying warmth.

"Lin Chen, do you think our situation counts as sharing the same bitter fate? One of us is a demonic enchantress of the Hehuan Sect, and the other is a human traitor hunted by everyone," Xie Mengmeng asked suddenly, poking at the bonfire.

Lin Chen gave a bitter smile. "I suppose so."

Had it been in the past, he would have said without hesitation that he was nothing like her. Yet, after spending so much time together, he had gradually come to realize that many things were not as simple as they appeared on the surface.

Just as they were speaking, a commotion arose outside the cottage, as if many people were approaching.

Lin Chen's expression changed abruptly. He quickly pulled Xie Mengmeng and ducked into the loft space beneath the roof.

Moments later, a group of men entered the thatched cottage. At their fore was a fierce-looking, heavily mused ruffian with a gleaming saber tucked into his waist.

"Boss, this broken shack looks like it's been abandoned for ages. What could possibly be in here?" a tall, thin man grumbled as he followed behind the leader.

The burly leader raised his hand and smacked him across the head. "Stop talking nonsense and search carefully! We might just find those two little runaways. The higher-ups made it clear—there's a hefty reward for catching them."

Lin Chen and Xie Mengmeng exchanged glances, their hearts sinking as they realized these people were specifically hunting them down.

Neither of them dared to take a breath, keeping their eyes glued to the group rummaging through the cottage. After searching to no avail, the leader glanced at the still-burning campfire, spat on the ground, and cursed, "Damn bad luck, not even a shadow of them. Let's keep chasing... they can't have gotten far."

Only after the group had moved far away did Lin Chen and Xie Mengmeng finally heave a sigh of relief.

"It seems they've been constantly tracking us. We'll have to be doubly careful from now on," Lin Chen said in a low voice.

Xie Mengmeng nodded repeatedly, her expression tense.

As dawn broke, Lin Chen and Xie Mengmeng left the cottage to continue their journey. Along the way, they deliberately avoided the wide main roads and chose instead to walk along secluded, narrow paths. Even so, they were soon spotted by another wave of minions from the Yaoguang Sacred Land.

"Halt!" a stern shout rang out as a dozen figures suddenly emerged ahead, instantly surrounding them.

Without a shred of hesitation, Lin Chen shielded Xie Mengmeng behind him, drew his sword, and glared fiercely at them. "You are like ghosts that refuse to die! If you want to die, come and get it!"

The atmosphere grew tense with swords drawn, and a battle was about to erupt at any second.

At that very moment, the urgent braying of a donkey echoed from the distance.

Immediately following the sound, a black shadow dashed forward like lightning—it was the long-lost old donkey. Its fur stood on end, and its eyes burned with a fierce, malevolent glare as it charged directly at the group.

Plowing into the crowd, the old donkey thrashed its four hooves like the wind, instantly triggering a chorus of miserable shrieks.

"Damn it! Where did this donkey come from? Ahhh..."

"Quick... kill this damn donkey for me!"

The leading man, having been viciously kicked by the donkey, clutched his waist in agony, bared his teeth, and roared with gnashing teeth.

Thrown into utter chaos by the sudden donkey attack, the men were too busy dodging for their lives to heed his furious commands. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Chen launched his counterattack. His sword techniques were as fierce as the wind, routing the enemy with ease. Within moments, the pursuers scattered in panic and fled in all directions.

Sheathing his sword, Lin Chen walked over to the old donkey and gently patted its head. "Old donkey, you're finally back! Not bad, not bad at all! You've got the demeanor I had back in my prime."

The old donkey affectionately rubbed against Lin Chen's hand, letting out soft, low brays.

"It seems this old donkey really isn't ordinary. It came in handy at the most critical moment," Xie Mengmeng said with a smile as she walked over.

Thinking that the old donkey's timing couldn't have been better—meaning he would no longer have to carry her on his back—Lin Chen nodded in agreement. "Indeed. With it here, I won't have to carry you anymore. Let's go, time to get moving."

"Lin Chen, do you find me that much of a burden?" Xie Mengmeng asked, noticing the look of relief on his face.