Chapter 2: Arrival at Green Shadow Mountain

Upon reaching the entrance of Green Shadow Mountain, Ye Lin and Ye Min stepped out of the carriage, captivated by the stunning scenery around them. Towering trees reached for the sky, their leaves rustling in the cool breeze, while vibrant wildflowers blanketed the forest floor in a burst of color.

"Excuse me, mister, how much do I need to pay?" Ye Min asked, feigning a solemn expression.

"Haha, don’t worry, young sir. It’s just two silver coins. If you don’t have the money, you can exchange the monster core for it," the driver chuckled.

As they stood in awe, the imposing Green Shadow Mountain loomed above, its peak cloaked in mist. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of pine and earth, while the distant sound of rushing water added to the tranquil atmosphere.

Ye Min maintained his solemn face, gesturing to the driver for a discount. Ye Lin noticed this and smirked.

"Haha, I get it, young sir. I’ll give you a discount as thanks for saving me. I can even show you some items in the carriage," the driver offered.

Ye Min nodded, feigning injury. "Argh! I didn’t realize my wound was still bothering me. That’s why I can’t control my expression."

The driver shook his head, muttering, "You don’t even have a scratch and claim to be injured. Just admit you want a discount."

"Creek... clank... rustle..."

They opened the wooden boxes in the carriage. After rummaging through various items—books, techniques, and heaps of swords—Ye Min’s gaze settled on an old book that appeared to be an ancient technique that those main characters would receive for free.

"Mister, how much for this book?" Ye Min asked, grinning.

"Oh, finally chosen something! Let me take a look," the driver said, examining it. "This is the Qi Gathering Technique. I got it at an auction for six gold coins."

"What? That’s outrageous! I was expecting you to say I could have it for free since no one wants it—just like those main characters in stories," Ye Min said to herself, her face solemn.

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"Hahaha, I know it’s pricey, but you can trade your monster core for it. That core is worth much more," the driver replied.

"Fuck, that’s too expensive! I almost believed I was the main character myself," Ye Min said, cursing.

"Big Brother, why do you want it so much? It’s practically worthless," Ye Lin questioned in confusion, not understanding why her brother was so desperate to buy it.

"Hahaha, young miss, you’re mistaken about many things. Many desire this technique because it's cheap, unlike those higher-grade ones that would cost at least 50 thousand gold. While it’s basic, it’s perfect for those who are desperate to become cultivators, like your brother. He isn’t a cultivator, but he’s already strong; however, that doesn’t mean he can defeat someone with a higher cultivation," the driver explained with a grin.

"That’s right, Lin'er. It’s a stroke of luck we found a technique without joining a sect. Mister, I’ll trade my monster core for it," Ye Min said, nodding in agreement with the driver.

Ye Lin was still puzzled but didn’t press any further; he was already happy that her brother, who didn’t seem interested in anything, finally bought what he desired.

Minutes later, the transaction went smoothly, and the driver prepared to leave.

"Young sir, young miss, I’ll be heading back now," he said after a few minutes.

Ye Lin and Ye Min nodded and started their ascent up the mountain. Hours later...

"Gasp... gasp..."

"This is exhausting," Ye Lin admitted, panting.

"Want me to carry you?" Ye Min offered.

"Really? Please, big brother! I don’t want to walk anymore," she pleaded, feigning tears.

Ye Min nodded and effortlessly lifted Ye Lin, carrying her like a princess.

Three hours later, they finally reached the village.

"Ha! We’re home!" Ye Lin exclaimed, bubbling with excitement.

"You can get down now, Lin'er. My arms are getting tired," Ye Min said.

"Oops, sorry, big brother! I didn’t notice!" she replied, jumping down and racing toward the village.

"Thud thud thud... whoosh... thud thud..."

As they entered the village, the locals greeted them warmly.

"Hoh, Ye Min! Welcome back! I didn’t expect you to return so soon after failing the assessment test in the Fenghou Sect," Elder Wei said, observing Ye Min’s solemn face.

"Elder Wei, you're right. I’m truly ashamed that I failed the assessment test," Ye Min replied, lying about her failure despite having average talent and deliberately choosing not to register as a disciple.

"What? Ye Min failed?!" exclaimed Qin Mu, Elder Wei's granddaughter and Ye Min's childhood friend. With her striking brown eyes and flowing green hair, she turned heads wherever she went.

The villagers murmured among themselves, laughter and chatter filling the air.

"Hahaha, don’t worry, young man. You can farm with us! Those high-standard sects aren’t everything," one villager encouraged.

"Yeah, don’t be down!" another chimed in.

After hearing them, Ye Min's expression changed. He was pretending to be sad, silently walking through the crowd and heading to his father’s house.

"Yenyen!" Qin Mu called out in pity.

After arriving at her house, Ye Min's expression returned to one of neutrality.

"Haaahh, it's so tiring to pretend," Ye Min said, taking a deep breath. "Father, I'm back."

After a moment of silence, her father replied, "Come in. I heard about what happened."

"Hm, did Ye Lin already tell Father? That was childish of her, haha, but it’s true she is still a child at 11 years old," Ye Min thought.

"Sit here and eat some dinner. Let’s talk about it after you fill your stomach," her father said in a calm voice.

An hour later, after dinner was done, Ye Min and Ye Jun sat in opposite chairs.

"Did you enjoy your time at the Fenghou Sect?" Ye Jun asked.

"No, you know me, Father. I didn’t really want to descend the mountain, but you and my sister insisted and forced me without my consent," Ye Min said with a solemn face.

Ye Jun remained calm and said, "Your younger brother is already on his journey on the path of immortality, but you—you're cowardly by nature. I still don’t understand why you haven’t changed. Sigh."

"Okay, Father, you don’t have to say anything. I really have no desire to become a cultivator; I just want a quiet and peaceful life," Ye Min said with a genuine smile.

Seeing this, Ye Jun was stunned but didn’t press further. "Okay, that’s enough. You do your own thing, but don’t forget to help the village with daily chores."