I don't talk about love with my Martial Sister

Chapter 36

Under Pei Chen's guidance, the group advanced along a concealed path, encountering no signs of life until they reached a tranquil bamboo grove, entirely devoid of guards.

"Is this the place?"

Throughout the journey, conversation was sparse. Shang Can took in her surroundings and suddenly asked.

"I remember this should be quite close to your Qinglian Lake, right? Putting the entrance to the Underworld Ghost Realm in a place frequently visited, aren't you worried that disciples might stumble upon it?"

"There's no need for concern, Can Zhe."

Seemingly intrigued by her familiarity with the situation in Tianwaitian, Pei Chen's gaze sharpened slightly, but he refrained from questioning her. Instead, he responded politely, "The entrance changes location every month; it won't always be here."

"There were arrangements for people to patrol the entrance, but later the Sect Master felt that would attract too much attention, so it was decided to discontinue that."

"Conceal the wood in the forest," he explained to Shang Can, "Moreover, although this is the entrance to the Underworld Ghost Realm, only the Sect Master knows how to enter. Those who are not in the know would find it very difficult to discover this entrance. You may rest assured."

"Keeping a ticking time bomb unguarded, Tianwaitian truly seems at ease." Shang Can snorted lightly, then asked, "Since the location changes every month, where was the entrance during last month's discussion?"

"I believe it was... near the kitchen."

No wonder the food prepared by Tianwaitian was so terrible—not to mention, it was clear why there weren't many night patrols around the kitchen during that time. Shang Can thought, so that was intentional on Pei Chen's part.

Seeing that she had no further questions, Pei Chen slightly bowed and said, "Please step back a bit."

It must be around midnight now, with the moon hanging high. Pei Chen looked up at the moonlight, took out a talisman drawn with intricate symbols in cinnabar from his sleeve, and held it upright with his sword against his chest.

He closed his eyes, his lips moving as if silently chanting something. Shang Can quickly felt the temperature in the bamboo grove dropping, a deep chill rising from her feet. As her mind stirred, she conjured several bright flames at her fingertips, which slowly danced around the three of them, dispelling much of the cold.

Chao Ming watched with curiosity and asked Shang Can, "Can heavenly fire be used for warmth? What would happen if I touched it?"

Wondering if this was the right time to be concerned about such things, Shang Can rolled her eyes silently and casually replied, "You'd get burned to ashes."

"...That fire sounds really dangerous; it's swirling so close to me."

"Since Yushan Jun doesn't have a good relationship with heavenly fire, if I gave you a flame, you could nurture your bond with it, and maybe it wouldn't burn you in the future."

"Ah? It can do that?"

Chao Ming looked at her with skepticism, but Shang Can nodded earnestly. Just as she was about to continue, she noticed Yunduan, who had been silently standing nearby, suddenly lift her gaze and reach out toward the flickering flame hovering in front of her.

Shang Can jumped in surprise as the seemingly carefree flame suddenly recoiled, but it was no match for Yunduan's hand, which easily grasped it.

"It's quite warm," Yunduan remarked quietly as she observed the dancing flame in her palm, "It didn't turn to ash."