"Who?" Ming Zhi Tian, about to leave, was suddenly patted on the shoulder from behind.
He instinctively turned, drawing his sword, "It's me."
"Yun Yan?" Ming Zhi Tian’s expression was astonished. They both asked in unison, "What are you doing here?"
Ming Zhi Tian wanted to say something, "Never mind, you speak first."
Yun Yan said, "I've been following you. So you were here. Don't misunderstand, I just had nowhere else to go."
Seeing him like this, Ming Zhi Tian felt a pang of sadness, "I'm sorry, we are on different sides. I hope you don't blame me."
"Of course not," Yun Yan said, "Even without your involvement, I believe the God Catchers would still win."
Ming Zhi Tian smiled slightly, "Yun Yan, thank you for your understanding."
Yun Yan looked ahead, "What, are you going into the Shen Lai Ancient Ruins?"
Ming Zhi Tian nodded, "You know about the Shen Lai Ancient Ruins?"
Yun Yan nodded, "This is the most mysterious place in the Celestial Realm, at least as far as I know. It holds hidden secrets and opportunities. Once, by chance, I had the good fortune to accompany my master here. We only stayed for a few minutes. My master, fearing for my safety, sent me back."
Ming Zhi Tian nodded, "This proves that there are indeed rare treasures here, and definitely many mechanisms and contraptions. I must have it."
Yun Yan asked doubtfully, "I've long heard that you are skilled in the art of mechanisms. Is it true?"
Ming Zhi Tian nodded, "Yes. To be precise, I am the thousand and ninth generation successor of the Mechanical Sect."
Yun Yan's jaw dropped, "You... are amazing."
Ming Zhi Tian looked at the entrance to the Shen Lai Ancient Ruins with reluctance, "Let's go. We can only come back another time."
Yun Yan said, "Why? Don't you want to go in?"
Ming Zhi Tian shrugged, "Of course, but what can we do?"
Yun Yan pointed to the two guards, "They definitely won't let us in. But they can't stop us from sneaking in?"
Ming Zhi Tian's spirits lifted, "Yun Yan, by the sound of it, you... have a plan?"
Yun Yan smiled faintly, "Naturally. I have plenty of clever ideas."
Ming Zhi Tian tugged at his arm, "Teach me quickly!"
Yun Yan chuckled, "Have you heard of the 'Odd-Eyed Invisibility Talisman'?"
"Odd-Eyed Invisibility Talisman?" Ming Zhi Tian shook his head, "Do you have a way to get such a talisman?"
Yun Yan patted his chest and said, "I know a reclusive eccentric. By chance, I once saved her. It's not unreasonable to ask her for two talismans. Come, follow me."
...
The two arrived at a serene, cool pavilion. Stepping over a small arrangement of water stones, they saw a woman in white gauze carrying a basket and feeding fish in the clear water.
Yun Yan waved happily at her, "Fu Mei! Hey, I'm here again!"
The woman in white gauze glanced over, then immediately flashed away.
Ming Zhi Tian was taken aback. Yun Yan coughed, "She... is quite shy. She probably saw a stranger. How about you wait here? I'll be right back."
Ming Zhi Tian nodded, "It's alright. Please tell her I mean no harm."
Yun Yan nodded, "Of course. Don't worry, she's a very kind person, just a bit eccentric."
Soon, Yun Yan returned, carrying two green talismans.
He held one and sniffed it, savoring the scent for a long time, "So fragrant."
Ming Zhi Tian asked, "What are you doing?"
Yun Yan reluctantly handed one of the talismans to Ming Zhi Tian, "Here. It's a pity she wouldn't give me more than one, even when I asked twice."
Ming Zhi Tian took the talisman, "Is this the Odd-Eyed Invisibility Talisman? Why do you need so many?"
Yun Yan sniffed it again, "For remembrance."
Ming Zhi Tian looked at him with disdain, "Are you a pervert? If her talismans were used as toilet paper, what are you smelling?"