Senior sister, stop working and go home for dinner.

Chapter 155 Seeing a Deer in a Deep Valley

Guided by Feng Changyuan, the vehicle left the main road and turned onto a more secluded and narrow mountain road. The surrounding trees grew even denser and more ancient, exuding an unusual deep green despite it being winter. Mist drifted in from somewhere, gradually thickening and shrouding the road ahead in a hazy mist.

"We've entered the Maze Forest," Feng Changyuan explained. "This is the first layer of our Feng family's protective formation. Without a clansman to guide you or a specific token, it's extremely easy to lose your way and get trapped inside."

Visibility outside the window decreased rapidly, and the fog flowed like a milky white wall. Even with Chen Anran and the others' eyesight, they could only see a few meters in front of the car.

The driver was clearly very familiar with the route, driving very slowly and smoothly along the winding, seemingly random road, sometimes turning left, sometimes right, and even occasionally making a U-turn.

Qi Lan's amber eyes peered warily through the car window at the thick fog. She could sense a faint fluctuation of spiritual energy within the fog, interfering with her perception.

"There's some skill involved," she commented softly.

Huiming also put his hands together and silently chanted Buddhist mantras. He could sense the confusing and binding power hidden in this formation. If no one was to guide him, it would indeed be troublesome.

After driving for about half an hour, the thick fog ahead suddenly thinned, and a huge, transparent curtain of light, rippling like water, could be vaguely seen stretching across the horizon. Behind the curtain of light, the scenery was distorted and blurry, and could not be seen clearly.

"We've arrived at the entrance to the family barrier." Feng Changyuan signaled the driver to stop the car.

As everyone disembarked, the Feng family members, including Feng Yue and Feng Lie who were still bruised and battered, straightened their backs, their faces once again displaying the composure and pride befitting members of a great cultivation clan.

Despite having suffered a setback in the car, he felt more confident now that he was back on his own turf.

Feng Changyuan stepped forward, took out an ancient jade tablet from his robes, and held it up to the transparent light screen. The jade tablet emitted a soft white light, and the moment it came into contact with the light screen, the screen rippled like water with a pebble thrown in, slowly parting to reveal a gate that allowed vehicles to pass through.

Beyond the gate, the view suddenly opened up.

It felt like stepping into another world.

The bleakness and chill of winter outside were instantly shut out, replaced by a warm, spring-like valley filled with spiritual energy. The sky was crystal clear, the sun shone warmly, and in the distance, verdant peaks rose one after another, waterfalls cascaded and springs flowed, pavilions and towers were built against the mountains, nestled among ancient pines and cypresses, their carved beams and painted rafters exuding extraordinary grandeur. A rich spiritual energy of heaven and earth wafted over, though not as pure as that of the Cloud Hidden Sect, it far surpassed that of the outside world, making every breath refreshing and invigorating.

A wide, smooth bluestone avenue stretches from the entrance into the depths of the valley. On both sides of the road are meticulously tended medicinal fields and flower gardens, where exotic flowers and rare herbs vie for attention, exuding a refreshing fragrance. Further away, figures can be vaguely seen moving about, some flying low in the air, others sparring in the training ground, presenting a prosperous scene of a blessed land of immortals.

"Gentlemen, please. This is the territory of my Feng family, 'Cloud Deep Valley'." Feng Changyuan stepped aside and gestured for them to enter, his tone carrying a hint of pride.

Chen Anran's gaze swept calmly over this blessed land, his heart unmoved. No matter how beautiful the scenery, if it imprisons someone he cares about, it is nothing more than an exquisite cage to him.

Qi Lan whistled flippantly, "Tsk, the place is nice, but what a pity..."

Unfortunately, she didn't say it explicitly, but everyone in the Feng family understood what she meant, and their expressions turned somewhat grim.

Huiming lowered her eyes and said, "We solemnly recommend this book to you: 'Senior Sister, Stop Working, Come Home for Dinner,' where you can read it." Sensing the spiritual energy and the faintly flowing array power of this place, she secretly thought that the Feng family indeed had a profound foundation and should not be underestimated.

While the Vajra Temple wields considerable influence in the secular world, it still falls short of the profound heritage of reclusive, powerful spiritual families.

Moreover, the elaborate setup they put on at the airport today clearly shows that the Feng family also has connections in the secular world.

As Feng Changyuan led the way, he seemed to sense everyone's thoughts and explained, "Besides the main family members, the collateral branches run many businesses in the secular world to support the main family's cultivation."

Along the bluestone avenue, members of the Feng family or their servants would pass by from time to time. When they saw Feng Changyuan and the others, especially when they noticed the scars and disheveled appearance of Feng Yue, Feng Lie and the others, they would all show surprise. However, no one dared to step forward to ask questions. They would simply bow respectfully and then hurry away.

Qi Lan didn't care about this at all. Instead, she looked around at the buildings and scenery with great interest, occasionally commenting: "The angle of the eaves of this pavilion is quite nice." "That medicinal herb field is poorly maintained, wasting the land's fertility."

Huiming remained silent throughout, dutifully following behind Chen Anran.

Chen Anran remained calm and his steps were steady, as if he were walking in his own backyard. He was worried about Feng Xiaolu, but the more important it was, the more he needed to stay calm.

Although he possesses numerous magical treasures, the Feng family has a profound foundation. Who knows how many Foundation Establishment cultivators they have, or even if they have any ancient cultivators still asleep?

Therefore, Chen Anran could not completely break ties with them. The foundation of the Yunyin Sect was still too shallow, and he could not confront them head-on. His swift action on the bus was also to increase his bargaining power and show that he or the Yunyin Sect behind him were not easy targets.

Feng Changyuan led the three not towards the most magnificent main halls, but along a quiet stone path to a secluded cluster of courtyards on the side of the valley. The buildings here were still exquisite, but less noisy and more tranquil.

"The three of you have come from afar and must be tired. The patriarch has instructed that you please rest here in the 'Guest Courtyard' for a while." Feng Changyuan stopped in front of a courtyard with a plaque that read "Tingzhu Garden" and pushed open the courtyard gate.

The courtyard is small and elegant, with several clumps of green bamboo rustling in the breeze, creating a truly tranquil environment.

"Where is my senior sister?" Chen Anran asked directly, without moving her feet.

Feng Changyuan looked slightly embarrassed. "Miss Xiaolu is currently preparing for the upcoming 'Exchange Meeting' and is not available to receive guests at the moment. Fellow Daoist Chen, please be patient. Once I have informed the family head and made the necessary arrangements, we will arrange for you to meet."

Another excuse for delaying the issue.

Qi Lan clicked her tongue impatiently. "What's wrong? Is it so hard to even meet someone when we're on your turf?"

Upon hearing her words, the expressions of Feng Yue, Feng Lie, and the others following behind immediately turned extremely ugly.

They may be wary of the strange magical artifact in Chen Anran's possession from the outside, but this is the Feng family's main ancestral home!

Feng Yue snorted coldly, the bruises on his face still looking somewhat comical: "Young friend Chen, this is the Feng family's important territory. How dare you act so presumptuously? The patriarch's permission for you to rest here is already a great favor!"

"Face?" Chen Anran glanced at him indifferently, and that look made Feng Yue subconsciously take half a step back. He then realized his loss of composure, and his old face turned red and white in turns.

Chen Anran ignored him and turned her gaze to Feng Changyuan. "Fellow Daoist Feng, I respect you as Xiaolu's cousin and have treated you with courtesy along the way. But my purpose for this trip is very simple: to see Feng Xiaolu and confirm that she is safe and sound."