The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 73 Receives Instructions to Enter the Barrier and Traverse the Tunnel

More than a month ago, on the night she learned of Luo Yifei's news, Shen Lixi told General Hu Hanhui of the Northern Liao many stories about her past.

Hu Hanhui also learned of the significance of his old friend Luo Yifei to Shen Lixi, so he sent someone to arrange a carriage in advance to send Shen Lixi to Wu Kingdom to find Luo Yifei.

"Thank you, Lord Hu." Shen Lixi cupped her hands in thanks.

"Wait, lend me your flying wooden bird. I'll fix it. It would be a shame to let such a good thing break," Hu Hanhui said suddenly, as if he had just remembered something.

"Then thank you very much, Lord Hu." Shen Lixi turned and walked towards the door.

As dawn broke, Shen Lixi was already seated in the carriage. Having not slept a wink the night before, she felt no sleepiness whatsoever. Hu Hanhui's words kept echoing in her mind: "The fleet was attacked by bandits bribed by the Cao family," and "Luo Yifei is missing." Luo Yifei, where are you? Shen Lixi murmured to herself.

The carriage sped along the official road. Shen Lixi watched the trees receding outside the window, his anxiety growing. Just then, a wooden bird flew in through the window. Shen Lixi reached out and caught it. A scroll of paper was tied to the bird's leg. He opened it and saw Hu Hanhui's handwriting: "The wooden bird has been repaired. Come and get it quickly."

Shen Lixi was overjoyed and immediately ordered the carriage to turn around and return to the Hu residence. Hu Hanhui, upon seeing him, pointed to the wooden bird on the table, "Give it a try."

Shen Lixi picked up the wooden bird, tossed it gently, and the bird flapped its wings and flew high. After circling in the air a few times, it landed steadily on his shoulder.

"Thank you, Lord Hu," Shen Lixi said, cupping his hands in thanks.

"Go ahead, be careful." Hu Hanhui waved his hand.

Shen Lixi boarded the carriage again, but his heart was much calmer. He knew that with this wooden bird, he could find Luo Yifei much faster. The carriage sped along the official road, Shen Lixi's gaze firm and full of hope.

However, when he arrived in Shijiazhuang, Wu Kingdom, and met Mr. Ding, he was still told that Luo Yifei was missing, and Mr. Ding was also unable to find Luo Yifei.

“Wan Li is right here, aren’t you going to see him?” Mr. Ding asked.

"No, he definitely wants me to go back, so it's better not to see him. Finding Luo Yifei is more important. I'll go check the reed marshes where he disappeared." Shen Lixi said goodbye to Mr. Ding after finishing her sentence.

When Shen Lixi arrived at the reed marsh, he happened to see Ye Xuehan and Nan Tian being pushed out by the barrier from afar. He then realized that Luo Yifei must have gone to the Xuan Tian Continent through the tunnel inside the barrier.

He knew he had to go to the Xuan Tian Continent, even though he had barely escaped there a little over a year ago.

Shen Lixi didn't go over immediately; he knew it wasn't the right time to meet with Ye Xuehan and the others. Perhaps letting them return to Earth empty-handed was the best outcome.

It wasn't until Ye Xuehan and Nan Tian had been gone with the soldiers for a long time that Shen Lixi went to the woods north of the reed marshes.

He tried to enter the barrier, but he failed to do so no matter what he tried.

Standing in front of a tree covered in footprints, Shen Lixi guessed one possibility: the tunnel had been closed again by that mysterious man named Wen Bin.

Shen Lixi frowned. He knew this meant he couldn't enter the Xuan Tian Continent through normal means. However, he didn't give up and began searching for other possible entrances.

Several days passed, and Shen Lixi searched almost the entire area surrounding Shijiazhuang, but still found no clues. He began to wonder if he had missed some important information, or if he had been misled.

Just when he was almost in despair, he suddenly remembered someone—Hu Hanhui. He remembered that Hu Hanhui had mentioned that he had encountered some mysterious figures in Northern Liao, who possessed knowledge and skills unknown to ordinary people.

Shen Lixi immediately decided to return to Beiliao to seek Hu Hanhui's help. He knew it might be difficult, but he had no other choice.

Upon returning to Beiliao, Shen Lixi immediately sought out Hu Hanhui and told him about his predicament. After listening, Hu Hanhui pondered for a moment, then said, "I know someone who might be able to help you."

Shen Lixi was overjoyed and immediately asked, "Who is it?"

"His name is Huo Qubing, a traveling doctor who roams the country. He is very knowledgeable and has a deep understanding of some mysterious things. I can help you contact him, but whether you can get his help depends on your own fate," Hu Hanhui said.

Shen Lixi gratefully cupped her hands in thanks, "Thank you, Lord Hu."

Soon after, Hu Hanhui helped Shen Lixi contact Huo Qubing. After listening to Shen Lixi's request, Huo Qubing pondered for a while and then said, "I can take you to see someone who might be able to help you break that barrier."

Shen Lixi was thrilled and immediately followed Huo Qubing. They arrived at a secluded cave. Huo Qubing pushed open the door, and inside sat an old man with a full head of white hair.

"This is the person who can help you; his name is Wuchen," Huo Qubing introduced.

Shen Lixi immediately stepped forward and bowed, "Junior Shen Lixi greets Senior Wuchen."

Wuchen looked up at him and said calmly, "I know why you came, but I won't open the barrier for you directly."

Shen Lixi's heart tightened, and she hurriedly asked, "What does Senior mean?"

“I won’t help you unless you can complete one of my tasks,” Wuchen said.

Shen Lixi agreed without hesitation, "Please give your instructions, senior."

Wuchen told him about the mission, and Shen Lixi was shocked. But he knew this was his only chance, so he accepted the mission without hesitation.

In the days that followed, Shen Lixi began traveling far and wide, searching for the items and clues needed for the mission. He encountered all sorts of difficulties and challenges, but he did not give up. He knew he had to complete the mission to open the barrier and find Luo Yifei.

Finally, after countless hardships and dangers, Shen Lixi completed his mission and handed over the five items Wuchen needed. Wuchen looked at him, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes, and then took out three brocade pouches and handed them to him.

At this moment, Shen Lixi had a vague idea that these five items symbolized the power of the five elements.

"The first one is used to open the barrier, the second one is used to pass through the tunnel, and the third one is used to leave the forbidden land of death." Wuchen waved to him after saying that.

Shen Lixi wanted to ask something more, but Wuchen had already disappeared from his sight.

Shen Lixi was still very excited and immediately went out to the woods north of the reed marshes. After more than a month, he finally crossed the barrier.

Following Wuchen's guidance, they arrived at the island in the middle of the lake on the mountain. Through the statue on the island, they successfully reached the Xuantian Continent.

He knew his journey had only just begun, but he was prepared that no matter how many difficulties and challenges lay ahead, he would not give up until he found Luo Yifei.