Chapter 70 Reclaiming the Treasure
Tao Ruonan's face was beaming with a warm and friendly smile, as if she had been eagerly anticipating their return.
She wore a light pink long dress, the hem of which swayed gently with her steps, making her look both elegant and lively.
The sunlight shone on her, as if draping her in a golden halo, making her look even more dazzling and beautiful.
"Come on, come on!" she called out warmly to Luo Qing and the others, turning and walking towards her home. Her steps were light and energetic, as if each step was full of vitality and hope.
Luo Qing and the others followed behind her, their hearts filled with doubt and curiosity.
They couldn't help but wonder if Tao Ruonan's personality seemed different from before. What did this change mean?
Upon arriving at Tao Ruonan's home, a spacious and bright courtyard came into view.
The courtyard was filled with all sorts of flowers and plants, a riot of colors and a delightful fragrance. Several butterflies fluttered among the flowers, adding a vibrant touch to the scene.
Tao Ruonan led Luo Qing and the others into the house, which was decorated in a warm and elegant manner.
Several landscape paintings hung on the wall, adding a touch of elegance. On the desk by the window were writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, clearly indicating that the owner was a lover of calligraphy and painting.
Tao Ruonan warmly invited them to sit down, and then personally brewed them a pot of hot tea. The aroma of the tea was fragrant and refreshing. She looked at them with a smile, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"You're finally back. I've been waiting for you all these years." Tao Ruonan's voice was gentle yet firm, as if carrying a warmth that transcends time.
Luo Qing and the others exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes filled with confusion. They looked at Tao Ruonan before them, trying to find the answer in her expression.
Tao Ruonan smiled, her eyes sparkling with wisdom. She took a small sip of tea, then slowly set down the cup and began to tell her story.
"Although you went back in time and changed the course of the village, I have not lost my previous memories. I clearly remember that you came here and brought hope and change to the village."
Tao Ruonan said, "Aren't you all wondering why you haven't completed your mission even though you've already found the fairy?"
Luo Qing nodded and asked, "Why?"
Tao Ruonan said, "You all remember, right? I was the one who issued the mission, and you've actually already completed it. But because I wanted to see you all one more time, so..."
Luo Qing understood and said, "Actually, your purpose in issuing the mission was to rescue your sister Tao Xi, right?"
"Yes, I know there is a magical artifact at the top of Yaotai that can reverse time. As long as you save the goddess, she will naturally not let my sister die a tragic death."
Fang Tai couldn't help but ask, "So why do you want to see us again?"
Tao Ruonan poured tea for everyone, saying, "Because you saved the goddess and my sister, all the villagers died as punishment from the goddess. So I formed a new village here."
"This place is very prosperous now, and an auction will be held here soon, which will be of great help to you."
Luo Qing understood; Tao Ruonan wanted to help them participate in the auction. "So, how can we participate?"
Tao Ruonan said, "The auction is being held by a group of women with bells tied to their ankles; they will appear in the later competitions."
She took out a jade pendant and handed it to Luo Qing, saying, "Give this to them, and they will be willing to give you an invitation."
After the five thanked Tao Ruonan, she smiled and waved her hand, indicating that they were welcome.
Suddenly, a flash of light appeared, and the figures of the five people gradually became blurry.
Tao Ruonan stood in the courtyard, watching them leave. A warm smile graced her face, as if she were happy for their success.
The light gradually faded, and the five were teleported back to the Misty Forest.
"Beep—Congratulations to the first team of Huaguo Mountain for passing the third level and successfully reaching the first location—the home of the rabbit spirit Ruobit."
The mist before them dissipated, revealing a charming little house.
The cottage is built of bamboo, and the roof is covered with thick bamboo leaves, giving it a rustic yet elegant appearance.
Several small bamboo baskets were placed in front of the door, filled with fresh bamboo shoots and wild fruits, emitting an enticing aroma.
Luo Qing secretly put the metal piece that Tao Ruonan and the jade pendant had given her into her spatial storage.
She then stepped forward and knocked on the door. After a short while, the door slowly opened, and a rabbit spirit wearing a pink dress, with erect ears and round eyes appeared before them.
The rabbit spirit Ruobite warmly welcomed Luo Qing and the others. She blinked her bright eyes and said excitedly, "Please come in, please come in! I've been waiting for you."
She led everyone into the cottage, which was decorated in a warm and lovely style, with pink curtains, soft cushions, and shelves displaying various rabbit dolls.
"You're here to help me find my treasure, aren't you?"
Luo Qing replied, "Yes, what should we do?"
"My treasure has been stolen and hidden by the monkey spirit Jiyi next door. I will send you to his territory. Only by defeating him can you take back the treasure."
After the rabbit spirit Ruobite finished speaking, he took out a magic wand, waved it lightly, and a beam of light flashed, and Luo Qing and the others were teleported to the territory of the monkey spirit Ji Yi.
They stood in a dense forest, surrounded by towering trees. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
The sounds of monkeys laughing and playing could be heard in the distance, along with the occasional sharp cry.
Luo Qing and the others proceeded cautiously, passing through the woods and arriving at an open clearing.
A group of monkeys were playing and frolicking in the open space. In the middle was a tall, thick-haired monkey spirit, whom Luo Qing guessed was Ji Yi.
At that moment, a flash of white light appeared, and a five-person team appeared next to Luo Qing and the others.
As soon as they steadied themselves, they immediately looked at Luo Qing and the others warily, clearly ready for battle.
Upon seeing this, the monkey spirit Ji Yi's eyes flashed with a cunning light.
He jumped onto a boulder, put his hands on his hips, and shouted to the two teams, "Haha, looks like today is going to be interesting! One of you teams wants to steal the treasure, and the other wants to protect it. How amusing!"
Upon hearing this, Luo Qing and the others tensed up. They knew that this was going to be a fierce contest.
The other team was equally determined. They exchanged glances and nodded, seemingly reaching some kind of tacit understanding.
Two system voices sounded simultaneously.
"Ding—Congratulations to the first team of Huaguo Mountain for successfully starting the final stage—the treasure hunt! The losing team will be eliminated!"
"Ding—Congratulations to the Unstoppable Team for successfully entering the final stage—the treasure hunt! The losing team will be eliminated!"
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