The Ger's Contract Marriage [BL]
Chapter 283: Another Adventure Begins

Chapter 283: Another Adventure Begins

Xu Hu Zhe’s subtle concern did not go unnoticed by Xu Feng. As the teen’s concerned eyes met his, Xu Feng’s smile grew and brightened, taking on a bewitching quality.

It was as if his energy had been revitalized by this simple display of care and understanding. "Thanks," he said softly, his voice carrying a warm undertone of gratitude.

With that, he let the train of thought go, focusing on the present moment.

Hu Zhe was indeed a very good and unusually shy and slightly awkward boy. Xu Feng understood that he had a responsibility to nurture and support those closest to him in this world, and there was also the matter of bringing Xu Zeng back.

However, he didn’t need to feel rushed. Being stressed wouldn’t solve any of his problems. It wouldn’t make time move faster and opportunities present themselves.

It was all about luck and the right timing.

The knowledge that his "cheap" brother was alive and well in another world was more than he could have hoped for. He had traversed from one world to another, and the confirmation of his brother’s existence in that other world was a rare and cherished gift.

With a sense of burning purpose and a smile that could rival the radiance of the sun, Xu Feng knew that today held the promise of adventures yet to unfold. He had planned a full day of exploration, and he wasn’t about to let it be cut short by the return of Xuan Jian or Xuan Yang before he could venture too far.

"Let’s get started!" Xu Feng called out, his voice carrying through the forest and startling the birds that had settled in the nearby trees.

The leaves rustled in response, the melodious sound of birdsong filled the air, and the scenery around them came to life with vibrant colors and textures. It was a world of endless possibilities, and Xu Feng was determined to embrace every moment of it.

Xu Hu Zhe had gathered an impressive array of weapons and tools, all carefully concealed within a large back basket, nestled between two smaller ones. The sight was startling for Xu Feng, but it sent a thrill of excitement coursing through his veins.

The weapons and tools were all commissioned by Xu Feng weeks ago when they were planning to go up the Nanshan Mountains alone. Xu Hu Zhe was the one to take the sketches, and silver to the craftsmen in Yilin. There was no way that Xu Feng was not up to something mischievous.

Among the weapons, there were a set of intricately crafted knives, each bearing the distinctive style of Donghua culture and heritage. Their blades gleamed with a deadly sheen, and their handles were adorned with ornate designs that spoke of craftsmanship and skill.

These knives were undoubtedly meant for more than just simple utility; they were instruments of precision and power. Seeing them outside of his simpler sketches was extraordinary.

Additionally, Xu Hu Zhe had brought along two hunting swords, their curved blades finely honed and razor sharp. These swords were ideal for swift and lethal strikes, and their presence in the back basket only added to the sense of intrigue and danger.

But it wasn’t just weapons that Xu Hu Zhe had prepared. There were custom made tools, the purpose of some of which remained a mystery to him. Xu Hu Zhe knew that he would soon learn their uses. He had a feeling that these tools would make whatever they were planning much easier to execute.

One of the items Xu Feng had commissioned was a little curved blade, it had been perfect for digging out ginseng, like the one they had found earlier. It was clear that some of the tools were designed for more covert activities, while others were unmistakably weapons meant for protection.

Xu Hu Zhe carried the bulk of their items, including the tools and back baskets, yet he still had a massive machete at his side, ready to defend them against any large beast or snake that might cross their path. Despite the weight of responsibility, his determination shone in his eyes.

Xu Feng couldn’t help but smile as he looked at the determined teenager.

They were not heading north, in the opposite direction of Xuan Jian’s route. Instead, they were venturing toward the rocky and rugged terrain of the forest in the east. The landscape changed dramatically as they made their way past the raised ground, the terrain growing uneven and challenging.

Rock formations jutted out from the earth, creating a maze like environment. The forest itself seemed to have a different energy here, with the trees standing tall and ancient, their branches intertwined to form natural canopies that filtered the sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor.

As Xu Feng and Xu Hu Zhe ventured deeper into the different terrain of the eastern forest, the surroundings changed significantly. The greenery and towering ancient trees gave way to a landscape dominated by jagged rock formations and twisted roots that protruded from the ground like gnarled fingers.

Amidst this unique terrain, Xu Feng couldn’t help but notice the presence of a particular type of fruit that grew here. They were small, round fruits with tough, thorny exteriors that protected their sweet, juicy interiors.

These fruits were known as "Thornberries" in the Donghua region, and while they might not have been as well known as some other fruits, Xu Feng had seen them in the treasures included in his dowry. They had been dry and unpalatable later in the season, but they should taste much better now that it was spring.

After pausing to try them, the thornberries were not only delicious but super sweet and filled with water, taking a few with them now, wasn’t a bad idea. Their vibrant crimson color stood out against the earthy tones of the rocky landscape, making them easier to spot.

However, as tempting as the thornberries were, Xu Feng knew that his focus needed to remain on the mysterious prize that was pulling his ring forward. They couldn’t stay and strip the branches bare.

The feeling was undeniably strong, though not as potent as the sensation he had experienced when they discovered the Xuan ancestor’s realm.

It was uncertain what criteria the ring used to identify treasures, but the presence of the secret realm was a significant find. What would he find this time? Or what would find him?