Chapter 22: Rabbit Nudges Cabbage
Zhang Ruochen's gaze was sharp as he stared at the woman before him. Her appearance was indeed stunning, but what unsettled him even more was the faint, elusive aura of death that clung to her. It was as if she were a walking corpse, yet her vitality was unmistakable.
"Who are you?" Zhang Ruochen asked coldly, his hand resting on the hilt of the Abyssal Ancient Sword.
The woman smiled, a hint of playfulness in her eyes. "I am someone who can help you. But first, you must answer me one question: Do you know where the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree is?"
Zhang Ruochen's heart tightened. The Sky-Connecting Divine Tree was a legendary sacred artifact, said to be able to connect the heavens and the earth, and it was one of the most precious treasures of the Kunlun Realm. How did this woman know about it?
"I don't know what you're talking about," Zhang Ruochen said cautiously.
The woman chuckled softly, her voice like silver bells. "Don't be so guarded. I mean you no harm. In fact, I can tell you that the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree is hidden deep within the Abyss of Darkness, guarded by the Dark Abyss Yan Clan. If you want to obtain it, you'll need my help."
Zhang Ruochen's mind raced. The Abyss of Darkness was one of the most dangerous places in the Hell Realm, and the Dark Abyss Yan Clan was one of the Ten Dark Powers. If what she said was true, then the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree was indeed beyond his reach for now.
"Why are you telling me this?" Zhang Ruochen asked, his eyes narrowing.
The woman stepped closer, her gaze meeting his. "Because I need your help as well. I am being hunted by the forces of the Heaven Realm Faction, and I need a safe place to hide. In exchange, I can provide you with information about the Sky-Connecting Divine Tree and other secrets of the Hell Realm."
Zhang Ruochen was silent for a moment, weighing her words. He could sense that she was not lying, but he also knew that trusting a stranger in this world could be deadly.
"What is your name?" he finally asked.
The woman smiled again, a hint of mystery in her expression. "You can call me... Yue. Just Yue."
Zhang Ruochen nodded slowly. "Very well, Yue. I will help you, but if you try to deceive me, I will not hesitate to kill you."
Yue laughed lightly, her eyes sparkling. "I wouldn't dream of it. Besides, I think we can be of great help to each other. After all, in this world, it's always better to have allies than enemies."
Zhang Ruochen didn't reply, but he knew she was right. In the dangerous and treacherous Hell Realm, having a reliable ally could mean the difference between life and death.
"Follow me," Zhang Ruochen said, turning and leading the way into the shadows of the ruined city.
As they walked, Yue's voice drifted through the darkness. "You know, Zhang Ruochen, you remind me of someone I once knew. He was also a stubborn and determined young man, always fighting against the odds."
Zhang Ruochen didn't respond, but his mind was already thinking about the path ahead. The Sky-Connecting Divine Tree, the Dark Abyss Yan Clan, and now this mysterious woman named Yue—all of these were pieces of a larger puzzle. And he was determined to solve it, no matter the cost.