Rebirth as the Richest Woman in the World
Chapter 545, Lawless City (second update)

Chapter 545: 545, Lawless City (second update)

In the end, of course, it was Chu Jin and Mo Zhixuan who won.

Miao Xinran and Qin Jinyong came second.

Naturally, Mo Qingyi and Duanmu Zhe were the last.

The scenery in the reed marshes was nice, and the three of them rowed the boat into the midst of the reeds, collecting a lot of red water chestnuts.

It was the first time for both Mo Qingyi and Miao Xinran to see red water chestnuts, as well as the first time they tried their hand at picking them, they were both excited beyond measure.

The red water chestnuts of June, whose shells had not yet hardened, could be easily peeled away to reveal the white flesh underneath, which was crisp and refreshing to bite into, with an excellent texture.

Chu Jin took a lot of photos and posted a Weibo.

"The Return of the Past" V: The sun is shining just right, we are all here.

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One picture was of fresh red water chestnuts, and the other was of the six people’s reflections in the water. The reflections were very blurry, only the general contours of their figures could be made out, even people who knew each other well couldn’t tell who was who.

After posting on Weibo, Chu Jin immediately turned off his phone.

Little did he know, below the Weibo post, another uproar was brewing.

Some astute readers had even guessed that this was South Mountain Town.

They had roadside barbecue for dinner that evening.

Duanmu Zhe was the host.

Qin Zhurao was still trailing behind the six, and when she learned that they were going to eat at a roadside stall at night, disdain showed in her eyes.

Roadside stalls were dirty and chaotic, and there were many mosquitoes, and such a picky person like her would naturally not be used to it.

But because Mo Zhixuan was also there, she gritted her teeth and sat next to Qin Jinyong.

She couldn’t understand why someone of Mo Zhixuan’s esteemed status could stomach such filthy food.

At the dinner table, Mo Qingyi saw that Qin Zhurao hadn’t eaten a bite, and that there was a look of disgust on her face, which made her somewhat displeased as she directly asked, "Miss Qin, don’t you have other friends here? Are you planning to keep following us like this?"

Mo Qingyi did not really like Qin Zhurao, this woman was obviously not from their world.

She seemed a bit hard on the eyes.

Always following them was not an ideal situation!

Qin Zhurao was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Mo Qingyi to ask this, and besides, she didn’t think she had offended Mo Qingyi, had she?

Why would Mo Qingyi target her all of a sudden?

It must be Chu Jin stirring things up behind the scenes!

Qin Zhurao bit her lip, her complexion not looking too good. This Chu Jin really had some tactics!

Qin Jinyong hurriedly spoke up to smooth things over, "It was I who asked Zhurao to stay with us for a few more days to enjoy herself. She doesn’t know anyone here, and it’s not too safe for a girl to be out on her own."

Qin Zhurao’s expression then eased a little.

Xinran watched Qin Jinyong defending Qin Zhurao in every way, and after a quiet glance at the two, somehow she understood something, and the look in her eyes darkened.

After dinner, Mo Zhixuan told everyone to head back to the inn first, while he and Chu Jin went for a walk.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Seeing a rare opportunity, Qin Zhurao immediately stood up, her voice soft, "Zhixuan, I arrived two days earlier than you guys, and I’m more familiar with the environment here. Let me show you around."

Chu Jin raised his eyebrows slightly, this Qin Zhurao really knew how to seize every chance, not letting any opportunity slip by.

She was determined even in trying to steal someone’s partner.

She only lowered her own value by doing so.

Mo Zhixuan glanced at her, his eyes slightly deep, exuding a sense of pressure that made Qin Zhurao shiver, daring not to say anything more.

The strong are like that, even a look in their eyes can make others submit and fear.

The surroundings became somewhat quiet.

Mo Zhixuan did not bother with the reactions of the people around him and walked away, taking Chu Jin by the hand, and the two quickly disappeared into the night.

Qin Zhurao bit her lip, her face full of unwillingness.

Qin Jinyong walked over, patted her on the shoulder, and silently comforted her.

Miao Xinran snorted lightly and pulled Mo Qingyi in the direction of the inn, leaving a confused Duanmu Zhe standing alone in the wind.

Chu Jin and Mo Zhixuan strolled at the foot of the hill, where the mountain breeze blew gently, very refreshing.

"I want to take a walk on the mountain," Chu Jin said, gazing at the rolling peaks.

Mo Zhixuan, somewhat puzzled, asked, "What for, going up the mountain?"

Chu Jin spoke truthfully, "To find a herb that can cure my mother’s illness."

Mo Zhixuan’s grip on her hand tightened slightly and without asking further, he slowly uttered three words, "I’ll accompany you."

Those simple three words were the most enchanting sound in the world.

They also included a kind of promise.

Chu Jin nodded slightly, her eyes curving, reflecting the faint starlight, bright and mesmerizing. A gentle "Okay" spilled from her lips and, carried by the soft mountain breeze, floated into Mo Zhixuan’s ears, softening the harsh contours of his brow in an instant.

The mountain path was rugged, with thorny weeds and scattered stones making it difficult to traverse.

Yet the two of them moved through the forest as if walking on flat ground.

South Mountain was vast, and finding a particular plant was not an easy task.

The night on South Mountain was eerie, filled with the constant rustle of leaves and the cries of unknown insects. Incredibly, Chu Jin even heard the howling of wolves.

After wandering the mountain for a good part of the evening, they had not found the Soul Resurrection Grass.

Continuing to search aimlessly wasn’t a solution, so Mo Zhixuan looked down and asked, "What’s the name of the herb you’re looking for?"

Chu Jin bent down to examine an unknown plant, "Soul Resurrection Grass." As she spoke, she plucked a leaf, about to taste it, but Mo Zhixuan stopped her abruptly, "What are you doing, acting like a child, putting everything in your mouth? Aren’t you afraid it’s poisonous?"

Even if it wasn’t poisonous, the plants in these woods had been crawled over by countless bugs and snakes, which wasn’t sanitary at all!

Being a person with a penchant for cleanliness, Mo Zhixuan naturally couldn’t bear to see her act like this.

"Afraid of what?" Chu Jin raised her eyebrows slightly, speaking nonchalantly, "The ancient doctor even tasted hundreds of herbs." With that, she plucked the unknown plant and put it into her backpack.

Ever since she learned ancient medicine, Chu Jin had grown increasingly interested in plants.

She discovered that almost every plant in this world had its own benefits and uses.

Even the inconspicuous grass by the roadside.

Now that she encountered a plant she had never seen before, of course she would not miss the opportunity to collect it.

Although Mo Zhixuan felt helpless, he indulged her little habits, and continued to inquire, "How do you know there is Soul Resurrection Grass on this mountain?"

"Do you remember the little girl selling flowers named Yinyin?" Chu Jin asked softly.

Mo Zhixuan’s eyes narrowed slightly as he promptly replied, "Of course, I remember."

"The wild roses she sold were imbued with the scent of Soul Resurrection Grass. However, we’ve visited the entirety of South Mountain Town in the past few days and found no trace of wild roses, so I’m guessing they must grow up here on the mountain," Chu Jin said, her voice serene and measured.

Mo Zhixuan nodded thoughtfully, "So you mean if we find the wild roses, we can find the Soul Resurrection Grass?

Chu Jin nodded slightly, "Yes, that’s right."

"Come with me, I know where the wild roses are," Mo Zhixuan said as he pulled Chu Jin down the mountain.

The moon shone brightly, casting a faint glow on the two as they walked through the forest.

After walking for about twenty minutes, Mo Zhixuan brought Chu Jin to a stop in front of a rose bush.

The air was filled with a light fragrance, very pleasant to smell.

But there was no sign of the Soul Resurrection Grass.

"How could it not be here?" Chu Jin frowned slightly, "I clearly sensed the presence of the Soul Resurrection Grass on those wild roses."

Mo Zhixuan went over to comfort her, "The mountain is so big, there is certainly more than one place with wild roses. Let’s keep looking and not rush."

Chu Jin nodded, "Okay." At the moment, there was no other option but to keep searching.

The two wandered aimlessly around the mountain for several hours, but failed to find any trace of the Soul Resurrection Grass, and had no choice but to go back down the mountain.

It was over 3 am when they arrived back at the inn.

After a hasty wash, they embraced and fell asleep together, and when Chu Jin woke up the next morning, it was already past nine o’clock.

Mo Zhixuan was nowhere to be seen in the room.

Chu Jin washed up and went downstairs, where she saw Miao Xinran and Mo Qingyi chatting happily with the innkeeper.

"Jin, you’re awake?" Miao Xinran glanced her way as she saw Chu Jin descend the stairs.

"Mm," Chu Jin looked around briefly, eyebrow slightly raised, "How come it’s just the two of you? Where is everyone else?"

Not only were Mo Zhixuan and the others missing, but even Qin Zhurao was nowhere to be seen.

"Oh right," Miao Xinran scratched her head, "Jin, Jiuge, my brother, and Duanmu Zhe had to leave suddenly for some urgent matters. Seeing you were sleeping so deeply this morning, Jiuge didn’t want us to wake you. He said to let you know when you woke up that they’ll come back to pick us up in three days."

Chu Jin nodded slightly and then asked, "Where’s Qin Zhurao?"

Miao Xinran took a bite of the pancake in her hand and said, "She’s probably still sleeping upstairs, right? I haven’t seen her since I got up this morning." Then she turned to Chu Jin, "Jin, you haven’t had breakfast yet, right? Come and have some pancakes. The innkeeper said these are called ’preserved vegetable pancakes,’ a local specialty here."

"Alright." Chu Jin stepped forward, took the preserved vegetable pancake that Miao Xinran handed her, and began to snack on it leisurely.

Just then, the innkeeper brought a cup of hot soy milk and placed it in front of Chu Jin, "Young lady, have it with the hot soy milk. This is made from freshly ground beans, different from the powdered kind outside. I’ve also added some walnuts to it, try it, it tastes very good."

The innkeeper was a middle-aged woman in her forties, dressed fashionably and looking very young with her delicate makeup, she could easily be mistaken for a woman in her thirties.

"Thank you." Chu Jin took the soy milk and looked up to express her gratitude.

The innkeeper had been running the inn for a long time and this was the first time she’d seen such an outstandingly beautiful young girl. Though not a native of Jiangnan, she was more delicate and ethereal than the maidens there. While she was beautiful, she didn’t seem frail, and the phrase ’graceful and poised’ was more than apt to describe her.

At that moment, Qin Zhurao walked down from upstairs, striding past the trio with pride. Without the three men around, she didn’t even bother to keep up her pretense.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, just look at her, with that smug, aloof look on her face! I don’t know what she’s so pleased about!" Mo Qingyi said with a look of disgust, "I really don’t understand how my brother and Duanmu Zhe could know someone like her, just looking at her is irritating."

When Mo Qingyi said this, she didn’t lower her voice deliberately.

Worried, Miao Xinran quickly put a finger to her lips and shushed, reminding her, "Keep it down! She hasn’t walked far yet!"

Mo Qingyi shrugged with an indifferent expression, "If she hears, so what? I’m just stating facts, I’m not slandering her, what’s there to fear?"

Qin Zhurao paused in her step, glanced sideways at the three of them, a venomous look in her eyes, but she didn’t linger and quickly stepped away from the inn.

Now with Mo Zhixuan, Duanmu Zhe, and Qin Jinyong all gone, if something were to happen to the three of them, no one would even know!

Around midday, Chu Jin once again joined the two in a stroll around South Mountain Town.

On the way back to the inn, Mo Qingyi ran into a group of classmates from her class, seven people in total, three women and four men. Coincidentally, two of them happened to be Miao Xinran’s middle school classmates.

It’s rare to meet classmates in a foreign land, so everyone suggested visiting a tea house nearby to sit, drink tea, and catch up on old times.

Since Chu Jin wasn’t very familiar with the group and was still yearning for the Soul Resurrection Grass, she made her excuses and left shortly after having a cup of tea.

After Chu Jin left, one of Mo Qingyi’s male classmates watched her departure and said, "Your friend is quite pretty."

Before Mo Qingyi could say anything, a girl beside her spoke up with a hint of sourness. "Huh, pretty snobbish, aren’t they?" A beautiful girl always draws some jealousy from others.

Mo Qingyi laughed and said, "Well, if one has the privilege to be cold, it’s certainly better than some people here spouting sour grapes."

"You!" The girl ’whooshed’ to her feet but was held back by a companion next to her.

**

Chu Jin came to the mountain again.

In contrast to the night, the mountain during the day seemed exceptionally peaceful.

South Mountain was already a tourist area, but the mountain itself had not been developed. The tourism sites were only at the foot of the mountain, so the mountain was rarely trodden, preserving a great ecological environment.

"Jin, head south." Chu Jin was aimlessly wandering on the mountain when suddenly, Zi’s voice echoed in the air.

Chu Jin was somewhat surprised and said, "You’re finally awake!"

Zi scratched her head sheepishly, "Actually, I didn’t sleep that long." After a pause, she added, "Jin, I’ve located the position of the Soul Resurrection Grass. Just follow the map."

As Zi spoke, she waved her hand, and a transparent barrier appeared in the air, displaying red arrows.

Following the map’s directions, Chu Jin swiftly moved through the woods, nearly a blur.

Finally, she stopped in front of a large cluster of rose bushes.

The map vanished into thin air, and Zi also said, "Jin, this is the place."

Looking around at the surroundings, Chu Jin frowned slightly. This was clearly where she had been with Mo Zhixuan last night, but she hadn’t spotted any trace of the Soul Resurrection Grass here.

Chu Jin spoke calmly, "You got it wrong, didn’t you? I was already here last night."

"Jin, are you joking?" Zi patted her chest and said, "How could the supremely powerful and invincible me make a mistake? It’s definitely here. I’ll stake my head on it. Take a closer look; maybe it was too dark last night, and you didn’t see it clearly."

Chu Jin raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure you’re not mistaken?"

"Absolutely certain." Zi nodded emphatically.

Seeing her so sure, Chu Jin circled the rose bushes again, even flipping over the stones nearby, but still found no sign of the Soul Resurrection Grass.

Half an hour later, Chu Jin was running out of patience. Looking at the thriving rose bushes, she reached out to pluck one.

But as soon as her hand touched the roses, it caused ripples like touching water, passing straight through them as if they had no physical form.

Chu Jin quickly withdrew her hand and picked up a stone from the ground, throwing it at the rose bushes. Just like her hand, the stone also caused ripples upon impact, disappearing into thin air.

"Is this some kind of barrier?" Chu Jin slightly lifted her brow, communicating with Zi in the Purple Lightning space with her consciousness.

Zi nodded, her expression serious. "It seems to be a barrier. Jin, I have a feeling the Soul Resurrection Grass is inside. Let’s go in."

Hearing this, Chu Jin stepped into the Rose Sanctuary without any hesitation.

With a flash, she found herself in another scene.

It resembled a tall city tower.

Grand and splendid, just like one would see in a period drama.

Three large characters were carved at the top of the tower.

Lawless City.

The city gates were wide open with a continuous stream of people coming and going.

Apart from the ancient city tower, the people here wore modern clothing, and some were even playing with their phones while walking.

"Zi, what place is this?" Chu Jin stood outside the city gates, hesitating whether to go in or not.

Lawless City, a name she had never heard of before, and clearly, this was no longer the real world she knew.