Chapter 30 - Chapter 30: Such Misfortune (6)

Qi Tianyu entered the cave and, upon surveying the scene, was startled: "Ru'er, what are you doing here?" Seeing her scantily clad and vulnerable, his expression darkened. Without hesitation, he took off his long robe and draped it over her shoulders."Young Master!" After days of fear and peril, Ru'er finally choked back tears at the sight of Qi Tianyu. He steadied her by the shoulders and attempted to lift her, but as soon as he applied force, Ru'er trembled in pain. Zhuo Qing hurriedly warned, "Be careful, her foot is fractured; she shouldn't move." Only then did Qi Tianyu notice the long bandages wrapped around her foot and carefully lifted her instead. Reluctant to rise, Ru'er turned to Zhuo Qing and asked, "Miss, may I inquire your name?""My name is Qing Feng.""I am Fei Ru. Thank you, Miss Qing, for saving me." Grateful, Fei Ru knelt halfway to the ground with Qi Tianyu's support. Unaccustomed to such formal reverence, Zhuo Qing stepped back and gestured toward Qian Jing behind her. "No need for such ceremony. If thanks are due, direct them to him."Stubborn, Ru'er first knelt to Zhuo Qing before turning to bow to Qian Jing. Qian Jing waved dismissively, clutching his wound, and said with a boisterous grin, "Enough, enough! I know I'm impressive—you need not thank me. It was but a trifling effort, a mere flick of the wrist!"Perhaps relieved to have escaped danger, Qian Jing appeared more spirited. Unable to bear his smugness, Zhuo Qing crossed her arms and shot a sidelong glance, scoffing, "A mere flick of the wrist? Indeed. Aside from your throwing knives, I doubt you possess any other skills! And a bounty hunter too? It's a miracle you're still alive!"Qian Jing's smile faltered as he retorted coldly, "Ugly woman, what do you know? Beyond throwing knives, my lightness skill is unmatched in the world. Even senior brothers and sisters of great renown are no match for me. That is why I am the superior bounty hunter!"Lou Xiyan's eyes flickered slightly, maintaining her composure. Zhuo Qing, less reserved, burst into laughter, "All you've boasted about is running away—clearly your greatest talent!"Qian Jing shrugged nonchalantly, snorting, "So what? If you can't win, you run. Being able to flee is the mark of a true master! Do you know why I chose throwing knives as my weapon? First, because they look cool; second, because if I can't fight, I can escape easily!" As he spoke, he gestured despite the sharp pain in his wound, grimacing.Zhuo Qing hurriedly knelt down, concern etched on her face, "How are you? Don't get carried away!"Such a man was truly an anomaly; martial artists typically concealed their shame in fleeing. Yet he spoke with brazen honesty. His disdain for vanity and candid nature earned Zhuo Qing a reluctant respect.Clutching his wound in agony, Qian Jing glared at Zhuo Qing and cursed, "If you hadn't been in the way, would I be this injured?!"Seeing his furious embarrassment, Zhuo Qing couldn't help but chuckle. The more she laughed, the fiercer his glare became; the fiercer he glared, the louder she laughed. Their exchange of sharp glances rendered those around them invisible.Qi Tianyu quietly glanced at Lou Xiyan, whose face betrayed little emotion; his slightly narrowed eyes and lightly tapping finger betrayed his unease. Clearing his throat, Qi Tianyu quickly entrusted Ru'er to a nearby guard and approached Qian Jing. "Brother Qian, your injuries seem severe. Why don't you come with me to the Hot Springs Garden? I'll have a doctor tend to your wounds."Qian Jing withdrew his gaze and nodded readily, "Very well, very well!"—saving himself the expense of a doctor."Guards!" Qi Tianyu called two men forward to support Qian Jing.Zhuo Qing stretched her waist, preparing to follow them to the Hot Springs Garden when a slightly cool hand grasped her wrist. Confused, she looked to Lou Xiyan, who gently adjusted her cloak and spoke softly, "I must return to the Xiang Mansion now; the Northern Qi envoy has arrived early at Qiong Yue. I must attend the palace banquet tomorrow night. I plan to bring you along so you can meet your sister, and after the banquet, I will escort you back. Do you wish to return with me now, or stay here to rest at the Hot Springs Garden and meet your sister another time?"After a moment's thought, Zhuo Qing replied, "I will go with you." Such an opportunity might not arise again soon.Lou Xiyan lightly supported her as they left the cave. Watching their departing figures, Qi Tianyu smiled wryly and shook his head. Lou Xiyan's tactic of feigned reluctance was masterful; knowing her as he did, whether Qing Feng wished it or not, Lou Xiyan would take her away—and now she followed willingly, even grateful. A fox remains a fox.At the cave entrance, Lou Xiyan planned to return directly to the Xiang Mansion via the back mountain path, while Qi Tianyu would ascend the mountain to the Hot Springs Garden through the rear gate. Their parties would soon part ways.Zhuo Qing looked at Qian Jing and smiled, "Qian Jing, thank you. Take care of yourself."Qian Jing nodded, replying loudly, "I remember the favor I owe you. I'll repay it when I have the chance."Who owed whom? Without her, he wouldn't be injured. Though grateful in her heart, Zhuo Qing teased, "You don't owe me favors, but you still owe me a hundred taels. Take good care of yourself and repay me soon!"Qian Jing was taken aback before grumbling, "No money, just one life to lose!"Zhuo Qing shook her head in disbelief, laughing softly, "You really are a money-grubber!"Unable to resist, she turned to Lou Xiyan and smiled, "Let's go." With enough strength left to bicker, she no longer needed to worry about him.Lou Xiyan nodded, recalling the troublesome Lou Xiwu, and said to Qi Tianyu, "Tianyu, I'll leave Xiwu in your care for a few days. Once she's reflected enough, I'll send someone to retrieve her.""Agreed." Qi Tianyu responded readily.The two walked side by side down the mountain. Zhuo Qing asked, "Have you found Xiwu?"The path was rugged; Lou Xiyan supported Zhuo Qing's shoulder, replying casually, "Yes."Curious, Zhuo Qing asked, "Who found her?""Jing Sa.""What a coincidence." Zhuo Qing chuckled, "Could it be that girl did it on purpose?"Lou Xiyan raised an eyebrow with a faint, enigmatic smile, "Are you the one who did it on purpose?""I?" Zhuo Qing was at a loss, "It's not like that! Actually..." Their voices dwindled until barely audible, but their intertwined figures remained crystal clear.Turning his gaze away, Qian Jing frowned irritably. What was he looking at? That ugly woman was Lou Xiyan's companion! His true concern should be how much Qi Tianyu had paid him. Yes, yes, money is the only thing that matters! Probably three hundred taels, or four hundred?