Just as Mu Wanqing and You Qingfeng were discussing Bai Yunfei, a disciple hurried in to report that the man who had delivered the warning for Bai Yunfei that afternoon had come to visit.
"Him?" Mu Wanqing frowned slightly, seeming puzzled.
You Qingfeng also looked perplexed. "What could he want? Is it regarding Bai Yunfei? But based on my earlier assessment, their relationship shouldn't be particularly close..."
Mu Wanqing glanced towards the main gate. "Regardless, since he is here, I think we should greet him properly. I sense that he..."
"Mmm, I know what you mean," You Qingfeng nodded. "I had the same impression. As long as he harbors no ill will, treating him respectfully won't hurt."
The two turned and walked back towards the gate.
Hong Yi stood before the entrance, a faint smile on his face. Seeing them approach, he clasped his hands in a gesture of slight apology. "My apologies for the intrusion, Sect Master. I wish to request lodging within your esteemed sect for a few days. I hope Sect Master Mu will grant this request."
His directness took Mu Wanqing aback for a moment before she returned his smile. "You are too courteous, Young Hero. The Emerald Willow Sect naturally welcomes you as our guest. May I ask your name?"
"Hong Yi."
"Ah, Young Hero Hong Yi," Mu Wanqing acknowledged. "The hour is late. Please, rest first. I will have someone show you to a guest room adjacent to Bai Yunfei's. Is that agreeable?"
Hong Yi clasped his hands again. "That would be most appreciated. Many thanks, Sect Master Mu."
As Hong Yi followed a disciple down the path and out of sight, Mu Wanqing turned to You Qingfeng, noticing his furrowed brow and contemplative expression.
"Qingfeng, what is it?"
You Qingfeng stared in the direction Hong Yi had vanished, a trace of doubt in his voice. "Hong Yi... that name... I feel like I've heard it somewhere before. Yet, I cannot recall where..."
"Oh?" Mu Wanqing's eyes widened. "Could he be a prominent disciple from some other sect or family?"
You Qingfeng pondered again but ultimately shook his head, giving up for the moment. "Whoever he is, one thing is clear: his strength far surpasses ours. He conceals it masterfully, making it impossible for us to gauge his true level... which only underscores how much stronger he truly is. Befriending such a person is ideal. If not, we should at least avoid offending him. He seems to hold Bai Yunfei in high regard, but why...?"
"I find that strange too," Mu Wanqing agreed. "With his power, solving Bai Yunfei's predicament would have been effortless. Yet, Bai Yunfei seemed reluctant to owe him too much, only asking him to deliver a small message to us so we could intervene. I doubt their relationship is close; Bai Yunfei doesn't seem fully familiar with him. Strangely, though, this Hong Yi appears genuinely concerned for him..."
You Qingfeng chuckled softly and shook his head. "Wanqing, don't overthink it. Speculation won't yield much. Having him stay here benefits us. If the Frost Ice Sect truly comes looking for trouble, he might intervene. Wouldn't that make things easier for us?"
"You're right," Mu Wanqing conceded. "Now, we wait to see the Frost Ice Sect's response. We'll act according to circumstances..."
In a guest room within the western courtyard, Bai Yunfei sat blankly on the bed, seemingly lost in thought rather than focusing on healing.
Knock, knock, knock...
Startled by the rapping on his door, Bai Yunfei quickly called out, "Come in."
The door opened to reveal Qiu Lüliu and Chu Yuhe. Yuhe carefully carried a large bowl of medicinal brew. She approached Bai Yunfei, offering him the bowl with deep concern.
"Brother Yunfei, please drink this medicine. It will help your injuries. After you finish it, circulate your soul force to fully absorb its effects. You'll recover quickly."
Seeing their care, warmth filled Bai Yunfei's eyes. He took the bowl, drained it in several gulps, handed the empty vessel back to Yuhe, and managed a smile. "Thank you both. Please, don't worry about me. I'll be fine soon."
Qiu Lüliu gave him an encouraging nod. "We know you're resilient. Rest well and focus on healing. We won't disturb you further. If you need anything, find us at the Willow Leaf Cottage, to the left of this courtyard."
With a gentle tug on Yuhe's sleeve, she led the girl out of the room.
Bai Yunfei stared blankly at the closed door for a while longer before finally sighing softly. He steadied his mind, sat cross-legged, and began a thorough examination of his internal injuries.
Setting aside the minor wounds from his earlier fight with the two mid-stage Soul Warriors, he had suffered two direct strikes from Liu Cheng's Frost Ice Palm. The first blow had been blocked intentionally, though at great cost. The second, landing squarely on his back as he fled, had been delivered with slightly less force due to Liu Cheng's abrupt change in technique, but it was still devastating damage.
His internal organs were slightly bruised. A hairline fracture seemed to trace one of his ribs. Most insidiously, a surge of frigid energy coursed wildly through his meridians. Wherever it passed, his skin prickled, and sensation dulled. Bai Yunfei tried channeling his soul force to block its path, but the effort proved futile.
Resigned, he retrieved the Fire-Tipped Spear. Drawing its inherent heat into his body, he slowly, painstakingly, began neutralizing the invasive chill.
This isn't enough... he thought grimly. It might seem like this dispels the cold, but it's happened before. I thought it was completely gone last time, but if not for Senior Ge's help, I would have paid dearly. Now, there might be hidden veins of ice-attributed elemental force lurking within me, undetectable. Do I need to seek help? Could Sect Master Mu or Elder You even purge this cold energy? But... I truly don't want to owe more favors...
Shaking his head to dismiss this troubling thought for now, he resolved to focus on healing the injuries he could address immediately.
Early the next morning, as sunlight streamed into the room, Bai Yunfei slowly opened his eyes. He exhaled softly; his complexion looked significantly better, indicating good progress.
He stored the Fire-Tipped Spear, which had rested across his lap, into his spatial ring. Clenching his fist a few times, he nodded with satisfaction. "The medicine Yuhe brought truly has remarkable effects. If I'd relied solely on soul force to heal, I'd only be half as recovered now. At this rate, three days should be enough for a full recovery."
Just then, there was a gentle knock, followed by Yuhe's soft voice. "Brother Yunfei? Are you awake? I've brought you breakfast."
"Yes, I'm up. Come in, Yuhe."
The door opened softly. Yuhe entered, carrying a bowl of porridge. She smiled at him and placed it on the table. "Brother Yunfei, are you feeling better?"
Bai Yunfei shook his head reassuringly. "Much better. I should be fully recovered in a couple of days. Don't worry, Yuhe."
"Oh, that's wonderful!" she exclaimed. "Have some porridge first. Then you can continue healing or perhaps take a walk outside for some fresh air."
"Alright, thank you, Yuhe," Bai Yunfei nodded. "If I need anything, I'll find you."
"Then... I won't disturb your healing, Brother Yunfei. I'll bring lunch at noon."
After watching Chu Yuhe leave, Bai Yunfei finished the porridge. He sat back down on the bed to cultivate but found himself restless and unable to concentrate. Giving up, he decided a walk might soothe his mind.
Stepping outside, he surveyed the small courtyard housing five rooms. A paved path led away, flanked by vibrant flowerbeds. A kaleidoscope of blossoms swayed in the breeze, forming a pleasing vista.
As he moved to explore further, a figure turned into the courtyard entrance from the right. They came face to face. Bai Yunfei's expression froze in shock, while the other man smiled warmly.
"Hong Yi!" Bai Yunfei gasped. "What are you doing here?"
Hong Yi chuckled. "Why? Can't I be here?"
"No, that's not what I meant," Bai Yunfei clarified, confusion evident. "Are you... a member of the Emerald Willow Sect?"
"Must one be a member of the Emerald Willow Sect to be here? Aren't you here?" Hong Yi countered lightly. "I'm merely lodging here for a few nights."
Bai Yunfei studied the man intently. Hong Yi met his gaze unflinchingly, his smile unwavering. Bai Yunfei finally looked away, deep in thought for a moment.
"Why are you helping me like this?" he asked directly. "We... shouldn't have any connection."
"True," Hong Yi acknowledged. "Before yesterday, we didn't even know each other." He paused. "However, you needn't be suspicious. At the very least, I harbor no ill will toward you. Isn't that so?"
Seeing Bai Yunfei's lingering doubt, Hong Yi sighed slightly before continuing. "Very well. I can tell you this much: I know you have ties to the Heaven's Fate Sect, ties personally established by Senior Ge Yiyun. Therefore, I wished to acquaint myself with you. Perhaps in the future... we might assist each other."
"What could I possibly help you with?" Bai Yunfei countered, incredulous. "Your strength far surpasses mine."
"At present, yes," Hong Yi conceded easily. "But the future? Who can say?"
Bai Yunfei frowned, mulling this over. After a pause, his expression softened into sincerity. "Regardless, thank you for your help yesterday. Without you, I couldn't have made that decision so decisively."
It was Hong Yi who had intercepted him in the alley the day before. It was Hong Yi who revealed that Liu Cheng had been secretly observing them at the Hidden Joy Pavilion. And it was Hong Yi who pointed out the resemblance between Liu Cheng and Liu Meng, the man who had been shadowing Bai Yunfei.
His warning allowed Bai Yunfei to connect all the dots of suspicion. When Bai Yunfei decided to confront Liu Cheng, he had specifically sought out Hong Yi again, entrusting him with the crucial task of delivering the message to the Emerald Willow Sect and requesting their aid.
Hong Yi smiled warmly. "I'm glad you chose to trust me, Brother Yunfei. Sincerity is a valuable virtue. Caution is wise, but being overly suspicious and distrustful... it pushes people away, don't you think?"
Bai Yunfei paused at these words, a flicker of shame crossing his face. He clasped his hands respectfully. "I... I thank you for the guidance, Brother Hong Yi."