Chapter 108 He Has Arrived

Lingyin led her swiftly through the forest—not aimlessly, but with a clear direction in mind. At last, he stopped before the mouth of a cave, concealed amidst thick undergrowth, so well hidden that without careful scrutiny, it would remain unseen.

“Lingyin, you’re injured.”

Now, they sat safely within the cave, which was somewhat damp, though the pile of dry straw inside offered a spot of comfort and warmth once lit against the chill.

“It’s nothing, my lady,” Lingyin replied, shifting imperceptibly to shield the cave’s entrance from the cold draft.

The small flame flickered and trembled, casting a pale light that rendered his jade-like features even more pallid. His hair was wet, droplets gathering at the tips, his clothes soaked through, leaving him looking rather bedraggled.

Xuexue, by contrast, though her long hair was slightly disheveled, wore garments that were clean and tidy.

“Lingyin, from the moment I set you free, you have been your own master. If anything, now I am indebted to you—there’s no need for you to call me ‘my lady’ any longer.” Lingyin had saved her this time, and though his sudden appearance puzzled her, the bond between them had long since ceased to be that of master and servant.

“My lady knows well—I do not waver from what I have chosen,” Lingyin answered quietly.

Xuexue did not press the matter, only tugged helplessly at the corners of her mouth. “Since you call me ‘my lady,’ I cannot ignore your wound.” The clay people, though alive, conscious, and capable of thought, were not truly human; if injured, they could not heal on their own.

Lingyin no longer refused, obediently offering his arm.

“Lingyin, I am curious—how did you find me? Was it mere coincidence?” She gently traced the wound on his arm, her touch probing and careful.

“After leaving the Yu Kingdom, I wandered from place to place among the mountains and rivers. Some time ago, I came to Crow Mountain, and there I sensed your presence, my lady. So, I followed quietly ever since.”

Crow Mountain? She had not expected him to have shadowed her for so long.

And she and Ji Wuqing—they had been separated for such a length of time…

“Do you wish to remain by my side always?” she asked bluntly.

“Lingyin only wishes to protect you, my lady,” he replied with utmost sincerity, his jade-like face devoid of any emotion save seriousness.

Purple Mountain Inn.

The inn was ablaze with light, black-clad guards encircling it in the rain, water streaming down their brows, their expressions unruffled.

Inside, the bedcurtain had fallen, but the bed within was empty, its covers turned back, no one in sight.

This was the room Xuexue had stayed in; the air still seemed to linger with her warmth and scent.

Ah, little Xue, you play this game of mantis stalking the cicada with such relish. But I shall play along with you.

“My lord, you seem preoccupied.”

An imposing elder stood behind him, his gaze fixed intently on Zuoqiu Liyen’s back. If Zuoqiu Liyen’s eyes were sharp, edged with laughter, the elder’s were those of one seasoned by time, shrewd and worldly.

“I am not without feeling, and my mind naturally turns to certain matters,” Zuoqiu Liyen replied nonchalantly.

“Of course,” the elder nodded. “I hear, my lord, you have found the one our Wu Kingdom seeks.”

“Elder Jin, it is too soon to speak of such things,” Zuoqiu Liyen said. And indeed, it was too soon, for now the person they sought had vanished.

“For a woman who can command your attention and effort, my lord, I doubt she could be the wrong one,” Elder Jin remarked, glancing at Zuoqiu Liyen’s seemingly placid yet impatient expression, then turned to ask a nearby attendant, “Where is Elder Yue? Is he with the young master?”

“Reporting to elder: Elder Yue went after the young princess from the Cheng Kingdom—she escaped in the confusion. But the young master is in her room now, perhaps resting,” came the answer.

“I see. Then we needn’t disturb him,” Elder Jin nodded, a thoughtful look on his face.

Zuoqiu Liyen moved to the window, gazing out at the rain, which seemed about to cease.

“My lord, we have tracked them,” Yunwu entered swiftly from outside, rain-soaked.

“Very well.” As though everything were unfolding as anticipated, Zuoqiu Liyen turned to leave. “Elder, you stay and rest—you’ve been traveling for days.”

Inside the cave, the fire burned dimly, its weak glow flickering in the wind.

“My lady, it seems they haven’t gone far. If we hurry, we can still catch up,” Yunwu said.

“No rush,” Zuoqiu Liyen replied lazily, sweeping a glance over the cramped, damp cave, his eyes betraying supreme confidence.

The fragrance after rain, the world hushed and still.

Pushing aside the mist, moonlight poured down, silvering the muddy mountains and swelling brooks. In that moonlight, they slipped through the wild forests.

The most dangerous places are often the safest; who would guess that after so much effort to leave the inn, they would circle back? By now, Zuoqiu Liyen and his men would be tracking elsewhere, but it was all a misdirection.

Soon enough, Lingyin, carrying Xuexue, leapt into the rear courtyard of the inn. All was silent, tranquil.

Yet in the next moment, the situation turned.

Lingyin was beset by several skilled fighters, separating him from Xuexue. Lingyin eyed them warily, anxiety in his voice as he spoke, “My lady.”

“Lingyin, it’s all right. Don’t act rashly,” Xuexue replied calmly, though anxiety began to gnaw at her heart.

Had she fallen into a trap after all?

“Xue, I knew you’d return,”

He entered slowly through the main door, his steps steady and unhurried. His face appeared gentle, but his eyes held a wicked gleam, like the ethereal red spider lily illuminated by a flickering flame—seductive and dangerous.

How could this be? They had walked right into the trap!

“Xue, you are clever—because of that, I could see through you,” he said, his gaze never leaving the slight surprise on her face, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

Cleverness can turn into folly.

“So it’s true, cleverness may lead to one’s undoing,” Xuexue smiled faintly, a sudden clarity dawning.

“I would argue otherwise,”

Suddenly, the door to the guest room swung open, and a man of peerless beauty strode out with effortless grace. He seemed to step in a beam of sunlight, cultured and harmless, like a gentle nobleman carved from jade.

Yet the innate authority between his brows was unmistakable, his dark eyes like impenetrable armor, impossible to read.

He was—

Xuexue could scarcely believe it, joy welling up within her.

Zuoqiu Liyen’s expression darkened, his face clouded.

So this was the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.

Ji Wuqing’s gaze lingered on Xuexue’s slender figure, a tenderness in his eyes impossible to conceal. “Xue’er, come here,” he called, his voice deep and rich, intoxicating as aged wine.

That night, the moonlight seemed especially exquisite, a sheer veil of white draping the world in radiance.

Hearing that familiar voice, Xuexue’s lips curved into a smile. Ji Wuqing, you are late, but you’re still in time…

“So it is the king of Ji Kingdom? What brings your majesty all the way out here instead of enjoying the comfort of your palace—are you here for the scenery?” Zuoqiu Liyen was but a few paces from Xuexue, gripping her wrist, his stare at Ji Wuqing openly provocative.

Even if he were here, what of it? She was still in his grasp.

“It is you, Lord Wu, with such refined interests. I have come in search of my wife; I ask that you return her to me,” Ji Wuqing replied serenely, his dark eyes gentle, his handsome face retaining its refined composure.

“And what does King Ji mean by that? Xue is a rare find, discovered by me—how could she be your wife? I hear the queen of Ji Kingdom is resting in the palace. Your majesty’s actions are most improper,” Zuoqiu Liyen raised an eyebrow, dismissing Ji Wuqing’s words.

“Xue’er, come to me,” Ji Wuqing said softly, unperturbed, addressing Xuexue.

“If you wish to go, I will not stop you,” Zuoqiu Liyen told her, still holding her wrist.

He was certain she was powerless against him. Xuexue smiled inwardly, clenching her hand into a fist. “Zuoqiu Liyen, I have tolerated you long enough.”

Now, she could finally act without restraint.

With that, she swung her fist at Zuoqiu Liyen’s face. Though not a true blow, her soul-capturing technique packed a formidable punch.

Sensing danger, Zuoqiu Liyen dodged swiftly, but not swiftly enough—Xuexue’s fist struck his demonic face, the force sending him stumbling awkwardly.

In that instant, Xuexue broke free from his grasp. Amidst the stunned stares of those around, she ran to Ji Wuqing. Barefoot, her hair in disarray, clad in a simple robe, she stood calmly before him.

As she stood before him, her eyes veiled in white silk, her delicate features shone with joy and delight.

“Xue’er, did you miss me?” Before she could react, Ji Wuqing swept her up by the waist, lifting her effortlessly before all. One arm encircled her waist, the other gently stroked her back, his touch tender and brimming with love.

Xuexue stiffened, then quietly wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his chest.

“Isn’t it tiring to hold me like this?” she asked, her first words to him, muffled against his chest and scarcely audible.

“With a beauty in my arms, how could I ever grow weary?” Ji Wuqing replied playfully, his large hand mischievously tightening around her waist, sending her heart racing.

“Ziqing…”