Perhaps owing to the emotions of departure, rain suddenly began to fall from the sky in the afternoon, gradually intensifying.
The road conditions deteriorated into mud, forcing Jiang Shouzhong to seek shelter in a nearby cave.
The cave wasn’t very large; the ground was covered with a layer of dry grass and other plant fibers, and there were traces of a campfire, indicating people often used it to shield themselves from the weather as a temporary refuge.
Jiang Shouzhong led both horses into the cave—the horse that hadn’t been ridden was secretly guided by ngniang’s demonic power, following Jiang Shouzhong and the others all the way.
Because she was carrying Er Liang and leading the horses, ngniang was also sowhat tired. After entering the cave, she chose a quiet corner to begin ditating and recuperating to restore her energy.
"How about that? My riding skills are impressive, right?"
Yelü Miaomiao gently stroked the smooth mane of the white horse she rode and smiled at Jiang Shouzhong, who was starting a fire.
Jiang Shouzhong ignored her.
"Oh, co on, don’t be so petty. I wasn’t trying to make fun of you."
Yelü Miaomiao gently removed the disguise from her face and walked lightly to sit down beside the newly kindled fire. Her wet hair, clinging to her soft, pale cheeks, enhanced her beautiful appearance.
Jiang Shouzhong remarked indifferently, "For a girl to have such proficient riding skills, riding on the official road, and even using so of your Yanrong-specific riding techniques, aren’t you afraid soone will see sothing is wrong?"
Yelü Miaomiao stuck out her tongue and said sheepishly, "I got carried away and didn’t think much about it."
She glanced at ngniang, who was ditating in the corner, then moved closer to Jiang Shouzhong and whispered, "Jiang Mo, don’t you feel ngniang is acting weird, like she’s avoiding you?"
"Is she?"
Jiang Shouzhong hadn’t noticed.
Yelü Miaomiao raised her slender finger and waved it, "A woman’s intuition."
"Intuition my ass."
Jiang Shouzhong curled his lip and looked toward Er Liang.
Er Liang sat quietly in front of the fire, clutching her slender legs, holding her exquisite sword. The dancing flas cast a flickering light on her face, highlighting a faint sadness on the young girl’s cheeks.
Jiang Shouzhong sat down beside Er Liang and asked softly, "Are you upset with ?"
Er Liang was startled, shook her head vehently, and said sadly, "Master, I can sense that Que’er left because of , did Er Liang do sothing wrong?"
"You didn’t do anything wrong, and neither did she."
Jiang Shouzhong gently stroked the girl’s moist hair, softly speaking, "So things in this world are simply helpless. Perhaps she just wants to protect so... things she once lost. Because she fears causing harm, she opts to distance herself."
Jiang Shouzhong smiled, "But no worries, I’ll take you to see her soon, okay?"
"Yes."
Er Liang showed a smile, pure and flawless.
——
The rain curtain fell like a waterfall, densely pelting the mountain summit, gathering into streams that swiftly rushed down the rugged rocks.
The Longwu Escort Agency team also encountered the downpour and were forced to halt their journey.
Fortunately, being frequently on the road, they knew the terrain well and found a nearby place for shelter—at the mont, they were resting in an antique temple halfway up the mountain.
The temple was declining, having been neglected since the abbot passed away the previous year. The few remaining monks had left to pursue their practices elsewhere. This temple, known as Wu’an Temple, had thus been abandoned and served as a refuge for travelers and rchants to escape the weather and rest.
Several disciples from the escort agency busied themselves fetching water to prepare hot tea for everyone to warm up.
The rain-drenched group found dry spots to change out of wet clothes or huddled together to warm their apparel and regain body heat.
Inside the hall, Long Xixin stood at the doorway, gazing at the intensifying torrential rain outside, a hint of worry creeping into his expression.
"This violent storm doesn’t seem like it will pass soon. The cargo for Yuqu Tower that we’re carrying is still at the agency waiting to be dispatched. If this delay impacts the delivery date, it could cause considerable trouble," said Kuang Tianguang, as he wrung wetness from the hem of his clothes and reassured with a smile, "Don’t worry, big brother, I’ll personally ensure the delivery is on ti. If necessary, I’ll stake my reputation on it."
"You’re just teasing , aren’t you?"
Long Xixin laughed and pointed at him, but his face soon twisted in anger, "This girl is really becoming too much to handle! I was counting on her to help out when Liang Cai takes over the agency, but she’s even more unreliable!"
Long Xixin grew increasingly agitated as he spoke, eventually shoving an incense burner from the table to the floor in frustration.
He beca so angry that he began to cough violently.
Kuang Tianguang hurriedly stepped forward, patting his back gently, and advised warmly, "Big brother, try not to worry. It’s natural for a girl to encounter emotional issues as she grows up. As long as Yanyan is fine, that’s what matters. I believe she’ll mature after this experience and avoid making such impulsive decisions in the future."
Long Xixin gave a weary smile and waved his hand, looking exhausted.
A mont later, a disciple ca in with hot tea and set it on the table.
Long Xixin took an elixir and swallowed it with tea, saying helplessly, "How can I not worry? You see my health, I probably won’t last much longer. With an unreliable son and a disappointing daughter, even in death, my eyes would not close in peace."
"Big brother, let’s not speak such unlucky words anymore."
Reviews
All reviews (0)