*Splash... splash...*
My head was spinning. Chu Ruo shielded her eyes with her hand as the muffled sound of crashing waves and voices drifted into her ears. "Why bring her along? We should have just killed her!"
"No!"
"Ugh... dizzy..."
The Bai sisters immediately looked toward the source of the voice—one with tenderness, the other with a glare. "Fine, go get some rest," the elder sister said.
"Whatever! I can't stand the sight of this anyway!" Bai Shan flicked her sleeve, shot the waking Chu Ruo a resentful look, and stomped heavily toward the ship's cabin.
Chu Ruo opened her eyes, her dizziness intensifying. A harsh white light pierced her vision, making her eyes ache. "Ruo’er," Bai Zhier’s voice called out as she helped her sit up. "Are you awake?"
Rubbing her eyes, Chu Ruo realized she was on a boat—a fairly large one at that, which explained the sound of the waves. They seemed to be on a lake, but it was vast, with no shore in sight. The sun hung high in the sky; it was likely noon. The light was punishingly bright, explaining her discomfort. Though they were under a canopy, the reflection off the water was intense. The shimmering waves were beautiful, but for someone who had just woken up, they were blinding. "Zhier? Are we... on a lake?"
"Mhm. Are you hungry?"
"I'm alright, just a bit lightheaded."
Bai Zhier pulled her closer, letting her lean against her. "It might be seasickness." She picked up a cup from a small side table and handed it over. "Drink some water. You’ll feel better."
Chu Ruo took a few sips, her mind clearing slightly. Realizing the position they were in was a bit too intimate, she shifted and sat up straight. "I'm much better now." She didn't press for their location; it was obvious that if Zhier hadn't told her, she wasn't going to. Asking would be futile.
As she pondered, the other woman leaned in closer. "Now that you've seen your Little Scorpion, are you so afraid to be near me?"
"Zhier..."
The teasing tone was unmistakable. Bai Zhier brushed a stray hair from Chu Ruo's face. "If you're dizzy, lie back down. It's more comfortable."
"How is your injury?"
"Oh? So Ruo’er still remembers to care for me," Bai Zhier said, looking pleased. "It’s nothing serious, though I probably shouldn't exert myself for a few days."
"Then be careful. If you need anything, just tell me. Don't move around on your own, or the wound might reopen. I..."
"Go on, you what?"
Chu Ruo stopped herself abruptly. It wasn't for any other reason than she had suddenly thought of Nan Muxue. She used to speak to her in that same tone whenever she was hurt. Now, the person before her wasn't the woman in her heart. She shouldn't say such things. Bai Zhier already harbored feelings for her; since she couldn't reciprocate, why lead her on? Being too kind would only give her false hope. With that thought, she changed the subject. "How long was I asleep?"
It couldn't have been a day or two already, could it? She remembered the other woman insisting she sleep with her that night. And the Little Scorpion... she had coughed up blood. Chu Ruo wondered how she was. They had finally reunited, only to be together for such a brief moment. She missed her. She missed her so much.
Bai Zhier watched her with a half-smile, making Chu Ruo feel self-conscious. She swallowed hard. "Zhier, why... why are you looking at me like that?" *Heaven help me, what is that look? Please don't let anything be wrong. It looks so... eerie.*
"Shouldn't you be asking me what happened after I pressed your sleeping point?"
"Uh..."
While she was still fumbling for words, Zhier hooked an arm around her neck. Chu Ruo nearly jumped out of her skin, almost tumbling onto the deck. Then, a whisper reached her ear: "Last night, after I put you to sleep... I..."
"Zhier, uh, I'm actually kind of hungry!"
Unfortunately, Bai Zhier didn't listen. She continued, "And then, I unfastened your belt..."
!!! Chu Ruo frantically checked herself. *Did I lose my virtue? No way. Bai Zhier doesn't look like an 'attacker' type at all. No, no, she wouldn't do that. Don't scare yourself.*
"Who says I wouldn't?"
??? *Sister, don't tell me you can read minds just like the Little Scorpion. I was thinking that 'Mind-Reading Detective' is a modern show you couldn't have seen, but that proverb about 'money making anything possible' is definitely true.* "You... you know what I'm thinking?"
"You, honestly. Everything you think is written right on your face. So silly and dim-witted. I truly worry about how you'll protect yourself when I'm not by your side." She paused, then added with a self-mocking smile, "But I suppose I'm overthinking. You have her; how could anything happen to you?"
The tone sounded like a final farewell. But if she were saying goodbye, she wouldn't have brought her onto the boat. It just sounded incredibly tragic. Chu Ruo patted the woman's shoulder comfortingly. "Zhier, I'm very grateful for how you've always cared for me..."
"Ruo’er," Bai Zhier interrupted. "Remember this: in the martial world, you must never trust others easily, and never let anyone see what's on your mind. Be careful in everything."
"Yeah, I know." *What is going on? This feels like a deathbed confession. Is her injury that bad? Is she about to kick the bucket?* "Is your wound really that serious? Let me see!"
"Heh..."
"What are you laughing at?" Seriously, they were becoming more alike; even her face was pale. Chu Ruo grew anxious. "Zhier, don't be scared. Nothing will happen. I don't know medicine, but I'll find a way to save you. You..."
*Pfft—* Bai Zhier’s laughter grew brighter. She reached up and gently pinched Chu Ruo’s ear. "What on earth are you thinking? Do you think I'm dying?"
*Uh, aren't you?* She muttered to herself, "Well, you were acting like we were parting forever..."
"I was advising you," the woman beside her said with a rare look of exasperation. "All you do is make wild guesses. Your head is full of nonsense. Honestly," she reached out and tilted Chu Ruo’s chin up, "you're like a child."
*Good grief.* This gesture was a blatant, flamboyant tease. But the words were identical to the Little Scorpion's. Even the phrasing was the same. What was she supposed to do? She was already going crazy with longing before they met, and after yesterday's brief encounter, her emotions were completely out of control. *Little Scorpion, you better come find me. There isn't another boat in sight on this lake. Sigh, you dummy, Nan Muxue.*
"Ruo’er?"
"Huh? What? Speak."
"Are you... thinking of her?"
Bai Zhier never seemed to call Nan Muxue by name; it was always "her" or "Little Scorpion." Hearing the bitterness in her voice, Chu Ruo felt a pang of guilt. "Who was it that injured you?"
"Nan Yunshuang." The woman truly never seemed to hold a grudge or act aggressively. She was such a good girl; why did she have to like a blockhead like her? Chu Ruo had always known she didn't deserve either of these women. Neither of them.
"Her? Are you sure?" Chu Ruo had suspected many people in the Baihua Palace, but this answer was genuinely shocking. Nan Yunshuang had been raised by Nan Menghua since childhood. She might disobey the Little Scorpion or even try to kill Chu Ruo, but everything she did was based on the interests of the Baihua Palace. How could she be Liu Shaopeng’s mole? Were she and Liu Shaopeng having some melodramatic secret affair? Liu Shaopeng’s charms might work on naive young girls, but the leaders of the Baihua Palace were hardly the type to fall for his act.
"Mhm," Bai Zhier nodded. "Last night’s meeting was nothing but a trap. She had people lying in wait to ambush us from the start. If she hadn't ordered them to keep us alive, we likely wouldn't have escaped. However, Tu Ba and Tian Li fell into her hands, and Brother Jie disappeared in the chaos. Shan’er and I had to retreat first. We’ll rest for a few days and then plan our next move."
"So is she really Liu Shaopeng’s mole, or did she just hear rumors and pretend to be one to deal with you?" Last night, the Little Scorpion mentioned she knew about it and told her not to worry. That meant she was aware of the situation too. It was all so frustrating and confusing. Life was so exhausting without the Little Scorpion around; when she was there, Chu Ruo didn't have to think or worry about anything.
"It’s possible she was just using Liu Shaopeng to achieve her own goals from the start. Liu Shaopeng was always very smug about this mole, saying they were someone powerful within the Baihua Palace. Looking at it now, it fits her status. Furthermore, regarding the branch sect..." She glanced at Chu Ruo’s expression before continuing. "Liu Shaopeng vaguely mentioned that she was the one who leaked your whereabouts. Otherwise, how could they have timed their attack so perfectly?"
Chu Ruo was utterly bewildered. "Using him? What benefit does she get from working with Liu Shaopeng to destroy the branch? It makes more sense if there's something going on between them." But wait... if the "Yan’er" she had seen was always the Little Scorpion—which was undeniable—then everyone in the Baihua Palace knew the Fourth Protector was close to the First Protector. That meant Nan Yunshuang was likely a pair with Nan Gongyan. How could she have anything to do with Liu Shaopeng? "It doesn't make sense. It’s impossible. It shouldn't be possible."
"The heart is hidden behind skin and bone; how can we know what others are thinking? If she truly wanted to help Liu Shaopeng, she should have worked with us last night to find a way to rescue him, rather than ambushing us. Ruo’er, if you encounter her in the future, you must be careful. That woman is not simple."
Rumors in the martial world said Liu Shaopeng had been captured by the Heavenly Demon Palace, which fit their style. But Chu Ruo knew that bastard was definitely in the Little Scorpion's hands. As for Nan Yunshuang, she would ask the Little Scorpion when she saw her again. "Yeah, I understand." She then added with a sigh, "Zhier is still the best, always worrying about me."
"Aren't you afraid I'm keeping you as a hostage to trade for Tu Ba and the others?"
"You wouldn't," Chu Ruo blurted out instantly with conviction. Then she added, "And even if you did, it wouldn't change anything for me."
"True." It had started as a joke, but Bai Zhier’s expression dimmed. "You’ve always wanted to go back, haven't you?"
"I..."
"Ruo’er, do you resent me? Before, I thought you had amnesia, so I let it be. But now, knowing you were faking it, I still won't let you go. Why don't you ask me why?"
Chu Ruo gave a faint smile. "Zhier, to be honest, I do want to go back. I want to go back to her side. But you saved me. I told you, I consider you a very good friend. If you won't let me go, I have no choice. After all, my life is in your hands." She raised a hand to stop the other woman from speaking, signaling she wasn't finished. "I know you never intended for things to be this way, but I don't know what to do. I've lost my martial arts, so I can't do much. And I lied to you from the start, so..."
A cool hand pressed against her lips—it was Bai Zhier’s. "I understand. I know you'll leave sooner or later. But now is not the time. You are waiting for her, and just like you, I am waiting too. Ruo’er, promise me, no matter what happens, we will always be friends."
The truth was always hard to swallow. Chu Ruo was indeed waiting—waiting for Nan Muxue to rescue her. Of course, she would try to find a way herself, but as she had thought before, in this martial world, being without martial arts and riddled with poison meant things rarely went one's way. She had tried to be as tactful as possible to avoid hurting the other woman, but Bai Zhier and Nan Muxue were both incredibly sharp; how could they not understand the underlying meaning?
Chu Ruo sighed. "What kind of grudge do you actually have with my Master?" This was a deep question in her heart. From last night’s events, it seemed the two had never even met. Why were the Bai sisters going to such lengths to oppose the Baihua Palace? And their connection to the Heavenly Demon Palace... they had too many secrets.
"There are fish over there, let's go look." As expected, she didn't answer. Chu Ruo knew her temperament well; she would tell her almost everything without reservation, but there were some things she simply would not discuss.
"Okay." The two stood by the edge of the boat. In the clear, cool lake water, a school of fish was indeed frolicking. Chu Ruo looked ahead and saw a faint, blurry dark shape. It must be an island. "Where are we going?"
"Xianlai Island."
*Xianlai...* It sounded familiar. The Little Scorpion had mentioned it to her, but she couldn't remember why. What was it for? Chu Ruo scratched her head for ages but couldn't recall. Fortunately, the woman beside her thoughtfully cleared up her confusion.
"The Bai family is a medical lineage. We have practiced medicine for generations, and our skills were once considered divine. However, by the time it reached Shan’er and me, the family had declined. Our parents died early, and the two of us mostly taught ourselves by studying the medical texts they left behind. We wouldn't dare claim the title of Medical God anymore."
*I remember now!* (What's the use of remembering now? She already told you, you blockhead.) Chu Ruo slapped her thigh. The world-renowned Medical God lineage! Their descendants were mysterious, moving freely through the martial world but rarely showing their faces. Who would have thought it was the Bai sisters! "Then you and Hu Yi..."
"His grandmaster was a junior apprentice to my ancestor. By seniority, he would be my martial nephew, or perhaps even lower."
No wonder. If even the Ghost Doctor couldn't necessarily cure the Hundred Flowers Gu, the only people in the world who might have a way were the descendants of the Medical God. It made sense; even if they were recluses, they were still famous. "So you have quite a background! Or rather, a huge one. The Medical God... my apologies for my lack of respect."
"They are just empty titles. Shan’er and I are still far from that level. The Hundred Flowers Gu in your body is getting worse. I need to prepare a new medicine for you. The island has everything we need, especially a certain herb that Shan’er and I grow. It can't be found anywhere else, and it's currently harvest season... Why are you staring at me like that?"
Chu Ruo’s nose felt a bit prickly. "Zhier, are you... doing all this for me?"
A strong breeze blew across the lake. The other woman tucked Chu Ruo’s collar in for her. "The wind is strong; don't catch a cold." A moment later, she looked into the distance. "Didn't I just say? I still have to use you as a hostage."
Chu Ruo fell silent. She knew that part was also true, but Bai Zhier hadn't told her before because she didn't want to put her in a difficult position. Once it was said, no matter what Chu Ruo chose, she would suffer. If she agreed, how could she face the dead disciples of the branch sect and the Little Scorpion? Even if the Bai sisters had saved her life. If she refused, she would be an ungrateful wretch to the people who saved her. This dilemma was a massive headache. Fortunately, this woman had shielded her from it. Why were the people she met so good to her? First the Little Scorpion, then Bai Zhier. *Sigh, you're both wonderful, but I'm terrible.* But she would never be like she was at the Baihua Palace again—fickle and falling for everyone she saw. Aside from gratitude, there was nothing else in her heart. In this life, Chu Ruo knew her heart would only ever hold Nan Muxue.
As they approached Xianlai Island, she realized the name was quite poetic. It truly was like the mythical Penglai, shrouded in mist and ethereal beauty. *Tsk, tsk, marvelous.*
"The Mistress has returned." As soon as they stepped off the boat, several women greeted them. Judging by their dress and respectful tone, they were servants of the island. They first bowed to the Bai sisters, but when they saw Chu Ruo, they all looked shocked, though they tried their best to hide it. "This is...?"
"This is the Groom, my sister's husband."
Bai Shan’s tone was incredibly complex—sarcastic, mocking, annoyed, and resigned to her sister's lack of resolve.
The women looked at each other, then at Bai Zhier, completely stunned. "This..."
"This is Young Master Chu, a guest on the island. Go and prepare; do not be negligent."
"Yes."
The girls were clearly well-bred and graceful, but Chu Ruo still overheard their whispering. "When has a guest ever come to the island?" "Look, the Mistress is blushing. Maybe it's like Miss Shan said, it's that person..." "Shh! Let's go..."
Bai Zhier and Chu Ruo glanced at each other, both looking a bit awkward. "Follow us."
"Mhm."
Because of the scene just now, they felt too embarrassed to walk together, so they maintained some distance. Bai Shan walked up beside Chu Ruo, making her jump. "What are you doing, creeping up like a ghost?"
The younger sister watched Bai Zhier’s back and whispered coldly, "Don't you dare act chummy with me. If my sister hadn't stopped me, I would have finished you off last night."
"Are you crazy? What did I ever do to you..."
"You ungrateful wolf, conspiring with others against my sister."
"Last night was..."
"I have no interest in your explanations," Bai Shan said, her face grim. "I'm warning you: you’d better behave from now on. If you cause my sister even a moment of unhappiness, I’ll take your head immediately!"
*Hah, I don't believe you.* Chu Ruo made faces at her back. *Threatening me, you little brat. Blehh...* *Whoosh!* A hidden weapon flew past. She pulled her neck in and followed obediently. *Good grief, why is it my fate to be threatened everywhere I go? Sigh, life is so hard.*
***
"Young Palace Master, a carrier pigeon from the First Protector. She says she wishes to see—"
"No."
The two words were crisp and final. Xiao Guo’er nodded, went out to relay the message to the disciples, and then returned. "You haven't seen the First Protector once in all this time. Why?"
"Is there any news on those two women with Ruo’er?"
"They have some history with the Heavenly Demon Palace, but we don't know the specifics yet. The disciples are stepping up the search."
For the first time, Xiao Guo’er saw a flash of impatience in Nan Muxue’s eyes. The teacup in her hand shattered into dust. A few seconds later, her expression returned to calm. "Very well. If they can suppress the Hundred Flowers Gu in Ruo’er’s body, their medical skills must be extraordinary. Follow that lead. Isn't Hu Yi nearby? Go ask him."
"Yes, I’ll go right away." Xiao Guo’er patted her chest and hurried out, marveling at Chu Ruo’s influence. She hadn't been with the Young Palace Master in the past, but she knew that if this were the old Young Palace Master, she would have already lashed out in anger. Severing tendons was a common punishment. *Chu Ruo, please come back soon.*
Nan Muxue swept the shards of the cup away with her sleeve and smiled faintly. "You didn't see Xiao Guo’er’s face; she turned green with fear. I was very angry just now and wanted to punish them, but you definitely wouldn't agree." She walked to the window, looking out at the distant sky. "I clearly said that after I found you, I would never treat you like that again. I promised to be good to you and not be mean, but as soon as I broke my word, you slipped away from me again. I bought so many things for you that I haven't had the chance to show you." She pursed her lips and smiled. "This time, I will never let you leave again."
***
*Reunions happen very quickly.*
---
**Glossary**
