On the back mountain.
Jiang Wan pulled Gu Chenzhou up the mountainside to the ruins of the small wooden house where Gu Chenzhou and his companions had lived.
"Brother Chenzhou, sit down, close your eyes, and extend one hand to me."
Gu Chenzhou was very cooperative. He sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and then extended his right hand.
Jiang Wan sat opposite him and also extended her right hand.
Her ability was continuously transmitted from their joined palms.
The ability controlled by Jiang Wan went directly to his head.
Gu Chenzhou felt something moving in his head. He couldn't describe the sensation. Was it comfortable? Uncomfortable?
Neither seemed right.
It was just very strange.
He didn't know where Jiang Wan's ability came from, as he had never heard of such a thing. This ability was completely different from their internal energy.
But he didn't try to investigate it, nor did he even think of asking Jiang Wan.
Because he knew very well what this ability represented and what it would bring to Jiang Wan if it were revealed.
Innocence is no protection against the crimes of others.
Being able to receive Jiang Wan's help was already an immense stroke of luck. One should know how to repay kindness.
As Gu Chenzhou was lost in these thoughts, he soon heard Jiang Wan say, "Done."
The strange power disappeared, and Gu Chenzhou felt refreshed and more energetic than ever before.
Jiang Wan hissed, "I don't know how effective it was. We need to find a way to verify it. Brother Chenzhou, why don't you try… to recall it?"
Gu Chenzhou's illness was mostly triggered by bloody scenes, which would bring back painful memories.
Therefore, if he were to recall them directly, it should also achieve the desired effect.
Gu Chenzhou closed his eyes and immersed himself in his memories.
Soon, the horrific scenes from those years flooded back, and Gu Chenzhou's hands immediately clenched into fists.
Jiang Wan watched him nervously. Fearing that the light might not be enough for her to see clearly, she directly attached her ability to him. This way, she could accurately capture even the slightest movement he made.
Gu Chenzhou's emotions were turbulent, and he was completely immersed in his pain, tears streaming down his face. However, this time, he did not lose control as he had in the past.
Although the memories were agonizing, he remained lucid.
Jiang Wan, confirming that there were no signs of him falling ill, quickly called out to him, "Brother Chenzhou, it's okay now. Stop thinking about it."
Gu Chenzhou withdrew from his memories and opened his eyes, tears still falling.
Jiang Wan's heart ached. She took out her small handkerchief and handed it to him, "Brother Chenzhou, wipe your face."
Gu Chenzhou took the handkerchief, wiped the tears from his face, and said dejectedly, "Wanwan, thank you."
Jiang Wan didn't know what to say. She wasn't good at comforting people, so she quickly changed the subject, "Brother Chenzhou, I feel like your illness is almost gone. But I can't guarantee it's completely cured, so it's best to find an opportunity to verify it personally to be safer."
"However, the Jiangnan region is relatively peaceful now. If we want to find a place to verify it, we might have to go elsewhere."
Gu Chenzhou calmed his emotions and thought for a moment, "I'll go on a long journey."
He really should go out. His martial arts had improved significantly, and his illness seemed to be truly gone. Therefore, he should venture out.
To seek justice for the lives of over three hundred people in his family!
Jiang Wan nodded, "Okay, you go out and verify it. If it's still not right, you can come back and we'll continue the treatment."
Gu Chenzhou agreed.
When the two returned to the village, it was almost dawn.
As they reached the doorstep of his home, they saw Yan Li leaning against the door. Gu Chenzhou stepped forward and said, "Master, your disciple has something to discuss with you."
Yan Li nodded and said to Jiang Wan, "Hurry home. Be careful your parents find out you ran out in the middle of the night, or they'll nag your ears off."
Jiang Wan nodded with a smile, turned, and went home.
Gu Chenzhou entered the house and immediately told Yan Li, "Master, my illness seems to be gone. Let's go out for a while."
Yan Li was overjoyed, "Really?"
Gu Chenzhou wasn't entirely sure, "Let's go out and verify it first."
"Good, I'll make arrangements right away!"
That day, Yan Li went to the yamen and requested leave from Magistrate Cheng.
Magistrate Cheng, having learned of Gu Chenzhou's background, was very accommodating towards him. Knowing what they were going to do, Magistrate Cheng did not try to keep them, only saying, "Don't push yourself. As long as the green hills remain, there will be wood to burn."
Yan Li nodded, "Third Brother, you all take care too. The world is so chaotic now. If there's more trouble, you take your sister-in-law and two nephews and find Big Brother and the others quickly. As for others, they'll have to fend for themselves. I know you're a good official, but when you need to protect yourself, protect yourself first."
Magistrate Cheng was touched and patted Yan Li's shoulder, "I know, Second Brother. You all take care too."
Yan Li and Gu Chenzhou left the small mountain village that evening.
As they were leaving, Jiang Wan said to Gu Chenzhou, "Don't rush. Take your time, proceed step by step. If it's not healed, it's okay, you can come back and we'll continue the treatment."
Gu Chenzhou nodded. He thought for a long time, not knowing what else to say to Jiang Wan.
Finally, he managed to say, "You must take good care of my jade pendant."
Jiang Wan patted her chest, "Don't worry, as long as I'm here, the jade will be here!"
Gu Chenzhou scratched his head, "It's not that exaggerated. No matter how precious the jade is, it's not as important as a person. Take care of yourself."
These words were quite pleasing to hear, and Jiang Wan felt quite happy. "You take care too, Brother Chenzhou. I'll be waiting for your victorious return!"
With that, Jiang Wan snapped her fingers, and the sound of hooves approached.
Xiao Hong snorted and appeared in Gu Chenzhou's sight.
Gu Chenzhou looked surprised, "Wanwan, you…"
Jiang Wan led Xiao Hong to Gu Chenzhou and handed him the reins. "It's considered returning it to its rightful owner now. However, I can't return Xiao Hei to you; Second Brother needs it very much."
Gu Chenzhou reached out and vigorously rubbed Xiao Hong's head, then turned and rubbed Jiang Wan's head, "Thank you."
Jiang Wan shook her head disdainfully. What did he mean? He rubbed the horse, then her? Did he think she was a horse too?
Yan Li finished his arrangements with Jiang Pan's family and then urged Gu Chenzhou, "Chenzhou, let's go."
Gu Chenzhou mounted the horse and said to Jiang Wan, "Take care!"
Jiang Wan waved to him, "You too."
"Giddy up—"
The master and disciple flicked their whips, urging their horses forward, and soon their figures melted into the thick night.
Jiang Pan and Chen Yuezhi stood there watching for a long time.
Chen Yuezhi sighed, "Do you think they'll come back?"
Jiang Pan remained silent for a long time. He didn't know either.