"Alright, you two take Wanwan down, I'm fine."
Yun Xiao commanded.
She felt no fear towards Murong Chong, for she had never truly seen his bloodthirsty side. Their first meeting, though he intended to kill her, had been a fleeting moment.
In that instant, before she could even feel terror, he had let her go.
Their subsequent interactions were more friendly than adversarial.
"Master."
Liu Xing and Jing Yun sheathed their weapons, knowing their master's mind was made up and their words were useless. They glared fiercely at the man, then quickly walked over and helped Wanwan towards a nearby chamber.
Stars were bright, the moon clear.
Moonlight, like flowing silk, draped lightly over the small courtyard, the lake rippling.
Yun Xiao, clad in white, her eyes bright and her smile dazzling, her gaze sweeping, followed him out of the hall, a pair of deep, dark eyes fixed upon her.
"Let's go."
Yun Xiao spoke softly. Murong Chong reached out and took her hand, this soft, boneless hand stirring a thousand warm currents in his heart, each touch bringing a different sensation.
His hand was long and slender like bamboo, with distinct nodes, calloused from gripping weapons.
He had never imagined that hands accustomed to wielding swords and knives could also hold someone's hand, and that this someone was the person he willingly held.
Their gazes met, they smiled at each other, and in that moment, a world of grace bloomed between them.
Murong Chong leaped up, moving like a swift bird. He had donned a cloak over his brocade attire tonight, and as they soared through the air,
The cloak unfurled like a peacock's tail, perfectly shielding them from the chill.
Not far behind, Liu Xing and Jing Yun followed.
The group silently scaled high walls, shooting forward like arrows released from a bow towards the enemy camp.
The Xiliang army's encampment was sixty li away. They ran at full speed, and in about half an hour, they could see numerous tents in the distance. These were not the tents they had used for treating the plague;
These were large, tall tents, stretching on and on. Under the moonlight, they resembled rows of small mountains. People occasionally moved about. The tents were surrounded by gauze lanterns and lit torches, making the entire area brightly illuminated.
The east wind blew, and Yun Xiao had instructed Murong Chong to set her down.
She took out a white paper packet, hesitated for a moment, then finally raised her hand and turned back, instructing him in a deep voice, "Hold your breath."
A faint, ethereal fragrance diffused into the air, quickly wafting under the moonlit sky.
In the distance, those asleep were still dreaming, unaware that a pair of demonic hands were about to seize their throats.
In truth, the medicine was not enough to kill, but it would render them all limp and powerless.
If Xiliang was wise, they would pack up and return to the capital the next morning. Otherwise, they would merely be throwing away these lives. Yun Xiao believed that someone in Xiliang would be able to counteract the medicine, and thus, these soldiers would be spared.
"Let's go back."
Yun Xiao turned to leave, her body suddenly ascending. Murong Chong held her tightly as they rushed back. They traveled in silence, her head resting on his chest, listening to his heartbeat, inhaling the faint, elegant scent that emanated from him.
She had never imagined she would one day be so close to someone, hearing his every breath and heartbeat so clearly.
Below, lush trees blurred past, and the night wind stirred their hair, tangling them together. Strands tickled their cheeks, an unbearable itch. As Yun Xiao reached to brush them away, the man above her spoke in a deep, husky voice, "Don't move."
He tightened his arm around her, as if something was on the tip of his tongue, but he remained silent for a long time. Soon, they entered the city.
Their figures descended, landing on a quiet street. The alleyways were dim and silent, with only the night watchman present.
His serene silence was imbued with an unprecedented, chilling aura. On his white cloak, a vibrant kapok flower gleamed brightly.
"I must go, there are matters to attend to."
"Alright," Yun Xiao felt a touch of melancholy. She seemed to be slowly accepting his presence by her side. Sometimes, habits were truly formidable.
The cold night was biting, and she felt a shiver. The person beside her immediately noticed. He raised his hand, gracefully untied his cloak, turned, and gently tied it around her.
The cloak was too large, dragging halfway on the ground. Yun Xiao hurriedly tried to tuck it up, muttering in dissatisfaction.
"Don't give it to me, it will get dirty."
"It's nothing," he shook his head, his deep eyes filled with reluctance and affection. But before all matters were settled, he had his own principles, and he hoped this day would arrive soon.
"Xiao'er, if you are in danger, send this up, and I will come help you quickly."
In the night, Yun Xiao's hand grew heavy. She lowered her head to see a tube-like object, like a signal flare. If she sent it up, her people from the Divine Dragon Palace would see it and come to her aid.
"Mm," Yun Xiao stood still, bathed in moonlight. She looked up at him, her eyes as clear as a lake, devoid of any allure, gazing at him steadily. "You are so good to me, how can I ever repay you?"
Her heart skipped a beat at that moment, as she stared intently into his eyes. His deep black pupils were like the starry sky of midnight, as if magnets were embedded within them, drawing one in with a single glance.
A gust of wind blew, and his tall figure leaned down, kissing her forehead. The soft, delicate touch sent a slight tingling sensation. By the time she wanted to punch him, the street was empty. Only his magnetic voice drifted back.
"Liu Xing, Jing Yun, escort your master back."
Then he added, "Xiao'er, take care."
"Murong, Murong," Yun Xiao called out a couple of times, confirming that the man had truly left. She couldn't help but touch her forehead. Liu Xing and Jing Yun appeared behind her. Seeing their master staring blankly in the direction the man had vanished, they couldn't help but sigh.
To be frank, this man was incredibly good to their master, almost outrageously so. But precisely because he was too good, they always suspected ulterior motives.
It was because this man was entirely different in front of their master compared to how he was with others.
They feared their master would be taken advantage of, or fall into his trap.
Yet, from beginning to end, at no point had they ever seen him harbor the slightest intention of harming their master.
What was going on?
Could it be that Murong Chong liked their master? The thought flashed through both their minds simultaneously, and they both chuckled.
How could that be? Someone so mysterious, cunning, and treacherous, how could he love? His heart could only harbor hatred, and therefore, they still did not support their master being with him.
"Master, let's go back."
The two of them flanked Yun Xiao, supporting her as they swiftly departed, preventing her from having any further thoughts of that man...