Chapter Sixty-Eight: Escorting All the Way

The two from Konoha, Aishuo and Muye, traveled leisurely along the southern rivers, enjoying a life of unparalleled comfort. Yet, for reasons they could not explain, both felt a constant presence trailing behind them—uncertain whether it was friend or foe.

They had speculated it might be someone sent by Chu Suyi to protect them, but upon further thought, that seemed unlikely. Given Suyi's disposition, he would have notified them if he had dispatched anyone. Besides, their own skills, coupled with proficiency in the use of poisons, more than sufficed for self-defense.

The more they pondered, the more something felt amiss. Aishuo was troubled; she detested the feeling of being kept in the dark, deeply so.

Muye's thoughts were more thorough. He believed the person following them harbored no malice—otherwise, they would have acted already, instead of lingering in the shadows. Moreover, for reasons unknown, he sensed the presence was actually protecting him and Aishuo. They had been out for half a month, and the shadow had followed for just as long, trailing them from the very outset.

Their departure from Jincheng could not have escaped the notice of Ji Muyu. Muye and Aishuo had prepared themselves for possible assassins, but it seemed unnecessary, for no attempts had been made on their lives. That was hardly Ji Muyu's usual style... Or perhaps—

As they walked, Muye and Aishuo entered a tavern ahead.

Seeing them pause outside, glance about cautiously, then step inside, Liyue did not bother to conceal himself. He entered the tavern as naturally as any ordinary patron, chose a seat by the window, ordered several side dishes and a fine pot of wine, and quietly observed his surroundings, listening intently.

"Muye, where should we go next? Originally, we used the pretext of travel to avoid Yinyao, but if we continue like this, I feel guilty," Aishuo said, frustrated and restless. She admitted her intent was to evade Yinyao, but if this went on, she could bear it no longer. Perhaps, she thought, it was time to seize the opportunity for genuine tempering.

Muye's mind raced. Yes, for Aishuo's sake, he had selfishly sought an excuse to leave Jincheng, largely to reduce encounters with Yinyao. Ultimately, guilt lingered—he and Aishuo had wronged Yinyao in matters concerning Suyi, and they dared not face her.

Muye spoke gently, "You know you feel guilty? We've wasted enough time. Since we've claimed to be traveling, we shouldn't just amuse ourselves. I've decided: once we've rested, we'll go seek the Medicine King and the Poison Lord."

"Alright," Aishuo replied, stuffing food into her mouth, nodding in agreement.

Unlike Aishuo's somewhat rough manner, Muye ate elegantly, sipping his wine as he surveyed the tavern. After a pause, he tapped the table lightly with his right hand and said, "Aishuo, I believe you've also noticed someone else's presence?"

The tapping was a signal between them. Aishuo understood, glanced around, and lowered her voice, "Oh, you mean that tail that's followed us since we left Jincheng? My guess is his martial arts surpass ours—he seems to be protecting us from the shadows. But that's just speculation. I can't figure out who sent him."

"That's my belief, too. Should we let things be, or seek out this chivalrous stranger? Though he means no harm, I'm quite curious about his identity," Muye's eyes gleamed with interest.

"Of course we should meet him! I'm curious as well," Aishuo replied, a smile curling at her lips. They exchanged an understanding look, reading mutual agreement in each other's eyes.

Anyone whose martial arts were on par with Muye and Aishuo could overhear their deliberately hushed conversation. In fact, it was a ploy—they hoped "he" would catch it and reveal himself.

Liyue's skills were formidable. He heard every word of their exchange, missing nothing. He knew that although he protected them in secret, his presence had been noticed. After all, Ji Muyu's assassins were no less skilled. Ji Muyu was prepared to kill the Ghost Doctor and the Poison Enchantress during their journey. Yet, one thing puzzled Liyue.

There were fewer killers pursuing them than expected. How could Ji Muyu send so few to assassinate the Ghost Doctor and Poison Enchantress? Was his hand short of men?

That was impossible. Yet, the number was wrong. Moreover, when he had clashed with some of them, he discovered that, if his guess was correct, some bore fresh wounds—not old, but newly inflicted. This led Liyue to suspect there was another helper. He could not tell if the true hidden figure was sent by his master and elder brother, or by those of the Lingyu Pavilion. That person clearly knew of Liyue's existence; each wave of killers, Liyue handled half, leaving the other half for himself, and their skills matched his own.

Muye and Aishuo's conversation had signaled to Liyue that they were aware. He should reassure them, so they could pursue their studies without distraction.

A figure in water-blue swept past the window in a flash—so fast that Liyue's eyes widened in recognition. That silhouette was unmistakably familiar... like... like Yinrou.

Without hesitation, he called for the waiter, left money for the meal, and leapt out the window, using his lightness skills to give chase. If it was Yinrou, everything would be explained.

But why had his master and brother sent her?

Yinrou sensed the familiar presence behind her, frowned slightly, and veered toward a small copse. Liyue saw her maneuver and guessed her intent, quickening his pace.

At the heart of the grove, Yinrou spun gracefully and halted, gazing at the dark figure approaching.

"Yinrou! It really is you!" Liyue stopped five paces away, not noticing the note of joy in his voice.

"Yes, Liyue," Yinrou replied, her tone cool and even.

For reasons unknown, Liyue felt a pang of discomfort at her indifferent manner, but he did not forget his purpose and quickly asked, "Why are you here?"

"As you guessed, I'm the other helper, responsible for half the assassins," Yinrou answered directly, sparing herself further words.

She watched Liyue, outwardly calm, but her heart was far from tranquil. She knew her feelings for him, yet he remained oblivious, his mind seemingly consumed only with the Master. Had she not accidentally learned the Master was Liyue's elder brother, she might have suspected Liyue preferred men...

This mission felt especially peculiar, as though the Master had arranged it deliberately. The smile he wore when she departed, so laden with meaning, gave her chills each time she recalled it... She couldn't shake the feeling that he was plotting something involving her.

"So that's how it is. I protect them openly, you guard them from the shadows. The Master is truly concerned for the Ghost Doctor and Poison Enchantress. But didn't they do something to wrong him?" Liyue mused aloud, pondering.

Hearing this, Yinrou felt a touch of exasperation. Why couldn't Liyue reflect on her unique treatment of him? If only he could, perhaps he'd understand, and she wouldn't have to keep hiding her feelings, suffering in silence...

Thinking this, Yinrou grew displeased and, in a tone of feigned indifference, said, "Perhaps. I'm leaving now. Don't follow."

Liyue, ever oblivious, missed the irritation and gloom in her voice. He simply nodded, "Alright."

"By the way, here's a letter. The Master gave it to me when I left, to pass on to you, so you could deliver it to the Ghost Doctor and Poison Enchantress." Yinrou withdrew a letter from her sleeve and departed.

Liyue leapt up and caught the letter, watching Yinrou leave.

"Take care," he blurted, surprising himself.

In midair, Yinrou paused for a moment, then continued on, restraining herself from turning back. No one saw her eyes redden at those four words...

Liyue held the letter, lost in thoughts of Yinrou's appearance. At some point, he found himself longing for her presence. Recalling her demeanor, his mood on the journey back was uncharacteristically buoyant.

That night, Liyue slipped out of the inn, stood on the empty street, looked up at the still-lit guest rooms, scanned the surroundings for any other presence, then took the letter from his breast. Selecting a window, he pinched the letter between forefinger and middle finger, and with a flick, sent it sailing through the narrow gap.

A moment later, the street was deserted.

The letter flew straight into Muye and Aishuo's room. At the sound of something cutting through the air, Muye's ears twitched. He closed his eyes, reached out, and caught the letter between his fingers.

Aishuo hurried to take it from him, genuinely curious about their mysterious protector, and quickly opened it.

"Protected along the way.

By Yinyao's will.

Liyue accompanies."

Her eyes showed astonishment—it was from Yinyao! That she, bearing no grudges, had arranged for their safety touched Aishuo deeply. If she and Muye had merely traveled for pleasure as originally planned, would that not be petty? Could they truly justify Yinyao's kindness?

"Aishuo?" Muye ventured, sensing the letter's impact on her, for he himself was surprised.

"Yes. Tomorrow we'll set out to find the Medicine King and the Poison Lord," Aishuo said, wiping her damp eyes.

"Agreed!"

—A note aside—

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