Chapter 65

Chapter 65

After Zhong Yixiao woke up, Elder Mo and Left Protector had to find a place to hide.

Mo Jiao fed Zhong Yixiao the medicine, but Zhong Yixiao had a peculiar expression, sitting restlessly. After feeding him, Mo Jiao remembered something and took out the small jade box to coax Zhong Yixiao.

"Brother Zhong, Uncle really came this morning. Look, this is the medicine he left for you, and he even called a doctor for you."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Yixiao was taken aback, seemingly touched.

Seizing the opportunity, Mo Jiao added, "Uncle said he personally applied the medicine for Brother Zhong, admitting that last night was his fault, asking Brother Zhong not to be angry, to take good care of himself, and to discuss matters upon his return."

"What is this medicine?"

Zhong Yixiao opened the jade box, smelling the sweet fragrance that refreshed the heart and puzzled him greatly.

Mo Jiao naturally shook his head, his ears turning red as he said, "Jiaojiao doesn't know."

Zhong Yixiao thought for a moment, seemingly guessing the purpose of the medicine. He quickly tucked away the jade box, his face flushing as he bit his lip, conflicted and hesitant to speak.

"Last night... last night..."

He had seen the leader of the Demonic Sect last night; had Mr. Mo really come?

Zhong Yixiao didn't know and felt he couldn't get answers from the child, eventually sighing without saying anything.

Mo Jiao, unable to wait for his question, almost confessed but held back at the last moment. He had told so many lies; he couldn't let a moment of weakness ruin everything.

After taking the medicine, Zhong Yixiao fell into a drowsy sleep again. Mo Jiao, anxiously watching over him, had a gloomy expression when Zhong Yixiao couldn't see him, his gaze fixated on Zhong Yixiao's sleeping face in an almost crazed obsession.

He was determined to have this person.

Two days later, under Mo Jiao's careful care, Zhong Yixiao slowly got better, perhaps feeling guilty for possibly doing something to betray Mr. Mo while being cared for by a child, which revitalized his spirit.

During this time, Elder Mo secretly visited, saying that Zhong Yixiao had been harboring a grudge, which slowed his recovery.

But now he was able to get out of bed, and certain unspeakable injuries had also healed.

At noon, Mo Jiao personally went downstairs to bring up food. His small frame seemed to wobble, yet he was as stable as Mount Tai, but by the time he reached the door, he immediately feigned weakness, calling out in a tender, sweet voice, pretending to be helpless—

"Brother Zhong, come help me quickly!"

These past few days, Zhong Yixiao has been in low spirits and unwell, and Mo Jiao, besides caring for his physical needs, has also tenderly looked after his mood, knowing he likes her to behave, so she kept up the act.

"Be careful!"

Seeing this, Zhong Yixiao dropped what he was doing and hurried over to help Mo Jiao with the tray, then helped him set the dishes on the table, appearing very gentle and meticulous.

With some free time, Mo Jiao sneakily glanced at the soft sword Zhong Yixiao had set aside, which was polished to a shine.

"Why are you polishing your sword, brother? Are you going to fight again?" Mo Jiao asked innocently.

At these words, Zhong Yixiao's expression turned slightly cold, gripping the sword hilt with a fierce look in his eyes that reflected the bright blade, indeed carrying an air of murderous intent, his smile also cold.

"It's nothing, just heard that the Martial Alliance intends to attack the Demonic Sect. Brother wants to kill the leader of the Demonic Sect, to rid the people of this scourge."

Mo Jiao trembled, her eyes widening in shock at Zhong Yixiao, mouth agape, unsure of what to say, before finally collecting her thoughts.

"Why kill the leader of the Demonic Sect? He doesn't seem to have committed any heinous crimes..."

"He killed his own master to usurp the position, inherently disloyal and unjust. Moreover, he has many lives on his hands. Even though he has not made a move against the Martial Alliance since his rise to power, his infamy has long spread across the rivers and lakes. This man is unprincipled and an unforgivable debauchee, he must not be spared!"

Not to be spared, huh...

Mo Jiao felt a sharp pain in her heart, as if stabbed, her chest tight. Is this how Zhong Yixiao sees her?

But under Zhong Yixiao's increasingly icy gaze, Mo Jiao dared not say much, nor did she want to say more, quietly licking her wounds.

She just didn't know that Zhong Yixiao thought he had been dishonored by the leader of the Demonic Sect, naturally harboring deep resentment.

But if Zhong Yixiao knew Mo Jiao's true identity as the leader of the Demonic Sect, would he still point his sword at her?

Mo Jiao dared not imagine such a scene.

Her mood suddenly dropped, and even Zhong Yixiao could clearly sense it, feeling something was off, giving Mo Jiao a few more glances, perhaps already starting to suspect something.

It took five days for Zhong Yixiao to fully recover.

He received a letter from Master He Yun, informing him that in just over half a month, it would be the wedding day of Murong Ling, the daughter of the leader of the Martial Alliance, and Zhuang Feiyu. Master He Yun asked him to represent the disciples of the Xianxia Sect and deliver a congratulatory gift.

The letter from Master He Yun cleared the gloom of the past few days for Zhong Yixiao, restoring his spirited demeanor. Finally, he could publicly announce his sect affiliation, how could he not be happy?

Thus, he packed his luggage without delay, ready to take Mo Jiao to Jinling and meet up with his fellow sect sister.

However, Mo Jiao was not happy. With Zhong Yixiao's identity as a direct disciple of the Xianxia Sect's head soon to be revealed, he would inevitably be linked to the Xianxia Sect. Mo Jiao would have to abandon everything to be with him and beware of Master He Yun recognizing him.

Elder Mo thought this was a good opportunity. After Murong Ling's wedding, Zhong Yixiao would have to visit the Xianxia Sect and being recognized by Master He Yun as a direct disciple would naturally grant him access to Xuan Nu Peak, thus giving them a chance to obtain the Qilin Herb.

However, this plan was overturned by Mo Jiao, who insisted on waiting for Elder Shang to arrive first.

The carriage headed for Jinling, with Left Protector and Elder Mo disguising themselves as travelers, following from a distance.

Given Mo Jiao's current unstable physical condition, it would be best to obtain the Qilin Herb as soon as possible to make the antidote.

But Mo Jiao firmly refused to let them target Zhong Yixiao, forcing Elder Mo to think of another strategy.

Three days later, Jinling.

Upon arrival in Jinling, Zhong Yixiao didn't head straight to Murong Villa but met up with the sect sister he had arranged to meet, including the familiar Fang Qingyan.

After meeting, Zhong Yixiao, accompanied by Mo Jiao and Sister Fang, settled down in the inn where they were staying.

With half a month left until the wedding of Murong Ling and Zhuang Feiyu, many had already gone to Murong Villa to celebrate.

Since rescuing Murong Ling from Ji Qinghe, she had returned to Murong Villa with Su Jingchuan and Zhuang Feiyu, but the latter two were seriously injured and likely hadn't fully recovered yet.

Zhong Yixiao wasn't in a hurry to meet them, having matters to discuss with Fang Qingyan. He first asked the sisters to take care of Mo Jiao and bring the child back to the room, but upon finishing his discussion and returning to the room, he encountered someone else.

A young man in a plain white robe had evidently been waiting in his room for a long time.

After much thought, Mo Jiao agreed to Elder Mo's second plan to obtain the Qilin Herb—

Elder Mo suggested acting quickly to steal the Qilin Herb. If Mo Jiao didn't want Zhong Yixiao to find out, they could take advantage of his current inability to leave Jinling, allowing Mo Jiao to accompany Elder Mo to sneak into Xuan Nu Peak and steal the real Qilin Herb. Without detection skills, Zhong Yixiao wouldn't know that Mo Jiao had gone to steal the Qilin Herb.

After Mo Jiao agreed, he asked Elder Mo to wait a few days, as he had some matters he wanted to discuss with Zhong Yixiao.

Although Elder Mo had his reservations, he didn't say much, only hoping that Mo Jiao would leave with him soon.

Staying in the Martial Alliance was too dangerous, surrounded by martial artists. If his identity as the leader of the Demonic Sect were to be exposed, it could cause endless trouble, a fact everyone tacitly understood.

Mo Jiao's decision to stay was actually to properly bid farewell to Zhong Yixiao, as his previous departures without notice had already caused some discontent.

Moreover, if he could successfully steal the Qilin Herb this time, he would return directly to the Demonic Sect to prepare for the gu-curing process. Once the gu was cured, he planned to relinquish his heavy responsibilities as leader and seek out Zhong Yixiao again.

However, Mo Jiao feared that Zhong Yixiao might forget him by then, so despite Elder Mo's advice, he once again wilfully took the last pill.

He wanted to tell Zhong Yixiao one last lie before he left, to prevent him from brooding every day, obsessed with killing the Demonic Sect leader who had slept with him.

For this reason, Elder Mo privately thought Mo Jiao had become foolish, noting that a leader in love truly differed, even showing a noticeable decline in intelligence.

"Mr. Mo!"

Every time Zhong Yixiao saw Mo Jiao like this, he was always very surprised, and this time was no exception.

But due to the last incident, it left him with some misunderstandings, feeling somewhat guilty and uneasy upon seeing Mr. Mo again.

Mo Jiao nodded, walking towards him with a deliberate smile. True enough, Zhong Yixiao was mesmerized again, softly laughing, "You're finally back, I've waited for you for a long time."

He raised his hand, seemingly about to make a move, but Zhong Yixiao instinctively stepped back, his expression odd, his gaze darting around, stuttering as he spoke.

"I was just discussing with Sister Fang about going to Murong Villa to deliver gifts... Mr. Mo, when did you arrive? And where's Jiaojiao?"

Every time Mr. Mo appears, Jiaojiao disappears, so this time Zhong Yixiao quickly asked about Jiaojiao.

Mo Jiao, seeing him deliberately avoid the topic, felt displeased, withdrew his hand, and said gravely, "I've sent him away. His illness is serious, and he has gone home for treatment. You've been taking care of him all this time, thank you for your trouble."

His sudden politeness made Zhong Yixiao feel uncomfortable, but he was more concerned about Jiaojiao at the moment.

"Sent home for treatment! That’s so sudden... Will I be able to see Jiaojiao again?"

Jiaojiao had been by his side all this time, promising he would take care of Jiaojiao, yet when he was injured, it was Jiaojiao taking care of him. How could Zhong Yixiao not grow fond of such a clever and understanding child?

Moreover, this child was the only connection between him and Mr. Mo, which made him particularly anxious.

Zhong Yixiao had been upset since Mr. Mo told him Jiaojiao might not have much time left, only wishing to take good care of the child in the time remaining, to fulfill his desires and make him happy.

But Mr. Mo suddenly took him away, Zhong Yixiao feared he might not even get a last glimpse.

Mo Jiao roughly knew Zhong Yixiao was feeling bad, but it was an ordeal they had to go through, and this lie had to be carried on.

If he were to cure the gu, then Jiaojiao, who never existed, would have to disappear from this world.

And if he couldn't cure the gu, he likely wouldn't have time to return to Zhong Yixiao's side, failing would mean death by the gu turning against him.

So Mo Jiao firmly told Zhong Yixiao—

"You won’t be seeing him again... he actually liked you a lot."

Seeing Zhong Yixiao's reluctant gaze, Mo Jiao deliberately added the latter part, hoping to offer him some comfort.

Yet, Zhong Yixiao's eyes reddened in an instant, quickly lowering his head as if to hide it, and asked in a muffled voice, "Is Jiaojiao's illness really that serious?"

"Very serious. The slightest mistake could be fatal."

"But..."

Zhong Yixiao bit his lip, thinking that Jiaojiao had been with him for months without showing any signs of frailty. The child seemed perfectly healthy, how could he just be gone?

Thus, Zhong Yixiao considered another possibility.

After thinking for a long time, he looked up with eyes full of anxiety and worry, and asked hoarsely, "Jiaojiao left without saying goodbye... What about you, Mr. Mo? Are you leaving too?"

He had actually guessed it, Mo Jiao was somewhat surprised, but nodded truthfully.

"Indeed, I came to say goodbye."

For some reason, Zhong Yixiao's face turned very ugly the moment he received the answer.

Since that night at Cuiwei Pavilion, Zhong Yixiao had been quiet for a long time and had come to understand a lot, seemingly guessing something. Now, he directly voiced the question that had been on his mind in front of Mo Jiao without any hesitation.

"Mr. Mo, you and Jiaojiao are from the Demonic Sect, right?"