Chapter 106: Let’s Part Ways After Leaving the Valley

Chapter 106: Let's Part Ways After Leaving the Valley

He Zhiran moved swiftly. Once she confirmed that Zhou Laoba was not following, she darted into a nearby cave and slipped into her spatial realm.

Mo Jiuya's heart nearly leapt out of his chest when he saw her blood-stained figure.

"Are you injured? Let me see."

At that moment, he put aside all bashfulness, pulling He Zhiran towards the infirmary to undress her for an examination.

He Zhiran tugged back firmly.

"I'm fine, this isn't my blood."

Before she could fully explain, Mo Jiuya asked again, "More assassins?" It was evident how much he worried about her.

To reassure Mo Jiuya, He Zhiran spoke hastily, "No black-clothed men, just a black bear. And Zhou Laoba, he came alone and was injured by the bear. I told him to wait not far from here."

When Mo Jiuya first heard about He Zhiran's encounter with the black bear, he was momentarily alarmed, but knowing her capabilities, he didn't dwell on it excessively.

However, the mention of Zhou Laoba's name stirred a sour feeling in his heart.

But Mo Jiuya knew that this was not the time for such emotions.

"To avoid arousing Zhou Laoba's suspicion, let's leave now."

"Your clothes are torn. I'll buy you something similar and we'll change before we go."

With that, He Zhiran opened Taobao on her phone and purchased a set of black shorts for Mo Jiuya.

The clothes were brand new, so to prevent Zhou Laoba from becoming suspicious, He Zhiran accessed her space and brushed some dust onto them inside the cave, making them appear worn.

Now, no one would suspect anything amiss.

Time being of the essence, both of them couldn't afford to waste any more. He Zhiran personally helped Mo Jiuya change into the new clothes before they exited the space together.

He Zhiran was well aware of Mo Jiuya's injuries and knew that he wasn't fit to walk too far. His pace was limited to slow shuffles; any sudden or large movements would surely reopen his wounds.

Thus, she had made up her mind to bring Mo Jiuya along, simply to let Zhou Laoba witness it.

He Zhiran supported Mo Jiuya as they approached Zhou Laoba's position step by step.

At this moment, Zhou Laoba was already standing. The sight of the dead black bear inflamed his anger.

If not for that damned creature, he wouldn't have been injured in the first place, and ultimately, it was the Hes who saved his life...

Lost in his thoughts, He Zhiran had already brought Mo Jiuya close to him.

"Magistrate Zhou, my husband has suffered severe injuries and is unable to walk too far."

Only then did Zhou Laoba look at Mo Jiuya. Although he seemed to be in fairly good spirits, his pale complexion told the whole story.

Moreover, judging from Mo Jiuya's posture, he couldn't quite straighten his back, implying that his injuries were likely quite severe.

"Sigh! It's all my fault for being careless and getting hit by the black bear. Otherwise, I could've carried him along while we traveled."

Faced with this situation, Zhou Laoba was also helpless.

How could the petite He Zhiran possibly carry the tall and sturdy Mo Jiuya on her back?

Moreover, Mo Jiuya had been wounded in his abdomen. Even if someone could carry him away, they would have to be cautious not to touch his wound.

For a moment, Zhou Laoba was at a loss.

Seeing this, He Zhiran revealed the plan she had long prepared in her mind.

"Magistrate Zhou, judging from my husband's current condition, even if we manage to leave this valley, he wouldn't be able to keep up with the main group on our journey."

Zhou Laoba didn't refute her. "Indeed, but we've already lost several days. We'll need to hasten our pace for the rest of the journey."

He Zhiran pretended to ponder deeply.

After a long while, she spoke up, "Magistrate Zhou, I've thought of a solution. Would you consider it?"

Zhou Laoba raised an eyebrow. "Spill your idea quickly if you have a good one."

"My husband's body is in no condition to traverse mountain trails. If you and Brother Peng can trust us, I intend to lead my husband around the mountain."

Zhou Laoba furrowed his brows.

Logically, there was no other choice but he didn't think this method would work.

"Do you know? Going around the mountain will take seven or eight extra days. Moreover, the main group won't wait for you. How do you plan to catch up with them?"

In Zhou Laoba's view, this was almost impossible. However, he couldn't come up with a better solution.

He Zhiran smiled and said, "To be honest, Magistrate Zhou, I plan to rent a carriage in the city after we leave the valley. This way, my husband can continue to recover while we travel much faster."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Laoba fell into deep thought.

As a law enforcement officer who had escorted criminals for many years, this was the first time he had encountered such a situation.

In the past, not only would a prisoner be forbidden from traveling alone, but even if they were severely injured, they wouldn't receive any special treatment. The injured person would have to keep up with the pace of the others.

Only someone who didn't want to live anymore would dare to make such a request.

But the one making this request now was the woman who made his face flush and heart race every time he saw her.

At this moment, Zhou Laoba was incredibly envious of Mo Jiuya for receiving so much concern from He Zhiran.

Although he was aware that Peng Wang treated He Zhiran and Mo Jiuya well, the matter of allowing them to travel alone was a significant issue. He didn't know how to respond immediately.

Should any unforeseen circumstances arise, not only Zhou Laoba himself, but the entire escort team would face severe punishment, even risking their livelihoods.

If he didn't consider the others, Zhou Laoba would have agreed without hesitation.

Not because of anything else, but he simply didn't wish to see He Zhiran in distress.

Seeing Zhou Laoba's dilemma, He Zhiran offered a reassurance:

"Lord Zhou, there's no need to worry. Our families are with the group, and we couldn't possibly disregard them. Moreover, with my husband's abilities, it would be effortless for him to escape under your watch, wouldn't it?"

If he had intended to flee, he wouldn't have waited until now.

Zhou Laoba didn't refute her points. After much contemplation and observing Mo Jiuya's dependence on assistance while walking, he finally steeled himself.

"Very well, we'll do as you suggest. Once we leave the valley, we'll part ways, and I'll head straight up the mountain to meet with the others. You don't need to worry about anything; I, Zhou Laoba, will take responsibility for it all."

He Zhiran, content with the arrangement, sincerely thanked Zhou Laoba before her gaze fell upon the black bear.

The entire bear was a treasure, with its bones, flesh, paws, fat, blood, and brain all having medicinal uses.

In her previous life, hunting wild animals had been strictly prohibited, making these items unattainable luxuries for humans.

Now that such riches lay before her, He Zhiran had no intention of letting them go to waste.

Though she couldn't take the entire bear in front of Zhou Laoba, she could at least preserve some of its more valuable parts.

She borrowed Zhou Laoba's large knife to extract the bear paws and gallbladder.

"He Lord, what remains is mostly meat. Take what you can carry, depending on your strength."

Zhou Laoba didn't hesitate. Although he had never tasted bear meat himself, he had heard that it was quite delicious.