Chapter 114

Chapter 114

◎Reuniting with Xie Heng in a Secret Chamber◎

Luo Wanqing had just woken up from an hour's nap in a tree when she received the letter from Zhuisi.

Upon opening it, she sat up, momentarily incredulous.

Xie Heng was captured?

How could Xie Heng be captured by Ji Ruifang?

However, upon seeing the map at the back, she instantly understood.

With Xie Heng’s abilities, it was impossible for him to be captured by Ji Ruifang. His capture must have been intentional.

Since Cui Heng said the final assault would be on the first day of the tenth month, Xie Heng’s entry into Ji Rui Palace must have been planned long ago. Her most important task now was to find Xie Heng and then wait until the first day of the tenth month.

Luo Wanqing thought for a moment, took out the route she had recorded, and after glancing at her own notes and the number of soldiers with Northwest accents, she knew that her task of mapping was nearly complete.

And those soldiers...

Two hundred and ninety-nine.

Looking at this number, she recalled the information she initially obtained from A Long and realized one person was missing.

Knowing one person was missing, Ji Ruifang must have figured out her pattern and would be waiting here with heightened vigilance.

If Ji Ruifang was waiting for her to walk into a trap, she would turn the tables.

Luo Wanqing put away the letter, tidied up, had a good sleep, caught a rabbit, and ate a proper meal. Afterward, she looked at the map for the closest place to Ji Rui Palace that she hadn't visited yet and set off.

Just as she arrived, Luo Wanqing sensed something amiss behind her. She flipped and leaped back, only to see a giant net flying toward her!

She quickly retreated, but the net pressed forward. As she tried to escape, a silk ribbon suddenly broke through the air from behind. Luo Wanqing slashed at it with her knife, but the woman used her momentum to lunge forward and struck her chest, sending her back into the net.

The net tightened and lifted her up. Luo Wanqing felt a dull pain in her chest as she was hauled like a fish.

Hanging upside down from a tree, she gasped and looked down.

Dozens of people emerged from the forest, led by a veiled foreign woman.

Her eyes were deeply set, but she did not appear to be a typical Westerner; rather, she seemed to be a mix of Central Plains and Western blood.

Seeing this person, Luo Wanqing immediately recognized her identity. Swallowing a mouthful of blood, she spoke hoarsely, "Ji Ruifang."

"A mere Si Shi member has caused me quite some trouble."

Ji Ruifang glanced at her coldly and raised her hand. "Take her back."

As soon as she spoke, Luo Wanqing felt a sudden loss of weight beneath her. She adjusted her posture but was still trapped in the specially designed iron net, crashing heavily to the ground.

The iron net dug into her flesh, and Luo Wanqing drew a sharp breath. Before she could react, she felt a heavy blow to her back, and everything went black.

When Luo Wanqing woke up again, the first thing she felt was pain.

Hooks pierced through her collarbone, sealing her meridians and acupoints, completely stopping the flow of her internal energy. The hooks throbbed with each breath, causing intense pain.

This was the safest method to restrict someone short of directly disabling their internal energy. The hooks damaged the meridians and acupoints, so even if they were removed, the damage would remain, causing excruciating pain if she tried to use her internal energy.

Fortunately, Ji Ruifang had not completely destroyed her meridians and acupoints, leaving half intact, perhaps for her to practice the Yin Meridian Scripture.

Luo Wanqing was well aware of Ji Ruifang’s intentions, so she wasn’t too worried about walking into a trap.

The most pressing issue now was...

Where was Xie Heng?

Luo Wanqing lifted her head and looked around. She found herself in a large room, lavishly decorated in a style distinctly different from the Central Plains.

A huge soft bed stood in the room, with curtains hanging around it. It appeared ready for use at any moment.

She was chained to a corner of the room. After a while, she heard footsteps approaching.

Luo Wanqing looked up and saw Ji Ruifang enter with others.

She walked straight to Luo Wanqing, and someone pushed a chair for her. Ji Ruifang sat down, crossed her legs, and lifted Luo Wanqing’s chin. "You are Xiniang Liu?"

Luo Wanqing’s face was stained with blood, but her expression remained calm. "Does Lady Ji recognize me?"

"Earlier, I heard that a woman practicing the Yin Meridian Scripture appeared on Liufeng Island." Ji Ruifang studied her for a moment, then coldly praised, "Not bad, suitable for Ran’er."

She withdrew her foot, played with her fingertips, and said casually, "I just checked you. You practice pure Dao Sect techniques, practiced the Yin Meridian Scripture for a while, but didn’t reach the final step. Since you didn’t start practicing it from childhood, why didn’t you reach the final step?"

Ji Ruifang looked at Luo Wanqing’s hairstyle, puzzled. "Are you married? If so, why haven’t you completed the Yin Meridian Scripture?"

"It’s incomplete because it’s incomplete," Luo Wanqing replied curtly, as if unaware of Ji Ruifang’s intentions. "Now that I’m in your hands, do whatever you want with me."

"Lady, why be so temperamental?"

Ji Ruifang smiled, squatted down, and held Luo Wanqing’s chin. "Such a beautiful person, wouldn’t it be a pity if you died? How about I promise you something in exchange for your life?"

Luo Wanqing looked at her coldly. Ji Ruifang spoke gently, "Rest assured, I don’t intend to make enemies with the Supervision Division. I need your help. Whatever conditions you have, name them."

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing’s eyes brightened slightly. "Really?"

"Really," Ji Ruifang coaxed. "My disciple has a minor injury and needs a woman who has practiced the Yin Meridian Scripture to help him recover. Help me with this, and once he is healed, I’ll give you anything you want."

"Can the Yin Lord Order also be used?"

Luo Wanqing stared at her, asking directly.

Ji Ruifang raised an eyebrow and then laughed. "I didn't expect a mere Si Shi like you to be so ambitious. But... a broken hairpin is nothing compared to my disciple's injuries. I'll agree."

Ji Ruifang spoke casually. "As long as you cultivate the Yin Meridian Sutra and help him through this crisis, I'll immediately present the Yin Lord Order to you."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing looked at Ji Ruifang warily.

She knew she was being deceived.

How could Xie Minran's injuries be healed simply by cultivating together? Years ago, he forcibly absorbed all of Wei Xiao'e's powers, and now it seemed that another woman who had cultivated the Yin Meridian Sutra would have to sacrifice herself for him to recover.

But the Yin Meridian Sutra must be cultivated personally. She was just one step away from completion. If she refused, Xie Minran would lose his only chance of survival.

"How am I supposed to cultivate it?" Luo Wanqing stared at Ji Ruifang. "I can't do it alone."

Hearing this, Ji Ruifang fell silent for a moment. A flash of murderous intent crossed her eyes, but she still smiled and said, "Simple. Ran'er can cultivate with you."

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing's eyes instantly filled with anger. Ji Ruifang sensed her emotion and slapped her hard across the face.

"What?" Ji Ruifang grabbed her by the hair. "Do you think my disciple isn't good enough for you? I'm giving you a face, and you really think you have a choice?"

"Get away!"

Luo Wanqing gasped, speaking fiercely. "He won't touch me even if it's just a finger."

"Don't give me any nonsense," Ji Ruifang pushed her away and said coldly, "Wash her up and call Ran'er..."

"You dare?!"

Luo Wanqing raised her head sharply, staring coldly at Ji Ruifang. "If you dare let him touch me, I will kill him."

Ji Ruifang paused slightly, looking at her coldly.

She saw that Luo Wanqing wasn't just issuing a warning. Normally, she wouldn't be intimidated.

But Xie Minran was severely injured.

Ji Ruifang stared at Luo Wanqing, who seemed both fearful and out of breath. "Ji Ruifang, I advise you to turn back while you can. If our Lord of the Supervision Division finds out about this, your Ji Rui Palace will be razed to the ground."

Hearing this, Ji Ruifang raised an eyebrow, as if remembering something, and joked, "Xie Heng is a good person in your heart, huh?"

"Shut up!"

Luo Wanqing warned immediately. "Young Master is not someone you can slander."

"Slander?"

Ji Ruifang thought for a moment, then walked up to Luo Wanqing, crouched down, and smiled. "You like your Lord, don't you?"

"You're insolent!" Luo Wanqing exclaimed, as if her secret had been exposed. "Young Master is like a bright moon; how dare you speak ill of him?"

Hearing this, Ji Ruifang couldn't help but burst into laughter.

It was as if she had heard a hilarious joke, laughing uncontrollably.

"Bright moon... bright moon?!" Ji Ruifang laughed until tears rolled down her cheeks, wiping them with a handkerchief. "Alright, since you like your Young Master so much, I'll fulfill your wish."

With that, Ji Ruifang removed the hook from Luo Wanqing's shoulder blade, pulled the iron shackles on her hands, and led her to stand up. "I'll show you what the bright moon truly looks like."

Luo Wanqing felt something was wrong upon hearing this, but seeing her goal achieved, she didn't think too much and followed Ji Ruifang forward.

She could see that Ji Ruifang had feelings for Xie Minran. Although she couldn't understand their relationship, Ji Ruifang had made Xie Minran kill Wei Xiao'e years ago. Now, seeing her, it was likely because she was about to die that Ji Ruifang was enduring the disgust and making Xie Minran touch her.

If there were any other options, Ji Ruifang would choose differently.

She deliberately pretended not to know about Xie Heng. By mentioning Xie Heng and the possibility of her harming Xie Minran, Ji Ruifang would remember that Xie Heng also came from the Dao Sect.

If Xie Heng was willing, he could help her cultivate the Yin Meridian Sutra. Then she wouldn't have to force Xie Minran to touch her.

After all, once she completed the cultivation, Xie Minran could still use it.

What surprised Luo Wanqing was Ji Ruifang's reaction.

When she mentioned Xie Heng, it was clear they were old acquaintances, and Ji Ruifang seemed to have a very low opinion of him.

But before she could think more about it, Ji Ruifang led her into the dungeon, through a long tunnel, and stopped at an iron door.

"Open the door."

Ji Ruifang nodded to the attendant, who immediately opened the door.

As the door slowly opened, Luo Wanqing realized the room had no windows, completely dark and pitch-black.

The light from the door illuminated the dark room, inch by inch. Luo Wanqing simultaneously smelled the strong scent of mandrake flowers and the stench of blood and flesh.

Her heart skipped a beat, and then she saw the figure in the darkness.

He was wearing only a single robe, covered in whip marks, kneeling on the ground with his hands bound by iron shackles.

His entire body was stained with blood, without a single unharmed spot. But Luo Wanqing couldn't see clearly. He seemed to hear their voices and slowly lifted his eyes like a mad beast.

Then, the moment he saw Luo Wanqing, his pupils contracted sharply. Luo Wanqing snapped out of her shock and rushed into the room to check his injuries. Suddenly, she heard him shout, "Don't come in!"

Luo Wanqing stopped abruptly. Xie Heng knelt on the ground, his spine trembling, his breathing rapid, forcing himself to glare at her as if she were some monstrous creature.

This intense reaction made Luo Wanqing frown, realizing that Xie Heng's situation was dire.

How could someone as calm and composed as him ever have behaved so out of character?

Beside her, Ji Ruifang seemed unsurprised. She stepped into the cell, approached Xie Heng, and slightly bowed: "Lord Xie, it's been well with you, I hope."

Xie Heng stared at her coldly, saying nothing.

Ji Ruifang laughed, speaking gently: "I brought an old acquaintance to see you. How does it feel?"

Hearing this, Xie Heng clenched his fists.

It’s an illusion.

He told himself it was all an illusion, not to believe or respond.

Ji Ruifang knew his mind was not clear at the moment and had no intention of playing games with him. Calmly, she said: "Let's make a deal. Help her cultivate the Yin Sutra, and once it's done, I'll give you the Yin Lord Token and let you go. What do you say?"

"No way." Even though he couldn't tell if it was an illusion or reality, Xie Heng refused outright.

Ji Ruifang laughed, leaning close to his ear and whispering: "Don't worry, no one will know about this after you leave." With a mocking look in her eyes, she continued, "After all, you've done plenty of such things before. You sold out the Cui family back then; why not sell her now?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Wanqing couldn't help but look over, and Xie Heng stiffened.

Ji Ruifang smiled, patted Xie Heng's face, stood up, and walked out, saying: "Little girl, take good care of your Bright Moon."

"Ji Ruifang!"

Hearing this, Xie Heng urgently called out: "Take her away, name your terms!"

"Cultivate the Yin Sutra."

Ji Ruifang left, closing the door, and as darkness enveloped the room, Luo Wanqing heard her cold voice: "Then I'll let you both go."

The door slammed shut, filling the room with the scent of datura incense.

Xie Heng breathed rapidly, seemingly in extreme panic.

Luo Wanqing thought about the room's structure and moved to where the datura incense was placed, extinguishing it.

Datura incense is different from the Five Stones Powder; it is highly addictive but takes time to develop an addiction. Her sudden exposure wouldn't cause much harm, but long-term inhalation could lead to addiction.

Moreover, datura incense subtly alters one's thoughts, making them infinitely compliant with their inner desires. Even that brief exposure made Luo Wanqing unsure if she was unaffected.

She quickly extinguished the incense and returned to Xie Heng, squatting in front of him, and whispered: "Young Master, I am here on Lord Cui's orders. I brought medicine; should I check your pulse?"

Xie Heng did not respond.

Luo Wanqing waited silently for his reply, but when he remained silent, she asked again: "Young Master?"

"Are you an illusion?"

Xie Heng spoke hoarsely, asking this question.

Luo Wanqing was taken aback, then realized that Xie Heng was being affected by the datura. He could no longer distinguish between reality and illusion.

Datura incense triggers the deepest desires within one's heart. For Xie Heng to perceive her rescue as an illusion showed that despite his outward calm, he was still terrified inside.

Realizing this, Luo Wanqing suddenly felt that the person in front of her was not much different from anyone else, just pushed by circumstances to maintain composure.

Her voice softened as she responded: "Young Master, I am not an illusion."

Not an illusion.

An illusion of Luo Wanqing would not use the term "servant."

She would call herself "I," tempting and clinging to him without restraint.

This distant Luo Wanqing was not his illusion.

But... if she wasn't an illusion, why was she here?

If she wasn't an illusion...

Xie Heng slowly lifted his head, scanning her silhouette in the dark.

He couldn’t see her clearly, only her outline.

But he remembered that when he first saw her, she wore a married woman's hairstyle.

"Where is Cui Heng?"

He spoke hoarsely, and Luo Wanqing was startled.

Looking at the seemingly delirious man in front of her, she cautiously replied: "Young Master, he has gone. Have you forgotten?"

Gone.

Hearing her words, Xie Heng was momentarily stunned and repeated: "He has gone?"

"Yes." Hearing his dazed response, Luo Wanqing realized that perhaps Xie Heng's feelings for Cui Heng were deeper than she had thought.

In the world constructed by the datura incense, he refused to accept his departure.

She carefully recounted what had happened, reminding Xie Heng: "After he fell into the water, there were meat-grinding mechanisms below. All we found was blood and flesh."

Xie Heng listened to her calmly recounting Cui Heng's departure. When she finished, he seemed dazed and said: "You're not sad."

"Young Master?"

"You’re not sad," he continued, "about the loss of someone important to you. It's only been a few days, yet you show no sorrow."

These words burned Luo Wanqing's heart, causing it to ache intensely.

She pursed her lips and remained silent, struggling for a moment before consoling herself that Xie Heng was irrational, and she couldn't act like this.

She took a deep breath and said, "Young Master, I naturally grieve for his passing, but now is not the time to discuss this. You have been affected by the mandala incense and are disoriented. Please try to restrain yourself. Lord Cui will launch an attack from outside in a few days. I was ordered to rendezvous with you. Please give your orders for the next step."

Xie Heng did not respond.

He finally confirmed that this was Luo Wanqing, not an illusion.

If it were an illusion, he wouldn't be able to imagine such a composed Luo Wanqing.

In silence, after a long while, he finally regained his composure, closed his eyes, and whispered, "Give me the Qi-stabilizing pill."

Luo Wanqing immediately understood that Xie Heng was refusing to let her check his pulse.

The Qi-stabilizing pill was a common restorative used by the Supervision Division to recover vital energy, and every Si Shi had one. Luo Wanqing quickly found the pill and handed it over in the dark: "Young Master, the medicine."

Xie Heng did not respond immediately. After a moment of silence, he said awkwardly, "Feed it to me."

Luo Wanqing then remembered that his hands were restrained. She hurriedly focused and placed the pill where she heard his voice.

As she placed the pill between Xie Heng's lips, even though she tried hard not to touch him, she still brushed against his lips.

His lips felt cracked, the dry skin scraping against her fingertips, the heat shocking her. Luo Wanqing immediately withdrew her hand and apologized, "I apologize for my indiscretion."

Seeing her retreat, Xie Heng paused slightly, holding the Qi-stabilizing pill without speaking. After a moment, he whispered, "Rest for now."

Luo Wanqing immediately complied and sat down in the farthest corner.

Since Xie Heng had come here voluntarily, he wouldn't allow himself to be severely injured. She didn't need to worry too much.

With Xie Heng present, she didn't need to think further; doing so would be overstepping her bounds. So she waited quietly in the corner.

After a while, Xie Heng, with the Qi-stabilizing pill in his mouth, began to feel some sensation on his tongue, tasting its bitterness.

At that moment, there was a "click" in the room, followed by the sound of chains falling. Luo Wanqing opened her eyes, knowing that Xie Heng's chains had been removed.

Ji Ruifang's voice sounded outside the door: "Xie Lingshu, the next dose of medicine will be given tomorrow morning. I will check her pulse. If she has cultivated the Yin Meridian Sutra, I will give you the medicine, and you'll be more comfortable."

Ji Ruifang's tone carried a sneer: "Make good use of this opportunity. You shouldn't torture yourself."

Hearing this, Luo Wanqing instinctively looked at Xie Heng.

Xie Heng did not speak immediately. Luo Wanqing listened to the footsteps outside, knowing someone else was there.

Both remained silent. Xie Heng sat alone in the corner, waiting until the sounds of breathing faded away. Then, Luo Wanqing approached him and whispered, "Young Master, are you feeling better?"

Xie Heng leaned against the wall, closing his eyes and responding softly.

Luo Wanqing whispered, "What should we do now?"

Xie Heng did not answer immediately. After a moment of contemplation, he asked a neutral question: "How did you get here?"

Luo Wanqing truthfully reported her departure: "I received a message from Lord Cui, stating that Young Master deliberately allowed himself to be captured in the forest and brought to Ji Rui Palace. He also provided me with a map drawn by Young Master, instructing me to meet you here. In recent days, I have killed 299 Northwest soldiers on Liufeng Island. Ji Ruifang intended to set a trap with the last soldier, so I played along and allowed myself to be captured. Ji Ruifang wanted to use me to cultivate the Yin Meridian Sutra with Xie Minran and extract my inner strength. I provoked her verbally, leading her to bring me to you."

Xie Heng listened to Luo Wanqing's report, analyzing the events outside.

Her mention of Cui Heng's message proved that Luo Wanqing was no longer on Liufeng Island. As a member of the White Tiger Department, she might have been sent out to scout.

Her statement about Cui Heng saying that Xie Heng was deliberately captured in the forest was likely a lie to conceal his identity and prevent Luo Wanqing from discovering the connection between Cui Heng and Xie Heng. It also indicated that Luo Wanqing had probably met "Xie Heng" after her capture, meaning Xuan Shan had likely arrived on Liufeng Island, ensuring everyone's safety.

She mentioned only herself, suggesting she was alone in entering the forest.

Killing 299 Northwest soldiers and leaving one for a trap meant there were initially 300 soldiers in the forest.

Playing along suggested Luo Wanqing knew Ji Ruifang planned to use her to heal Xie Minran, so she acted confidently.

Provoking Ji Ruifang to bring her here meant she intentionally let herself be brought to Xie Heng, despite knowing the cost of cultivating the Yin Meridian Sutra and the recent arrival of Cui Heng.

Despite knowing the risks, she came here for duty.

Thinking about this, even though he knew she had done nothing wrong, Xie Heng still felt a sense of unease.

He did not dare to ask further and changed the subject: "Where are the other two hundred?"

"Ji Rui Palace."

"How is the mission progressing?"

Xie Heng absorbed the information and softly asked.

Luo Wanqing did not find it unusual and replied, "The outer mechanisms of Xueling Mountain have been dismantled, and I have sent the map back to Lord Cui through Zuisi."

"When does Cui Junye plan to take action?"

"On the first day of October."

"The first day of October..."

Xie Heng murmured, then asked, "What day is it now?"

Luo Wanqing paused, realizing Xie Heng had been in this dark place for a long time. She softly replied, "The twenty-seventh of September."

The first day of October was five days away.

They had to endure five more days.

Xie Heng calculated and then said gently, "Cultivating the Yin Meridian Sutra requires at least four days. Before then, Ji Ruifang won't harm us. But she will check our progress daily. If she is dissatisfied, we won't make it to that time."

Luo Wanqing understood the implications of Xie Heng's words.

She must cultivate the Yin Scripture; it was their only chance at survival.

She gripped the knife in her hand tightly and remained silent.

Xie Heng leaned against the wall, his eyes closed as he continued, "Once you have cultivated the Yin Scripture, Ji Ruifang will send you to Xie Minran. He is severely injured now. I offer you two options. One: I delay your cultivation of the Yin Scripture, keeping you by my side. I'll do my best to protect you until the fifth day, when we can wait for Lord Cui to rescue us."

Luo Wanqing was taken aback, not expecting Xie Heng to still think of protecting her. But then he added, "However, this method poses great risks for both of us. If Ji Ruifang is determined to confront us, I cannot guarantee our safety."

"What about the other option?"

Luo Wanqing immediately asked.

Xie Heng spoke calmly, "I help you cultivate the Yin Scripture and teach you Ji Ruifang's techniques. You go to Xie Minran, take advantage of his severe injury, and find an opportunity to absorb his inner strength and kill him."

Luo Wanqing's heart stirred as she looked up, listening to Xie Heng's analysis. "This method is extremely risky for you. At that time, her focus will be on you and Lord Cui, leaving her no time to deal with me. But if successful, it will greatly benefit you. You are already walking a tightrope; there is no turning back. Think carefully before you answer."

Luo Wanqing listened but did not respond.

Though he gave her a choice, his words had already made the decision for her.

She knew she should agree with Xie Heng.

But she couldn't bring herself to speak.

She knew what cultivating the Yin Scripture entailed. She had once indirectly asked Cui Heng if he had considered teaching her the Yin Scripture.

And he had gently patted her shoulder.

At that moment, she knew he didn't plan to stay, but she never imagined he would leave in such a tragic manner.

Thinking of Cui Heng, she couldn't agree to Xie Heng's proposal.

Yet her rational mind—forced into action after Cui Heng's departure—told her she should accept the option that posed the least risk and offered the best future.

She remained silent, and Xie Heng seemed to understand her struggle.

After a moment, Xie Heng suddenly said, "You don't want to cultivate the Yin Scripture with me."

"Subordinate..." Luo Wanqing found herself unable to speak.

She couldn't agree, nor could she deny it.

After a tense pause, she finally admitted, "Young Master... is there another way?"

Xie Heng did not respond immediately. After a long while, he said, "Yes."

"Please enlighten me, Young Master."

Luo Wanqing felt a sense of relief, her tone becoming lighter.

Xie Heng leaned against the corner, his knees bent and his gaze lowered. "Those who practice the Yin Scripture differ from ordinary people in their balance of yin and yang energies. I can inject you with true qi daily to fool Ji Ruifang. On the fourth day, I will give you the final injection, allowing you to withstand Xie Minran's scrutiny."

"But..."

"But fake is fake," Xie Heng reminded her. "Xie Minran will realize something is off within a third of the time he absorbs your inner strength. You will have only that third of the time to kill him."

Luo Wanqing acknowledged his reminder, "Subordinate understands."

After her response, Xie Heng fell silent. After a while, his voice echoed again, "Those addicted to mandala incense go through three stages. When the drug takes effect, they feel euphoric and highly aroused. After the effects wear off, there is a period of calmness. Without regular doses, they suffer excruciating pain, as if ants are crawling all over them. Most importantly, it alters the mind, driving one to indulge in every desire. People lose their minds not because of pain, but because they find excuses."

"What does Young Master mean?"

"I won't get the medicine tonight," Xie Heng spoke calmly, as if discussing something mundane. "To get the medicine, I am capable of anything. Before dawn, do not believe anything I say, do not let me approach you, and do not let me touch you. Given the current situation, you are allowed to defy me. If you show any weakness, Luo Wanqing," Xie Heng paused, then whispered hoarsely, "we will both die."

"Yes."

Luo Wanqing responded solemnly, and Xie Heng acknowledged her with a tired nod, falling silent.

After a long while, Xie Heng suddenly spoke in the darkness, "Liu Xiniang."

"Young Master?"

"How are you doing now?"

The question came unexpectedly, like an old friend reuniting after a long absence.

Realizing this, Luo Wanqing's heart skipped a beat. But she instantly remembered Xie Heng's earlier words.

Mandala incense drives one to indulge in every desire. For example, if Xie Heng wants someone to save him, even if it's someone harmful, the drug will make him overlook everything and lose his usual vigilance.

Similarly, if she hopes Cui Heng is alive, the drug will provide countless excuses to believe he might be, leading her to act irrationally.

So those addicted to mandala incense often maintain their composure by thinking the opposite of their desires.

But even so, many cannot escape the drug's influence.

She had inhaled some upon entering. Though the amount was small, it still affected her. Fortunately, she retained some rationality and forced herself to suppress these thoughts, responding softly, "Reporting to Young Master, subordinate is doing well."

Xie Heng seemed to nod in response.

"That's good."

As he spoke, Luo Wanqing detected a hint of melancholy in his voice. He murmured, "It's good that Cui Heng hasn't affected you."

Luo Wanqing paused at his words.

After a moment, she softly responded, "Mm."

Her concern for Cui Heng needed no explanation to others, nor did it need to cause them worry.

But she knew that this person's name had seeped into every inch of her bones, every piece of her flesh, and every drop of her blood.

He flowed through all her time and body; as long as she lived, he would be there.

The two remained silent. With nothing else to do, Luo Wanqing sat down to meditate.

Once she entered a meditative state, she became less aware of the surrounding sounds. Xie Heng listened to her breathing steady and then struggled to loosen his collar.

He felt hot, but he didn't want to do anything in front of Luo Wanqing.

Meeting her in such a state was already embarrassing enough; he didn't want to appear even more so.

She had never liked him.

He shouldn't make things worse.

But as the effects of the medicine kicked in, he became increasingly sensitive and tormented. Every breath Luo Wanqing took seemed to grind against his heartstrings.

He couldn't see her clearly, but he could make out her silhouette.

She wore her hair in a married woman's style, her posture upright like an unsheathed blade, burning with enticing flames in the night.

He was like a moth drawn to the fire, watching from afar, his mind filled with countless thoughts luring him forward.

Looking at her, he couldn't help but wonder.

Why did she tie her hair in a married woman's style? Was it for Cui Heng?

If it was for Cui Heng... if she had him in her heart and liked him, if she was willing to belong to him, why couldn't he approach her?

Why should he suffer alone?

If he went to her, she would surely be happy, wouldn't she?

Thinking back to how she cried out under his touch, Xie Heng couldn't control himself and began to pant uncontrollably.

He tried to convince himself over and over again, but he also knew clearly that this was just the temptation brought on by the mandala incense.

He knew it was his own delusion, just an excuse he was making for himself.

Her willingness wasn't entirely out of love.

Whether it was Cui Heng or Xie Heng, or anyone else, if they saved her, she would repay them.

Even if she was willing...

What could he promise for the future?

Now she was doing well. Even after Cui Heng left, she could still live well. Why should he disturb her?

Was he going to drag her down into the mud and water before he was satisfied?

He cursed himself while panting lowly.

Finally, he managed to endure the first stage of the drug's effects, feeling as if he had been pulled out of water.

He finally got some respite and closed his eyes, falling into a deep sleep.

This sleep lasted a long time. When he woke up, he started feeling as if ants were crawling in his head.

He knew that the most difficult third stage had arrived.

Taking the medicine would help, but without it, the pain would only intensify.

If he could cultivate the Yin Meridian Scripture, he could get the medicine.

This thought flashed through his mind, and he began to hit his head with his hand.

Luo Wanqing had just completed another round of expanding her meridians and came out of meditation. Hearing what sounded like Xie Heng hitting the wall, she couldn't help but call out, "Young Master?"

Xie Heng's movements and sounds paused, and then he said hoarsely, "Nothing."

Then, seemingly suppressing his agitation, he added, "Don't talk to me."

Luo Wanqing hesitated but then dared not speak again.

She kept hearing the sound of impact and panting coming from the corner.

After a while, the sounds disappeared, as if there was no one there.

Luo Wanqing was slightly alarmed. After a moment's hesitation, she couldn't resist calling out, "Young Master? Are you alright?"

There was no response.

Luo Wanqing immediately stood up, took her Qianji in hand, and hurried toward Xie Heng.

She couldn't see clearly in the room, but she rushed in the direction of the sounds Xie Heng had made: "Young Master? Are you okay?"

As soon as she spoke, a hand grabbed her wrist forcefully. Luo Wanqing's heart tightened, and she exclaimed, "Young Master!"

Xie Heng's grip loosened, and Luo Wanqing held her Qianji tightly, her breathing disordered.

They stood in silence for a long time before Xie Heng spoke hoarsely, "Don't be afraid."

He then gently pried open her fingers, taking the Qianji from her hand, and whispered, "I'm just borrowing your Qianji."

Author's note:

"Side scene"

Xie Heng: "That, that, I..."

Luo Wanqing: "Feeling excited? Think of Cui Heng, a friend's wife is not to be trifled with."

Xie Heng: "…Then I can still take care of her for a bit."

Luo Wanqing: Draws her sword in anger