Huang Haidong

The Imperial Extreme Hall was the tallest structure in the entire royal city. Its grounds were vast, the edifice imposing and grand, with intricately carved beams and painted rafters. Guards stood vigilant at the entrance.

Lin Xiyue felt her nerves tighten. She raised her head, gazing up at the plaque above the hall, her heart pounding so fiercely she feared it might leap from her chest.

"Imperial Extreme Hall, I have finally arrived!" she thought to herself.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she adjusted her composure and ascended the steps with light, graceful strides.

"Halt! Where does this beggar think she’s going?" A guard stepped forward, brow furrowed in disdain. "No invitation, no entry!"

"Beggar?" Lin Xiyue’s brow twitched in irritation.

Granted, her attire was rather casual—she had tied her hair back and swapped her usual plain white muslin dress for something even simpler—but it was hardly the garb of a beggar.

"I’m here to see His Majesty Qin De!"

"Do you think a woman of your lowly station can simply demand an audience with His Majesty?" The guard sneered, nose in the air. "Be gone, before you disrupt the great ceremony!"

"I must see His Majesty Qin De!" Lin Xiyue declared, deftly sidestepping the guard to continue forward.

"Stop right there!" The guard, infuriated, swung his palm at Lin Xiyue. "Did you not hear me? I said halt!"

A resounding crash echoed. The guard was sent flying by a single punch.

Gasps of shock erupted from the onlookers. Who was this man, so powerful?

"Touch her again, and you court death!" Bai Zongnan’s icy blue eyes glinted with murderous intent as he glared coldly at everyone present.

He extended a hand, grasping the throat of the guard he had just struck, lifting him effortlessly. His right arm was like an iron vise—the guard could not break free.

"Unhand my superior!" Another guard rushed forward.

A sharp slap sent this second guard flying as well.

Bai Zongnan cast a frosty glance at the remaining two guards. "Approach again, and you die," he stated flatly.

The pair, trembling, stumbled back in fear.

"I’ll count to three. If you’re still here, you’ll be buried with him." Bai Zongnan’s gaze swept across the crowd, his eyes cold and dangerous, sending chills down everyone’s spine.

"Go! Let’s get out of here!"

"We’d better leave before we get dragged into trouble," muttered another, and upon hearing the threat of being buried alive, the guards scattered in terror.

Lin Xiyue stifled a smile, thinking, Brother, you really are rather violent.

"Let’s go," Bai Zongnan said, gripping Lin Xiyue’s arm and leading her away from the square.

They arrived at a pavilion on the western side of the palace—a room reserved exclusively for Lin Xiyue.

Her mind felt hazy, her thoughts unclear. Bai Zongnan released her arm. Her knees buckled, and she nearly collapsed.

He caught her just in time, settling her gently onto a chair. "Careful," he murmured.

"Thank you," Lin Xiyue replied softly, cheeks flushed. She felt warm—too warm. That Liu Dayuan earlier had done it on purpose. He wanted to humiliate her brother! That despicable old scoundrel! She would not forgive him.

"Thank you for saving me," she said shyly, head bowed.

Bai Zongnan fondly patted her head, speaking with gentle affection, "Silly girl. You’re my sister; it’s my duty to protect you. Besides…"

He paused, his gaze falling on the jade bangle around her wrist.

It was peculiar, its green radiance tinged with a sinister blood-red hue, faint wisps of black mist emanating from it.

Lin Xiyue felt his gaze and unconsciously clutched her wrist. "I… I lost this bangle by accident," she murmured.

A shadow of disappointment flickered in Bai Zongnan’s eyes, but he did not press her. "If you like it, it’s yours."

The bangle was a cherished treasure of his, and she treated it as mere refuse. What a pity.

Lin Xiyue nodded. From the fold of her robe, she produced a golden needle and handed it to Bai Zongnan. "I owe you today. Please accept this as a token of my gratitude."

Bai Zongnan was momentarily stunned.

This girl was offering him a priceless jade hairpin and a bangle worth a king’s ransom. Did she realize how valuable these were?

Lin Xiyue grinned mischievously. "It may be valuable, but in my hands, it gathers dust. If you don’t mind, it’s yours."

Bai Zongnan hesitated, shaking his head. "This is too precious. I can’t accept it."

Lin Xiyue blinked her large, luminous eyes and teased, "Then I’ll keep it safe for you."

He could only laugh. She truly was a lively and clever soul.

"Very well, then," he acquiesced.

Lin Xiyue’s eyes sparkled with delight as she pressed the golden needle into his palm. "This needle, called Chixiao, was left to me by my grandfather—a relic of his. It once belonged to an immortal master."

The Chixiao Sword was a legendary weapon in the immortal realm, famed for its power. Fated hands could wield it, for the sword itself chose its master.

Lin Xiyue grasped the hilt, closed her eyes, and silently recited the sword-controlling incantation from the Nine Nether Arts.

A resonant hum filled the air as Chixiao began to tremble.

Opening her eyes, Lin Xiyue sensed a mysterious connection forming between herself and the sword.

With a swift motion, Chixiao soared skyward, transforming into a scarlet arc, circling the room.

A series of slicing sounds followed—the unmistakable noise of blades piercing flesh.

In an instant, blood spattered everywhere as the guards who failed to dodge fell into pools of crimson.

"This sword is so domineering," Lin Xiyue gasped in awe.

She called out to Chixiao, and instantly, it dove from above, returning to her grasp.

All of it had happened in the blink of an eye.

"Well done, Chixiao!"

She couldn’t help but applaud. The sword hummed proudly in response, as though showing off.

"Chixiao is an immortal weapon—it can slay demons and evil spirits. It’s formidable, and so am I!" Lin Xiyue smiled, her eyes bright as crescents.

Her smile was as pure as a snow lotus, impossible to look away from.

Bai Zongnan gazed at her in a daze, murmuring, "Little Yue, so you’re a cultivator after all."

She nodded, admitting, "I am, but I’m not a bad person."

"You have nothing to fear. I’ll protect you," Bai Zongnan said, his grip firm on her shoulder. "If you ever need my help, just say the word."

Lin Xiyue felt a warm glow in her heart and nodded. "Alright."

Though her brother seemed cold, he was truly kind-hearted. She admired him.

"Rest now. I’ll come see you later," Bai Zongnan said, seeing her exhaustion and wishing he could hold her as she slept.

Lin Xiyue yawned. "I’m so sleepy."

His gaze softened with affection. "Then sleep well."

"Mm."

Reluctantly, Bai Zongnan looked at her one last time before leaving the room.

Stepping outside, he felt a pang of nostalgia for life in the real world. But this girl, Xiyue…

He sighed softly and returned to his own quarters.

Sitting by his bed, he pondered for a long while, finally deciding not to tell Xiyue the truth.

The next morning, in Lin Xiyue’s boudoir.

"Xiyue, actually… I…" Bai Zongnan hesitated for a long time before speaking, "I’m not from this world. I came here from another."

Lin Xiyue’s head snapped up, her beautiful eyes widening in disbelief. "Brother?"

He nodded. "It’s true—I’m not of this world. And… I can’t stay here much longer."

She frowned. "Brother, what’s going on?"

"Do you remember the white fox from before?" he asked.

"Of course!" Lin Xiyue replied.

"I got lost in the forest with Xiao Qi, and we encountered it. I asked, and it told me it was the divine white tiger, able to guide us to our parents. We followed it for a long time until we reached a mountain. Suddenly, the white tiger transformed into a handsome man in white robes. He told me my parents were inside the cave. I rushed in and found them."

"My father had already died, but my mother survived." Tears glittered in Bai Zongnan’s eyes. "My parents were imprisoned in a secret realm of this world. I came here to rescue them. But—"

His brow furrowed in distress.

"But what, brother?" Lin Xiyue pressed.

He sighed. "In that secret realm, I encountered a female ghost—she clung to me, trying to seize my body as her own."

"What?!" Lin Xiyue cried, alarmed. "Wasn’t that terribly dangerous?"

"Fortunately, I was prepared," Bai Zongnan said with a wry smile. "I used a talisman to destroy her, but it came at a great cost."

"Are you alright?" Lin Xiyue asked anxiously.

"I was injured and fell unconscious. Xiyue, you mustn’t run around alone—when I recover, I’ll take you out to explore."

She quickly produced a medicinal pill for internal injuries and fed it to him. "This was specially made by my master. Take it."

"Thank you, Little Yue," he said gratefully.

"No need for thanks," she replied with a gentle smile. "Just follow the prescription for your meals—my master’s medicines are very effective."

"I will," Bai Zongnan promised with a soft smile.

"I’m tired, brother. You should rest too. When you recover, I’ll treat you to wine!"

He laughed heartily. "Agreed! Let’s drink until we drop!"

She smiled as she saw him out, closing the door behind him.

Suddenly, the door was kicked open.

Lin Xiyue startled, only to see the cold, stoic face of Bai Zongnan.

"Who were you just talking to?" His eyes locked on her, dangerous and sharp.

She cursed inwardly—how sharp was this man’s hearing? Out loud, she feigned ignorance. "Who was I talking to? I was just bathing, there was no one."

Bai Zongnan’s lips curled in a mocking sneer. "Liar! I know your voice anywhere."

Lin Xiyue pouted, muttering, "Honestly, weren’t you leaving? Why eavesdrop?"

He raised a brow. "Not only am I leaving, I’m taking you with me."

Her eyes went wide. "You wouldn’t dare!"

He opened his right hand, revealing a black snake coiled in his palm.

The snake flicked its tongue, red eyes gleaming with menace.

"Do you know what this is?" Bai Zongnan asked, his tone threatening. "Black Dragon."

The serpent hissed low, its interest obvious.

"Black Dragon?" Lin Xiyue blinked. "Is it a legendary spirit pet?"

"Indeed," he replied with pride. "You do know the difference between a spirit pet and a spirit beast?"

She shook her head. As a wandering soul, she couldn’t contract with spirit beasts, let alone a spirit pet.

Bai Zongnan narrowed his eyes. "Spirit pets are far more advanced than spirit beasts. My ancestor once said that spirit pets possess limitless potential."

"Then if they’re so powerful, why don’t you just catch a few?" Lin Xiyue asked.

He smiled bitterly. "They’re incredibly rare. There are only two in the entire forest."

"Which two?" she asked.

"One is called Xiao Qi, the other Xiao Jiu. Xiao Qi is a blue luan bird, Xiao Jiu is a phoenix. They are my siblings."

"Blue luan and phoenix?" Lin Xiyue was astonished. "Brother, your luck is incredible!"

These were legendary creatures—if subdued, they would vastly increase one’s strength.

Bai Zongnan, however, remained calm. "I rather think myself unlucky, being trapped in such a small illusionary world. But—"

He turned to her, gaze burning. "Little Yue, you’re the only friend I truly accept. I hope you always think of me as your brother, and I will always protect you!"

Warmth flooded Lin Xiyue’s heart. She reached out and gripped his hand, her smile radiant. "And I will always think of you as my brother!"

"Good!" He smiled, gratified. "Now, rest well. I’ll be off."

With that, he strode away, his figure soon fading from sight.

Lin Xiyue watched him go, whispering, "Goodbye, brother."

—

Early the next morning, Lin Xiyue awoke, stretched, and rose from bed. After tidying her hair, she went downstairs and saw Bai Zongnan by the window, practicing his cultivation.

"Brother."

"Good morning, Xiyue," he said, pausing his practice to smile at her. "Did you sleep well?"

"Very well," she nodded. "Today I plan to collect some herbs to exchange for silver and buy you something good to eat."

He nodded. "Anything you need, I’ll fetch it for you."

Lin Xiyue laughed. "You’ve been working too hard lately, brother. You should rest. I can handle it myself."

"It’s fine, I feel great," he insisted, thumping his chest. "Just tell me the shop, and I’ll go."

Unable to refuse, she gave him the name of her usual herb dealer.

"Got it," he said, jotting it down. "I’ll be off, then."

She watched him go before turning back to her own preparations.

Today she needed to visit the eastern market to buy a batch of medicinal herbs. Though she was a skilled healer, she couldn’t rely solely on her own earnings and needed external support.

Meanwhile, Bai Zongnan pushed his cart to the eastern part of town and found a large pharmacy.

Inside, the air was thick with the scent of valuable herbs—mild, aromatic, and perfect for his needs.

"What can I get for you, sir?" the shopkeeper greeted him warmly.

Opening a cloth pouch, Bai Zongnan revealed five or six herbs. "These are guides—I’d like some of each," he said, pointing to a row of herbs on the counter. "What’s the price?"

The shopkeeper glanced at them, smiling. "That comes to five hundred coins per jin, a total of eight thousand coins."

Bai Zongnan frowned. "That’s expensive."

He was a humble farmer—his family had little, and his yearly savings barely amounted to four or five taels.

Five or six hundred coins would last him half a year.

"It’s not expensive at all," the shopkeeper beamed. "We’re a national chain. If you pick the wrong herbs or delay your illness, the loss would be mine."

Bai Zongnan pursed his lips, deliberating for a while before pulling out five notes worth one tael each, handing them over.

The shopkeeper’s eyes flashed with surprise but quickly regained composure. "That’s still a bit short, sir."

"What?" Bai Zongnan asked, puzzled.

"These herbs are rare and our stock is limited, so the prices are higher," the shopkeeper explained. "We usually only accept amounts of one or two hundred coins per tael."

"How about three hundred coins?" Bai Zongnan offered.

"Deal!" the shopkeeper agreed instantly.

"Thank you," Bai Zongnan said. "I’ll be out collecting—please look after Xiyue for me."

"No problem!" the shopkeeper replied cheerfully.

Once Bai Zongnan left, the shopkeeper’s expression changed. "Ha! Another fool," he muttered, pocketing the three hundred coins and tossing the remainder aside. "To think he believed me! Three hundred coins for a pile of rubbish—what a dreamer!"

He was elated.

He hurried next door to another pharmacy. "Master Wang, give me two sets of blood-replenishing and energy-gathering pill formulas!"

"Ah, Boss Li," the owner—a portly man—greeted him, beaming. "What brings you here?"

"Heh," Li rubbed his hands together, looking sly. "I have a favor to ask."

"Oh?" the owner feigned ignorance.

Li leaned in, ingratiating. "I hear your shop sells those formulas?"

The owner simply smiled, enigmatic.

"Come now, Master Wang," Li pressed, producing some silver and slipping it into the owner’s hands. "Just a little something for your trouble if you’ll sell them to me."

Weighing the silver, the owner was satisfied. "Since you’re sincere, I’ll sell them," he said, writing down the required herbs and prices on a slip of paper. "Just buy these in the lowest grades."

Li accepted the paper with a bow and hurried out, delighted.

"Such profit!" the owner murmured, fingering the silver. "Maybe someday I’ll have my own pharmacy, like Master Liu, seeing patients and earning gold every day."

He could barely wait.

The owner was now curious about Bai Zongnan. If he was truly as remarkable as rumored, he would be sure to ingratiate himself.

"Hey, big oaf, aren’t you leaving?" Lin Xiyue called to Bai Zongnan, who was still standing there in a daze. "I need to be on my way."

"Oh—right!" he replied, coming to himself. "I’ll go with you to buy the herbs."

"As you wish," she said, resigned.

She rode a horse, while Bai Zongnan rode a donkey. The two animals trotted side by side.

"Do you know how to drive a carriage?" Lin Xiyue asked.

He scratched his head, embarrassed. "I do, but I’m not skilled—I dare not pull the reins rashly."

"I’ll teach you," she offered, riding ahead and leading the way. "This horse’s mane is thick, its hooves a bit swollen, temperamental and slow. It’s a sweat-blooded steed."

"A sweat-blooded steed?" Bai Zongnan’s eyes widened. "Grandpa told me they’re rare and prized."

"Indeed," Lin Xiyue smiled. "Their coat is black-and-red, with a tawny mane, muscular and fast as the wind."

"I’ve never ridden one," Bai Zongnan said excitedly. "Will you teach me to drive a cart?"

"Driving? I don’t know how," she replied, shaking her head.

Though skilled in martial arts, she had never learned to ride.

"But I can teach you," Bai Zongnan promised. "Grandpa was a master ox-cart driver—I’ve learned most of the tricks."

Lin Xiyue was surprised.

"Grandpa always said, if I worked hard, I’d master riding eventually," Bai Zongnan continued, full of hope.

"Who is your grandfather?" Inspiration struck Lin Xiyue. "Are you the grandson of the Liu Pharmacy owner?"

"How did you know?" he asked in surprise.

"So you really are! No wonder you resemble your father."

"Heh, yes," Bai Zongnan grinned. "Grandpa always missed my parents—they died young, and our relatives stole the family business."

"That Boss Li—could he be related to your family? Did he covet your formulas?"

"Yes," Bai Zongnan nodded. "You’re sharp, Xiyue!"

She snorted. "He’s scheming, all right."

Bai Zongnan’s eyes grew hot, his voice choked. "I know you think I’m slow, can’t even drive a cart. But I’ll work hard. Someday I’ll earn enough to buy back the pharmacy and let Grandpa live in comfort!"

Lin Xiyue’s lips curved gently as she reached out, patting his shoulder with a soft, jade-like hand. "You can do it, brother."

She truly regarded him as a brother.

"Mm!" Bai Zongnan responded firmly.

Together, they set off for the western market, arriving at a large pharmacy after half a day’s journey.

At the entrance stood two massive wooden plaques, inscribed in bold, flying script: "Liu’s Pharmacy."

"Wow, so this is the famous Liu’s Pharmacy—impressive," Bai Zongnan marveled.

Lin Xiyue nodded. "The owner is a wealthy merchant—he owns a hundred and fifty acres."

"A hundred and fifty acres!" Bai Zongnan was astonished. "What a tycoon!"

She pressed her lips together. "The background here is rather complicated."

Master Liu was an imperial physician, honored by the Emperor himself. He’d cured many epidemics and was highly respected, especially by the Emperor, who treated him as a benefactor.

Bai Zongnan’s pupils contracted. What influence this place wielded!

"Let’s go in, Xiyue," he said, recovering his composure. "It’s just our luck—they’re recruiting apprentices today. We might find some rare herbs."

They stepped into the shop.

At once, a rich herbal fragrance greeted them. The decor was elegant and simple, with nanmu and rosewood everywhere, the air filled with a subtle aroma. The walls were hung with classics of ancient medicine: "Treatise on Cold Damage," "Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber," "Collected Treatises on Cold Damage," "Compendium of Materia Medica," "Illustrated Compendium of Materia Medica"…

Bai Zongnan gazed hungrily at the shelves of herbs.

Lin Xiyue examined each specimen—texture, shape, pattern, medicinal properties—silently assessing their quality.

"I’ll take all these herbs," she declared, running a finger along the shelf.

"Such boldness!" Master Liu’s eyes sparkled, the wrinkles on his face smoothing. "These are rare and costly!"

She produced a silver ingot of two hundred taels and handed it to him. "I want these three ginseng roots, three ginseng whiskers, two vines, a wild ginseng, some seeds…"

"Very well, please wait," Master Liu said, instructing his assistants.

Soon, the herbs were set before her.

"Please inspect them, young lady. If they’re satisfactory, we’ll discuss the price."

She crouched, carefully examining each root. The older the herb, the better the quality. These three ginsengs were at least fifty years old.

After her inspection, she nodded. "They’re genuine—worth twenty taels."

A trace of surprise crossed Master Liu’s eyes. He hadn’t expected the young girl to be so knowledgeable. He regarded her with new respect. Despite her simple dress, she carried a noble air that could not be concealed.

She stood and walked to another shelf, picking up a jar. "I’ll take this too," she said.

It was Snow Skin Cream, a skin ointment for removing blemishes and scars. In modern times, her friends had all favored this brand for its effectiveness and affordability.

"Ten taels," the shopkeeper quoted.

She nodded, paid, and handed the jar to Bai Zongnan. "Apply it daily for three months, and your scars will fade."

He accepted the ointment, nodding solemnly.

Leaving the pharmacy, Bai Zongnan suggested, "Sister, I’d like to buy some cloth. It’s been ages since I had new clothes."

She agreed, and they parted ways.

He went to the fabric shop for two sets of rough linen, well-washed but worn.

Lin Xiyue went to the dress shop for two goose-yellow skirts and a pink tunic.

His old clothes were tattered from years of wear, and even he disliked them—so she bought him new ones.

"Brother, we meet again," came a melodious voice.

Lin Xiyue looked up to see a girl in a jade-green dress, smiling at them. She was sixteen or seventeen, her skin like snow, cheeks rosy, eyes bright, brows delicately arched, lashes curling, skin flawless, lips red as cherries—a striking beauty.

"It’s you?" Bai Zongnan blinked, then brightened. "So you sell clothes on this street, too!"

Lin Xiyue nodded. "What brings you here?"

"To buy cloth," he replied, scratching his head. "Our village is suffering a famine. The village chief’s grain is nearly gone. We need to earn money to help the villagers."

Lin Xiyue considered. "Come to my home. We have plenty of grain—you can barter for cloth, cosmetics, writing supplies, copper coins."

Bai Zongnan’s face lit up. "Thank you, Miss Xiyan!"

She smiled and took his hand, leading him home.

"Where do you live, sister?" he asked. "Our village is some distance from town."

"North Slope."

"North Slope? I’ll escort you," he promised.

"That’s fine."

North Slope was just two li from town.

Lin Xiyue took a carriage; Bai Zongnan rode an ox cart, hauling her luggage. The road was rough, the carriage jolting all the way.

Drowsy, she leaned against the carriage.

Suddenly, there was a rush of hooves and a shout: "Move aside! If someone gets trampled, we’re all done for!"

With a crash, the carriage overturned.

She was thrown out, head spinning.

Holding her aching forehead, her vision blurred, she saw a shadow falling toward her.

It was Bai Zongnan.

He shielded her, taking the brunt of a whip meant for her.

With a crack, blood splattered.

Lin Xiyue froze, reaching for him. "Brother, are you alright?"

Bai Zongnan coughed violently, spitting blood, a bitter smile on his lips. "I’ll… I’ll live…"

His voice was hoarse.

She gritted her teeth, supporting him. "Hold on, I’ll get a doctor!"

"No need. I’m fine," he refused gently. "Your heart is pure—I’m… happy…"

A wave of grief surged in Lin Xiyue’s chest.

"Silly," she sighed, eyes reddening. "You’re my brother. Of course I’ll save you."

In her past life, after her parents died, she lived with her grandparents and cherished kin above all.

"You’re kind and good," Bai Zongnan said, his gaze shining. "I hope… I can live longer. If only… if only I could have a long life…"

He reached out and stroked her hair.

Her body trembled; for some reason, her tears threatened to fall. "Yes," she choked.

She had promised him.

This honest youth was the only one who had cared for, protected, and trusted her.

In her previous life, she’d been cast out by her father, bullied by her cousin, wronged by her step-grandmother—all those dark days she had left behind.

Now, reborn, she cherished this rare friendship.

"I won’t betray your trust," she vowed silently.

At that moment, a voice sounded in Bai Zongnan’s mind: "Clerk Bai Zongnan, your progress in Mythic World, Second Cycle, has reached fifty percent. Do you wish to return?"

He was momentarily dazed, almost forgetting his true identity as a top star of the Kaiyang Holy Domain in the real world.

Return? But the mystery surrounding Lin Xiyue’s birth was still unsolved, and he had only begun to discover clues. Besides, the laws governing this world remained elusive—how could he give up now?

He immediately replied, "Do not return."

A system prompt chimed: "You have three hours, twenty-three minutes, and fifty-nine seconds remaining."

"What on earth?" he muttered in dismay.

Why the sudden reminder, when he wasn’t ready?

"Brother," Lin Xiyue nudged him.

He opened his eyes to her worried gaze. "Are you alright?"

He forced a pale smile. "I’m fine."

"Really?" she asked, still doubtful. That whip had nearly struck her face, and could have scarred her for life.

He lowered his gaze. "Why would I lie?"

"I’m sorry—I dragged you into this. If anything happened to you, I’d never forgive myself."

"It’s alright, as long as you’re safe," he said, trying to smile, though his eyes were shadowed with sorrow.

The carriage resumed its slow journey toward Maple Forest Town.

Guilt weighed heavily on Lin Xiyue. She remained silent the entire way.

When she finally came to her senses, the carriage had stopped.

"Miss, we’ve arrived," the driver announced.

She lifted the curtain and jumped down.

A light rain had begun to fall.

Looking ahead, she saw a large mansion—spacious, with ornate beams, eaves soaring skyward, gilded and resplendent.

"Where are we?" she wondered aloud.

The driver pointed to the main hall’s plaque. "The Lin Estate."

She frowned. "I don’t know any Lin Estate."

He explained, "The Lin family is Maple City’s wealthiest, famed for their strict family discipline."

Enlightenment dawned. No wonder the estate was so lavish, almost like a palace.

"Wait outside. Don’t let anyone in," she instructed the driver, then turned to Bai Zongnan, lying on the ground. "Brother, let me treat your wounds."

He closed his eyes.

She knelt to examine his injuries. The gash was deep, the flesh torn and bleeding.

She winced, hastily tearing her sleeve to bandage him.

It was summer and their clothes were thin; she soon found herself touching his firm, muscular chest.

His body was slender yet strong, eight sculpted abs standing out—a picture of strength, with particularly fine chest and hips.

Blushing furiously, she stood and turned away.

But delays could be dangerous—he needed immediate care.

She fetched her medical kit to perform acupuncture and staunch the bleeding.

Taking a thin silver needle, she inserted it into an acupoint at his shoulder blade.

He grunted, face flushed, brows drawn in pain. "That… hurts…"

She gritted her teeth, then pulled the needle out.

"Ah!" he cried, opening his eyes. "Sister… my wound…"

She helped him sit up. "You’re injured. Let me treat you, so you won’t be left with a scar."

He nodded. "Thank you."

Sweat beaded on his brow; he was weak to the point of collapse.