Er Zhumiao floated in, clad in violet silk. A long sword hung at her waist, her dark hair neatly pinned up, revealing a crisp, clean silhouette. Her fine willow brows were slightly furrowed, accentuating a delicate face, exquisitely lovely and captivating.

Her steps were light, leaving a faint, subtle fragrance in her wake.

Upon entering, her gaze flickered toward Xiao Yuan, who was exceptionally quick-witted. Seeing the situation, Xiao Yuan said, "Zhan Ran, I'll go check on Miss."

Li Muzhan, reclined on the couch, nodded.

Xiao Yuan flashed Gong Qingyun a bright, playful smile, and then departed with a graceful, swaying gait, a clear look of smug satisfaction on her face. She was delighted that she could stay while the elegant Sister Gong had to leave.

Gong Qingyun watched her go, then turned her head to look at Li Muzhan.

Their eyes met mid-air, locking instantly, like iron drawn to a magnet.

The room was utterly silent, though faintly one could hear the sounds of whinnying horses, distant shouts, and footfalls—the general clamor as the Mei Manor convoy prepared to depart.

A moment later, Gong Qingyun broke contact, a blush staining her cheeks, making her appear exquisitely charming. She lowered her head, "I must leave with Miss now. You... you..."

She struggled for words, a thousand thoughts crowding her chest, making it difficult to breathe.

Li Muzhan smiled gently, "Senior Sister, travel safely."

Gong Qingyun gave a small nod, a wave of relief washing over her, her mood instantly becoming lighter. Li Muzhan had not spoken words of thanks, which somehow pleased her.

Li Muzhan smiled as he observed her; the saying "a person more beautiful than a flower" seemed utterly fitting now. At this moment, Gong Qingyun’s beauty surpassed that of any flower in the world.

He remained silent, simply gazing at Gong Qingyun, appreciating her captivating demeanor.

Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating her lustrous hair, black and glossy like satin. Her skin appeared even more snow-white and delicate. Her face grew redder, a mix of shy delight and sweet happiness churning within her.

After a pause, she shot him a glance before swiftly darting away. Li Muzhan chuckled softly.

As soon as Gong Qingyun left, Xiao Yuan rushed back in, seeing his smile, she huffed indignantly. "What did you say to her to make Sister Gong’s face turn so red?"

Li Muzhan laughed, "Didn't you hear?"

"Hmph, I don't listen to people whispering secrets!" Xiao Yuan pouted petulantly.

Li Muzhan said with a squint, "It wasn't much, just saying goodbye." Then, he added, "Go ask Miss for two swords; I seem to have misplaced mine."

Xiao Yuan’s bright eyes widened, glaring fiercely at him. Li Muzhan met her gaze with an unperturbed, cheerful smile.

After a moment, Xiao Yuan yielded, letting out a disgruntled "Fine!"

It was quite a while before she returned, holding two swords. She sat gloomily beside Li Muzhan’s couch with a sigh, "Zhan Ran, Miss and the others have already left!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "If they've gone, they've gone. Miss has high martial arts skills; there's no need to worry."

"You need to get well quickly," Xiao Yuan looked pointedly at his legs.

Li Muzhan smiled, "Xiao Yuan, help me look around. Is there anyone in this mountain town who forges swords?"

"Sword-forgers?" Xiao Yuan was momentarily stunned, shaking her head. "Forging swords isn't easy; it requires very high skill. I doubt a small town like this would have one."

"Look anyway," Li Muzhan instructed. "If there's a blacksmith, have him forge two swords for me."

"But don't you already have swords?" Xiao Yuan waved the long sword in her right hand; it gleamed cold and sharp.

Li Muzhan let out a helpless, wry smile, tilting his head to avoid the glint of steel.

The sword light circled above his head, missing him by a hair's breadth, allowing him to feel the chill radiating from it. Xiao Yuan puffed out her cheeks while swinging the sword.

He secretly chuckled; Xiao Yuan was still sulking, nursing her slight.

Seeing him slightly cornered, Xiao Yuan showed a triumphant grin, huffing, "These two swords were chosen by Miss. Forged through a thousand refinements—how could the blacksmith outside the manor compare!"

"These are sharp enough, but too light," Li Muzhan commented.

"Well, you are strong," Xiao Yuan tilted her head in thought. "Alright, I’ll go look!" Then she added sternly, "But you absolutely cannot go out!"

"How could I possibly go out in this condition?" Li Muzhan laughed.

Xiao Yuan giggled, "Are you planning to go out and catch some sun?"

Li Muzhan shook his head. "No need. I need to enter seclusion for a while to focus on healing my injuries."

"Great! Leave it to me!" Xiao Yuan nodded enthusiastically.

Li Muzhan had been confined for a year and a half, and Xiao Yuan had been serving him flawlessly throughout, becoming quite adept at it.

Xiao Yuan stood up to leave, but Li Muzhan quickly raised a hand. "Xiao Yuan, slip out of the city quietly first, enter through the West Gate, and then inquire about blacksmiths."

"Got it, you worry too much!" Xiao Yuan waved her hand, agreeing with a light laugh, and disappeared gracefully.

Li Muzhan shook his head. This little lass’s temper flared fast and faded just as quickly; she was utterly guileless, yet incredibly understanding. Being with her was comfortable and relaxing.

However, he felt a twinge of worry. This small courtyard was situated in the quiet, secluded south of the town, keeping a low profile, but the Bald Bandit was a local power; there were bound to be spies within the town.

The grand departure of the Mei Manor convoy had been conspicuous. It was meant to draw the attention of the Bald Bandit, giving him cover. However, the Bald Bandit’s ranks surely included clever men who would eventually come looking.

He snapped his fingers and offered a wry smile. The Young Miss was clearly forcing him into hiding, denying him the peace to recover. It seemed she was genuinely angry this time.

Thinking of this, he suddenly called out, "Xiao Yuan! Xiao Yuan!"

Xiao Yuan rushed back in on a gust of fragrant wind, chirping sweetly, "What is it? Is the house on fire?"

Li Muzhan said in a low, serious tone, "We can't stay here. Pack up immediately, we’re leaving."

"Where are we going?" Xiao Yuan tilted her head.

Li Muzhan pondered for a moment. "Head south, toward Fairy Peak."

"Do you know the way?" Xiao Yuan asked.

Li Muzhan nodded. "Yes. Hurry and pack; take water and dry rations. Don't bother with anything else. The faster, the better!"

"What about the blacksmith?" Xiao Yuan asked, tilting her head again.

"Escaping is the priority now!" Li Muzhan declared.

"Alright!" Xiao Yuan agreed and ran out.

She quickly packed a large bundle, nearly half her height. Her slender figure and delicate waist made one worry that the load might snap her in two.

Seeing her lift the massive bundle, Li Muzhan shook his head with a faint smile.

"What are you laughing at!" Xiao Yuan retorted petulantly. "I packed some seasonings! You're such a picky eater; what if we can't stomach the food on the mountain?!"

"That's very thoughtful of you!" Li Muzhan smiled.

Xiao Yuan approached, turned around, and squatted slightly. "Climb on. I’ll carry you!"

Li Muzhan smiled, "Then I must trouble you."

He braced himself with his arms, shifted his legs to the edge of the couch, and then leaned forward from the edge, settling onto Xiao Yuan’s soft back. Instantly, a wave of fragrance enveloped him, warm, soft jade held close.

It was the height of summer, and their clothes were thin; only two layers of fabric separated their skin. His sense of touch was acute, and he clearly felt the tenderness of her flesh.

Xiao Yuan was curvaceous, full like a ripe peach. As Li Muzhan settled on her, he felt her fragility. He draped himself over her like a heavy coat, a rather comical sight.

Her internal strength was considerable. She rose lightly, supporting his thighs, and laughed, "Let's go!"

Utilizing her Qinggong, she moved like a gust of wind out of the room, dashing toward the courtyard gate.

"Wait a moment!" Li Muzhan quickly said.

She stopped abruptly. Xiao Yuan pouted, "What now?!"

"It would be best to find a hat. I need to shield my head." Li Muzhan requested.

"Didn't you say you didn't need anything?" Xiao Yuan huffed, shaking her head. "You should have said so earlier; we won't find one now."

"Then forget it, let's go!" Li Muzhan urged.

Xiao Yuan stomped her foot petulantly, "You are so troublesome!"

Li Muzhan laughed softly. Xiao Yuan pulled open the courtyard gate, then turned and pulled it shut again, locking it from the outside.

Li Muzhan, draped across her back, felt the warmth and softness enveloping him—it was akin to an embrace, intensely pleasurable. He closed his eyes contentedly.

As Xiao Yuan was locking the door, Li Muzhan suddenly turned his head to look west. An old woman was walking slowly down the street, her steps unsteady.

She appeared to be about fifty, similar in age to Madam Qin, sturdy and short, with a gentle, benevolent smile on her face.

Seeing the pair, she smiled and nodded. "Young lady, is the gentleman ill?"

Xiao Yuan’s face flushed bright red, stammering, "Y-yes, yes..."

The old woman chuckled kindly. "Nothing serious. Find Physician Wang; his skills are the best. No sickness can defeat him, even for someone so young!"

"Okay," Xiao Yuan nodded, her bright eyes darting around, afraid to look the woman directly in the eye.

Li Muzhan laughed softly, "Hurry along now, my lady."

Xiao Yuan’s face turned even redder. She gave the old woman a quick nod and ran off swiftly.

Li Muzhan shook his head and sighed, "Xiao Yuan, you shouldn't have used Qinggong. We need to go north first!"

Xiao Yuan pouted, "Why didn't you say so earlier! Aren't we going south?"

"First north, out of the town, and then turn south," Li Muzhan corrected.

"You are too cautious!" Xiao Yuan dismissed it lightly.

Li Muzhan insisted, "That old lady just saw us; there’s no guarantee she won't mention it."

Xiao Yuan giggled conspiratorially, "Should we silence her?"

Li Muzhan laughed, "I can’t bring myself to do such a thing. Let’s go!"

Xiao Yuan laughed sweetly, her voice crisp and pleasing. She activated her Qinggong, and the scenery around them blurred as they shot past; the wind howled, and her flowing hair shielded his face.

Li Muzhan gently brushed aside her hair to point the way forward, feeling relaxed and at ease.

They quickly left the small town and plunged into the forest. However, the woods were dense, and the ground was tangled with roots, offering no path. So, they skimmed above the treetops.

Initially, Xiao Yuan chatted happily, relaxed and at ease, but as her internal energy waned, the effort began to strain her.

Li Muzhan pressed his fingers onto her Jingshu acupoints, continuously channeling pure internal energy into her. Xiao Yuan instantly felt relief, and their speed increased.

Around noon, they climbed onto a mountain peak.

This peak was called Fairy Peak; it was exceedingly steep, appearing from a distance like a graceful young maiden standing against the wind, swaying gently.

They located a small valley halfway up the mountain. If Li Muzhan's eyesight hadn't been exceptional, he wouldn't have spotted the entrance to this hidden gorge, concealed beneath thick green vines clinging to the cliff face.

The valley was ringed by mountains, their sheer walls rising straight up, more than twenty zhang high, resembling a vast wooden bucket.

At the base of the walls was a pool, clear as a mirror, about one zhang wide, encircling the entire valley like a jade belt.

In the center of the valley was a grove of diverse, lush trees, bordered by a carpet of soft, verdant grass, like a thick meadow.

Once inside, Xiao Yuan surveyed the surroundings and sighed contentedly, "This is truly a wonderful place!"

She was panting slightly, sweat gleaming on her skin, which intensified her natural fragrance. Even with Li Muzhan’s infusion of inner power, her body was exhausted.

"Put me down," Li Muzhan said, feeling a little apologetic.

Xiao Yuan gently set him down on the grassy expanse and then sat beside him.

The thick, soft grass felt very comfortable to sit on.

Li Muzhan looked around, nodding repeatedly. The scenery here, with its clear waters and beautiful landscape, was indeed excellent. After observing for a while, he turned to her. "Later, weave some ropes and hang them on the cliff face. Just in case we get trapped here, it will give us a way out."

"Zhan Ran, you are too cautious! Who could possibly find this place?" Xiao Yuan disagreed.

Saying this, she lay down limply, gazing up at the blue sky and white clouds. She took several deep breaths, her proud chest rising and falling dramatically, a breathtaking sight.

In her mind, she had been so careful, flying just above the treetops, leaving no trace, and entering the vastness of Fairy Peak. Finding someone here would be like searching for a needle in a haystack—only an immortal could manage it!

"Caution ensures a journey of ten thousand miles," Li Muzhan solemnly advised. Then, seeing her state, he sighed helplessly, "Alright, alright, I’ll listen to you! I’ll do it after I catch my breath!"

Seeing her, Li Muzhan felt a pang of tenderness and smiled, shaking his head.

After resting for a while, Xiao Yuan stood up to search for green vines. Li Muzhan didn't idle either; he first asked Xiao Yuan to fell a tree, and then he sat on the grass to start doing some carpentry.

By the time Xiao Yuan returned with a pile of green vines, he had already finished crafting a wheelchair and was sitting in it, smiling at her.

Xiao Yuan dropped the vines, circled the wheelchair, examining it left and right, full of praise. Then, excitedly, she pushed him around, touring the entire valley.

Afterward, Xiao Yuan set about braiding ropes, while Li Muzhan constructed a small wooden cabin, making beds and frames with incredible speed.

His long sword was sharp, and his strength was great; he cut wood as if it were tofu. Coupled with his proficiency in carpentry, in a short time, he had assembled two simple beds.

Building the small cabins required Xiao Yuan’s assistance—cutting down a few trees and then sawing and connecting the pieces.

As the sun began to set, the two small wooden cabins were completed, situated on the meadow, facing south and backed against the north, standing side-by-side.

Xiao Yuan washed her hands at the pool and returned, hands on her hips, surveying the scene with a broad, proud smile. "Zhan Ran, did we really build all this?"

Li Muzhan, still seated in the wheelchair, smiled while continuing to work on making window frames and lattices.

"It's truly marvelous!" Xiao Yuan became lost in self-admiration, closing her eyes.

Suddenly, she spun her delicate body, her long hair flying, performing a graceful dance. After a few turns, she collapsed onto the grass, laughing unrestrainedly.

Li Muzhan called out, "Stop being silly; it’s time to eat!"

Xiao Yuan rolled around on the grass, laughing, "We’re having fish tonight! There are so many fish in the water—and they are all so long!"

She used her small hands to indicate the size.

"Hmm, grilled fish sounds good," Li Muzhan nodded, his hands never ceasing their work.

Xiao Yuan sprang up, grabbed her sword, and stood motionless by the edge of the pool, staring into the water.

Suddenly, a flash of sword light cut the air, and a large, snow-white fish leaped onto the grass, about a foot long, spindle-shaped like a flounder. Another flash, and another large fish landed on the ground.

In the blink of an eye, six snow-white fish had sprung from the water and lay still on the grass, leaving no bloodstains.

Xiao Yuan retracted her sword, built a small fire, skewered the fish on two separate spits, and set them over the flames to roast. Soon, they sizzled audibly, and a rich aroma filled the air.

The firelight deepened the color on Xiao Yuan’s cheeks, making her look exquisitely ripe. Her bright eyes were fixed on the two skewers of fish; she excitedly flipped them, constantly licking her red lips and swallowing.

Li Muzhan was still busy. Seeing Xiao Yuan's rapt expression, he shook his head with a smile.

Dread: Today, while chatting with a friend about my writing, they mentioned my book falls into the 'pale grey' category—not quite dark, not quite light. Little white fans dislike it, and the truly dark readers find it too bright. It pleases neither extreme, destined for few readers. I have a lofty ideal: to reach two thousand subscribers! Yet, I can’t even hit one thousand. The gap between ideal and reality is vast. Sometimes I think, why not just write light, common stories? They garner more affection. Why must I exhaust myself writing with such detail? But I can't cross that internal hurdle. Alas, what can I do?" Hehe, complaining again, sorry about that. D