Chapter 1369: Little Did We Know Heaven's Way Was as Curved as a Bow (Part 2) [Requesting Monthly Tickets]

The woman in the red robe lowered her eyes and considered Luo San's suggestion.

It's really not worth it to fight to the death now.

There were only three prisoners of some importance on the left and right. Keeping them alive was only to use them as bargaining chips. Forcibly keeping them would come at a higher price and wouldn't be worthwhile. The woman in the red robe lowered her large bow and slightly stepped aside to let them pass.

Miao Ne refused to leave just like that.

She asked, "Where will you be imprisoned in the future?"

The woman in red glanced at Miao Ne with disdain, and sneered, "I'm willing to spare your life, you'd better know when to quit while you're ahead! Xiang Zhao is one of us, what future can he have following you?"

Gongyang Yongye looked at the woman in red robes with indifferent eyes.

He asked in a strange tone, "Among us?"

The woman in red robes didn't want to waste any more words with them. A red whirlwind surged beneath her feet, and when it subsided, she was no longer in the tree branches. Miao Ne instinctively wanted to step forward, but stopped herself. She bit her lip in annoyance and murmured, "Just who is this person? Why is she so concerned about her coming and going?"

It's safe to say that Xiang Zhao had no connection with this person.

Xiang Zhao had lived in seclusion in the mountains with her grandfather since childhood, her sphere of activity limited. The woman in red, on the other hand, was a native of the central continent; the two were worlds apart. Miao Ne took a deep breath to calm her chaotic thoughts and withdrew her gaze from Luo San. Although Gongyang Yongye said Luo San was currently a twentieth-rank Marquis, given his reluctance to escalate the conflict with the woman in red, expecting her to rescue Xiang Zhao was unrealistic. Furthermore, besides Xiang Zhao, many other soldiers had fallen into enemy hands and become prisoners.

Rescuing just one Xiang Zhao is not enough.

"...Right now, we must return to the royal court as soon as possible to discuss the ransom of the prisoners with the lord." Miao Ne said, her eyes reddening. She wasn't about to cry, but rather angry. She had never suffered such a great loss, especially with Gongyang Yongye's help.

In the past, Miao Ne wouldn't have been ashamed to go back.

After she finished speaking, she looked to Gongyang Yongye for his opinion. If this man refused to cooperate and insisted on going his own way to seek revenge, Miao Ne wouldn't be able to stop him. If he could escape unscathed, that would be fine, but if he fell into enemy hands, he might find it difficult to escape.

Gongyang Yongye suppressed the boiling anger in his heart.

He gritted his teeth and said, "Let's go back to the royal court first."

Let the physicians of Kangguo examine him; perhaps they can find a way to restore him to normal. Maintaining this youthful appearance, let alone fulfilling his promise to rescue Xiang Zhao, he might even be in grave danger himself. At this moment, he remembered Luo San: "What do you know about this sorcerer's magic? When can I recover? I can't really revert to childhood and live another sixty years, can I?"

Gongyang Yongye is more inclined to believe that this is only temporary.

If one were to be accidentally struck by an arrow, one's body would be able to reverse time by sixty years, which in a sense would be immortality. If this were permanent, how many powerful figures would go mad for it? To be struck by an arrow when one's lifespan is about to end could add another sixty years to one's lifespan.

Miao Ne watched Luo San nervously, awaiting the verdict. Limited by the girl's body, she could do nothing now. Regardless of others' wishes, she certainly didn't want to grow up all over again.

"Of course it's impossible to grow another year. Based on my experience, after being shot, you grow a year older every ten days to half a month. Judging from your timing, it should be about time for you two to begin." Luo San first reassured the two of them, then poured cold water on their enthusiasm. "The Time Archery Technique has three forms: one arrow goes forward, sixty years ahead; one arrow comes back, sixty years behind; and the other arrow... well, let's hope this woman doesn't have the talent of that scoundrel Yuan Fu, or dies young like Yuan Fu."

Miao Ne thought she was listening to celestial pronouncements: "An arrow in the past, an arrow in the future... Is this a realm that human beings can achieve?"

Ordinary martial artists would have no chance against it.

Luo San said calmly, "Yuan Fu used to consider himself a 'god' back then. He had one trick up his sleeve and could do whatever he wanted. He was a man with only a bow and arrow and once killed his peers without any chance to fight back. Fortunately, he died young."

Miao Ne smiled wryly: "That person just now didn't seem like someone destined to die young."

Luo San thought she was frightened.

Unable to resist revealing more inside information to boost morale: "There's no need to be so afraid. These three arrows sound scary, but they're useless against your nemesis. For example, her arrow just now would have been a waste against someone like me. And the future arrow is specifically designed to counter those who are strong but have little lifespan left. If it encounters someone with a long lifespan and a long peak period, there's nothing it can do."

Miao Ne repeatedly asked for confirmation: "Is what you said true, senior?"

Why would an old man like me lie to a little baby like you?

"The younger generation is not a baby."

"It's all the same to me." People in their forties or fifties are like babies in his eyes. "How old have you regressed to?"

"Around eight or nine years old?"

During her time in detention, Miao Ne had no opportunity to look in a mirror, so she could only roughly determine her age based on her height.

"You're not a martial arts expert?"

"Is there anything wrong with my writing, my junior?"

"Nothing much. This is the first time I've seen a scholar fall victim to the Arrow of Time." Whether it's Yuan Fu or the other inheritors of the Arrow of Time, they are mostly military generals who only briefly intervene in duels and sieges. Therefore, the information he has is based on the fact that the victims are military men.

Miao Ne sighed, "She wants to capture him..."

Speaking of Xiang Zhao, Miao Ne recalled a detail.

"Lai Qu stood in front of me, and the arrow pierced through her body first, then through mine. I became like this, but Lai Qu—" she recalled carefully, "remained unchanged."

Both Miao Ne and Gongyang Yongye underwent changes after being hit by arrows.

When Xiang Zhao was abducted, he was still in adult form.

"...I initially thought it was because of the scholar's way of life, but now I think it's not entirely that. Why did that person say that Laiqu and she were kindred spirits? What...do they have in common?"

That might be the crux of the problem.

Gongyang Yongye did not participate in this discussion.

However, Luo San had been secretly observing his aura closely, guessing that this unfortunate fellow knew something. Perhaps he hadn't confessed because he was an outsider present? Thinking of this, Luo San chuckled, having no interest in getting involved further.

Unless these two people are helpful to Lady Xiahou.

However, considering that Miao Ne had never even heard of Xiahou Li, neither of them could be considered core figures. This speculation also has flaws; for example, it's highly unlikely that Gongyang Yongye wouldn't be in the core circle…

Luo San didn't want to make things difficult for himself, so he chose to ignore it.

Cui Xiong developed another high fever midway through the journey, his whole body burning hot. Miao Ne gently pressed the back of her hand against his forehead, saying worriedly, "With such a high fever, if we don't find a way to bring it down soon, I'm afraid..."

Even literary figures can be driven mad by the flames.

Even if you don't become mentally impaired, febrile seizures can be fatal.

She could only turn to Luo San for help.

Eight or nine-year-old Miao Ne hadn't yet begun her cultivation, and she didn't have the energy to help Cui Xiong suppress his body temperature. Gongyang Yongye was meditating and healing his internal injuries, so she didn't want to disturb him. Luo San had temporarily recovered to his peak condition and was in complete control of his surroundings, so Miao Ne's gaze naturally fell upon him. The old man was soft-hearted, but not a saint: "I helped the Lady, how will the Lady repay me?"

Miao Ne firmly replied, "It is within my power and does not violate morality."

Upon hearing this, Luo San laughed and said, "He's still a man of principle. The way you look at him is unusual. Is he your sweetheart?"

Miao Ne said, "No."

Someone with a high fever curled their fingers.

Miao Ne calmly added, "We were engaged before, but it's been dissolved. Even without that relationship, he's still a colleague who has helped me a lot, and his father, Cui Zhi, is the patriarch of a powerful clan in the southwest. The Cui family has only recently submitted to Kang State. If the next generation of the Cui family patriarch were to die here now, the hard-won stability in the southwest would be disrupted again, and the Cui family would become increasingly estranged from the royal court... With all these changes, it's the common people who will suffer..."

She was determined to protect Cui Xiong.

Upon hearing this, Luo San looked at Miao Ne with newfound respect.

He also noticed the change in Cui Xiong's aura and a wicked thought arose in his mind: "My life has been quite fulfilling, except for one regret. Your Majesty is of the highest caliber in terms of talent, virtue, and appearance. If you could join my Luo family... Of course, I know that forced marriages are never sweet, and I don't want to take advantage of someone in distress. I just ask that Your Majesty consider my good-for-nothing son and give him a chance."

Miao Ne: "..."

The scene before me inexplicably conjured up images of certain folk tales from the marketplace.

For example, a couple secretly loves each other, but numerous twists and turns prevent them from knowing each other's feelings. Until one of them faces a life-threatening situation, the other, to save their beloved, sacrifices themselves by marrying another man in exchange for a life-saving medicine. The subsequent plot either involves a public wedding robbery or a reunion years later, a deeply poignant and tragic love story. Of course, this isn't a new work by [Five Elements Lacking Morality].

[Lacking in virtue] Only loves women who are strong and men who are weak, or both of them are strong.

Miao Ne wasn't quite sure: "Is it just for looking at each other?"

Luo San suppressed a laugh and said, "Don't worry, I won't let you suffer any losses."

Even though Cui Xiong was delirious with fever, he desperately tried to keep his eyelids open, which felt like they were filled with molten lead. He gripped Miao Ne's sleeve tightly and shouted with all his might, "No! Xi Min, this must not be done!"

Luo San angrily threw the wet cloth in his face.

"Young people are cunning."

Cui Xiong was terrified by what he had just witnessed. After sweating, his body temperature miraculously dropped significantly, and his mind became much clearer.

Miao Ne: "...Awake?"

Cui Xiong curled up like a shrimp with its veins pulled out, gently rubbing his sweat-drenched forehead against her knee, his voice softening: "I wasn't awake, I was half-asleep, you scared me..."

The kind where half of one's three souls and seven spirits are gone.

Miao Ne patted his hair: "Don't you think about how noble and virtuous that senior is? It's a sign of respect for me to have him take a liking to me. He was just joking with me, but you took it seriously."

Luo San knew that Miao Ne was flattering him, but who doesn't like to hear nice words? He said, "It's not entirely a joke. If I really had such a descendant, I would definitely help with this matchmaking, even if I couldn't." People often develop a natural love for matchmaking as they get older.

Miao Ne: "..."

Cui Xiong's eyes were filled with deep resentment.

"I don't want you to go on blind dates, but you have to promise me one thing."

What does "not violating morality" mean?

After successfully usurping the throne, Lady Xiahou became the embodiment of morality.

Miao Ne said, "It's a deal."

Luo San was refreshed and didn't need to rest, but the three burdens couldn't keep up with the constant travel day and night. The group took a short break, gave Cui Xiong a whole pot of fever-reducing soup, and Luo San used his martial energy to help him clear his blocked meridians before they continued on their way.

Only after entering the territory of Kangguo did their tense nerves relax.

Miao Ne sought out the nearest border army, revealed his identity, and asked for help. The commander of this border army was someone he knew.

When Zhao Wei heard that Prefect Yuan Fu had come to ask for help, he thought he had misheard and rushed over, but did not see the familiar Miao Ne.

I did see the eldest son of the Cui family.

A girl of eight or nine years old was standing next to him.

The girl does bear a striking resemblance to Miao Ne.

"General Dawei, it is I, Miao Ximin." A girl who appeared to be a relative of Miao Ne/his illegitimate daughter suddenly introduced herself. Zhao Wei was stunned and looked at the tiny girl in front of him in disbelief. Miao Ne said helplessly, "This matter is a long story. I ask for your help, General. I have something important to tell the Lord. It is a matter of utmost urgency!"

Zhao Wei dared not delay.

He said, "I will arrange for an urgent delivery immediately."

Actually, using DingTalk for court meetings would be faster, but her stationed area is too remote, and the royal court is secretly preparing for war, so they have greatly reduced the frequency of DingTalk court meetings to conserve national resources for the future. Currently, communication between the two places can only rely on the express courier service.

The postal system within Kangguo was very well-established, and Zhao Wei's army maintained a special elite messenger force, so messages between the two places could be exchanged in a short time. Miao Ne then said, "I have another request."

"We are both ministers in the same court, why be so polite?"

"I would like to borrow medical professionals from the military."

The number of physicians in Kangguo is scarce. Except for a very few places where more than two are assigned, most garrisons only allocate one position, and that's only at the state level. There are no lower-level physicians; local areas have to apply upwards if they need one. Zhao Wei's father is Zhao Feng, and her other uncles, such as Qin Li and Cui Xiao, are also her patrons.

Naturally, they would receive some preferential treatment.

"I thought it was something serious. Why would we need to ask for help for such a small matter?" Zhao Wei looked at her childlike appearance and then at Cui Xiong's sickly face. She knew that a physician was indeed needed.

Seeing the secret letter sent out, Miao Ne breathed a sigh of relief.

Take the time to rest and recuperate, and strive for an early recovery.

At this point, Luo San submitted his resignation: "I have been entrusted with important matters to attend to, so let us part ways here."

Miao Ne and the others did not try to stop them.

They had only met by chance, and the fact that the other party was willing to save their lives was already a great favor; they dared not ask for more. Before leaving, Luo San asked where the capital of the Kang Kingdom was. Miao Ne said, "Fengluo is quite far from here. If Lord Luo doesn't mind, why don't you bring someone to lead the way?"

"Alright."

Miao Ne hesitated for a long time before asking, "I wonder what business Lord Luo is going to Fengluo for? If it is to find a friend, could you tell me which family it is? So that I can find you to repay your kindness in the future... If it is to do something, I have some connections in the capital, and I may be able to help."

Luo San avoided the important issues and focused on the trivial ones.

"I heard that she often served by the side of the King of Kang."

"Serving the lord constantly? Then Luo Hou can't make it to Fengluo." Kings usually reside in the capital, but this lord is different; he spends less than two months a year in Fengluo, spending most of his time traveling. Naturally, those who serve the lord closely wouldn't be in the capital. Miao Ne pointed out the general direction to her benefactor, lest Luo San take a wasted trip.

Luo San clasped his hands in thanks: "Thank you."

Let's wait patiently for news of national mourning.

Luo San refused to fight the woman in red because he wanted to preserve his peak condition as much as possible to complete his mission!

(。-ω-)

I'm never doing custom keyboards again. I bought one in a group buy last year, it was quite expensive, and I completely forgot about it. I found it while tidying up today, and after assembling it, I discovered so many problems: the keys are misaligned, and I can't even find anyone to contact for after-sales service...

It's not as cost-effective as mass-produced aluminum lumps.

P.S.: There are less than 100 spots left in the monthly pass event post. Those of you with monthly passes can participate (although there are only 100 points _(:з」∠)_).