Chapter 94 A Heart in Turmoil (Part Two) Staring at a man bathing is illogical…
However, Song Qiling's worries ultimately proved unfounded.
The carriage had only been traveling for two days when, on the evening of the second day, Gu Lianzhou slowly woke up.
At that time, Song Qiling was suffering from insomnia due to an intense sense of guilt. She insisted on staying by her junior brother's side to take care of him, and refused to leave the carriage even for a moment to eat or drink.
As she took a bite of a hard, dry steamed bun, before she could even chew it, she looked down and met a pair of dark eyes quietly watching her.
The air fell silent for a moment.
She paused for a moment, then slowly bent her knees and leaned against the car wall, turning her head to look at the green shadows rushing past the window. The steamed bun in her hand made a crisp "crack" sound as she suddenly exerted force.
...It must be an illusion.
"Senior brother," the man's hoarse voice sounded softly, like rough gravel rubbing against the eardrum, "Where are we going?"
Song Qiling was startled, and the steamed bun in her hand clattered to the floor.
Hearing the noise, Liu Dai, who was fast asleep nearby, suddenly opened his eyes: "What happened?"
Before he could finish speaking, a figure scrambled towards the person on the bed, startling him so much that he broke out in a cold sweat: "Don't pounce on him! Don't even hug him! Oh, you really are..."
Song Qiling was both delighted and flustered, but she didn't lose her composure. Her hands hovered in the air for a moment before she finally carefully grasped her junior brother's hands, her voice trembling slightly: "How do you feel? Does it still hurt? Do you still feel like vomiting blood?"
Gu Lianzhou slowly shook his head: "I feel much better, and it doesn't hurt anymore..."
Upon hearing this, Liu Dai's expression changed drastically. He pulled Song Qiling away and hurriedly leaned over to look at her: "Oh no, could this be a final burst of lucidity before death?"
He deftly unbuttoned Gu Lianzhou's clothes, re-examined his bones and pulse, his face turning pale and then flushed, remaining silent for a long time.
"Brother Liu," Song Qiling's voice was strained, "how is my junior brother?"
Liu Dai seemed not to have come to his senses, and after a long while, he murmured, "The bones... have they healed?"
As he spoke, his tone suddenly rose, and he looked as if he had seen a ghost, "It takes a hundred days to recover from a broken bone... and it's only been two days, how come it's healed already?"
“…Yes, how did it heal so quickly?” Song Qiling also raised her voice, but secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
The fact that broken bones can be healed is a sign that demonic energy is repairing itself, suggesting that dodder has a stronger presence in my junior brother's body.
Liu Dai composed himself, took Gu Lianzhou's wrist again, and carefully felt his pulse, but his expression became increasingly dazed.
After a long while, he let go of Gu Lianzhou's hand, tucked it back into the blankets, and couldn't help but sigh softly.
This sigh made Song Qiling's heart, which had just settled back into her stomach, jump again: "What's wrong?"
Liu Dai glanced at Song Qiling with a complicated expression, his tone grave: "If it were an ordinary person, their internal organs would have been shattered beyond repair long ago. But it seems that Brother Gu's constitution is clearly different from ordinary people. Although his internal organs have not fully recovered, they are much better than they were two days ago. However..."
He paused, then changed the subject: "We still need to soak in the medicinal spring; we must not be complacent just because things have improved for the time being."
Upon hearing this, Song Qiling nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, of course."
After giving a few more instructions, Liu Daifang moved back to his original seat, his gaze towards Gu Lianzhou becoming increasingly complicated.
He had been practicing medicine for over a decade and considered himself to have seen countless people, but he had never encountered such a strange constitution before.
Gu Lianzhou's pulse was unstable, and his vital energy seemed to be present yet absent, clearly a sign of declining vitality. However, his internal organs also contained a kind of indescribable vitality.
Could it be that... all demon hunters have bodies that are so extraordinary?
The thought crossed his mind, and he couldn't help but glance at Song Qiling, only to see the man happily watching over his junior brother, completely oblivious to anything amiss, appearing utterly carefree...
With his fingers slightly curled as he rested on his knees, Liu Dai suddenly understood.
Tsk, Tianji Sect.
It truly is a place where hidden talents abound.
-
After traveling for no more than four days along the route drawn by Chu Yue, the carriage finally arrived at the foot of a mountain.
Because Gu Lianzhou woke up ahead of time, everyone felt relieved. Although the schedule was tight, they were not exhausted.
Therefore, although the group was covered in dust from their journey, they were still in relatively good condition. When they arrived at the foot of the mountain, Gu Lianzhou was even able to walk with difficulty, although his steps were still somewhat weak.
Yu Qi looked up at the towering mountains, his expression instantly crumbling, his voice carrying a hint of death: "Liu Xingchuan, you never said Qingyun Creek was in these deep mountains... Don't tell me we have to climb mountains?"
Liu Dai deftly tightened his trouser legs and walked at the front to clear the way. Upon hearing this, he simply replied, "Stop arguing and follow me."
The mountains are steep and covered with lush vegetation. Occasionally, snakes and insects can be seen. The deeper you go, the more towering the trees become, making the light dim and almost impossible to see any signs of human habitation.
The group struggled forward, but seeing Liu Dai's calm demeanor and firm steps, they could only silently follow.
“Although this mountain is remote, it is a treasure trove,” Liu Dai said with a hint of pride in his voice. He casually pushed aside a clump of vines blocking his way. “Because of its unique terrain, it is rich in rare medicinal herbs that cannot be bought in the city’s pharmacies.”
As he spoke, he nimbly stepped across the gravel, leading the group out of the narrow mountain path.
After walking along the path, the view suddenly opened up before me.
In the lush forest, several bamboo houses and tiled dwellings are scattered in an orderly fashion. Villagers dressed in simple coarse linen clothes walk among them. Some are working in the medicinal herb fields, while others sit in front of their houses chatting and laughing. Children run and play, creating a peaceful and tranquil scene.
Unlike ordinary sects, it looks more like a secluded paradise.
Just as the group was stunned, a young man patrolling nearby suddenly stopped and looked warily at the uninvited guests. He kicked up a hoe at his feet, gripped it in his hand, pointed it at the group, and said sharply, "Who goes there!"
Seeing this, Liu Dai remained calm. He straightened his clothes and then stepped forward steadily. He clasped his hands together and bowed respectfully to the man: "Liu Dai, a disciple of Qingyunxi, has returned to the sect with his injured relative for medical treatment."
Upon hearing the name "Liu Dai," the young man's expression changed drastically. He threw down his hoe with a clatter and rushed forward in a few strides.
He grabbed Liu Dai's arms, looked him up and down, and then suddenly opened his arms and pulled him into a tight embrace, so strong that he almost strangled Liu Dai.
Upon seeing this, Song Qiling and the others standing behind were stunned and took a step back in unison.
"Dai-ge'er! It's me, Xiu-ming!" The young man hugged Liu Dai and jumped up and down excitedly, his innocent and carefree manner completely at odds with his tall and rugged appearance. "You used to hold me when I was little, don't you remember?"
“…Xiu Ming?” Liu Dai’s face turned blue from being choked, and he managed to break free a little. He frowned and stared at the dark, excited face in front of him, speechless for a moment.
In his hazy memory, the year he left the mountain, there was indeed a snotty-nosed boy chasing after him, calling "Brother Dai," but his appearance was very different from the burly man in front of him.
It seems that time is a fattening agent...
He raised his hand and gently patted the man's shoulder, feeling a slight tremor from the man's strong muscles. In his mind, he silently lowered the man's age: "It's been years, you've grown so much!"
Xiu Ming grinned, revealing two tiger teeth, looking utterly naive: "It's because you haven't been back for so long, Brother Dai! I've been eating three big bowls of rice every meal these past few years, and it wasn't for nothing!"
As he was speaking, he suddenly leaned over to look at the three people behind Liu Dai and exclaimed curiously, "Hey, Brother Dai, you brought back so many wounded?"
This question reminded Liu Dai, who quickly grabbed Xiu Ming and asked, "Is the medicinal spring in the village still there?"
"Yeah, I'm here." Xiu Ming nodded, scratching the back of his head. "What, Brother Dai, are you going to take a shower?"
Upon hearing that the medicinal spring was still there, Liu Dai finally breathed a sigh of relief, turned around and gestured for the others to come forward, introducing them one by one to Xiu Ming.
“These are my friends from outside. They have come back with me this time, so they are honored guests. Qingyunxi must not neglect them.”
He turned to look at Gu and Song: "Now that we've arrived at Qingyun Creek, let's not delay any longer. You two go to the medicinal spring first, and leave the packing to me and Yu Qi."
After saying that, he turned to Yu Qi and said, "You should come with me to see Master first and report on everything that happened on this trip. Then come with me to the bamboo house to prepare two clean guest rooms. It's getting late, and there are still many chores waiting for us to do, so we need to hurry."
Yu Qi immediately understood, picked up his luggage and said, "Finally, I can rest properly. This journey has exhausted me. Come on, let's tidy up the house!"
After saying that, he stretched his sore shoulders and neck, turned to look at Gu Lianzhou and Song Qiling, and grinned: "You two, please have a good time!"
Liu Dai turned to Xiu Ming and began to instruct him in detail: "Xiu Ming, please take Young Master Gu and Young Master Song to the medicinal spring in the back mountain. Remember to take the path on the west side. There is a lot of dew in the mountains. The dirt road on the east side is slippery and difficult to walk on. Don't be tempted to take the shortest route."
He paused, then looked at Song Qiling and added, "Brother Song, the medicinal spring is located in a secluded place, surrounded by stone screens and bamboo fences, so there is no need to worry about being disturbed. If you need anything else, just tell Xiuming."
Song Qiling pointed to her nose: "Me?"
...What was he trying to say? It's her junior brother who needs to soak in the medicinal spring, not her. Why should she be careful?
Liu Dai nodded solemnly and said, "I am completely at ease entrusting Brother Gu to Brother Song's care. By the way, Xiu Ming, it's been a long time. After we've rested tonight, let's have a simple meal together..."
Xiu Ming listened attentively, patting his chest with his large, fan-like hand to assure him, "Don't worry, Brother Dai, I've got it covered!"
He turned to Gu Lianzhou and Song Qiling, a warm smile spreading across his dark face, and stepped aside to lead the way: "My two gentlemen, please follow me."
-
As Xiu Ming led the way, he introduced the place with great familiarity, his tone full of pride: "This medicinal spring is a treasure of our Qingyun Creek! It's hidden halfway up the mountain, with steam rising from it all year round. The water is filled with hundreds of medicinal herbs passed down from our ancestors. It's most effective at promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, and nourishing the meridians. Young Master Gu, your internal injuries will definitely heal faster after soaking in it!"
He carefully helped Gu Lianzhou, whose injuries had not yet healed, while turning back to look at the taciturn Song Qiling: "Young Master Song, please watch your step. This stone path is covered with moss and is a bit slippery."
With her mind blank, Song Qiling mumbled a reply and followed behind involuntarily, staring blankly at the moss under her feet.
After passing through a lush bamboo forest, the view suddenly opened up before me.
A natural stone pool comes into view, its water clear yet shrouded in a light, milky mist. The air is filled with a refreshing herbal fragrance that invigorates the spirit.
"This is it!" Xiu Ming led the two behind the mountain screen, clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, "Young master, take your time soaking. I'll be watching outside, and no one will disturb you! If you need anything, just give me a shout and I'll hear you!"
After saying that, he happily withdrew.
Once everyone was gone, the area around the medicinal spring became so quiet that only the murmuring of the water and a few distant birdsongs could be heard. Song Qiling stood there, suddenly feeling a bit awkward.
Ultimately, her junior brother's internal injuries were caused by her. She had personally taken care of him all this way, and she was used to it. But she never thought that the task of helping her junior brother take a bath would fall on her shoulders as well!
Although she is currently dressed as a man, she is ultimately a woman beneath this false exterior. It is illogical and absurd for her to stare at a man bathing...
But if she refuses now, wouldn't that make her seem even more suspicious?
Moreover, my junior brother is seriously injured and weak. If we leave him alone, what will happen if he drowns in this medicinal spring?
In the midst of his chaotic thoughts, he caught a glimpse of his junior brother who had already taken off his outer robe, leaving him in only a thin inner garment, and slowly walked to the spring.
Song Qiling: "..."
The man took off his clothes without making a sound, and did so very efficiently.
Then he squatted down, reached out and touched the steaming spring water. His face turned slightly pale from the steam, and he sighed softly, "This medicinal spring is indeed worthy of its reputation. It has such a strong medicinal smell."
Song Qiling took a deep breath, steeled herself and stepped forward, her voice strained: "Junior brother... can you manage on your own? Do you need me to help you?"
Gu Lianzhou did not turn around immediately upon hearing this, but continued to gaze at the rippling water. After a moment, he gently shook his head, his voice revealing a hint of fatigue: "I walked for a long time just now, and my legs are indeed a bit weak, and I can't put any strength into them."
He paused slightly, then finally turned to look at Song Qiling.
He looked up, his long eyelashes glistening with fine mist, his gaze appearing much gentler than usual. His face looked even paler in the rising steam, and even his lips were paler.
His voice was low and slow, with a hint of dependence and helplessness: "I just managed to get up here by sheer willpower, but now that I've relaxed, I'm a little unsteady on my feet. I'm afraid... I really need to trouble you for a moment, senior brother."
hiss……
Song Qiling's forehead throbbed.
Since her junior brother had already shown such weakness, it would seem rather pathetic for her to refuse again.
Helpless, she could only shuffle forward, reaching out to help him up. Her fingertips barely touched his slightly cool arm when she curled up as if pricked.
This feeling... is so weird.
Perhaps it was her imagination, but her junior brother's gaze was fixed on her for a moment, as if he were expecting something...
She steadied herself and finally managed to support his elbow.
Gu Lianzhou used her strength to stand up and slowly stepped into the hot spring. His thin inner garment was gradually soaked by the warm spring water, vaguely revealing his slender and muscular figure underneath.
The two were very close, and Song Qiling could almost feel his faint breath brushing against the side of her neck, carrying the bitter scent of herbs.
She turned her head away, not daring to look any longer, and focused intently on the shimmering shadows of the pebbles beneath the water's surface.
When her junior brother stepped into the spring, he seemed extremely weak, and his entire weight leaned against her. Song Qiling subconsciously tightened her arms and followed him into the medicinal spring.
Warm water splashed all over the two of them instantly.
Her junior brother's soaked sleeve clung tightly to her wrist, the heat and dampness seeping into her skin and spreading to her heart, making her feel inexplicably short of breath.
The water rippled over his waist and soaked the hem of her dress that she hadn't had time to roll up.
Suddenly, her clothes felt heavy, dragging her down.
The misty air brought a touch of color to Gu Lianzhou's pale face, his wet black hair clung to his forehead and neck, and water droplets slid down his defined collarbone and into the milky white spring water.
Song Qiling hurriedly looked away, only to meet his gaze.
Perhaps it was the heat, but his dark pupils seemed to be shrouded in a hazy mist. He parted his lips slightly and sighed softly, "I'm sorry to have troubled you, Senior Brother."
His voice was a few decibels lower and hoarser than usual, and because he was so close, it almost brushed against her eardrum, causing a slight tickling sensation.
She abruptly withdrew her hand, as if she had finally completed some extremely difficult task. She took two steps back to her feet, her voice trembling slightly as she said, "Nonsense... watch your step, don't soak for too long... I'll go outside and take a look."
After saying that, she almost turned around and was about to climb ashore when she suddenly heard him add softly behind her, "Senior brother, my change of clothes... seems to still be on the stone platform behind you."
Song Qiling froze, standing rooted to the spot, unsure whether to advance or retreat, a faint blush creeping onto her ears.
The rising steam swirled between the two, making it difficult to discern whether the uneasy feeling stemmed from the medicinal spring or something else entirely.
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