Chapter 71 Mouth to Mouth
Bai Hua patiently waited calmly in the carriage, occasionally lifting a corner of the curtain to check the situation outside.
After the disciples finished eating, cleaned up the cooking utensils, and extinguished the fire, they were free to keep watch.
Seeing that the disciples guarding the vicinity had stopped gathering and were busy with their own affairs, Bai Hua felt that the time was right. Suppressing her racing heart, she pretended to get out of the car to stretch her body.
She lingered near the carriage for a while, and when no one was looking, she used the carriage as cover to quietly jog into the depths of the bushes. If others didn't see her, they would probably think she had gotten back into the carriage, and it shouldn't arouse suspicion in the short term.
Following the direction in which her cousin and Fu Wei disappeared, Bai Hua continued searching for a hundred steps and finally made a discovery.
Hidden behind the bushes and shrubs, beneath the foliage, is a horse-drawn carriage. Its body is similar in color to the original wood and is concealed by the surrounding tree trunks, making it easily overlooked without close inspection.
Bai Hua moved closer, crouched down and hid behind the thick tree trunk, cautiously craning her neck to look ahead.
Fu Wei stood guard at the front of the carriage, while a disciple stood at the front, back, left, and right of the carriage, looking outwards warily. Bai Hua looked around but couldn't see her cousin anywhere.
She guessed that her cousin must have gone into the carriage and was currently alone with Ning Jue.
She couldn't imagine what it would be like for the two of them to be together. The young master was so aloof and arrogant; now that he had been ambushed and captured, how angry he must be. Coupled with the fact that he couldn't use his martial arts skills, his mood must be extremely agitated. If her cousin were to provoke him at this moment and say something provocative, the situation would probably get out of control.
Thinking of this, Bai Hua became even more uneasy. She pursed her lips and stood behind the dense bushes as if she were being watched closely.
Not long after, Rong Linyan came out of the carriage, his face not looking well.
No one else made a move, except for Fu Wei, who took a few steps forward and asked something, but they were too far away to hear clearly.
Rong Linyan didn't speak, but shook his head at him, looking worried that things weren't going well.
They didn't remain deadlocked for long before turning back the way they came.
Bai Hua's heart skipped a beat, and her face showed panic. She was afraid of running into her cousin and the others, so she quickly moved to a thicker tree to hide under. She lowered her eyes and secretly rejoiced that she was wearing a light blue dress today, which would make her blend into the forest and not stand out.
As her cousin and the others walked away, Bai Hua finally let out a long sigh of relief.
Four guards surrounded the front and back of the carriage, preventing her from getting close. She also thought that if her cousin went back and couldn't find her, he might become suspicious.
After careful consideration, Bai Hua decided to go back first and make a long-term plan.
Before leaving, she looked around again, her gaze falling on the carriage curtain, hoping that a gust of wind would blow and lift a corner of the curtain so that she could see the young master's situation and safety inside.
However, the curtain remained tightly closed, and even with her neck stiffening, she couldn't see anything.
My heart was in my throat, filled with anxiety and unease.
...
Back at the campsite, Bai Hua had originally planned that if no one noticed her movements, she would simply sneak back into the carriage silently and pretend that she had been resting inside all along.
Unfortunately, her cousin returned without delay and went straight to his car to look for her. When he found no one there, he immediately ordered his men to search the vicinity.
Fu Wei and the others were not there; only my cousin stood in front of the carriage, expressionless, his gaze fixed on nothing, seemingly lost in thought.
Bai Hua forced herself to remain calm and walked forward unhurriedly, taking the initiative to greet him: "Cousin."
Rong Linyan turned around to look at her at the sound of her voice. His gaze lingered on her face for a moment, then followed the direction she had come from, and he stared at her thoughtfully for a moment.
He asked, "Where did you go?"
Bai Hua's face flashed with unease. She hesitated for a long time before finally speaking in a low, weak voice: "I had a sudden stomachache, and I had no choice but to sneak away and hide in the bushes when no one was looking... The people traveling with me this time are all disciples of the Sword Hall, all of them rugged men. During the journey, there were bound to be times when it was inconvenient for men and women to travel together. Before I left, I originally wanted to inform my cousin, but I couldn't find you, and I was in unbearable pain, so I had no choice but to rashly go far away without saying goodbye."
Rong Linyan took a moment to process what he was saying. He remained silent for a moment, then said apologetically, "It was my oversight. It's natural that there would be inconveniences if Hua'er traveled with us. It's just that you disappeared without leaving a message, which inevitably made everyone worried, especially me."
Bai Hua: "It won't happen again next time."
Bai Hua used the excuse of needing to relieve herself due to a stomachache to successfully dispel Rong Linyan's doubts. She boarded the carriage, and the caravan continued its journey.
Two hours later, it was time to rest again.
After noon, lunch could not be delayed any longer, otherwise they would not have the energy to continue their journey. Seeing that some disciples were setting up pots, adding firewood and lighting fires in the open space, Bai Hua guessed that this rest period should not be too short, at least everyone should be able to have a proper and filling meal.
My cousins went into the jungle again, and Bai Hua used the same trick again, sneaking off to follow them.
She had just found a jagged rock to hide herself when her cousin came out of the carriage with an unfriendly expression.
It is unclear what Fu Weiying said, but the two did not return the way they came, but instead walked in a more secluded direction deep in the forest.
Bai Hua couldn't make up her mind for a moment, so she stayed where she was and continued to observe secretly.
A short while later, a disciple came over to greet them, seemingly indicating that someone else should go eat.
As a result, of the four people who were originally guarding the carriage, three left, leaving only one.
Bai Hua's heart suddenly started racing, feeling that this was a rare opportunity.
It seems like even God is on her side.
The last person left also needed to use the restroom after a short while. He looked around to make sure everything was alright, then clutched his stomach and jogged a little further away.
The last figure in her field of vision disappeared, and Bai Hua did not hesitate. Taking advantage of the gap, she quickly ran over.
Afraid of being discovered, she broke out in a sweat. When she ran, the cool breeze seeped in, creating a truly unusual sensation.
Bai Hua moved swiftly, stepping onto the carriage shaft, lifting the curtain and slipping inside.
He looked up, his body stiffened, and he was startled.
This was no ordinary carriage; it was equipped with iron bars, and the young master was trapped behind them, with only a cramped corner to hide in.
His eyes were closed, his face was pale, and his once spotless white clothes were now stained with dirt and blood.
Bai Hua's heart sank. Her gaze swept carefully over his body, trying to find out exactly where he was injured and whether it was serious.
Perhaps the wound was hidden and she couldn't see it at first glance; her brows were furrowed deeply, and she looked very worried.
Bai Hua was in agony. After her lips trembled twice, she finally mustered the courage to speak: "...Young Master."
As soon as the words were spoken, Ning Jue reacted quickly; his eyelashes fluttered and his chest heaved more noticeably.
Bai Hua waited patiently.
Ning Jue slowly opened his eyelids and met her gaze. In an instant, an overwhelming sense of bitterness welled up in Bai Hua's heart.
She was about to speak up again to inquire when Ning Jue coldly interrupted her.
Ning Jue narrowed his eyes and glanced at her, his gaze icy cold. He first scoffed, then said sarcastically, "There's no one else around right now, why are you still acting? Aren't you tired?"
Upon hearing this, Bai Hua's eyes slowly dimmed, as if a hole had been blasted into her heart, a deep, bottomless abyss that swallowed all her hopes.
She could only weakly repeat, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..."
Ning Jue stared intently at her, his eyes filled with a disgust she had never seen before. He uttered a single word that pierced her heart.
"roll!"
Bai Hua's fingertips trembled, her shoulders shook, and she couldn't help but let her eyes instantly redden.
...
In the woods behind the carriage, Rong Linyan and Fu Wei hadn't gone far. They weren't surprised to hear the conversation inside.
Seeing Bai Hua leave with a pale face, the two deliberately kept their distance.
Fu Wei lowered his voice and flattered, "As the Hall Master guessed, Miss Biao is kind-hearted. When she realized Ning Jue was trapped, she would definitely feel pity. And given Ning Jue's personality, once he's been deceived, he'll definitely hold a grudge. He clearly hates Miss Biao to the core."
Rong Linyan: "This confirms that although Hua'er feels sorry for Ning Jue and sympathizes with him, she is ultimately on the side of the Sword Hall. Judging from their conversation just now, and Ning Jue's reaction when I provoked him to test him, it can be confirmed that the sword moves Hua'er received are genuine. In fact, last night, I couldn't help but practice a few moves, and they were truly extraordinary. Every swing of the sword was twice as powerful, but I still have some time to go before I can fully master them."
Fu Wei: "Sword skills cannot be improved overnight. Having already obtained the last twenty moves of the Lone Goose Sword Technique, the Hall Master's breakthrough in sword intent is just around the corner!"
Rong Linyan was in high spirits, and he tightened his grip on his sword, determined to win the challenge.
...
Bai Hua ran back dejectedly, her heart filled with endless sorrow that she couldn't express, a feeling of suffocation that was hard to bear.
She slipped into the carriage unnoticed, and immediately lay down on the couch, clutching a blanket, and began to weep silently.
She knew perfectly well that if she cried until her eyes were red, her cousin would definitely ask her about it and show concern, but she just couldn't help wanting to vent, otherwise she would definitely suffocate.
A moment later, a commotion came from outside; it must have been her cousins returning a few steps behind her.
Bai Hua quickly got up to wipe away her tears, fanned her eyes with her hand, and took two heavy breaths, trying to calm herself down as soon as possible.
"Why is there another carriage over there? Didn't all the brothers ride horses? Besides Miss Biao, who else is so precious?"
"I don't know. Could it be that the hall master and the others have invited some guests again? Perhaps female relatives?"
This conversation is certainly noteworthy.
Bai Hua composed herself and quickly lifted the carriage curtain to look outside. The carriage that her cousin had hidden in a dark corner was now being led openly in front of her. Apart from her cousin's most trusted subordinates, no one else was involved or aware that Ning Jue had been arrested inside.
She couldn't sit still and hurriedly got out of the car, not understanding what her cousin's intentions were.
"Hua'er, come here." Rong Linyan called out to her.
Bai Hua approached nervously, unsure whether she should pay attention to the suddenly appearing carriage. If she deliberately ignored it, would it seem fake?
She was hesitating.
Rong Linyan spoke up: "Hua'er, your cousin has a favor to ask of you."
Bai Hua: "What kind of help?"
Rong Linyan probed first: "Did you notice the presence of this carriage? And guess... who's locked inside?"
Bai Hua was unsure of Rong Linyan's thoughts and remained silent.
Rong Linyan: "Don't be nervous. Your cousin trusts you completely and has assured you he won't harm the people inside. He's still useful to us for now, but he's too resentful and is on a hunger strike to vent his anger. If this continues, he might really die... I'm trying to figure out how to keep him here. Forcing him to eat won't work; he's very stubborn. You're the only one here who has spent time with him, so perhaps you can come up with a solution. Therefore, I'm assigning you the task of delivering meals for the next two days. How about that?"
Perhaps she should pretend that the information came too much and too intensely, and that she needs to process it slowly before she can be honest?
Thinking this, Bai Hua deliberately hesitated for a moment before answering slowly, "Hua'er is willing to share her cousin's burdens."
Rong Linyan patted her shoulder gratefully and ordered someone to give her food and water.
Bai Hua had just been yelled at by Ning Jue to get lost, and she was still recovering from the shock, so she was quite apprehensive.
Rong Linyan took in her expression and gently comforted her, "Don't be afraid. Even if he wants to vent his anger on you, he is powerless to do so. There are iron bars inside, so he can't use his internal energy. He also has no weapons around, so he can't hurt anyone because he is blocked."
These words did little to comfort Bai Hua; instead, they deepened her sense of guilt.
If it weren't for searching for her, how could the young master have acted so hastily, fallen into her trap, been imprisoned, and suffered humiliation... The root of it all lies with her.
She should have accepted being told to get lost, so why should she feel wronged?
Rong Linyan didn't pressure her, telling her to calm down a bit before going.
Just as the convoy was about to break camp and move on, Rong Linyan glanced at her, and Bai Hua understood, knowing that they couldn't delay any longer.
Carrying the rice porridge and food, she steeled herself and squeezed into the carriage where Ning Jue was being held. As soon as she got on, the wheels began to rumble forward. She almost lost her balance and staggered to the side for support, barely managing to stay upright.
"Young master, I know you're tired of me, but please don't be so hard on yourself. At least eat something."
"Get out and don't bother me."
Still so cold and hard.
Just a few days ago, the two were still snuggling together, all lovey-dovey, but in the blink of an eye, everything has changed, and they can't even exchange a few peaceful words.
Bai Hua couldn't bear the contrast between before and after, and her eyes uncontrollably reddened again, leaving her feeling empty inside.
It seems that persuading someone to eat is not an easy task; at the very least, it takes only a few words to convince her.
Outside the carriage, Rong Linyan, riding alone, was gradually losing patience.
There wasn't a single useful sentence inside, so he gradually became too lazy to stay and eavesdrop.
The horse's hooves pounded forward, the sound gradually fading as the person moved further away.
At this moment, Ning Jue suddenly opened his eyes again, and this time, his eyes were not filled with coldness.
"Did you add sugar to the porridge?" he asked, his voice slightly hoarse.
Bai Hua was surprised to hear the voice, and after confirming that she hadn't misheard, she felt quite flattered.
She quickly replied, stammering, "I...I don't know. Shall I try it now?"
Ning Jue: "No need, come and feed me."
Bai Hua immediately did as he said. Although she felt that his behavior was strange and a bit unpredictable, she didn't have time to think too much about it, for fear that he would change his mind and refuse to eat it.
She first tasted it herself to check the temperature and make sure it was safe to eat. Then she carefully moved closer and put her arm through the iron bars. She tried very hard, but it was also very strenuous.
Ning Jue was completely uncooperative, remaining stiff and motionless, her body not shifting at all.
He glanced ahead indifferently, scoffed, and said with great dissatisfaction, "In such a lousy environment, who can have an appetite?"
Bai Hua said cautiously, "Young master, could you move forward a little? My arms aren't that long."
Ning Jue maintained his composure, but finally managed to move a little, which was quite rare.
As soon as the actions were completed, a complaint followed: "This spoon is ugly, I don't want to drink it, it's disgusting."
Bai Hua followed his suggestion and said, "Then... how about we just use a bowl?"
Now, no matter what request he makes, Bai Hua tries her best to comply.
Bai Hua wondered if it was just her imagination, but she felt that the young master seemed to have lost weight and looked weak. If he didn't eat, would his body collapse?
She couldn't accept the young master making another mistake in front of her.
However, Ning Jue was far more outrageous than she had imagined, and his demands were equally beyond her comprehension.
Ning Jue: "The bowl is ugly too. I want you to drink first, then come and pass it to me."
Does "渡" mean mouth to mouth?
He said those outrageous things without batting an eye.
After saying that, he even raised an eyebrow, his eyes carrying a hint of provocation.
It seemed as if he was testing her, trying to gauge just how deep Bai Hua's guilt towards him was.
If someone else had said that, Bai Hua would probably have thrown the bowl in their face and yelled, "Eat it or don't, it's up to you!"
But if the other party is Ning Jue...
Bai Hua pursed her lips, suppressing her racing heart, and said, "You said that if I feed you, you will eat."
Ning Juening stared at the blush on her cheeks and smiled, "Yes."
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