Tang Huan was overjoyed to see that she agreed so readily. Just as she was about to say something, Mu Fengting said, "Miss Mu injured her hand because of me. I won't be at ease until I see her healed with my own eyes. Would you mind coming with me?"
Tang Huan was slightly surprised, but showed no sign of it on his face, and said, "The Tang Clan would naturally welcome you; it would be an honor."
With both the host and guest agreeing, Mo Xi had no way to object.
Mu Fengting added, "The Shushan Sect and the Tang Clan have a deep-seated grudge. It's quite audacious of Headmaster Tang to dare to venture into Shushan alone."
Tang Huan did not answer, but looked at Mo Xi with a gentle expression.
Perhaps because her hand injury would heal soon, Mo Xi slept peacefully that night, a rare occurrence for her.
Tang Huan lay in the hammock beside him, feeling as if the person he had been longing for was within reach, and all the anxiety and unease of the past few days subsided. The feeling was like the pear blossom cake that his parents often bought for him when he was a child, slightly bitter followed by a lingering sweetness that was endlessly delightful.
In the darkness, Mu Fengting repeatedly turned over.
The next day. Morning. As the first rays of dawn appeared, all three of them woke up.
Mo Xi finally seemed to remember something and asked, "What about that stupid bird? Did it follow us?"
Tang Huan smiled and said, "It's resting by the water source in the cave. It hasn't eaten or drunk anything for many days because of you. Go and check on it."
Mo Xi nodded and followed Tang Huan.
It turned out that this place truly was a hidden paradise, with a ray of sunlight shining through a crevice in the mountainside. The pool of emerald water, perhaps originating from the same source as the Jade Pool, was shrouded in a light mist, and its banks were covered with purple wildflowers. Lying among the flowers was a large bird, its head somewhat bald. Hearing the sound, it finally awoke slowly, its small, beady eyes widening instantly. Upon seeing Mo Xi, it leaped into the air with a powerful kick, circling her three times in the cave before landing at her feet. It nuzzled against her, its long wings occasionally fluttering to brush against her legs, as if playfully teasing her.
Mo Xi stroked its head and said softly, "It's quite obedient. It followed me the whole way without ever showing itself. It probably only tried to dive in with brute force after seeing me fall into the ice cave in the mountain, but it couldn't get in and ended up injuring its head. When it saw that I wasn't coming out, it came looking for you."
Mo Xi brought over the leftover rabbit meat from yesterday and fed it to the eagle herself. The eagle devoured the meat with great delight. After filling its belly to a round shape, it began hopping around Mo Xi.
Tang Huan said, "It must be thirsty." Mo Xi had no choice but to scoop up some water from the pool and feed it to the dog. Seeing it obediently lower its head to drink, Mo Xi said softly, "I've only just started treating you better, and you've already started acting like a spoiled brat. There's water in the pool; why don't you drink it yourself? You even dare to act on your own."
Tang Huan looked at her with a gentle expression. She even felt a pang of envy for an eagle, thinking to herself: When will she be able to talk to me like that?
Author's Note: Are you all satisfied with Tang Huan's appearance? Everyone says that the author is too harsh on him and hopes for some sweetness. Okay, before the torture, here's a treat.
Xiao Huan: Not satisfied, not satisfied. It's just holding hands, it doesn't count.
Cat: You little thing, do you even have the ability to pounce on me?
Xiao Huan, shy and reserved: ...Thinking to herself: Where did this mischievous cat come from? It torments me all day long, and it's not even subtle.
Cat: You've already lured him home, so you need to seize the opportunity, understand?
Xiao Huan: As long as you don't cause trouble, it's fine.
Cat: Um... this... that... I can't give away any spoilers.
Xiao Huan was indignant: I knew it wouldn't be that easy. (Niubb Novel Reading Website)
Pure Joy Like a Lament
The three quickly washed up and prepared to leave and descend the mountain. (WWW.NIUBB.NET)
The old man said, “Gentlemen, please don’t rush. I know a shortcut down the mountain. If you trust me, you can follow me later.” He hesitated for a moment, then continued, “However, I have a favor to ask of Headmaster Tang.” After saying this, he solemnly bowed.
Tang Huan dodged aside, saying, "Senior, there's no need for such formalities. If it's within my power, I will naturally do my duty."
The old man bowed deeply again and said, "Please allow me, Sect Leader Tang, to go to the back mountain of the Tang Sect to pay respects to someone."
Tang Huan asked in confusion, "Senior should know that the back mountain of the Tang Clan is a forbidden area, and even members of the Tang Clan only allow it to be open to the direct blood relatives of those buried there. May I ask who you wish to pay respects to?"
The immortal's usually calm and composed face showed a look of remembrance and longing, even with a hint of suppressed pain. He said softly, "It is Tang Yi." After a pause, he added, "This matter is a long story. I will explain the origins in detail so as not to put Sect Leader Tang in a difficult position."
Tang Huan was anxious about Mo Xi's injuries. For him, getting down the mountain as soon as possible was better than nothing. So he promised, "If you can help us get down the mountain as soon as possible, I will make an exception."
When the immortal saw that Tang Huan agreed, a look of satisfaction immediately appeared on his face.
He led the three down a nearly straight shortcut, though the terrain was somewhat treacherous. The path was hidden deep within the mountains and forests, barely wide enough for one person to walk on, with a sheer drop beside it. Fortunately, there was no fog or mist, and visibility was excellent. The immortal walked swiftly at the front, occasionally slowing his pace to wait for the three. All three were skilled in martial arts, but they still needed to constantly cling tightly to the vines on the cliff face to avoid slipping.
After emerging from the cave, the white-tailed eagle circled Mo Xi at low altitude once before soaring into the sky, quickly becoming just a small black dot. Mo Xi knew its capabilities, comparable to a geostationary satellite, so she wasn't worried about losing it.
The four of them made their way through the dense forest, the slight sounds quickly swallowed by the howling mountain wind. Reaching a height equal to Tianmen Cave, they could faintly hear the sounds of the Shu Mountain disciples searching the mountain. Mo Xi listened intently for a moment, confirming that the pursuers were still far away and not very numerous. He glanced at Mufeng Pavilion behind him and chuckled, "Thanks to your winter plum blossoms, otherwise, who knows how many people would be chasing us now."
Mu Fengting smiled and said, "I'm just trying to help them cleanse their stomachs; it's a good deed."
Mo Xi smiled again, but as soon as she turned her head, she saw Tang Huan, who was walking ahead, stop and look at her. She sighed inwardly and said softly, "Be careful. My hand is injured, but my leg is not broken, so don't worry."
Tang Huan then smiled, turned around, and continued walking.
The group finally made it safely down the mountain before dusk.
There wasn't a single Shushan disciple to be seen at the foot of the mountain, presumably because they had all gone up the mountain to besiege and suppress them.
The four hurried and caught the last ferry, then rushed to their lodging for the night.
The old immortal walked at the front, naturally seeking lodging from the innkeeper first.
Unexpectedly, the innkeeper said helplessly, "You've arrived a step too late. We only have two rooms left today. If you want four rooms, I wonder if you gentlemen could make do with a little room and squeeze in for the night?"
Before the old man could answer, Mu Fengting stepped forward and said, "Shopkeeper, could you please make an exception? Everything else is fine, but we have a young lady here. Please do us a favor."
The innkeeper glanced at Mufeng Pavilion, then casually flipped through the registration book on the counter. He slapped his forehead and said with a big smile, "Oh dear, look at my memory, there are four rooms. I'm getting old and useless." He grumbled on and on as he led them up to the room.
Mo Xi thought to himself: Mu Fengting is indeed a negotiation expert. He is exceptionally talented in bargaining and foreign negotiations.
Mo Xi was lucky enough to be assigned a superior room. After several days of living outdoors and being on edge, she finally had a moment to relax. She ordered food and hot water, ate her fill, washed up, turned off the lights, and quickly fell asleep.
The next morning, Mo Xi, unable to practice swordsmanship due to her injured hand, decided to take a nap to replenish the energy she had lost over the past few days. She didn't go down until it was time to start serving breakfast.
The three people from Mufengting were already waiting in the main hall.