Chapter 50

Earlier, the coachman and two guards by the carriage had been knocked unconscious by someone.

Lu Qing was quite puzzled as to why the assassin had knocked them out but not killed them. Thinking this way, he felt a vague sense of caution and wanted to tie them up and lock them away.

Qin Xianyu looked around and noticed a pile of ashes not far away. He went over to examine it closely, pinched a bit of ash, and frowned as he smelled it, finding it somewhat unusual.

Putting down the ash, Qin Xianyu pondered and said, "These three men may not necessarily be accomplices. I noticed a pile of ashes nearby, which seems to be the residue of burning leaves. From what I see, the knockout drug was likely made from a type of leaf with hypnotic properties. The smoke from the burning leaves drifted over with the wind, knocking them out. The fire was to the east, and to the south is where Miss Liu is. Perhaps the assassin thought they were unimportant or was in a hurry to assassinate Miss Liu, so he didn't come back to kill them and instead rushed into the forest to carry out the assassination."

Hearing this, Lu Qing's doubts were greatly reduced, but being a seasoned veteran, he did not completely eliminate his suspicions about the three men.

Earlier, Lu Qing had almost concluded that the three men were accomplices of the assassins, and their unconscious state was just a ruse. After they were taken back, no matter how the interrogation went, the three men would likely not be able to save their lives. However, after Qin Xianyu's words, although Lu Qing still had some doubts, if the coachman and the two guards were truly innocent and not criminals, they would probably be able to save their lives.

Liu Ruoyin was still shaken, but upon hearing this, she hurriedly bowed to Lu Qing and said, "Uncle Lu, please investigate the truth. If they are truly innocent and suffer unjustly, it will be my fault."

Lu Qing nodded slightly and said, "Miss, you have a kind heart. You can rest assured; Lu Qing will handle this matter carefully."

Qin Xianyu supported Ning'er, noticing that the girl's face was almost devoid of color, her brows twitching continuously, clearly in great pain. However, she was extremely stubborn and remained silent, not even complaining.

Qin Xianyu knew the details of Ning'er's injuries. Although his techniques had reduced the pain, it was still remarkable that a frail woman could be so strong. He quietly leaned closer and whispered, "Let's go back to my temple now to treat your injuries. Bear with it."

Ning'er glared at him fiercely and said, "Don't come near me, you dirty little Taoist who always thinks of taking advantage of others."

Qin Xianyu laughed helplessly.

After waking the coachman and the guards, they got into the carriage and headed for the temple.

On the way, Lu Qing held his long, narrow sword, never letting go.

Qin Xianyu knew he was on guard against any assassins and also wary of the coachman and the two guards. Seeing this, Qin Xianyu recalled many martial arts stories he had heard in the pharmacy.

"Only those who are always on guard and experienced can survive long in the martial arts world. Although it may seem suspicious, it is a good way to stay alive."

The temple was in sight, and Ning'er had already fainted when she got into the carriage.

The girl's shoulder bone was shattered, and the damage to her flesh was severe. The most difficult part was that the meridians had also been severed along with the flesh.

If the kick had hit her chest or abdomen, she would likely not have survived.

Even with Qin Xianyu's confidence in his medical skills, he was busy until sunset before he could rest.

Ning'er's acupoints were unblocked, and her blood flow was restored, but the damage to her flesh, bones, and meridians was still very serious. It would take more than half a year to recover somewhat. After that, her arm would not be as good as before, and although she could move it, she would likely never be able to move it freely again.

"I am, after all, a man who cherishes beauty."

Qin Xianyu sighed and took out the jade elixir and spirit water.

This bottle of spirit water was left over after he noticed the jade elixir's effects were beginning to weaken. He kept it in case the jade elixir became ineffective in the future.

He mixed the spirit water into the medicine and had Liu Ruoyin apply it to Ning'er's shoulder. He also boiled a medicinal soup with the spirit water and had her drink it.

With the effects of the spirit water, as long as she rested for a while, she should be able to recover, and there was hope that her arm would return to its original state. After this incident, the Liu family would likely not let her work and would have her rest properly.

Qin Xianyu wiped the sweat from his forehead and asked, "Commander Lu hasn't returned yet?"

Fu Bo said, "He hasn't returned yet. Also, I noticed some guests at home, so I bought some wine and meat. Young Master, you've been tired all day. Would you like to eat something first?"

Qin Xianyu smiled and nodded.

Fu Bo was always frugal, even though Qin Xianyu had given him thousands of silver taels to spend freely, the old man was still thrifty. Today, seeing guests, he was willing to spend money, probably to avoid being impolite to the master.

Fu Bo went to get the food, and Qin Xianyu sat beside him, thinking, "Why hasn't Lu Qing returned yet?"

Lu Qing, seeing Qin Xianyu there, and considering his feat of killing an inner strength expert, felt the temple was the safest place. Therefore, he left after Ning'er's treatment, as there was still much to handle.

He should have returned by now.

Lu Qing's safety was not a concern, given his martial arts skills. However, it was getting late, and would he let the two girls stay in the temple?

The little Taoist didn't mind, but unmarried girls couldn't stay in a man's house.

Finally, there was a sound outside as the sky grew dark.

For some reason, Qin Xianyu felt relieved.

He looked into the room, seeing the gentle silhouette illuminated by the lamp, and suddenly felt a bit regretful.

Why did Lu Qing return so early?

Qin Xianyu got up and opened the door.

Lu Qing arrived on horseback, bringing a group of guards with him.

"Fu Bo had already prepared wine and food, but it looks like you won't have time for it," Qin Xianyu laughed. "Well, the little Taoist will save some money. I can still have a meal with Fu Bo."

Lu Qing laughed heartily and bowed.

Ning'er was still unconscious, but someone was already supporting her.

Liu Ruoyin bowed gracefully and thanked him.

Qin Xianyu smiled and said, "Since I encountered you, how could I stand by and do nothing?"

Liu Ruoyin bowed again and, just as she was about to turn, paused and whispered, "Mr. Qin, I have a question, but I'm not sure if I should ask."

Qin Xianyu said, "What is your question? Feel free to ask."

Liu Ruoyin paused and said, "Why was Mr. Qin just in the forest to save us?"

Qin Xianyu's body stiffened.

Liu Ruoyin's face turned red, and she said, "Did you hear what Ning'er and I were talking about?"

Qin Xianyu shivered and said seriously, "What are you talking about?"

Seeing the puzzled look on his handsome face and the hint of confusion in his eyes, Liu Ruoyin felt relieved. After a moment of silence, her face turned slightly red, and she whispered, "Your acting was so convincing, it seemed like you really hadn't heard anything."

With that, she couldn't help but feel embarrassed and hurriedly got into the carriage.

Qin Xianyu felt relieved and thought, "Thank goodness my acting was convincing, with seven parts of confusion and three parts of bewilderment, even Miss Liu praised it. If it hadn't been so realistic, she might have seen through it. Eavesdropping on a girl's conversation is not good."

He praised himself and turned to enter the temple.

In an instant, his body stiffened as if struck by lightning, and he stood there for a long time.

"That's not right..."

The page turned, and the ad began.

The page turned, and the ad ended.